Lewandowski backs Poland boycott of Qatar 2022 qualifier against Russia

Personally, no matter what happens I will be here next season, Guardiola said to Sky Sports. If the club don t sack me that can happen I will stay here 100 per cent, more than ever. 

Firstly, because I want to stay more than the contract [I have] now. It s something special, I want to stay, I want to help the club, if it is possible, to maintain this level as much as possible. 

Why should I leave when I said a month ago that I love this club and I like to be here. We spoke with the players and for the next three months here we are going to focus on what we have to do and then we will have to see the sentence.  

Those are the words of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola who has said that, despite the club s impending two season ban from Europe, he does no…

If Manchester United s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday highlighted one of their biggest concerns, the contest also put a spotlight on a potential fix in the form of the visitors star man.

So plentiful are their issues that one could argue the starting XI against Villa requires as many as six upgrades to bring them even close to Liverpool s standard.

But one area in which they are woefully short is midfield. Paul Pogba aside, not one of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer s current options would get near the line-up of Jurgen Klopp s Reds or Manchester City and, given his form this year, it would be difficult even to make a case for the Frenchman.

The emergence of an apparent interest in Leicester City s James Maddison makes sense and appears to indicate a desire to final…

Market: Monaco win

Odds: 8/11 @

Hoping to extend on their domestic romp this weekend, Monaco will welcome Reims to the Stade Louis-II on Saturday afternoon.

Starting with the hosts, extending on their Coupe de France adventure last weekend as they edged past Lens, the mood in Monaco’s camp should be at a red-hot high. Although Adi Hutter’s side might have eventually fallen short in their bid to punch a European return, the Monegasques appear to be sat in pole position to clinch a Champions League ticket. Signing off 2023 with another eye-catching display as they secured a 2-1 victory away at Toulouse, the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss will be calling on his squad to make another statement here. Now winning four of their previous five domestic appearances a…

France got the better of South Africa in a seven-goal thriller as Andre-Pierre Gignac s hat-trick inspired Les Bleus to a 4-3 victory at the Tokyo Olympics.

Having been thrashed 4-1 by Mexico in their opening game of Group A, France hit back to keep their chances of progression alive, though they had to do so the hard way in Saitama.

Indeed, South Africa led on three occasions during a remarkable second half, yet it was Les Bleus who took the points.

Liberato Cacace s stunner was not enough to propel New Zealand to victory against Honduras in Group B, while reigning champions Brazil could only draw 0-0 with the Ivory Coast and Spain overcame Australia thanks to Mikel Oyarzabal s late winner.

GIGNAC AND SAVANIER SETTLE THRILLER

France we…

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insists Cristiano Ronaldo is serene despite a warrant for his DNA amid the ongoing investigation into a rape allegation.

American Kathryn Mayorga has accused Ronaldo of sexually assaulting her in a hotel in Las Vegas in 2009, something the Portugal captain has strenuously refuted.

German publication Der Spiegel first reported the claims, which also included the suggestion Ronaldo paid Ms Mayorga $375,000 in 2010 as part of a privacy agreement, preventing her from going public with the allegations. Ms Mayorga filed a lawsuit in an attempt to quash that agreement, while Las Vegas police have re-opened an investigation.

Ronaldo s lawyer Peter Christiansen confirmed the payment was made to Ms Mayorga, but said some documents presen…

Fulham could push a deadline-day loan bid through for Chelsea striker Armando Broja.

The Albania striker was among the Chelsea substitutes as Mauricio Pochettino’s side were beaten 4-1 at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Broja did not get on the pitch and Fulham boss Marco Silva is keen to bolster his forward options with Raul Jimenez’s hamstring injury leaving them light in attack.

Aston Villa, West Ham and Wolves have also been linked with Broja this month, but Fulham now appear Broja’s most likely destination should he leave Stamford Bridge for now.

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has been linked with a move to Tottenham throughout January, but Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou suggested on Tuesday it would be “unlikely” to see any more signings.