Former Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Jose Mourinho retains the full backing of the club and their supporters despite a poor start to the Premier League season.

Imperious Novak Djokovic declared that he was "a completely different player" from the first half of this year after he beat France's Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 7-5 to roll into the Shanghai Masters third round on Tuesday.

Spain's Rafael Nadal maintained his comfortable lead in the latest ATP tennis rankings released on Monday ahead of second-placed Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in third place.

Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale and Manchester City's Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne were among the first 15 nominees for the Ballon d'Or award announced on Monday.

Bale, who scored two goals in Real's triumph in the final of the Champions League against Liverpool, joins his club teammate Karim Benzema among the first wave of 30 nominees for the year's best player.

Chelsea's Eden Hazard has cast fresh doubt over his future despite a blistering start to the season by admitting he is still tempted by the childhood dream of a move to Real Madrid.

Arsenal have matched their best winning run in 11 years after thrashing Fulham 5-1 to make it nine successive victories in all competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo faced growing heat Thursday from sponsors over a rape allegation in the United States after Nike and video game maker EA Sports expressed concern about the conduct of the soccer superstar, who has denied the accusations.

The five-time world player of the year, who was seen driving into the Juventus practice complex in the morning, received public backing from the Italian club, which said it would not judge him on the 2009 assault claim by a Nevada woman.

Cristiano Ronaldo will not take part in Portugal's next four internationals, the national coach Fernando Santos said on Thursday, refusing to give any reasons.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said Thursday he still had mixed feelings after being gift-wrapped a controversial win by Mercedes in Russia last weekend.

"Tell me, who is the best player in the world?" Cristiano Ronaldo asks during his own film, a glass of wine in his hand and gold necklace dangling from his neck. "It's me," he replies, breaking into laughter as those around him laugh back.

Superstar footballer and one of the best-paid athletes in the world, Ronaldo is as much adored for his talent as he is detested for his bravado. To him, it has always been one and the same.