Rafael Nadal had the ability to remain competitive at the highest level for a long time, despite having to play in the same era as two other legends such as Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Their rivalry has taken away important titles from each of them,

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged the Abu Dhabi hierarchy to give him the chance to revive his faltering team amid its staggering run of poor results.

Guardiola committed himself to it, and not merely by putting pen to paper. He cited the reality that, six months ago, City were crowned champions, FA Cup finalists, a side only knocked out of the Champions League on penalties by Real Madrid.