Inter Miami In Talks to Sign Federico Redondo

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Federico Redondo could be heading to South Florida soon…

Inter Miami is in talks to sign the 21-year-old Argentine soccer player, an Argentinos Juniors and Argentina youth international midfielder, according to ESPN.

Redondo is the son of former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Argentina national team midfielder Fernando Redondo.

Cesar Luis Merlo was the first to report Inter Miami’s attempts to sign Redondo. One ESPN source described the talks as “advanced.”

Redondo qualifies as a U22 signing, a roster designation that allows him to be signed with a reduced hit of $200,000 on Inter Miami’s salary budget.

According to the Miami Herald, Inter Miami is set to offer an $8 million transfer fee in order to sign Redondo.

Redondo first broke into the Argentinos Juniors lineup during the 2022 season. He’s gone on to make 59 league and cup appearances, scoring two goals.

At youth international level, Redondo made four appearances with Argentina at the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup, as well as six appearances with the U23s in the ongoing CONMEBOL pre-Olympic qualifying tournament.

Were he to make the move, Redondo would also join Argentine great Lionel Messi on Inter Miami’s roster.

Lautaro Martinez Becomes First Serie A Player to Score Four Goals Off Bench in Last 30 Seasons

Posted on September 30, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Lautaro Martinez has earned his place in the Italian soccer league history books.

The 26-year-old Argentine professional soccer player made Serie A history with four goals as a substitute to fire Inter Milan to a 4-0 victory at Salernitana on Saturday and propel them back to the top of Serie A.

Martinez is the first player to score four goals off the bench in the last 30 seasons in Serie A, since three points for a win were introduced in 1994-95.

The hosts had kept Inter Milan at bay for the first hour, but fell apart after Martinez came on nine minutes after the break and bagged four goals in 27 minutes, including one from the penalty spot.

Inter had dropped three points below AC Milan in the table after their rivals won 2-0 against Lazio earlier on Saturday, but returned to the summit with 18 points from seven matches. Salernitana are 19th with three points.

Inter captain Martinez has now scored nine goals in seven Serie A matches and holds a clear lead as the league’s top scorer.

“I scored four goals but the important thing is that Inter won the game,” he told Sky Sport Italia, adding that turning things around after the 2-1 loss to Sassuolo on Wednesday had been a priority.

“It was crucial for us. We lost a game at San Siro that I don’t think we deserved but we conceded two goals from our errors, so we had to win today.”

While Inter dominated the match’s early stages, Salernitana gradually found their footing and managed to control the tempo in a goalless first half.

Martinez opened the scoring for Inter in the 62nd minute when he expertly collected Marcus Thuram‘s low cross into the box and delicately chipped the ball over Salernitana keeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Three minutes later, Mateusz Legowski‘s apparent equaliser was disallowed due to an early offside run, eliciting boos from the home fans.

Martinez got his second goal after 77 minutes when he confidently finished a pass from Nicolò Barella, who set him up from 12 yards out, with a first-time strike.

Martinez completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot with five minutes remaining, after a foul by defender Matteo Lovato, who had pulled Thuram’s shirt.

He then concluded the evening by converting Carlos Augusto‘s cross, firing from 10 yards out, a minute before stoppage time.

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi had high praise for Martinez.

“It is an excellent start but in my two years here he was always consistent and tonight was the time to have a little rest,” he said, referring to Martinez’s start on the bench.

“He is our leader, the captain, he must continue like this.”

Inter Milan host a Champions League group-stage match against Benfica on Tuesday, followed by a Serie A home game against Bologna next Saturday.

Marco Asensio In Advanced Talks to Join Paris Saint-Germain as Free Agent

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Marco Asensio is looking to switch sides…

The 27-year-old Spanish professional footballer and Real Madrid attacker is in advanced talks to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent, according to ESPN sources.

The Spain international, whose contract expires this summer, received a proposal to renew with Real Madrid that convinced him financially but he has decided to move on after a season in which he has started less than half of the club’s LaLiga games.

Aston Villa, Juventus and AC Milan have also reportedly shown interest in Asensio in recent months, but the PSG proposal is currently the one that’s proving most tempting to Asensio.

The good relationship between Jorge Mendes, Asensio’s agent, and Luis Campos, PSG’s sporting director, has been key in the negotiations, sources added.

PSG are planning an overhaul in the summer that will include the departure of Lionel Messi and the hiring of a coach to replace Christophe Galtier.

The Parisian team also want to part ways with Neymar and are looking for forwards to accompany Kylian Mbappe in attack, sources said. As a result, Asensio has emerged as an intriguing option because at 27 years old he would arrive with the best years of his career ahead of him and as a free agent.

More than the economic aspect, Asensio understood that his role at Real Madrid, in terms of minutes, was not going to change next season, hence his decision to leave the Santiago Bernabeu on June 30.

Ronaldinho to Co-Host Celebrity Soccer Match “The Beautiful Game” in Orlando This June

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Ronaldinho is organizing a legendary match…

The 43-year-old Brazilian retired professional footballer has co-created and will co-host The Beautiful Game, a celebrity soccer match, with fellow legend Roberto Carlos.

In partnership with Loud and Live, the match will take place on Friday, June 23, at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla. The gam is set to kickoff at 7:30 pm ET.

The match will feature a star-studded lineup of players from around the world, coming together to celebrate the diversity, connection and passion that centers around the global love for soccer.

Fans can purchase tickets to the match here, with more information including additions to the roster announced at a later date.

Ronaldinho, a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, is known for his mesmerizing footwork, incredible ball control and signature ‘joga bonito’ style. The former FC Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain icon has a legion of fans worldwide and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Roberto Carlos, a former Real Madrid star and World Cup winner, is known for his trademark runs down the left flank and powerful left foot. He has featured for some of the world’s most prominent clubs, including Inter Milan, Fenerbahçe and Corinthians.

“Following the amazing success in South Florida last year, it is great to take this experience to Orlando. We are looking forward to meeting the fans and to making a lifetime memory for everyone,” said Carlos.

“I had the opportunity to play in many parts of the world, but being able to reunite my friends and our families in Central Florida for a soccer fest in Orlando, with many legends, is a dream coming true. This place is magical and I am sure the soccer fans in Orlando will showcase how passionate they are for the beautiful game,” said Ronaldinho.

“We’re excited to host this fantastic game and give our fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this collection of legends play, all on one field, at Exploria Stadium,” said Orlando City President of Business Operations Jarrod Dillon. “We’ve been able to host so many fantastic events at Exploria Stadium and really solidify ourselves as Florida’s home for the world’s game. We look forward to once again showcasing our fantastic venue and The City Beautiful to the world.”

In addition to the action-packed match, the event will also feature pre-game and halftime entertainment.

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Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira Signs Permanent Contract with Barcelona’s Under-19 Team

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira is making things permanent…

The 18-year-old Brazilian footballer, the son of former Brazil forward Ronaldinho, has signed a permanent contract with Barcelona‘s under-19 team, the Catalan club has announced.

Mendes had been training with Barca‘s Juvenil A side, pending a decision on whether to hand him a deal.

Following a successful trial, Barca have now taken up an option to extend Mendes’ stay. He signed a contract on Thursday alongside academy director Jose Ramon Alexanco.

Mendes’ contract will reportedly run until summer next year, when the forward would exit the U19 age bracket. Sources added the club will assess whether to offer an extended deal after his initial contract expires.

The teenager had been playing for Cruzeiro since he was 14 but rescinded his contract with the Brazilian side at the end of last year.

He is a left-footed forward who can play across the front line, with his career being overseen by his uncle, Roberto de Assis Moreira, who also played an active role in Ronaldinho’s playing career.

Mendes’ move to Barcelona will allow Ronaldinho to spend more time back in the city where he spent five years as a player, from 2003-08.

Ronaldinho, 42, has already been in Barcelona while his son has been on trial at Camp Nou and he turned out in Gerard Pique‘s Kings League last weekend.

The 2002 World Cup winner played for Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos‘ team in the seven-a-side competition, but could not stop them falling to a penalty shootout defeat.

During his time as a Barca player, Ronaldinho scored 94 goals in 207 appearances for the club, helping them win the Champions League in 2006 and two LaLiga titles.

Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are among his other former sides in Europe, while he played for Gremio, Flamengo, Atletico Mineiro and Fluminense in Brazil and for Queretaro in Mexico. He retired as a player in 2015.

Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira On Trial with Barcelona’s U19 Team

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Tom Castaneda

Joao Mendes de Assis Moreira is one step close to following in his father’s footsteps…

The 17-year-old Brazilian soccer player, the son of former Brazil forward Ronaldinho, is currently on trial with Barcelona‘s U19 team, according to ESPN.

Mendes is training with Barca‘s Juvenil A side pending a decision on whether to hand him a permanent contract.

The teenager has been playing for Cruzeiro since he was 14 but recently rescinded his contract with the Brazilian side.

Mendes, who has been joined in Barcelona by several members of his family, is a left-footed forward who can play across the front line.

His career is currently being overseen by his uncle, Roberto de Assis Moreira, who also played an active role in Ronaldinho’s playing career.

The source asked for “patience,” explaining that there is no rush to take a decision and that it needs to be remembered that it takes time to adapt to a new country coming over from South America.

Ronaldinho spent five years at Camp Nou between 2003 and 2008 and his time at the club is remembered fondly in the city.

He scored 94 goals in 207 appearances for Barca, helping them win the Champions League in 2006 and two LaLiga titles.

Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are among his other former clubs, while he was also a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2002. He retired as a player in 2015.

His son is now training with Barca’s U19 team, who are coached by Oscar Lopez and assistant Javier Saviola, the former Argentina striker who played alongside Ronaldinho.

Thiago Silva Hints at Future AC Milan Coaching Job, But Not Before Clarifying Chelsea Future

Posted on October 10, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Thiago Silva is hinting at future coaching career…

The 38-year-old Brazilian professional footballer has said he would consider managing AC Milan one day. But right now he’s more concerned about his Chelsea future.

Silva’s contract expires at the end of the season and it is unclear whether Silva will be offered the chance to extend his stay after moving to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020.

Silva previously spent three years at AC Milan between 2009 and 2012, where he won one Serie A title and an Italian Super Cup.

Speaking on Monday ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League clash against the Rossoneri, the centerback was asked about a possible return to San Siro and said: “I can tell you that I already made my history here at AC Milan, so I believe this is not the case at the moment.

“If it could happen at any case, it would have been before me joining Chelsea. But I don’t know about the future. Who knows what will happen in the future, we’ll have to see. But I am very happy now to be at Chelsea, a very big club, great professionals. In the future, we will see. Maybe the coach? Who knows?”

New head coach Graham Potter suggested “the decision is Thiago’s” over whether he signs a new deal with Chelsea. Potter has started the Brazil international in three of his four matches since succeeding Thomas Tuchel as head coach.

“It is probably not the right time to talk about new contracts,” Silva added. “What I can tell you is that the most important thing for me now is to continue playing at a high level and helping the team achieve the best possible results.

“For sure there will be the time where we need to talk. It could be before the World Cup or after the World Cup.

“Of course I need to know whether I will have a new contract with Chelsea, also for my family arrangements. It is not easy if I don’t have a new contract — I will have to decide what to do. I must involve my family. This is an important decision and so we will see what will happen.”

Potter also revealed that N’Golo Kante has suffered a fresh setback in his bid to recover from a hamstring problem and will miss Tuesday’s game against Milan.

Kante has not featured since the Blues’ 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur on August 14.

“[On] N’Golo, we’re just waiting,” Potter said. “He had a reaction in training. So we’re just waiting for the news of that.

“It’s not ideal. It’s disappointing for him and us, but we have to wait and see the extent of it and go from there.”

Kante’s fitness is also a concern for France ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, which starts on November 20 and will see Didier Deschamps‘ defending champions compete against Australia, Denmark and Tunisia in Group D.

Alexandre Pato Signs One-Year Contract to Remain at Orlando City

Posted on January 15, 2022 by Tom Castaneda

Alexandre Pato is staying in the Sunshine State…

The 32-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and Orlando City forward has signed a one-year contract for the 2022 season, according to the club.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed by the team for Pato, who joined Orlando last February but injured his right knee in the 2021 season opener against Atlanta United.

Pato was limited to just four appearances last season due to the injury.

“Pato’s ability is proven and we know the untapped potential in what he can bring to our team,” Orlando general manager Luiz Muzzi said in a statement.

“He’s been working hard to return to top form and we’re looking forward to him having an impactful year for the club. We’re excited for him to return and play an important role both on the field and in the locker room this season.”

The striker has scored 160 goals in 398 games during previous spells at AC Milan, Chelsea, Villarreal and Sao Paulo.

Ronaldo Buys Controlling Stake in His Former ‘Cruzeiro’ Club

Posted on December 26, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Ronaldo is official a club owner…

The 45-year-old Brazilian retired soccer player, who played for Real Madrid and Brazil’s national team, has bought a controlling stake in his former club Cruzeiro.

Ronaldo, who played for Cruzeiro as a teenager in the early 1990s before going on to become one of the most successful center forwards in soccer history, finalized the deal with the help of Brazilian investment bank XP.

The transaction, which was done through Ronaldo’s Tara Sports company and is still subject to what the bank called “a series of conditions,” sees Ronaldo invest 400 million reais ($70 million) in the Belo Horizonte club, which has spent two years in Brazil’s second division.

“I am so happy to have concluded this operation,” Ronaldo said in a video posted by the Cruzeiro president, adding, while holding one of the club’s blue shirts, that he wants to “give back to Cruzeiro and take them where they deserve to be.”

“We have a lot of hard to work to do. There’s nothing to celebrate yet but we bring a lot of hard work and the ambition to make Cruzeiro great again.”

He wrote on Instagram: “It’s my turn to try and open doors for the team. Not as a hero. Not with superpowers to single-handedly change reality. But with immense responsibility. With intelligent and sustainable management for medium- and long-term growth.”

“I don’t have all the answers to the questions that I ask myself and I possibly won’t have all the answers to the questions that you will ask me,” he wrote in an open letter to fans.

“What I do know is that the kid who learnt at Cruzeiro that dreams can come true today makes me believe that it is possible to rescue the club from its crisis.”

It is the second foray into management for the former PSV Eindhoven, Internazionale, AC Milan, Barcelona and Corinthians striker. Ronaldo bought a 51% stake in Spanish club Real Valladolid in 2018.

Neither he nor Cruzeiro provided any significant details but XP said in a statement “it seeks to help the Brazilian football industry with professionalisation, capitalization and opening new opportunities.”

Ronaldo posted a blue heart and a fox — the Cruzeiro mascot — on Twitter, and a club spokesperson confirmed the deal.

Cruzeiro also told the fans they were “phenomenal”, in a reference to Ronaldo’s nickname as a player, “Ronaldo Fenomeno”.

The deal comes a few months after the Brazilian Congress sanctioned a law allowing football clubs, historically fan-owned and closed off to outside investors, to become businesses.

“This is the first bit of business in a relevant new front for the investment banking market in Brazil, the country of football,” said Jose Berenguer, CEO of Banco XP.

“I have no doubt this is transformational in the history of Brazilian sport. We will have clubs that are stronger, with the capacity for global investment. Brazilian football will never be the same again.”

Orlando City SC Sign Alexandre Pato on a One-Year Deal

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Tom Castaneda

Alexandre Pato will be kickin’ it up in Central Florida…

The 31-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and former AC Milan forward is set to join Orlando City SC, according to ESPN.

The Lions teased the signing with a pair of Tweets on Friday containing a picture of a duck. (Pato means “duck” in Portuguese.) An announcement could come as soon as this weekend.

Sources say Pato has signed a one-year deal and will not be a Designated Player.

His salary will be brought down with General Allocation Money and includes an option for an additional year. Orlando recently sent striker Daryl Dike on loan to English Championship side Barnsley.

The Mane Land were among the first outlets who reported the Pato deal.

Pato’s lengthy club career includes stints at AC Milan, Chelsea and Villarreal, as well several Brazilian teams and Chinese club Tianjin Tianhai. He was most recently on the books of Sao Paulo, his second stint with the club, and one where he scored nine goals in 35 league and cup appearances. But he has been without a team since he and Sao Paulo reached an agreement in August of 2020 to terminate his contract.

His most successful spell at club level came with AC Milan, where he played from 2007-13. In that time he scored 63 goals in 140 league and cup appearances, and helped the side to a Serie A title in 2010-11 and the Supercoppa Italiana in 2011.

Pato is an ex-Brazil international, scoring 10 goals in 27 appearances, the last of which came in 2013.

Pato is the latest Brazilian star to join Orlando, the club where ex-Milan and Real Madrid midfielder Kaka played from 2014-17. There are currently four other Brazilians currently on the team’s roster in Junior Urso, Ruan, Antonio Carlos and Matteus Aias.

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