Summary: There were two huge stories in football this past week – the crowning of Cristiano Ronaldo as the latest Ballon d’Or winner was one. We certainly saw that one coming, and we’ve dutifully doffed our cap to the Real Madrid colossus as a deserved winner, despite a late challenge from Messi’s fabulous red satin suit. What we didn’t see coming was <a href="http://afootballreport.com/post/73208660736/thought-trails-expectations-the-media-and-moving">Toronto FC breaking the bank</a> to simultaneously secure the signatures of top players Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley. To get fan reaction in Toronto and find out whether this massive financial gamble is likely to be remembered as reckless or a stroke of genius, we spoke to Managing Editor of <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com">Canadian Soccer News</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/24thminute">Duane Rollins</a>. In Europe, we charge our glasses to Benfica for honouring the passing of Eusebio with a rare win against rivals Porto. Elsewhere, AC Milan had the good grace to appoint their new manager just hours before recording, which means we you’ll get our straight out of the oven first reaction to Clarence Seedorf taking the hot seat. The serial Champions League winner was a massive favourite with the Rossoneri, but will that goodwill be enough to paper over the complete absence of managerial experience? Grabbing the crown this week for the best photograph submitted to AFR’s <a href="http://instagram.com/afootballreport">#whereisfootball</a> project is Rome-based photographer <a href="http://instagram.com/adamlloyd">Adam Lloyd</a>. His stunning snap of Roma fans at the Stadio Olimpico will be the podcast's artwork for the next seven days. Remember, you can get in touch with the team by emailing afrvoice@gmail.com, or on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/afrvoice">@AFRvoice</a>. You can also find us on iTunes <a href="http://afootballreport.com/itunes">here</a>.
