Football essentials, 7 October: Arteta stays at Arsenal until 2030, Ronaldo apologises without calming Portugal, Vega to challenge Infantino

Mikel Arteta has extended his Arsenal contract until 2030, and Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised without calming Portugal. Marseille filled the day, David Silva has come out of retirement, and Ramon Vega wants to challenge Gianni Infantino at FIFA.

Arteta stays at Arsenal until 2030

The Premier League champions have secured their manager: Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract that keeps him at Arsenal until 2030, Sky Sports announces. “We want a winning era,” said the Spaniard. Our report covers the extension.

Ronaldo apologises, Portugal catches fire

Six days after walking out of the Portugal camp, Cristiano Ronaldo published an apology on Tuesday night: “The responsibility is entirely mine,” he wrote, leaving the door open to a return, franceinfo reports. “I haven’t read Cristiano’s statement,” Jorge Jesus replied while watching the U21 match, in L’Équipe. The country is splitting over the statement, Foot Mercato notes. Our report has followed the saga since Copenhagen.

Spygate: Eckert handed a suspended ban

The FA has delivered its Spygate verdict: Southampton manager Tonda Eckert receives a six-week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine, and stays free to lead the Saints, BBC Sport announces. Our report sets out the decision.

Marseille: Maupay speaks out, Lorenzi backs Genesio

Seventeenth in Ligue 1 with one win in five, Marseille owned the day. Neal Maupay told RMC Sport about his exile under Roberto De Zerbi, who had called him “the coach’s son”: “I don’t treat my children like that,” he replied. Sporting director Grégory Lorenzi backs Bruno Genesio “until 2028” and refers the transfer window to the DNCG. Our report on Maupay and the one on Lorenzi are online.

David Silva comes out of retirement

At 40, David Silva is back: he has joined Supreme Sha Tin, a newly promoted club in Hong Kong, L’Équipe announces. Our report covers the signing, short contract and gradual return included.

Vega wants to challenge Infantino

The first declared candidate against Gianni Infantino: Ramon Vega, 55, the former Tottenham and Celtic defender with 23 Switzerland caps, working in finance since 2004, the BBC announces. “I am standing to reunite the global football family,” said the man who failed to gather five federation endorsements in 2019. Last month Uefa, Concacaf and the AFC called on Infantino to resign after his failed plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.

Gradit back, Cahuzac without Sima

Back after a closed fracture of the tibia and fibula kept him out for almost a year, Jonathan Gradit opened up to RMC Sport: “It was very complicated on a personal level.” The centre-back considered retirement and had to fight his negative thoughts. On Friday Lens host Lyon without Sima, “a big blow” for Yannick Cahuzac; our report follows the build-up.