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CNN —Inter Milan and Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku says the world’s top soccer stars could form a union to tackle racist abuse in the sport. Speaking exclusively to CNN, Lukaku says authorities are currently not doing enough to protect players in the wake of yet more racist abuse aimed at Vinícius Jr. during Real Madrid’s match against Valencia last month. “I think it will start,” Lukaku told CNN’s Senior Sports Analyst Darren Lewis when asked whether players could form a union. “That’s where you need to start, that’s where we need to have diversity,” Lukaku said of the upper echelons of the sport. “I think that’s how it should happen,” Lukaku added.

Persons: Romelu Lukaku, Lukaku, Vinícius Jr, ” Lukaku, Darren Lewis, “, FIFA ”, “ It’s, Vinícius, Marco Bertorello, Senegal’s, Samoura, Rwanda’s Martin Ngoga, Ghana’s Anin Yeboah, India’s, Mugdal Organizations: CNN — Inter Milan, CNN, Valencia, Inter Milan, Juventus, CNN’s, UEFA, FIFA, La Liga, Getty, ”, Belgian, Board, Twitter Locations: Belgium, AFP, Belgian, European

☆ Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Swedish legend announces retirement from football at age 41
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( Homero De La Fuente | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced his retirement from a glittering soccer career at the age of 41, leaving Italy’s Serie A as the league’s oldest-ever goal scorer. “It’s time to say goodbye to football, but not to you,” an emotional Ibrahimovic told the Rossoneri fans at the San Siro stadium. Ibrahimovic won the Eredivisie twice and the KNVB Cup in 2002. Following his spell at the Dutch club, Ibrahimovic went on to play for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. His stint in Spain was short-lived as he was loaned to AC Milan in 2010, in a move made permanent in 2011.

Persons: Zlatan Ibrahimovic, “, Ibrahimovic, ” Ibrahimovic, ”, “ It’s, Swede, Germain Organizations: CNN, Serie, AC, Hellas Verona, San, International Federation of, Sweden’s, Malmö FF, Ajax, KNVB, Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Paris Saint, Manchester United, Ibrahimovic, Spanish, Barcelona, La Liga, League, English Premier League, Europa League, MLS, LA Galaxy, Milan’s, Udinese Locations: San Siro, Netherlands, Europe, Barcelona, Paris, Italy, Catalan, Spain

☆ Benzema's Real exit 'surprise to everyone', says Ancelotti
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Soccer Football - LaLiga - Real Madrid v Athletic Bilbao - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - June 4, 2023 Real Madrid players throw Karim Benzema in the air after the match REUTERS/Juan MedinaJune 5 (Reuters) - Karim Benzema's decision to leave Real Madrid after 14 trophy-laden years was a surprise, manager Carlo Ancelotti said, but insisted that the Ballon d'Or winner has earned the right to choose. The 35-year-old striker will exit Real as a free agent in the close season, with the Frenchman linked with a big-money move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad. "His departure has come as a surprise to everyone, but it has to be understood. It was a last-minute decision," Ancelotti told reporters after Real's clash against Athletic Bilbao. He's earned the right to choose, and we all thank him for everything he's done for this club.

Persons: Karim Benzema, Juan Medina, Karim Benzema's, Carlo Ancelotti, Ballon, Frenchman, Ancelotti, Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, I've, He's, he'll, Real, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, Florentino Perez, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: Soccer, Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, Santiago Bernabeu, REUTERS, Bilbao, Sunday, Bernabeu, Atletico Madrid, Real, Olympique Lyonnais, Juventus, Thomson Locations: Real, Madrid, Spain, Saudi Arabian, Al Ittihad, Bengaluru

☆ Benzema leaves Real Madrid after 14 years at club
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-04 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MADRID, June 4 (Reuters) - Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema will leave Real Madrid as a free agent in the close season after 14 trophy-laden years, the LaLiga club said on Sunday, with the striker set to move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad. Saudi Arabia's state-run Al Ekhbariya television station reported that Al Ittihad had reached an agreement with Benzema on a two-year contract, with club officials in Madrid to hammer out a "record deal" with the striker. "Real Madrid and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close," the club said in a statement. "Karim Benzema's career at Real Madrid has been a shining example of conduct and professionalism, and he has represented the values of our club." Benzema scored more than 350 goals for Real to sit second on the club's all-time scoring list behind Ronaldo.

Persons: Ballon, Karim Benzema, Al, Al Ittihad, Frenchman, Karim Benzema's, Cristiano Ronaldo, Al Nassr, REAL'S, Benzema, Ronaldo, Real, Zinedine Zidane, del, Benzema's, Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz, Florentino Perez, Fernando Kallás, Rohith Nair, Ahmed Tolba, Hugh Lawson, Clare Fallon Organizations: Real Madrid, Benzema, Madrid, Real, Olympique Lyonnais, Juventus, Champions League, Paris St Germain, Manchester City, Frenchman, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Saudi Arabian, Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia's, Madrid, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Chelsea, del Rey, Bengaluru, Cairo

☆ Cristiano Ronaldo ‘happy’ in Saudi Arabia, wants other players to join him
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Cristiano Ronaldo concedes he did not expect to finish the season empty-handed at Al Nassr but the Portuguese forward says he is happy in Saudi Arabia and hopes other big-name players will follow him to the league for the next campaign. Ronaldo signed a two-and-a-half year contract estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($220.16 million) with Al Nassr, making his debut in January. Ronaldo scored 14 goals during his first season with Al Nassr. AFP/Getty ImagesSince Ronaldo’s arrival, several other top players have been linked with a move to the Saudi league, with Lionel Messi receiving a formal offer to join Al-Hilal next season. “If they are coming, big players and big names, young players, ‘old players’, they are very welcome,” said Ronaldo.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad, Ahmed Yosri, ” Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo’s, Ballon d’Or, Karim Benzema, ”, “ Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Al, Manchester United, Juventus, Real, Getty, Saudi Locations: Portuguese, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Real Madrid, “, AFP, Hilal, Al Ittihad

☆ Ronaldo 'happy' in Saudi Arabia, wants other top players to join him
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Ronaldo signed a 2-1/2 year contract estimated by media to be worth more than 200 million euros ($220.16 million) with Al Nassr, making his debut in January. He scored 14 goals in 16 games but it was not enough to help his side win the Saudi Pro League (SPL) title, with Al Nassr finishing second behind Al Ittihad. "We have very good teams, very good Arab players, but the infrastructure - they need to improve a little bit more. Since Ronaldo's arrival, several other top players have been linked with a move to the Saudi league, with Lionel Messi receiving a formal offer to join Al-Hilal next season. "If they are coming, big players and big names, young players, 'old players', they are very welcome," said Ronaldo.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo, Nassr, Ronaldo, Al Nassr, Lionel Messi, Ronaldo's, Ballon, Karim Benzema, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Saudi Pro League, Al, Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid, Saudi, Thomson Locations: Portuguese, Saudi Arabia, Al Ittihad, Europe, Hilal, Bengaluru

☆ Europa League kings Sevilla beat Roma on penalties to win seventh crown
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The match was tetchy with referee Anthony Taylor dishing out 14 yellow cards, the most ever in a Europa League game, and playing almost 30 minutes of stoppage time in total. Their run to the final saw them beat PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce and Manchester United before downing Juventus in the semis. It was the third consecutive Europa League final that ended in a penalty shootout. The win means Sevilla will compete in next season's Champions League despite finishing outside the top four in the LaLiga. Mourinho had never lost a European final before Wednesday, having last year led Roma to the inaugural Europa Conference League title, becoming the first coach to win all the European trophies.

Persons: John Sibley, Montiel, Mourinho, Jose Mourinho, Sevilla, Gonzalo Montiel, Rui Patricio, Yassine Bounou, Gianluca Mancini, Roger Ibanez, Anthony Taylor dishing, Paulo Dybala, Mancini, Roma, Chris, Lucas Ocampos, Movistar, Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer, Europa, Sevilla, AS Roma, Puskas Arena, Europa League REUTERS, BUDAPEST, Europa League thoroughbreds Sevilla, Roma, France, Europa League, Champions League, PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahce, Manchester United, Juventus, League, inaugural Europa Conference League, Thomson Locations: Budapest, Hungary, Sevilla, Argentina, Spanish, Portuguese, Madrid

The case stems from the estate of Gianni Agnelli, the celebrated Fiat boss who was a symbol of Italy's post-war economic boom and died two decades ago. The second pact covered what would happen to the estate of Margherita's mother Marella, who died only in 2019 aged 91. Italian law prohibits such inheritance pacts. Dicembre is at the heart of a web of companies spanning the vast Agnelli family investments. Giovanni Agnelli BV in turn has a 53% controlling stake in listed Exor, which owns stakes in Stellantis, Ferrari and Juventus.

☆ Sevilla fight back to beat Juve and reach another Europa League final
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Spaniards will bid for a record-extending seventh Europa League title when they face AS Roma in the final in Budapest on May 31, after Jose Mourinho’s side drew 0-0 at Bayer Leverkusen to secure a 1-0 aggregate victory in their semi-final. But midfielder Suso levelled six minutes later with a stunning long-range strike to take the game into extra time. It was a cathartic night at Seville as the Europa League kings worked their magic yet again in their favourite competition after a difficult season. "This is madness, incredible, it's time to enjoy this amazing moment," Sevilla captain Jesus Navas told Movistar Plus. "The courage of the fans has carried us and we are here again in another European final.

"Our commitment to Juventus is unchanged and no meetings have taken place," a spokesperson for Exor said when asked to comment by Reuters on Friday. Juventus also faces potential new penalties, including further points deductions, in a separate case over alleged irregularities in payments to players. The Agnelli family has owned the club, which it listed in 2001, almost uninterrupted since 1923. New potential co-investors could include Middle Eastern or Asian sovereign wealth funds, or U.S. funds or family offices, two sources said. Juventus ranked 11th in Deloitte's European Money League published in January, based on its annual revenue of 400 million euros in 2021/22.

☆ Champions League semifinal: AC Milan faces Inter Milan in derby clash
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

AC Milan and Inter Milan are set to face each other in the semifinal of Europe’s most prestigious competition and the stakes couldn’t be much higher. “I prayed to God to give me the joy of Inter winning, and hopefully He will agree,” Enrico Vanzini told Reuters. Both sides last met in the Champions League semifinals in 2003. “We are talking about Champions League, we have not had ups and downs but an outstanding run,” Pioli told reporters Tuesday. “We want to try to overcome this last step before winning a Champions League final, something that hasn’t happened to all of us.

☆ Napoli’s Serie A title win: From Maradona and financial bankruptcy to Scudetto
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

Diego Maradona battles dribbles against Ruud Gullit of AC Milan in the Serie A in 1988. With Maradona’s arrival came a level of success Napoli had previously never seen, culminating in a 1987 title victory; the club’s first ever Scudetto. When Napoli won its first Serie A title in 1987, the Gentleman Ultra website notes: “In the city, mock funerals were held for Juventus. The dark yearsA year after the 1990 title success, the Napoli team began to unwind with players departing, leading to a drop in performances. Napoli fans celebrate the team's Serie A title victory on the streets of Naples.

☆ Lazio face crunch match with Milan in race for Champions League spots
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-05 | by ( Tommy Lund | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Maurizio Sarri's Lazio side face a tough test in Milan, who have been unbeaten at San Siro in their last eight games in all competitions. Lazio have 64 points ahead of Juve (63) and Inter Milan (60) with Atalanta, Milan and AS Roma (58) jostling for the top four. Pioli, whose Milan team were dethroned by Napoli in the league, also have a Champions League semi-final, first leg against Inter on Wednesday to think about. "Last year we took big steps forward when we came out of the Champions League, while this year in Europe we're doing exceptional things." Juve have found scoring on the road difficult, managing only four goals in their last five league games.

☆ Italy's Naples explodes in joy as city finally regains Serie A crown
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Antonio Denti | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Kevin, another fan who declined to give his surname, said of the expected Scudetto party: "It will be chaos, mayhem. Authorities also banned car and scooter traffic from the city centre in the hope of minimising risk to public order. "I've been waiting for the Napoli Scudetto since I was small," said a teenage girl out with two friends, her cheeks painted Napoli blue. "It's a victory for the entire city, it's wonderful," she added, declining to give her name. In Udine, there were post-match scuffles as Napoli fans ran onto the stadium pitch to celebrate with players, but were met by hostile home supporters armed with belts and batons, the ANSA news agency said.

☆ Analysis: Napoli revive memories of Maradona with Serie A title win
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Tommy Lund | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

May 4 (Reuters) - Napoli clinched the Serie A title on Thursday with five games to spare as they ended a 33-year drought stretching back to when Diego Maradona led them to the Scudetto in 1990. At the start of the season it would have been difficult to envisage Napoli becoming champions ahead of heavyweights such as Juventus and the two Milan clubs not to mention AS Roma. But after an exceptional transfer window and with Luciano Spalletti at the helm, Napoli dominated the title race while their main rivals all suffered slumps during the season. CONTENDERS FALTERAs Napoli surged ahead, suffering just one loss by the end of February, the other title contenders withered away as injuries plagued their squads. But Maurizio Sarri's side could only watch as Napoli became the fourth different team to win Serie A in as many years.

☆ Tragedy chanting: ‘Vile’ soccer songs about deaths fueled by ‘need to hurt’ opposing fans
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —Described as “vile” and “unacceptable” and fueled by “the need to hurt,” ‘tragedy chanting’ is becoming an increasing concern to soccer authorities. Then, in 1989, overcrowding in the stands ahead of the FA Cup semifinal between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough Stadium led to the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans. Nottingham Forest fans hold up a banner in memory of the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster. The working group has also been in contact with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to discuss whether convictions can be pursued for fans that engage in tragedy chanting. Heysel Stadium Disaster, May 1985.

☆ Napoli on brink of Serie A title before Udinese trip
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Tommy Lund | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Luciano Spalletti emphasised how sluggish his once invincible squad were after a tough month in April where they managed only two wins in seven games in all competitions and crashed out of the Champions League. JUVE DRY SPELLAfter having their 15-point deduction overturned in April, Juventus now find themselves in a very different position as they jumped from seventh to third, reigniting their Champions League qualification hopes. We were involved in three competitions until last week, which means the season is going well," manager Massimiliano Allegri said. Maurizio Sarri will have an almost complete squad at his disposal against Sassuolo, including striker Ciro Immobile and defender Luca Pellegrini. AS Roma, AC Milan and Inter Milan are all on 57 points as they battle it out for the final Champions League spot.

☆ Roma and Milan share spoils with late goals in top-four battle
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Milan remain fourth in the standings, level on 57 points with Roma in fifth, with both sides two points behind third-placed Juventus who travel to Bologna on Sunday. Roma's back luck, however, did not end there and Mourinho was forced to make an early change when defender Marash Kumbulla clashed inside the box with Milan forward Olivier Giroud. They had a decent chance just after the half-hour mark but forward Leao fired wide. Milan defenders Davide Calabria and Fikayo Tomori had two more chances before halftime but both missed the target. Milan host second-bottom Cremonese on Wednesday when Roma travel to ninth-placed Monza.

☆ Mount Vesuvius park closes access to volcano after Napoli fans plan to fake an eruption after potential title victory
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-29 | by ( Barbie Latza Nadeau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The Vesuvius national park authority in Naples, Italy, has announced it will be closing access to the live volcano on Saturday, ahead of Napoli’s potential title-winning game on Sunday. Should Lazio drop points against Inter Milan in an earlier kickoff on Sunday, the Italian side could win its first Italian league title in 33 years with victory against Salernitana. Authorities became concerned after reports emerged of plans to use blue smoke bombs and industrial strength fireworks inside the crater, which has been described as a “fragile and intrinsically dangerous place.”The volcano overlooks the city. Supporters burn flares next to a mock grave for a coffin in Naples adorned with the scarves of rival teams Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan. “Vesuvius crater is a fragile and intrinsically dangerous place.”The press release went on to say the Vesuvius police municipalities and the Carabinieri military police would provide a “massive garrison” to protect the entrances and access.

☆ Napoli on verge of first Serie A title in 33 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-27 | by ( Tommy Lund | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Summary Napoli on brink of winning titleInter under pressureRoma battling injury issuesApril 27 (Reuters) - Runaway Serie A leaders Napoli could seal their third Scudetto in record fashion this weekend if they beat lowly visitors Salernitana and second-placed Lazio drop points at Inter Milan. Spalletti urged his Napoli players not to get ahead of themselves despite being tantalisingly close to ending the city's 33-year wait for the Serie A title since Diego Maradona led the team to two championships in 1987 and 1990. Salernitana have improved dramatically since Paulo Sousa took over from Davide Nicola in mid-February and have pulled well clear of the relegation scrap. Gian Piero Gasperini's seventh-placed Atalanta, who have 52 points, travel to Torino on Saturday while Juve, with 59 points, visit another mid-table side in Bologna on Sunday. Reporting by Tommy Lund in Gdansk; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Juventus fans to be barred for racist abuse of Lukaku
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ROME, April 24 (Reuters) - The Italian authorities will impose stadium bans on 171 Juventus fans found to have chanted racist abuse at Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku during a Coppa Italia semi-final earlier this month, police said on Monday. Lukaku was subjected to abuse during the first leg at Juventus "before, during, and after the penalty" he scored to earn Inter a 1-1 draw, the player's representatives said. The police did not specify the length of the bans that the fans would face for the offence. Inter fans also taunted their Juventus rivals during the game with chants referring to the 1985 Heysel stadium disaster, police added. Lukaku was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for his goal celebration during which he held his finger up to his mouth to silence Juventus fans.

☆ Leao double boosts Milan's top-four hopes in 2-0 win over Lecce
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MILAN, April 23 (Reuters) - AC Milan's Rafael Leao scored twice to earn a 2-0 home win over Lecce on Sunday in the race for a top-four spot in Serie A. "We could have found more offensive situations, but we played as a mature and true team, winning deservedly," coach Stefano Pioli said. "There are only a few games left and we need to score points to qualify in the top four." Despite dominating possession, Milan had to wait until 15 minutes from time for the Portugal forward to double the lead. Lecce, who have failed to win in eight games since February, stay 16th with 28 points, two points above the relegation zone.

☆ Runaway leaders Napoli close on title with last-gasp win at Juve
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A goalless first half saw defensive Juventus allowing Napoli to enjoy the lion's share of possession, awaiting chances to counter-attack. The approach did not result in many chances for either side and Juve managed only three shots on target. The game sprung to life with 20 minutes left when Napoli came close to taking the lead through striker Victor Osimhen who fired inches wide of the post. Napoli then sealed their eighth away league win in a row through Raspadori, who beat Szczesny with a volley following a beautiful lofted cross by midfielder Eljif Elmas. "We played a good game against a strong Napoli," said Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri.

☆ Lukaku's ban overturned in statement against racism
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 22 (Reuters) - Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku will play in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Juventus on Wednesday after his one-match ban was overturned on Saturday by the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) as a measure to fight racism. However, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina overturned the suspension after evaluating the report of the Federal Prosecutor's Office, the federation said. "The measure reiterates how the fight against all forms of racism constitutes one of the founding principles of the sporting system," it said. Lukaku was happy with the decision, saying the president had shown great sensitivity to the situation. "This has shown that the desire is there to fight racism."

☆ Inter disappointed as Lukaku ban upheld despite racist abuse
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

April 21 (Reuters) - Inter Milan expressed their disappointment after a one-match ban for striker Romelu Lukaku was upheld on Friday, saying the player has been punished despite being racially abused in their Coppa Italia semi-final against Juventus. Lukaku, who was sent off in the first leg of the semi-final, will remain suspended for the return against Juventus on Wednesday after the club's appeal was rejected by Italy's Sports Court Of Appeal. The Belgian striker was subjected to racial abuse during the first leg at Juventus "before, during, and after the penalty" he had scored to earn Inter a 1-1 draw, the player's representatives said. Juventus were ordered to close the Tribuna Sud section of their stadium after racist chants were heard coming from that area, a ban which was later overturned following the club's appeal. Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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