Roberto Carlos, former Real Madrid defender, has refuted reports claiming he is homeless following an acrimonious split with his estranged wife.

Recently, there were reports that Carlos, now Real Madrid’s director of institutional relations, has moved into the club’s training ground at Valdebabas after leaving his private residence in Spain, where he had lived since retiring from football in 2016.

The reports claimed that the 51-year-old is sleeping at the club facility following a complicated divorce settlement between him and Mariana Lucon, his wife of 15 years.

The rumours added that the wife has staked a claim at the couple’s matrimonial residence, while her family occupies Carlos’ second property.

However, in a tweet on Wednesday, Carlos dismissed the reports as “false and damaging” and “baseless rumours” which were “designated to generate clicks”.

The Brazilian added that he lives “in a private residence, supported by members of my family”.

“In recent days, I have become aware of false and damaging stories circulating about me and my family.

“While I value privacy, I feel compelled to address the baseless rumours about my living situation. These fabricated stories are entirely false and seem designated to generate clicks.

“I remain in a private residence, supported by members of my family.

“My legal team is reviewing these claims and will take appropriate action.

The 2022 World Cup winner then asked that his privacy be respected “during this time”.

Carlos and Lucon married in June 2009 and have two daughters – Manuela and Mariana.

English Premier League club, West Ham, has confirmed the appointment of former Chelsea boss, Graham Potter as its new head coach.

“West Ham United is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as the club’s new head coach. The 49-year-old joins the Hammers on a two-and-a-half-year contract and will take charge of his new team for the first time when the Irons travel to Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday evening.

“A highly-respected and sought-after coach, Potter has been awaiting the right opportunity after leaving his last role at Chelsea in April 2023 and was the Board’s unanimous choice to take the club forward in line with its objectives and ambitions.

“Potter, whose progressive style and flexible tactical approach previously impressed at Swedish club Östersund, Swansea City and Brighton & Hove Albion, has a passion for a return to Premier League management and is relishing the opportunity to work with West Ham United’s talented squad of international players,” the club statement read on Thursday.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Eric Chelle as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

The NFF announced the appointment of the Malian tactician in a statement on Tuesday.

The 47-year-old was recommended for the job by the NFF technical and development sub-committee on January 2. The federation’s executive committee endorsed the recommendation a few hours before the announcement.

He is the first-ever non-Nigerian African to be named the head coach of the Eagles.

Chelle was Mali’s head coach at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. He led the team to the quarter-final, where the country lost to the hosts in extra time.

The coach’s reaction to the loss is perhaps one of the most unforgettable scenes from the tournament. He squatted and was hyperventilating. His assistants had to douse him with bottles of water to revive him.

He had only managed a slew of clubs in the lower rungs of French football, like GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, before he joined Mali in 2022.

During his playing days, he featured five times for the Malian senior men’s national team. He also had spells at teams like Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais in France.

Chelle’s appointment takes effect immediately, and he is responsible for guiding the Super Eagles to earn a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

The Malian’s first task will be the next round of games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March. Nigeria are currently fifth in Group C of the qualifier. The team is also winless after four games.