Speaking on SFR Sport, French international central defender Raphaël Varane’s former Lens manager Jean-Guy Wallemme explained why his ex-player chose Real Madrid over Manchester United in 2011. Click Here: new zealand all blacks jersey “The choice he made to go to Real Madrid was the right one. Zinedine Zidane, who was not yet a manager at the time, played an important role because the player was set to, initially, go to Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson really wanted him. José Mourinho also had his card of seduction to play by telling Raphaël that he was the third defender in the hierarchy (presumably over there).”

Wales have been boosted by the return of three key players for their upcoming Autumn Nations Series campaign. Full-back Leigh Halfpenny, flanker Justin Tipuric and hooker Ken Owens have all been brought back into the squad, more than a year after they last played for the country. All three have struggled with injury, which meant they missed the 2021 November Tests, the 2022 Six Nations and the mid-year tour to South Africa. Wales head coach Wayne Pivac said: “It’s great to have Ken, Justin and Leigh back after long-term injuries. They are three great players who have served Wales very well. They are all British and Irish Lions so quality…

L’Équipe report in today’s edition that PSG are hoping to raise up to €15m from the summer sale of 28-year-old defensive midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak, who will be representing Poland at the World Cup this summer. Click Here: china factory direct sale The player has just come off the back of a disappointing loan spell with West Brom, during which his side were relegated to the English second division.

Courtney Lawes is a serious doubt for the start of England’s Autumn Nations Series campaign with the captain still suffering from concussion symptoms. The 33-year-old has been out of action since September 24 when he went off with a head injury during Northampton Saints’ 41-21 defeat to arch rivals Leicester Tigers. Lawes duly missed England’s training camp in Jersey ahead of their November Tests against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa. Day by day “He went to see a specialist this week. He will keep going through the process until he feels better,” Northampton’s director of rugby Phil Dowson said. “It’s day by day with him. He is biking, lifting…

France kicked off their World Cup campaign against Australia today, winning 2-1 in meek fashion. Hugo Lloris – 6 The captain has been under intense scrutiny going into this tournament, yet one could argue that he was the most consistent player for France today. He may have conceded from the penalty spot but in the few moments during which he was called into action – notably the own goal-threatening flick on from Tolisso in the first half – Lloris was calm and able to deal with danger. Perhaps the only player to come out of this game with credit? Benjamin Pavard – 4 Right-back is perhaps an unnatural position for Pavard, who…

Click:Mindfulness Gifts Wales hooker Ken Owens admits he is thankful to be back in the international setup after a “tough” 11 months battling a nerve issue in his back. The 35-year-old, who has not played for his country since a Six Nations fixture against France in 2021, is set to return to the Test arena this weekend. If he does feature against the All Blacks in Cardiff, it will bring an end to a horrendous period for the Wales hooker that he thought might never come. Long road back to recovery for Owens “The last 11 months have been tough, mentally and physically,” Owens said. “It has been tough in…

Speaking in an interview with Russia Today yesterday in Moscow, Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas discussed the future of Nabil Fékir. “It was expected at a certain point for him to go to Liverpool, I gave the green light. It did not happen because things were dragged out too long. Nabil is an exceptional player, in terms of effectiveness. We saw yesterday (vs. Peru), his ability to hold onto the ball in tight spaces is completely unique. It is true that the fact that things did not happen with Liverpool has brought about other clubs to manifest an interest, not just Real Madrid with their new manager… my aim is make sure he…

RMC are this evening reporting that PSG will indeed sign Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon on a free transfer from Juventus. PSG and Buffon have a contractual agreement for a 2-year deal. Buffon is currently on holiday, but he is expected to sign a contract at the end of next week. A PSG source had the following to say on the matter: “Agreements have been found. Words have been given, but nothing has been signed yet. The priority is to sell several players.” Tuchel has confirmed his desire to see Buffon join, but PSG want to keep Alphonse Areola on as number 1 – this was what the German said to…

All Blacks fly-half Richie Mo’unga has heaped praise on Scotland playmaker Finn Russell ahead of their encounter at Murrayfield on Sunday. The Racing 92 pivot was controversially left out of Gregor Townsend’s initial squad for the Autumn Nations Series, but returned following an injury to Adam Hastings. It is still not guaranteed that Russell will feature this weekend, with Blair Kinghorn and Ross Thompson both options in that position, but it would be a big call by Townsend to leave him out. Although the relationship between the fly-half and the head coach is strained, the 30-year-old remains Scotland’s most creative player. Variety “I love Finn,” Mo’unga said. “Over the last…

L’Équipe report that Premier League side Everton and Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart have made enquiries for Rennes’ versatile defender Ramy Bensebaïni. The 23-year-old is under contract until 2020, and has typically been deployed as a central defender. Click Here: shopskm