Zidane denies rift with Mourinho

Real Madrid sporting director Zinedine Zidane has denied rumours that he fails to see eye to eye with club boss Jose Mourinho. Reports in Marca last month suggested that Zidane was unhappy at being sidelined by Mourinho, however, he has rubbished such stories.

 "I have no problem with Mourinho," Zidane told Sport365. "On the contrary, I have learned a lot from him." The ex-France international has also stated his reasoning for not being around the club's Valdebebas training facility each day currently as he is preparing to become a qualified coach..

Terry to wear anti-racism armband

Chelsea captain John Terry will sport an anti-racism armband when he returns to action in the Champions League against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night. UEFA are instructing club captains to wear 'United Against Racism' logos on their kit as part of a week of action by European anti-discrimination body FARE, yet the timing could not be more sensitive for Terry, who he is currently serving a four-game domestic ban in England after being found guilty of racially abusing QPR's Anton Ferdinand..

Smalling and Jones near return

Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are two or three weeks away from a first-team return, according to Sir Alex Ferguson..

Moratti: Inter not aiming for Serie A title

Massimo Moratti has dismissed suggestions that Inter could challenge for the Serie A title.

 Andrea Stramaccioni's side have begun the campaign in impressive fashion, with Sunday's 2-0 victory over Catania leaving the Nerazzurri in fourth spot on 18 points - just four adrift of the Juventus..

Ribery relishing return to Lille for upcoming Champions League clash

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has expressed his motivation leading into his side's upcoming Champions League match against Lille, while also reflecting on the 3-1 loss against BATE Borisov.

 The 29-year-old Roten star has been in excellent form so far this season, playing a big part in helping his club to a record-breaking start of eight consecutive Bundesliga wins. And the next fixture sees the Bavarian outfit travelling to northern France – near to where Ribery grew up and played youth football during the late 90s..

Ferguson: Rafael is maturing into a great player

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has showered praise on his Brazilian youngster Rafael da Silva, after a string of strong performances at the start of this Premier League season.

 Currently without Phil Jones and Chris Smalling due to injury, and with twin brother Fabio sent out on loan at QPR, Rafael is the only right-sided full-back available to United at present and has staked his claim for a first-team place with a level of consistency which had been lacking in previous seasons. "He is maturing and learning all the time," Ferguson told Sky Sports..

Manchester United look to slash Ferdinand salary with new deal

Manchester United are ready to offer Rio Ferdinand a one-year contract extension in January – but on around half his current salary.

 The defender, who turns 34 next month, has yet to open talks with United about a new deal even though his agreement expires next summer. The club want to extend his spell at Old Trafford beyond 11 years but, in line with their policy of offering reduced terms to its over-30s players, Ferdinand cannot expect a renewal of his current £120,000-a-week wages..