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Cristiano Ronaldo misses Portugal training amid reports of rift with coach Jesus

Veteran left on bench by Jorge Jesus for win in NorwayThe 41-year-old has trained alone in gym since weekendCristiano Ronaldo continued absence from Portugal team training has led to speculation that the 41-year-old might miss his country’s match in Denmark on Thursday due to a rift with head coach Jorge Jesus.Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football and pursuing the milestone of 1,000 career goals, was left on the bench on Sunday in Portugal’s 2-1 win at Norway in the Nations League. He has not practiced with the team since then, doing only gym work, the Portuguese Football Federation said. Continue reading...

Associated PressCristiano RonaldoPortugal

GuardianSep 30Preview

Inside the Ukrainian military unit training fighters from China

Despite the risks, a number of soldiers from the country seen as Russia’s biggest backer have found their way to UkraineOn the makeshift workbench in the cramped front room of a cottage near the frontlines of the Russia-Ukraine war, there are all the accoutrements of a drone workshop. The walls are lined with pliers and rolls of duct tape; the table is cluttered with screwdrivers and piles of wire. Propped up against the wall are two kamikaze drones. Only one item looks out of place in this Ukrainian village house: a pot of Chinese longjing tea, the leaves wilted from repeated top-ups.Good tea is one of the many things that Tim misses about his life in China. His parents post monthly supplies to Ukraine. “I think about all of it,” the 44-year-old said, of his home country. “It brings back memories and emotions.” Continue reading...

Amy Hawkins in Kharkiv, photographs by Julia KochetovaUkraineChina