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Didier Drogba announced his retirement from football at the age of 40 on Wednesday.  The former Ivory Coast international spent nine seasons at Chelsea across two spells, picking up 12 major honours along the way, including four league titles and the 2012 Champions League.  He is the highest scoring African player in Premier League history, and the only man to reach three figures, finishing his career with 104 goals from 254 appearances in English football's top flight.  But who are the other men from his continent trailing in his wake? With the help of Opta, Omnisport provides a run-down...  Emmanuel Adebayor - 242 apps, 97 goals  The Togolese enjoyed spells at Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Crystal Palace and famously infuriated Gunners fans when running the full length of the Etihad Stadium pitch to celebrate a goal for City against his former employers.  Yakubu Ayegbeni - 252 apps, 95 goals  'The Yak' carved out a reputation as a deadly finisher and counts Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Everton among his numerous clubs. His penalty taking technique is perhaps best described as "relaxed".  Yaya Toure - 230 apps, 62 goals  Almost single-handedly inspired Man City to the title in 2013-14, scoring an astonishing 20 league goals from midfield. Famed for his bulldozing runs, Toure was given a hero's farewell at the Etihad at the end of last season.

New Fulham manager Claudio Ranieri has told his players to "forget the past" as they aim to overcome a dismal start to the Premier League season.  The Cottagers sit bottom of the table with just five points from their first 12 matches, a paltry return that led to Ranieri replacing Slavisa Jokanovic during the final international window of 2018.  Ahead of his first game in charge against fellow strugglers Southampton, the Italian made it clear he is confident of avoiding relegation.  Asked what a win over the Saints would do for Fulham, Ranieri told a news conference: "Clean everything and restart. Today, I said this - restart every time. Forget the past.  "My message is the team is a good one, but now we must show fighting spirit. It's not easy to change direction but it's important all together that we must do our best and be with good spirit and very attentive tactically.  "It's not possible to change everything in one night. It's important to get points but it's important to maintain our mentality, never, never give up - not in the match or the season.  "At the end, we will be safe, I am sure."  Ranieri became known as 'the Tinkerman' earlier in his career, but the 67-year-old insists he will "tinker clever" when it comes to picking a team at Fulham.  He also urged those who are left out of his first line-up not to lose heart, referring to his time at Leicester City when the team pulled off a scarcely believable Premier League triumph.  "It's important all my players are

Manuel Pellegrini has asked Samir Nasri to prove he is fit enough to play in the Premier League before West Ham think about offering him a contract.  Nasri, who is returning from a doping suspension after he received a drip treatment in a Los Angeles clinic in 2016, last played competitive football in November last year, for Turkish Super Lig side Antalyaspor.  The former France international has been training with the Hammers in order to build up fitness, with a view to hopefully earning a deal through to the end of the season, which would reportedly be worth £80,000 a week.  But Pellegrini, who worked with Nasri at Manchester City – West Ham's opponents at the London Stadium on Saturday – has called for patience as the 31-year-old sets his sights on a return to a division he won twice, including under the Chilean in 2014.  "We will see. Samir Nasri is working with us after a long ban. We are giving him a hand to return to football," said Pellegrini.  "I hope that from now until the end of the year he will be fit. If that is the case we will try to keep him here at West Ham."  Pellegrini was also asked on the future of Marko Arnautovic, who has scored five times in 10 Premier League outings in 2018-19 since arriving from Stoke City.  Arnautovic's brother and agent, Daniel, has suggested the forward is attracting interest from the likes of Chelsea and Everton, as well as clubs in Serie A, but Pellegrini insists the Austrian is going nowhere.  "He is a West Ham player. He has

Mauricio Pochettino confirmed Tottenham are "working so hard" to extend Christian Eriksen's contract beyond 2020.  Eriksen has been a key player at Spurs ever since he joined from Ajax in 2013 and the club are eager to tie him down to a new long-term deal.  Media reports suggest the two parties have been in talks for several months, but rumours of tentative interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona have often lingered in the background.  Speculation in August claimed Spurs and Eriksen's representatives had come to a stalemate in negotiations, but Pochettino seems optimistic about the situation and is adamant the club is putting a lot of effort into discussions.  "He [Eriksen] knows, and we know what we are doing," Pochettino told reporters on Thursday.  "We are working so hard. The club is trying to take the best decision. Christian will take the best decision.  "I am not worried, but I prefer he is going to sign a new contract and stay a long time with Tottenham."  Eriksen's team-mate Dele Alli attracted headlines during the international break when he was purportedly filmed drunk in the lobby of a London hotel during the early hours of the morning.  In the video, Alli – who was accompanied by England team-mate Ross Barkley – appears to have an argument with hotel staff, but Pochettino is not concerned, convinced neither player has done anything untoward.  "I saw, I saw the video," Pochettino added. "[They did] nothing wrong, nothing wrong. 

Jan Vertonghen could make his return from a two-month injury lay-off in Saturday's clash with Chelsea, Mauricio Pochettino has said.  The Belgium international last played on September 29 in Spurs' 2-0 win away to Huddersfield Town, but he had to be withdrawn at half-time due to a hamstring problem.  That injury has kept him out ever since, but he returned to training during the international break with Spurs readying themselves for a difficult few weeks.  Chelsea visit Wembley on Saturday, and that match is followed by a home game against Inter in the Champions League four days later before a derby clash with Arsenal on December 2.  Pochettino is wary of risking such an important player, but he refused to rule him out of the meeting with Maurizio Sarri's men.  "It is very good news, he has been training with the group," Pochettino told reporters at his pre-match news conference. "We have to wait until tomorrow [Friday] to see whether he can be involved.  "Jan is such an important player for us. We have a very busy period ahead so it's important to recover our players."  Spurs head into Saturday's game fourth in the Premier League, just one point behind Chelsea, who are one place above them.

Sergio Aguero feels knee surgery has given him a fitness boost that allows him to carry out Pep Guardiola's pressing instructions more thoroughly.  Aguero, Manchester City's record goalscorer, has not always seemed to have the best relationship with Guardiola, who has preferred Gabriel Jesus at times throughout his spell in charge.  But the striker has started all 12 Premier League games this term compared to Jesus' two, scoring eight goals - including his 150th in the competition - to lead the race for the Golden Boot.  And Aguero credits the operation he had prior to the World Cup as a factor in making him sharper and more able to follow Guardiola's tactical plan.  "It all comes from my discomfort in my knee. I had been suffering for a long time and had a lot of medical treatment with the physio here at the club," Aguero told Sky Sports.  "I had some discomfort, and then at the end of last season I decided to go for surgery before the World Cup. Since then, I feel great, I don't feel pain at all, and that's probably why I'm enjoying it more and feeling fitter.  "Luckily I am doing well and Pep is happy. I try to do the things he wants and help the team. I'm obviously the first guy who starts the pressing and [the knee surgery] is why I can do it more often."  City have made a brilliant start to their title defence, last term having finished 19 points clear of Manchester United, who were the last team to retain the Premier League in 2008-09.  Guardiola's side are two points

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is a "madman" in training, according to his former Roma team-mate Gervinho.  Last season Salah established himself as one of the world's best players, as he scored a phenomenal 32 goals in 36 Premier League matches having joined the Reds from Roma in a deal that could rise to £50million.  Salah became an integral part of Roma's squad after ending a disappointing spell at Chelsea via a loan stint at Fiorentina, and his signing effectively spelled the end for fellow winger Gervinho, who departed five months after the Egypt star arrived on an initial loan deal.  During that period, Gervinho could only watch on in awe at Salah's intensity, adding that he not only possessed the talent to be a star, but also the work ethic and sacrifice.  "Salah is a tough guy," Gervinho, now playing for Parma, told the Guardian. "Always calm and strong, with the mentality of a hard worker.  "I'll never forget his training sessions: very high rhythm, pushed like a madman, you watched him in amazement.  "He had a sort of positive effect – you saw Salah and wanted to work harder. Talent and sacrifice."

Emery says Arsenal were "falling" under Arsene Wenger but has denied making radical changes to turn the Premier League club around.  Arsenal failed to qualify for the Champions League in each of Wenger's last two seasons but have shown signs of improvement in 2018-19.  Although Emery's first two matches in charge ended in defeats to Manchester City and Chelsea, they subsequently won 11 games in a row in all competitions.  While the Gunners' form has since stuttered with one win in five, they still have not lost since August under the former Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla coach.  Emery, though, says it is more a case of evolution than revolution in his Emirates Stadium reign.  "Before Wenger arrived, Arsenal celebrated the 1-0 wins and were based on defensive solidity," the Spaniard told Marca. "With Arsene, they became an attacking team, with players who were good on the ball.  "And the perfect combination came with the 'Invincibles' [Arsenal's unbeaten title-winning season in 2003-04]. But with time, you can only take care of technique and attacking freedom, losing your defensive structure.  "What I want to do is unite the two and become more competitive. Arsenal were falling. We had to stop that and start to lift them."  Wenger has declared himself ready to take another managerial job and Emery confirmed he is not in close contact with his Arsenal predecessor, while giving an insight into some of the different decisions he has made.  "Not about the team. I ran into him on

Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi wants to fulfil his international dream with France despite overtures from Morocco.  The 19-year-old has caught the eye with some all-action displays for Unai Emery's side since joining from Lorient during the close season.  Guendouzi has represented France at every age-group level from Under-18 upwards and made his first appearances for the Under-21 side against Croatia and Spain over the past week.  His Moroccan heritage means Guendouzi's international options remain open until he plays a competitive game for Les Bleus.  Speaking after Monday's 1-1 draw against Spain, he told Canal+ that representing the country of his birth remains a huge motivation.  "Since I was young, I've always played with the French teams, it's a dream to play with France A," he said.  "And I'm hoping to get there, it's a dream for me. to make it happen."

The 38-year-old forward came on as a substitute for the final 10 minutes of the Socceroos' 3-0 friendly victory over Lebanon in Sydney.  He was unable to add a 51st international goal on his 108th appearance for his country after a Martin Boyle brace and Mathew Leckie's second-half strike put the game beyond the overmatched visitors.  Having been granted a hero's reception, Cahill addressed the crowd on the field at ANZ Stadium following the final whistle.  "I want to say thank you first to my family for being there from day one," he said. "The sacrifices my family made for me is why every time I step on the pitch I'm fearless and I'm free.  "Secondly, I want to thank my team-mates and all the staff I've worked with. Without you guys I'd be nothing. The coaches and players who are not here, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.  "Now, the most important people – the fans. It was tough for me to play for Australia at the start and every time I wore the green a gold I played with my heart.  "I don't want to keep you long, I just want to tell you all this is as much for you as it is for me. Thank you very much Australia."  Cahill then spoke to Fox Sports, flanked by his four children, and reflected on an unforgettable career that featured appearances at four World Cup finals, Asian Cup glory and numerous superb goals.  He conceded the reception he received on the touchline when preparing to replace Aaron Mooy brought a tear to his eye.  "I wanted to break down on the

Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk displayed his compassionate side following his last-gasp equaliser against Germany on Monday.  Van Dijk's late volley salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw for the Dutch in Gelsenkirchen, propelling them into the Nations League Finals in Portugal next summer and completing a miserable campaign for Joachim Low's hosts, whose relegation to League B had already been confirmed.  The final whistle prompted enthusiastic celebrations for the Netherlands players but Van Dijk instead sought out referee Ovidiu Hategan - the Romanian official who was in tears following the recent passing of his mother.  Van Dijk told Voetbal International: "The man broke down with tears in his eyes because he had just lost his mother.  "I wished him strength and said he had refereed the game well. It's a small thing but maybe it will help him."  Netherlands' qualification for the final four of the Nations League continues their resurgence under Ronald Koeman, although they were second best for long periods against a Germany team struggling for form.  "We had a lot of the ball but were not able to put any pressure on them," the Liverpool centre-half added.  "Germany are, of course, a good team, they played well between the lines and with strikers that had a lot of movement.

Tim Cahill made his farewell appearance for Australia in the 3-0 win over Lebanon as a number of the Socceroos' next generation staked their claim.  Most notable among them was Scottish-born winger Martin Boyle, who netted a first-half brace before setting up substitute Mathew Leckie to score after the interval.  It was the 25-year-old's second appearance for Australia and first from the start, while Graham Arnold also handed full debuts for Awer Mabil and Mustafa Amini and gave a maiden cap to defender Rhyan Grant.  "It was very enjoyable. I'm always busy, trying to get on the ball all the time," Boyle told Fox Sports.  "The team were perfect and luckily I was there to score the goals.  "The boys have been brilliant with me, they've all welcomed me and it's easy for me to fit in. If you put performances in like that, you're going to fit in easily!"  Amini, who plays his football for AGF in the Danish Superliga, revelled in a Sydney homecoming.  "It's probably the best feeling of my career. I'm in Sydney, where I'm from. To win 3-0 and finish off the career of a legend in Tim Cahill is brilliant," he said.  "The boss gives us the instructions, you can see what he's done in the A-League. I'm very delighted to have my first start with my family here."  The similarly Danish-based Mabil – a wide attacker for Midtjylland – had already enjoyed a pair of substitute cameos, scoring on his first appearance against Kuwait last month.  "It's been special for the team and for Timmy. To

Serbia international Milinkovic-Savic has established himself as one of the hottest properties in European football since his move from Genk in 2015.  Top clubs from the Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1 and LaLiga were heavily linked with the 23-year-old during the transfer window, but no offers materialised and he signed a new contract in October.  Reports in Italy have suggested the midfielder has a release clause in the region of €150million, and should a club meet that valuation Lotito knows it will be tough to say no.  "Nowadays it's very complicated for a player to tie himself to a club for his entire career," Lotito told Calciomercato.com.  "However, Lazio are doing well, our players show great affection for the club and perhaps they’re persuaded to stay for what we’re doing on an infrastructural level, with the recent renovation of our training ground.  "But unfortunately, Lazio don't have the economic power of Barcelona and Real Madrid, so if a once-in-a-lifetime offer comes in, it'd pose a problem or us."  Milinkovic-Savic has started 11 of Lazio's 12 matches in the league this season, scoring once as they battle for a top-four spot with Inter, AC Milan and city rivals Roma.

Mesut Ozil says former Real Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo was "very angry" with the Spanish club following his £42 million transfer to Arsenal.  Ozil, who joined the Gunners on deadline day in 2013, led La Liga in assists during the season before his departure to the Premier League, and the German international claims Ronaldo was incensed by the decision to allow him to leave.  “The sale of Özil is bad news for me,” Ozil recounted the Portugese saying in an interview with Spanish publication AS. “He was the player who best understood my movements in front of goal. I’m very angry that Özil is being sold.”  The 30-year-old attacking midfielder said at the time he no longer felt valued at Real Madrid following the arrivals of Gareth Bale and Isco, and that led to him accepting a call from Arsenal and then-manager Arsene Wenger.  “During the weekend I [believed I] would be staying at Real Madrid but later I realized that the manager [Carlo Ancelotti] and the board didn't have faith in me,” Ozil said.  “I’m a player who needs that trust in me and that’s what I felt from Arsenal, that’s the reason I decided to join the club.”  Ozil has gone on to play 149 times for Arsenal, winning three FA Cups. He signed a new contract with the club in February, believed to be the most lucrative in its history, and will remain in north London until at least 2021.

Video Assistant Referees (VAR) could be used during the knockout round of this season's Champions League, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and European Club Association chairman Andrea Agnelli have hinted.  European football's governing body has already announced plans to use VAR in the 2019-20 season and is in the closing stages of conducting tests with the technology.  VAR was rolled out in LaLiga this term, following its implementation at the 2018 World Cup.  Serie A, the Bundesliga, Ligue 1, the A-League and MLS also use video assistants and the Premier League will bring it in alongside its Goal Decision System next season.  Speaking at a news conference in Brussels on Tuesday, Ceferin and Agnelli suggested UEFA could jump ahead of its initial proposal, stating that VAR would be in use "at the latest next season".  "We have started to do all the preparation. [UEFA referees chief] Roberto Rosetti and his team are very good. There are important points of view – the referees and all the technical aspects," Ceferin said.  "I expect the report in a week or so and then we will see when we can implement it. At the latest next season."  Agnelli, who is also the chairman of Serie A champions Juventus, added: "At the latest next season also means there is space for earlier implementation.  "We are delighted as clubs with that and we thank UEFA for the work they have been putting together."

Dani Alves and Layvin Kurzawa are still some way off making their first appearances of the Ligue 1 season for Paris Saint-Germain, says head coach Thomas Tuchel.  The defensive duo have yet to feature under the German coach in the league after being ruled out with knee and back injuries respectively.  PSG have not missed them, however, winning all 13 of their matches in 2018-19 prior to the international break to top the table by seven points.  Both men have returned to training in recent weeks but Tuchel is not expecting to have either available in the near future.  "Their return is very important," Tuchel told PSG's website. "You can see Dani is growing in confidence.  "He's a player who has never doubted, and who is important, notably thanks to his career.  "Layvin is a little more reserved, and his return is important because we're lacking players who can play on the left.  "But I feel they're still not 100 per cent ready, and that it'll take a little more time before they're completely ready."

Atalanta chief executive Luca Percassi says rumours the club's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini is being lined up by AC Milan are "unfounded".  Gennaro Gattuso remains under pressure at San Siro despite improved results pushing the Rossoneri into contention for Champions League qualification.  Former Juventus and Italy coach Antonio Conte is among the managers linked with Milan, while Arsene Wenger denied he was set to take over after reports emerged regarding the ex-Arsenal boss.  And after Italian media claimed Gasperini was sounded out about joining Milan for the 2019-20 season, Atalanta said their coach would be staying put.  "There's nothing and these rumours are unfounded," Percassi said in a statement released to ANSA.  "During the international break they need to write something, but at the moment the transfer market is the last thing on our minds."  Atalanta have won four Serie A games in a row and sit eighth in the table, three points behind fifth-placed Milan

Ronaldo was a transfer target for AC Milan in 2017, former managing director Marco Fassone has confirmed.  Ronaldo joined Juventus in July in a deal worth €100million and scored in the Bianconeri's win at San Siro before the international break.  But the Portugal captain could have switched from Real Madrid to Serie A a year earlier, according to Fassone.  Former owner Li Yonghong was keen to bring Ronaldo to Milan but Fassone found a deal for the forward was too expensive after talks with agent Jorge Mendes.  "Mister Li wanted Ronaldo because he believed he had great strength on the Chinese market," Fassone said to Il Sole 24 Ore.  "The player wanted to leave Madrid, and we met in July 2017 with his representative Mendes, to check the costs and the availability of the player.  "Then I persuaded Mr Li to let go of the dream, because Ronaldo was too expensive."  Instead, Ronaldo had another successful season with Madrid, helping the club win the Champions League for the third year in a row.  Ronaldo made a slow start at Juventus but has now scored eight Serie A goals, with only Genoa forward Krzysztof Piatek more prolific this term.

Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar believes the groin injury he suffered in Brazil's friendly with Cameroon is "nothing serious".  Neymar, 26, went off just eight minutes into his nation's 1-0 victory on Tuesday, sparking fears he may be sidelined for PSG's upcoming Champions League visit of Liverpool.  But the superstar forward echoed the thoughts of Brazil's team doctor, insisting the injury was not significant.  "We finished the year happy for the work done so far. These last games were important to recover from the biggest thud that was the World Cup," Neymar wrote on social media.  "We remain strong, concentrated and aiming to be better and better. Congratulations boys, for everything.  "Thanks to everyone who sent me messages wishing a good recovery. I think it was nothing serious."  PSG could be without Neymar for the Ligue 1 clash with Toulouse on Saturday, but will be hoping their talisman is available to face second-placed Liverpool four days later

Antoine Griezmann insists he is not obsessed with winning the Ballon d'Or, even if he is eager to lay his hands on the coveted prize.  Griezmann is among the contenders for the award after helping France win the World Cup, as well as guiding Atletico Madrid to Europa League glory, in 2018.  Speaking after France's 1-0 friendly win over Uruguay on Tuesday, the 27-year-old was clear over his desire to claim the gong.  "I want to win it [Ballon d'Or] too," said Griezmann.  But asked if he felt obsessed, he responded: "No, that is a problem with France.  "People there do not like when you seek something for yourself individually, but I'm proud to be there and hopefully I will win it.  "Of course, there are other people who can win it and they deserve it too, so let's see what happens."  Griezmann scored four goals at the World Cup, while he struck 29 in all competitions for Atletico in 2017-18.  His competition for the Ballon d'Or includes compatriot Kylian Mbappe, while Croatia's Luka Modric is the favourite

Tite applauded his counterpart Clarence Seedorf for Cameroon's style of play in their 1-0 defeat to Brazil on Tuesday.  Richarlison scored the only goal of the game on the stroke of half-time, having replaced the injured Neymar in the eighth minute.  The Paris Saint-Germain star suffered a suspected groin injury, though both he and the team doctor have since suggested it was a minor strain.  Brazil were dominant for much of the match in Milton Keynes and created numerous opportunities, but Tite was still able to appreciate Cameroon, who were playing just their fifth match under Seedorf.  "I even congratulated Seedorf," said Tite. "The game was for those looking for well-played football.  "I'm not talking about what's worse or better [in terms of style of play], but it was a beautiful game of football.  "They came out playing with the goalkeeper, who has the technical capacity to get out of danger with both feet.  "We put pressure on, creating a great deal of opportunities, but we couldn't complete them or turn them into goals. He also brought a creative process. Anyway, it was a good game to watch."  The win brought to an end a mixed 2018 for Brazil, who were dumped out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage.  One aspect of the season that has particularly pleased Tite is the arrival of new players into the fold, though he felt it necessary to apologise to Rafinha and Dede for not bringing them on against Cameroon.  "What I can say is that, first of all, it [2018] was s

Argentina interim coach Lionel Scaloni was delighted for Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi after the pair scored their first international goals.  Goals from Icardi and Dybala helped Argentina to a 2-0 friendly win over Mexico in Mendoza on Tuesday.  It was Icardi's first in eight games, while Dybala struck for his country for the first time in his 18th appearance.  "We have to be happy because two players as important as Icardi and Dybala were unlocked," Scaloni said.  "They will give the fans a lot of joy."  Icardi produced a fine finish in the second minute to open the scoring, while the win was sealed by Dybala on the counter-attack.  Scaloni, who could be given the permanent job, was satisfied with his team's performance.  "It was difficult. We played with a lot of changes. We are happy because they all played, that was the goal," he said.  "I believe that with the changes the team let go more."

Cavani has told the media to stop suggesting he and Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Neymar have an ongoing feud after the two appeared at odds in a recent international meeting.  The Uruguay striker was booked following a clumsy tackle on the Brazil captain in a 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium on Friday, leading to an exchange between the two.  Cavani was incensed by the booking, with replays suggesting contact was minimal, and he subsequently threw the ball at Neymar's leg after helping him up.  The 31-year-old striker then appeared to say something to Neymar as he walked away, before insisting at full-time they are friends.  Cavani was asked again about the situation after Uruguay's 1-0 defeat to France on Tuesday, and he lost his patience.  "You need to stop this," he told L'Equipe. "It's you, the media, that are creating something from nothing.  "On the outside, everybody has his own life. On the inside, everyone works for the best interests of the club."  In Tuesday's outing, another of Cavani's PSG team-mates Kylian Mbappe was forced off with a shoulder injury in the first half.  With PSG in Champions League action against Liverpool on November 28, a bad injury to Mbappe would be a major blow and Cavani has his fingers crossed.  "I don't know, I hope it's not serious," he said. "We will need everyone to carry on."

 Valverde's use of Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has been "crazy" and that could lead to a transfer away from the club in January, according to the player's father Mazinho.  Rafinha spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter after recovering from a serious knee injury and, although he played regularly, the club decided against making the move permanent.  Having returned to Barca in pre-season, the 25-year-old looked set for significant first-team opportunities, particularly given his versatility in midfield and attack.  However, he has featured just four times from a possible 12 LaLiga matches to leave Rafinha's father puzzled and frustrated.  "It's a crazy thing," former Brazil international Mazinho told Sport. "He [Rafinha] doesn't understand anything [about why he is not playing].  "Only the coach knows why he hasn't played, and the truth is that we have to try to get Rafa back to a regular playing situation.  "At Barcelona, he's getting three games in a row then being dropped. The coach has his way of working in his head, but for Rafa, he had a very good pre-season and some spectacular games, so this situation isn't understood.  "We have to look for an exit because it is very complicated here. It's been practically two years, he plays very little and needs a club that will give him 30 or 40 games per season.  "He hasn't had continuity in the game for a long time. We won't rule out a January transfer, and there are interested clubs.  "Barcelona are willi Valverde's use of Barcelona midfielder Rafinha has been "crazy" and that could lead to a transfer away from the club in January, according to the player's father Mazinho.  Rafinha spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter after recovering from a serious knee injury and, although he played regularly, the club decided against making the move permanent.  Having returned to Barca in pre-season, the 25-year-old looked set for significant first-team opportunities, particularly given his versatility in midfield and attack.  However, he has featured just four times from a possible 12 LaLiga matches to leave Rafinha's father puzzled and frustrated.  "It's a crazy thing," former Brazil international Mazinho told Sport. "He [Rafinha] doesn't understand anything [about why he is not playing].  "Only the coach knows why he hasn't played, and the truth is that we have to try to get Rafa back to a regular playing situation.  "At Barcelona, he's getting three games in a row then being dropped. The coach has his way of working in his head, but for Rafa, he had a very good pre-season and some spectacular games, so this situation isn't understood.  "We have to look for an exit because it is very complicated here. It's been practically two years, he plays very little and needs a club that will give him 30 or 40 games per season.  "He hasn't had continuity in the game for a long time. We won't rule out a January transfer, and there are interested clubs.  "Barcelona are willin

The Ballon d'Or award should go to a France player and not favourite Luka Modric, according to Edinson Cavani.  Modric is seen as the frontrunner for the award in what is expected to be the first year since 2007 that either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo will not claim the prize.  The Real Madrid midfielder played a key role in their third successive Champions League triumph and starred as Croatia reached the final of the World Cup, where they were beaten 4-2 by France.  His exploits saw Modric win the FIFA Best Men's Player award, but Paris Saint-Germain and Uruguay striker Cavani believes Madrid defender Raphael Varane, Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and his PSG team-mate Kylian Mbappe are all more deserving of the Ballon d'Or after inspiring Les Bleus to glory in Russia.  "Varane may well be there, Griezmann, Mbappe... I think a Frenchman should win, there are other players who could, but it should be a Frenchman, they have won the World Cup," Cavani told RMC.  "Modric has had a great season, but his team-mate Varane won the Champions League and the World Cup, Modric was a finalist and had a great campaign, but Varane deserves it more."

Martin O'Neill has stepped down in his role as manager of the Republic of Ireland following Nations League relegation.  Ireland appointed O'Neill in November 2013 and he was joined by Roy Keane as assistant, with the former Manchester United captain also losing his job on Wednesday.  Initially the pair made a strong impact and guided Ireland to Euro 2016, where they managed to get through as one of the best third-place finishers in a group containing Sweden, Belgium and Italy, eventually losing out in the last 16 to hosts and eventual finalists France.  But they failed to qualify for the World Cup and then endured a miserable start to life in the Nations League, ultimately getting relegated from Group B4 with just two points from four matches against Wales and Denmark.  The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) president Donal Conway applauded O'Neill and Keane for their contribution.  "On behalf of the FAI Board, I would like to thank Martin, Roy, and the management team for their work with the Republic of Ireland team over the last five years," he said in a statement on the FAI website.  "Martin ensured that we enjoyed some great nights in the Aviva Stadium and on the road in Lille, Vienna, and Cardiff, which were fantastic high points for Irish football."  It was against the Danes that Ireland's World Cup qualification campaign ended embarrassingly in November last year, as they were trounced 5-1 at home in the second leg of the play-offs having previously secured a 0-0