Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news snippets from across the footballing world, including Cristiano Ronaldo's future intentions for his playing career, Paul Merson's managerial tip for Arsenal and Lyon's desire to re-sign Karim Benzema. Scroll down for more!
Ronaldo: "I still have a lot to give"
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Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he is far from done with his ambitions as a player as he approaches his 35th birthday. The Juventus striker is one of the most decorated players in history, with numerous records and trophies at club and individual level, and has his sights on more milestones in the next few years.
"My aim is to keep myself young as I get older," he is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard. "In other words, to remain competitive. Approximately 70% of my life is football. You have to be intelligent to last. I call it the education of a player. You have to look after your life, nutrition and sleep.
"I have been sacrificing myself for 15 years. After, I will admire what I have done. More than that, though, what I will do is enjoy my friends, my family, see my children grow up and study. I savour the present. I want to transmit my life experience. Not now, though, I still have a lot to give."
Merson: 'Arsenal must go all out for Rodgers'
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Paul Merson has insisted that Arsenal should pay whatever it takes to secure the services of Brendan Rodgers as manager. Rodgers has reinvigorated Leicester City since taking over earlier this year, helping them up to second place in the Premier League table and leading to suggestions that he could replace embattled Unai Emery at the Emirates.
Speaking about the ex-Liverpool boss, Merson told Sky Sports News: "I think he's one of the best in the business. If I was Arsenal, I would have been ringing Leicester up and saying, 'how much do you want?'. If you're going to pay £72m for a winger (Nicolas Pepe) that hasn't played in the Premier League and has played in the French league, I would pay £40m for him tomorrow morning.
"For me, if you're going to bring Brendan Rodgers in and what he's done with the teams he has been at like Swansea, Celtic, Liverpool and now Leicester, you give him a six-year plan and let him do what he wants to do. He improves players."
Celtic chasing German midfielder?
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Celtic have reportedly been watching promising young German midfielder Niklas Dorsch, who plays for 2.Bundesliga outfit Heidenheim, ahead of a potential move in January. The 21-year-old is regarded as one for the future for his national side and would be available for just £3.2m.
Lyon keen on Benzema reunion
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Lyon are keen to bring back Karim Benzema to the club for the swansong of his playing career, sporting director Juninho Pernambucano has revealed. The 31-year-old spent 13 years with his boyhood club before moving on to Real Madrid in 2009.
"My wish is to propose to Karim to finish his career in Lyon," Pernambucano told Mundo Deportivo. "He is from here, he feels from here. Why not make an economic effort between both parties to make it happen? We cannot offer the same salary as Real Madrid, but we will wait for the right moment.
"I want him to come play with us for two years, and then train some young people. Karim can be a leader we need. I dream that he will finish his career here in Lyon, his home."
West Ham eyeing new keeper?
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West Ham United are looking at bringing in a new goalkeeper in January to replace Roberto as current first-choice between the sticks, according to the Daily Star. The Spaniard joined on a free over the summer as back-up to Lukasz Fabianski but has been thrown into the action after the Pole suffered a hip injury. The Hammers are said to be concerned by his form, which has seen him concede 13 times in six games, and are looking at the winter market as an opportunity to replace him.
Zlatan prefers Bologna to Milan or Napoli?
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic is said to prefer a move to Serie A underdogs Bologna rather than a move to AC Milan or Napoli, the Daily Mail reports. The 38-year-old has just called time on a successful stint with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS and has also been linked with a return to Manchester United.
El Clasico rearranged for December 18
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Barcelona will host Real Madrid in the first El Clasico of the season on Wednesday, December 18 at 7pm, it has been confirmed. The two sides were due to square off at Camp Nou on October 20 but the fixture was postponed due to protests related to Catalonian independence.
Cocu reveals Rooney role
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Derby County manager Phillip Cocu has revealed that he will most likely play former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney in a number 10 role when he begins playing for the Rams next year. After a year-and-a-half in the MLS with DC United, Rooney will officially take up a new role as player-coach with Derby on January 1.
Speaking to the Derby Telegraph about Rooney's position, Cocu said: "I think he can play as a striker or an offensive midfielder, probably the '10' when we play with two holding midfielders."
Neil Wilkes
