New Atletico Madrid signing Johnny Cardoso said he wants to "make history" as the first player from the United States at the club. The American midfielder joined the Rojiblancos from Real Betis last week for an estimated 25mn euros. "All of this is very special and I hope to make history here as the first American to play at this club," Cardoso told Atletico's club media.
The 23-year-old made his international debut in 2020 and has 22 international caps. Diego Simeone's side have rebuilt this summer after letting Saul Niguez, Axel Witsel, Angel Correa, Cesar Azpilicueta and others depart. Cardoso joined along with Alex Baena from Villarreal, Thiago Almada, Marc Pubill and Matteo Ruggeri.
The midfielder highlighted some of Atletico's players he was excited to play with. "Koke is a player who I learn a lot from watching him play, (Antoine) Griezmann and Julian (Alvarez) are phenomenons. We have a lot of players here who I will enjoy being with every day and I am sure I will evolve with them."
Cardoso said he was looking forward to working with Simeone. "It's very special and a unique opportunity to be coached by him," he added. "His professionalism is an example, so to be able to share, learn and have all his advice will be very special."
Barca's Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said. The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team's first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up.
Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford. Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.
Neymar confronts Santos fan after late goal ruled out
Striker Neymar had a heated exchange with a fan after his late goal was ruled out, condemning his club Santos to a 2-1 defeat and leaving them in the Brazilian Serie A relegation zone. The 33-year-old, who has had a frustrating time since returning to his boyhood club this year, went over to the stands at the end of the game with Internacional on Wednesday night to talk with a fan who appeared to be remonstrating with him.
Videos showed Neymar agitated and gesticulating, then raising a thumbs up as a teammate ushers him away. Santos had been pushing for a comeback from two goals with Alvaro Martin Barreal scoring a minute into added time. Three minutes later, Neymar thought he had scored with a left-footed shot and celebrated in front of cheering home fans.
But boos rang out across Vila Belmiro stadium as the referee ruled the ball had not crossed the line. Santos are 17th in the 20-club league, where the bottom four are relegated to Serie B at the end of the season. The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain player has had a torrid time since returning: sidelined with injury, sent off for a handball and suffering COVID-19.
Barcelona's Asian tour on ropes after Japan game cancelled
Barcelona have cancelled their Asian tour pre-season friendly against Japan's Vissel Kobe citing unspecified "serious contractual breaches", warning matches in South Korea could also be scrapped. The Spanish giants had been due to play J-League side Vissel Kobe on Sunday before travelling to South Korea to face FC Seoul on July 31 and Daegu FC on August 4.
Vissel Kobe, for whom Barcelona and Spain great Andres Iniesta played at the end of his career, said in a statement Thursday that they were "currently investigating the situation". The tour promoters, Seoul-based company D-Drive, said that they were confident the matches in South Korea would be unaffected.
