Cristiano's Tax Fraud Trial Holds Tomorrow

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to Madrid as his tax fraud trial begins tomorrow July 31st . Ronaldo has been accused of evading €14.7m in tax on his image rights between 2011 and 2015. The three-time European champion with Real Madrid will now face a court in the capital Municipality of Pozuelo de Alarcon at 10:30 BST.

According to Football Espana the Portuguese will be represented by lawyers from Baker and McKenzie.

Furthermore, the hearing will be behind closed doors, despite the Superior Court of Justice receiving over 150 applications for coverage from almost 50 media outlets in 16 Countries. Prior to the Confederations Cup Ronaldo had made up his mind about leaving Real Madrid due to the tax fraud allegations levelled against him.

Gala Admit Interest In Fellaini

Ronaldo is billed to return to Real Madrid training on August 5, just in time to get prepared for the game between Real Madrid and Manchester United three days later.

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Galatasaray Confirm They're In Talks With United Midfielder

The sporting director at Turkish Club Galatasaray Cenk Ergun has made it known that there is on-going talks between Galatasaray and Manchester United's midfielder Marouane Fellaini according to fourfourtwo. Fellaini who is heading into the final year of his contract at Old Trafford has not managed to win the hearts of the United faithful since he joined the club in 2013.

The backstory here is that Jose Mourinho is on the verge of bringing Nemanja Matic to Old Trafford and when that happens Fellaini will certainly be deemed surplus to requirements, although Mourinho mysteriously showed faith in the Belgian last season, the odds won't be in Fellaini's favour if or when Matic joins Manchester United.

"Fellaini will leave Manchester United and he is now on our radar" Ergun told Ajansspor

"There will be surprises, we're in talks with Fellaini

"we have made an approach, we're close and if we get fellaini we will end our pursuit of N'diaye (of Villareal)

"we need a player like Fellaini who can move around in our midfield.

Ronaldo Set For Tax Fraud Hearing

It is anybody's guess whether Mourinho would let Fellaini leave after the amount of faith the Portuguese tactician showed in the player last season much to the chagrin of Man. United fans.

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VIDEO : Watch Philippe Coutinho's Stunning Assist For Mohammed Salah

Philippe Countinho did not do the rumours about his Liverpool future any good after providing a stunning assist for Liverpool's new signing Mohammed Salah in a pre-season friendly against Hertha Berlin.  Liverpool's rejection of Barcelona's  £72m bid for the Brazilian was proof that Jurgen Klopp still needs the former Inter Milan player at Anfield.

Coutinho's spectacular winner in the final of the Premier League Asia Trophy just last week was against Crystal Palace followed by his wonderful assist for Salah today (29.07.2017). Liverpool are still in the transfer market for a striker, but keeping Countinho at the club will almost be as good as a new signing.

Liverpool were victors after winning 0-3 against German club Hertha Berlin.

Watch the assist below.

Mohamed Salah scores from this stunning Coutinho assist. Liverpool fans should be encouraged by their partnership pic.twitter.com/XLjVoHqcwL

— Big Nothing (@BigNothingPod) July 29, 2017

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Manchester United Fans Give Their Verdict On Twitter After Perisic Destroys Chelsea

A horrendous own goal from Kondogbia was the only respite for Chelsea as the English Champions lost 2-1 in their pre-season game against Inter Milan.  Chelsea sustained their second defeat in the International Champions Cup as Inter were crowned Champions Cup.

Stefan Jovetic's penalty had put the Nerazurri ahead on the stroke of half-time before Manchester United target Ivan Perisic put the Italian Club in firm control in the second half. Manchester United fans seemed awed by Perisic's performance and have taken to special media to express their thoughts.

Man United target Ivan Perisic scores for Inter against Chelsea. Brilliant finish from the Croatian. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/88ucRqnI9l

— ManUtdGoals (@ManUtdGoaIs) July 29, 2017

Perisic out here toying with Bayern, taking on 3-4 defenders meanwhile we are stuck with Lingard. 😂

— Alex (@Mickitaryan) July 27, 2017

Like I've said all along, Ivan Perisic would be class for Manchester United. But hey, FIFA/Football Manager tells some people differently.

— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) July 29, 2017

Perisic running the show against Chelsea what a player united should go all out for him inter trying to keep him I now see why

— 2017 football fans (@2017footballfan) July 29, 2017

Bang 50M at inter and get it done the goals and service perisic would give us no one better out there realistically

— Gaz United Lad (@gazunitedlad) July 29, 2017

Manchester United have been linked with the Croatian for a long time with a number of deals rejected. Jose Mourinho has stated he still needs two or three signings before the end of the transfer window.

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Why Jurgen Klopp Needs To 'Outsign' Premier League Rivals

Jurgen Klopp arrived Liverpool FC on October 2015, the club was clearly broken and yet to recover from the departures of Luis Suarez (to Barcelona in 2014) and Raheem Sterling  (to Manchester City in 2015), the club at the time summarized what they had become in Klopp's first game in charge as the Reds fought out a barren draw with Spurs at White Hart Lane. The Red Army brushed that performance aside to put together a string of decent performances in the games that followed.

KLOPP'S FIRST SEASON

Klopp's Liverpool reign had it's first opportunity of bringing Silverware to anfield twice in 2016, but the18 time English Champions squandered those opportunities, firstly to Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City in the League Cup final and then more painfully three months later when they let a 1-0 scoreline turn to 1-3 as Sevilla beat their English opponents.

The two cup final losses were the major talking points from Klopp's first season in charge of Liverpool but he could be given a pass, why? well the German tactician did not start the season with Liverpool and was not in charge of the new players brought in during the summer of 2015. Maybe things might have been different if he had taken over in July 2015, maybe he was still getting used to life on Merseyside, maybe a little bit of culture shock, maybe the congested Premier League fixtures during Christmas period was rather harsh on the new Kop manager in his first season. These are all points, some more valid than the others.

2016/17

The 2016/17 was Jurgen Klopp's first full season in charge of Liverpool and the priorities were all cut out for the former Borrusia Dortmund manager. A top four finish was a must at least and then a title win would be welcome. Sadio Mane was brought in from Southampton to help in this quest but after a flawless and flourishing start to the season Liverpool imploded, they fell harder than a pack of cards, opposing teams cut through their defence like a hot knife through butter.

That season was supposed to be 'Klopp's season', with the absence of European football there was less distraction for the Anfield club and they had extra incentive to really go for the title just like Chelsea did, just like Leicester City did the year before, but Klopp's men never recovered from their mid season dip in form.

Sadio Mane's absence due to the AFCON in Gabon earlier this year has been sighted by many as a turning point (for bad) for the reds last season. Klopp needs to understand that these days patience in the football world is a very scarce commodity and the 50 year old should be in tune with fact that this season (2017/18) could be the final 'chance'.

Liverpool have genuinely been in Premier League contention once in the past decade, the SSS (Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling) came close but could not hand Liverpool it's first Premier League title, Klopp had all the opportunity last season to mount a similar or if not an even  better challenge but Liverpool still finished the season without a trophy and only confirming their top four finish in the dying minutes of their last game of the season against an already relegated Middlesbrough.

WHAT CAN KLOPP DO?

Players change clubs, there are good players and there are great players. There are title winning players, there are players who will keep you in the league and then there are players who would just do enough to make sure their team does not get relegated.

Liverpool is yet to 'make a statement' in the transfer market , Mohammed Salah is an addition that would surely move the Reds forward but is he enough? NO. A major striker is needed at Anfield, not necessarily a striker with a huge price tag but one who has no remorse in front of goal, if Liverpool intend to mount any kind of  challenge in the coming season they need three or four of such signings in different areas.

Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will want blood in the coming season and have thrown caution to the wind as they have spent so big this summer, but Liverpool is a club that needs to even 'outsign' City, United and Chelsea if they want to stand a chance. Mourinho, Conte and Guardiola now know their teams better after completing their first seasons. The stake will be ever higher for Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool in the coming season if they do not make hay while transfer window is still open.

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Jermaine Pennant's New Club Will Shock You

Jermaine Pennant has been something of a journeyman as far as football transfers are concerned. I remember a certain Premier League game v. Chelsea in 2007 where Rafa Benitez needed to put Jose Mourinho in his place and Pennant produced a wonderful first half display that had the Blues blown away 2-0 in the first half, they (Chelsea) never recovered from that shock as the game ended like that.

Pennant also managed to nail down a starting berth in the Liverpool team that faced AC Milan in the Champions league final that year.Ten years on Pennant's career has taken a totally different turn. Fantastic spells at Arsenal and Liverpool has not prevented Pennant's career from falling away.

The Englishman left Stoke City at the end of his contract in 2014 and found his way to FC Pune in the Indian League but his career failed to flourish even in a not so competitive league like the Indian league, seven games without a goal prompted him to take up a stint with Wigan which was fairly successful.

Jermaine Pennant Made 7 Appearances For Indian Club FC Pune In 2014

Pennant turned down the opportunity of renewing his contract with The Latics but opted for a move abroad with Tampines Rovers in Singapore before finally being released by his previous club Bury.

At the age of 34 it appears Pennant's time in professional football is over as he just joined non-league outfit Billericay Town. The Essex side ply their trade in the isthmian league - the seventh tier of English football. The club also boasts the likes of Paul Konchesky and Jamie O'Hara on their payroll.

Pennant turned down an offer from Hibernian whom he featured for in pre-season only to Join Billericay Town on a £3,000-a-week wage.

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Sanchez Delays Arsenal Return Due To 'Strange Illness'

Arsenal Forward Alexis Sanchez might have his holiday further extended as the Chilean posted on social media claiming he was ill. Sanchez had been given an extra time-off due to his involvement in the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia between June and July and he has not taken part in any pre-season game with the Gunners.

Sanchez is entering the final year of his contract with Arsenal and has made his intentions of playing and winning the Champions league clear. Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain are all suitors for the 28 year old and can give him the sort of European football that Arsenal cannot afford at the moment.

Neymar Storms Out Of Barcelona's Miami Training

Arsene Wenger has reiterated that he would prefer to see Sanchez complete his contract with the club and leave for free next summer instead of selling the instrumental player this year OR the worst case scenario (if Sanchez MUST leave) will be selling the player abroad instead of selling to a Premier League rival.

Mr.Wenger who recently signed a new two-year deal himself expected Sanchez to take part in his first training session on Sunday while the rest of the Arsenal squad play in the Emirates Cup but things don't always work out they way they're planned.

Arsenal have the Emirates Cup this weekend to deal with and they play Sevilla and Benfica then the Community shield the following weekend (August 6) against Chelsea.

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Neymar Filmed Storming Out Of Training After Fight With Teammate

Neymar was filmed confronting Barcelona's new boy Nelson Semedo in Barcelona's training camp in Miami a report from The Sun claims. The reports linking the 26 year old to a move to PSG appears to be taking its toll on the 26 year old as he had to be restrained physically.

The scuffle ensues after Neymar scores. The footage shows that While running back Semedo's arm goes around Neymar's neck and the pair jump all over each other before squaring up face to face and the Brazilian has his arms out as to gesture 'what are you doing'?

Semedo attempts to walk away from the drama but Neymar shouts at him while the other teammates look on. Neymar then walks in Semedo's direction before being held back by Sergio Busquets.

Semedo distances himself from the action as Neymar tears off his bib and throws it to the floor before lashing at a ball in frustration, the angered player then kicks another ball as he leaves the Miami training ground altogether.

Nelson Semedo  is Barcelona's new acquisition from Benfica, He joined the Catalan side for £26.8 million this Summer whereas Neymar himself has been linked to a massive £195 million to PSG, a deal that will shatter the World transfer record.

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FIFA Has Fined The Scottish FA For Their Supporters' Attitude

Sky Sports reports that FIFA has fined the Scottish football association £4,000 after Scotland fans booed the England national anthem in the World Cup Qualifier at Hampden Pak in June.

this is the second time in less than a year that the Scottish FA has been punished by FIFA for improper conducts of their supporters.

Scotland drew 2-2 with England in the game at Hampden Park last month

The Scottish FA was also fined £16,000 in November for fans booing the national anthem and players displaying poppies at the away qualifier at Wembley on Armistice Day last year.

They were also charged for throwing objects, political banners and flags on that occasion.

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Mahrez Is Desperate For Arsenal Move.. But The Feeling Isn't Mutual Between Club And Player

Riyad Mahrez still has his eyes on a dream move to Arsenal. The Algerian who tendered a transfer request at the end of last season has had only AS Roma make a bid of 20m for him which Leicester City view as not sufficient.

According to Daily Mail the 2015/16 EPL player of the year wants to join Arsenal but the he isn't the first choice of the gunners. Arsenal are however chasing Monaco's Thomas Lemar.

FIFA Fines SFA

Journalist Cedric Rablat reports that Mahrez is not Arsenal's first choice.

The French Ligue1 Champions have however insisted that none of their star players will be leaving anymore this summer.

Monaco have sold Tiemoue Bakayoko, Benjamin Mendy and Bernado Silva to English clubs this window.

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United Fans Blame Loss To Barcelona On Grey Jersey

Manchester United played Barcelona at the FedEx Stadium Maryland, United States but the venue of the match did nothing to affect the usual outcome whenever the two teams meet. Barcelona knocked the ball around with their characteristic confidence and flair while Jose Mourinho's men kept giving the ball away and struggled to get their passes together.

Neymar continued his fine form in pre-season when he beat Valencia to give Barcelona the lead after 31 minutes, the Brazilian is not letting the PSG rumours get to him, Barca looked the more likelier of both sides to register another goal, a second goal never came and United ended their USA tour with a defeat.

Conte Says Tottenham Are Not A Big Club

There's a backstory to the grey jersey of Manchester United, Once upon a time in the 95/96 season United lost four out of five away games they wore the jersey to play and the United faithful believe the grey jersey curse is back. The grey jersey is Manchester United's third away kit, back in 1996 Sir Alex Ferguson said the players could not find each other with passes due to the colour.

Don't think we will be seeing much of the lads in that grey kit this season u know. #MUFC #MUTOUR

— Adam (@AdamRedDevils20) July 27, 2017

@ManUtd is down 1-0 and they are wearing the "Grey" kit. Have we not learned yet lads? Has Southampton not been a lesson?

— Kryptic Cody (@RealKonnight) July 27, 2017

I remember when we were 3-0 down at HT,at the Dell, Southampton, cos players cudnt see each other in a grey kit. Same problem?

— Joe Miah (@JOmufc1) July 27, 2017

Manchester United don't have fond memories of their grey kit.

Both United and Barcelona wore their away kits to show off to their American fans.

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Only Big Clubs Spend Big : Antonio Conte Has Some Harsh Words For Tottenham

Chelsea's manager is of the awkward opinion that Tottenham are not a big team in England. The Italian pointed out that the North London club can afford not to sign big players in the transfer window because they expect to win nothing.

Tottenham have hardly been linked to any player so far. Mauricio Pochettino instead prefers to hand out debuts to youth players in the coming season and Conte believes Spurs' attitude in the market tells a lot about their ambition ahead of the coming season.

"my question is this - what are Tottenham's expectations?" Asked Conte

"If they don't win the title, it's not a tragedy. If they don't arrive in the Champions league, it's not a tragedy.

"If they go out after the first game they play in the Europa league and go down against Gent, it's not a tragedy.

" For Chelsea, Arsenal, City, United and... I don't know.. Liverpool, It's a tragedy. You must understand this. You must understand the status of the team." Conte said.

Tottenham had their highest points tally in the Premier League last season but have not added to the squad that achieved that feat, they have only been weakly linked to Everton midfielder Ross Barkley who recently turned down a new deal with the Toffees. Spurs however have sold Kyle Walker to City but blocked Eric Dier from moving to United.

Manchester United Blame Loss On Grey Jersey

"To continue the next season with the same players is good for the coach. Pochettino is a really good coach. He knows very well the club and the players. But it is important, I repeat, they can work without a lot of pressure. This is reality." Conte concluded.

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Chelsea Rebel Has Found An Italian Club

According to Metro  Diego Costa's agent Jorge Mendes has opened transfer talks with AC Milan. All was set for Costa to return to Atletico Madrid, the club he left for Chelsea three years ago, however Atletico's transfer ban has caused all kinds of problems for both club and player.

Diego Costa stated earlier this year that he was not fond of the weather in England but would only leave the Chelsea for his former club. Mendes is currently negotiating with AC Milan moves for three of his agents Diego Costa, Renato Sanches and Radamel Falcao.

AC Milan have been in 'buying mood' for much of this transfer window as they intend to be back among Italy and European elite, the Rossoneri however are yet to sign a recognized striker in this window despite being heavily linked to Torino forward Andrea Belotti and Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Arsenal Sign Tottenham Player

Diego Costa who helped Chelsea to two League titles in three seasons will be a bargain for Milan if they intend to mount a serious Challenge next season.The transfer embargo on Atletico this window means Costa will have to wait a little longer before he makes his dream move back to the Vincente Calderon Stadium.

Chelsea is out of the question for the Spanish International striker as the Blues have already replaced the 28 year old with the record signing of Alvaro Morata .

Should Milan manage to pull of a deal for Costa he will be among the high profile recruits for the Italian club after Leonardo Bonucci joined from rivals Juventus.

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Arsenal Sign Former Tottenham Player

Arsenal have completed the signing of Tottenham youth player Nathaniel Tormey. Arsenal have described the 17 year old as 'technically gifted and pacey'.

Tormey who is an Arsenal fan was initially involved with Tottenham's youth setup before the age of 12. Tormey says at Spurs there is emphasis on pace which requires the footballer to run with ball meanwhile at Arsenal it's more about passing and movement at speed.

"I didn't tell anyone I was an Arsenal fan for the entire time I was there (Tottenham)" Nathaniel Tormey said after signing his first professional contract with the Gunners.

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All The Transfer Round-Up For The Past Week

It's been a busy period for top clubs in Europe in their quest to equip their squads for the 2017/18 season, below are some of the done deals in the past week.

KURT ZOUMA TO STOKE CITY

Chelsea's defender Kurt Zouma moved to Stoke City on a season-long loan deal a few days ago, this was not before he signed a six-year deal with the Blues. Chelsea certainly have long term plans for Zouma but the arrival of Antonio Rudiger has prompted a short term change in plans, and it's in everybody's best interest that the French defender goes to a lesser another club for game-time.

LUCAS LEIVA TO S.S LAZIO

30 year old Lucas Leiva arrived in Rome a week ago to complete the highly anticipated move away from Anfield, Lucas has been a dedicated Liverpool player since 2007 but appearances became so few and far between under Jurgen Klopp. That's why Lazio came to his rescue in a  £5m deal.

FABIAN SCHAR TO DEPORTIVO

Deportivo La Coruna completed the signing of Fabian Schar from Hoffenheim four days ago for an unspecified amount.

CHRISTOPHE JALLET TO OG NICE

Lyon let their 33 year old defender join OG Nice a week ago on a free transfer, Jallet had been with Lyon since 2014 but was released at the expiration of his contract at the end of last season.

GREGOIRE DEFREL

AS Roma has been a 'selling club' for much of the current transfer window but they managed to get their hands on Sassuolo striker Gregoire Defrel on Wednesday. Defrel was close to joining Roma in January but the deal did not work out. He has now reunited with former Sassuolo boss Eusebio Di Fransesco who is the new Roma manger.

MAURICIO ISLA TO FENERBAHCE

Fenerbahce boosted their team ahead of the Champions league next season with the acquisition of 29 year old defender Mauricio Isla from Italian club Cagliari. Isla is Fenerbahce's third signing of the window.

DANILO DA SILVA TO MANCHESTER CITY

Two days ago Pep Guardiola got his hands on out-of-favour Real Madrid defender in a £26.5m deal. The 26 year old Brazilian who was not a regular in Zinedine Zidane's Real Madrid has cited the opportunity of working with Guardiola as an extra incentive for joining the English side.

MATTIA DE SCIGLIO TO AC JUVENTUS

AC Milan have mostly been on the purchasing side in this transfer window, however 24 year old Mattia De Sciglio has moved away from the San Siro to join Champions Juventus in a £10.6m deal.

JOE HART TO WEST HAM

England's No.1 joined London club West Ham on a season long loan. The deal was announced a week ago. Hart was also away on loan to Torino last season. Pep Guardiola has never been fond of The 29 year old after questionable displays in recent seasons. 

ALEKSANDR KOLAROV TO ROMA

The Exodus at the Etihad has not lost any steam at all, players are leaving in their numbers as the Manchester Club seeks restructuring. Two days ago AS Roma announced the signing of Serbian wing back Aleksandr Kolarov on a three year contract.

MARKO ARNAUTOVIC TO WEST HAM

A few days ago Jose Mourinho said "West Ham are signing players like they want to win the league", well the comments are not exactly out of place. Arnautovic became West Ham's record signing three days ago when he made the switch from Stoke City in a £24.5m five year deal.

NOLITO TO SEVILLA

Manchester City misfit Nolito found himself a Spanish club last week. The gifted winger was blighted by injuries during his brief spell in England. Sevilla offered the 30 year old Spaniard an escape route and he took it. It's a World Cup year and every footballer needs a good season.

MARIANO TO GALATASARAY

Mariano completed his switch from Sevilla to Turkish side Galatasaray last week in a €4.5m deal

ANDY ROBERTSON TO LIVERPOOL

Liverpool completed the signing of Robertson from Hull City for £10m on Friday. The 23 year old was a shinning light even as Hull City was relegated last season. Robertson will be the new left-back for the Reds.

WOLJCIECH SZCZESNY TO JUVENTUS

Juventus last week completed the signing of Poland International goalkeeper Szczesny from Roma. The former Arsenal goalie was had the most clean sheets in the Serie A last seaon. Money well spent by the Old Lady.

JAVIER HERNANDEZ TO WEST HAM

In the early hours of Monday Javier Hernandez completed his £16m switch to West Ham from German Club Bayer Leverkusen. Chicharito will be West Ham's highest earner at £140,000-a-week wage.

BENJAMIN MENDY TO MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City just took their summer spending over the £200m mark after the £52m signing of Benjamin Mendy from French Ligue1 Champions Monaco. The French player is now the most expensive defender in football history beating team-mate and fellow new Man City boy Kyle walker.

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VIDEO : Watch Anthony Martial's Outrageous Skill Against Real Madrid

Anthony Martial Produced a sublime skill on the stroke of half-time to set up Jesse Lingard for the opener as Manchester United played Real Madrid In the US. It has been a fairytale pre-season for United as they are yet to lose. The Red Devils managed to edge the European Champions on penalties but it was Martial's skill that stole the headlines.

watch Martial's assist

Manchester United will play Real Madrid again in the UEFA Super Cup in 15 days time and Jose Mourinho certainly won't mind a similar outcome. Anthony Martial who was a very bit part player in Mourinho's first season with United has staked a claim for a starting berth with his pre-season performances.

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These Football Memes Will Make Your Day

The meme is out people.

I'll just leave this here.

4 The Arsenal Legacy

Legen... whaat??

😢😢😢

....When you find it

Incase you missed the Manchester derby, the result was ⇑

It's been a tough period for Junior.

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