Joao Cancelo, currently on loan at Barcelona, is eager for a new beginning and has expressed his readiness to adhere to any instructions given by coach Xavi. He shared his aspirations after joining the club.
The Portuguese full-back made the temporary switch from Manchester City in the summer transfer window and has spoken of his desire to “achieve great things” at his “dream club”.
“The coach gives me a little freedom and I like that. I feel comfortable playing inside but also out wide. I will adapt to everything he asks of me,” he told Sport.
He added: “I always want to play with the Barca shirt and show the fans and the people who believed in me how difficult it was to get to Barca. I want to achieve great things with this club because it’s where I’ve always dreamed of being. It’s a dream club, all my friends know it; all my idols played for Barca.”
Cancelo’s position within the Manchester City squad was compromised last season due to alleged conflicts with coach Pep Guardiola. In January, Barcelona sought to secure him on loan, but City reportedly prevented the move.
Instead, he was loaned to Bayern Munich. However, Bayern chose not to exercise their option to purchase him permanently, leading to his falling out of favour at the club.
Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho reportedly intends to depart Old Trafford in January, as stated by the Daily Star.
Last week, the 23-year-old publicly contested comments made by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who cited poor training performances as the reason for dropping Sancho in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal.
Sources informed ESPN that the two were scheduled to have a “clear the air” discussion at Carrington on Monday. However, the Daily Star reports that this meeting did not go well, resulting in a complete breakdown in their relationship.
It’s now suggested that Sancho may have already played his final match for the Red Devils. The club is said to be exploring potential loan deals that may include either mandatory or optional clauses for a permanent transfer.
Since his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, Sancho has scored 12 goals in 82 appearances for Manchester United. There have also been reports linking him with a return to the Bundesliga with Dortmund.
Sancho was left out of the United squad for their 3-1 Premier League loss to Arsenal, with Ten Hag attributing his absence to subpar training displays.
In retaliation, the England international initially posted a message on social media accusing his manager of making him a ‘scapegoat’ for the team’s poor start to the season.
This post remained at the top of his profile for over a week, creating tension between him and the manager.
However, on Tuesday evening, Sancho deleted the post, indicating a possible attempt to resolve the dispute and regain his place in the first team.
Ten Hag has faced criticism for handling the situation publicly, with some suggesting he should have addressed Sancho’s conduct privately.
Sancho was linked with a potential last-minute move to the Saudi Pro League, but he ultimately stayed at Old Trafford, reportedly due to United’s insistence on a compulsory purchase clause in any loan deal.
Sancho was spotted at United’s training ground for talks with Ten Hag on Monday.
United did not confirm whether he had trained with the team when contacted by GOAL.
With Antony on leave due to serious allegations of assault (which he denies), a spot on the right wing has opened up, potentially giving Sancho an opportunity to redeem himself.
Ten Hag is expected to discuss the situation in his upcoming press conference on Friday. If the manager and player can resolve their differences, Sancho may return to action against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.
Former Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)president Luis Rubiales is scheduled to provide testimony in court on Friday as part of an ongoing investigation related to his kissing of Jennifer Hermoso.
Rubiales has been summoned to appear before a Spanish court following the initiation of a case against him by prosecutors, who are examining allegations of “sexual assault and coercion.”
“It is agreed that the testimony will be heard, in the context of being a suspect, with legal assistance, of LUIS MANUEL RUBIALES BÉJAR next Friday, September 15, at 12 p.m., before this central court of investigation,” a statement from judge Luis Francisco de Jorge read.
Luis Rubiales has faced criticism since he kissed Jennifer Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup final triumph over England. Rubiales has maintained that the kiss was consensual, but Hermoso has a different perspective and lodged a complaint with Spanish authorities against him.
As a result of the controversy, the 46-year-old was suspended from his position as RFEF president by FIFA. He initially resisted stepping down but eventually announced his resignation last week.
During Rubiales’ tenure, more than 80 Spanish players pledged to boycott the national team, and a majority of the coaching staff resigned. This led to the dismissal of head coach Jorge Vilda by the new president, Pedro Rocha.
The Sports Administrative Court (TAD) in Spain ruled that Rubiales’ kiss on Hermoso was a “serious” but not “very serious” offence.
After the ruling, Rubiales released a defiant statement, saying: “I will continue to defend myself to prove the truth. I want to send a message to all good people in our country and beyond our borders, including those women who have really been attacked and who have my full support and understanding: this isn’t about gender, it’s real.”
He added: “Justice is applied to people without gender having to previously determine the result. I feel that I have been judged unfairly by the media and politicians. This should never happen to anyone again.”
Last week, the RFEF issued an apology over Rubiales’ conduct, saying the saga has caused “enormous” damage to “Spanish football, to Spanish sport, to Spanish society and to the values of football”.
On Monday, September 11, the Office of theSpecial Prosecutor (OSP) initiated legal proceedings by submitting a motion to the High Court.
They sought the court’s confirmation of the previously issued seizure and freezing orders for the financial assets of former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Dapaah.
A hearing for this matter has been scheduled for October 18, 2023.
It’s worth noting that on August 9, the Cedi and Dollar bank accounts belonging to the former minister were frozen by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
However, this decision was subsequently overturned by the High Court in Accra on August 31. The court directed that the seized funds be returned to Cecilia Dapaah within seven days and also ordered the OSP to unfreeze her accounts.
Following the High Court’s order to return the seized money, the OSP exercised its authority to regain possession of the funds just a few days later.
Background
Madam Dapaah, former Sanitation Minister, became the talk of the town in July 2023, when the Chronicle Newspaper reported that her domestic help had been dragged to court for allegedly stealing $1 million, 300,000 euros, several millions of cedis and personal effects of the former minister and her husband valued at thousands of Ghana Cedis and dollars.
Cecilia Dapaah subsequently resigned from her position after a public uproar. She was arrested by the OSP and was later granted bail.
On Monday, July 24, 2023, a team from the Office of the Special Prosecutor conducted a search of the residence of the former Minister of Sanitation.
During the operation, the OSP reported the discovery of significant amounts of money, including US$590,000 and GHC2.7 million in cash, at the former minister’s apartment.
In response to these findings, officials from the Office of the Special Prosecutor promptly took action, confiscating these substantial cash sums as critical pieces of evidence to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Additionally, the OSP imposed freezes on seven bank accounts belonging to Cecilia Dapaah.
The current Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the Ghana Police Service,Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, has refuted assertions that he received preferential treatment in his ascent to the highest position within the police force.
He clarified that his career progression and the various positions he has held in the police service were solely attributable to his unwavering commitment to the police force and his academic qualifications.
During his appearance before a seven-member committee, IGP Dampare emphasised that his swift advancement through the ranks was not a result of his affiliations with influential individuals or power brokers.
“In terms of my ranking in the police service, it has been purely based on my competencies, academic qualifications and hard work because of the passion I have for the work. I have not, at any point in time, been called aside by any individual and granted any favour that I do not deserve,” he said
Explaining further, IGP Dampare said that he had held a number of different positions in the police service, which had given him an added advantage before becoming the IGP.
“In terms of positions I have held, I have been virtually across every command within the service, and at a point, because of my commitment to work, I was handling multiple schedules at the national headquarters.
“This is because if you give me a work, you just have to consider it done because that is how I get things done and I work around teams to get them done on the basis of Genesis 1:26,” he added.
Ghanaian actors, including well-known figures likeSalma Mumin and John Dumelo, were recently spotted at a nightclub in Abuja, Nigeria, where they were seen joyfully showering cash while having a great time.
Among the notable Ghanaian celebrities present were Salma Mumin, John Dumelo, and Haillie Sumney, who created a vibrant atmosphere inside the nightclub over the weekend.
Even John Dumelo, who is also theNew Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso West Wougon constituency, joined his fellow celebrities in Nigeria for some enjoyable moments.
A video posted on popular Ghanaian blogger Nkonkonsa’s Instagram page captured Salma Mumin and other actors enthusiastically throwing money into the air while dancing to the music during this festive occasion.
During the 2023 Bar Conference in Cape Coast on Monday, September 11, Ghana’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice,Godfred Dame, expressed his belief that the next president of Ghana would likely be an economist.
While he expressed his wish for another lawyer to assume the presidency, Dame was confident that the economist, who has a legal background through his father, would uphold the core values cherished by the legal profession.
It’s worth noting that in the Fourth Republic, three out of the last five presidents have been lawyers, including John Agyekum Kufuor, John Evans Atta Mills, and Nana Akufo-Addo.
“Throughout much of the history of post-independence Ghana, there has been a shared culture between the Bar and the higher reaches of government and the civil service.
There has never been a gulf between the worlds of law and politics. A very large number of practising barristers have been members of the House of Parliament.
“The Speakers of Parliament Ghana has had thus far have been lawyers. The Fourth Republic has seen three of its five Presidents so far being lawyers. Unfortunately, it looks like the next President will not be a lawyer.
“However, it is becoming increasingly quite clear that, even though the next President will be an economist, being the son of a lawyer, he will hold fast to the values the legal profession cherishes.”
Dame made the point to underscore the importance of the law and for that matter, lawyers in the governance of the country.
He posits thatGhana can hardly thrive without the critical input of the legal profession, as captured in the theme of this year’s Bar Conference, “Ensuring high standards and integrity in public life: the role of the legal profession”.
The Elections Committee of theGhana Football Association (GFA) has rejected George Afriyie’s appeal to access unedited videos from the vetting process.
Last week, the committee disqualified Afriyie for a code of conduct violation and gave him a specific period to respond to the allegations.
In response to his request, the Elections Committee stated that it is following the rules and regulations of FIFA, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), and other relevant bodies, which do not permit the sharing of unedited videos with parties or the public.
The committee, operating under FIFA’s supervision, is obligated to provide only the written decision containing the proceedings’ records.
“The videos are made available only to the appellate body when there is any dispute of fact (not dispute of law) and if the appellate body so others”.
U.S. investment firm 777 Partners is reportedly set to complete a full takeover of Everton after resuming talks with Farhad Moshiri.
Moshiri, who currently owns a 94 per cent stake in Everton, is close to agreeing on a deal where full ownership of the club will be passed on to 777 Partners, according to Sky Sports.
The Miami-based firm resumed talks with Moshiri after New York-group MSP Sports Capital ended its exclusivity agreement with the Everton owner last month.
777 Partners currently have several European clubs in their portfolio, including Sevilla, Hertha Berlin and Standard Liege.
Should the sale of Everton go through as expected, 777 Partners will have to meet all Premier League requirements before being formally confirmed as the club’s new owners, which could take several months.
The Toffees are languishing in 18th place in the Premier League table four games into the 2023–24 season, having only picked up one point from a possible 12.
Supporters have been outspoken in their criticism of Moshiri’s ownership in recent years, despite him investing more than £750 million into the club since 2016.
The proceedings for gathering testimonies from individuals mentioned in a leaked audio recording discussing a plot to remove the Inspector General of Police (IGP) have entered a new week.
In contrast to previous information suggesting that the testimony of the IGP, Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, would be conducted behind closed doors, Committee Chairman Samuel Atta Akyea has just announced that, like the others, this testimony will also be conducted publicly.
However, he noted that specific portions of the hearing, particularly those related to national security, will still be held in private.
Up to this point, the parliamentary ad hoc committee has received testimonies from all the individuals mentioned in the recording, including Bugri Naabu, former Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), COP George Alex Mensah, Supt. George Asare, and Supt. Emmanuel Gyebi.
In a Euro 2024 qualifying match on Monday, Portugal achieved a historic 9-0 victory over Luxembourg, even in the absence of star player Cristiano Ronaldo, who was suspended for the game due to accumulating three yellow cards.
Despite the absence of their renowned captain, Portugal dominated Luxembourg, with Goncalo Inacio, Goncalo Ramos, and Diogo Jota each scoring twice.
Ricardo Horta, Bruno Fernandes, and Joao Felix also contributed a goal each, sealing a comprehensive victory.
Manager Martinez expressed his satisfaction, emphasising that his team is now well-prepared to secure victories even when Ronaldo is not in the lineup.
However, he also emphasised that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to play a crucial role within the squad.
Speaking to reporters after the Luxembourg clash, Martinez said: “Cristiano is a very important part of this team, and Pepe too. They have a contagious level and way of working and give our team important value.
“We need to give opportunities and Gonçalo Ramos and Jota showed what they can do. Ronaldo has experience and a special way of being; we don’t need to create doubts or comparisons. This team is prepared to win without Cristiano too.”
The win over Luxembourg was Portugal’s biggest international victory to date. Portugal now have 18 points from six matches in Euro 2024 qualifying and are sitting at the top of Group J.
Ben Foster recently revealed a startling assertion made by Danny Rose concerning Tottenham’s bonus system, which he described as “impossible” due to the stringent criteria set by club chairman Daniel Levy.
According to Foster, his former England and Watford teammate Danny Rose once confided that earning bonus payments at Tottenham was an incredibly challenging task.
Foster explained that, in order to trigger a bonus, Spurs players had to secure a convincing victory against a team in the ‘top six,’ with victories by a mere one-goal margin falling short of Chairman Levy’s standards.
Foster shared these insights during an episode of “Fozcast: The Ben Foster Podcast,” shedding light on the inner workings of the bonus structure during his time as a goalkeeper for bothWrexham and Tottenham.
“To actually get paid a bonus, you would only get it for beating one of the big boys, one of the top six teams. So you’re talking a Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool, and apparently, I swear on my life, this is what he said to me, you’ve got to beat them by two clear goals as well.
“[1-0] it’s not enough, mate, you ain’t getting that bonus. Winning games, they expect you to win games as Tottenham manager, apparently.”
He added: “To get the bonus, you have to obliterate your opponent. You have to beat Manchester City 2-0 or 3-0 to get that bonus payment, which is bonkers. I was saying, ‘Rosey, there’s no chance; that’s impossible’. He was just saying, ‘I know, Fozzy, I know’.
He said there was one time they were winning 2-0 and in the last minute they conceded a goal and everyone was looking at each other thinking, ‘OK, come on, lads, we’ve missed out on the bonus’, and they’d still won the big game.”
During his tenure, Rose, who was a part of the England national team from 2016 to 2019, spent a remarkable 14 years with Tottenham before departing for Watford in 2021.
In contrast, Foster recently declared his retirement, marking the end of his professional career, a decision made just five games into Wrexham’s 2023–24 campaign.
Ange Postecoglou’s team will be back in action this Saturday as they face Sheffield United in the Premier League.
Former PSG star Neymar, the 31-year-old forward who has surpassed Pele to become his nation’s all-time leading goal scorer, is set to return to international action on Tuesday.
Peru, the host team, recognises the need for every possible advantage to secure a positive outcome against the five-time World Cup champions.
In light of this, a collective of traditional healers hailing from Peru’s jungle, mountainous, and coastal regions, known as Tayta Inti (Father Sun), has extended their support.
They performed a ritual outside Peru’s national stadium that included binding an effigy of Neymar and setting up a vibrant altar adorned with swords, amulets, flags, and photos of players from both teams.
Shaman Felix Rondan told reporters: “We have neutralised Neymar by tying his feet. We tied him up so that he is not in good shape, and doesn’t run and play well.
” Shaman Walter Alarcon added that the ritual was intended to cloud Neymar’s mind so that he cannot “achieve what he is looking for, which are goals”.
Brazil won their opening game of 2026 World Cup qualifying 5-1 against Bolivia, with Neymar bagging a brace in that contest to take him to 79 international goals, while Peru were held to a goalless draw by Paraguay.
Following his remarkable move to the United States, the seven-timeBallon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, had been in search of a permanent residence for his family.
He has now found it in a Florida property priced at $10.8 million (£9 million), which boasts an impressive array of features, including 10 bedrooms, a spa room, two boat docks, and a swimming pool.
Spanning 10,500 square feet, Messi’s new home also includes a three-car garage for his convenience.
Moreover, its proximity to Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium and the adjacent training facility, just a 15-minute drive away, ensures that Messi has no excuses for being late to games and practises.
This move comes ahead of the team’s anticipated transition to their new purpose-built stadium in 2025.
In addition to this purchase, the Messi family had previously invested $7.3 million in acquiring the entire ninth floor at Regalia, an opulent condominium development located in the Sunny Isles Beach area of Florida.
Notably, Messi’s fellow club colleague, Sergio Busquets, resides in the vicinity of his latest acquisition, Sea Ranch Lakes.
Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has made an immediate and significant impact, contributing to the team’s historic League Cup victory, securing a place in the U.S. Open Cup final, and aiding their quest for a spot in the MLS Eastern Conference playoffs.
Ralf Rangnick has made it clear that he has no interest in taking over as coach of the German national team, should he be approached for the position.
Following the dismissal of Hansi Flick on Sunday, the German Football Association is in search of a new manager, with only nine months remaining until they host Euro 2024.
Flick’s tenure saw only 12 wins out of 25 games, including a World Cup group stage exit last year. In his final match, Germany suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Japan.
While Rangnick has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the German Football Association, he has denied any such claims and affirmed his commitment to his current role, as the Euros are less than a year away.
The Austrian claimed he has no interest in the Germany role, telling ORE: “No chance. I decided 14 months ago to work as head coach in Austria, prepare the team to qualify for the Euros, and play a good role there. Everything else is not a topic for me.”
Jurgen Klopp is reportedly the German Football Association’s (DFB) first option for his replacement, as per The Mirror, despite the fact that they are aware it would be extremely difficult to persuade him to leave Liverpool.
Paul Pogba is reported to have tested positive for testosterone following Juventus’ match against Udinese in Serie A, resulting in his provisional suspension.
According to Italy’s Corriere della Sera, the banned substance was detected in an anti-doping test conducted after the game.
The former Manchester United midfielder has a three-day window to respond to the accusation and must provide a counter-analysis of the test result.
In the meantime, he has been provisionally suspended by the Italian anti-doping authority, as reported by The Athletic.
Conducting anti-doping tests after each match is standard practise in most elite European leagues.
Notably, Pogba had already played in matches against Bologna and Empoli before the alleged confirmation of traces of testosterone in his test.
According to journalist Colin Millar, if Pogba is found guilty, doping bans in Serie A can lead to suspensions ranging from two to four years, putting the 30-year-old player in significant jeopardy.
This development adds to the challenges in Pogba’s career, including his recent statement about contemplating retirement due to an alleged extortion plot involving his brother, Mathias.
Additionally, he has faced fitness issues and has made just 12 appearances for Juventus since his return to the club fromManchester United in 2022.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that he was offered the opportunity to lead Norway’s women’s team following Hege Riise’s departure.
However, the former Manchester United manager turned down the offer, explaining it in an interview with a Norwegian source .
Solskjaer said in an interview that he had “spoken to the association about the job as national coach” but had declined the offer because he felt he was “not ready” for such a position just yet.
Norway currently holds the 13th position in the FIFA rankings, a ranking influenced by their disappointing performance in the World Cup first-round defeat to Japan.
Solskjaer also cited another reason for declining the Norwegian Federation’s offers, highlighting a potential conflict of interest involving his daughter.
Karna Solskjaer is a player for AaFK Fortuna, a team currently ranked second in the top tier of Norwegian women’s football. If Ole were to manage the team, Karna would fall under his authority, a situation he stated he prefers to avoid.
“I have spoken to the association about the job as national coach. They have asked. But I’m not ready for that yet,” he told NRK.
During a training session for the French national team, Ousmane Dembele playfully teased Kylian Mbappe after executing an impressive goal.
Dembele, who now shares the field with Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain following his move from Barcelona this summer, showcased his skills by dribbling past three players before scoring.
After his goal, Dembele celebrated in a playful manner while making eye contact with Mbappe.
The French team captain took it in good spirits, as he was seen smiling.
Both Mbappe and Dembele were part of the starting lineup for France in their Euro qualifier against Ireland last week, which ended in a comfortable 2-0 victory with goals from Aurelien Tchouameni and Marcus Thuram.
Didier Deschamps’ squad is set to face Germany in an international friendly on September 12th.
During his solo tour,ex-England and Chelsea captain John Terry is offering fans the opportunity to obtain his autograph for £100 and have dinner with him for £500 per person.
Terry recently appeared in Basingstoke and has future appearances scheduled in Bournemouth, London, and Birmingham in the coming months.
For the former defender’s “An Evening with John Terry” event, general admission tickets start at £25; however, supporters must spend an additional £100 to receive his autograph.
A table accommodating 10 individuals under the “sponsorship package” is priced at £5,000, which includes the opportunity to dine with John Terry, the option to have an item of their choice autographed, and the chance for a photograph together.
As reported by The Telegraph, the £5,000 sponsorship packages for the Bournemouth and London events have already been fully booked, but they are still available for the Birmingham event.
For those who secured the £150 “platinum package,” which is now sold out in Birmingham, they receive front-row seating and a photo opportunity with Terry but no guarantee of an autograph.
Similarly, those who opted for the “gold package” receive a photo but not an autograph.
John Terry’s next appearances for his solo tour are scheduled for Bournemouth next month, followed by London in November and Birmingham in January.
The UK-based fighter appeared visibly disappointed with the judge’s decision, asserting that he successfully landed numerous impactful punches compared to his opponent.
“Ideally, I could’ve won the fight. And if you see the fight, I was landing good shots and the guy did not even hit me like that.
He couldn’t hit me. Most of the punches he threw, I kept moving my head but it is what it is,” he said in a video shared by Sports Obaman TV.
Freezy Mcbones was defeated by his Senegalese opponent, Seydou Konate, during the 2024 Paris Olympics Games qualifiers held in Dakar. This marked a setback for him as he lost on his amateur debut, thereby missing out on securing an automatic spot for the Olympics.
However, he still has another chance to qualify through the Asia and Europe playoffs scheduled for 2024.
Freezy Mcbones was the second among the seven Ghanaian boxers scheduled to participate in the qualifiers.
Olympique Lyon has decided to part ways with coach Laurent Blanc due to their disappointing start to the 2023–24 Ligue 1 season.
Following a 4-1 defeat to PSG just before the September international break, Lyon finds themselves at the bottom of the Ligue 1 standings with only one point from four games.
As the club searches for a permanent replacement, Jean-Francois Vulliez will take on the role of interim manager.
Blanc had taken over as manager during the 2022–2023 season, replacing Peter Bosz, when Lyon was ranked ninth in the league.
Under Blanc’s guidance, Lyon finished in seventh place in Ligue 1, missing out on European competition for the second consecutive season.
Reports indicate that Paul Pogba has tested positive for testosterone following Juventus’ match against Udinese in Serie A. Pogba now has a three-day window to respond to this accusation.
According to Corriere della Sera in Italy, Pogba’s positive test for the prohibited substance was the result of an anti-doping examination conducted after the game.
It’s standard practise in most top European leagues to conduct anti-doping tests after each match.
Interestingly, Pogba participated in subsequent matches against Bologna and Empoli before the confirmation of his alleged positive test for traces of testosterone.
The former Manchester United midfielder has a three-day period to provide a response to the charge and must also undergo a counter-analysis of the test result.
As journalist Colin Millar points out, if Pogba is found guilty, Serie A’s doping sanctions can lead to suspensions ranging from two to four years, posing a significant threat to the 30-year-old player.
This development adds to the recent challenges in Pogba’s career, including his claim that he is contemplating retirement due to an alleged extortion plot involving his brother Mathias.
Additionally, he has struggled with injuries and has made just 12 appearances for Juventus since rejoining the club fromManchester United in 2022.
Declan Rice has clarified that his decision to join Arsenal was driven by his desire to work under manager Mikel Arteta, whom he trusts to guide and shape his career.
Rice emphasised that he has full confidence in Arteta’s ability.
Despite interest from other clubs such as United, Chelsea, and City, the opportunity to collaborate with the Spanish coach proved irresistible for the English star.
Speaking to Joe Cole on Channel Four before the Three Lions played Ukraine, Rice was asked why he chose to move to the Emirates and replied: “I have to say the manager, Mikel.”
“From the moment that I met him, I knew he was the one that I wanted to take care of for the next part of my career and I just had that gut feeling that Arsenal would bet on the club even though there was other interest.
“No there has not been a big jump up in quality at Arsenal; towards the end of my time at West Ham, the players we had were unbelievable. But I would say the difference is that the way I’m having to play now is much more advanced (up the pitch).”
Rice has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup for Arsenal throughout the current season. He even found the net in the thrilling 3-1 victory overManchester United just before the international break.
Rice is expected to represent England in their match against Scotland on Tuesday, as the two teams face off in an International Friendly to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the oldest recorded international fixture in football history.
City Football Group (CFG) has unveiled plans to construct a new indoor arena for live events as part of its efforts to enhance brand recognition in theManchester area.
This collaboration was announced by American sports executive Tim Leiweke, renowned for his role in bringing David Beckham to Major League Soccer in 2007.
Leiweke’s organisation, the Oak View Group, has overseen the development and management of more than 300 venues across the US, Europe, and other continents.
The forthcoming project, in partnership with the City Football Group, will result in the largest indoor arena in England and is currently under construction near Etihad Stadium.
CFG envisions that this £365 million initiative will significantly boost the group’s overall value in the long term.
However, it’s important to note that the immediate revenue generated from merchandise sales, ticket sales, and other sources may not directly impact Manchester City’s first-team budget, as reported by The Telegraph.
The new 23,500-seat arena, adjacent to the football stadium, is also undergoing expansion and is scheduled to open next year. Silver Lake, a US private equity fund that owns 18% of CFG, has also invested in Leiweke’s venue company, Oak View Group.
The inaugural event at the arena, named “Co-op Live,” will feature performances by investor Harry Styles.
When it opens in April 2024, Co-Op Live is expected tohave the largest maximum capacity (including both seats and standing areas) of any indoor arena in the United Kingdom.
Jude Bellingham is known for his focus on the field, but he found himself on the wrong bus following the Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine.
The Real Madrid midfielder had a significant role in England’s Euro 2024 qualifier on Polish soil, starting in Gareth Southgate’s lineup and displaying his usual energy before being substituted in the 65th minute.
Despite his efforts, Bellingham couldn’t replicate his goal-scoring form from his time in Spain, and England had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
At just 20 years old, he is considered one of the most promising talents globally, with every aspect of his performance under scrutiny.
However, Bellingham had an embarrassing moment when he accidentally boarded the wrong bus after England’s recent match.
He confidently climbed the steps of a waiting coach at the Tarczynski Arena, only to find Ukrainian faces instead of his teammates. Eventually, he made his way back to the England group.
England hopes that Bellingham can shine in their upcoming friendly against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
Paul Pogba has revealed that he contemplated retiring from his professional football career because of an apparent organised and armed extortion scheme that implicated his brother.
In the previous year, an inquiry was initiated to examine claims that the midfielder, who plays for Juventus and France, was the subject of an extortion plot involving his brother Mathias and childhood friends. They were allegedly demanding €13 million from him.
Speaking to Al Jazeera’s Generation Sport, Pogba said the case played a part in his wanting to quit football.
“Money changes people. … It can break up a family,” he said. “It can create a war. Sometimes I was just by myself, thinking, ‘I don’t want to have money anymore. I just don’t want to play anymore. I just want to be with normal people, so they will love me for me — not for the fame, not for the money.’ Sometimes it’s tough.”
Pogba also endured a tough spell on the pitch following his return to Juventus following his departure from Manchester United.
The 30-year-old suffered a lot of injury problems last season and was forced to withdraw from France’s World Cup squad in Qatar.
The midfielder said he is determined to prove his critics wrong and warned that criticism can lead to players wanting to quit the sport.
“I want to make them eat their words. … I want to show them I’m not weak,” Pogba said. “They can talk bad about me. I will never give up.”
He added: “Football is very beautiful but cruel. People can forget you in one day. You can do something great, but the next day, you are nobody.
“People are waiting for you, saying: ‘He’s done; his career is finished.’ You get these comments after scoring goals and winning the World Cup. People forget it. So you have to prove it all the time.
“You have to accept it, but nobody can be criticised like that. There are so many players that lost it mentally; they didn’t even want to play football anymore because of all the negative things.”
Ghanaian boxing trainer Paul Kofi Dogboe, who has achieved world titles, has officially commenced his role as the head of the Klevia Clan of Anlo in the Volta Region of Ghana.
He was installed as Torgbui Badu IV of Anyako on Thursday, September 9, 2023.
Following traditional rituals conducted in the sacred forest at dawn, Torgbui Badu IV was joyfully carried and paraded on a palanquin made from three guns through the streets of Anyako.
He was then taken to the Royal Badu family residence, where he will be in seclusion for seven days.
The peaceful installation ceremony is scheduled to conclude during the family’s public introduction ceremony on the following Saturday, September 16, at the Torgbui Badu family residence in Anyako.
Paul Dogboe father of Isaac Dogboe enskinned as chief
Paul Dogboe, now referred to as Torgbui Badu IV, assumes the role after a vacancy of 17 years. The elders and kingmakers identified him, a former British Army officer, to lead the traditional affairs of the Klevia clan.
Torgbui Badu IV’s peaceful installation was with the wholehearted blessings of Torgbui Sri III of the Ewe Duk), Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II (Awadada of Anlo), Torgbui Tenge Dzokoto Gligui VI (Dufia of Anyako), Torgbui Dukli Attipoe V and the Klevie clan, Torgbui Kposegi IV of Anyako Woeto, Mama Kekelifla I and Torgbui Bina (Regent of the Badu Royal House of Anyako).
“After 17 years of absence, the divine appointment by the Stool of the Royal Badu House, Klevie Clan, has now finally been revealed,” noted a family statement.
“Now the Creator has spoken. Paul Kofi Dogboe from the Royal House of Torgbui Badu of Anyako, Volta Region, has emerged as Torgbui Badu IV,” it affirmed.
Dogboe gained fame as the trainer of his son,Isaac Dogboe, who became the youngest boxing world champion from Ghana by winning the WBO junior featherweight world title in 2018.
According to Paintsil, the new adventure is a form of giving back to the country because it was through the same means he became an asset at the Black Stars.
Speaking with GhanaWeb, he disclosed that late Ghanaian coach Emmanuel Kwasi Afrane spotted him while he was playing in Berekum.
“Myself, Ofori Quaye, Patrick Villas, Isaac Vorsah, and Mamunatu Suleman We bring all these players to come and play for the young boys… I always say,
“Never forget where you come from. Always remember where you come from. because I was scouted by EK Afrane while I was in Berekum. So it’s good to follow in his footsteps.
“I believed that when they scouted me, I was able to do well for the nation. So I want to repay that and tell those young boys that they have the freedom to play. They are not in bondage, they are not in prison and they cannot showcase their talent. So that’s all about the scouting programme,” he added.
John Paintsil owns theJohn Paintsil Football Academy, which he named after himself. The team is now playing in Ghana’s low-tier league and hopes to qualify for the country’s second-tier league in the coming years.
Harry Kane, the 30-year-old forward currently playing for Bayern Munich, has suggested that his participation in a boot camp alongside Britain’s Royal Marines could have played a role in him being named England’s captain in 2017.
Since assuming the captaincy, Kane has guided England to the final of the European Championship and two knockout-stage appearances in the World Cup.
“We learned to put up our own tents and had the rations that the Marines have when they’re going to war,” Kane told reporters. “We woke at sunrise and did a trek with all the stuff on our backs. Then we did an obstacle course, which was fun, though I think they left out some of the tougher parts.”
“We had to follow the Marines. Whenever they shouted ‘Down,’ we had to crawl in the mud, through stone and into a tunnel full of sheep dip. [By the end] we were all soaking wet, with sand and mud everywhere, and thought we were going to get in a car and go back to camp – until they told us we were walking back, which was another hour on the road.
“That was probably the hardest part, it was mentally tough. Then we got back to the place where we were staying and I was looking forward to a nice, hot shower — and it was just a bit of water dripping out.”
He added: “I think Gareth [Southgate] did use that trip to see who stood out in terms of leadership and maybe it was the way I got on with the Marines and handled certain situations.
“I know he asked some of the Marines who they thought were natural leaders, who were approachable, and who other players were leaning towards to talk to, and that might have helped me becoming captain.”
Despite being defeated 1-1 on Saturday by Ukraine, England still leads Group C with 13 points after five games.
Former Manchester United icon Andy Cole has spoken highly of the talents of Kobbie Mainoo from Ghana, expressing his belief in the teenager’s potential to grow and make a significant impact on the global football stage.
Mainoo, who is 18 years old, stood out as one of the most promising prospects in Erik Ten Hag’s squad during the preseason matches.
However, his promising start was marred by an unfortunate injury that occurred in the opening minutes of a game against Real Madrid.
Cole revealed that during the summer, he inquired about Manchester United’s intentions for Mainoo in the upcoming campaign from individuals within the club.
“I watched him in pre-season and I wasn’t the only person to think, ‘wow.’ The way the kid was playing was absolutely ridiculous and when I asked one of the club’s hierarchies about what Kobbie was going to do this season, they told me that he wasn’t going to be loaned out as the manager really likes him and I can see why,”
“He has everything in abundance. It was a bit of a sickener to see him get injured against Real Madrid but I believe if he keeps going the way he’s going, then he’ll have a big future at Manchester United.”
Mainoo started his youth career at Cheadle and Gatley Junior Football Club, before joining the Red Devils at the age of nine.
Mainoo has represented England from under-17, to under-19, and he is also eligible to represent Ghana.
Kobbie Mainoo was awardedManchester United’s prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player Award at the end of the 2022/23 season.
An intrepid West Ham United fan who travelled thousands of miles to watch one of the Premier League club’s new signings in action on international duty has seen his astonishing effort rewarded.
The supporter embarked on a 4,000-mile round trip from London to watch Ghana face the Central African Republic in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, desperate to catch a glimpse of Mohammed Kudus, who signed for the Hammers from Ajax in late August.
The solitary West Ham supporter, Ian, generated quite a buzz at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana.
His presence even led to him answering questions from local journalists in the lead-up to the match.
“I am here to watch Mohammed Kudus, our new signing,” “He is very skilled and strong. We love him.
“West Ham are massive everywhere we go and I have come all the way from the UK to watch Mohammed Kudus and the Black Stars,” Ian told Ghanaweb.
Kudus, who recently made his debut for West Ham as a late substitute in a 2-1 victory over Luton Town just before the international break, represented the Black Stars in the match and even contributed a crucial equaliser in their comeback victory, scoring from a free-kick just before half-time.
After completing a 2,000-mile round trip and having an incredible story to share, it seemed like that might be the conclusion of the adventure.
However, upon learning about this extraordinary football pilgrimage, the Ghana Football Association intervened to acknowledge and reward this exceptional effort.
Arrangements were made for the fan to meetKudus at the Black Stars’ camp and even receive the 23-year-old winger’s No. 20 jersey as a little added bonus. The shirt was then donned and photos were taken, complete with the pair making the “Irons” gesture.
“After making the journey from the UK to watchMohammed in the AFCON qualifiers, this West Ham fan had the incredible opportunity to meet starboy Kudus!” the Ghana FA wrote on Instagram.
Manchester United and Antony have reached an agreement wherein the Brazilian forward will temporarily step away from the club following allegations of abuse made by three women.
United issued a statement on Sunday, revealing that Antony, aged 23, will postpone his return to training to address these allegations.
The decision was signed off by United chief executive Richard Arnold after talks with manager Erik ten Hag.
Claims have been made against Antony by three separate women, including his former partner, Gabriela Cavallin. Antony, who was released from the Brazil squad on Monday following fresh accusations made by Cavallin, denies any wrongdoing.
“Players who have not participated in international matches are due back in training on Monday. However, it has been agreed with Antony that he will delay his return until further notice in order to address the allegations.
“As a club, we condemn acts of violence and abuse. We recognise the importance of safeguarding all those involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
According to an ESPN source, Antony, who has not faced any arrests or charges, has not been subjected to suspension. His absence from the team is characterised as a “leave of absence,” permitting the forward to concentrate on defending himself against the allegations.
During this period, he will continue to receive his full salary, and there is no specific timeframe for his return.
In a statement released by Antony on Sunday, he said: “I have agreed with Manchester United to take a period of absence while I address the allegations made against me.
“This was a mutual decision to avoid distraction for my teammates and unnecessary controversy for the club.
“I want to reiterate my innocence of the things I have been accused of, and I will fully cooperate with the police to help them reach the truth. I look forward to returning to play as soon as possible.”
South Korea is set to take on Saudi Arabia in a friendly match at St James’ Park, the home of Newcastle United, on Tuesday.
Jurgen Klinsmann, who is 59 years old, is facing significant pressure following a dismal beginning to his tenure as coach. Despite being appointed in February, Klinsmann’s South Korea team has yet to secure a victory in their last five matches, suffering two losses and three draws.
Their most recent letdown was a lacklustre 0-0 draw against a similarly struggling Wales team last week. Following this match, captain Son Heung-min came to Klinsmann’s defence.
“I understand where fans come from, as someone who’s been on the national team for a long time,” the Tottenham Hotspur forward told reporters in Cardiff.
“I am not saying the coach is always right, but I also don’t think fans are always right either.”
South Korea reached the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup before being outclassed 4-1 by Brazil, after which coach Paulo Bento said he would not carry on.
The Korea Football Association launched a protracted search for his successor before settling on Klinsmann, a World Cup winner as a player but whose coaching career has never hit the same heights.
Many South Korean fans were underwhelmed by the appointment and performances since have only added to those misgivings.
Klinsmann, whose previous coaching job was a short stint with Hertha Berlin more than three years ago, started with a 2-2 home draw with Colombia, before home defeats to Uruguay and Peru.
Then came a 1-1 home draw with El Salvador and the goalless stalemate with Wales, with the result and listless nature of the performance piling the pressure on former United States coach Klinsmann.
Despite boasting Asia’s finest attacker in the talisman Son, South Korea conjured up just one shot on target against the 35th-ranked Welsh.
South Korea have scored four times in five matches under Klinsmann, who was a prolific striker as a player in his pomp.
Negligent?
However, Klinsmann’s actions off the field have also fueled frustration among fans. South Korean supporters and media have accused him of breaking a promise to relocate to the country, asserting that he spends more time in his California residence than in South Korea.
Critics have pointed to Klinsmann’s media responsibilities unrelated to his role as South Korea’s coach as further evidence of his perceived lack of commitment to the job.
Choi Dong-ho, a commentator and director of the Centre for Sports Culture research group, said Klinsmann appeared “negligent”.
“Considering his limited familiarity with Korean players, he should at least be watching all K League games in person rather than being ‘briefed’ by other coaches while he stays abroad,” said Choi.
Failure to beat Saudi Arabia, who are ranked 54th in the world to South Korea’s 28th, would leave Klinsmann clinging to his job after less than seven months in charge.
“Klinsmann’s seeming lack of urgency in light of poor performances hasn’t sat well with South Korean fans, many of whom have already begun calling for the German tactician’s head,” Yonhap news agency said on Monday.
The Asian Cup, which will be held in Qatar in January-February, is where Klinsmann says his team is currently in transition.
“How prepared are they mentally for a big tournament? Can they deal with all the pressure, all the expectations and all those different elements?” Klinsmann said after the Wales draw.
“It’s a growing process,” he added.
“And I’m pleased overall with what the players showed, and we’ll keep growing game by game.”
The parent company of Juventus and controlled by the Agnelli family, Exor, firmly refuted reports in Il Giornale that it had intentions to put the Serie A club up for sale.
Following this statement, Juventus shares experienced an initial surge of up to 4.8% at the market opening, but this gain quickly moderated to just a 0.3% increase by 09:00 GMT, aligning with the broader performance of the Milan stock exchange.
A spokesperson for Exor dismissed Il Giornale’s report, labelling it “baseless.”
The newspaper had suggested that Exor found Juventus’s recent financial results unsustainable and was disconcerted by the club’s ongoing legal troubles.
Juventus, along with its former Chairman Andrea Agnelli and 11 others, potentially faces a trial after Italian judges initiated a criminal case last year, alleging false accounting.
The club maintains that its accounting procedures comply with industry standards and has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
As reported by Reuters in May, representatives of the Agnelli family appeared to be more receptive to discussing the club’s financial future, according to sources with knowledge of the matter.
However, Exor reiterated its unwavering commitment to Juventus at that time, dismissing any suggestions to the contrary as unfounded and aimed at creating uncertainty.
Sources informed Reuters that no imminent changes were expected, and any potential decisions would only be made once there is clarity regarding the accounting and legal issues looming over the club.
🚨🎙️🗣️ EXOR: "The idea shared by a newspaper about the sale of Juventus are without any foundation." [ANSA] #Juventuspic.twitter.com/cBYjB8ozS9
Exor owns around 64% of the shares and 78% of the voting rights in Juventus, which has a market value of around 800 million euros, according to Refinitiv data.
According to Il Giornale, Exor believes it could put Juventus up for sale for at least 1.5 billion euros after taking measures to resolve its accounting issues.
The investigation into Juventus’s accounts also triggered separate inquiries by Italy’s soccer authorities, which eventually cost Juventus a 10-point deduction in the past Serie A season, a 718,000 euro fine and a ban, decided by UEFA, from this season’s European competitions.
Juventus has absorbed some 700 million euros in cash from shareholders over the past four years, roughly two-thirds of which has come from Exor, in whose portfolio the club is the only major business not currently making money.
A Portuguese court is due on Monday to deliver its verdict on hacker Rui Pinto (34), whose flood of “Football Leaks” revelations exposed dirty dealings in international football.
It was the biggest information leak in sports history and sparked criminal investigations in Belgium, Britain, France, Spain and Switzerland.
Pinto is charged with 89 hacking offences and with attempted extortion, a crime punishable in Portugal by between two and 10 years in prison.
He argues he is a whistleblower whose actions exposed underhand dealings involving top football stars, clubs and agents.
Between 2015 and 2018, he shared 18.6 million documents on the internet and with a consortium of European newspapers, which published details.
The revelations shook the football world.
They included the salaries of Lionel Messi and Neymar, an accusation of rape against Cristiano Ronaldo, alleged financial sleight of hand at Manchester City and ethnic profiling at Paris Saint Germain.
[A LA UNE A 12H] L'auteur des révélations des "Football Leaks" sur les dessous du foot-business, le Portugais Rui Pinto, doit connaître le jugement du tribunal de Lisbonne où il répond de faits de piratage informatique et tentative d'extorsion #AFP 5/5 pic.twitter.com/KzfFiSk9rD
Pinto finds himself in the unique position of being both a defendant and a protected witness in Portugal.
When his trial commenced in September 2020, Pinto informed the court that he was deeply disturbed by the information he had uncovered and took pride in making it public knowledge.
However, he has confessed to using illicit methods to acquire certain documents.
Among his alleged victims are prominent entities such as Sporting Lisbon, the Portuguese Football Federation, legal professionals, judges, and Doyen Sports, an investment fund based in Malta and operated by Kazakh-Turkish oligarchs.
Pinto was apprehended in Hungary in 2019 and subsequently extradited to Portugal, where he spent a year in custody before agreeing to collaborate with Portuguese authorities on other cases, granting them access to encrypted documents he had obtained.
The French authorities have also sought his cooperation over the “Luanda Leaks”, a release of 715,000 documents providing compromising information on Angolan billionaire Isabel dos Santos, daughter of former president Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
Dos Santos, who was formerly Africa’s wealthiest woman, has been entangled in numerous legal proceedings, accused of diverting billions of dollars from Angolan state enterprises throughout her father’s four-decade-long tenure in office.
England manager Gareth Southgate revealed that he successfully persuadedKyle Walker, who is 33 years old, to reconsider retiring from international duty.
This convincing conversation took place after England’s World Cup quarterfinal loss to France last year and also after the heartbreaking defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final.
During Saturday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland, the right-back marked his 77th appearance for the national team by scoring his debut England goal. Southgate emphasised that Walker plays a “vital” role within the squad.
“I’ve talked him out of retirement twice from international football, after the Euros and after the World Cup,” Southgate told British media. “I think he loves being here.
“If we’re talking about world-class players in their position on our team, then he’s probably one of them.
“I think he didn’t realise how much value we have for him and how important he is for us. He’s probably not going to thank me for sharing that.” Southgate added that Walker, who made his international debut aged 21 in 2011, had become a “mature leader” for England.
“Not only playing but also around the training, the way I hear him speak when he’s interviewed, his influence on the group, the younger players,” Southgate said.
“I think he’s enjoying the extra responsibility he’s had at his club and I know he’s ready to embrace that with us as well.”
England are six points clear in Group C and on course to qualify for next year’s Euros in Germany. They take on Scotland in a friendly in Glasgow on Tuesday.
The Ghana Amputee Football Team clinched the championship title by staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Morocco 2-1 in the final of the 2023 African Paralympic Games football tournament held at Accra’s MacDan Park.
The Black Challenge approached the final with a determination to avenge their previous defeat to Morocco, where they had lost 2-1 during the group stage.
Morocco began the match with a stronger performance, applying more pressure on Team Ghana and forcing goalkeeper Razak Seidu to make several crucial saves.
They eventually broke the deadlock in the 38th minute with a splendid curled shot into the top left corner following a midfield error by Allotey, who had carelessly given the ball away.
The Black Challenge displayed an improved performance in the second half, consistently pressuring theMoroccan defence and forcing their goalkeeper to make some outstanding saves.
After sustained pressure, Ghana’s efforts were rewarded in the closing moments of the game when Hamza Mohammed capitalised on a beautifully executed team play to level the score.
With the crowd erupting in celebration and rallying behind Team Ghana, they seized the momentum and took the lead. Captain Richard Opentil Arthur converted a well-executed free-kick to secure a 2-1 advantage in extra time, ultimately claiming the trophy for Team Ghana.
Manchester United winger Antony, currently facing allegations of assault from three women, has chosen to respond to these allegations by sharing the WhatsApp conversations he had with one of the accusers, Ingrid Lana, who works as a banker in Brazil.
Due to the serious allegations made against him by these three women, Manchester United has granted Antony indefinite leave from the club.
Among the accusers, Antony’s former girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin has made claims of multiple instances of physical assault, which allegedly occurred both in Manchester and Brazil.
In addition to Lana, another individual named Rayssa de Freitas has also accused Antony of abusive behavior.
In a television interview on the Brazilian show “Domingo Espetacular,” Lana claimed that Antony had initiated physical intimacy against her wishes, pushing her against a wall.
In response to Lana’s interview, Antony published screenshots of their WhatsApp conversations on his Instagram stories, asserting that these messages indicate consensual interaction and a singular encounter.
He also noted that Lana had initiated the meeting, expressing an interest in pursuing an intimate relationship and even discussing lingerie preferences.
In a statement provided to the Brazilian news outlet Globo, Antony further clarified that he had met Lana at a Manchester hotel at her request.
However, due to scheduling conflicts, they were unable to meet again. Antony expressed his readiness to prove his innocence and take legal action if necessary.
Manchester United has acknowledged the allegations against Antony and has agreed to delay his return to the club until further notice while the allegations are investigated.
The club has strongly condemned acts of violence and abuse, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the well-being of all parties involved in such situations.
Read the Whatsapp conversations between Antony and Ingrid Lana below
Antony: Anything you say, he’ll come along.
Ingrid: If you want, I’ll wait for you naked in bed.
Antony: Sounds good, darling. Antony: I just landed now, did you sleep? Are you there? Don’t disappear, my beauty.
The next day
Ingrid: Are you coming back, my love? I’m going for a walk around here. Let me know (if you’re coming back). Kisses.
Ingrid: May God be with you. I’m heading to the airport shortly. I wanted to meet you… Know that regardless of gender, because we couldn’t get it right. You are light, God is with you, it may not seem like it, but it’s still the beginning of many blessings, not just material, especially spiritual. We take nothing from this world! What we’ll leave behind is our legacy and memories. Kiss, see you any day!
Ingrid (after an audio message from Antony): Don’t get mad.
Ingrid (After a video call): I get excited when I see you.
Ingrid: I would never harm you, don’t you trust me?
Ingrid: Okay Antony, thank you for trusting me. I came from far away to see you, and you don’t trust me? Are you not going to respond? Antony, I deleted it. Are you going to be mad at me? I just need to delete it from the cloud, I don’t know how.
Ingrid: Talk to me, can’t I have your photo so I can get wet (excited) here?
Real Madrid is not assuming that they will secure the signing of PSG’s forward, Kylian Mbappe, next summer, and they are exploring potential alternatives in case their pursuit of the French international falls through.
Mbappe has been embroiled in a dispute with PSG throughout much of the summer after he declined to activate an option in his contract that would have extended his deal until 2025.
Consequently, he is set to become a free agent next summer, leading PSG to temporarily exclude him from their first-team plans before reintegrating him back into the squad in mid-August.
Although the situation remains uncertain, relations have improved, and there is now a chance of Mbappe signing a new contract with PSG.
Real Madrid is aware of this situation and is prepared for the possibility that the 24-year-old may opt for a fresh deal with Parc des Princes. According to Fichajes, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez is being considered as an alternative if Mbappe decides not to join Real Madrid.
The Spanish source suggests that doubts have arisen about Alvarez’s desire to remain with Pep Guardiola’s team due to the prospect of playing a secondary role behind Erling Haaland.
Although the 23-year-old has delivered strong performances, his role as a substitute has been prominent despite making 55 appearances in all competitions since joining the club in the summer of 2022.
With a contract in place until 2028, acquiring Alvarez is expected to be a challenging task for Los Blancos. The player has not expressed any discontent with his current situation, and Manchester City has shown no inclination to sell one of the top backup players in the world of football.
Alvarez boasts an Expected Transfer Value (xTV) of €40 million, which is likely the minimum amount Real Madrid would need to offer to secure the services of a player who would likely command a higher valuation if he had more playing time.
Cristiano Ronaldo has made an early return to Al-Nassr after being sidelined for the Portugal national team due to a suspension. Despite the setback, he has received commendation from Goncalo Ramos.
Ronaldo will be absent from Portugal’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Luxembourg following a suspension resulting from a yellow card he received during a 1-0 victory over Slovakia last Friday.
The 38-year-old’s actions, particularly a reckless challenge that saw him make contact with the face of his former Manchester United teammate and Slovakian goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, raised eyebrows.
Nevertheless, veteran international colleague and Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramos has lauded Ronaldo’s contributions. Ronaldo has promptly returned to Saudi Arabia to resume his club duties at Al-Nassr.
Ramos told reporters: “Cris [Ronaldo] always gives great support; he has been with the team until today [Sunday], supporting us and helping in whatever way he can, but at this moment he has already returned to his club.”
Portugal are on course to qualify for Euro 2024 as they have won all five of their group stage matches so far and are five points clear of second-placed Slovakia and third-placed Luxembourg with five games to play.
A Marrakesh hotel, which happens to be owned by the renownedPortuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo, has regrettably chosen not to provide refuge for victims affected by the catastrophic earthquake in Morocco.
The earthquake, measuring 6.8 in magnitude, struck the mountainous High Atlas region on Friday, resulting in the tragic loss of over 2,000 lives, along with numerous individuals being injured or still unaccounted for.
Prominent football figure Lionel Messi has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the affected region during this trying time.
In a statement to Liberation, a hotel spokesperson said, “This is false information. All the customers we have at the moment have made a reservation normally.”
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town of Marrakesh has suffered significant damage due to a powerful earthquake. Numerous structures and walls have crumbled, and the tight, winding streets are posing challenges for the safe evacuation of the injured.
In response to the crisis, town squares have been transformed into makeshift emergency shelters, offering provisions such as food, water, and sleeping accommodations.
Members of the Moroccan national football team are actively contributing to the rescue operations by generously donating blood to assist the earthquake victims.
Paul Mullin made a triumphant return to the field following an extended period of injury as Wrexham secured a thrilling victory against Doncaster.
Mullin had been sidelined due to a punctured lung sustained during a pre-season match againstManchester United, and he was unable to play until this Saturday.
The star striker, still in the process of regaining full fitness, began the game on the bench against Doncaster. He eventually made his comeback as a substitute in the 60th minute.
The Red Dragons took the lead with Luke Young’s goal in the 37th minute, but Modou Faal equalised for the visiting team. In the closing stages of the match, Elliot Lee netted a decisive late goal, securing three vital points for Phil Parkinson’s team.
Paul Mullin expressed his gratitude to Elliot Lee for scoring the crucial winning goal, marking Mullin’s successful return to the field.
The striker shared a video on his Instagram story of him applauding the Wrexham fans and wrote: “Waited a while for that! Thanks to Elliot Lee for making it possible.”
Following their victory onSaturday, Wrexham haveextended their unbeaten streak to six matches in League Two and currently holds the seventh position in the league standings.
In their upcoming League Two fixture, the Red Dragons are scheduled to take on Grimsby Town on September 16th.
Gabriela Cavallin has urged Manchester United to take action regarding Antony’s presence in the squad amid allegations of domestic violence made by her and two other women.
The ex-girlfriend of the Brazilian winger has expressed disappointment in United’s slow response to the accusations, which reportedly involve multiple incidents between June 2022 and May 2023.
She is calling for the club to suspend Antony from playing.
In a recent interview with the Brazilian website UOL, the DJ and model detailed various alleged incidents where her former partner had reportedly headbutted her, thrown a glass at her, and threatened to push her out of a moving vehicle.
Antony has vehemently denied all these allegations, maintaining his innocence in a recent TV interview.
In light of these developments, two other women, Rayssa de Freitas and Ingrid Lana, have also come forward with assault accusations against Antony.
Consequently, both Greater Manchester Police and Sao Paulo Police have initiated investigations into the matter.
Gabriela Cavallin has now appealed to Manchester United to consider barring the 23-year-old from playing while the police inquiries are ongoing, as stated in an interview with The Sun.
“Antony needs to be taken off the pitch,” said Cavallin. “It’s disappointing he’s still allowed to play while there’s an investigation. I am absolutely destroyed by the whole process. How can life go on as normal for him? They can’t just know what they know now and not do anything. He needs to be removed.”
The DJ’s comments pile further pressure on United, which faced significant criticism for their handling of therecent Mason Greenwood case.
One source told GOAL that the club has been advised to tread cautiously due to the current police inquiries, but many people will be looking for decisive action from United, whose indecision over the 21-year-old forward raised huge concerns.
Cavallin is worried the same mistakes are being repeated with Antony.
“Why did it take United three months?” the 22-year-old continued. “It’s just not OK. I prefer not to believe such a huge club, with such serious and professional people, would cover up a situation like this.”
United issued an official statement on the matter earlier this week.
Among the four bodies retrieved, three were Ghanaian nationals, and one was a foreigner.
Additionally, five injured individuals are presently undergoing medical treatment at the hospital, while ten others managed to escape unharmed.
Unfortunately, there are still individuals whose whereabouts remain unknown.
“Four persons have been found dead. They are at the mortuary at the moment. Three blacks and one white lady. The other four Chinese cannot be found. We are trying to get an excavator to find out if many have been trapped,” the Shama District Officer of NADMO, Emmanual Nyan, told Citi News.
There was an ammonia nitrate explosive explosion around 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at a quarry site operated by some Chinese at Anto-Aboso in the Shama District of the Western Region.
Emmanuel Owuewie, the Assemblyman for Anto-Aboso who lives close to the quarry site, told Citi News that he was in his room when his ceiling came crashing down on him.
Officers from the Fire Service, NADMO and other security agencies are currently on the site helping with rescue efforts.
This comes on the heels of a similar incident that occurred at Appiate in the same region.
The Appiate explosion happened on January 20, 2022, after a truck carrying explosives owned by Maxam Limited got involved in an accident resulting in the explosion.
Hearts of Oak have unveiled their 30-man roster in preparation for the upcoming 2023–24 Ghanaian football season.
The squad announcement follows the recent closure of the transfer window in Ghana.
The squad comprises eight forwards, with Cameroonian striker Albert Eonde, who joined the team in August and has shown promise in training, among them.
The goalkeeping duties will be handled by Richmond Ayi, Richard Attah, and Eric Ofori Antwi, while the newly acquired Michael Ampadu finds a place among the full-backs.
Notably, Gladson Awako is absent from the squad for the upcoming season.
After finishing 12th in the previous season, Hearts of Oak will be eager to enhance their performance under the guidance of Dutch coach Martin Koopman.
The Phobians are aiming for a strong start to the season as they kick off against Real Tamale United in their first match scheduled for September 15th.
Full squad below:
Goalkeepers
Richmond Ayi Richard Attah Eric Ofori Antwi
Center Backs
Thomas Qwaku Nsoh Kelvin Osei Assibey Kofi Agbesima Emmanuel Amankwah
Full Backs
Dennis Korsah Leventius Arthur Michael Ampadu Kwabena Anane
Midfielders
Glid Jeodan Otanga Eric Eso Abdul Aziz Nuurudeen Linda Mtange Yaw Amankwa Baafi Salifu Ibrahim Rafael Amponsah Martin Karikari Seidu Suraj Michelle Sarpong Gideon Asante Yeboah
Attackers
Evans Adomako Enock Asubonteng Kwadwo Obeng Jnr Kashala Ramos Wanet Albert Eonde Kasim Cisse Hamza Issah Isaac Frimpong
Ukrainian manager, Serhiy Rebrov, aged 49, commended his team for their relentless effort in securing a 1-1 draw against England during their Euro qualifier.
The match took place on Saturday in front of a crowd of tens of thousands of passionate supporters who were waving flags and enthusiastically supporting their team.
Ukraine managed to take the lead in the first half, courtesy of a goal by Oleksandr Zinchenko, aged 26. However, England’s defender Kyle Walker, aged 32, equalised just before halftime.
“i want to say it’s a pleasure for the players, they made a good celebration for the people and it was a very good atmosphere in the stadium and you can see they don’t want to go home,” Rebrov told reporters.
Ukraine have not played at home since Russia launched an invasion of the country in February 2022, which Moscow calls a “special military operation,” and the crowd noise inside the Tarczynski Arena in Poland was deafening at times.
Exhausted Ukraine players applauded their supporters, who chanted and waved flags for the full 90 minutes and celebrated the draw like a victory when the referee blew the final whistle.
“This is a big responsibility and I’m very proud,” Rebrov said of his role as manager.
“I’m glad we gave emotion for our people because I know that millions of Ukrainians will be watching this game and the players showed the character of the Ukrainians and in this period of time, that’s very important.”
Rebrov noted that his defenders effectively limited England’s opportunities, particularly in the second half, following a challenging first half where he acknowledged the strength of the visiting team.
He also emphasized the invaluable role played by the passionate fans, describing their support as a driving force that contributed to the team securing a crucial point against the group leaders in their pursuit of qualifying for Euro 2024.
“You know our circumstances and we have to play abroad,” Rebrov said. “The atmosphere was amazing and it motivated the boys a lot. When you play teams like England you want to be fuelled by this fan support.”
In the group standings, England currently holds the top position with 13 points earned from five matches, while Ukraine follows closely behind with seven points from four games. The draw against Ukraine marked the first instance where England conceded points in their qualifying campaign.
Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, aged 23, and Villarreal midfielder Yeremy Pino, aged 20, have been called up to replace the injured Marco Asensio, aged 27, and Dani Olmo, aged 25, as announced by the Spanish federation.
During Spain’s dominant 7-1 victory over Georgia on Friday, Paris St. Germain forward Asensio and RB Leipzig midfielder Olmo both left the field in the first half due to physical issues.
Ferran Torres, who last represented Spain at the World Cup in Qatar the previous year, where Spain was eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16, will be making his return.
Torres, with 35 caps, is also included in the Spain squad for the first time under the management of new head coach Luis de la Fuente.
Yeremy Pino, who has made 11 international appearances, notably scored a goal for Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-finals against Italy.
“Ferran Torres and Yeremy Pino will join the Spanish national team… to prepare for the match against Cyprus at the Estadio de Los Carmenes stadium,” the Royal Spanish Football Federation said in a statement on Saturday.
Spain, the reigning champions of the2023 UEFA Nations League, currently occupy the second position in Group A with six points from three matches. They trail Scotland, who have played two additional games, by a margin of nine points.
Spain’s upcoming fixture will see them play against Cyprus in Granada on Tuesday.
Germany’s coach, Hansi Flick, asserted that he remains the right person to lead the team despite their shocking 4-1 defeat against Japan in an international friendly.
The loss adds to the mounting pressure on Flick, as the German national team, which has won the World Cup four times, had hoped the match would signify a fresh start, especially with the Euro 2024 tournament just nine months away.
Unfortunately, it turned into a disaster, marking their third consecutive loss and drawing disapproval from home fans in the form of jeers and whistles.
Even before this match, Flick was already under scrutiny, as his team had only managed to win four out of their last 16 matches and experienced an early exit from the World Cup last year.
This latest setback is likely to intensify the calls for Flick’s departure.
“I know in football there is a dynamic and I cannot forecast what will happen but from my side we try everything to prepare the team well,” Flick told reporters.
“I think we are doing a good job and I think I am [the right man for the job],” he said when asked specifically about his future. The Germans have not enjoyed any success under Flick since he took over two years ago.
Hansi Flick’s Germany lost on Tuesday
They crashed out of the World Cup group stage last year, winning just one of three matches, and have since shown no real signs of recovery.
“I am very disappointed and we have to admit that Japan have a very good team. We don’t have the means to beat such a compact defence,” Flick said.
“We started well. But they score with their first chance; we come back and level and we felt the support, but then they score again.”
“In the second half, there were too many individual mistakes.”
Flick, who had started his stint with an eight-game winning run, will now have to prepare his team for an even tougher task against 2022 World Cup finalists France on Tuesday.
“We will prepare well and recover. We chose such games because we want to play against the best,” Flick said.
“Today we were not in a position to beat this team. We will prepare for France, give the team courage. That’s the daily work. I can understand the criticism.
“We have to go through this together. We are one team. We lost heavily today but we have to shake it off and be different against France.”
Borussia Dortmund is considering providing Jadon Sancho with a potential exit from Manchester United in January.
Sancho’s relationship with his teammates and manager Erik ten Hag has been strained after he reacted angrily to being benched during Manchester United’s Premier League loss to Arsenal, according to an ESPN source.
Sancho, 23, posted a strongly worded social media rebuttal of Ten Hag’s postmatch claims that he had been omitted from the squad at the Emirates due to unsatisfactory training performances, with the England international rejecting the “completely untrue” comments and saying on his X account that he had been a “scapegoat for a long time.”
There would appear to be little future for Sancho at United, and a proposed move to the Saudi Pro League failed to materialise before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
Now the Sun on Sunday reports that Dortmund want him to return to the club, with United having signed the winger from them in a deal worth around £73 million.
