Sport shorts: Messi would have ‘loved’ Neymar back at Barcelona, Murray steps up singles comeback, Flintoff ‘fine’ after Top Gear crash

1. Messi wanted Neymar back at Barca

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has revealed that he would have “loved” to see Neymar return to the Spanish champions.

Neymar left Barca for Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 and it was reported this summer that the clubs were in talks about the Brazilian moving back to the Camp Nou.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper Sport, Messi said: “He was desperate to come back. I would have loved to have Neymar back.

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“I understand those people who are against his return and it’s understandable for what happened with ‘Ney’ and the way that he left.

“But thinking about it on a sporting level, I personally think Neymar is one of the best players in the world and having him in our squad would increase our chances of achieving our objectives.”

2. Hartley: no plans to retire

Former England captain Dylan Hartley has no plans to retire despite missing out on the Rugby World Cup squad because of a knee injury.

He told The Daily Telegraph: “As soon as we took a long-term view on [the injury], I wanted to keep playing. Otherwise I would be retired now and doing the rounds in Japan. The good thing is it’s not done for me just yet. I still want to play. I am still competitive.”

3. Murray steps up singles comeback

British tennis star Andy Murray is set to play in the Shanghai Masters in October as he bids to step up his comeback to singles tennis. The Daily Mail reports that he is now committed to play in ATP events in Zhuhai, Beijing, Shanghai and the European Open.

4. Flintoff ‘fine’ after high-speed crash

Ex-England cricketer and Top Gear presenter Andrew Flintoff says he is “absolutely fine” after crashing a three-wheeled motorcycle travelling at 124mph during a drag race earlier this week while filming the new series of the BBC show. The 41-year-old did not need medical attention after the accident, which occurred at the same airfield where former host Richard Hammond was seriously hurt during filming in 2008.

5. Stars out for Kompany’s testimonial

Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match last night saw a Manchester City Legends team draw 2-2 with a Premier League Legends XI. The former Man City captain was ruled out because of injury but plenty of other stars were on show, including Paul Scholes, Robin van Persie, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Ashley Cole.

6. Ronaldinho on his way back

Brazilian football legend Ronaldinho is set to come out of retirement to play a friendly match for Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe on 17 October. During his career the 39-year-old won the Fifa World Cup with Brazil, La Liga and the Champions League with Barcelona and the Serie A title with AC Milan.

7. Fury: I won’t underestimate Wallin

Even though he is the overwhelming favourite to win this weekend’s fight Tyson Fury will not be underestimating unbeaten Swede Otto Wallin in Las Vegas.

“Gypsy King” Fury said: “I don’t underestimate anybody. I give everybody the ultimate respect. Even if I’m fighting a guy that has had 20 fights and lost 20, I will train for him like he’s had 20 knockouts in a row. I never fail to prepare.

Tyson Fury vs. Otto Wallin: UK start time, predictions, betting odds, TV

8. EPL power summit

Premier League power brokers meet today in London and it will be a packed agenda for the representatives of the 20 clubs that comprise England’s top-flight. Talking points will include the summer transfer window, VAR and proposed changes to European competitions.

Premier League: clubs and officials to meet at power summit

9. United still sweet on Sancho

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that Manchester United are interested in Jadon Sancho, but it doesn’t seem likely that the Red Devils will get their hands on the 19-year-old prodigy anytime soon with the Germans determined to retain his services.

The German club’s sporting director Michael Zorc said: “A hot topic right now is Sancho and Manchester United. Both his discussions with the club and mine with the consultants.

“A meeting did take place. Manchester United invited the consultant. But according to what I know, the consultant told the club that no matter how much money they offer, we won’t let him go this summer.”

Jadon Sancho: Dortmund confirm Man Utd’s interest in England star

10. England stars will walk off pitch

The Daily Mirror, Daily Express and Daily Star report that England footballers will discuss walking off the pitch if they are racially abused by fans in Bulgaria next month.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate said: “It’s a concern. We’ve planned our schedule and will discuss it with the players before we go because we’re aware there is history there. We’re not confident that we’ll go there and nothing will happen.”

Today’s back pages

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