The Gifted: Part one in our series looking at London's best young sporting talent

Michael Robinson was smiling until the very end. "I'm still battling away," he said as he walked up the steps to take his commentary position at the Benito Villamarin for Real Betis against Real Madrid in LaLiga last month.

Barcelona midfielder Arthur Melo has moved to quash reports that he could sign for Juventus by revealing he is only interested in staying at Camp Nou.

Rio Ferdinand has launched an impassioned defence of Paul Pogba, claiming he should be 'the jewel in the crown' at Manchester United and accusing the club of failing to build around him.

The future of Arsenal and Manchester United target Thomas Partey has once again taken an intriguing turn on social media.

Exclusive: The Japan star has been backed to build on a stunning first impression at Anfield

Welcome to the Evening Standard's live blog covering the latest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League and beyond.

In that time, Messi has gone from a shy, talented teenager to a six-time Ballon d'Or winner and the world's highest-paid player, but Eto'o said: "He hasn't changed at all. He's still the good person that I knew back then, and that I still know.

Manchester United signed Anthony Martial on the back of a personal recommendation from Dimitar Berbatov.

Former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson has insisted he would resist attempts to resume the Premier League season due to coronavirus fears were he still playing.

Manchester United have announced plans to deliver 60,000 meals to NHS staff.

Dietmar Hamann has hailed Kai Havertz as an "exceptional" player and says he reminds him of a "young Michael Ballack" amid interest from Premier League clubs.

Dietmar Hamann has cast doubt over whether Timo Werner would be a good fit for Liverpool and suggested Jurgen Klopp should look at other targets this summer.

Glen Johnson has revealed how Jose Mourinho's fear factor spurred Chelsea on to winning their first Premier League title in 2005.

Every club has one, and every fan thinks theirs is the best.

Tottenham continue to offer their state-of-the-art stadium to assist the combat against the coronavirus pandemic and on Thursday provided a behind-the-scenes look into how the stadium has been transformed.

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic says he is ready take the risk of contracting coronavirus by returning to action following six weeks of inactivity due to Covid-19.

Ligue 1 became the second major European league to announce its cancellation due to the coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, following the Eredivisie's termination last week.

Glen Johnson has revealed how Jose Mourinho's fear factor spurred Chelsea on to winning their first Premier League title.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is certain that Argentina team-mate Lionel Messi will stay at Barcelona – whatever happens at the Catalan club.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has revealed in partnership with FareShare, his charity scheme is supplying over two million meals a week to those in need across the UK, adding he will double his initial personal donation.

May 1, 2005 is a date for the history books – a day when everything changed for FC Barcelona as a 17-year-old Lionel Messi scored his first official goal for the Catalan club.

Welcome to the Evening Standard's live blog covering the latest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League and beyond.

Welcome to the Evening Standard's LIVE coverage as the coronavirus crisis continues to heavily impact sport across the globe.

Barcelona head coach Quique Setien has labelled Lautaro Martinez a "great footballer" and believes the chance to play alongside Lionel Messi is a huge incentive for the Inter Milan striker.

Arsenal have reportedly overtaken Tottenham in the race to sign Chelsea winger Willian, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge on a free.

Brighton and Hove Albion have designed a special shirt to pay tribute to the NHS and key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Jadon Sancho is likely to face a big decision this summer with Europe's elite circling.

England international Kieran Trippier has been charged with misconduct in relation to alleged breaches of The FA's betting rules.

Chelsea winger Willian has talked up a reunion with Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho but insisted no decision over his future has been made.

Carneiro: "It only takes one case for this to blow up and to put a lot of individuals at risk"

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has rejected speculation linking him with a move away from the club, insisting he has a "very good relationship" with coach Frank Lampard.

All but two of Chelsea's players currently overseas are expected to return by Sunday amid talks over the possible resumption of the Premier League season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Liverpool's success combined with the current enforced break from football may have convinced Jurgen Klopp to prolong any future retirement plans, according to football journalist Guillem Balague.

Welcome to the Evening Standard's live blog covering the latest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League and Europe.

Friday marked 15 years since Lionel Messi hit his very first goal for Barcelona.

Gareth Bale has spoken for the first time about the 'Wales. Golf. Madrid' flag celebration which upset Real Madrid fans last year.

It's a rare sight football fans never want to see: one of their own wearing a rival club's shirt.

Tim Sherwood has suggested Lionel Messi is not a 'natural goalscorer', insisting talent in football can only be nurtured.

Brentford have vowed to do 'everything in their power' to ensure fans get the chance to say farewell to Griffin Park, despite the coronavirus shutdown.

Kevin De Bruyne has revealed the outcome of Manchester City's appeal against their Champions League ban may determine his future at the club.

Marcus Rashford has urged Manchester United's academy starlets to stay positive and 'remember why they fell in love with football' after their season was cut short because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard says that the idea of players being tested before frontline workers 'does not sit well' and urged football to 'take its place' as the Premier League works towards a restart.

Arsenal legend Tony Adams has told of how the club's transfer market ambition in the 1990s helped convince him to turn down Manchester United – and revealed his frustration at the difference in attitude today.

Orkun Kokcu has been backed to make the grade at Arsenal by former Manchester United star Jaap Stam.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has - quite literally - laughed off suggestions of a move away from Anfield.

Wayne Rooney claims off-field struggles cost Morrison... and says young players should follow Gary Neville's example

Tottenham are reportedly looking for midfield reinforcements this summer, with Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic the latest name linked.

Paul Pogba is targeting an immediate comeback from injury for Manchester United when Premier League football returns.

Frank Lampard is looking forward to having "one of the best players in the world" back in his Chelsea side as N'Golo Kante works towards regaining fitness.