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Rodriguez Retires From International Football

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Colombia midfielder James Rodriguez retired from international football on Tuesday, having won 131 caps ​and inspired his country to the 2014 ‌World Cup quarter-finals.

 

“Thank you for every match, every joy, every tear and every dream we shared. Defending ​the colours of the Colombia national team ​was one of the greatest honours of ⁠my life,” Rodriguez said in a video ​posted on social media (via Reuters).

The 35-year-old, who made his ​senior debut in 2011 and often captained Colombia, scored 31 goals and represented his country at three World ​Cups and four Copa America tournaments.

Rodriguez rose ​to global prominence at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, ‌scoring ⁠six goals to win the Golden Boot as Colombia reached the quarter-finals. His volley against Uruguay in the last 16 earned him FIFA’s ​Puskas Award ​for the ⁠best goal of the year.

He signed for Colombian side Atletico Nacional last ​week on a deal running until ​next ⁠June after leaving Major League Soccer club Minnesota United.

Rodriguez previously played for Real Madrid, winning two ⁠Champions ​League and two LaLiga titles, ​and also had spells with Bayern Munich and Everton

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Forget it, I Won’t Apologise To Ronaldo — Jorge Jesus

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Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus has made it clear he will not apologise to Cristiano Ronaldo amid their ongoing rift.

 

Speaking after Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway, Jesus was asked whether he owed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner an apology following the events that led to Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from the national team camp.

Jesus remained adamant that he did not owe anyone an apology, despite calls from the likes of Rio Ferdinand and others in the Ronaldo camp, to do so.

“I take responsibility for the decision and for what happened,” Jesus said.

“But apologise for what? To whom? That is a lie. Apologise for what? What was there to apologise for?”

The 72-year-old was even more direct in another exchange, declaring: “I don’t apologise to anyone.”

The dispute erupted after Ronaldo was left as an unused substitute against Norway despite being sent out to warm up for a significant period.

The Al-Nassr striker later left the camp and has not featured since.

Jesus insisted his decisions as coach are non-negotiable and that the priority was the team’s results.

He did, however, leave the door open for Ronaldo’s return, stating the veteran would be called up for the next international window if he is playing regularly for Al-Nassr and wishes to come back.

“It’s his decision,” Jesus added.

“You can’t break up a year-long friendship over a situation that is difficult to understand.”

The firm stance from the Portugal coach suggests any reconciliation will depend more on Ronaldo’s willingness to move past the episode than any public apology.

Portugal return to Nations League action in November with games against Denmark and Wales.

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Former Aston Villa Striker Agbonlahor Claims Rooney Is Better Than Kane

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Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has said Wayne Rooney was better than Harry Kane.

 

Discussing the comparison between the two, Agbonlahor said: “I really like Wayne Rooney. It’s a different era, isn’t it? But for me, Rooney still edges Kane.”

Agbonlahor continued: “Everyone has different opinions, the new generation will pick Kane, but I would pick Rooney. It’s easy for people to forget how good he was. I love everything about Rooney, he was fearless. We used to play against him, and he would absolutely go for you.

“I remember once, the referee dropped the ball for a 50-50 challenge. It was against Dawson of Hull City, and Rooney went into him so hard.

“Rooney could do everything, he was faster than you’d think. He could run from deep, and he could play as a number 10. Look at some of the goals he scored, like the one from near the halfway line when he returned to Everton.”

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2028 OlympicsQ: Omenazu Earns First Super Falcons Call-Up For Comoros Clash

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MK Dons Women captain Favour Omenazu has received a late invitation to join the Super Falcons squad for Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic Games qualifying double-header against Comoros.

 

Interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen called up the versatile midfielder following the withdrawal of some of the players initially invited for the second-round qualifying fixture.

The call-up marks the first time the 24-year-old has been selected to represent the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was eligible to play for both England and Nigeria but has opted to represent the 10-time African champions at international level.

MK Dons have congratulated their women’s captain on earning her maiden international call-up.

“We are all incredibly proud of #MKDonsWomen’s captain, Favour Omenazu, who has received her first international call-up to represent Nigeria’s Super Falcons,” the club said in a post on X.

“Favour has been selected for Nigeria’s upcoming 2028 Olympic qualifying double-header against Comoros on Friday 9th and Tuesday 13th October.

“Go and smash it, Favour we know you will “

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