Michel Platini, the former head of UEFA, told a Swiss appeals court on Monday, where his acquittal on fraud charges is being examined, that FIFA "owed" him the two million Swiss francs ($2.2 million) at the heart of the case.

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal gave an interview to UEFA in which he made it very clear that he does not look at statistics. "I play to enjoy myself, to make people enjoy myself and to win," said the Spain international, who once again spoke out about comparisons with Messi.

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac admitted his side have "a long way to go" despite their recent uptick in form ahead of Tuesday's home Champions League clash with Lille.

Uruguayan Fede Valverde has completed the last training session before the derby against Atlético, so he will be available for Tuesday's game at the Santiago Bernabeu. Ancelotti will have the last say on whether or not he starts, as he stated in the press room.

Barcelona goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has expressed his openness to extending his stay at the Catalan club, citing his family's happiness and his own enjoyment of his time at the Camp Nou.

Germany's Felix Zwayer will take charge of Wednesday's Champions League round of 16 first leg clash between Benfica and Barcelona.

According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid have been closely monitoring the development of Adam Wharton following his return to first-team action at Crystal Palace.

Fulham and the Nigeria national team have issued statements on Monday condemning the racist and homophobic abuse aimed at Calvin Bassey after Sunday's FA Cup win over Manchester United.

Colombian winger Luis Diaz has hinted that he sees his future at Liverpool while also outlining his personal ambitions, including a goal to break a significant Premier League record.

Vinicius Junior addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid's highly anticipated Champions League last-16 clash against Atletico, the first European derby between the two sides since 2017. The Brazilian forward shared his thoughts on refereeing standards and the frustration he sometimes experiences when he feels unfairly treated on the pitch.

Club Brugge are hoping to claim the scalp of Aston Villa for the second time in this season's Champions League as the sides meet once again in the last 16, with the Belgians in buoyant mood after dumping out Atalanta in the play-offs.

Wayne Rooney has urged Manchester United to consider re-signing his former teammate Danny Welbeck to help resolve the club's ongoing goalscoring struggles.

Following Manchester United's FA Cup exit against Fulham on Sunday, Bruno Fernandes admitted that the club's injury crisis has taken a physical and mental toll on the players as ten stars are sidelined ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie away to Real Sociedad.

Rodrigo de Paul analysed the tie against Real Madrid for which he sees Atlético more than prepared and aware of the importance it also has for the Rojiblancos fans.