Paris St-Germain captain Marquinhos has revealed that Arsenal defender Gabriel sent him a text message to thank him for his support following his decisive penalty miss in the Champions League final.
The Parisians retained their European crown in Budapest after securing a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory.
Eberechi Eze had already failed to convert from 12 yards before the Gunners centre-back skied the decisive kick.
Instead of immediately celebrating the historic back-to-back triumph with his team-mates, the victorious skipper ran straight to his devastated compatriot.
A profound international bond
The two defensive stalwarts have forged a strong relationship while playing together for the Brazilian national team.
Speaking at a news conference, the 30-year-old explained how his international colleague reached out the following day.
“A day later, I received a message from him thanking me for that moment, for the support, for the hug, and for the words I’d shared with him.”
“I told him it had been my greatest victory that night, and that the reaction it generated was great.”
“My mum came over, proud of what I’d done, along with my wife, family and brothers.”
“It was the best accolade I received that night.”
The victorious captain emphasised that elite professionals must rapidly shift their focus to upcoming challenges.
Shared shootout heartbreak
The experienced Paris St-Germain defender is intimately familiar with the profound pain of missing on the biggest stage.
He struck the post with a crucial penalty when Brazil were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals by Croatia.
Using that personal experience, the tournament winner offered immediate reassurance to the crestfallen 28-year-old on the pitch.
“I told him that, in my opinion, he was the best centre-back in the world this season.”
“He simply didn’t deserve to carry that burden because, of course, we all want to score penalties.”
The French club’s leader added that he reminded his fellow defender how crucial he remains to their shared national team setup.
Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe has completed a move to Chelsea until June 2029 after opting to end her 11-year association with London rivals Arsenal.
The 30-year-old left-back officially joined the Blues on Monday after rejecting a late contract extension from the Gunners in April.
She arrives in west London aiming to help Sonia Bompastor’s squad reclaim the Women’s Super League title from Manchester City next season.
Seeking new silverware
The Dublin native departs North London having secured a WSL title in 2019 and the Women’s Champions League in 2025.
Despite facing intense criticism from supporters over joining a direct rival, the versatile defender believes the switch was essential for her career progression.
“I empathise a lot with the Arsenal fans at the minute because it’s not an easy thing to see a player that’s spent so long at a club going to a rival club.”
However, the veteran full-back stressed that Chelsea’s recent track record of consistent domestic success heavily influenced her ultimate decision.
“I need to put myself first. This was the best case for me. I know I’m 30 now, but I still feel I’m in a really good place in my career.”
World Cup qualification focus
The experienced international is currently away on duty preparing for two crucial World Cup qualifiers under manager Carla Ward.
Her national team must secure victories against both the Netherlands and France to guarantee automatic qualification for next year’s tournament in Brazil.
Resolving her club future prior to this vital international window was a major priority for the former Raheny United player.
“It was no secret I was coming into the last year of my contract so from January onwards there were conversations naturally, and over the course of the last few weeks and months everything got sorted.”
Now fully focused on securing a place at the World Cup, she remains confident that the move to Stamford Bridge represents the perfect next step.
“Having spoken with Sonia [Bompastor], I understood what she wanted and the project she is trying to create at Chelsea and I wanted to be part of that.”
Charles Leclerc has revealed he rejected contract offers from rival Formula 1 teams before signing a new long-term deal with Ferrari ahead of his home Monaco Grand Prix.
The Italian constructor announced the extension on Wednesday, tying the Monegasque driver to the team until at least the end of the 2028 season.
Speculation surrounding his immediate future had been minimal, but the new agreement serves as a major declaration of mutual faith under the sport’s current regulations.
‘Ferrari was always the choice’
Asked directly in Monaco whether alternative options existed elsewhere on the grid, the 28-year-old confirmed he had attracted outside interest.
“There were, yes, but I’m not going to say who,” he stated.
“They can say it if they want, but for me Ferrari was always the choice.”
The academy graduate first joined the Maranello-based outfit in 2016 before securing a full race seat three years later following a successful loan spell at Sauber.
Belief in Vasseur’s masterplan
He is currently on track to surpass Michael Schumacher’s all-time appearance record for the iconic brand next year.
However, while the legendary German secured 72 race victories and five world titles in red, the current talisman’s tally sits at just eight wins.
Despite his best championship finish remaining a distant second to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in 2022, he insists he has no strict timeline for achieving ultimate title success.
“I love the team, I think that’s pretty obvious from the outside,” he added.
“It’s been eight years with the Formula 1 team, 10 years with Ferrari as a whole, and they were one of the first to believe in me.”
He credits team principal Frederic Vasseur with revitalising the squad’s ambitions to return to the pinnacle of motorsport.
“With Fred, we have a very good relationship and I strongly believe he’s the person that will be able to bring Ferrari back to the top,” he concluded.
Serbia international Dusan Vlahovic will leave Juventus on a free transfer this summer after the club failed to meet his salary demands.
The imposing forward has been a vital component of the Turin side’s attack since his £60m arrival from Fiorentina in 2022.
During his time in black and white, the prolific marksman has netted 68 goals in 168 appearances across all competitions.
In fact, only Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has outscored the former Fiorentina man in Serie A over that period.
Injury struggles and financial realities
However, a persistent thigh injury has severely disrupted his current campaign, limiting him to just seven league goals in 19 outings.
Juventus have also endured a difficult domestic season, finishing sixth in the table and consequently missing out on lucrative Champions League qualification.
That failure to secure top-tier European football has forced the Italian giants into making difficult financial decisions to balance the books.
Club director Giorgio Chiellini confirmed that the administration could not facilitate the player’s requested terms after months of intense negotiations.
“I am very sad, he cared about Juve right up to the last minute,” Chiellini told news agency AGI.
“He is a serious professional. With these figures, he won’t remain in Italy, so it is only fair and legitimate that he is seeking a different type of salary.”
Premier League clubs on red alert
The confirmation of his imminent departure has inevitably sparked intense speculation regarding his next destination.
Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all reportedly registered their interest in acquiring the powerful target man.
The English trio could face stiff competition from mainland Europe, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona also monitoring the situation closely.
Manager Luciano Spalletti had previously emphasized the striker’s unique importance to the squad, praising his physical attributes and ability to lead the line.
“We missed Vlahovic terribly because we don’t have someone else with his characteristics,” Spalletti admitted last month.
“A winning team needs a physical, strong centre-forward. Even if he’s not that tall, he still needs to be able to hold off defenders, deal with the physical duel.”
Chelsea are prepared to listen to offers for Alejandro Garnacho this summer, just 12 months after the winger arrived at Stamford Bridge for £40m.
The Argentine made the switch from Premier League rivals Manchester United last year to rebuild his career after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim.
However, the 21-year-old failed to secure a regular starting position in west London, finding himself largely restricted to appearances from the substitutes’ bench.
Struggles in the final third
A succession of managers including Enzo Maresca, Liam Rosenior and Calum McFarlane consistently preferred alternative attacking options.
Consequently, the former Old Trafford prospect started merely 14 league matches across the campaign, returning a solitary goal.
The Blues endured a dismal season overall, finishing 10th in the table after suffering seven defeats in their final 10 domestic fixtures.
Alonso faces extensive rebuild
Newly appointed head coach Xabi Alonso arrives as the club’s fourth permanent boss since 2022 and is expected to oversee a significant squad overhaul.
Several other forward players could depart, with striker Liam Delap seemingly losing the hierarchy’s backing following an injury-plagued debut season.
Nicolas Jackson is deemed surplus to requirements following the arrival of Joao Pedro, despite the Senegal international returning from a loan spell at Bayern Munich.
Goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and defender Axel Disasi are also anticipated to leave the capital club.
Conversely, Jamie Gittens will be granted more time to prove his worth following a similarly challenging transition from Borussia Dortmund.
The incoming Spanish manager will be bolstered by the impending arrival of Geovany Quenda from Sporting Lisbon, while the board remains determined to retain Real Madrid target Enzo Fernandez.
Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga, successfully beating Premier League rivals Manchester City to the prospect’s signature.
The Gunners secured the young talent’s commitment after key recruitment figure Andrea Berta held a decisive meeting with the player.
It is understood the North London club outlined a clear development pathway similar to that of emerging academy star Max Dowman.
This long-term vision ultimately convinced the highly sought-after wide player to choose the Emirates Stadium over the reigning champions.
Building on recent domestic success
This early transfer agreement follows a historic 2025-26 campaign that saw the club successfully lift the Premier League trophy.
However, a heartbreaking defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s Champions League final highlighted a critical need for enhanced squad depth.
Disappointing early exits in domestic cup competitions have also prompted a swift summer recruitment drive.
Management staff are working tirelessly to ensure the English champions possess the necessary quality to compete on all four fronts next season.
Midfield reinforcements and loan plans
The Foxes academy product could be sent out on loan during the upcoming summer transfer window to gain valuable senior experience.
Meanwhile, the club hierarchy are simultaneously pushing hard to secure a new elite central midfielder.
A substantial £52m bid has reportedly been submitted for a separate priority target ahead of the impending World Cup.
Forward Lauren James is fit to feature as England can secure their place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup by avoiding defeat against Spain in Mallorca on Friday.
The Lionesses currently sit top of Group A3 after winning all four of their qualifying matches and conceding just one goal.
Sarina Wiegman’s side hold a three-point advantage over second-placed Spain heading into the penultimate qualifier.
A draw or victory against Sonia Bermudez’s team will give England an unassailable lead before their final group game against Ukraine.
Rivalry renewed in Mallorca
The fixture reignites a fiercely competitive rivalry between the two European heavyweights.
England suffered a heartbreaking defeat to the Spaniards in the 2023 World Cup final in Sydney.
However, the European champions have won three of their four meetings since, including a narrow 1-0 victory at Wembley in April.
“We approach the game as we want to win the game,” said manager Wiegman.
“We’re in a good position. We just really want to qualify as quick as possible and top the group.”
Squad updates as key players return
Wiegman confirmed her entire travelling squad is fully fit and ready for the crucial tie.
The availability of the dynamic Chelsea attacker provides a significant boost, alongside the return of Manchester United midfielder Ella Toone.
Captain Leah Williamson remains absent through injury, but the coaching staff are confident in the team’s overall depth.
“We have done this before, a squad without Leah, so I am comfortable with that,” added the Dutch coach.
Securing early qualification for the tournament in Brazil would provide the national squad with invaluable preparation time over the next year.
Brentford striker Igor Thiago has outlined his ambitions with Brazil ahead of the upcoming World Cup following a prolific debut season in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old earned his first senior international call-up in March and has already established himself within the national setup.
The reliable penalty taker has translated his domestic scoring form to the international stage, finding the net twice in his first three appearances for the Selecao.
Embracing the national expectation
Brazil enter the tournament carrying the immense expectations of their supporters, having failed to progress past the quarter-finals in their last two global campaigns.
The five-time world champions have not lifted the prestigious trophy since 2002, prompting the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti to lead the squad this summer.
“When you are playing for the Brazil national team, you have to deal with this kind of pressure because it’s part of playing for Brazil.”
Relying on a personal superpower
The former Club Brugge forward remains completely unfazed by the heightened scrutiny surrounding the team’s prospects.
He attributes his mental resilience and ability to handle elite-level pressure to his deep personal faith.
“My faith is my source of peace, balance and to give my best.”
From childhood dreams to reality
Growing up in South America, the Premier League marksman vividly remembers gathering with dozens of extended family members to watch the national team compete.
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment. When it happened, it took me a while to absorb what was happening because it’s Brazil, there’s something about that which makes it different.”
His journey to the international fold features early career setbacks and challenging developmental stints with Ludogorets before securing his breakthrough move to London.
“To be called up, to represent my country, to fight for my country, to represent my people, it’s something that I can’t explain or put into words.”