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Lisandro Martinez Explains Why Argentina Had Backs Turned as Spain Lifted World Cup

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Lisandro Martinez has now explained why he and his Argentina teammates had their backs turned when Spain’s players lifted the World Cup trophy.

Argentina’s players were heavily criticised for having their backs turned as Spain celebrated becoming world champions for only the second time in their history.

In response, Spain’s Dani Olmo told reporters: “We are an example for many generations, I think they should be too.”

Argentina’s players were labelled “classless” for their actions, while former England international Stuart Pearce added: “When Spain were about to lift their trophy, the Argentinians, to a man, all stood with their back to the trophy lift. That probably tells you a great deal, doesn’t it?”

Footage emerged showing Flaco Lopez, who made two substitute appearances during the 2026 World Cup, was the only Argentina player to watch as Ballon d’Or contender Rodri hoisted the iconic trophy into the air.

The Palmeiras striker, 25, was subsequently praised for having the decency to watch Spain’s players celebrate becoming world champions – despite how painful it may have been.

Martinez Explains Why Argentina Players Had Backs Turned

Argentina players turns backs on Spain Reuters/Jon Durr

However, Martinez – who was named in FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament following an impressive campaign – insists Argentina’s players were not snubbing their Spanish counterparts.

“We were always very respectful of the opponent,” the Manchester United star told reporters, per World Soccer Talk. “It was also said that after the final, we hadn’t acknowledged Spain. We greeted all the players, all the coaching staff, we were there.

“And then obviously the image that you see where we are turning our backs is when we our people were singing to us, right? So, it was also a show of respect towards our people, staying there in the moment that we had to stay.“

Martinez was also asked how he feels about Argentina being cast as villains of the 2026 World Cup.

“I have quite a few mixed feelings about it,” he said. “A little bit of anger because clearly they have no basis to generate that hate. Then I also see how my teammates fight on the pitch, how the fans encourage us, how they make us feel at home, and they talk about us being arrogant, about us being this or that… maybe that speaks a bit more about the people who do those things than about us.“

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Argentina received heavy criticism during the tournament for their ‘dirty’ tactics, while FIFA were accused of showing favouritism towards the 2022 world champions.

The criticism intensified after several Argentina players and staff members were involved in altercations following a hugely disappointing team performance against Spain in the World Cup final.

FIFA have launched an investigation into the incidents to determine whether Argentina violated any of their disciplinary code.

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Arsenal in Advanced Talks to Sign Newcastle Star Bruno Guimaraes

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Arsenal are in advanced talks with Newcastle United over a deal to sign Bruno Guimaraes, according to talkSPORT.

The Gunners have made the Brazil international a top target for this window as they look to bolster their midfield following their Premier League title win, and talks have been ongoing behind the scenes for a number of weeks.

But with Guimaraes due to report back to training with the Magpies later this week, Arsenal have stepped up their interest in getting a deal done, and talks have progressed in recent days.

Arsenal Close in on Bruno Guimaraes Deal

Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes smiles as he walks into St James' Park via Reuters

According to a report, Arsenal and Newcastle are now in advanced talks over a deal for Guimaraes.

The central midfielder, who has been described as ‘elite’, has told Newcastle chiefs that he would like to leave the club to push through a move to the champions, but the Magpies have been adamant that they would not be bullied into selling another star, after Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali both moved on earlier in the window.

Arsenal were initially confident they could get a deal done for around £60m, but it’s now believed that talks have progressed and they are edging towards a verbal agreement worth in excess of £75m.

The 28-year-old midfielder has already agreed personal terms ahead of a switch to the Emirates Stadium, and now looks set to become the next big departure at St James’ Park.

Arsenal are hopeful of striking a full agreement with Newcastle before the end of the week, with the player due to return to pre-season training before the month ends.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Arsenal Making Moves in the Market

Mikel Arteta Arsenal 2026 REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images

Arsenal have been very keen to make a number of additions to their squad this summer as they look to refresh their options, and Guimaraes is one of the best signings they could make.

A combative midfielder with leadership and Premier League experience, he is comfortable in possession and out of it, and will help to take the team to the next level, while also helping to allow players like Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi to be rotated without the quality of the team dropping.

It may be an expensive deal, but it’s one that will take them even closer to glory, and Newcastle now must lick their wounds and begin looking for replacements once again.

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Crystal Palace Eyeing Free Agent and Former Arsenal Star Takehiro Tomiyasu

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Crystal Palace are eyeing a move to sign a free agent who left Arsenal back in 2025, according to The Athletic.

The Eagles have already secured one free agent signing in the summer transfer window, bringing in full-back Oscar Mingueza.

That is the only confirmed signing from the Eagles in the summer so far, although they are yet to lose anyone from last season.

Palace are preparing for a new era under manager Pierre Sage after Oliver Glasner left the club earlier this year.

There is no doubt the new manager will be looking to bring in reinforcements in order to fully implement his style.

The Eagles may need to get a move on in order to secure new signings, and they are now eyeing a move to sign a free agent.

Palace eye former Arsenal star

Takehiro Tomiyasu

According to a report from The Athletic, former Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is training with Crystal Palace at the moment ahead of a possible move in the summer transfer window.

The Japanese international has interest from around Europe and in the Premier League, and he is interested in returning to England after leaving Ajax this summer.

Tomiyasu left Arsenal in the summer of 2025 after they agreed to mutually terminate his contract a year early.

The now-27-year-old has struggled with knee injuries, and his ability to play for Arsenal was limited.

Takehiro Tomiyasu joined Ajax in December on a six-month deal, featuring just nine times for the club during the second half of last season.

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Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, Lined Up For Shock New Job

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Cristiano Ronaldo is being lined up for a shock new job as the end of his illustrious football career edges closer.

One of the greatest footballers of all time, the 41-year-old remains prolific with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia but may call time on his international career in the coming months after competing in his last World Cup finals.

Ronaldo scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup in North America but struggled to make his presence felt in several matches as Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by eventual champions Spain.

Rumours are rife that Ronaldo may play his final game for Portugal against Wales in the UEFA Nations League on September 24.

That match will be played at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, home of Ronaldo’s boyhood club Sporting CP.

Ronaldo Set For Surprise New Job

Cristiano Ronaldo Reuters/Maria Lysaker

While there are no suggestions that Ronaldo is planning on announcing his retirement from the sport in the near future, the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend appears to be thinking about life after football for the first time.

According to The Sun, Ronaldo is working on a project that will see him star in a major new drama series about football.

He’s reportedly the executive producer of the show about a fictional agent, played by British actor Damian Lewis, star of various major movies and television series including Homeland.

Filming has already started, with Lewis recently seen at Barnet FC’s stadium in north-west London.

Ronaldo will be joined on the show, called Day 1s, by former Arsenal and Barcelona superstar Thierry Henry.

Henry defended Ronaldo during the World Cup, insisting the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s legacy has not been affected by Portugal’s underwhelming 2026 World Cup campaign.

A TV insider told The Sun: “It’s likely to spark a bidding war between the streamers.

“The sheer calibre of figures behind it, not to mention the cast, means it’s a prestige project – albeit a surprising one for Ronaldo as he crosses into making dramas.”

Lewis, 55, will play the role of a top football agent called Stanley Dalton. Day 1s is based on a concept devised by real-life agent Darren Dein, another of the show’s executive producers who represents Henry in real life.

“After the World Cup, there’s a renewed international interest, particularly in the States, in British football,” the TV insider added. “It’s one that’s been growing for some time with shows like Ted Lasso.

“But this isn’t a sitcom. It’s definitely a drama, with some comedic elements, and has some serious names backing it.”

The show will be made by the newly-formed UR-Marv Studios, which Ronaldo runs alongside director Matthew Vaughn.

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