Gianluigi Buffon may be "the best goalkeeper in history", but he has little chance of preventing Cristiano Ronaldo from winning another Ballon d'Or, according to former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos.                                           Ronaldo is the current holder of the coveted individual award and is aiming to win it for the fifth time to pull level with Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

While the Portugal icon remains at the top of the game, there is growing support for Buffon, 39, to be named the world's player of the year for his role in Juventus' journey to Saturday's Champions League final against Madrid and winning another Serie A title.                                                                                                                                                            And while Carlos believes Buffon's place in history is secure, he feels Ronaldo will continue to dominate titles and individual accolades.

"Of course, Buffon is the best goalkeeper in history but for what Cristiano is doing, it’s difficult to take the Ballon d’Or from him. He is the best in the world," Carlos told Goal ahead of the clash in Cardiff which sees the two go head-to-head. 

The 44-year-old, who enjoyed a trophy-laden 11-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu, also expressed hope that Juventus ace Paulo Dybala, who has been linked with a host of top clubs, can make a move to Madrid in the future.  Maybe one day he can wear the t-shirt of the biggest club in the world!" 

Meanwhile, Dani Alves has been key for Massimiliano Allegri's side's run to the Champions League final. Despite having enjoyed a stellar career as a right-back, Carlos feels the former Barcelona man hasn't eclipsed the achievements of Cafu, another great Brazilian full-back.

Arsene Wenger is adamant that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will not be allowed to leave Arsenal in the transfer window.                                                                                                                         The future of the Gunners' star duo remains the subject of intense speculation, with both entering the final year of their contracts at Emirates Stadium.

Sanchez has been heavily linked with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, while Ozil has also been tipped for a potential move away following Arsenal's failure to qualify for the Champions League.

But Wenger, who signed a new two-year contract to stay on as Arsenal manager this week, says neither player will be sold before next season begins.

"This summer, first of all they will stay at the club and hopefully we can extend their contract," Wenger told beIN SPORTS  when asked about Sanchez and Ozil's futures. When pressed on whether they would leave, he replied: "No. You cannot weaken the club and weaken the team. You want to strengthen the team. Unless you find a player of the same calibre and if they absolutely want to leave...                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            "I believe, at the moment, we're not on that front. We're focused on keeping the team together and to see how we can strengthen the team.

"When you sign a contract somewhere, you commit to give your best until the end of the last day of that contract. I would say 'why should they not give their best?'.

"The interest of any player is always to play football and well, even more so at the end of your contact. If you're a winner, you want to win the game you're playing."

AC Milan have agreed terms with Alvaro Morata over a €60 million move and the club's sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli hopes to tie up a deal for the Spain striker with Real Madrid in Cardiff this weekend.     The Spain striker is unhappy at a lack of opportunities at the Santiago Bernabeu and has agreed terms on a return to Italy with the Rossoneri. Mirabelli travelled to Wales on Friday and will attend Saturday's Champions League final clash between Madrid and Juventus at the Millennium Stadium, but the Milan director will also use the trip to negotiate for Morata.

Milan have money to spend this summer following the recent takeover by a Chinese consortium and the Rossoneri have made Morata their top target in the transfer window, with Carlos Bacca set to leave San Siro and the club in the market for a top-class replacement.

Torino forward Andrea Belotti is also interesting Milan, but the Turin-based club are asking for €80 and Morata is their first choice, with wages of around €6.5-7m already agreed with the Spain striker.

                                                                                             

 Now Milan must convince Madrid, with a transfer fee yet to be settled. The Rossoneri are willing to pay €60m for the 24-year-old, although Real are keen to hold out for more and hope to earn closer to €70m for the player they brought back from Juventus last summer.

Madrid originally sold Morata to Juventus in 2014 after the striker appeared as a substitute in the 2014 Champions League final win against Atletico in May of that year. And history seems set to repeat itself as the player now looks likely to move on after another European showpiece in Cardiff this weekend.

Morata is due to marry Italian girlfriend Alice Campello in Venice later in June and she is known to favour a return to her homeland over a move to England, where Chelsea are interested in the Spain striker. Manchester United have also been linked with a move.

Juventus would also be keen to take back Morata, but the Italian champions are unwilling to buy back their former player for at least double the amount they received from Madrid last summer, when the striker returned home for a cut-price €30m.

Cristiano Ronaldo believes David de Gea is a top-class goalkeeper but is unwilling to be drawn on speculation linking him with a move to Real Madrid.                               A report in England this week claimed that Manchester United have rejected a £60million bid for De Gea, who has been linked with the Spanish champions for much of the last year.

Ronaldo, who left United for Madrid in 2009 for what was then a world-record transfer fee in the region of £80m, says it is unsurprising to read rumours surrounding his side's transfer plans.

He did, however, suggest that only "one or two" of Madrid's reported targets will be signed before the start of next season.

"Keylor Navas is Real Madrid's goalkeeper. De Gea is a very good keeper but he is at United," he told La Sexta. "They talk about 50,000 footballers every year and they are always the same. Of the players they talk about, maybe one or two will arrive and that's it."
De Gea made 45 appearances for United in 2016-17 but his future was cast into further doubt when manager Jose Mourinho overlooked him for the Europa League final in favour of Sergio Romero, who had played more regularly in the tournament.                                                                                                                                                                                     Mourinho insisted De Gea had no issues with the decision, however, stating last month that the former Atletico Madrid man "is top of the world and we want to keep top of the world".

Former Juventus defender Gianluca Zambrotta believes the moment has arrived for the Bianconeri and captain Gianluigi Buffon to win the Champions League against Real Madrid on Saturday.                                                         Former Juventus defender Gianluca Zambrotta believes the moment has arrived for the Bianconeri and captain Gianluigi Buffon to win the Champions League against Real Madrid on Saturday.

The two teams go head-to-head in Cardiff as Juve look to complete a treble, after Serie A and Coppa Italia wins, while Madrid aim for consecutive European titles.

Juve last won the competition in 1996, with stalwart Buffon yet to taste Champions League success after final losses to Milan in 2003 and Barcelona in 2015, and Zambrotta believes they are ready to end the drought.                                                                                                                                                                                                             "Buffon has a big chance - he will give everything, him and his team-mates, to use his experience to help the team," he told Sky Sports. 
"Juventus arrive prepared. They have a big chance to win this trophy, but it will be a very close game.                                             

Ander Herrera has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester United amid talk of interest from Barcelona.    Former Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde was appointed Barca boss this week and, having worked with Herrera before, he has been linked with a move for the United midfielder. 

But Herrera - who made 50 appearances in all competitions in 2016-17 as United won the Community Shield, the League Cup and the Europa League - is happy at Old Trafford, insisting he still strives to pay the club back for signing him.

"I'm very thankful with Manchester United because they came to Spain to sign me three years ago," the Spain international told Sky Sports.

"The only thing I have in my mind every time I'm on the pitch is that I want to give all the affection back.                                                                                                                                              "I think that's the right way. I try to go to the pitch and to finish the game and I cannot complain to myself. I can say I have given everything. I don't want to stop - I am very optimistic and a hard-working player.

"I want to keep playing, keep working hard, keep improving, not only personally but also with the club and the team; I want to keep improving to continue winning things

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he will go down in history at Real Madrid but says he does not consider himself to be "a galactico".                                                                           The Portugal ace has scored 40 goals in all competitions to help Madrid to a second Champions League final in a row and claim their first La Liga title since 2012.

Ronaldo netted the winning penalty in the shoot-out when Madrid won the Champions League against Atletico Madrid last season and scored from the spot when they beat their city rivals in the 2014 showpiece.

However, he says he has not considered any specific preparation for Saturday's match in Cardiff, when he will attempt to find a way past the imperious Juventus defence and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

"I'm not a typical player who likes to look at videos because I think that things come naturally. Obviously it's important to know one or two points but not to obsess," he said.

"For example, in penalties, thinking about which side you shoot more towards: when you're there, a lot of things go through your head and it's one moment to decide. It's instinct. And that's why I don't really like to plan what I'm going to do.

"A penalty in the final? It's not fear. I like to take risks. It's a calculated risk, not life or death. I can score or miss.

"But I'm not going to miss. You have to think positively. That's the difference between good players, very good players and galacticos.

"I don't consider myself a galactico. But I consider myself a player who has created history in Manchester, Madrid and with the national team."                                                                                                                                                                            25 - Cristiano Ronaldo has become the second player to score 25+ goals in eight La Liga seasons in a row, after Lionel Messi. Monster. Ronaldo also insists he will never be an out-and-out striker and admits that he prefers playing in a 4-4-2 system.
The 32-year-old has developed into more of a centre-forward during Zinedine Zidane's time in charge at Santiago Bernabeu and has often been partnered in attack with Karim Benzema this season.                    

Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus are a different beast to the one who stumbled in the Champions League final two years ago and he will accept nothing but victory against Real Madrid on Saturday.                                                                                                                    Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus are a different beast to the one who stumbled in the Champions League final two years ago and he will accept nothing but victory against Real Madrid on Saturday.

As they will be in Cardiff, Juve sought a treble when they faced Barcelona in Berlin, but they were left dented by a 3-1 defeat.

Allegri freely admits that his side then had not reached the final out of expectation, but he says - with a sixth straight Serie A title and the Coppa Italia in the bag - that this year feels much different.

He told a news conference: "In 2015 we got to the final but at the same time we were not strongly motivated, we were not confident enough because we had lots of years of struggle in the Champions League.

"We certainly didn't end up in the final by chance but we didn't expect to win. "This year is different. Last year, we had a good season in the Champions League, lost to Bayern Munich [in the round of 16] just one minute before the end of the game and we have been growing gradually.

"Now it's completely different, Juventus has improved a lot."

Dominant domestically once again, Allegri hopes Juventus can draw strength from pummelling their league.

"All I can say is we worked for a year and all the trophies and wins we've had this year have been training for tomorrow," he said.

"Tomorrow we have to win. It's a final, it's one game. 

"So like all one-game finals, you have to play in a certain way. You have to analyse when you need to attack and when you need to defend.

The club icon came off the bench to help Roma record a dramatic 3-2 home win against Genoa in the last game of the Serie A season, securing second spot and automatic Champions League qualification at Napoli's expense                Francesco Totti suggested he could postpone his retirement and carry on playing after hinting at "a new adventure" during an emotional farewell following his final Roma appearance. Totti was expected to take up a non-playing role at Roma after it was confirmed he would not sign a new deal, but in an poignant speech at Stadio Olimpico he implied he might have changed his mind.

"I like to think of my career as a fairytale to tell - and this is the worst part," Totti said. "Now it really is over. 

"I take off my shirt for the last time. I will fold it nicely, even if I have to admit I'm not ready to say it's over and maybe I never will be.

"Sorry if during this period I didn't give interviews or clarified my thoughts, but it's not easy to switch that light off. Now I am afraid. It's not the same fear you have in front of the goal when you need to score a penalty. This time I cannot see through the holes in the net what lies beyond.                                                                                                                                       "So allow me to be a little afraid. This time I am the one who needs you and your warmth. What you've always shown me. With your affection, I will certainly be able to turn the page and throw myself into a new adventure."                                                                                                    

Jose Mourinho is ruling at Manchester United in a similar manner to legendary predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson, says Ruud Gullit.                                                                        The Portuguese inherited the reins at Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 with the remit of lighting a fire under an underperforming squad.

He has delivered in his first season at the helm, with Mourinho making history along the way.

An EFL Cup triumph in February saw him become the first United manager to deliver a major trophy in his debut campaign, with even Ferguson unable to match that achievement.

He also lifted the Community Shield and Europa League, while his dealings with senior stars such as Wayne Rooney – who has been phased out of the starting XI – have shown that he is not afraid to make big decisions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            There are likely to be plenty of other comings and goings at Old Trafford as Mourinho seeks to freshen up his squad and push United into Premier League title contention next season.       

Mesut Ozil has offered a cheeky response to the so-called experts who wrote Arsenal off in their FA Cup final clash with Chelsea.                                                                   Mesut Ozil has offered a cheeky response to the so-called experts who wrote Arsenal off in their FA Cup final clash with Chelsea.

With the Premier League title already in the bag, the Blues headed to Wembley Stadium on Saturday as strong favourites to complete a domestic double.

They were, however, to put in a disjointed display which saw them finish with 10 men and on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline.

Ozil has delighted in proving the Gunners’ doubters wrong, with the Germany international quick to remind those who expected little of Arsene Wenger’s side of how wrong they were.                                                                                                                               Arsenal were brighter throughout against Chelsea as they helped to banish the memories of a disappointing Premier League campaign.

Having missed out on Champions League qualification by finishing fifth, the Gunners were determined to salvage something from 2016-17.

Alexis Sanchez edged them in front early on, before Aaron Ramsey offered a quick-fire response to Diego Costa’s leveller in the second half.

Ozil has now tasted three FA Cup triumphs during his time in north London, with focus shifting back to the contract extension talks that have sparked plenty of transfer speculation this season.                                                                 

The Real Madrid star is to be a father again following the attacker's publication of a romantic photo on Instagram     Dolores Santos has denied rumours that son Cristiano Ronaldo is due to become a father again, calling the claims "nonsense".

Ronaldo posted a loved-up photograph of himself and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez on Instagram earlier this week, with the Real Madrid star's hand placement leading many to jump to conclusions.

In the photo, which Ronaldo had captioned with a simple heart emoji, the four-time Ballon d'Or winner had his hand on Georgina's belly, causing people to question as to whether the model was pregnant. "I hope he has more children, he wants to be a father again, now that Cristiano has money, he can raise more children as well."

Ronaldo will be back in action on Saturday, June 3 as Real Madrid take on Juventus in the 2016-17 Champions League final in Cardiff.                                                                                                                       

Bernardo Silva has signed for Manchester City on a five-year deal, the club have confirmed                                        Bernardo Silva has signed for Manchester City on a five-year deal, the club have confirmed.

City will pay Monaco £43 million up front for the Portugal playmaker, though reports in France indicate add-ons and other bonuses will increase the total figure

Silva completed a medical at City's Etihad Campus training ground on Friday and has put pen to paper on a long-term contract. City are also thought to be close to sign Kyle Walker from Tottenham, and there is firm interest in bringing in left-back Benjamin Mendy from Monaco. The Blues have kicked off their summer in style, and have announced Silva's arrival little over 24 hours after confirming that Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Bacary Sagna and Willy Caballero will leave the club on free transfers this summer. 

"Manchester City are delighted to confirm Bernardo Silva will join the Club from Monaco on July 1," City announced in a statement.

"The Portuguese playmaker will arrive at the Etihad having just helped the French side to the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League semi-finals."

Silva in turn admitted that the prospect of working alongside Pep Guardiola was a big factor in his decision. 

“It feels great. To be honest I’m now at one of the best teams in the world. To be part of this club and to have this opportunity is great," he said.

                                                                                       "I’m very happy to be part of Manchester City’s team and I look forward to trying to do my best to help the team reach their goals.

“If not the best coach in the world, he is one of the best.
"Of course when you have the opportunity of being trained by Guardiola, you don’t say no.
"As we all know, what he did in Barcelona and Bayern Munich was amazing and we expect also here that he will win titles. It’s great to be working with him and to have this opportunity.”

It was also announced on Friday that Pablo Zabaleta will join West Ham on a two-year deal when he officially leaves City in July.

    

Antonio Conte "does not understand" why referee Anthony Taylor did not disallow Alexis Sanchez's opening goal in Chelsea's 2-1 FA Cup final defeat to Arsenal.                                                                                      This decision seemed correct, as Ramsey did not appear to have interfered with play. However, Sanchez did seem to handle the ball when charging down N'Golo Kante's clearance.

And while Conte acknowledged that Chelsea's sluggish start ultimately proved costly - though he does not believe this is due to his side's celebrations following their Premier League triumph - the Italian was left frustrated by the decision to allow Sanchez's strike to stand.

"I think, our start for sure wasn't good enough. Arsenal started the game better than us," he said.

"Honestly I think the goal after three minutes, in this way, I think this goal [should have been] disallowed. There is a handball.

"For sure there is a clear hand ball. It's very clear and I don't understand why the referee didn't decide to whistle this situation.

"But it can happen. The players make a mistake, the referee makes a mistake. But at the end of the season I saw a lot of these mistakes against us.

"Handballs against Manchester United and Bournemouth and then they scored this was the same but we were unlucky.

"My players put all of themselves into the game. Our start wasn't good, the impact and the approach weren't good and Arsenal pushed a lot.

Despite Victor Moses' dismissal for simulation, Diego Costa's effort seemed destined to set up a grandstand finish, only for Ramsey's winner to stun Chelsea immediately from the kick-off.

Moses' sending off proved another key moment for Conte, but the former Juventus boss was mostly frustrated by his side's failure to maintain parity for a measly 38 seconds.                                                                                                                                           "In the second half we started very well and we created the chances to equalise. The second yellow card for Moses was for sure one of the two key moments," Conte added.

"I saw a contact with Moses and the defenders but I don't know if there is a contact for the penalty or not. 

"Despite these situations we were able to equalise but then we conceded the second goal after 30 seconds. I think it was the key moment for our loss.

"It was very difficult. We created another chance with Diego and [David] Ospina made a fantastic save.

"To play with 10 men and you are able to equalise and then to concede - it was the key moment for our loss."                

Arsene Wenger fumbled in his pocket and pulled out his FA Cup winner’s medal for the assembled media to inspect. “For once I have keep my medal so it is a special night for me.                                                                 The Arsenal manager is in the habit of giving his winner’s medals to members of staff who don’t make it to the podium or get one of their own. Not this time. Having watched his players deliver a performance which restored their manager’s dignity, Wenger made a point of demonstrating how much this one – above the other six he has – meant to him.

On the pitch, he had lifted the cup three times over his head, giving the Arsenal fans the opportunity to commend him on a record-breaking victory. When the champagne was flowing though and the selfies being snapped, Wenger was far away; up towards the halfway line as the players converged on the Arsenal end. The Frenchman stood apart; observing rather than taking part in the end-of-season celebrations.

Up in the posh seats in his pin-striped suit sat Arsenal’s majority shareholder Stan Kroenke. He will have been satisfied with the title but bigger business awaits. Kroenke is due to meet with Wenger on Arsenal territory on Tuesday with the not-so-inconsiderable matter of the manager’s future on the line. Would his seventh FA Cup title factor in discussions over his future?

“It would be a bit ridiculous that 20 years depends on one game and that the future of the club depends on one game,” he said. “We will know more next week.”                                                                                                                                         “This season has been hurt by a blip in March and as well I am convinced now, looking back at this season, by the uncertainty about my future with the players,” Wenger said.
It was widely assumed that it would be Wenger’s decision to make when it came time to call it quits. The way he spoke on Saturday, though, unfolded the possibility that it was the board who would make the call. It is apparent that Wenger wants to stay but he admits that the power is no longer in his hands.