AC Milan have informed media that there will be a ceremony to salute Zlatan Ibrahimovic at San Siro tomorrow, as his contract will not be renewed, but his Serie A career could continue.
The striker turns 42 in October and his current deal is due to expire on June 30.
It had been evident for some time that he would probably not continue his playing career with the Rossoneri after a season dominated by injury problems.
🚨 Zlatan Ibrahimović leaves AC Milan. The club have planned for farewell on Sunday at San Siro as contract expires and will NOT be extended. #ACMilan
Ibra will turn 42 in October; he will make a decision on his future in the next days. pic.twitter.com/1NEfmRhZ65
He has been able to make only four Serie A appearances this term, scoring one goal, in a total 144 minutes of football.
As Zlatan Ibrahimovic is again out injured tomorrow against Hellas Verona, there will be a brief ceremony at the end of the match in which the Swedish striker can salute the supporters in the stands.
It had been a rumour, this afternoon Milan informed the media covering the game about the timing of the event, effectively confirming Ibrahimovic will not renew his contract.
He had two spells in the Milan jersey, from 2010-2012 and returning in January 2020, making 163 competitive appearances with 93 goals and 35 assists.
At the club, Ibrahimovic won two Serie A titles and a Supercoppa Italiana.
This might not be the end of his career, though, because Monza are interested in bringing the veteran over to the U-Power Stadium.
It would be a reunion, considering Monza are run by former Milan chiefs Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani.
Former Italian prime minister Berlusconi, who sold Milan for 740 million euros in 2017 after three decades of glory and bought Monza for a relative pittance the following year, took Ibrahimovic to Milan on loan from Barcelona in 2010.
The Swede won Serie A that campaign, which had been Milan's most recent league title until pipping local rivals Inter Milan on the final day of last season.
Ibrahimovic was a key figure in Milan's resurgence to the top of Italian football after his return to the club as a free agent in late 2019, helping to bring them back from the doldrums and eventually win the Scudetto last season.
AC Milan unveil stunning special 125th anniversary kit
AC Milan and Puma have unveiled a stunning new kit for the club's 125th anniversary. The kit will be worn by AC Milan in their next home match in San Siro against Genoa in the Serie A.
AC Milan have presented a beautiful new kit for the club's 125-year celebration. The new kit is crafted by the renowned brand PUMA to give a tribute to the Rossoneri's 125 years of legacy as one of the greatest Italian clubs ever, and the shirt will be donned by AC Milan players in their next home game against Genoa in the iconic San Siro Stadium.
The fourth kit of AC Milan this season is a special edition kit, to celebrate the club's legacy of long 125 years. Founded in 1899, AC Milan have consolidated themselves as one of the greatest Italian clubs in history. The shirt is significantly unveiled today, on 5 December 2024, which is 12.5 if numerically written.
The iconic red and black striped design which originally emerged in the 1950s now enhances the beauty of the new kit; whereas the logo describes "Milan Football and Cricket Club". The badge pays homage to the very first logo of the club and Herbert Kilpin, the club's founder who wanted the club to represent both football and cricket. An emblematic symbol of AC Milan during the 1980s called 'Diavoletto', which means 'Little Devil', is printed inside the jersey with an inscription that reads 'AC Milan 125.'
Back in December 2023, AC Milan invited some of its loyal supporters to the 'Design our Jersey. Design our Legacy' campaign. The key elements from AC Milan's long pages of history were chosen by the loyal supporters to be designed in the jersey. Only 1899 shirts each for a goalkeeper jersey, a football, and a limited edition retro jersey will be available to be purchased by fans. These shirts will also feature a unique serial number and receive an exclusive packaging. This is a tribute to the club's founding year, 1899.
Franco Baresi, AC Milan's Honorary Vice President expressed his emotions about the special jersey:
This jersey is a reflection of AC Milan’s soul - its passion, its history, and the vision for its future. As someone who has proudly represented this Club for 50 years in many different roles, this milestone represents a moment of celebration and unity for the entire Rossoneri family. The 125th Anniversary is a testament to the values and spirit that make AC Milan extraordinary, and this kit is a beautiful way to honour our journey while celebrating the unwavering bond with our fans.
On behalf of PUMA, Marco Mueller, PUMA’s Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport said:
The 125th Anniversary kit is not only a celebration of AC Milan’s past but also a tribute to the unwavering passion of its fans. We’re honored to have worked with the Rossoneri faithful to create something that’s not only a piece of football history but also designed for performance and pride.
The 125th-anniversary kit was officially unveiled yesterday in Milan in an exclusive event at the club’s Flagship Store in Via Dante. This special kit will make its exciting on-field debut on December 8 when AC Milan Women will take on Inter Milan in the Milan Derby, followed by the men's team facing Genoa on December 15 at the San Siro Stadium.
Paul Pogba terminates contract with Juventus after mutual agreement
Paul Pogba and Juventus have parted ways following a mutual agreement. The club and the player announced the contract termination on Friday despite Pogba's doping ban reduction.
Paul Pogba and Juventus have mutually agreed to part ways amid doping ban as the club announced on Friday via an official statement. The Turin-based club terminated the player's contract despite his ban being cut down to 18 months by CAS in October 2024.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Paul Pogba becomes free agent, he’s left Juventus terminating the contract on mutual agreement.
Pogba will be able to join new club with immediate effect, training from January 2025 and playing from March 2025. pic.twitter.com/IEjikxWzpM
The Serie A giants Juventus have stated in the official club statement:
"Juventus Football Club and Paul Pogba announce that they have reached a mutual agreement for the termination of their contract as of 30 November, 2024. The club wishes Paul the very best for his professional future."
Paul Pogba confirmed his departure from the club via Instagram and expressed his gratitude to Juventus fans.
However, Pogba becomes a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window in January 2025.
Pogba's doping ban
Paul Pogba made his long-awaited return to Juventus in 2022 but he has not played for the Bianconeri since September 2023. In August 2023, Pogba was tested positive for DHEA which is a banned substance. According to Journalist Julien Laurens, Paul Pogba admitted to Juventus that he took some food supplements not knowing they contained testosterone which led to his positive drug test.
However, Italy's anti-doping court sanctioned Pogba with a four-year ban for doping in September 2023, and the decision was announced this year in February. Pogba appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against the punishment stating that the verdict was incorrect. CAS reduced Pogba's ban to 18 months from four years as the 31-year-old Frenchman was able to prove that the consumption of testosterone was not intentional. Pogba stated afterwards:
"I always stated that I never knowingly breached World Anti-Doping Agency regulations when I took a nutritional supplement prescribed to me by a doctor, which does not affect or enhance the performance of male athletes,
"I play with integrity, and although I must accept that this is a strict liability offence, I want to place on record my thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s judges who heard my explanation."
However, Pogba is eligible to play from March 2025 after receiving the punishment reduction.
The following incidents
According to a report by Fabrizio Romano on 7 October 2024, both parties would agree on a contract termination. Pogba's high salary of €10m per season also caused financial worries for the Turin club and his fitness issues would have taken time to recover.
🚨 Paul Pogba and Juventus, expected to agree on contract termination as he will become a free agent.
Talks to follow from tomorrow after CAS verdict, as Paul will be available from March.
Paul Pogba also feels a fresh start would be best solution for him and his career. pic.twitter.com/niTvAzRbzt
The reports have come true and now Pogba has become a free agent and will be available in the winter transfer window. Paul Pogba is training in Miami to regain his fitness and be ready for his next club. It will be exciting to see which club pursues the French midfielder who will be available to train with his new club from January and play from March 2025.
AS Roma appoints Claudio Ranieri as new head coach
Claudio Ranieri arrived in Rome this morning to complete his agreement with AS Roma. The 73-year-old veteran comes out of retirement for his third stint as Roma head coach.
AS Roma have reached an agreement to appoint Claudio Ranieri as the new head coach. The legendary PL-winning manager of Leicester City announced his retirement earlier this year in May after leaving his position at his last club Cagliari. However, Ranieri will take up the charge to be Roma's next manager as AS Roma fired Ivan Juric on 10 November 2024.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio and Florian Plettenberg of SkySports, the 73-year-old veteran manager completed the verbal agreement for a contract until the end of the season yesterday.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ranieri arrived at the club this morning and signed all the formal documents for his appointment as Roma coach for the third time in his career.
🟡🔴✍🏻 Claudio Ranieri and his lawyers already signed all formal documents for his return to AS Roma as head coach.
Ranieri himself confirmed his appointment after he met the AS Roma president Dan Freidkin and vice president Ryan Friedkin in London on Wednesday. He jokingly told the press on his way back:
"[Roma’s] a tough nut to crack? That’s why they called me!"
"We’re all set—the good guys are coming!"
via Ansa
An official announcement is expected from AS Roma today as Ranieri is all set for this return at his beloved club for the third time as the manager.
One of my favorite moments when Ranieri was at olimpico for Roma Leicester and both sets of fans gave him the round of applause he deserved pic.twitter.com/hrUSlnEcXc
The legendary Jose Mourinho was sacked by AS Roma in January this year. However, Roma legend Daniele De Rossi was appointed as the next head coach for the Giallorossi. Roma finished 6th in Serie A last season under De Rossi but he was eventually fired from his position in September 2024 after going winless in the first 4 matches of Serie A 2024-25.
Following De Rossi's departure, the fans expressed their anger about the decision and Roma CEO Lina Souloukou stepped down. Former Torino coach Ivan Juric was appointed as De Rossi's successor but Roma's worst start in the Serie A in over two decades led to his sacking on 10 November 2024.
AS Roma is currently facing a very difficult situation as they are 12th in this season's Serie A League table as of now, having earned 13 points from 12 matches.
Ranieri's sensational return to Roma
Although Claudio Ranieri is mostly known for Leicester City's folkloric 2015-16 Premier League-winning journey under his managership, the 73-year-old Italian shares a close bond with Italian football, especially with AS Roma.
Ranieri kissing the historic Premier League trophy won by his Leicester side in 2016.
Ranieri announced his retirement from his managerial career after leaving Cagliari in May 2024 this year but now he has returned to his hometown to take up the mantle. Ranieri's third stint with AS Roma begins tomorrow with a first training session. Rome, where Ranieri was born and played for Roma later, has also managed Roma in two different spells before.
Ranieri was appointed as Roma's manager in September 2009 and concluded his first stint in February 2011. His second stint was from March to June 2019.
However, according to Gazzetta, Ranieri will leave the position at the end of this season and he will join AS Roma's technical board. But as of now, AS Roma will look to get back on track with their old guard back in the business.
Real Madrid vs AC Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Highlights | Milan thrash Madrid by 3-1 to revive themselves
Catch the highlights of the Real Madrid vs AC Milan football match in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 season at Santiago Bernabeu as AC Milan thrashed Real Madrid by 1-3.
Hello and welcome to another UEFA Champions Leaguenight. Tonight, we will cover one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as Real Madrid host AC Milan at their iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.
Both Real Madrid and AC Milan are one of the two most successful teams in the tournament history. However, the defending champion Madrid along with Milan have not been able to get the perfect start for the tournament this season.
Real Madrid with six points after three games are currently in number 12th position whereas Milan with only 1 point after three games currently in number 25th position on the points table.
With both teams looking for a win we hope for an exciting game tonight. So sit back and relax as Koushik Biwas brings you the buildup, news, images, live scores, news and updates of the Real Madrid vs AC Milan match from our webdesk.
UEFA Champions League 2024-25 | Real Madrid vs AC Milan | Match Preview, Head-to-head, Possible Lineups and Fantasy XI Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible starting lineups, and Fantasy XI Prediction of Real Madrid vs AC Milan UEFA Champions League 2024-25 league match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain on 6 November 2024.
The defending champions Real Madrid are back in the UCL and they will face AC Milan in the league match of the fourth match-week of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25. Real Madrid is set to welcome their Italian opponents in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on 6 November 2024. The Los Blancos made a classic comeback against Borussia Dortmund in their last UCL outing, whereas the Rossoneris had their first win of UCL 2024-25 by 3-1 against Club Brugge in their last match.
From possible starting XIs to Fantasy predictions, here is everything you need to know about the League match of Real Madrid vs AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League 2024-25.
Match Details
Match: Real Madrid vs AC Milan - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match
Date: 6 November 2024
Time: 1:30 AM IST
Venue:Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
How to watch theUEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match between Real Madrid and AC Milan
The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network.
Team News
Real Madrid
Vini Jr. after scoring hat-trick against Dortmund. (Image Courtesy | RTVE.es)
Real Madrid may have faced a distressing 0-4 defeat against FC Barcelona in their last match in LaLiga 2024-25, but on a Champions League night, the Los Blancos are a different gravy. In the third match-week of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25, Real Madrid made a stunning comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund by 5-2 after trailing by 0-2 at the break. Vinicius Jr. netted a marvelous hat-trick.
However, Madrid's last outing against Valencia CF in the LaLiga has been postponed due to the flood in Spain that killed more than 200 people. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his concern in the press conference ahead of the UCL match against Milan.
Real Madrid started their UCL campaign with a 3-1 win over VfB Stuttgart but in the second match-week, the defending champions faced a shocking 0-1 defeat against French side LOSC Lille. However, after crushing Dortmund by 5-2, Madrid is now in the 12th position in the league table with 6 points in 3 matches.
Ancelotti will have a reinforcing boost for the attacking line-up against his former club as Rodrygo has fully recovered from a hamstring injury, and he is expected to start against AC Milan. However, Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba are still out due to long-term injuries.
The team may face some changes in the starting line-up as Ancelotti may bring Luka Modric back in the starting eleven, and the Rodrygo-Mbappe-Vini trident will make a start. The defending champions will look for their third win against AC Milan to progress further in the league table and enter the top 8.
AC Milan against Monza last week. (Image Credit | The AC Milan Offside)
AC Milan faced a trembling start both in the UEFA Champions League and the Serie A and currently they are struggling with Injuries and performances. The Rossoneris clinched their first UCL win this season in the last match-week against Club Brugge by 3-1. However, they lost their first two matches against Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen by 1-3 and 0-1 respectively.
AC Milan is also struggling in the Serie A although they won their last match against Monza by 1-0 last week. Currently, they are 7th in the Serie A but 25th in the UCL League table with only 3 points 3 matches.
Milan coach Paulo Fonseca is under enormous pressure as his team is struggling to deliver results and he will leave no stone unturned to stabilize his position. However, he will have to assemble the squad without Matteo Gabbia who is out due to muscular injuries along with Ismael Benaccer, Luka Jovic, and Alessandro Florenzi who are out due to long-term injuries.
Theo Hernandez will surely start in defence against his former club along with Thiaw and Tomori. Tammy Abraham returned to the team against Monza after recovering from injuries but Alvaro Morata is expected to start. Rafael Leão is reportedly looking for an exit from Milan due to his feud with Fonseca but he is expected to be a starter against Real Madrid.
AC Milan will hunt for their second UCL win of the season and enter the play-off positions.
Last 5 Matches: L W W L W
Head-to-head (in UCL)
Matches played: 15
Real Madrid Wins: 6
AC Milan Wins: 6
Draws: 3
Possible Playing XI
Real Madrid
Andriy Lunin (GK); Lucas Vazquez, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Luka Modric, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappe.
AC Milan
Mike Maignan (GK), Emerson Royal, Malick Thiaw, Fikayo Tomori, Theo Hernandez, Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Christian Pulisic, Alvaro Morata, Rafael Leão
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