Ronaldo has hailed Inter's capture of Romelu Lukaku and believes the partnership with Lautaro Martinez will be "almost perfect".
Belgian striker Lukaku returns to Inter following a disappointing season with Chelsea, where he fell down Thomas Tuchel's pecking order following an interview where he expressed his desire to rejoin the Nerazzurri.
That move materialised in the current window, with Lukaku arriving on loan, having struck 30 goals across all competitions during Inter's Serie A title-winning 2020-21 campaign.
Ronaldo believes Inter would have defended their title if Lukaku had remained at the club last season, when Milan narrowly pipped them to the crown, and rates him as a "guarantee" to shine in the upcoming campaign.
"It will be a good fight between Inter and Juve. I don't see Milan as the favourite, even if whoever wins the Scudetto can never be considered out of the race. Inter could have won last year, Juve can't afford another wrong year," Brazil great Ronaldo told Gazzetta dello Sport.
"Lukaku and Lautaro can be an almost perfect pairing. A lot of feeling, a lot of goals: things that are good for a team."
"Inter lost the Scudetto by losing the derby and mishandling the only two months of difficulty of the season. It's in those moments that you need courage, to win complicated games instead of drawing them. You need to cling to someone: clinging to someone as big as Lukaku is easier."
Ronaldo, who played for Inter from 1997 to 2002, also shared his thoughts on the situation with Paulo Dybala, who was heavily linked to the Nerazzurri following the end of his contract with Juventus but eventually joined Roma.
"In football you can't always do what you want, and maybe you want a certain thing, but you set yourself limits," Ronaldo said.
Inter's rejuvenation of their attack is set to continue with the departure of Alexis Sanchez, who is widely reported to have agreed to terminate his contract at San Siro.
A move to French outfit Marseille has been mooted for the former Arsenal and Manchester United forward.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Nicholas Paul won the bronze medal in the 1000m time trial on Monday at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Kyle Shanahan said Deebo Samuel "inspires" him as the San Francisco 49ers confirmed the All-Pro wide receiver has signed a three-year extension.
Reports on Sunday suggested that Samuel, who was entering the final season of his rookie deal, would receive $58.1million guaranteed, in a deal potentially worth $73.5m.
In the 2021 season, Samuel became just the second player to score six or more rushing and receiving touchdowns and record over 1,000 receiving yards in a single NFL campaign, after former 49ers running back Roger Craig in 1985 was the first.
Samuel also set an NFL season record for a wide receiver with eight rushing touchdowns.
The 26-year-old led the league in yards per reception (18.2) last season among players with at least 35 catches, while his 1,770 yards from scrimmage ranked as the third most in the league and the second-highest total by a wide receiver in franchise history, behind only Hall of Famer Jerry Rice's 1,884 in 1995.
Speaking at a media conference on Monday just prior to the official confirmation, head coach Shanahan said: "My favourite thing about Deebo is how much he inspires people. He inspires me more than almost any player I've watched on a field.
"The way he runs the ball when you're handing it to him or you're throwing it to him, when he's catching it on a kick, and these aren't things that you have to talk him into doing. He usually talks you into doing [them] because Deebo just loves playing football.
"He loves helping us win, and I think that's what everybody sees on Sunday when you guys watch him on TV. I think that's why this country really likes Deebo also."
Samuel had reportedly requested a trade in April, but the two sides worked out their issues and Samuel did report to June's mandatory mini-camp as well as training camp, though he did not practise while his contract situation remained unresolved.
Following confirmation of the deal, 49ers general manager John Lynch also referenced the player's inspirational qualities, saying: "We are overjoyed to have come together with Deebo to keep him with the 49ers for years to come.
"Deebo has the rare ability to not only play at a unique level but to inspire his team-mates with the way he plays. He is a special player that embodies 'will meeting skill'.
"We're proud to move forward with him as an integral leader and foundational piece of our team."
National junior 100m champion Sandrey Davison and runner-up Bouwahjgie Nkrumie both comfortably advanced to the semi-finals of the 100m as the World Under-20 Championships got underway in Cali, Colombia on Monday.
Davison ran a steady 10.25 to win heat four and advance while Nkrumie advanced after running 10.39 to win heat seven. Botswanan Letsile Tebogo, who got to the semi-finals at the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Eugene, was the fastest qualifier to the semis with a championship record 10.00 to win heat three. Tebogo ran 9.94 in the heats in Eugene to break the world junior record.
Heat two saw Cuba’s Reynaldo Espinosa run 10.41 to finish second and advance to the semis while Grenada’s Nazzio John ran 10.47 for third to advance as one of the eight fastest non-automatic qualifiers.
In the field, Dominica’s Treneese Hamilton threw a national junior record 15.89m to advance to the Women’s shot-put final.
Bahamian Antoine Andrews was the fastest Caribbean qualifier to the semi-finals of the 110m hurdles after running a national junior record 13.36 to win heat three and advance.
Jamaicans Demario Prince and Dishaun Lamb will also be in the semis. Prince ran 13.80 to win heat two while Lamb 13.69 for third in heat seven.
Cuba’s Alejandro Parada jumped out to 7.95m to advance in the Men’s long jump. St. Vincent & The Grenadines’ Uroy Ryan will also be in the final after producing 7.64m.
Jamaica's Kobe Lawrence threw 19.85m to advance to the final of the Men's shot-put.
The NFL will review the decision of a former US district judge to impose a six-game suspension on Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The former Houston Texans star faced 24 civil lawsuits following sexual assault and misconduct allegations. He was not charged by two grand juries and has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
The NFL was seeking a suspension for a breach of the league's personal conduct policy, and retired judge Sue L Robinson ruled Watson should be sidelined for six games with no additional fine.
The league issued a statement on Monday that read: "We thank Judge Sue L Robinson, the independent disciplinary officer, for her review of the voluminous record and attention during a three-day hearing that resulted in her finding multiple violations of the NFL personal conduct policy by Deshaun Watson.
"We appreciate Judge Robinson's diligence and professionalism throughout this process.
"Pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement, the NFL or the NFLPA [NFL Players' Association] on behalf of Watson may appeal the decision within three days.
"In light of her findings, the league is reviewing Judge Robinson's imposition of a six-game suspension and will make a determination on next steps."
Despite the NFL stating the possibility of an appeal, the NFLPA previously confirmed it would not oppose any decision taken by Robinson.
"Every player, owner, business partner and stakeholder deserves to know that our process is legitimate and will not be tarnished based on the whims of the league office," the NFLPA said in a statement on Sunday.
"This is why, regardless of her decision, Deshaun and the NFLPA will stand by her ruling, and we call on the NFL to do the same."
Briana Williams has opted not to travel to Birmingham, England to compete at the Commonwealth Games as her flight will only get her into the United Kingdom on Tuesday morning, the same day track and field action begins at the 2022 Games.
Following the decision of Shericka Jackson, Natasha Morrison and Stephenie-Ann McPherson to withdraw from the Jamaican contingent, the Jamaica Athletic Administrative Association (JAAA) sought clearance from the Commonwealth Games Federation to bring Williams in to compete in the 100m.
However, by the time the GCF gave that clearance, it proved challenging to get a flight out from the United States that would get the Jamaican sprinter into the UK on time.
A disappointed Williams made the announcement on social media on Monday.
“Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the Commonwealth Games. The race is tomorrow (Tuesday) and I would’ve be getting in extremely late,” she said.
“Thanks to those who helped to try to speed up the process. Really wish I could have been there. Good luck to all the athletes competing.”
The 20-year-old Williams ran 10.94 to finish fourth at the Jamaica National Championships in June. She was a member of the island’s sprint relay squad that won the silver medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championships that concluded at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon on July 24.
The first domino in the Formula One driver market has fallen with Aston Martin's confirmation that Fernando Alonso will be driving for the team in 2023.
Sebastian Vettel's retirement announcement ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix was always going to lead to movement on the grid but Alonso's move from Alpine is a significant statement of intent from the Silverstone-based team.
Alpine are currently vying for the best of the rest tag in 2022, alongside McLaren, while it has been a year to forget so far for Aston Martin – but they still boast one of the most recognisable brands on the grid and Alonso is a stellar acquisition.
There will be further movement, with a number of teams yet to confirm their full driver line-up for the 2023 season – with Alpine, Haas, Alfa Romeo, AlphaTauri having one spot open, while Williams have not confirmed either driver.
That leaves six seats up for grabs as it stands, with some of the outcomes easier to analyse than others – Alonso's departure from Alpine solves their headache as it leaves a slot open for reserve driver Oscar Piastri.
The Australian was already heavily tipped to take a seat on the grid for 2023 but, with Esteban Ocon and Alonso at Alpine, just where that spot would open was up for debate, with a Williams move touted, but it should now be a fairly easy decision.
For Williams, it could result in the continuation of their partnership with Mercedes. With Alex Albon expected to retain his seat, a replacement for Nicolas Latifi is on the agenda and the leading option may now be Nyck de Vries.
Toto Wolff had already conceded that De Vries, who is on their young driver programme, could be let go in order for him to open avenues in F1, but a seat becoming available at Williams would be perfect for all parties – potentially lining-up De Vries as Lewis Hamilton's long-term successor.
Another option for Williams is Jamie Chadwick, who has dominated the W series and has her eyes set on a seat in F1, though she has expressed doubt as to whether women can cope with the physical demands of the series.
Seats at Haas, Alfa Romeo and AlphaTauri are harder to assess but Mick Schumacher could play a pivotal role for the trio. Yet to be confirmed by Haas for 2023, the young Ferrari driver could make a sidewards move to continue his F1 career.
Given AlphaTauri's relationship with Red Bull, Alfa Romeo seems the more likely option for Schumacher if he was to depart Haas and an opportunity to drive alongside Valtteri Bottas could aid his development – though Alfa Romeo have a young talent of their own waiting in the wings in the form of Theo Pourchaire.
Felipe Drugovich, the runaway leader in F2 this season, and American Logan Sargeant are alternative options within the young driver ranks, while both have additional appeal due to their respective nationalities, Brazil and the United States, both of which are areas of growth for F1.
The break period in the F1 season is usually the time where teams line everything up for the next year, so the next few weeks before the season resumes in Belgium are likely to be extremely busy – and there could be some surprises in store.
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie must miss the opening weeks of the Serie A season after joining Paul Pogba on the injured list.
The United States international had been relishing the prospect of teaming up with new recruit Pogba in the new campaign, but that may not materialise for a long time.
Pogba could be sidelined for several months after suffering a knee injury, and Juventus have yet to decide whether he should undergo an operation.
They would have hoped to have McKennie available while Pogba recovers, but, like the Frenchman, he returned hurt from the team's pre-season US tour, damaging his left shoulder.
Juventus said in a statement on Monday: "Weston McKennie underwent radiological examinations at J Medical [the club's medical centre] this morning, which revealed a capsular lesion of the left shoulder. The player will begin rehabilitation, three weeks' differentiated work will be required."
McKennie sat out the final game of the Juventus tour, a 2-0 loss to Real Madrid at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on Saturday.
The Turin giants begin their Serie A campaign against Sassuolo on August 15, with further games against Sampdoria, Roma and Spezia to come before the end of the month.
If McKennie is to be carrying out rehab and solo fitness work for three weeks, he appears unlikely to feature in any of the August fixtures.
Pogba looks to be a certain absentee too, and reports in Italy have suggested he may not play again until early 2023 should the former Manchester United man require surgery.
Having made just 21 Serie A appearances for Juventus last season, McKennie was touted for a potential move away, with a number of Premier League clubs suggested as possible destinations.
However, head coach Massimiliano Allegri declared in July the club had no intention of selling the 23-year-old former Schalke player.
Mauricio Pochettino does not believe Kylian Mbappe had a big say in his sacking and maintains he did a good job at Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG parted company with the Argentine coach in July, just 18 months after appointing him as head coach, naming Christophe Galtier as his replacement.
The former Tottenham boss won the Ligue 1 title last season, the Coupe de France in 2021 and the Trophee des Champions during his short reign.
Pochettino was unable to mastermind a first Champions League triumph for the Parisian giants, though, as they were knocked out by Real Madrid after squandering a two-goal lead in the last-16 stage.
There has been talk of Mbappe perhaps having increased power at PSG after he snubbed Madrid to sign a new contract, but Pochettino does not think the France forward pushed for him to be fired.
Pochettino said in a long interview with Infobae: "What I think is that PSG have done everything possible to retain Kylian and I also agree with that.
"He is one of the best players in world football today and I think that PSG, having all the resources to do it, have convinced him to stay.
"But I don't think Kylian is the one who designed the new project either. Those who rule, in this case the president [Nasser Al-Khelaifi], are those who would have thought that the most convenient thing was a new project in the club."
Pochettino feels there is too great an obsession with winning the Champions League at PSG, with anything but lifting the trophy deemed to be a failure.
"The only thing that has changed a bit now [from when he played for PSG] is the expectation, which is the Champions League, the Champions League and the Champions League," he said.
"The obsession is the Champions League and everything that is not winning the Champions League is synonymous with failure, but not for us. I believe that.
"We have done a job in which we have been honest, we have worked as hard as we could, and we had that misfortune in the last minutes against Madrid.
"We reached a semi-final last year when Mbappe was injured in the first leg against Manchester City, and with him in Manchester we could have reached the final after knocking out Barcelona and Bayern Munich. In other words, I think we have done a good job, perhaps not recognised externally because the expectation was to win the Champions League."
Christian Eriksen revealed he snubbed repeated advances from Manchester United before signing up last month.
The Denmark international joined Erik ten Hag's side on a free transfer in July following a short-term stint with Brentford, having left Inter due to medical issues that meant he was no longer able to play in Italy.
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator he had fitted after suffering cardiac arrest at the European Championship last year counted Eriksen out of a Serie A return to action.
Eriksen excelled with Thomas Frank's Brentford side, scoring once and contributing four assists in 11 Premier League matches, leading to United's interest.
He indicated he had previously spoken to Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer about a potential move, having been admired since first moving to the Premier League in 2013 with Tottenham.
"I've spoken to every manager who's been here at Man United to see what the situation was," Eriksen told ESPN.
"But I was at Spurs at the time and I really couldn't see myself playing in another English team at that time. I went abroad and went to Inter.
"It's been on the books, well, not on the books but it's been spoken about. For me, it wasn't the [right] timing, it wasn't there and I was at a place at Spurs for a long time and I wanted to try something abroad, and I went to Inter and ended up having a lovely time.
"But then obviously something happened in the summer and that changed a bit the career path I had in mind, and then obviously to come back to Brentford first of all and then to be here is something I didn't think could happen a year ago."
Eriksen's impressive form at Brentford led to United battling the London side for his services, but the midfielder denied there was a possibility of a return to Tottenham.
"It was only talk. They never really came with anything, so it wasn't really a thing for me to go back to Tottenham at the time and Man United were very early on, very positive and I had good conversations," he said.
"It was very positive from the first few phone calls already and the club felt like they wanted me, so it was on for a long time."
Jamaica’s Sunshine Girls crushed their Caribbean rivals Barbados Gems 103-24 to go 3-0 in their 2022 Commonwealth Games campaign on Monday.
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