Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news from across the footballing world, including a bizarre rumour involving Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen, Gerard Pique's ambitions for a new European football competition and ex-Spurs boss Martin Jol's warning to Harry Kane. Scroll down for more!
Alexis admits 'falling in love with football again' after United exit
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Alexis Sanchez has appeared to aim a dig at Manchester United after admitting that his loan move to Inter Milan has reinvigorated his passion for the sport. The Chilean told reporters: "Coming to Inter was a bit like falling in love with football again. I already knew the coach and some of the players, and I believe that the club are preparing something beautiful for the future. If I'm not mistaken, Inter haven't won anything for seven or eight years. It was a bit like finding my love for football again, together with my desire to win something with this club."
Nice youngster admits stealing Dolberg watch
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Nice have sacked young player Lamine Diaby after he admitted to stealing new teammate Kasper Dolberg's £62,000 watch from the dressing room. The 18-year-old wrote on Twitter: "After several days of an unprecedented media storm for me, I have decided to give myself a voice via communication. I would like to first of all apologise to the fans and those who love Le Gym. A lot of them supported me and showed me kindness since I made my professional debut, as a youngster from the local region who joined the club when I was 14. Their reactions embody the level of disappointment that they feel towards me and I owe them an explanation."
He continued: "I proudly wore the club of my childhood's shirt last season in Ligue 1. I was unfortunately injured for several months and my return to competitive action was further delayed following a red card I picked up whilst playing for the U19s. That affected me mentally and my difficult situation contrasted starkly the success and aura of Kasper, my team-mate. I took it out on him without having any reason to do so, maybe a bit because of jealousy. Instead of trying to battle on the pitch to provide him with competition for places, I reacted stupidly towards him."
Eriksen denies Vertonghen affair rumours
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Christian Eriksen has vehemently denied internet speculation that Spurs teammate Jan Vertonghen has had an affair with his wife. A tweet thread from a user called 'Casual Mind' had alleged that Vertonghen had been "caught sleeping with" Eriksen's partner and that the pair had had a bust-up at the training ground as a result.
Eriksen quoted the tweet and added: "Bullshit".
Inter keen on Jay Rodriguez?
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Italian giants Inter Milan have been linked with a surprise move for Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez. Calciomercato claims that the side are considering the former West Bromwich Albion man as a "low-cost coup" in the January transfer window and are open to the idea of a loan move.
Pique planning new football tournament?
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Barcelona defender Gerard Pique is reportedly planning a new European football competition that would see the elite club teams from across Europe compete in order to "revitalise the competitive landscape of continental football". The Spaniard has already masterminded a revamp of tennis's Davis Cup.
Kane warned 'the grass isn't greener'
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Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Martin Jol has warned Harry Kane not to have his head turned by the prospect of lucrative moves abroad. The England skipper has been linked with a big-money transfer to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign following Spurs' poor start to the season and their long trophy drought.
"[Robert] Lewandowski is unbelievable and that he'd be the best number nine in England," Jol told talkSPORT. "And I think Kane is the same, and may be a little more versatile than Lewandowski. To influence him a bit I would say the grass is not greener on the other side. I think Harry Kane is on a very good contract, and he is a Spurs boy. But the only thing is they are not winning anything."
Robertson praises Alexander-Arnold after Salzburg goal
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Andrew Robertson has praised Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold for setting him up to contribute a goal in the side's thrilling 4-3 Champions League victory over Red Bull Salzburg in midweek. The Scottish defender told the club's website: "Running front stick, being the furthest man up the pitch, that's not usually me but I think I started it and cut into Hendo and then, look, I know what Trent's delivery's like and I knew that nine out of 10 are pinpoint accurate.
"I knew if I could get in front of the defender then I had a chance and it was just about making a clean connection. Luckily I did it and it's the first goal of the season, obviously the first one in the Champions League. I hope to add more this season and hopefully it's the first of a couple I get."
Loic Remy pays tribute to "good manager" Jose Mourinho
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Former Chelsea striker Loic Remy has paid tribute to his former manager Jose Mourinho, praising the Portuguese boss for putting trust in him during their brief overlap at Stamford Bridge.
"He trusted me," Remy - now playing for Ligue 1 side Lille - told The Independent. "I remember one time before a big match, it was Manchester City at home, and Diego Costa was injured and he grabbed me and said 'I know your quality. I know you can play these type of games, so just go and don't think too much'. For me, honestly, I always remember when I was there, tactically he was very good. He knows football. People know Mourinho is a good manager, even if he had trouble in some clubs."
Neil Wilkes
