TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Ancelotti has till May to accept or decline Brazil national team role

    Ancelotti has till May to accept or decline Brazil national team role

    Brazil has no intention of waiting forever for Carlo Ancelotti and have given the Real Madrid manager an ultimatum to accept or reject their offer to become their national team coach.

    The five-time World champions have identified Ancelotti as their preferred option to take over from Tite, who resigned from his position following Brazil’s ouster from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    Ancelotti has publicly revealed that the Brazilian FA has contacted him but remains coy about committing his future to the South American giants when the 2022/23 season ends.

    Brazilian authorities have now given Ancelotti until May 25th to respond to their offer as they seek to quickly fill the post that has been vacant since December 2022.

    If Ancelotti accepts the Brazil job, it will become the Italian’s first national team job after successes in club football with top teams like AC Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

    Real Madrid line up Ancelotti replacement

    Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has identified club legend Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for manager Carlo Ancelotti if the Italian leaves this summer, Sportskeeda reports.

    Ancelotti is currently under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2024, but the Italian could leave the club early to take over as coach of the Brazil national team.

    Perez is interested in bringing Alonso back to Real Madrid as coach, as the Spaniard has done wonders in his brief managerial career with Bayer Leverkusen, which he joined in October 2022.

    Ancelotti apologises to Real Madrid fans

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid saw any hope of them retaining their La Liga title disappear after they were embarrassingly thrashed 4-2 by Girona on Tuesday night.

    Despite having 72% possession, Los Blancos, who had not conceded a goal in La Liga in their previous six games, were outplayed by the Catalans and created far fewer chances than the hosts.

    Carlo Ancelotti has now apologised to the Real Madrid fans following the embarrassing defeat. He has vowed that the team will bounce back in its remaining competitions.

  • As Gordon returns to Everton, Howe is mindful of pitching him into a cauldron

    As Gordon returns to Everton, Howe is mindful of pitching him into a cauldron

    On his return to relegation-threatened Everton, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe will not be afraid to throw Anthony Gordon into a fire as he pursues Champions League qualifying.

    After carving up a reputation for himself in the blue half of his home city, the 22-year-old bitterly left Goodison Stadium in January for the Magpies in a £45 million transfer.

    Gordon has had to remain patient since — although he allowed his frustration to get the better of him when he was substituted at Brentford earlier this month — having started just two games for his new club, but will hope to play a significant role on familiar territory on Thursday evening.

    Asked if he had to be mindful of the hostile reception the youngster could receive, head coach Howe, who has a doubt over defender Fabian Schar, replied: “You don’t want to have or do anything that impacts the team, which is the most important thing.

    “This is something surrounding the game, but is not influencing the game in terms of tactical preparation.

    “There is nothing I can do to change that. It’s something we need to be mindful of, but I’m not too sure — other than concentrating on how we play — what we can do.”

    In a terse announcement of Gordon’s departure, Everton confirmed the player, who had been confronted by angry fans as he left Goodison following a 2-1 defeat by Southampton in January, had submitted a formal transfer request.

    He has since insisted the situation surrounding his departure was “misconstrued” but whether he has a point to prove on his return, Howe — who revealed he would speak to the midfielder before the game — insisted he had to play the game rather than the occasion.

    The 45-year-old said: “It’s staying very present and not thinking too much, just play the game — which is easier said than done in that environment where probably all eyes will be, he’ll feel, focused on him.

    “I don’t want it to become a big talking point in the game.”

  • It’s a plotting and planning as Arteta explore winning tactics against former boss Pep

    It’s a plotting and planning as Arteta explore winning tactics against former boss Pep

    Tonight’s vital Premier League title match pits former coworkers Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta against one another.

    Table-topping Arsenal leads Manchester City by five points, but City has two games in hand and is now in charge of their own fate as they try to win the title.

    Arteta joined City as Guardiola’s assistant coach in 2016, but left to become the head coach of the Arsenal in 2019.

    Ahead of tonight’s potential title decider, we turn the spotlight on the battle between managerial master and an apprentice who has been leading the way this season. 

    Bogey side

    Arteta’s Arsenal have lost all six of their previous league games against City. 

    They are the only side that the 41-year-old’s team have failed to beat in the competition since he became manager of the North Londoners. 

    Of the six defeats, three have come at City’s Etihad Stadium, with the hosts keeping a clean sheet on every occasion. 

    In the reverse fixture at the Emirates this season, Guardiola’s side took charge in the second half, overpowering their rivals in a 3-1 victory. 

    In addition, the two teams have met three times in cups. The first occasion was the one match in which Arteta’s Arsenal have triumphed over City, beating them 2-0 in the 2019-20 FA Cup semi-finals. 

    The Gunners have lost the two subsequent cup ties. They were defeated 4-1 at home in the 2020-21 Carabao Cup quarter-finals and were knocked out of the FA Cup this season, in a 1-0 away loss. 

  • City misfit Phillips wants to switch to the Reds

    City misfit Phillips wants to switch to the Reds

    In the summer, Liverpool plans to make a bid for Manchester City misfit Kalvin Phillips.

    After spending £45 million to transfer from Leeds to the Premier League champions last summer, Phillips, 27, has had trouble making an impression under Pep Guardiola.

    Jurgen Klopp may consider the England midfielder as a replacement as the Reds appear to be priced out of a deal for Jude Bellingham in the upcoming months.

    The Daily Star say that the Anfield boss is desperate to rebuild his squad for the 2023-24 campaign and the 26-cap international would bring some much-needed stability to the Reds’ engine room.

    With just seven league appearances this season, Phillips is said to be keen on a fresh start this summer after being frozen out of the squad by Guardiola after the World Cup.

    Injuries and a lack of match fitness have not helped the midfielder’s case at the Etihad — the Yorkshireman underwent shoulder surgery back in September which kept him out until the tournament in Qatar.

    But with City almost certain to be in the running to sign Bellingham among other stars during the transfer window, Phillips’ departure may be best for all parties.

    The report suggests that the Manchester club would demand a fee in the region of £35m for a player that Guardiola openly criticised earlier in the season for being overweight.

  • Mikel Arteta reveals Runners may face City without major midfielder

    Mikel Arteta reveals Runners may face City without major midfielder

    Before to Arsenal’s Premier League matchup with Manchester City, Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Granit Xhaka is a big doubt.

    On Wednesday, April 26, the two table-toppers will square off at the Etihad Stadium in a match that has the potential to decide the championship.

    Due to losses in three of their most recent games, the Gunners have hit a bit of a difficult patch at the time of the match.

    ESPN reported Arsenal’s most recent outing ended in a 3-3 epic draw with relegation-battlers Southampton, with the result dealing them a massive blow in their title bid.

    While the north Londoners are still topping the charts, there are only five points separating them and second-placed City, who have two games in hand.

    Arteta’s charges will therefore be desperate to earn a positive result when they lock horns against the reigning English champions.

    Xhaka doubt for Man City clash

    However, they may have to do that without Granit Xhaka, who has been one of the club’s standout performers in their title bid.

    Arteta disclosed on Tuesday that the Swiss midfielder is a big doubt for the Etihad Stadium trip through illness.

    The Switzerland international is yet to resume training, having also missed Arsenal’s 3-3 draw against Southampton last Friday.

    “Yeah Granit has been out and hopefully he will be able to train today. But he’s still a doubt,” Arteta admitted via Metro UK.

    “The rest are okay,” he added.

    Arsenal players break down

    It was previously reported that Arsenal stars broke down in tears after their third consecutive draw – that time against Southampton in their third consecutive game.

    Captain, Martin Odegaard sparked late drama with a shot from outside the box before Bukayo Saka scored the third after a scramble in the box.

    However, Arsenal players realised that in terms of their title aspirations, the game might as well have been lost instead of yet another draw.

  • Balotelli blames himself for the many Ballon d’Or prizes given to Messi and Ronaldo

    Balotelli blames himself for the many Ballon d’Or prizes given to Messi and Ronaldo

    Mario Balotelli has blamed himself for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi winning so many Ballon d’Or awards.

    The Italian striker, who is presently playing for FC Sion in Switzerland, has always possessed outstanding potential that might separate him apart from the countless other strikers attempting to have an influence on the game.

    To fully utilise his undeniable skill, Super Mario hasn’t yet developed the right mindset.

    Balotelli was once touted as a potential candidate to win the coveted diadem but some flaws have kept him from reaching his full potential and being placed among the pantheons of the game’s greats, per Sportskeeda.

    Reflecting on a conversation he had with late agent, Mino Raiola, the striker admitted his lack of effort has contributed towards Messi and Ronaldo collecting 12 golden balls between them.

    “Raiola always told me the same thing: If Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have so many Ballon d’Or trophies, it is your fault. He was right; too often I played at 20% of my capabilities,” he told Muschio Selvaggio podcast, as quoted by GOAL.

    Balotelli ends goal drought

    Sports Brief also reported on veteran Italian striker, Balotelli ending his goal drought of five months after finding the back of the net for FC Sion.

    The former Inter Milan star was on target for the Swiss side during their top flight league clash against Grasshoppers on April 17.

    Balotelli made a bright start to life in Switzerland with an four goals in his first six Swiss Super League matches but his scoring dried up after.

    Why Balotelli owes Inter Milan

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on FC Sion forward, Balotelli paying Inter Milan tribute for the huge role the club played in his careerin his career as a footballer.

    The Italian grew up through the ranks at the Nerazzurri and became one of the most sought-after youngsters due to his enormous talent.

    The 32-year-old Balotelli recently revealed how the Serie A club still held a special place in his heart and he is still a huge fan of theirs.

  • Lopetegui pleased to dispel naysayer after Crystal palace win

    Lopetegui pleased to dispel naysayer after Crystal palace win

    As Wolves inch closer to Premier League safety, manager Julen Lopetegui believes the team has disproven the critics.

    At Molineux, Wolves defeated Crystal Palace 2-0 thanks to an own goal by Joachim Andersen and a late penalty by Ruben Neves.

    They now have five games remaining and are tied for 13th place with the Eagles, nine points above the relegation zone.

    After winning four of their previous five games at home, Lopetegui’s team is on the verge of completing its sixth consecutive top-flight campaign. He was appointed with the team in last place.

    He said: “They have been very important victories, we need points to achieve our aim. Four months ago all the people thought it was impossible. Now, it’s at least possible so we have to fight very hard to achieve our aim.

    “It was a very bad situation but now we have hope and it’s possible. We have worked very hard, we have to continue because we haven’t achieved anything.

    “It has been a very hard match. We were playing against a very strong team. They have played their last matches at a top level.

    “We have to work a lot, to achieve our aim we have to get more points. It’s an important victory but we have to keep on working.

    “We have to get more points. We have to be ready for the next five games.”

    Andersen unwittingly put Wolves ahead after just three minutes when he turned in Neves’ corner from close range.

    It was a goal Palace never recovered from but the hosts still needed Jose Sa to save well from Albert Sambi Lokonga in the first half.

    Wolves had been on top before the break but the visitors improved in a second half of few chances and Sa turned over Eberechi Eze’s dipping drive.

    With a slender lead the hosts were edging towards victory and Palace gave them another gift in stoppage time.

    Sam Johnstone collected a throw-in but a heavy touch left him lunging into Pedro Neto. The goalkeeper escaped a red card but was beaten by Neves from the spot.

    Palace boss Roy Hodgson, after a first defeat since his return last month, said: “Credit to Wolves, we had such a lot of the ball in the second half and some of the football was very good. They defended well.

    “It was hard for us, with that number of players, to create a lot of space to get the equaliser I believed we were going to get and we deserved.

    “Then the worst thing happens when you get robbed of those last three or four minutes where there is hope.

    “I don’t think 2-0 is a fair reflection on how the game went. We do have a healthy margin to the bottom three but I’m not interested in trying to preach to the players that we need X amount of points to stay up.

    “I enjoyed the performance but of course you don’t enjoy defeats.”

  • Break up rumours: What if Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend breaks up with him now, how much could she earn?

    Break up rumours: What if Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend breaks up with him now, how much could she earn?

    Being unable to maintain your privacy is a part of being Cristiano Ronaldo. The life of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has always been subject to public scrutiny.

    Anything with the name Ronaldo associated to it constantly generates the headlines, from his girlfriend and kids to every score, touch, and mispass.

    The status of his relationship with Georgina Rodriguez is currently the subject of fresh reports at Al-Nassr.

    With Archaf Hakimi’s unconfirmed split with his wife and the matter of the former transferring his wealth to his mother still doing rounds, many have questioned how much Rodriguez could get if she broke up with Ronaldo.

    As Sportskeeda reports, the Argentine-born model could get as much as 35% of Ronaldo’s fortune which can be translated to 350 million euros.

    It is important to note that the couple has never officially tied the knot, but she is the biological mother of two of Ronaldo’s five children.

    What happened between the two?

    As earlier reported by Sports Brief, Ronaldo’s love life is reportedly in crisis, with issues believed to have rocked his relationship with Georgina Rodriguez.

    The rumours, which started earlier this year, have reemerged despite the couple putting a solid face on social media.

    They recently moved to Saudi Arabia after Ronaldo secured the most expensive football contract in history with Al-Nassr following the termination of his contract by Manchester United.

    Like any other celebrity relationship, there have always been unconfirmed rumours of differences between the two.

    The latest has come from a Portuguese television program Noite das Estrelas (Night of Stars), where a psychologist, a journalist and a close friend of the family were invited to give their opinions on Ronaldo’s relationship.

  • Haaland more robust, Aguero a bit colder – Adebayor tells difference

    Haaland more robust, Aguero a bit colder – Adebayor tells difference

    Since breaking into the spotlight with RB Salzburg and scoring a hat-trick on his UEFA Champions League debut, Erling Haaland has been the most sought-after striker.

    He was expected to sign with a premier European team, but he chose Borussia Dortmund in Germany, where he made a proper introduction.

    He replaced Sergio Aguero, who left a year earlier, and Gabriel Jesus, who had gone after a year and a half, in a £51 million move to Manchester City.

    The Argentina striker played for City for 10 years and made himself a fan favourite with his prowess in front of goal, scoring 184 league goals, as recorded on Premier League’s official website.

    Adebayor differentiates Aguero and Haaland

    The Norwegian striker, in his first season, has scored 48 goals in all competitions so far, breaking many records with more still to come.

    Former City striker Emmanuel Adebayor looked beyond the goals and pointed out what the 22-year- old offers more that differentiates him from the legendary Sergio Aguero.

    ”I see Haaland as more robust, tougher in tackles and more assertive, while Aguero was a bit colder in one-on-one situations with the opposing keeper,” the Togolese told Sportskeeda.

    The former Borussia Dortmund striker has already surpassed Aguero’s highest single-season tally and has six hat-tricks, including four in the league, also scoring three consecutive home hat-tricks against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.

    Fans slam Guardiola for lying
    Pep Guardiola, during the final game of the 2020/21 season, which crowned City as champions and was Aguero’s last league game, claimed the club could not replace the departing striker.

    As Sports Brief reported, fans hit back at Guardiola after the heroics of Erling Haaland this season, branding him a pathological liar for shedding tears while making the statement.

    The Spanish manager failed in his pursuit of Harry Kane and opted for false 9s in place of Gabriel Jesus before landing Haaland.

  • Leicester and Leeds tie 1-1 as Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey watches on the sidelines

    Leicester and Leeds tie 1-1 as Ghanaian defender Daniel Amartey watches on the sidelines

    In the English Premier League on Tuesday, Leicester City had to work hard to tie Leeds United 1-1.

    Daniel Amartey, a defender from Ghana, was named to the Foxes’ matchday squad but did not receive a starting position in the match played at Elland Road.

    He had an opportunity to come off the bench and play for his team, but he was not required as they worked to recover from a deficit and secure a point.

    The game today saw two teams fighting for points in a bid to increase their chances of escaping relegation.

    In the first half, Leeds United perhaps were the better side as the team scored the only goal in the 45 minutes.

    A strike from talented youngster Luis Sinistera in the 20th minute handed the hosts the lead.

    After recess, Leicester City showed a lot of character and managed to draw level through star striker Jamie Vardy in the 80th minute.

    After missing today’s game, Daniel Amartey has now been overlooked in three consecutive matches in the English Premier League.

  • Stephen Appiah’s outburst calls a GFA, ex-players meeting

    Stephen Appiah’s outburst calls a GFA, ex-players meeting

    On Tuesday, April 25, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and the Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG) met in Accra.

    This is thought to have been required as a result of remarks made a few weeks earlier by Stephen Appiah, a former captain of Ghana, in which he questioned the purported exclusion of former players from football administration.

    The major objective of the meeting was to deliberate and go over problems that are crucial to the growth of football in Ghana.

    The meeting focused on player welfare, the standard player contract, funding and support for domestic football and national teams, and the role of former players in the development of Ghana football.

    GFA President Edwin Simeon-Okraku urged the PFAG to provide recommendations and proposals on the current GFA statutes. The statutes are under review for possible amendments to make them more effective.

    During the meeting, the importance of footballers, both ex-active and active in the football ecosystem, was emphasized, particularly opportunities in coaching and other identified pathways.

    “We have a lot to do as stakeholders to push this industry to greater heights. I know the power and influence that you all carry as individuals and as a unit hence this meeting,” said GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku.

    The meeting was attended by top officials of the GFA including GFA President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku, Vice President Mark Addo, Executive Council Members Dr. Tony Aubynn, Nana Sarfo Oduro, and Samuel Anim Addo, among others.

    The PFAG delegation, on the other hand, was led by President Samuel Osei Kuffuor and included Vice President Joseph Tetteh Zutah, General Secretary Anthony Baffoe, and Deputy General Secretary Solomon Torson.

    Several football legends like Asamoah Gyan, John Mensah, and John Painstil were also present.

  • In Game 5 victory over Wolves, Nikola Jokic creates basketball history

    In Game 5 victory over Wolves, Nikola Jokic creates basketball history

    The Western Conference Semifinals will now feature the Denver Nuggets.

    In Game 5 of their best-of-seven series, they overcame an early 15-point deficit to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-109.

    With its win on Tuesday, Denver now leads the series 4-1.

    Without Nikola Jokic’s genius, it would have been impossible for the Nuggets to win Game 5.

    With 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists against the Wolves, he was outstanding in the final game.

    It was the Joker’s second triple-double of the series. The Nuggets improved to 29-2 this season, including the playoffs, when the Serbian big man had a triple-double.

    Jokic enters history books again 

    Jokic now has eight career triple-doubles in the playoffs.

    Only the great Wilt Chamberlain has more triple-doubles by a center in NBA playoff history than Jokic with nine.

    According to ESPN, Jokic is the fifth player in NBA history to record a 25-15-10 stat line in a clinching opportunity.

    He joined Oscar Robertson (1963), Chamberlain (1967), James Worthy (1988), and LeBron James (2020) in that exclusive group.

    Murray delivers in Game 5 

    Jokic got some help from his teammate Jamal Murray. He scored 35 points against the Wolves in Game 5.

    He has now scored at least 35 points in seven playoff games. Only Jokic has more 35-point games in the playoffs than Murray, with nine.

  • Ancelotti disappointed at humiliating loss to Girona over poor ‘defensive commitment’

    Ancelotti disappointed at humiliating loss to Girona over poor ‘defensive commitment’

    Real Madrid’s humiliating 4-2 loss to Girona away on Tuesday is intended to act as a wake-up call, according to Carlo Ancelotti.

    Taty Castellanos scored twice for Madrid against Montilivi, giving them a 2-0 deficit after 24 minutes. Madrid never held the lead.

    Vinicius Junior scored a goal to restore parity, but Castellanos scored two more goals in the second half before Lucas Vazquez scored a late consolation.

    Castellanos became the first player this century to score four goals in one LaLiga game against Madrid, and the defeat means Barcelona could extend their lead at the summit to 14 points on Wednesday.

    While Madrid’s LaLiga hopes are all but over, they are into the Champions League semi-finals and final of the Copa del Rey – they still have much to play for this term, and Ancelotti hopes this defeat jolts them back into life.

    Asked if the loss could be a wake-up call, Ancelotti said: “Yes, it can be, although a loss is never good.

    “I reiterate the importance of defensive commitment: if we have that, we will always win, and if not, it will cost us. That is the key, our key, and today we didn’t have it.

    “Of the last seven games, we kept six clean sheets, and in this game, [we conceded] four goals. I hope my players have understood. If not, I will repeat it to them every day.”

    But it was not just the defence Ancelotti was frustrated by.

    He found the individual level lacking across the team and felt they did not work collectively after finding themselves in trouble

    “It’s tough, because when you lose it has to be tough,” he added. “The game was bad in defence and that has been the key, because we did well with the ball, especially at the beginning.

    “But we weren’t forceful in duels, they caught us on two counters… and from there, everything became more difficult.

    “We tried to come back individually, not as a team, because today the team has not played. The individual level was also below normal, but not just for some, rather in general. The level was very low.”

  • It’s a come back for Lukaku to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino ready to offer a second chance

    It’s a come back for Lukaku to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino ready to offer a second chance

    Romelu Lukaku is about to receive a second chance at Chelsea after a dismal return from injury last year.

    Lukaku signed a five-year contract with Chelsea for over 100 million euros when he departed Inter Milan at the beginning of the 2021–2022 season.

    After Diego Costa left the Blues, they had struggled to find a quality striker, and there was widespread belief that the Belgian could fill the void and allay those worries.


    The team had just won the league title after a dominant season under Antonio Conte.

    Despite a positive start under then-manager Thomas Tuchel, the 29-year-old quickly waned off by falling victim to the curse that is Chelsea’s number 9 shirt.

    A dispute between him and Tuchel over an unauthorised interview led to a significant reduction in minutes as well.

    He was shipped back to Inter Milan on loan, with the Italian giant’s non-committal on his long-term future. As the Telegraph now reports, Chelsea would be willing to welcome the burly striker back and give him a chance under incoming coach Mauricio Pochettino.

    The Argentine is expected to be appointed as the new Chelsea coach, as it is always the norm with new bosses, sidelined players often get a new lease of life to prove themselves.

    At the end of this season, he will have three more years on his current deal.

    What Pochettino can offer Chelsea

    At the same time, Pochettino’s lack of trophies during his first spell in England with Tottenham Hotspur has always been a consideration when judging his suitability to manage a top club.

    However, it is belived he might be the answer to a struggling Chelsea side in dire need of an uplift.

    After Nagelsmann and Enrique withdrew, and with Zinedine Zidane reportedly focused on Juventus, Pochettino was probably the only option Chelsea had.

  • Hint of possible return? Messi joins former teammates for dinner

    Hint of possible return? Messi joins former teammates for dinner

    Lionel Messi has previously hinted that a return to Barcelona may be in the works after being seen in Spain socialising with former teammates.

    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer, and Barcelona is eager to reunite with him and is one of the favourites to sign him.

    Messi reportedly had supper with his former Barcelona colleagues Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets on Monday night before being photographed exiting a restaurant in Spain, according to Football Espana.

    The PSG forward was mobbed by reporters and some of his many fans, who were all eager to take selfies and get the Argentine superstar’s signature as he left the restaurant.

    It is the second time Messi has returned to Barcelona in two months, fuelling speculation that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner might return to Camp Nou next season.

    Defender welcomes Messi’s return

    Meanwhile, Rayo Vallecano defender, Ivan Balliu has welcomed the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona in the summer, Barca Universal reports.

    Balliu, who started his football career at the Catalans’ academy, said the veteran’s arrival would be welcomed and would will help La Liga grow furtherbeyond its current status.

    Messi has been linked with a return to Barcelona after two years away, following his move to PSG in 2021 after his heartbreaking exit from Camp Nou.

    Ancelotti unbothered by Messi’s return

    Elsewhere, Sports Brief reported on Carlo Ancelotti having no issues with Messi returning to Barcelona after he was asked about the Argentine’s possible return to Camp Nou.

    The veteran’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer and reports indicate both parties do not seem interested in renewing the deal beyond the current season.

    Messi is considered a cult hero at Barcelona and the club’s fans have been highly anticipating his return to the team, where he spent 17 seasons before joining PSG in 2021.

  • Barcelona explains why Spain’s flag was pulled down from the Camp Nou advertising boards

    Barcelona explains why Spain’s flag was pulled down from the Camp Nou advertising boards

    When a Spanish flag was taken down from Camp Nou advertising boards before their match against Atletico Madrid, Barcelona made headlines both on and off the pitch.

    In a heavyweight match that took place on Catalan soil on Sunday, the Blaugrana welcomed the Rojiblancos.

    The hosts won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres, but controversy was created off the pitch when a Spanish flag bearing the Atletico club symbol that had been put over second-tier advertising hoardings was forcibly taken down.

    Barca have now responded to the actions of supporters and security staff, who took action against an away supporter in the home end, and revealed why they were left with no choice but to step in and move a fan who was never escorted out of the arena.

     A statement from the Liga giants reads: “Yesterday at the stadium there was an episode in which a couple of Atletico Madrid supporters, located in the second tier, covered Spotify’s advertising with a Spanish flag with the team’s crest.

    Faced with this situation, a private security intervention group was activated that went to the site to tell fans what the club’s internal regulations were, which does not allow hanging flags or other elements that cover the stadium’s advertising and that, therefore, it was necessary to withdraw.

    “Before the private security service arrived at the scene, a local fan came down from a higher location and removed this flag, leaving it next to the aforementioned Atletico Madrid fan.

    The intervention group spoke with the Atletico fan and explained the regulations and asked him if he had had problems with any local fans.

    This follower, who had symptoms compatible with being under the influence of alcohol, stated that he did not have any, but that some local fans in the area had previously rebuked him.

    The statement went on to say: “The fan told the security guards that he preferred to watch the game from another position, in a higher area of the same stand; he got up to relocate himself with his companion.

    Private security accompanied him, and in no case did they forcibly relocate him or expel him, facts completely contrary to a certain story that was established in some media and social networks, accompanied by images.”

    Barcelona’s explanation continued: “The person in charge of Integrity and Security of La Liga received precise information about the event, when he called the person in charge of Security of FC Barcelona to find out about the situation experienced in the second tier.

    Additionally, the Atletico Madrid fan, accompanied by a woman – both Poles – voluntarily went to the Gol Nord to leave his team shirt and the flag he was wearing and returned with another piece of clothing to his original place, from where he ended up watching the game.

    FC Barcelona reminds all fans that it is not allowed to cover the stadium’s advertising spaces with any sporting symbol, even if it is from the club itself, so it will intervene when a situation contrary to the norm occurs.”

    IN TWO PHOTOS:Camp Nou Barcelona 2022-23GettyRobert Lewandowski Barcelona 2022-23Getty Images

    Barca’s victory over Atletico has left them 11 points clear of Clasico rivals Real Madrid at the top of the Liga table with eight games left to take in.

  • Mohammed Kudus spotted with Nigerian musician, after Ruger’s Amsterdam concert

    Mohammed Kudus spotted with Nigerian musician, after Ruger’s Amsterdam concert

    Mohammed Kudus, an Ajax and Ghanaian player, attended Ruger’s performance in Nigeria to support the musician following his appearance in Amsterdam.

    As part of his 2023 European tour, the Asiwaju hitmaker delighted fans at an auditorium that was packed in Amsterdam.

    The 23-year-old Afrobeats musician, who has previously performed in Germany, closed up Amsterdam by playing several of his top hits.

    The Ghanaian footballer was among the supporters that greeted the artist after his performance.

    Kudus showed love to Ruger, praising him for ‘shutting down’ Amsterdam as seen in a video shared severally on social media.

    The Black Stars midfielder has been out of action for two weeks now following an injury he sustained during the KNVB Cup semi-final against Feyenoord.

    Kudus is however expected to make a return before the final against PSV on April 30, 2023.

    The 22-year-old has been the club’s best player this season, netting 18 goals and providing five assists across all competitions.

    He has been a huge miss for the Dutch champions as they suffered a heavy loss to PSV on Sunday, leaving them 11 points behind leaders Feyenoord.

    Kudus eyes African Player of the Year award

    Earlier, it was reported that Ghana and Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus is confident of winning the Africa Player of the Year award.

    The 22-year-old believes he has what it takes to be the best player on the continent.

    Kudus is enjoying a magnificent season with Dutch giants, Ajax as well as the Ghanaian national team.

    Manchester United interested in Mohammed Kudus

    Premier League giants, Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Ghana and Ajax midfielder, Mohammed Kudus ahead of the summer transfer widow.

    The 22-year-old has been on the radar of the Red Devils following his outstanding performances for Ajax in the ongoing campaign, as well as during the 2022 World Cup.

    Kudus has already scored 18 goals and provided five assists across all competitions for the Dutch champions this season.

  • Brighton Winger Mitoma denies links between university thesis and ‘deadly’ dribble style

    Brighton Winger Mitoma denies links between university thesis and ‘deadly’ dribble style

    Kaoru Mitoma has made clear the connection between his thesis from college and his method of play, which leaves defenders for dead.

    Under Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi, the Japanese player has emerged as a revelation because of his speed and cunning, which allow him cause issues for opposition defenders.

    He has among of the Premier League’s top dribbling skills. He has triumphed over defenders like Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea, Ben White of Arsenal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool.

    According to Athletic UK, the 25-year-old rejected a professional contract at 19 to study Physical Education at the University of Tsukuba and wrote his final thesis on dribbling.

    Mitoma clarifies university thesis

    The Japan international has demystified his thesis claiming it has nothing to do with his style of play. It is exaggerated, and he only chose it because it was easier.

    ”I can say the thesis has almost nothing to do with my current playing style,” he told ESPN UK. ”I chose the theme because it would be easy for me to write about. I simply needed to finish my degree. I think it’s been focused on more in Japan and exaggerated so far.”

    He explained how he gets the better of opponents and how his quick decision-making and judgment boosts his success rate.

    ”I look at the opponent’s centre of gravity, posture, body movement, and then I think about my options, but even in a one-on-one situation, if I see the pass is a better option, then I will pass the ball to a teammate,” he said.

    Mitoma falls short against Wan-Bissaka

    The pacy winger was not up to par when Brighton faced Manchester United yesterday in the semi-final of the FA Cup at Wembley.

    Mitoma struggled to get the better of United’s right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka which moved English midfielder James Maddison to praise Bissaka as the best in the world.

    The Japanese attempted three dribbles against the England defender of international descent, rated as the best one-on-one defender in football, and had zero success rate.

  • Arsenal Women’s plane catches fire on return to Germany after Wolfsburg Champions League clash

    Arsenal Women’s plane catches fire on return to Germany after Wolfsburg Champions League clash

    The plane that was supposed to take the players back to London caught fire, forcing the Arsenal women’s team to stay an extra night in Germany.

    According to the Daily Mail, the Gunners’ plane was struck by a bird and caught fire on the runway as it was returning from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg.

    The players spent an additional night in Germany due to a “technical fault,” and they made it back to London the next day without incident, according to a statement released by Arsenal.

    “Our aircraft developed a technical issue prior to take-off in Germany on Sunday evening,” read a club statement.

    “As a result, we remained in Wolfsburg overnight on Sunday before flying back to England on Monday afternoon.

    “We would like to thank the staff onboard the aircraft and on the ground at the airport for their assistance.”

    The club have also confirmed that no-one was hurt in the incident which occurred after Arsenal had come from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Wolfsburg.

    Rafaelle and Stina Blackstenius were on target as the Gunners fought back to put themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.

  • Varane likely to make United return for FA Cup final – Ten Hag confirms

    Varane likely to make United return for FA Cup final – Ten Hag confirms

    Raphael Varane should be ready to play in Manchester United’s FA Cup final match against cross-town rivals Manchester City, according to Erik ten Hag.

    Varane was taken out at halftime of United’s Europa League quarterfinal match against Sevilla after suffering an ankle injury in the first leg, which the Red Devils lost 5-2 on aggregate.

    Ten Hag has recently had to utilise an improvised backline because to the season-ending metatarsal fracture that Varane’s central defensive partner Lisandro Martinez sustained in the same game.

    With club captain Harry Maguire suspended, Luke Shaw partnered Victor Lindelof in the centre of defence as United reached a record-equalling 21st FA Cup final with Sunday’s penalty shoot-out win over Brighton and Hove Albion.

    United will now face treble-chasing rivals City in a Wembley Stadium final on June 3, and the Red Devils are hopeful of having Varane available.

    Asked whether Varane could feature in United’s second domestic cup final of the season, Ten Hag told talkSPORT: “I think so, yeah. Varane, for the cup final, he can return.”

    Varane has made a total of 27 starts for United this campaign, having also been sidelined with ankle and leg injuries prior to last year’s World Cup.

    United have fared well in Varane’s absence, winning 20 of their 25 games without him in the starting lineup across all competitions (L5), compared to 16 of their 27 with the Frenchman involved from the off (D7 L4).

  • Struggling Chelsea eye Neymar as PSG ponder summer transfer options

    Struggling Chelsea eye Neymar as PSG ponder summer transfer options

    In addition to Chelsea, at least one other Premier League club is apparently interested in signing Neymar from Paris Saint-Germain.

    After another injury-plagued season in 2022–2023, the Brazilian attacker is having worries about his future at Parc des Princes.

    He has made 29 appearances this season and has scored 18 goals, however he has been out with an ankle injury since February 19.

    While the 31-year-old has not been at his best this season, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is said to have asked about the South American’s potential availability during talks with PSG bosses earlier this year.

    Neymar would fit the bill for the Blues when it comes to bringing in another marquee addition.

    The Mirror is, however, claiming that Chelsea could face competition from domestic rivals in any scramble to secure Neymar’s signature.

    Interest from England is said to be building, with there no doubting that a man with a record 77 international goals to his name remains a match-altering talent on his day.

    Neymar is tied to a contract at PSG through to 2025, with there a further 12-month option in his deal that could be triggered.

    But the Ligue 1 champions are considering a freshening up of their ranks and the summer of 2023 may present them with a final opportunity to demand a sizeable fee for an ageing playmaker.

  • Pioli thrilled at Milan’s replicated  Champions League form against Lecce

    Pioli thrilled at Milan’s replicated  Champions League form against Lecce

    Stefano Pioli applauded AC Milan for replicating their impressive Serie A performances in the Champions League after Sunday’s victory over Lecce stopped a slide in domestic performance.

    Milan had lost five of their previous six league games, which hurt their chances of finishing in the top four, but they defeated Lecce 2-0 at San Siro thanks to a Rafael Leao hat trick.

    The Rossoneri are three points behind Juventus after the Bianconeri’s 15-point deduction was reversed this week, but they are tied on points with Roma, who are in fourth place and go to Atalanta on Monday.

    Their struggles in the Italian top flight were in stark contrast to Champions League performances, having reached the last four for the first time since 2007 after a 2-1 aggregate win over Serie A leaders Napoli.

    Pioli revealed his message to his Milan players before the Lecce clash was a call to replicate their recent outings in Europe.

    Asked by DAZN how the Milan coach motivated his side, Pioli said: “That it was important to start strong and important to bring Champions League performances onto the pitch.

    “We did many good things, we need to improve others.”

    Pioli’s side will meet fierce city rivals Inter in the Champions League last four, while the pair battle for a place in Italy’s top four – Inter sat in sixth, two points behind Milan.

    Simone Inzaghi’s side were 3-0 victors at Empoli earlier on Sunday, although Pioli insisted that result had no bearing on Milan’s motivation.

    He added: “Before today there were 8 days left. I told the team that the next two would determine our final position.

    “We will try to win as many games as possible, we are fine and we must continue to work at our best.”

    Leao was the chief problem for Lecce down the left-hand side throughout, heading home Sandro Tonali’s cross for the opener before a fine individual run culminated in his second goal that went in off the right post.

    The Milan winger has scored 12 league goals this season, his best return in a single campaign, while he became just the second Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo to hit the 10-goal mark in back-to-back Serie A campaigns — after Cristiano Ronaldo did so for Juventus in three seasons between 2018 and 2021.

    After his fourth brace in the Italian top flight and first double at home in Serie A since September 2022 against Inter, Leao was more focused on the team’s achievements.

    “I always try to play a good game, helping my team-mates,” he told DAZN. “The most important thing today was to win, we haven’t done it in a long time in the league.”

    As for his own exploits, Leao added: “I was thinking about it even before the match that I had to score. It’s always nice to score with these fans and I’m very happy.”

  • Sudan unrest: UK citizens say they feel dejected as evacuation intensify

    Sudan unrest: UK citizens say they feel dejected as evacuation intensify

    In response to complaints from some  stranded people that they felt “abandoned,” the UK pledged that it was “doing everything we can” to rescue its citizens from the conflict-torn Sudan.

    Andrew Mitchell, the state’s minister of foreign affairs, defended the decision to prioritise a nighttime military operation to remove embassy personnel and their families by claiming that there had been a “very specific threat to the diplomatic community.”

    Tobias Ellwood, chairman of the parliamentary Defence Select Committee, called for a “clear-cut plan” to get British passport holders out of Sudan.

    “If that plan does not emerge today, then individuals will then lose faith and then start making their own way back,” he told the television channel GB News, saying that could lead to “some very difficult situations”.

    One Briton told the BBC he had been forced to make his own evacuation arrangements, even as other countries got their citizens out of the country.

  • Koeman advises Simons to stay a little longer at PSV, hold on PSG return

    Koeman advises Simons to stay a little longer at PSV, hold on PSG return

    Ronald Koeman, the head coach of the Netherlands, has asked Xavi Simons to stay at PSV for another year despite strong rumours that he may be returning to Paris Saint-Germain.

    Simons, who joined PSG from Barcelona two years prior, switched to PSV in August of last year after being limited to just 11 first-team appearances for the Ligue 1 powerhouse.

    For second-placed PSV’s 30 Eredivisie games this season, the 20-year-old has started every one of them, but he recently made it seem as though he could be open to returning to PSG in the future.

    Barca have also been tipped to move for their former youth player, yet Koeman believes the young attacking midfielder is better off staying in the Netherlands for the time being.

    “I think it would be very good for him to stay one more year at PSV,” Koeman told Studio Voetbal.

    Opening up on talks he held with Simons earlier this week, Koeman added: “I can’t reveal what we talked about, but these next steps are extremely important.

    “I consider Xavi to be someone who weighs up his choices very carefully.”

    Simons is the joint-top scorer in the Dutch top flight this season with 15 goals, level with Heerenveen forward Sydney van Hooijdonk, while also assisting a further eight goals.

    The three-cap Netherlands international can play right across the frontline, and national team boss Koeman believes he can become even more of a creative force in the future.

    “I see him on the left for us, and I think he can grow into the number 10 position,” Koeman said. “He’s very talented and already very important at PSV.”

  • William Saliba to miss Man City showdown following a stall in defender’s progress

    William Saliba to miss Man City showdown following a stall in defender’s progress

    The back injury the French defender sustained during Arsenal’s Europa League quarterfinal match against Sporting CP in March prevented him from playing for the club.

    He has missed Arsenal’s last five games, and The Athletic reports that he will likely miss the club’s vital Premier League matchup against Manchester City on April 26.

    Saliba’s absence could prove to be a huge blow to Arsenal’s title aspirations this season. 

    Out of the five games that the defender has missed thus far, the Gunners have managed to win only two while three matches ended in draws.

    The Gunners have conceded nine goals in the last three Premier League games. They still have a five-point lead at the top, but Manchester City have played two games fewer.

     The 22-year-old defender’s lower back injury could worsen if he does not get ample rest and is rushed to the pitch as the injury is linked to serious structural damage and has also affected his lumbar discs, according to The Daily Mail.

    The Frenchman is almost certain to miss Wednesday’s Premier League against Manchester City and could also remain out of action on May 2 when Arsenal face Chelsea.

  • Benzema and Camavinga will not go with Madrid to Girona – Ancelotti

    Benzema and Camavinga will not go with Madrid to Girona – Ancelotti

    Karim Benzema and Eduardo Camavinga will not travel with Real Madrid on Tuesday’s LaLiga trip to Girona, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

    Ancelotti anticipates that the two will be ready again for Los Blancos’ home match against Almeria on Saturday, before they play Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final and Manchester City in their Champions League semifinal.

    David Alaba is also expected to return for the Osasuna match on May 6 after missing the 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday.

    Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Ancelotti ran through the players he will have missing as his team attempts to close ground on leaders Barcelona.

    “Benzema and Camavinga will miss out and [Dani] Ceballos has got accumulated cards,”he said. “Camavinga lasted the game [v Celta] but then he felt some discomfort from a knock. I think they should be available for Almeria. 

    “[Ferland] Mendy and Alaba won’t be there either. Alaba is recovering well and I don’t think he should be a problem for the Copa del Rey final.”

    Elaborating on Benzema’s situation, Ancelotti added: “If he recovers from his knock, he’ll play against Almeria.

    “He’s hugely important for us. He’s shown a fantastic level in recent games and you keep that up by playing, not by resting. If he’s fit, he wants to play and that’s what we want as well.”

    The gap at the top of LaLiga remains 11 points with eight games to play after Barcelona beat Atletico Madrid 1-0 on Sunday, and Ancelotti is keen to close that to better reflect what he believes is a true representation of how close the Clasico rivals are.

    “If we’re talking about the quality of the two teams, there’s no way there should be 11 points between us, and that’s been clear in the games we’ve played against each other,” he said. “We’re two evenly matched sides and the deficit has come about through small details. We want to cut it down.”

    Despite their victory against Celta, there were more concerns about the surface at the Santiago Bernabeu, which has been affected by the ongoing renovations at the famous stadium.

    Marco Asensio scored and assisted in the game, but also hit a wayward shot in the second half that appeared to bobble up off the surface, and Ancelotti previously confirmed it will be replaced before they play City on May 9.

    “Every team wants to play on a beautiful pitch,” Ancelotti said. “We are aware of the problems we have at the Bernabeu and we won’t complain.

    “We’re talking about something which is clear to see, our playing surface is suffering due to the ongoing works and they will fix that as soon as possible.”

  • Little over month and Tuchel is allegedly battling to keep job, as Bayern board makes plan for new calls

    Little over month and Tuchel is allegedly battling to keep job, as Bayern board makes plan for new calls

    Tuchel is reportedly struggling for his job at Bayern Munich already. The club’s board is set to make its decision in less than a month whether to let him go or stay following Bayern’s recent struggles.

    The former Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain boss returned to his native Germany in March when agreeing to succeed Julian Nagelsmann at the Allianz Arena.

    He has, however, found the going tough in Bavaria, with Bayern bowing out of the Champions League to Manchester City and the German Cup at the hands of Freiburg.

    The reigning champions have also surrendered top spot in the Bundesliga, with Tuchel overseeing just two wins across his opening seven games in charge. 

    Bild reports that Bayern bosses are now set to meet on May 22 – five days before the club’s final league game of the season – while making big decisions on coaching and directorial staff.

    Oliver Kahn, who currently fills a CEO role in Munich, is another facing uncomfortable questions of his future – but he will not be quitting and would need to be forced out – while sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic could also be offloaded if it is determined that change at the top is required.

     Kahn, Salihamidzic and Bayern chairman Herbert Hainer all felt the need to enter the dressing room following Bayern’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Mainz on Saturday, with Tuchel under pressure a matter of weeks into a contract that is supposed to run until the summer of 2025.

  • Man Utd will not watch City win a treble, we will ‘do everything’ to deny them that -Ten Hag

    Man Utd will not watch City win a treble, we will ‘do everything’ to deny them that -Ten Hag

    Erik ten Hag has pledged that Manchester United will “do everything” to prevent Manchester City from completing a possible triple when they square off in the FA Cup final.

    After defeating Brighton and Hove Albion on penalties on Sunday at Wembley Stadium, United advanced to its record-tying 21st FA Cup final. Solly March missed his spot-kick, but the other 14 were all successful.

    After City defeated Sheffield United 3-0 in the semifinals thanks to a hat-trick from Riyad Mahrez, the two Manchester clubs will now square off in a major cup final for the first time on June 3.

    With City battling Arsenal in the Premier League title race and being drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, Pep Guardiola’s team could yet collect three major trophies this term. 

    Doing so would see them match the famous achievements of United’s 1998-99 side, and Ten Hag knows how much the club’s fanbase would relish denying City.

    “I understand, of course, the feelings from the Manchester United fans about it,” the Dutchman said.

    “We will do everything to give them that, to give them the second trophy, everything that I have, everything the team have, everything the staff have, we will give everything to get that done.

    “We can do it, because we proved it, but it’s not an easy job. It’s a great team, but we’ll also have a great team and great players and we can beat them.

    “More than 100 per cent, you can’t do, so the fans can rely on that. We will give it and we will do it against every opponent, it doesn’t matter who it is.

    “Of course, we want to give that against City. We want to give the fans that, sure.”

    Having beaten Newcastle United to lift the EFL Cup in February, United have reached both domestic cup finals in the same season for just the third time. 

    However, the Red Devils have never won both trophies in the same campaign, lifting the FA Cup but losing the EFL Cup showpiece game in the 1982-83 and 1993-94 seasons.

  • Want to study in the USA or Canada? Consider these

    Want to study in the USA or Canada? Consider these

    Consider the UK if you’re seeking for a place where getting an admission is simple.

    Consider the US if you’re seeking for a nation with more opportunities for scholarships.

    Consider Canada if you’re seeking for a place where you have a better possibility of obtaining a passport for travel abroad.

    If obtaining a scholarship is a key component of your study abroad plans and doing so in Canada seems difficult, you can come up with a smart plan.

    Think about going to the US to study, then proceed to applying for Canadian permanent residence from there.

    That’s a smart plan.

    In the UK, you will easily get an admission if you have your money. A low undergraduate grade will also not be a huge barrier compared to Canada.

    And just like the US, and any other country where you have a valid status, you can apply for Canadian permanent residence from UK too.

    The requirements to apply for permanent residence from your home country is the same when applying from US/UK/Europe etc, as long as you have a valid status in those other countries

    However, processing times may be faster & less cumbersome than applying from developing countries

    The additional degree from those other countries will also increase your points for permanent residency in 🇨🇦Canada (if you only have a BSc or less)

    You also now have travel experience, better means of raising/showing POF, processing your transcript for credential assessment, etc.

  • ‘Unemployed’ Danny Rose ‘whips’ fmr club, Tottenham after a 5-0 defeat in first half in just 21 minutes

    ‘Unemployed’ Danny Rose ‘whips’ fmr club, Tottenham after a 5-0 defeat in first half in just 21 minutes

    The North Londoners suffered a 5-0 defeat in the first half thanks to goals from Jacob Murphy and summer acquisition Alexander Isak just before Joelinton’s goal.

    Following Harry Kane’s goal in the second half, a resounding victory was sealed when Calum Wilson, an English striker who had been on the bench, scored on his first touch.

    Danny Rose, Calum Wilson, Kieran Trippier, Newcastle United, Tottenham, St James Park.
    Danny Rose shares a joke with former teammates Calum Wilson and Kieran Trippier. Photo by Stu Forster.
    Source: Getty Images

    Former Tottenham full-back Danny Rose has been without a club since his contract was mutually terminated at Watford last September, according to Mirror UK.

    He was in utter disbelief at the scoreline and berated his former club and some of his former colleagues for putting up such a mediocre performance.

    Rose questions Tottenham players

    The 32-year-old was on Spurs’ payroll for 14 years and spent a half-season on loan at Newcastle United in 2020. He was part of the Lilywhite’s squad that reached the 2019 UEFA Champions League final.

    He bemoaned the many defensive mistakes from Cristian Stellini’s side and questioned how his former side is still viewed as a massive club with such a scandalous performance.

    ”All I’ve been thinking all first half is how am I unemployed?,” he told Sky Sports.

    The Leeds United academy product admitted to not watching football in a long time, including the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, claiming he missed the atmosphere and is up for one more job.

    Another of Rose’s former teammates that are not finding things easy at the moment is English midfielder Dele Alli, who is on loan at Besiktas from Everton.

    The two-time PFA young player of the year was shipped out of Tottenham last January but was deemed surplus to requirements at Everton, who loaned him to Besiktas.

    Besiktas fans booed Alli after he was substituted in the first half of a game, but the 26-year-old professed his love for football which he claimed saved his life.

  • Guimaraes is in awe of Willock after his incredible assist

    Guimaraes is in awe of Willock after his incredible assist

    After an impressive performance in Newcastle United’s annihilation of Tottenham that included one of the seasons best assists, Joe Willock was compared to Ronaldinho and Luka Modric.

    The midfielder has been given the nickname “Willockinho” by his Newcastle teammate Bruno Guimaraes, and on Sunday, he more than lived up to it.

    In a 6-1 victory, Willock—whom coach Eddie Howe is supporting for an England call-up—created what may have been the game’s most memorable play when he sent Alexander Isak away for the fourth of five goals in the opening twenty-one minutes with a magnificent outside-of-the-boot pass.

    That was Willock’s fifth assist in the Premier League this season to go with three goals as one of the key men in a Newcastle team closing on Champions League qualification.

    Only Kieran Trippier (five) and Guimaraes (four) created more than Willock’s three chances against Spurs, and the Brazil international was suitably impressed.

    Guimaraes told reporters: “Willockinho, with his new hair today… he looked like Ronaldinho and played like him, too. 

    “An amazing through ball for [Isak’s] goal. What a pass. Only Modric can play a pass like that. It was amazing.”

    Newcastle climbed back up to third with the win, now six points ahead of their fifth-placed opponents and still with a game in hand.

    Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion are perhaps better placed to challenge Newcastle than Tottenham, though, and Guimaraes knows the job is not yet done.

    “Of course we are thinking about the Champions League, but let’s take it step by step,” he said.

    “We can do it, of course, but there’s still seven games to go. We started this way – now let’s finish the season this way.”

  • Virgil van Dijk wants Mo Salah to be given the recognition he deserves, says he’s ‘an important player’

    Virgil van Dijk wants Mo Salah to be given the recognition he deserves, says he’s ‘an important player’

    With 183 goals for the Reds, the Egyptian attacker has established himself as a fan favourite at Anfield and has now tied Robbie Fowler  on the club’s all-time scoring list.

    Although he has won several major honours while playing for Merseyside, including the Premier League and Champions League crowns, three Golden Boots, and two PFA Player of the Year awards, he is not always included when people are talking about the world’s top players.

    Van Dijk expects that to change in time, with the Dutch defender in awe of what a talented club colleague has achieved.

    The Liverpool centre-half has said of Salah: “Most of the players here have contributed to winning big trophies. Mo will definitely be seen as a legend. He’s such an important player.

    At a later stage, I think the things he’s done will be appreciated a lot more by the outside world. For us, we appreciate everything he does day in, day out. We see all the hard work that he puts in. He just has to keep it going.”

    Salah is already Liverpool’s record goalscorer in the Premier League and has equalled Steven Gerrard’s haul of most strikes for the Reds in European competition.

     Salah should continue to rewrite the history books in the years to come, with the 30-year-old frontman having committed to a contract at Liverpool that is due to keep him in his current surroundings until at least the summer of 2025.

  • Fresh home hunt begins for Ainsley Maitland as he confirms exit from Arsenal

    Fresh home hunt begins for Ainsley Maitland as he confirms exit from Arsenal

    The versatile 25-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles has declared that his time at Arsenal has “came to an end,” and he is getting ready to leave this summer.

    The Gunners’ renowned academy produced the England international, who spent the 2022–23 season on loan at Southampton after previously serving comparable terms at West Brom and Roma.

    He has 132 games for parent club Arsenal and five senior caps for his nation, but as he approaches free agency, he feels the time has come to fully dedicate himself to a challenge outside of north London.

    Maitland-Niles has told The Athletic: “It’s been a great journey but it has come to an end now [at Arsenal]. It’s time for a fresh start and to find a new home.

    I’m looking forward to that but, at the same time, my head’s not quite there yet and it’s all about what’s happening now with Southampton.

    I’m just fully focused on trying to help us stay up and stay positive on a day-to-day basis and win games. When the time gets closer towards the end of the season, I’ll have something else to think about.

    But right now, I’m just focused on football and the task at hand. Southampton is a great club to be at and progress and get some minutes under my belt.

    Of course, if they were to make an offer, I’ll be more than happy to stay.”

    Maitland-Niles will see his contract with Arsenal expire at the end of the season, freeing him to mull over several options when it comes to a next port of call.

    Southampton will hope that there is a permanent deal to be done by them, but the Saints are currently stuck at the foot of the Premier League table and have just six games left this season in which to drag themselves out of the relegation zone.

  • Spalletti recounts his journey so far, says sacrifices have paid as Napoli nears title

    Spalletti recounts his journey so far, says sacrifices have paid as Napoli nears title

    After Napoli took another crucial step towards the Scudetto with a thrilling victory at Juventus, Luciano Spalletti reflected on his arduous route to Serie A triumph.

    Next Giacomo Raspadori’s 93rd-minute volley that handed Napoli a 1-0 victory in Turin on Sunday, Napoli might be able to clinch the title as early as the next weekend.

    With seven games remaining and a 17-point lead over Lazio in second place, the Partenopei, who haven’t won the championship since Diego Maradona’s time, will undoubtedly soon be celebrating.

    Spalletti said Napoli would have to “wait to uncork the bottles”, but he only half-heartedly talked down their title celebrations having had his own long wait to this point. The coach is yet to win a league title in his home country.

    “I haven’t travelled in the window seat,” he told DAZN. “I’ve always hitch-hiked. The fact that I am in a position to win this Scudetto repays all the sacrifices I’ve made.

    “Sometimes I was made fun of because of my boots [on the touchline], but I suffered to have those. I remember well when I couldn’t buy them. Since I suffered a few times before, this year I put them on.

    “I took a more difficult road than others who start from different levels, and it’s probably right for them, too, because in their careers as players they gained such esteem as to start from a higher level.”

    While Raspadori has not quite had the same difficult path as Spalletti, his first season in Naples has also not been straightforward, limited to only nine Serie A starts due to injury.

    Sunday’s goal was his second of the season, but it was a big one.

    “I am happy because they have shown me that they love me, as they do every day,” the forward said.

    “There is never a moment to stand still, it was a difficult moment and I worked to get out of it together with the coaching staff. Now, I’m happy for the goal.”

  • List of players who almost lost their fortune after divorce

    List of players who almost lost their fortune after divorce

    While some football stars, like Lionel Messi, who eventually married Antonella Roccuzzo, were fortunate enough to find their true love before being famous, other football stars, like Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez, chose to maintain their romantic relationships even after becoming well-known.

    Then there are many who got married while pursuing their careers and had happy endings, while many others got married but were never truly committed to one other for an extended period of time.

    However, even the most well-known football players can’t prevent their marriages from disintegrating.

    Divorce is a big topic when it comes to marriage involving athletes and footballers. Let’s take a look at 10 popular football players who divorced and how it ended.

    Emmanuel Eboue

    He was a famous Arsenal player who in turn went broke after a divorce. He was known to be the funniest player to have ever played football, as he was always entertaining.

    He once told the Queen of England if he would be the royal dog walker and also beat players down the wing for Arsenal and Ivory Coast.

    He also lost his two close relatives during that period and was also suspended from playing football for failing to pay for his agent. The period was so hard for him that he was even contemplating ending his own life.

    Ashley Cole

    Ashley Cole realised his career peak when he was in Arsenal. He made his name while at Arsenal during the most successful season, 2003-2004, for Arsene Wenger and his men after winning the premier league title unbeaten.

    He however made a dramatic exit to Chelsea where he played well and ended up being the club’s legend.

    Before an awkward spell at AS Roma in 2010, Cole divorced his wife, Cheryl Ann Tweedy, a famous singer in England.

    Unlike other divorced players, Cheryl did not take any money from Ashley, simply because she was richer than him. She also let him keep the $8 million mansion. He allegedly had numerous affairs during the marriage which led to divorce.

    Ryan Giggs

    He is a legend who played for Manchester United and also became assistant coach for Manchester United. He was extremely loyal to his club all through. However, the loyalty he had for the club did not extend to his family.

    Giggs and his wife, Stacey Cooke, seven years divorced in 2017. Giggs paid $52 million after having several affairs including 8 years affair with his brother’s wife, Natasha Lever. This incidence really caught many by surprise as it was not expected of a legend like him.

    Thierry Henry

    Thierry Henry divorced with his wife, Claire Merry, when he moved from Arsenal to Barcelona, on June 2007. It was a very hard period for him as he was too far from his daughter, Tèa Henry. Henry did admit that it is hard to stay without having kids.

    He said that earlier on he just thought of his career and he dedicated all of his time to it and doing his own things.

    Henry had a great moment and a great achievement as he won the Champions League and also played with Lionel Messi, who was a youngster when Henry joined the club.

    Henry divorced and paid $10 million to his wife after she found text messages in his phone to another woman.

    Louis Saha

    During his time, Louis Saha used to be one of the richest footballers in France. He played for Fulham, Manchester United, Everton and the France national team.

    When he finished playing, most of his wealth were no more after he divorced his wife, Aurelie Saha. Saha admits that he lost half of his fortune. After realising this, he started services as he teaches players on how to manage their funds.

  • Atletico president wish Messi and Ronaldo would back in LaLiga

    Atletico president wish Messi and Ronaldo would back in LaLiga

    Enrique Cerezo, the president of Atletico Madrid, wants to see a LaLiga matchup between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo before both players hang up their boots.

    Messi spent 21 years at Barcelona before departing on a free transfer to join Paris Saint-Germain in August 2021. He has been frequently linked with a return to the club.

    Prior to playing for Juventus, Manchester United, and the current Saudi Arabian team Al Nassr, Ronaldo spent nine seasons and won numerous trophies with Real Madrid.

    While there has been little talk of Ronaldo heading back to the Spanish top flight, Cerezo believes it would benefit the league for the two superstar forwards to return one day.

    “It would seem fantastic to me if Messi returned to the league, the same as Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said while attending the Barcelona Open tennis final on Sunday. 

    “Both are still playing and it would be fantastic if they returned.”

    Cerezo was speaking ahead of Atletico’s 1-0 loss to Barcelona, which leaves Diego Simeone’s side 16 points adrift of the leaders and five behind second-place Real Madrid.

    Yannick Carrasco played a full part for Atletico, though he may find himself at Barcelona next season as the Catalan giants have the option to sign the versatile wide player.

    “Yannick is a very good player, fantastic,” Cerezo said when asked about Carrasco’s future. 

    “In the world of football, there are people who want to achieve many things and don’t get to, and others who don’t want anything and get it. I don’t know [what will happen next].”

  • The Messi, Ronaldo reign is over – Wayne Rooney names new best player now

    The Messi, Ronaldo reign is over – Wayne Rooney names new best player now

    Erling Haaland has been named by Wayne Rooney as the likely successor to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, signalling the end of the GOAT duo’s period.

    Since switching from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, Haaland has been on fire, shattering nearly every goal-scoring record in England and, by extension, Europe.

    According to Transfermarkt, the Norwegian goal scorer has amassed an incredible 48 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions while also dishing out six assists, underscoring his outstanding play this season.

    It thus comes as no surprise that Rooney reckons that Haaland is by far the best footballer on the planet presently.

    “Erling Haaland is the best footballer in the world right now. Lionel Messi is the greatest but, at this moment, nobody is playing better than a striker who — even though I broke records in that position myself — takes my breath away with the levels he’s reaching,” the legendary Manchester United forward wrote in his column for The Times via Sportskeeda.

    Rooney stressed: “He’s the best in the world because of the numbers he’s posting, the performances he’s putting in and the mentality he shows.”

    Ronaldo and Messi era

    The pair have shot their way to the top of the ‘greatest of all time’ conversation; no matter who you are, everyone has a preference – winning a combined 12 Ballon d’Or awards.

    Some wonder at the machine-like athletic relentlessness of Cristiano Ronaldo’s out-and-out goalscoring, while others are lured by Lionel Messi’s God-given enchantment with the ball at his feet.

    What’s next for Haaland?

    The 22-year-old will hope to continue his breathtaking goalscoring form for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s charges chase the treble, with the club still in contention to win the English Premier League, the Emirates FA Cup and the elusive UEFA Champions League.

    Cassano contradicts Rooney, blasts Haaland

    While Rooney lauded Haaland, former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano has once again stirred up the hornet’s nest, this time training his guns on the Man City striker, Sports Brief reported.

    The retired Italian international has claimed that the Manchester City striker does not know how to play football.

    Going by Haaland’s numbers this season alone, it seems quite ironic for Cassano to level such a claim, but he insists he prefers strikers like Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema.

  • ‘Real Madrid is Real Madrid’ – Rudiger on why he shun PSG for Madrid

    ‘Real Madrid is Real Madrid’ – Rudiger on why he shun PSG for Madrid

    Antonio Rudiger has given an explanation for why, despite strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain, he decided to sign with Real Madrid last summer.

    When it became clear that Rudiger would not be extending his five-year contract with Chelsea last summer, most European teams, notably Real Madrid and PSG, started to show interest in him.

    The 30-year-old was surrounded by French powerhouses, but he already knew which club he would be joining next.

    Fast forward, the German defender inked a four-year deal with Los Blancos in June last year, rejecting PSG in the process. When quizzed on his decision to join Madrid amid links to PSG, Rudiger told Canal+Afrique, as quoted by Tribuna:

    “There were a lot of rumours when PSG came, it was something I was not looking for.

    He continued: “It’s nothing against PSG. It’s a beautiful club. But Real Madrid is Real Madrid. If you want to be on the winning side, you join Real Madrid.”

    Since moving to Madrid, Rudiger has already added the UEFA Super Cup to his collection of trophies and could add the Champions League and the Copa del Rey this season after becoming a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s set-up, racking up over 40 appearances under his belt, per Transfermarkt.

    Why Rudiger chose Real Madrid

    Rudiger also shed light on how Real Madrid president Florentino Perez convinced him to join the Spanish side with a heartwarming gesture seven years ago.

    Rudiger suffered an ACL injury in 2016 while at Italian Serie A outfit AS Roma. But while he was recuperating from the injury setback, the unthinkable unfolded right before his eyes when he received a surprise letter from Perez wishing him a speedy recovery.

    The heartwarming gesture by Perez startled the former Chelsea centre-half, leaving him convinced he will don the all-white outfit of Los Blancos in the future.

    How Rudiger deals with pressure at Madrid

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on how Antonio Rudiger deals with pressure at Real Madrid.

    The hard-tackling central defender swapped Chelsea for Madrid last summer, and despite struggling to secure a permanent berth in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup at the start of the season, he has grown in leaps and bounds.

    When quizzed on how he has managed to deal with the ever-demanding nature of the club’s fanbase, the 30-year-old suggested he devised a mechanism that helps him.

  • Ten Hag wants the ‘lads’ lauded for a rebound from ‘bad day at the office’

    Ten Hag wants the ‘lads’ lauded for a rebound from ‘bad day at the office’

    Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, praised David de Gea for overcoming a challenging game against Sevilla to defeat Brighton on penalties in Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal.

    Sevilla defeated United 3-0 on Thursday, ensuring United’s elimination from the Europa League at the quarterfinal stage. All three of Sevilla’s goals were mainly attributed to De Gea.

    Yet three days later, he made a number of superb saves to deny Brighton, and those saves ultimately helped the game end in penalties.

    While De Gea never got particularly close to any of Brighton’s spot-kicks, United did progress to the final thanks to emerging 7-6 victors, with Solly March blazing over before Victor Lindelof sealed the Seagulls’ fate.

    United’s collective performance may not have been spectacular but the improvement from Thursday was significant — including De Gea.

    “I think he had two brilliant saves and know that he’s a world-class keeper,” Ten Hag said. “Thursday, he had a really bad day at the office, and it hurt.

    “Really bad [day in the] office I have seen, but it’s always when you are the keeper and you make mistakes, often you get penalised.

    “But it doesn’t mean that we have to go under. And also, we as a team, we let him down [against Sevilla] and we didn’t fight back on Thursday.

    “[Criticism] was justified on Thursday but, today, the lads deserve compliments and credit because they bounced back once again, they showed character.

    “What we have to learn and improve, which must be our next step, is that if we have a setback in a game, we fight back in that same game, that we keep calm and fight back in that same game.

    “We have to deal with setbacks and we can do it better but in between games, and it’s not the first time, we do it very well.”

    Manchester City await United in the final, making it the first ever Manchester derby in the FA Cup showpiece.

    United will go into the contest as considerable outsiders, though Ten Hag pointed to their 2-1 win in January’s derby as evidence they can defeat Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasers.

    “We have proof that we can beat them but then we have to play the perfect game,” Ten Hag continued.

    “That was the most perfect game we played this season [winning the derby in January] but we have to go again.

    “We know that but, first of all, we have to focus on different games because we have to be in the top four, to get into the Champions League for next season.”

  • Martin Odegaard ‘rags’ Haaland ahead of City-Arsenal clash

    Martin Odegaard ‘rags’ Haaland ahead of City-Arsenal clash

    When Arsenal travels to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City on April 26, Martin Odegaard will meet with fellow countryman Erling Haaland.

    The outcome is expected to have significant effects on both teams’ chances of winning the championship, making it the season’s most important game.

    Although their opponents have played two fewer games than Arsenal, the Gunners’ substantial lead at the top of the table has been reduced to only seven points, making a loss more detrimental overall.

    The last time the Gunners won at the Etihad in the Premier League was in December 2015. Manchester City has already beaten them twice this season – once in the FA Cup and in the reverse fixture at the Emirates.

    The two main protagonists for the Wednesday clash will be Odegaard and Haaland, who have been exemplary this season. The two are good friends but will have to put that aside for 90 minutes when they meet.

    Odegaard’s first impression of Haaland

    But before their friendship blossomed, Odegaard’s first impression of Haaland was a negative one. The two first met in 2018 when they were both called up to represent Norway in U-21 competitions.

    “You were more like a little (expletive) in the beginning. You were so childish. You have grown up more in the last couple of years. But you saw it in the first (international) camp, in the videos when you dance and sing.

    It looks like you are 12 years old and the biggest little (expletive). Honestly,” as quoted by the Mirror.

    Odegaard was making these comments during Haaland’s documentary ‘The Big Decision’, where he talked about a couple of things, including his decision to join Manchester City.

    The Arsenal skipper also explained how he grew to like Haaland by understanding what his antics meant.

    “I don’t think he does things because he thinks they are really cool. But maybe he wants to get a reaction and maybe be a little funny. I just laugh at him. I do not take it seriously when he does crazy things.”

    Haaland has 32 goals in the Premier League, he needs one more to break Mohamed Salah’s record of most goals in a single season. Odegaard, meanwhile, has chipped in with 12 goals and 7 assists.

    Rooney tips Haaland to win Ballon d’Or

    It was also reported that Wayne Rooney has thrown his weight behind Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or award ahead of Lionel Messi.

  • The horrors of ‘drug life’ – Ghanaian drug addict bares it all

    The horrors of ‘drug life’ – Ghanaian drug addict bares it all

    Kwabena Josiah, a young guy from Ghana who worked as a seaman in the 1970s, had the chance to travel the world and explore many cultures.

    The man, who will age 71 in June, claims that it was this exposure that resulted in his lifetime of drug addiction.

    He claims that when in Europe in 1977, he met a Moroccan woman who introduced him to narcotics and, ever since, his life has been worse.

    “The first time I take drug in Europe [it was] through my girlfriend, ebe Moroccan girl… The first time I take drug massa the way the drug take my eye I feel so good, I’m happy,” he said of his first experience, adding that he took the drug for two consecutive days and when he didn’t take it on the third day, “ebe like they put pepper on my body,” he recounted in an interview with Kofi Adoma Nwanwanii.

    While still working as a seaman, people paid him between $5,000 – $10,000 to deliver some parcels to other people for them, and on one such occasion, he decided to open the parcel to see what was in it.

    “I didn’t know what was in the bags but when I found out, I said to myself ‘so these people they come give me $5,000, $10,000 and they go carry millions of dollars? Ok, next time I will advise myself’.

    “So one time they came I took the goods and money and when they left, I opened it and saw several kilos of drugs. Then I went to town, I had a girlfriend who was a prostitute and she connected me to a drug pusher to buy. He asked me how much I had. I had about 5 kilos but I told him one kilo so he took it, tested it, and gave me my money when he confirmed it was pure,” he narrated.

    Talking about the dangers of the drug business, he recounted witnessing a Nigerian being killed and opened up to retrieve some balls of cocaine he had swallowed.

    “They opened him up with a knife and cut all his intestines to retrieve several balls of drugs he had swallowed and left the body there.”

    To escape a similar fate, Kwabena Josiah left the boat he was working on and found his way back to Ghana.

    “They [the people who gave him the drugs to deliver] were looking for me to kill me so I run from the boat, sold the drugs and bought tickets back to Ghana. With the drug money, I built houses and bought cars.”

    He built three houses, ones he describes as villas, and bought several vehicles for both private and commercial use.

    But to keep satisfying his need for drugs, Kwabena Josiah ended up selling almost all his properties. The only thing he didn’t sell was one of his houses and that was because his wife at the time advised him to rather use it for a long lease.

    “Drug life is very expensive… I’ve sold two of my houses… I had a truck, MAN Diesel 10 wheelers taking container from habour, I sold it, I had five 207s I sold all, there were four taxis… I sold all. I lost plenty things.” He recounted.

    “The lease will expire in about 4 years 6 months,” he said of the remaining house.

    He said due to his lifestyle, all his important documents including those for the leased property are with family members who can properly take care of them.

  • ISIL,al-Qaeda allegedly kill Mali’s chief of staff, three others in ambush

    ISIL,al-Qaeda allegedly kill Mali’s chief of staff, three others in ambush

    In some areas of Mali and the Sahel for more than ten years, there have been rebel groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and ISIL.

    The statement didn’t go into additional detail about the attack’s timing or the perpetrators, only stating that the ambush happened in the remote Nara area of Mali’s southwest Koulikoro province.

    It further stated that the delegation’s driver was still unaccounted for.

    Mali is one of several West African countries battling armed groups during the past decade.

    Rebels linked to al-Qaeda and the ISIL (ISIS) armed group have seized swaths of territory across the region, killed thousands and displaced millions.

    In January, fourteen Malian soldiers were killed and 11 wounded in two separate attacks in central Mali after their vehicles struck explosive devices.

    Frustrations against the authorities’ failure to quell the violence have spurred two military takeovers in Mali since 2020.

    In 2022, French troops completed a withdrawal from Mali as relations soured between both countries due to two coups and the perceived ineffectiveness of the foreign military in tackling rebel activity.

    There have also been growing tensions between the UN mission and Mali’s military government following the alleged arrival of Wagner Group operatives from Russia to bolster government forces.

  • Messi back in Barcelona

    Messi back in Barcelona

    Considering that Lionel Messi’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires this summer, a shocking return to Barcelona appears to be imminent.

    According to reports, Lionel Messi arrived in Barcelona this weekend with his family and “14 luggage” in tow. Barcelona has been open about their efforts to re-sign the great Argentine this summer at the Nou Camp.

    After the conclusion of the current campaign, his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires, and the Ligue 1 powerhouses appear to have given up on negotiations for a new one. Messi sobbed at a tearful farewell to Barcelona in 2021, the year he left the team he had joined for free at the age of 13.

    He’s set to win his second Ligue 1 title with PSG as the French side sits nine points clear at top of the table with just six games remaining. But he looks set to depart the Parc des Princes stadium this summer in a sensational return to Barcelona.

    Adding to the speculation of an impending return, transfer expert Gerard Romero claims Messi has arrived in Barcelona this weekend. It’s claimed the Argentina international made his trip on a ‘private flight’ and had his family with him while he was ‘hidden in terminal one’.

    Messi is also said to have had ’14 suitcases’ with him, further suggesting he has prepared for a full-time return to Barcelona. The purpose of Messi’s visit is not made clear, but his arrival in Spain only adds to the speculation on his future.

    Barcelona president Joan Laporta has admitted repeatedly over recent months that the club are trying to bring Messi back. “I have to find a way to improve Messi’s current relationship with Barcelona,” he said recently.

    “We’ll see, but he knows that Barcelona’s doors are open to him. Messi is the best player in history. He has been the most important player in Barcelona’s history.

  • Our Qur’an frowns upon LGBTQIA+ activities, we will flush out any trace – Deputy Chief Imam

    Our Qur’an frowns upon LGBTQIA+ activities, we will flush out any trace – Deputy Chief Imam

    Hohoe Municipal Deputy Chief Imam Alhaji Mohammed Abdul Hamidu said the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, abhors LGBTIQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual plus) behaviour.

    According to him, the Qur’an deems such behaviours as abhorrent, hence all Muslims must avoid engaging in them.

    Alhaji Hamidu speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after he led prayers at the Hohoe Adabraka English-Arabic Basic School Park to mark this year’s Eid Ul-Fitr celebrations, said the various leaders had been tasked to educate and advise their followers on the practice.

    He said the leaders have also been asked to punish appropriately anyone found to indulge in the acts, adding that it had come to their notice that the practice was already in the Municipality, which they would work hard to flush out.

    Alhaji Hamidu admonished all celebrants to mark the day in moderation, while urging the youth to continue to be law abiding in activities they carried out.

    Eid Ul-Fitr, also called the, “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is a religious day celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of a month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.

  • Watch us and not Napoli, City – Jose Mourinho to Feyenoord boss after Europa League win

    Watch us and not Napoli, City – Jose Mourinho to Feyenoord boss after Europa League win

    Arne Slot, the manager of Feyenoord, and Jose Mourinho were involved in a misunderstanding on April 20 after Mourinho’s AS Roma team eliminated Feyenoord from the Europa League.

    As Mourinho seeks a second Europa League championship, Roma defeated the Netherlands team in extra time to go to the semifinals.

    Paulo Dybala’s goal forced extra time, where the Giallorossi added two more goals to further humiliate Feyenoord, saving them from elimination with just two minutes remaining.

    The two sides met in the final of the inaugural UEFA Conference League last year, where a Nicolo Zaniolo strike ensured Mourinho continued with his impeccable record in cup finals.

    Feyenoord had hoped to exact their revenge over Roma this year, only for Mourinho to better them once again. Before the game, Slot had indicated that he prefers to watch Napoli or Manchester City games compared to Roma’s games.

    The comment did not go down well with Mourinho, who is seen in video footage chasing down Slot in the tunnel, demanding to be respected.

    “You look at Napoli and Manchester City, but you should be watching us!”

    Mourinho will now meet one of his former players when they take on Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in the semifinals. The winner of that tie will play the winner of Sevilla vs Juventus in the final.

    Mourinho trolls Dutch journalist

    In the same game, Mourinho recently left social media in stitches after a press room antic involving a Dutch journalist.

    Mourinho’s Roma emerged victorious on April 20 thanks to a comprehensive 4-1 victory, albeit via extra time.

    It almost looked like Feyenoord had found a late winner in the 80th minute through Igor Paixao, but Paolo Dybala forced the game into extra time with a strike in the dying minutes of the game.

  • Galamsey fight: Gabby Otchere’s words in 2017 and now

    Galamsey fight: Gabby Otchere’s words in 2017 and now

    In the shocking report written by a former Minister of Science and Technology, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent member of the NPP, has been mentioned in relation to his involvement in illicit mining.

    Gabby Otchere-Darko was charged with interfering with the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining’s (IMCIM) activities in the report by Prof. Frimpong-Boateng.

    He detailed that at the time, there was a suspension on the issuance of licenses for operation in forest reserves, Mr. Otchere-Darko jumped to the defence of a company that was said to be actively destroying the environment.

    Following this development, a tweet from Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko in 2017 popped up with regards to what he said about illegal small-scale mining popularly termed as galamsey.

    The president’s cousin was confident that the Akufo-Addo-led government was going to eliminate the canker of galamsey which had destroyed the nation’s water bodies and depleted lands.

    The tweet dated April 6, 2017 read; “Posterity shall not forgive Akufo-Addo and our generation if we don’t win the war against galamsey.”

    The message generated mixed reactions from Ghanaians. While some lauded the pronouncement and hoped they were not mere words put together, others were of the view that it was only “cheap talk”.

    Meanwhile, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has said he did no wrong in defending a company cited in the bombshell report authored by Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng.

  • Was Hakimi smart? As court declares fmr Utd player Wes Brown bankrupt after divorce with wife

    Was Hakimi smart? As court declares fmr Utd player Wes Brown bankrupt after divorce with wife

    The High Court has declared Wes Brown, a former star for Manchester United and England, bankrupt.

    HMRC filed a bankruptcy case against the former Red Devils defender, who earned £50,000 per week at Old Trafford, on February 27 of this year.

    The High Court gave it their blessing on April 12, and this week, The Gazette published the order.

    According to rumours, he reportedly divorced his 46-year-old wife Leanne, who was a cast member of the TV series Real Housewives of Cheshire, last year.

    The three children’s parents were united in marriage in 2009 at the opulent Peckforton Castle in the Cheshire town of Tarporley.

    After putting their property in Prestbury, Cheshire, on the market for £4.5 million six years prior, Wes and Leanne reduced the price to £2.4 million in 2016.

    Three years later, Leanne remarked, “Yes, we have a wonderful life and a lot of money, and while the money is nice, when you have it, you live in this bubble. The fans can be wonderful, but they can also be incredibly unkind.

    “It must be difficult for football players to live with being praised one minute and despised the next for a poor kick or goal miss.

    We are the ones left to clean up the mess and take the brunt of whatever is left over after their careers are through.

    “Sometimes being alone a lot is difficult. The guys travel a lot, especially if they play for a prestigious club and represent England internationally.”

    Brown is scheduled to participate in a football game next month to support organizations set up in the wake of the Manchester Arena tragedy.

  • Sadio Mane told to join PSG after Bayern’s stuggles

    Sadio Mane told to join PSG after Bayern’s stuggles

    Following the Senegalese forward’s recent problems with the defending Bundesliga winners, Sadio Mane has been pushed to leave Bayern Munich after just one season.

    The 31-year-old forward has had a bumpy start to life at Bayern, being dogged by injuries and off-field drama after his altercation with colleague Leroy Sane.

    Journalist Nabil Djelitt, according to PSG Talk, has recommended Mane to transfer to Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain this summer in order to escape his nightmares in Germany.

    “Sadio Mane is a global brand; it was announced like that, and he is not a player who has a vocation to be on the sidelines. I advise him to go to PSG.”

    Djelitt believes the Bundesliga champions haven’t put the Senegalese forward in the proper position to succeed after the German club fell in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

    Bayern chief admits error signing Mane

    Meanwhile, Bayern Munich sporting director, Hasan Salihamidzic, has admitted that the club should have targeted a centre forward during last summer’s transfer window, Daily Post reports.

    Instead of finding a comparable replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who joined Barcelona, the Bundesliga champions signed Mane from Liverpool.

    Mane has struggled to find his best form with the Bundesliga giants as the Senegalese forward has scored just 11 goals in all competitions for Bayern Munich this season.

    Mane and Sane reunite in training

    It was reported that Bayern Munich winger, Sadio Mane returned to training on April 18, after serving a one-game ban for his bust-up with teammate, Leroy Sane.

    The former Liverpool icon was axed from Bayern’s first team as part of disciplinary measures taken against him for reportedly punching Sane in the face.

    Mane and Sane were involved in a scuffle in the dressing room after a disagreement during their Champions League quarter-final first-leg tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last week.

  • ‘Until it is mathematically impossible’ , Real Madrid fights on – Courtois

    ‘Until it is mathematically impossible’ , Real Madrid fights on – Courtois

    Real Madrid keeper Thibaut Courtois said that they are still holding out hope that they may catch LaLiga leaders Barcelona and narrowly hold onto their title.

    The scenario at the top of the Spanish top flight could only change if Barcelona lost and Madrid kept winning.

    Barcelona’s lead was cut to eight points by Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo on Saturday, but the Catalans still had a home match against Atletico Madrid scheduled for the following day.

    Were Barcelona to win that, their lead would be back to 11 points with eight rounds of games remaining. Even if Barcelona were to lose, their lead would still be such that they would remain firm title favourites.

    Still, Madrid see no reason to give up hope, with goalkeeper Courtois telling broadcaster DAZN: “We are going to fight until the last game, until it is mathematically impossible.”

    He said it was “a pity” Madrid had dropped points at times this season but signalled that Champions League commitments can impact on domestic results.

    Last season saw Madrid pull off a Champions League and LaLiga double, and they are through to the semi-finals in Europe once again this term, with home and away games against Manchester City coming up in May, plus a Copa del Rey final against Osasuna.

    That cup showdown comes on May 6, and Courtois said: “We want to win on the next three matchdays and when the time comes for the cup final, we’ll see how far away we are.

    “We want to keep winning and have a good feeling ahead of the Champions League. It’s key that we’re all well. Hopefully we end the season well.”

    Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti made five changes to his starting XI, four days on from his team’s 2-0 win at Chelsea that clinched a 4-0 aggregate quarter-final win against his former club in the Champions League.

    Marco Asensio, one of those brought in, rifled the opening goal, and his corner set up Eder Militao to head the second.

    “Making an XI is complicated, because we are lucky to have a plugged in dressing room,” Ancelotti said. “We must rotate, because this part of the season is very demanding.”

    The veteran coach was concerned about the playing surface and said the Santiago Bernabeu pitch “has to improve”, while Ancelotti also paid tribute to the all-action Eduardo Camavinga, thriving at left-back after the 20-year-old was recently switched from midfield.

    Camavinga had a team-high 113 touches and completed six of seven dribbles, with both aspects being the most he has achieved in a LaLiga game for Madrid.

    “He has extraordinary quality. He has energy and is complete,” said Ancelotti. “As such, he can play any position successfully.”

  • Thomas Tuchel is just “overrated” – Fans after Bayern’s loss to Mainz

    Thomas Tuchel is just “overrated” – Fans after Bayern’s loss to Mainz

    Following Bayern Munich’s shocking loss to Mainz on Saturday, football supporters raced to social media to express their displeasure with Thomas Tuchel.

    To the dismay of most supporters who had high hopes for the former Chelsea manager, Bayern lost a 1-0 lead at halftime and collapsed to a 3-1 defeat against Tuchel’s old haunts.

    The defeat by Mainz follows a sad Champions League departure for the Bavarians, who were eliminated by Manchester City after losing 4-1 on aggregate over two legs, according to Eurosport.

    Tuchel’s latest setback means he has won just two of seven games in charge of FC Hollywood and could move to second place in the Bundesliga if Borussia Dortmund beat Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday evening, BBC reports.

    Following the defeat to Mainz, football fans questioned the tactical nous of the 49-year-old, suggesting he is overrated.

    How fans reacted to Bayern’s loss

    @analysispanel tweeted:

    “Massively overrated, he implodes spontaneously.”

    @antwigodwin62 added:

    “Yes, he is overrated. He does nothing special, He defends all the time.

    Another user, @RulixFelix, claimed Tuchel is similar to Frank Lampard:

    “Him [Tuchel] and Lampard have something in common.”

    @Only1Nelson suggested the 49-year-old was lucky at Chelsea:

    “Tuchel is overrated, but we ain’t ready for that discussion. His lucky first 6-months magic got y’all overrating him.”