World Football Gossip Roundup: Samir Nasri, Mario Mandzukic, Andres Iniesta

Michael CummingsJun 6, 2018

What's this? Samir Nasir showing contrition?

Lock your doors, and start praying. The 2012 meltdown is upon us.

That's the only explanation. Too much crazy stuff is going on today in the B/R World Football Gossip Roundup.

Besides Nasri's shocking turn, there's also a suggestion that Andres Iniesta is better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

What other oddities await inside? Read on to find out.

Nasri "Regrets" Rant

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Samir Nasri "regrets" the foul-mouthed rant that has landed him in trouble with the French FA (per The Guardian).

Nasri, a 25-year-old midfielder, cursed at a journalist following France's 2-0 loss to Spain in the Euro 2012 quarterfinals. The French FA is considering a two-year international ban for Nasri.

In a three-part tweet, Nasri commented on the incident. View the tweets here, here and here (in French).

Then read The Guardian's English translation below:

"
Too many untruths circulating at the moment. The fans and especially the children know that I sincerely regret that my words could have shocked them. I love the EDF [the France team], football and I have deep respect for the public.

As for the rest, this is a personal matter between me and a few journalists. I will explain when the time comes.
"

Hodgson: Capello Criticism "Cheap"

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England manager Roy Hodgson has hit back at former England manager Fabio Capello's assertion that Wayne Rooney plays well only for Manchester United (via talkSPORT).

“Capello is entitled to his opinions, I suppose," said Hodgson. "I don’t know what relationship he would have had with Wayne but I always think it’s a bit cheap to kid on a player who was so anxious to do well."

Agent: Mandzukic to Bayern

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The agent of Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic has confirmed that Mandzukic will join Bayern Munich (per Goal.com).

Neither Bayern Munich nor VfL Wolfsburg, Mandzukic's current club, have confirmed the deal.

Mandzukic, 26, scored three goals at Euro 2012 and is expected to cost Bayern €13 million.

David Silva: Iniesta the Best

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Andres Iniesta is better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, according to Spain teammate David Silva (per the Daily Mirror).

Here's what Silva said:

"
For me, the No.1 is Andres Iniesta, because he is my team-mate for Spain and I can see that he is able to do even more difficult things on the pitch. Andres is magic with the ball and a great person, a big player for the team.

I don’t know privately Ronaldo or Messi but Andres is such a big player and character. So important.
"

Have at it, readers. Is Iniesta really better than Messi and Ronaldo?

Is he even in their zip code?

Napoli: Cavani Staying

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Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani is not for sale this summer at any price, according to his club, Napoli (per Goal.com).

Cavani has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester City, but Napoli sporting director Riccardo Bigon has said Cavani will not move this summer.

Goal.com cites Italian paper Corriere Dello Sport in quoting Bigon: "I can confirm that Cavani is not for sale at any price. The president has made it clear to everybody how he feels about a transfer."