RONALDO TARGETS MORE SILVERWARE IN SECOND JUVENTUS SEASON

Cristiano Ronaldo will do everything in his power to ensure next season is one to remember for Juventus after a mixed first campaign in Turin following his move from Real Madrid.

The Portuguese forward won the Serie A title in 2018-19 and was named the division's Most Valuable Player after scoring 21 times and setting up a further eight goals for his team-mates.

But he could not inspire his side to glory in the Champions League as Juve exited the competition at the hands of Ajax in the quarter-finals – although his hat-trick knocked out Atletico Madrid a round earlier - while Juve also crashed out of the Coppa Italia to Atalanta at the same stage.

Ronaldo, enjoying an extended break at home in Madeira before heading back to Juventus for pre-season training, has now set his sights on adding more silverware to his collection following Portugal's collection of the inaugural Nations League crown.

"I am proud to be here [in Madeira], to see my family. I will stop here for the next two days," he told O Jogo.

"I am always ready for a great season. The goal is to always give the maximum to try to win trophies."

Juventus, now coached by ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri, take on Tottenham in their first pre-season friendly on July 21.

CONMEBOL HITS BACK AT MESSI STATEMENT

CONMEBOL responded to allegations of corruption as they labelled Lionel Messi's comments "unacceptable" and "unfounded" at the Copa America.

Argentina defeated Chile 2-1 in the third-place play-off on Saturday, but Messi railed against "corruption" and "a lack of respect" following his red card against the two-time reigning champions.

Messi – who was controversially dismissed in the first half after an altercation with Gary Medel – vented his frustration post-match, having criticised the officiating following Argentina's semi-final loss to hosts Brazil.

The Argentina captain's allegations angered the South American football governing body, which hit back in a statement.

"In football sometimes you win and sometimes you lose and accepting the outcome of a match with loyalty and respect is a fundamental pillar of fair play. Same goes to the refereeing decisions, that are human and will never be perfect," the statement read.

"It's unacceptable that because of incidents proper to the competitions, where 12 Nations competed in, all in equal condition, there have been unfounded accusations that misrepresent the truth and put to judgement the integrity of Copa America.

"Said accusations represent a lack of respect for the competition, all the football players involved and the hundreds of professionals of CONMEBOL, institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to transparent, professionalize and develop South American football."

Messi was dismissed when Chile's Medel reacted angrily to a challenge and repeatedly bumped into the Barcelona star with his chest.

Neither Medel nor Messi raised their hands and the Chile man was the clear aggressor in the incident as both players saw red.

There was a VAR check but referee Mario Diaz de Vivar did not look back at the footage on the pitch-side monitor.

When asked why he was not on the pitch for the medal ceremony, Messi told reporters: "Because we don't have to be part of this corruption, this lack of respect towards the whole Copa."

Messi added: "I always tell the truth. That leaves me calm. Then, if what I say has repercussions, it is not to do with me as I am always sincere."

COPA AMERICA OFFICIAL STARTING XI VENEZUELA VS ARGENTINA

Copa America 2019, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world will be making its debut on ESPN+ this year. You’ll be able to follow your teams from the group stage all the way through the final. Some of the world’s best players will be playing in Copa so you don’t want to miss the action.

Venezuela looks for an upset in tonight’s match at the Estádio do Maracanã in Rio against Argentina, who hasn’t played well as of late, catch all the action with our live stream below.

Copa America: Venezuela vs Argentina

• Date: Friday, June 28
• Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
• Location: Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro
• TV Channel: Telemundo
• Live Stream: ESPN+ (sign up now)

Venezuela comes into this match with some confidence after the way they have been playing as of late. With a solid display against Bolivia, they finished second behind Brazil in Group A. Argentina overcame an incredible amount of pressure to win their last game versus Qatar, but they haven’t been playing very well in this Copa America tournament.

Venezuela Probable Lineup (4-5-1): Farinez; Hernandez, Chancellor, Villanueva, Rosales; Savarino, Herrera, Moreno, Rincon, Machis; Rondon

Argentina is still looking for ways to get Messi involved, this has been an ongoing process. Last game they had a 1-0 lead against Qatar and it took until the 82nd minute of the game to put the game to bed. Lionel Scaloni may change up the lineup to get the best out of Lionel Messi.

Argentina Probable Lineup (4-3-1-2): Armani; Foyth, Pezzella, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Lo Celso, Paredes, Acuna; Messi; Aguero, Martinez

TOTAL AFCON 2019 OFFICIAL STARTING XI MALI VS MAURITANIA

Mali created several negative pre-tournament headlines with FIFA threatening to ban the country from the Cup of Nations over squabbling among officials.

Mohamed Magassouba then took four days longer than any of the other 23 coaches to name his squad, without offering an explanation.

Such chaotic build-ups can build team unity or destroy it as Mali seek to regain a reputation for punching well above their weight in the African showpiece.

We have to do better than in the last two tournaments,” stressed defender Hamari Traore, referring to first round exits in 2015 and 2017 without winning even one match.

Long-time pushovers Mauritania have improved steadily under French coach Corentin Martins, whose aim in Egypt is simply to “be competitive and achieve some victories”. 

Afcon live scores: Mali vs Mauritania

Our live updates will appear below. They might take a little while to load on slower connections. Please be patient, we apologise for any inconvenience.

TOTAL AFCON 2019 OFFICIAL STARTING XI ANGOLA VS TUNISIA

There’s not much of a rivalry to speak of between these two teams. They’re meeting in the Africa Cup of Nations for only the second time.

Over a decade ago, a goalless draw Ghana ensured both of quarter-finals places.

It will be a record-extending 14th straight appearance at the tournament by the Tunisians, who failed to go beyond the group stage only four times.

“Our first target is the quarter-finals and after that we shall see,” says cautious Tunisia coach and 19080s France star Alain Giresse.

“Tunisia have been serious contenders in many Cup of Nations and my dream is take them back to the top,” he said

Angola are a workmanlike side whose star is a wide attacker from Egyptian giants Al Ahly nicknamed Geraldo – real name Hermenegildo da Costa Paulo Bartolomeu.

Tunisia vs Angola: Prediction, head-to-head and TV stream

Prediction

Win probability favours Tunisia, but not that dramatically. They’re given a 56% chance of winning with the draw at 27%. A win for Angola is the least likely result.

Head-to-head

Angola have never beaten Tunisia in their six previous meetings. The Eagles of Carthage have won three and drawn three.

Angola didn’t have the best preparation for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. They played just one friendly –  against Guinea-Bissau, which they won 2-0. Tunisia, meanwhile, are ranked the second-best side on the continent and come into the match having won three games on the bounce.

Where and what time to watch

Kick off is at 19:00 (SAST).

In Africa, SuperSport 4 and 10 will broadcast the match and the opening ceremony.

AFRICA NATIONS CUP OFFICIAL STARTING XI NIGERIA VS BURUNDI

The Super Eagles are searching for a fast start against AFCON debutants Burundi tonight but failed to score in their previous two warm-up matches before the tournament.

A goalless draw at home to Zimbabwe was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in Egypt, meaning the pressure is on Arsenal ace Alex Iwobi and his team-mates to start firing.

The 23-year-old is expected to be deployed in a central role behind the former Premier League pair of Odion Ighalo and Ahmed Musa, completing one of the most potent attacking forces in the competition.

And this is even without Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who was cut from the final squad by manager Gernot Rohr.

Nigeria are expected to line up in a traditional 4-3-3 formation, with Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and captain John Obi Mikel anchoring the midfield.

The former Chelsea midfielder is expected to come into the side despite missing the entire qualification campaign, with his experience likely to prove invaluable over the next few weeks.

Kenneth Omeruo could be given the nod at full-back, with the Leganes defender just one of three remaining players from the 2013 AFCON victory – along with Mikel and Musa.

The rest of the back four should be made up of William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Jamilu Collins, although Ola Aina will hope to feature after his recall to the squad.

In goal, Francis Uzoho faces competition from Daniel Akpeyi after the latter impressed in the warm-up matches.

Rohr has no injury issues to contend with before the competition and will expect a positive result against a side ranked 89 places below Nigeria in the FIFA rankings.

The Super Eagles will also face Guinea and another AFCON debutant Madagascar in Group B.

Progressing to the knockout stages is a minimum expectation, although overall victory will be a tall order with the likes of Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana and hosts Egypt all heavily fancied.

AFRICAN NATIONS CUP OFFICIAL STARTING XI DR CONGO VS UGANDA

DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu embraces raised expectations as they begin the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations against Uganda

 

DR Congo captain Youssouf Mulumbu is refusing to temper pre-Africa Cup of Nations expectations ahead of their opener against Uganda on Saturday, convinced a run to the final should be the target.

The Leopards initially impressed during the 2017 edition in Gabon, as they topped a group that contained Togo, Morocco and Ivory Coast.

However, they came unstuck in the first knockout round against Ghana.

Although they lost once in AFCON qualifying this time around, DR Congo only just did enough to finish second in the group, winning one game. They also drew with Burkina Faso and Kenya in pre-tournament friendlies.

Nothing about that form screams 'favourites', yet DR Congo head to Egypt full of self-belief and skipper Mulumbu is convinced they are entirely capable of reaching the final.

"DR Congo's past in this competition has been very good," he told reporters. "I think we've made a few mistakes, but we're making sure it doesn't happen again.

"If we correct the little things we lacked, we can go to the final or we can win. I'm very confident because we went through so much during the qualifiers and it was a good thing for us because it made us stronger."

Their first Group A opponents, Uganda, had a far more straightforward route through the qualifiers, winning four of their six games to finish five points clear of Tanzania.

Uganda will be competing in successive AFCON tournaments for the first time since the 1970s, though they are rank outsiders in a group that also contains hosts Egypt and Zimbabwe, who finished top of DR Congo's qualification section.

With the Cranes needing to defy the odds, coach Sebastien Desabre thinks they must start with a win if they are to have any hope of progression.

"The most vital game for us is the game with DR Congo," Desabre said. "Our first game can determine our fate. We must win the DR Congo game so that we play the rest with less pressure.

"Our ambitions are so high, and to win you have to take some risks. I have told my boys to play with confidence and take some risks while attacking.

"To win you must score, which comes with taking risks."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

🇨🇩 DR Congo – Cedric Bakambu

The team's top scorer in qualifying, Bakambu is surely one of the favourites to top the scoring charts in Egypt. Powerful, quick, technically gifted and a solid finisher – as evidenced by his 23 Chinese Super League goals in 27 games for Beijing Guoan – Bakambu is a fine all-rounded forward and he will fancy his chances against Uganda.

🇺🇬 Uganda – Denis Onyango

Regarded as one of the best African goalkeepers, if Uganda are to stand a chance against the likes of Bakambu – and Mohamed Salah later in the group phase – they will need Onyango to prove why he is so highly rated.

 

KEY OPTA FACTS

- This is the first encounter between DR Congo and Uganda in the Africa Cup of Nations.
- This is DR Congo's 19th AFCON participation. They have won the tournament twice (1968 as Congo-Kinshasa, 1974 as Zaire) but haven't reached the final since 1974, when the tournament was played in Egypt.
- DR Congo are unbeaten in their last nine group games at AFCON, although seven of those have been draws (W2).
- Uganda have lost 14 of their 19 games at AFCON (W3 D2). Their three wins all came in the 1978 edition when they reached the final against Ghana (0-2).
- Uganda have kept only one clean sheet in their 19 AFCON games. It was in a 3-0 win against Morocco in March 1978.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS EGYPT VS ZIMBABWE OFFICIAL STARTING XI

Hosts Egypt will face a Zimbabwe side, which is picked with talent from Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, in the opening game of the 2019 Afcon – here is how both teams line up.

Click through the gallery above to see Zimbabwe's line-up!

2019 Africa Cup of Nations

Teams: Egypt vs Zimbabwe

Date: 21 June 2019

Venue: Cairo International Stadium

Kick-Off: 22:00

The 2019 tournament kicks off with a cracker, and many expect the Warriors to put up a good fight against the tournament hosts.

Egypt have won the competition thrice as hosts, lifting the coveted trophy in 1959, 1986 and 2006 at home. The only exception came in 1974, when they finished in third spot.

The contrasts between the Pharaohs and Zimbabwe could not be bigger as Egypt are also the record champions, having won Africa's biggest showpiece seven times overall.

Meanwhile, Sunday Chidzambwe's men have qualified for only their fourth Afcon, and have never made it out of the group stage thus far.

Zim's preparations were overshadowed by a reported bonus payment row, although the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has denied reports the squad threatened to boycott the opening match.

Egypt are unbeaten at home in 21 successive games, with their last defeat on home soil dating back to January 2016. They will hope the country's superstar Mohamed Salah shines once again – the Liverpool winger was Egypt's top goalscorer in the their qualification campaign with four strikes.

On Zimbabwe's side, former Chiefs forward Knowledge Musona netted five goals during the qualifiers, with the Anderlecht striker and Khama Billiat being the standout names in a squad that features 14 PSL players.

The two teams have met four times previously, with the Pharaohs winning all previous contests, including their only clash in Afcon history at the 2004 tournament.

Here is how both teams line up:

Egypt: El-Shennawy; Mansour, Hegazi, Alaa, Elmohamady; Hamed, Elneny, El-Said, Salah, Trezeguet; Marwan.

Zimbabwe: Sibanda, Darikwa, Lunga, Mudimu, Hadebe, Munetsi, Nakamba, Karuru, Musona, Billiat, Mushekwi

EXPLAINING ALL LEO MESSI TATTOOS AND THEIR MEANINGS

• The incredible player on the pitch, the Barca cap has taken interest in tattoo-work over the years. 
• The family has been Messi's key theme through his artwork. 

Left leg:

The bottom half of it is mostly black ink as Messi has covered up earlier tattoos, a sword, angel wings and a red rose.

The only tattoos that can be found there now are a picture of his son Thiago's hands together with the first-born child's name on his calf. Aside from that, he has the number 10 and a football on his shin.

Right leg:

Names and birth-dates of all three of his sons: Thiago, Mateo and Ciro.

Right sleeve:

Depiction of Jesus Christ in a crown of thorns that represents his religious believes. 

Inside of his bicep:

An eye and a small crown. 

Elbow:

A rose window, presumably based on Santa Maria del Pi church in Barcelona

Arm:

A budding red rose, a pink lotus and orange flowers

Forearm:

A classic pocket watch and timepiece cogs 

Left shoulder blade:

the face of his mother, Celia. 

Left hip:

Antonella Roccuzzo's lips coloured red - a dedication to his wife

BAYERN LOOKING FORWARD TO SIGNING SANE

Bayern Munich's German players are "very much looking forward" to Leroy Sane joining the club, according to striker Robert Lewandowski.

The Manchester City winger has been linked with a move to the Bundesliga champions following the departure of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, and Lewandowski added more weight to the rumours during a close-season tour of China.

Sane started just 21 Premier League games for City in 2018-19, six fewer than in the previous campaign, but the 23-year-old is nevertheless valued far higher than the £45million City paid Schalke for him in August 2016.

Asked about Robben and Ribery, Lewandowski told reporters: "They are legends, and of course their departure is sad.

"But Bayern will also sign more and better replacements. I believe that the winger Bayern sign in the future will be as good as Robben and Ribery.

"Bayern's German players are now very much looking forward to Sane's signing, but we have to wait and see what is going on."

Bayern coach Niko Kovac has begun the process of making space in his squad, with South Korean midfielder Jeong Woo-yeong moving to Freiburg for an undisclosed fee.

COPA AMERICA:- OFFICIAL STARTING XI JAPAN VS CHILE

Japan returns to the Copa America after 20 years and begins their second tournament appearance against Group C opponents Chile at the Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The relative newcomers to South America’s greatest international competition will meet up against a much more experienced outfit in Chile.

Copa América: Japan vs Chile 

• Date: Monday, June 17
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• TV Channel: Telemundo
• Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

La Roja is the two-time defending champions after winning back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016, and the 2019 Copa will continue their tradition of having appeared in all 17 tournaments since 1975. Reinaldo Ruelda has brought a seasoned lineup into this summer’s contest. Fourteen of the 23 players on Chile’s squad are 28 or older, and even their youngest player, 22-year-old goalkeeper Yerko Urra, is older than most of his counterparts on other teams. 

In comparison, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has 16 uncapped players on his 23-man list. Of those, 18 players are 22 or younger—11 have yet to hit 21. Takefusa Kubo, 18, is the youngest player competing in the 2019 Copa America. The logic is that Japan will have some of their younger players compete against top-tier talent in the hopes it will put them in a better position for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (an under-23 competition).

The Samurai Blue have lost only twice in their last 16 games and are currently unbeaten in three matches, but it will be a new test for such an inexperienced squad to make it out of Group C. The team is still seeking its first Copa America victory after drawing once and losing twice in their maiden appearance in 1999. Chile hopes its physicality and wisdom will set them on a path to becoming the first team to win three successive Copa America trophies since Argentina in 1945-47.

Starting XI Japan

Starting XI Chile 

ARGENTINA VS COLUMBIA: MESSI BEGINS LATEST QUEST FOR INTERNATIONAL SILVERWARE

Lionel Messi's hopes of matching Cristiano Ronaldo's feat of winning major silverware with his country will be put to the test again when Argentina kick-off their Copa America campaign against Colombia.

La Albiceleste have been runners-up at four of the last five editions of the tournament and Messi temporarily stood down from international duty after their penalty shoot-out loss to Chile in 2016.

But the Barcelona star – who has seen rival Ronaldo claim two titles with Portugal at the European Champonship and Nations League – is back once again to lead the line at the CONMEBOL event for Lionel Scaloni's side, who are also set to face Paraguay and Qatar in Group B.

First up is a clash against Colombia in Salvador, with Argentina – who also boast the likes of Sergio Aguero and Paulo Dybala – unbeaten against Saturday's opponents since 2007.

That is not a record Radamel Falcao is unduly concerned by, as Colombia's all-time top scorer prepares for what could be his final Copa America.

"I'm treating it as if that were the case," he said of his potential farewell to the tournament. "It's a good way to try to get the best out of myself.

"We are aware that we haven't won against [Argentina] in a long time, but we have to keep fighting. I think we're closer.

"We must be attentive to the finer details, stay focused and play the way that we have been training.

"In these types of matches the little things can make a big difference."

Colombia coach Carlos Queiroz will be seeking to secure the nation's first title at the competition since they were hosts in 2001.

The former Real Madrid boss has overseen three wins from four matches in charge, including a 3-0 victory over Peru in their final warm-up game.

Argentina were even more convincing winners as they closed out their preparations with a 5-1 thrashing of Nicaragua, Messi scoring two first-half goals before being withdrawn at the break.

The two nations last met in a friendly last September that ended goalless, marking the fifth match in a row in which Colombia had drawn a blank against Argentina.

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Argentina – Lionel Messi

He may be the obvious choice, but Messi is the man who has carried the hopes of a nation for an international career that has thus far yielded preciously little joy.

Previous Copa America failings have hit the diminutive forward hard and, at a tournament during which he will turn 32, the pressure is on for Messi to star in a trophy-winning campaign.

Colombia – Duvan Zapata

After enjoying a prolific campaign on loan with Atalanta, scoring 23 Serie A goals, Zapata may have forced himself into starting contention.

He came off the bench to score his first international goal in the win over Peru, but the man he replaced – Falcao ​– is likely to be preferred this weekend.

KEY OPTA FACTS 

- Argentina are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Colombia in all competitions (W4 D4) – their longest unbeaten run against them.

- These two nations have met 13 times in the Copa America, with seven wins for Argentina and two for Colombia.

- Argentina have won the most games (119) and have the highest goal difference (+282) in Copa America history.

- In four of the last five Copa America tournaments Argentina have finished as runners-up, with each of the last two coming in penalty shoot-out defeats in the final (versus Chile in 2015 and 2016).

- Colombia finished third in 2016; they were defeated 2-0 by eventual champions Chile in the semi-finals and went on to beat hosts USA 1-0 in the 3rd place play-off thanks to a Carlos Bacca winner.

- Argentina have progressed from the Copa America group stage in each of their last 12 appearances.

OFFICIAL STARTING XI BARCELONA VS VALENCIA

The 2018-19 Copa del Rey concludes on Saturday with the big final featuring Lionel Messi and Barcelona against Valencia from the Benito Villamarin in Seville, Spain. Barcelona enters as the Spanish cup final as the favorite but will be without injured star striker Luis Suarez, while Valencia enters with some serious momentum after securing Champions League qualification on the last day of La Liga play after finishing fourth. 

Storylines

Barcelona: No Suarez, no Nelson Semedo on Saturday for the back-to-back-to-back-to-back Copa del Rey champs. Barca will be short-handed here but that doesn't impact them still being the favorite as they go for five cup titles in a row. The big question is whether Philippe Coutinho will play in this one as the Brazilian has battled a hamstring injury. He returned to training on Thursday and may just be fit enough to play.

Valencia: Los Che are an interesting story after winning just one of their first 11 league games. The team battling back from sitting around 15th place for part of the season to finish fourth with three straight wins to end the league season. While that will give them some momentum, so will having played Barca twice this season and drawing both. 

Prediction

Messi scores the winner as Barcelona edges Valencia for the trophy.

Ernesto Valverde names the strongest squad possible to face Valencia in the Copa del Rey final.

Starting XI: Cillessen; Semedo, Pique, Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Arthur; Sergi Roberto, Messi, Coutinho.

Bench: Inaki Pena, Umtiti, Vermaelen, Alena, Vidal, Carles Perez, Malcom.

AGI: GUARDIOLA AGREES TO JOIN JUVENTUS

• Pep has allegedly agreed contract terms with Juventus.
• Juventus will sign a four-year agreement with the Catalan specialist on June 4th.
• Renowned Mundo Deportvo journalist Francesc Aguilar has backed these reports.

Former Barca coach Pep Guardiola might be joining perennial Italian champions, Juventus. At least, this is what AGI, Italian Journalism Agency, is reporting.

According to the source, Juventus have reached a four-year agreement with the Catalan specialist to be signed on June 4th. Guardiola will be officially presented on June 14th and will have a 24 million a year salary at the Allianz Stadium.

Interestingly, renowned Mundo Deportvo journalist Francesc Aguilar has backed these reports via his Twitter account. Aguilar said: "The same person who told me that Pep Guardiola had reached an agreement with Manchester City [months before it was public] tells me now that he's on his way to Juventus."

Last week Guardiola has personally ruled out the transfer, however: "How many times do I have to say? I'm not going to go to Juventus, I'm not going to move to Italy. I'm satisfied here, I'm not going anywhere. Next season I will be the manager of Man City, I said many times."

As of now, Pep Guardiola is doing great in the Premier League even though he is yet to win the Champions League since his Barcelona departure. Nevertheless, he keeps winning the domestic titles in England. He has now become the first-ever manager of men's football team in the Premier League to snatch a domestic Treble.

Last week, Manchester City claimed the Premier League crown as they edged over Liverpoolthanks to the finest margin ever: only ONE point separated the sides. This Saturday, they secured the FA Cup victory in the incredible fashion: they beat Watford 6-0 thanks to Raheem Sterling's hattrick. Earlier this season, the Citizens have also defeated Chelsea on penalties in the League Cup final.

What are your thoughts on Pep potentially joining Juventus? 

STERLING WANTS TO DISCUSS TACKLING RACISM WITH FA AND PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City star Raheem Sterling wants to hold talks with the Football Association (FA) and Premier League about tackling racism.

England forward Sterling has this season been vocal on the issue since suffering alleged racist abuse from Chelsea fans during a 2-0 loss in December, criticising the media's coverage of black players and speaking out in support of other footballers that have been targeted.

The 24-year-old in April backed an anti-racism manifesto that included demands for harsher punishments and greater representation of black, Asian and minority ethnic people at a governance level throughout football.

Sterling, who, along with Danny Rose and Callum Hudson-Odoi, was also subjected to racist chanting during a Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro in March, hopes to have an opportunity to have a dialogue with English football's governing bodies during the close season.

"With football you can get caught up in training every day and games every two to three days so you don't really have a lot of time to be out speaking to people," said Sterling at the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything Festival.

"But in my off-time, holidays if I can get to speak to the FA and people in the Premier League and see how we can look about doing things better in the future for sure I will be there in person to try and do that."

Sterling reiterated his desire to see a nine-point deduction handed to clubs whose fans are found to have racially abused players.

"There needs to be stricter punishments. If I go to a football game and I support Manchester United for example I do not want to be the person that lets my team down by saying silly remarks in the stadium," he said.

"If your team is going to be deducted nine points from them winning the league you are not going to say these racist remarks.

"Fining someone or fining a club £5,000 or fining a fan £300 doesn't do anything."

RAKITIC:- I’M CONVINCED DE JONG IS NOT COMING FOR MY POSITION BECAUSE IT IS OCCUPIED

• Rakitic doesn't think Barcelona are signing de Jong to replace him. 
• The Croat is happy that a good player is joining Barcelona.
• Rakitic points out that de Jong features in a slightly different role than his.

Ivan Rakitic welcomes the signing of Frenkie de Jong, despite sharing the similar role on the pitch with the Dutchman, the Croat revealed in the interview with Mundo Deportivo.

"I'm glad Barca signed de Jong," said Ivan when asked about the Dutch midfielder joining Barcelona. "First of all, he's a young kid who plays great football. I'm happy the club is making this club stronger. Every good player can come to Barca, I'll be happy. But, I'm convinced de Jong is not coming for my position, because it's occupied."

Moreover, Rakitic is convinced that he won't be competing with Frenkie for the playing time because their respective roles and positions differ:

"However, I wish him good luck. I respect him. Besides, he plays in a different position that isn't mine, so I don't get why people are saying de Jong is replacing me. Even in his club and national team, he plays in a different position.

"I'm glad he's coming. De Jong is welcome here and I hope he enjoys his time at Barca," concluded the Croatian midfielder.