'His silly decision' – Cristiano Ronaldo blasted after red card as Ireland boss reveals Portugal star's reaction to historic sending off

Cristiano Ronaldo has been blasted by Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrimsson for the "silly decision" that led to his historic red card for Portugal in their 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Aviva Stadium. CR7 was sent off for the first time in his international career during that contest, when earning his 226th cap, with his reaction to that dismissal being revealed.

Ronaldo suspension: Sent off for first time when winning 226th cap

Portugal headed to Dublin knowing that a positive result would confirm their automatic qualification for next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico. That process will now go down to a final group phase outing against Armenia on Sunday. Ronaldo will sit that game out through suspension.

A ban must be served after swinging an elbow in the direction of Ireland defender Dara O’Shea. Said incident was the subject of a VAR review, leading to Ronaldo being sent for an early bath. Hallgrimsson had said in the build-up to the game that he felt like CR7 was able to influence the referee during an October contest in Lisbon that delivered a dramatic 1-0 victory for the hosts.

AdvertisementGettyRonaldo fails to deliver on 'good boy' promise

He said: "It's obviously up to the referee if he takes part in a play. But the thing in Portugal, he was not only controlling the referee, he was controlling the whole stadium, so all the fans supported his actions. The referee just kind of played along. I hope it will be the vice versa now that we are in Aviva. Obviously, a player shouldn't be refereeing. It should be the officials doing the refereeing."

Ronaldo reacted to those comments by vowing to be on his best behaviour. He told reporters: "I really like the fans here, the support they give to their national team is lovely. For me it's a pleasure to come to play here again, and of course it will be tough. I hope they don't boo me too much, I swear that I'm gonna try to be a good boy!"

Ronaldo's reaction to red card: Ireland boss reveals what was said

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner failed to deliver on that promise. He cut a frustrated figure as Portugal conceded twice before half-time. He was then given his marching orders just after the hour mark.

Hallgrimsson told of that incident: "He lost his focus a little bit, again maybe the fans helped a little bit in that. He was frustrated and reacted in a way that he knows he shouldn't. He said to me walking away, he told me (Hallgrimsson's pre-match remarks were) a clever thing to do and he blamed the referee or whomever, but it was his silly decision to attack our player."

Hallgrimsson went on to say of his touchline exchange with Ronaldo as the all-time great made his way off the field: "He complimented me for putting pressure on the referee. It was his action on the pitch that cost him the red card. It had nothing to do with me – unless I got into his head."

Asked if he had spoken to Ronaldo after the game, Ireland’s head coach added: "No, I think we spoke enough when he came off. There was nothing to speak about. This was just a moment of a little silliness from him, I would say."

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GETTY/GOAL2026 World Cup qualification: Crucial games for Portugal & Ireland

Two goals from Troy Parrott helped Ireland to a notable win on home soil, meaning that their own qualification hopes now rest on a final showdown with Hungary. Hallgrimsson said of that must-win encounter: "That is what we wanted, it is in our hands and with a performance like this we have a chance. We have to focus and recover, we have tired legs and the staff need to work really hard to get everyone fit and ready because that game is very important now. We won the second game in the last window and rotated players and happy we did that today. Those who played 90 minutes will be tired but hopefully everyone will be ready."

Portugal will be at the 2026 finals. Ronaldo has admitted that tournament will be his last World Cup – as he graces FIFA’s flagship event for the sixth time at 41 years of age – but is not yet ready to head into retirement as he continues to chase down 1,000 career goals.

Former county coach suspended over charges of sexual misconduct

He has been suspended for nine months after admitting to five breaches of professional conduct regulations

Valkerie Baynes06-Aug-2025An unnamed former county cricket coach has been suspended for nine months after admitting charges of sexual misconduct, including sending sexually explicit photos to two junior female colleagues.The independent Cricket Discipline Panel (CDP) issued the sanction after he admitted to five breaches of professional conduct regulations over incidents in 2023 and 2024, which included attempting to kiss one of the victims in a club changing room.The CDP cited “exceptional circumstances regarding the health of that coach and the serious risk of harm” for not naming him when publishing the report of its disciplinary tribunal on Wednesday.He was sacked as a result of his behaviour and hasn’t been employed in cricket since.The CDP issued the coach a nine-month suspension from cricket. Six months of the sanction were backdated to when he was charged and the remainder was suspended for a period of 12 months because he had accepted responsibility, shown remorse and undergone effective remedial education.He worked with a former professional sportswoman to understand the impact of unsolicited explicit messages, as well as completing courses on sexual harassment and professional boundaries, the CDP said.The tribunal heard evidence that the man “engaged in inappropriate and sexualised messaging” with one of the victims. He stopped when she asked him to but, some days later, sent “a further message of a sexualised and inappropriate nature”.The second victim, who was much younger than the man and had to interact with him as part of her work, also received sexually explicit pictures from him, to which she didn’t respond. Later, he asked her to check the changing rooms for rubbish and, whilst there, he “made an inappropriate attempt to kiss” the victim, who pulled away.In its decision, the CDP stated that although he was not in a formal position of trust with regard to either victim, he was considerably older than both of them and there was “a clear imbalance” between his position at the club and theirs.Chris Haward, managing director of the Cricket Regulator, described the misconduct as unacceptable and praised the “openness and courage of those who reported” it.”Removing sexual misconduct from the game is a priority for the Cricket Regulator,” Haward said. “We recognise that it takes a lot of courage for those impacted to come forward.”The CDP said that while the man made limited admissions to allegations initially put to him by the Cricket Regulator, it “was clear to the Disciplinary Tribunal that the Respondent was a different person to the one who was initially interviewed”.The panel heard that the man had undergone counselling over many months.”He hoped that now he was emerging as a better person,” the tribunal report said. “He had a greater understanding of workplace boundaries, the misuse of social media and what amounted to sexual harassment.”

Phillies Owner Had a Profane Message for His Team After They Clinched the NL East

The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs 6-2 on Monday, clinching the NL East and their third straight trip to the postseason in the process. With less than a week remaining in the regular season they have a chance to finish with the best record in baseball and have all but clinched a bye in the first round of the playoffs.

Suffice to say, the Phillies are in great position to make a run to the World Series, which they most recently lost in 2022. That's what Phillies owner John Middleton is focused on as the team celebrated clinching their spot in the postseason after Monday's game.

Manager Rob Thomson put his arm around Middleton during his postgame speech during the locker room celebration and reminded the players that during spring training the owner had said he wanted his trophy back. To which Middleton spoke up saying, "I want my f—— trophy back!"

Middleton first bought a piece of the Phillies in 1994. They've been been to the World Series three times since he's been involved, winning one in 2008.

Arteta now has Arsenal's best finisher since Van Persie & it's not Gyokeres

It’s an excellent time to be an Arsenal fan at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side are four for four in the Champions League, through to the next round in the League Cup and top of the Premier League.

However, the North Londoners still have their problems, such as the growing number of injuries.

Moreover, Arteta now has to make do without summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, although the good news is that he has a solution in Arsenal’s best finisher since Robin van Persie.

Arsenal's solutions to Gyokeres' injruy

With Kai Havertz still out and Gabriel Jesus only just returning to first-team training, Arteta can get a little creative with his Gyokeres replacement.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

One option could be moving Leandro Trossard into the middle, as, unlike last season, he seems to be getting back to his dangerous best.

In fact, the Belgian international has already amassed an impressive tally of three goals and four assists for the side in 13 appearances.

Moreover, while the 30-year-old is primarily a winger, he’s no stranger to playing up top, having done so 49 times across his career.

However, should the manager wish to keep Trossard on the right, he could go with an even bolder choice: starting Ethan Nwaneri up top.

After all, only last season he told the press that the youngster “can play as a right winger and there is another position I think he can develop into – No9.”

Moreover, with an impressive tally of nine goals and two assists in just 1378 minutes last season, the teenager clearly has an eye for goal that’s hard to teach.

However, while Trossard and Nwaneri would probably do a fine job leading the line for a game, there is another player Arteta will almost certainly turn to, a player who could be looked at as Arsenal’s best finisher since Van Persie.

Arsenal's best finisher

While he does have a few options at his disposal, it seems almost certain that Arteta will opt to play Mikel Merino up top against Sunderland.

After all, over the last year or so, the Spaniard has put forward a very good case for him being the club’s best finisher since Van Persie.

Now, that is not to say that he’s been the best centre-forward since the Dutchman, as he hasn’t and wouldn’t even claim to be one.

However, his quality of finishing is superb, and his utterly outrageous catalogue of goals proves as much.

For example, in his very first game as the side’s striker, against Leicester City last season, he scored an excellent header and another one-touch finish into the bottom corner.

Then, at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League, he once again scored a sensational one-touch goal, but this time from the edge of the penalty area.

In fact, when looking back on the goals he has scored for the club, it becomes apparent that he’s at his very best when he has less time to think and has to finish with a single touch.

Fortunately for him and the rest of the team, he is something of a “magnet in the box,” per Arsenal writer Adam Keys, and so he often has just one opportunity to bury a chance.

Ultimately, it might sound hyperbolic, and Arteta won’t want him playing up top for much longer, but it’s hard to deny that Merino currently looks like Arsenal’s best finisher since Van Persie.

Arsenal have their next Xhaka who's one of the best in "world football"

The international gem could end up being an even better version of Xhaka for Arsenal and Arteta.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 7, 2025

How Yankees’ Refusal to Give Juan Soto a Luxury Suite Helped Lead to Mets Deal

In the now-historic free agent negotiations with 26-year-old slugger Juan Soto, the New York Yankees went nearly everywhere the Mets did, even blowing past the previous contract record of $700 million, set by Los Angeles Dodgers' two-way star Shohei Ohtani, in the club's final bid for the four-time All-Star.

But the Yankees' reluctance to budge on one small detail, which the Mets acquiesced to, may have made a difference in Soto agreeing to change boroughs for the record, $765 million deal.

The Mets offered Soto and his family a suite at Citi Field while the Yankees "wouldn't budge" on the suite, according to Jon Heyman of the . New York, which had given suites to five-time World Series champion Derek Jeter and two-time American League MVP Aaron Judge on the condition that they pay for them, didn't feel right giving Soto the suite for nothing, instead offering him one at Yankee Stadium at a discount.

Heyman also reported that an incident with an overzealous Yankees security guard seemed to irk Soto earlier in the year, though the club apologized to him and he "forgave them." But with the offer of the suite at no cost and the knowledge of where the Yankees may have briefly overstepped their boundaries, the Mets seemingly appealed to Soto's family, as much as they did to the generational slugger.

In addition to the suite, the Mets' offer included a $75 million signing bonus, compared to the Yankees' $60 million, a fifth-year opt-out, which if voided by the club would escalate Soto's average annual value from $51 million to $55 million over the last 10 years of the deal, a no-trade clause and no deferrals (The Yankees' offer also included no deferrals).

Money talks, and it's clear that these perks certainly sweetened the pot for Soto. But most of all, it seems that Cohen, the richest owner in baseball hell-bent on winning, and Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns, sold Soto on the club's vision for the future, which may have spoken louder than any of the riches the superstar player was offered.

Tottenham given 'straightforward' path to sign £52m winger who Zinedine Zidane loves

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for quality attacking reinforcements come January and have now been told how much it will take to land a winger who is thriving in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Thomas Frank has had mixed luck with signings since walking through the door in N17, and many would argue that Spurs’ capture of Mohammed Kudus has been their best bit of business so far.

On the flip side, Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani may take a little longer to fully settle at the club after some mixed performances, which is part and parcel of football at the end of the day, and the latter’s been very stop-start due to multiple injury problems.

As January approaches, signings will be necessary for Tottenham to kick on under Frank’s stewardship, and he already appears to have identified some exciting names to help their push for a strong Premier League finish.

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is a high-profile Spurs target and may be on his way to N17 amid the Lilywhites’ wish to recruit a new winger as a top priority, rather than a fixed number nine.

Looking towards in-form Premier League stars may be their preference. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye is another name wanted by Tottenham, and they have made an approach for the Senegal international, even if he could cost close to £70 million.

Truthfully, Spurs have the financial muscle to acquire top talent, but half the battle may be convincing players that their project has more to offer in the long term than rival clubs.

Competition for new additions in mid-season is usually fierce, though Tottenham have been told in no uncertain circumstances how much it may cost to bring one of their known targets to North London if they decide to press ahead with a move.

Tottenham told how much it will cost to land Takefusa Kubo

According to Pete O’Rourke on Football Insider’s Inside Track, Tottenham target Takefusa Kubo has a £52 million release clause inserted in his Real Sociedad contract, and any bid submitted matching that figure would be enough to enter direct negotiations with the player.

He explained: “He’s been continually linked with the move to the Premier League with Tottenham, Liverpool over the years, Aston Villa as well. Top young player who’s done really well for Real Sociedad. So, it’s no surprise that the top European clubs are looking at the Japanese international as well.

Takefusa Kobe at Real Sociedad – is he worth £52 million?

Appearances

147

Goals

24

Assists

18

“He has got a release clause in his contract, so it would be straightforward if Tottenham wanted to go and sign him in January. £52million, it’s not a cheap deal by any stretch of the imagination. So, that will come into consideration if Tottenham are to firm up their interest in Kubo as well.”

Lauded by Zinedine Zidane for his “very interesting” tendencies as a player, Kubo has emerged as a target amid concerns over whether Everton would be willing to let go of Ndiaye, though it remains to be seen whether Spurs can land either of their targets.

Jamie Overton replaces Saqib Mahmood in England XI for third ODI

Ben Duckett set for final outing of busy summer before being rested for T20Is

Matt Roller06-Sep-2025Ben Duckett has been backed to end his international season in style in Southampton on Sunday, keeping his place for the third ODI against South Africa despite England’s decision to rest him for next week’s T20Is.England have made a single change from the team that lost by five runs at Lord’s to go 2-0 down in the three-match series, with Jamie Overton replacing Saqib Mahmood. It means that they will again be relying on Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks and potentially Joe Root to share the workload of a fifth bowler, after Bethell and Jacks returned combined figures of 1 for 112 in 10 overs on Thursday.Duckett is one of three England players – along with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith – who has featured in all 14 of their home internationals this season: six Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. Since the start of the Hundred last month, he has only gone past 20 once in 10 innings and followed his 5 in the first ODI at Headingley with an uncharacteristically scratchy 14 off 33 balls at Lord’s.Related

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Overton's shock decision sounds alarm bells for England schedule

England blown to bits-and-pieces as part-timers' bowling strategy backfires

Sam Curran added to England T20I squads as Ben Duckett takes break

He has since spoken to Brendon McCullum, England’s head coach, and reached the decision to miss next week’s T20Is, with Sam Curran replacing him in the squad. Marcus Trescothick, one of McCullum’s assistants, said that the call was designed to ensure Duckett is “firing” ahead of a busy winter schedule, which includes the Ashes in Australia followed by a T20 World Cup.”Brendon spoke to him over the last few days, trying to get a gauge of where he’s at,” Trescothick said. “You look at every situation individually and in its own way, looking at the volume of cricket they’ve played and by chatting with them to see how they’re feeling… This is the best [decision] to maximise performances going forward as we head into a big winter.”We need certain players to be firing, and Ben is certainly one of those… We need the boys firing going into November, December, January. That’s an important time. It’s not to say things aren’t important coming up, but sometimes you just have to take your foot off the gas a bit and rejuvenate the mind. Then, you can get back on the horse and crack on.”ESPNcricinfo LtdDuckett’s retention means that Tom Banton, the spare batter in their squad, will not feature in the series barring a late withdrawal. But he has not been released to play for Somerset in their T20 Blast quarter-final against Warwickshire on Saturday night, and will instead stay in Southampton on standby.McCullum took over England’s white-ball teams in January – becoming coach across formats – but has failed to address their slide in 50-over cricket. They have lost eight out of 11 ODIs this year, including all three matches at the Champions Trophy, and sit eighth in the ICC’s rankings after a sustained run of poor results.Eight teams will qualify for the 2027 World Cup automatically via the rankings – with South Africa and Zimbabwe guaranteed spots as Full-Member co-hosts – so England would likely have to slip below both West Indies and Bangladesh to miss out. But the mere notion of having to play in the global qualifier is a source of embarrassment for the 2019 world champions.”We’re in an interesting position where we need to climb those rankings,” Trescothick said. “Longer term, there’s a bigger picture: we need to look at being at the top of those rankings and beyond. We want to go and compete in the biggest competitions and we’ve got to be a team that has grown from where we have been to compete like we did in 2019.”The journey hasn’t been easy, of course not, but I definitely feel we’re improving and moving in the right direction even though the last two results have been disappointing… We’ve made a few changes in recent times since Brendon took over, and we feel like we’re starting to play better cricket generally.”Overton’s inclusion means he will make his first appearance for England since his decision to put his red-ball ambitions on hold took the team’s management by surprise. Rob Key, England’s managing director, said Overton’s decision was “unexpected”, but his selection for the third ODI confirms that he remains part of their white-ball plans.England XI for the third ODI vs South Africa: 1 Jamie Smith, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Joe Root, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Jofra Archer, 11 Adil Rashid

Thiago Silva in line for shock reunion with USMNT star Christian Pulisic as AC Milan consider re-signing 41-year-old defender

Veteran Brazilian defender Thiago Silva is wanted back at AC Milan, according to reports, with the Rossoneri looking to reunite the South American centre-half with his former Chelsea team-mate Christian Pulisic. Silva is now 41 years of age and back in his homeland with Fluminense, but he is not ready to retire just yet and could be lured back to European football.

Thiago Silva won Champions League with Pulisic at Chelsea

Silva headed home in the summer of 2024 when returning to his roots in Rio de Janeiro. He is now enjoying a third stint with Fluminense, having started out in their youth system and made over 140 appearances for the club between 2006 and 2008.

It was that stint which earned the classy defender his first move to Italy. Milan bought into his potential and saw him grace over 100 matches for them – becoming a Serie A title winner in 2010-11.

Silva was then lured away to France by the ambitious project at Paris Saint-Germain, spending eight years there before heading to Stamford Bridge in 2020. Champions League glory was savoured with Chelsea alongside USMNT star Pulisic.

The United States international left west London for Milan in 2023, with Silva saying at the time: “He is a good boy and a fantastic player. Last year he didn't have a great chance to play with us. I don't know if he will go to Milan one hundred per cent, but if he were to go he would certainly do well.”

AdvertisementGettyMilan want to sign an experienced defender in January

Pulisic has starred for the Rossoneri, becoming a talismanic presence while posting personal bests in the goal scoring department. He would likely welcome the presence of another familiar face at San Siro.

reports that Milan are looking into the possibility of bringing Silva back onto their books. They are said to be in the market for an experienced centre-half heading towards the January transfer window.

They already have Matteo Gabbia, Strahinja Pavlovic, Fikayo Tomori, Koni De Winter and youngster Jan-Carlo Odogu to call upon, but want another proven operator to form part of that group. Milan missed out on Manchester City star Manuel Akanji, as he moved to Galatasaray, and versatile Liverpool defender Joe Gomez over the summer.

Could Thiago Silva reunite with Allegri at San Siro?

Reports in Italy claim that “the possibility of bringing back Thiago Silva, 13 years after his last appearance for Milan, is gaining traction”. He is considered to be the perfect option to add “leadership, stability and an immediate upgrade to the defensive unit” in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

Silva worked with Allegri during his previous stint with the Rossoneri and has been showing no sign of slowing down in Brazil. He has made 41 appearances for Fluminense this season, scoring three goals, and impressed during a run to the semi-finals of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

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GettyThiago Silva record: Appearances & trophy wins

His contract is only due to run until the summer of 2026, with a man that earned 113 caps for Brazil previously stating that he wants to bow out at the top. That could mean hanging up his boots next summer, or embracing one last challenge.

Silva has said: “This is the contract I have with Fluminense. In my mind, I was pretty certain about the decision to maybe stop. It’s not concrete yet, it’s just my thought. Because, as I said recently, recovery is very exhausting for me. Being away from my family for so long. I thought it would be easier. Honestly, I thought it would be easier and it’s not. It was our decision. Isabelle understood perfectly. My kids, a little less. We’re always together, but I mean physically. It’s very tiring for me.

“I think every player would like to stop at their peak, still feeling good and delivering positive results. I wouldn’t want to stop at a moment when, suddenly, someone like Kaio Jorge easily gets past me, scores a goal, and we become a laughing stock. I intend to stop at a good level, performing well. That’s my thinking.”

Whenever the day comes for Silva to bow out, he will do so having made over 860 appearances at club level while claiming Champions League, Serie A, Ligue 1 and Club World Cup titles – along with bronze and silver medals at the Olympic Games.

Mookie Betts Had Brutal Line About Mysterious Illness That Has Seen Him Lose 20 Pounds

Mookie Betts is sick. The Los Angeles Dodgers star traveled with the team for their season-opening series in Tokyo, but did not play because of a mystery illness and things have not improved since he returned to the states.

Betts spoke with the media on Sunday and revealed some jarring details about his situation. Betts, who is listed at 180 pounds, says that he was 175 and is now down to 157 and he's sounds miserable. Via Yahoo!:

Betts said he felt fine on Sunday morning and showed up at the park for the team's spring training game against the Angels, but had to throw up a few hours later. He's trying to give it a go, but no one knows what's happening with him.

Betts hopes to be in the starting lineup on Thursday for opening day, but who knows?

Bukayo Saka celebrates engagement as Arsenal star and Tolami Benson show off celebrations and enormous ring

Bukayo Saka made his engagement Instagram official as the Arsenal star and long-term girlfriend Tolami Benson showed off an enormous ring on social media. The Arsenal and England winger posted a series of black-and-white photographs showing the pair celebrating the moment in a luxury London hotel, including a striking close-up of Benson’s new ring.

Saka makes romance public with elegant social-media reveal

Saka and Benson are thought to have started dating in 2020. They have always been guarded about their private lives. Despite four years together, they do not follow each other on Instagram and rarely appear together publicly. Their relationship became known during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Benson was photographed embracing Saka in the stands after one of England’s group-stage matches. He proposed during a meticulously planned evening in a luxury hotel in the British capital.

A source quoted by said: "Bukayo went all out for the proposal – and the ring he chose is absolutely enormous. He’d organised a special night at a top London hotel and proposed there. It was incredibly special and Tolami was totally blown away.”

AdvertisementGetty/GOALA quiet power couple away from the spotlight

Benson has crafted a rising professional trajectory of her own, away from the media scrutiny that Saka faces. Originally from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, she studied public relations and media at Birmingham City University before carving out a career in PR. She once worked at Harrods but now serves as a senior planning executive at Zenith, having taken up the role earlier this year. Though images of Saka are noticeably absent from her Insta feed, she often shares photos with friends, including partners of Arsenal teammates such as Milly White and Laura Trossard. Saka, meanwhile, maintains an even more guarded social presence. His account, which boasts more than 7.6 million followers, contains no mention of Benson, which is another testament to how fiercely the couple protect their privacy.

A sensational season for Saka continues to build

The engagement comes at a time when Saka is enjoying another remarkable season for Arsenal. Despite managing a recurring hamstring issue, he remains Mikel Arteta’s most consistent attacking force, delivering goals and assists in key fixtures across all competitions. This week has been especially uplifting for the 24-year-old. Saka captained Arsenal in their 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, providing an assist for Jurrien Timber before being withdrawn in the second half. Days earlier, he led the team to a commanding victory in the north London derby against Tottenham. 

The winger signed a four-year contract in May 2023, keeping him at the club until 2027, but Arsenal are eager to secure him for longer. Asked about Saka’s intentions, Arteta was unequivocal.

He said: "I prefer that word, I think it is confidence. What Bukayo has transmitted to me and the club, and Emeka (Obasi, Saka’s agent) as well, is that they want to continue to be here. I think it’s a very healthy and powerful relationship. The journey that he has had at the club and what he has become is something we want to maintain. I think that is something that is going to leave a legacy at this football club and he needs to fulfill that role.

"What I’m very aware of is that he wants to continue with us, that he’s very happy and that he’s in the place that he wants to continue to be and achieve everything that we want to achieve together. When that (a new contract) happens and how it happens, I leave that to Andrea [Berta] and the club to figure it out."

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Getty Images SportWedding bells on the horizon

Off the field, Saka and Benson now look ahead to planning their wedding, a process expected to unfold quietly, much like their relationship. Early indications suggest the couple will target a summer ceremony, likely after the 2026 World Cup in North America. In the short term, Saka is expected to start in Sunday’s crucial Premier League test against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, where Arsenal could open a nine-point lead over Maresca’s side at the summit. He has a strong record against the Blues, with three goals in 11 appearances, including a memorable penalty in Arsenal’s 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge in 2022.

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