Off-Pitch & Press

Rooney tips Declan Rice as next England captain

Declan Rice
December 2025

Rooney has singled out Declan Rice as England’s future captain, hailing the Arsenal midfielder as irreplaceable for both club and country after another dominant performance that showcased his leadership, work rate and passing detail in a grinding 1-0 league win over Everton. Rooney praised Rice’s ability to control games from deep and arrive in the box, stressing that his mentality, personality and popularity within the dressing room make him the natural heir to Harry Kane’s armband once the Bayern Munich striker steps aside for the next generation.

Gasperini questions Evan Ferguson after blunt assessment of Roma attack

Evan Ferguson
December 2025

Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini publicly questioned Evan Ferguson’s impact after a narrow defeat to Juventus, saying the Republic of Ireland striker has not convinced him yet and that attacking wastefulness, rather than overall structure, cost his side in a tight top four showdown. Gasperini criticised poor final passes and said starters such as Dybala and Soule currently offer superior technical quality, challenging Ferguson and others to adapt faster and influence matches as Roma explore attacking upgrades ahead of a potentially important January window.

Premier League executive probed over historic sex offence allegations

Premier League executive
December 2025

A well-known Premier League executive is under investigation by London’s Metropolitan Police for historic sexual offences involving under-age girls, including alleged exploitation of a 15 year old, with specialist officers from the RASSO unit now handling what is described as a serious, ongoing inquiry. The allegations, which pre-date his role in football, include claims over indecent images and offences at multiple locations in south east England, with no arrest yet made as the individual continues working in the top flight while police gather evidence and determine potential charges.

Fiorentina move for Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici

Fabio Paratici
December 2025

Fiorentina are exploring a move to appoint Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici as their new Head of Football following their ownership change. The Italian only recently returned to an official role at Spurs after a 30-month ban tied to accounting irregularities during his Juventus spell. The Serie A club view Paratici’s recruitment track record and structural expertise as central to a new long-term project and are reportedly in negotiations over a multi-year deal. Any exit would reshape Tottenham’s leadership setup, where Paratici currently works alongside Johan Lange as sporting director.

Flick slams FIFA Best XI after Raphinha snub

Hansi Flick
December 2025

Hansi Flick blasted FIFA’s Best XI as a “joke” after Barcelona star Raphinha was omitted despite a treble-winning season. The Brazilian produced 18 goals and 10 assists in La Liga, plus 22 goal contributions in the Champions League, yet missed out on selection. Flick argued Raphinha’s influence, consistency and big-game output made his exclusion indefensible, especially after driving Barca’s semi-final run in Europe and Brazil’s strong year. He praised the winger’s relentless work rate and leadership, insisting awards voters had badly undervalued his contribution.

FIFA hits Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr with open-ended transfer ban

Cristiano Ronaldo
December 2025

Al-Nassr have been placed under a FIFA transfer ban that prevents them registering new players from December 19, with the sanction recorded as lasting “until lifted”. Several other Saudi clubs, including Al Shabab, Damac and Al Riyadh, have also been hit with similar restrictions. The ban’s duration and precise cause have not been publicly detailed, echoing a 2023 registration suspension resolved when Al-Nassr cleared outstanding financial obligations. The new halt creates major uncertainty around mid-season squad planning in Riyadh and could force the club to prioritise internal solutions.

Spurs stand by Guglielmo Vicario despite recent errors and fan criticism

Guglielmo Vicario
December 2025

Tottenham are not planning to sign a new goalkeeper in January despite Guglielmo Vicario’s shaky spell and criticism from sections of the fanbase. Costly moments against Fulham and Nottingham Forest have put the Italian under scrutiny and drawn jeers from supporters. Thomas Frank insists the club still view Vicario as a “very good” keeper and strong shot-stopper, while acknowledging areas for improvement, especially in distribution. Spurs are working with him on those weaknesses and remain committed to backing him rather than pursuing a mid-season replacement.

Florian Wirtz benefiting from softer Liverpool approach after slow Anfield start

Florian Wirtz
December 2025

Florian Wirtz has endured a muted start at Liverpool after a £116m switch from Bayer Leverkusen, registering no goals and five assists so far. Expectations were huge after his record-breaking move, but his early form fell short of the hype around his arrival. Arne Slot has adjusted how Liverpool handle Wirtz, easing the pressure by shifting focus from price tag to long-term integration. The club are giving him protection, patience and a clearer role in attack, aiming to help him build rhythm and confidence through gradual progression.

Alexander Isak admits form concerns but vows to fight through Liverpool slump

Alexander Isak
December 2025

Alexander Isak has admitted he is struggling to explain his slow start at Liverpool after a £125m move from Newcastle, with just two goals in 15 games as the defending champions sit ninth in the Premier League and battle stuttering form. Isak says there is no simple answer, stressing that dips are part of a career and that both he and the team must “fight” their way out of it. He accepts the transition has been slower than hoped but leans on experience, focusing on balance and consistency.

Leicester apologise after ending early Christmas payday tradition

Leicester City
December 2025

Leicester City have apologised to staff after confirming that December wages will be paid on the normal month end date rather than before Christmas, ending a long standing festive gesture. The abrupt change angered employees who had planned holiday spending around the earlier payday. An internal email informed staff that salaries would arrive on 31 December despite previous years of early payment to ease festive costs. Following complaints, club leaders accepted the communication was mishandled and stressed the shift was procedural, not a sign of deeper financial trouble or missed payroll.

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