TIG Post

Author: Abigail Ampofo

  • Ronaldo’s son dancing in Barca shirt creates buzz online

    Ronaldo’s son dancing in Barca shirt creates buzz online

    Mateo, the youngest son of Cristiano Ronaldo, has caused a significant stir on social media due to his choice of shirt, as seen in widely circulated footage.

    Ronaldo, known for his illustrious career with Real Madrid, Barcelona’s fierce rivals, spent nine successful seasons with the Madrid club.

    Therefore, it came as a major surprise, especially to fans of Los Blancos, when they observed the five-year-old happily dancing and singing while wearing the Barcelona kit.

    The unexpected sight of Mateo in the Catalan colors has sparked widespread discussion and captured the attention of online platforms.

    In a video posted by Georgina Rodriguez, Ronaldo’s partner, seen by Sports Brief, Mateo, who wore Barcelona’s home kit, was filmed together with his siblings Alana Martina and Eva singing and vibing to a choreographed dance.

    The video has since sparked mixed reactions on social media, considering Mateo’s dad’s long-standing rivalry with Barca, who recently won their 27th La Liga crown, per Besoccer.

    During Ronaldo’s stint with Real Madrid, the 38-year-old reached hallowed heights with the Spanish giants, scoring a staggering 451 goals in 438 games, including an impressive 20 goals in 34 matches against the Blaugrana, Transfermarkt reports.

    Cristiano currently plies his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, where he has notched 13 goals in 14 matches as the Knights of Nahd chase their first league crown in four years.

    How did fans react to Mateo’s video?

    @dadson_yaw jokingly claimed Ronaldo will disown Mateo and split with Georgina:

    “He dey com disown his son and break up with the girlfriend.”

    @RashfordBa was stunned:

    “Ei Barca jersey no no.”

    Another user, @skylene6, wrote:

    “This says a lot about Ronaldo and what others think of him.”

    @steven_avah1 hailed CR7 for not imposing his likes on his kids:

    “Man doesn’t force his kids to do what he likes but what they like. That’s why he’s my Goat.”

    @pizzy_auto claimed:

    “They love Messi so much they can’t even deny it.”

    Cristiano Ronaldo to Bayern Munich?

    Meanwhile, Sports Brief reported that a German business tycoon has offered to finance a deal to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Bayern Munich.

    Ronaldo was linked with a potential transfer to Bayern last summer, following his departure from Manchester United in November last year, but ultimately chose to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, where he now commands a staggering annual salary of £173 million.

    But businessman Marcus Schon is bent on bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Europe. The German millionaire reportedly reached out to Bayern Munich’s CEO Oliver Kahn via email, expressing his interest in financially supporting a potential transfer.

  • Player, manager clashes: De Bryne tells Pep to shut up and other five of such occurrences

    Player, manager clashes: De Bryne tells Pep to shut up and other five of such occurrences

    Manchester City’s remarkable display against Real Madrid on May 17 was slightly overshadowed by a momentary clash between Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola.

    Following a loss of possession, De Bruyne seemed to express his frustration towards his manager, but the incident was swiftly resolved as Guardiola embraced him warmly when he was substituted.

    In a subsequent explanation, Guardiola emphasized that the entire team, including De Bruyne, was under immense pressure to maintain control of the game after halftime.

    He dismissed the altercation as a natural occurrence within the context of a competitive match, as reported by Goal.

    Player-manager confrontations are not new in football. Some, like De Bruyne and Guardiola, have been lucky to patch things up, but others still have the same animosity to date.

    Sports Brief takes a look at the most heated player-manager confrontations.

    1. Alex Ferguson and David Beckham (Manchester United)

    The legendary Manchester United manager built his reputation on a zero-tolerance policy to indiscipline no matter how big of a star you are.

    He had a couple of clashes with his players, but perhaps the one with Beckham in 2003 stands out from the bunch. The two reportedly almost came to blows in the dressing room, with the midfielder sustaining a cut above his eyebrow, as reported by MEN.

    He was thereafter sold to Real Madrid, but the two have since reconciled, with Beckham even insinuating he was possibly at fault.

    2. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Maurizio Sarri (Chelsea)

    This was partly down to a communication breakdown when Arrizabalaga famously decided to ignore Sarri’s instructions to come off during the Carabao Cup final in 2019.

    Sarri wanted to introduce Willy Caballero in the dying minutes of extra time against Manchester City with an eye on the subsequent penalty shootouts. Arrizabalaga stood his ground and failed to win the game for Chelsea.

    The World’s most expensive goalkeeper apologised to his coach afterwards, as reported by Sky Sports.

    3. Roy Keane and Mick McCarthy (Ireland)

    If you know Keane, you know how combative he was during his playing days. Not that he has changed much with his punditry.

    He infamously called out Ireland national team boss Mick McCarthy, blasting out his training sessions ahead of the 2002 World Cup. The former Manchester United skipper was sent home.

    4. Nicolas Anelka and Ray Domenech (France)

    Another international incident and another player to be sent home from an international tournament. France’s World Cup campaign in South Africa in 2010 was shambolic at best and Anelka’s role will be remembered for years to come.

    The experienced striker publicly called out Head Coach Domenech by calling him unprintable names after their defeat to Mexico. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid striker had been asked to play in a position he was not comfortable in, as captured by the Mirror.

    He refused to apologise and was sent home as Les Bleus crashed out in the group stage. Anelka has never apologised to date.

    5. Jose Mourinho and Paul Pogba (Manchester United)

    A list of clashes won’t be complete without Mourinho being mentioned anywhere, will it? The Special One has never been afraid of speaking his mind but in 2018, he was the one doing the listening.

    Pogba was infuriated that Manchester United had sat back against Watford instead of attacking against Watford at Old Trafford.

    Mourinho did not take the words of the Frenchman lightly and stripped him of the vice-captaincy of the club. As Sky Sports reported, the Portuguese manager, however, maintained that he had no issue with the midfielder.

    What next for De Bruyne and Guardiola?

    City faithful will be happy there are no lingering issues between Guardiola and De Bruyne as they enter into the final five fixtures of their season. They play Chelsea this weekend with a win enough to guarantee them a fifth title in six years.

    They would then wrap up their Premier League campaign against Brighton and Brentford before facing Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3. The team will then attempt to win their first Champions League title when they play Inter Milan on June 10.

    3 controversial calls in Champions League

    De Bruyne’s blueprint was all over the semifinal as he scored a thunderbolt to equalise proceedings in the first leg on May 9.

    There was nothing wrong with the Belgian’s shot, only that a few seconds earlier, Bernardo Silva had retrieved the ball after it had crossed the line for a throw-in, but the officials failed to spot it. VAR failed to review the incident and Ancelotti was so furious that he got himself booked.

    As Sports Brief reported, there have been more scandalous decisions in the Champions League in the past; goals and decisions that stood that weren’t supposed to.

  • What next after trophy wins? City’s Pep answers

    What next after trophy wins? City’s Pep answers

    Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has reportedly discussed the possibility of leaving the club after guiding them to the Premier League title.

    City successfully defended their Premier League crown on Saturday, May 20, as Arsenal suffered a 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest.

    According to The Sun, Guardiola has now won a total of five top-flight titles since assuming the managerial role at Manchester City seven years ago.

    Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City

    The Spaniard still has more trophies to change before the end of the season, with the FA Cup and the Champions League trophies on the horizon.

    However, Guardiola would need to help see off rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final and Serie A giants Inter Milan for a chance to win a historic treble with City.

    Should this happen, City will become the first Premier League team to win the treble since 1999, when Man United did it under Sir Alex Ferguson.

    Pep hints at quitting Man City

    Despite Guardiola’s significant success with Man City, it has emerged that the Spaniard could still dump the club.

    The former Barcelona boss gave a rather cryptic answer when asked about his future at the Etihad Stadium before Arsenal’s defeat handed his side the Premier League title.

    Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola was asked if he would quit City if there is nothing left to fight for in terms of trophies.

    “First, we have to win it. [Then] you can ask me after and I will tell you how I feel and how I think,” he said.

    “Of course, if we achieve then I will tell you,” he added.

  • Brittney Griner back in action with WNBA

    Brittney Griner back in action with WNBA

    After a hiatus of 579 days, Brittney Griner made her long-awaited comeback to the WNBA.

    This marked her first on-court appearance since October 2021, as she had faced legal issues and conviction in Russia on drug-related charges in 2022.

    Despite her team, the Phoenix Mercury, suffering a 94-71 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks in their season opener, Griner delivered an outstanding performance during the game.

    Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) drives as Los Angeles Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike (13) defends during the first half of a WNBA preseason basketball game, Friday, May 12, 2023, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)

    She finished with a team-high 18 points to go with six rebounds, two assists, and four blocks, all in 25 minutes. Griner was 7 for 9 from the field, per Sporting News.

    Griner was released from Russian custody in December 2022 after the U.S. reached a prisoner swap deal that sent international arms dealer Viktor Bout in return.

    Vice President Kamala Harris attended the game in her home state of California and met with Griner in the locker room pregame, per SI.

    Pau Gasol, former Lakers forward Robert Horry, and coach Darvin Ham were also in attendance. Tennis legend Billie Jean King and LA Lakers icon Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson attended the game too.

    Griner reacts to WNBA return

    The 32-year-old was delighted with her return.

    “The love from the fans who came out was amazing,” said Griner. I definitely feel it, and I felt it while I was over there too…It felt good, it felt real good. It felt like the last time I played,” via BBC.

    The two-time Olympic champion is playing in her 10th WNBA season with the Mercury.

    “I appreciate everything a little bit more now,” Griner said. All the little, small moments. I used to say, oh I’m so tired, I don’t want to go to practice today. I think that has changed. I’m just appreciating everything because tomorrow is not guaranteed. You don’t know what it’s going to look like.”

    Griner opens up on Russian captivity

    Sports Brief earlier reported on Griner speaking publically for the first time five months after being released from Russian imprisonment. She vowed never to play overseas again.

    US WNBA basketball superstar Brittney Griner arrives to a hearing at the Khimki Court, outside Moscow on June 27, 2022. – Griner, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and WNBA champion, was detained at Moscow airport in February on charges of carrying in her luggage vape cartridges with cannabis oil, which could carry a 10-year prison sentence. (Photo by Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV / AFP) (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

    She held her first news conference since her release on April 27 at the Footprint Center.

    She said her detention in Russia was a big adversity in her life.

    “I’m never going overseas to play again unless it’s to represent my country,” she said. “The whole reason a lot of us go over is the pay gap… to support our families, to support ourselves.”

  • Man City wins third consecutive league title as Arsenal’s form dips against Nottingham

    Man City wins third consecutive league title as Arsenal’s form dips against Nottingham

    On Saturday, May 20, Arsenal experienced a significant defeat against Nottingham Forest, further dampening their title aspirations, however

    Meanwhile, Manchester City clinched the championship without even playing a match over the weekend.

    Arsenal entered the game against Forest fully aware that only a victory would have kept their hopes of securing the title alive.

    Despite being overwhelming favourites, Mikel Arteta’s side went behind through Taiwo Awoniyi’s 19th minute strike as a wave of dejavu engulfed Gunners fans on social media.

    Man City wins title in a row

    Forest, who needed an unlikely win at the expense of Arsenal to ensure their safety from relegation, did brilliantly to keep out the Gunners, who exhibited some symptoms of burnout from what has been a high-stake campaign for them.

    Ultimately, they failed to find an equalizer, and the full time whistle confirmed City as champions for the fifth time in the last six campaigns.

    City come up against Chelsea on Sunday, and it will certainly be a game played in celebratory mood at the Etihad.

    Arsenal’s collapse- How it happened

    On April 7, Manchester City were a massive eight points behind Arsenal, with the season running down fast.

    At that point, it was difficult to bet against the Gunners winning their first league title since 2004, but a combination of Manchester City’s experience, brilliant run of form and Arsenal’s fatigue led to the Gunners getting leapfrogged spectacularly by May.

    Arsenal’s title hopes dipped after they dropped points to City

    Since the last time Arsenal had an 8-point lead, City have gone on to drop just two points out of a possible 42, winning 11 league games in a row in the process.

    In contrast, the Gunners completely lost steam in recent weeks, as a run of three successive draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton allowed City back in the race.

  • Kennedy Agyapong offers grader to demolish Anas’s buildings on encroached land – Lawyer

    Kennedy Agyapong offers grader to demolish Anas’s buildings on encroached land – Lawyer

    Reports indicate that, Kennedy Agyapong, the Member of Parliament for the Assin Central constituency, has allegedly provided a grader to Adolf Tetteh Adjei, a businessman who has been served a court order to demolish buildings on his land.

    These structures were claimed to have been illegally erected by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, an investigative journalist.

    Anas Aremeyaw Anas

    The court ruling concluded that Anas’s constructions should be demolished to restore the landowner’s rightful access to his property, as the buildings were deemed to have been unlawfully erected.

    Responding to the court’s decision in an interview with Okay FM on May 19, 2023, Kennedy Agyapong’s brother cum lawyer argued that Anas’s actions constituted a criminal offence, asserting that constructing on land that does not belong to an individual is against the law and that the MP has offered the businessman a grader to carry out the demolition.

    “When you steal someone’s land and build on it, it is a criminal offence …can you just go and steal someone’s land and build on it? It is a criminal offence, so, the court was right, they said he should demolish it, Ken even says that he will give him a grader if he doesn’t have one.

    Kennedy Agyapong

    “He has volunteered a grader to demolish the whole building, you see, he (Anas) took the law into his hands like he is a tin god, so the time that the case was still pending in court he used his own powers to build, but you Anas who are you? To go and build on the land.

    And the Adolf guy is also not that easy person, he is a very powerful guy… he can’t negotiate anything with him, if he is listening to me, he should demolish the building…there was even an injunction and he (Anas) thought he is a tin god, so he went ahead, who born dog?” he said

    He went further to criticize Anas’s conduct, claiming that he had taken the law into his own hands and proceeded with construction while the case was still pending in court.

    A glass factory located at Tse-Ado, a suburb of Accra; and a set of apartments built and owned by Anas is set to be demolished by court order.

    A court recently ruled that the journalist had proceeded with construction on a disputed land despite a court order asking him to put the project on hold until the land dispute is resolved.

    Following a final judgment on the land which didn’t go in favour of Anas, the land owner, Adolf Tetteh Adjei has been given the go-ahead to pull down the structures and projects of Anas on the site.

    The judge who presided over the land case, Justice Kwame Gyamfi Osei, awarded GHC100,000 to Adolf Tetteh Adjei saying the land owner should use the amount for demolition instead of Anas Aremeyaw Anas doing the demolition himself.

    Following the ruling, Anas is said to have made several attempts to now negotiate with the land owner and pay for the full cost of the land so that his factory and apartments are not pulled down.

    However, Adolf Tetteh Adjei has said he is not interested in selling the land to Anas after the journalist used land guards and police to terrorize him for many years before he proceeded to court.

    According to MyNewsGh.com sources, the factory is a project Anas reportedly collaborated with some Chinese investors to construct at a time the land was in dispute.

  • German tycoon opt to fund CR7’s move to Bayern, sends shockwaves

    German tycoon opt to fund CR7’s move to Bayern, sends shockwaves

    In order to attract Cristiano Ronaldo to Bayern Munich, a German business billionaire and tycoon has volunteered to finance the transaction.

    Following his departure from Manchester United in November of last year, Ronaldo was rumoured to be moving to Bayern last summer. However, he ultimately decided to join Al-Nassr in the Saudi Premier League, where he currently earns a remarkable £173 million per year in pay.

    But businessman Marcus Schon is bent on bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner back to Europe. The German millionaire reportedly reached out to Bayern Munich’s CEO Oliver Kahn via email, expressing his interest in financially supporting a potential transfer.

    “It’s conceivable that we could commit ourselves to the transfer fee or paying the salary excess over a basic amount if our company is clearly identified as the facilitator of the deal,” a portion of the mail read according to the Bavarian newspaper Abendzeitung.

    In the alleged communication, it was further mentioned that in the event of a permanent transfer, a request was made for a percentage of shirt sales to be allocated, as reported by GOAL.

    Meanwhile, Ronaldo has bagged 13 goals in 14 Saudi Pro League matches as Al-Nassr aim to make up for lost grounds in search of their first league title since 2019.

    Cristiano Ronaldo
    What’s next for Ronaldo and Bayern?

    Ronaldo helped revived Al-Nassr’s faint league hopes with a strike from the spot as the Knights of Nahd reduced the gap between themselves and table-topping Al-Ittihad to just three points. He will hope to continue his scoring spree when his side plays host to Al Shabab on May 23, Tuesday.

    Bayern, on the flip side, are looking to win a record 11th successive Bundesliga crown but will have to pass the acid test of RB Leipzig on Saturday, May 20, as Borussia Dortmund continues to breathe down on their necks.

    Ronaldo’s near-Arsenal move

    In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that fresh details have emerged on how Cristiano Ronaldo came close to joining Arsenal during the January transfer window before his switch to Al-Nassr.

    Ronaldo became a free agent in the run-up to the 2022 World Cup after Manchester United terminated his contract prematurely.

    It has now emerged the Portuguese international was reportedly close to sealing a stunning move to Arsenal before he moved to Saudi Arabia. This is according to Gunners fan Morgan, who recently took to social media claiming the Real Madrid icon was keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium.

  • Jimmy Butler addresses the altercation with Grant Williams during Game 2

    Jimmy Butler addresses the altercation with Grant Williams during Game 2

    In game 2 of the Eastern Conference playoffs against the Boston Celtics, Jimmy Butler once again shone.

    When his side won another game on the road to grab a commanding 2-0 series lead, the Miami Heat player came up big in the fourth quarter.

    As a result of Butler’s altercation with Grant Williams, which made headlines, the Heat were able to defeat the Pacers 111-105.

    The confrontation began in the middle of the fourth quarter after Williams sank a three-pointer to give the Celtics a 96-87 lead with 6:37 remaining on the clock. As he was rushing back on defense, he began chirping at Butler, who responded in kind.

    He smiled and then hit a shot on Williams, who fouled him. The pair went head to head before getting separated. Both were assessed a technical foul.

    From that moment on, the three-time NBA champions went on a 24-9 run which effectively won them the game.

    Butler scored nine of his 27 points since his back-and-forth with Williams, per CBS Sports.

    Butler reacts to Williams’s confrontation

    After the game, the 33-year-old said the spat fueled him.

    “Yes, it did,” Butler said. “But that’s just competition at its finest. He hit a big shot, started talking to me. I like that.

    I’m all for that. It makes me key in a lot more. It pushes that will that I have to win a lot more. It makes me smile…I just don’t know if I’m the best person to talk to,” via ESPN.

    Williams welcomed the spat.

    “I think he said something and I just responded,” Williams said. “I’m a competitor and I’m gonna battle. He got the best of me tonight, and at the end of the day it’s out of respect, because I’m not gonna run away from it.”

    Bam Adebayo contributed 22 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists. The Heat bench also stepped up. Caleb Martin was great, notching a playoff career-high with 25 points, while Duncan Robinson added 15 points off the bench.

    Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 34 points but finished the fourth quarter without a field goal.

    Celtics vs. Heat Game 2 takeaways

    Sports Brief earlier looked at the major talking points from Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.

    The major takeaway was the confrontation between Butler and Williams.

    Jaylen Brown’s dismal performance was also a hot topic after the game. Brown had 16 points but shot 7-of-23.

  • Mourinho jabs Pep, rekindles feud after duo qualify for European finals

    Mourinho jabs Pep, rekindles feud after duo qualify for European finals

    Similarly, one could argue that, the duo Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola share a similar dynamic, having clashed during their El Clásico encounters in Spain and subsequently crossing paths again in Manchester.

    They rank highly in the list of the most successful coaches alongside the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson. There has always been loads of respect between the two, but once in a while, a subtle dig is always sent out.

    Like what fans believe happened after Mourinho guided AS Roma to another European final on Thursday.

    The Special One masterminded another defensive masterclass to see off Bayer Leverkusen to set up a final against record winners Sevilla. This came just a day after Guardiola had equally qualified for his second Champions League final as Manchester City boss.

    Pep(R) and Mourinho
    What Mourinho said about Guardiola

    Mourinho, however, appeared to insinuate that his achievement was much greater than Guardiola’s, given the strength of the squads both have to work with.

    The Giallorossi’ haven’t been the luckiest of teams as far as injuries are concerned this season.

    “The only teams that do not suffer are those exceptional teams that they have on the bench €40million or €70million players.

    Mourinho in a post match interview

    If you look at City’s semi-final, they brought on Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez in the second half.

    “If we lose four or five players then we suffer. That is natural. At Roma, we have players out injured and others who have not had transfer fees must come in. We invested €7million in the market and we are in the final. What we have done is extraordinary,” as quoted by the Mirror.

    The comment opens up an interesting spectacle. Should both managers win their finals, the two veteran managers could meet in the UEFA Super League later this year.

    Mourinho slammed for ugly tactics

    Sports Brief also reported on criticism Mourinho received for his tactics against Bayer Leverkusen.

    Roma frustrated Bayer Leverkusen in Germany to draw the second leg 0-0 and qualify on an aggregate score of 1-0.

    At the Bay Arena on Thursday night, it was a vintage Mourinho performance. His side had zero shots on target as they defended resolutely for the entire 90 minutes.

    There were also rampant cases of time-wasting, with the Roma players going down at intervals, much to the frustration of their opponents.

  • Pep points City star as well deserving of Ballon d’Or

    Pep points City star as well deserving of Ballon d’Or

    Pep Guardiola, the head coach of Manchester City, has reopened the 2022 Ballon d’Or controversy by arguing that Thibaut Courtois should have won.

    Karim Benzema, a Real Madrid colleague of Courtois, received the individual award for helping Real Madrid to its 14th Champions League triumph and the La Liga victory.

    Thibaut Courtois in action against Erling Haaland on May 17. Photo by Matt McNulty – Manchester City. Source: Getty Images

    Guardiola opined that although Benzema was also a deserved winner, Courtois deserved one as well.

    “If they had given the Ballon d’Or to Courtois last year, it would also have been deserved,” as quoted by Sportskeeda.

    Courtois 2022 achievements

    The Belgian shot-stopper was Los Blancos best player after Benzema, as he conceded only 46 goals in 52 appearances, as captured by Transfermarkt. He put on major performances, especially in the Champions League final against Liverpool, where he bagged the man of the match.

    He was gifted the Yashin trophy for being the best goalkeeper of the season but bizarrely finished in seventh place in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

    Guardiola made these comments after watching his team dump Real Madrid out of this season’s Champions League.

    Despite conceding four goals, Courtois was the best player in Carlo Ancelotti’s side as he pulled off a string of decent stops to maintain a respectable scoreline.

    He particularly thwarted Erling Haaland’s efforts, who had at least three decent chances to get on the scoresheet.

    Messi vs Haaland Ballon d’Or rankings

    This Ballon d’Or debate comes at a time when Haaland closed the gap on Lionel Messi by qualifying for the Champions League final.

    Messi again? Or Haaland takes it this time

    As Sports Brief reported, apart from Messi’s early elimination from the Champions League, the Argentine delivered for his country in Qatar.

    He played a role in almost every game, bar their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

    He may still be the front-runner, with the World Cup lending him significant weight, but his 2023 form, coupled with disciplinary issues, could stand between him and another title.

    If Haaland completes a treble with Manchester City this season, it would be hard for him to be overlooked in this year’s award.

  • Olive tree to team meetings? Mikel Arteta has a reason

    Olive tree to team meetings? Mikel Arteta has a reason

    Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has admitted that one of the methods he used to inspire his team is occasionally bringing an olive tree to team meetings.

    Arteta spoke about another odd motivational tool he uses at London Colney after it was revealed that the Arsenal manager had started bringing a chocolate Labrador named Win to the training facility to give a calming impact.

    In his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Nottingham Forest, Arteta spoke about the club’s olive tree, a miniature version of which he has used to explain the importance of togetherness to his young squad.

    The Spaniard said: “Another symbol at the club is our tree.

    It needs a lot of care as well. It’s an olive tree, it’s older than 150 years, similar to the club, and we have to look after those roots every single to the day, make sure they don’t get poisoned, don’t get damaged and it’s in the right condition.”

    ESPN reports that Arteta spotted the tree from the window of his office and asked a staff member to make a miniature version that he could use in front of his squad.

    Win the dog and the olive tree are the latest in a line of inventive ways Arteta communicates ideas to his players.

    The light bulb scene in Amazon’s All or Nothing series was another famous example.

    Appropriately enough, after Friday’s tree revelation, Arsenal take on relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in Saturday’s late kick-off.

  • Pep downplays role in City’s exceptional season

    Pep downplays role in City’s exceptional season

    Pep Guardiola has downplayed his role in Man City’s exceptional season, despite their impressive form and the potential to secure a treble.

    As they prepare to host Chelsea in their final Premier League home game, with the FA Cup and Champions League finals on the horizon, there is a sense of celebration surrounding the team.

    Guardiola has once again been a huge factor in their success, with little doubt after Wednesday’s ruthless demolition of Real Madrid that he has brought his team to the boil at just the right time.

    Yet the inspirational Catalan has no interest in taking all the credit.

    Pep Guardiola (l) and Vincent Kompany pictured in 2019

    The City boss said: “As a manager, I feel part of something but, no confusion, I never think it belongs to me.

    “I’m part of it, I don’t deny it, but not without the incredible work and decisions of the sporting director, the board and the players, who are the most important thing.

    “I am a part of that and I am really proud but I’m not the only person to achieve the Premier Leagues or Champions League finals and so on. I don’t feel only I am responsible for that.”

    Defender Nathan Ake is City’s only fitness doubt for the visit of Chelsea. The Netherlands international has missed the last three games after suffering a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

    Defender Nathan Ake

    City are unbeaten in their last 23 games in all competitions since February and have won 19 of them.

    They have won 11 Premier League games in a row and have not lost at home since November.

  • Ten Hag confident Rashford will reach an agreement on new deal

    Ten Hag confident Rashford will reach an agreement on new deal

    Erik ten Hag said he is confident that Manchester United and Marcus Rashford will resolve the forward’s contract situation amicably.

    With just one year remaining on his current deal, Rashford, who has been with the club since he was seven years old, is facing an uncertain future.

    Although earlier reports claiming he demanded a weekly wage of £500,000 were dismissed by the 25-year-old himself, the negotiations have been protracted and ongoing.

    Ten Hag is publicly calm, saying: “I know (it is taking time), but I don’t talk about the process.

    Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag

    “This is not important at the moment for me or Rashy. For him, it is to get more goals this season and he is playing a wonderful season and the team is playing a wonderful season.

    “We have to get into the Champions League and focus on that. Marcus wants to stay and we want him to stay, so I think we will find each other.”

    The uncertainty over United’s takeover process will inevitably lead to concern about their prospects for the summer transfer window.

    Ten Hag said: “We do our job in the background and we are working hard but, for now, it is about games, getting into the Champions League and the FA Cup.

    “For me, it is about finance and that there is the money available to do the right things.”

    United have a big fortnight ahead, with their final three Premier League matches determining whether they will qualify for the Champions League before a first FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City.

    Up first is a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday, where United, who could be without the unwell Rashford, will look to put their away struggles behind them.

    Eight of the Red Devils’ nine league defeats this season have come on the road, with their last three trips away from Old Trafford yielding just one point between them.

    Ten Hag said: “I think there are some reasons. For instance, one thing is clear and that is from the back we have to be better on the ball.

    “But we have one opportunity tomorrow to show that we can improve and we definitely have to improve for next season.”

    Marcus Rashford

    Manchester City are moving ever close to matching United’s achievement of winning the treble, adding an extra edge to the FA Cup final on June 3.

    Asked if he is relishing the opportunity to stop City, Ten Hag said: “When we have three games and (the Premier League) is gone, yes, I will enjoy it. Before that, it is not important at all.

    “I think we have to keep doing what we have all season, improve every day and improve every game and not look too far ahead. Focusing on the next game is the most important.”

  • AZ Alkmaar strongly condemns “pitch-black evening” wrecked by violence during West Ham clash

    AZ Alkmaar strongly condemns “pitch-black evening” wrecked by violence during West Ham clash


    AZ Alkmaar has issued an apology for the violent incident that marred West Ham’s Europa Conference League semi-final victory, describing it as a “pitch-black evening.”

    Following Pablo Fornals’ stoppage-time goal, securing a 3-1 aggregate win for West Ham and securing their place in the final in Prague, a group of black-shirted, hooded AZ ultras attempted to breach the area reserved for friends and family behind the dugout.

    In response to the disturbance, players such as Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Aaron Cresswell, and Flynn Downes climbed over the advertising hoardings to intervene and prevent further trouble.

    Recognizing the gravity of the situation, AZ Alkmaar has expressed regret for the violence that took place and acknowledges the need to address and rectify the incident.

    West Ham players clash with AZ Alkmaar

    An AZ statement read: “While everyone hoped for a historic European match, it turned into a pitch-black evening due to the events occurring at the referee’s final whistle. It turned into a night to reflect on with shame.

    “Not because of the football game played, but because of the behaviour of some attending. Unfortunately, we cannot use the word ‘supporters’ for these people.

    “What happened is beyond all bounds. The club again sincerely apologises to West Ham and the thousands of well-minded AZ supporters who have also been inconvenienced by the misconduct.

    “In the coming period AZ will – together with the police, Public Prosecution Service, and Alkmaar’s municipality – evaluate exactly what happened, how it could have happened and what needs to be improved from now on.

    It is clear that things need to be improved.

    “Part of the evaluation is a thorough review of all available footage so that appropriate consequences may follow for those responsible for this outrageous behaviour.

    “AZ is a civilised club where sportsmanship and norms and values are paramount. The club will do everything possible, together with the authorities involved, to identify these persons and to take appropriate measures.”

    UEFA is expected to launch an investigation into the trouble.

    The governing body’s disciplinary panel will wait for the relevant reports before deciding on any action, but the PA news agency understands that given the severity of the disorder, it could follow previous cases and an inspector may be appointed to investigate more thoroughly.

    Given the extensive video footage of the ugly scenes the Dutch club could face heavy sanctions.

    David Moyes

    Hammers boss David Moyes, whose 87-year-old father David Snr was at the match, said: “I can’t explain what happened and why it happened.

    “I can only say the players were involved because it was the family section and most of their family and friends were in there. That was probably the reason for the reaction.

    “Was I worried? Yeah, my family were there and I had friends in that section. You’re hoping they would try and get themselves away from it.

    “I didn’t recognise it because I’d gone onto the pitch. Security wanted to take me inside, but I had to make sure my players weren’t involved.”

  • Jose Mourinho videos his “warriors” during a post match dinner

    Jose Mourinho videos his “warriors” during a post match dinner

    Following Roma’s hard-fought victory against Bayer Leverkusen, Jose Mourinho praised his players, referring to them as “warriors.”

    The Italian side entered the match with a one-goal lead, understanding that a draw would secure their spot in the UEFA Europa League final after Edoardo Bove’s debut European goal in the previous leg at Stadio Olimpico.

    Mourinho adopted a cautious strategy for the game at Germany’s BayArena, effectively frustrating Leverkusen, who were managed by his former player Xabi Alonso, despite their dominance throughout the match.

    Jose Mourinho

    The manager’s admiration for his team’s resilient performance was evident as he described them as warriors.

    According to Sports Illustrated, Giallorossi earned a place in the final against Sevilla, who are 100% in the Europa League finals, at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, on May 31.

    Mourinho filmed Roma’s dinner

    The team hosted a dinner at the team hotel shortly after the game. The 60-year-old filmed it and uploaded it on Instagram with an interesting caption.

    “The warriors are eating, I’m too tired for that. See you tomorrow Roma,” he captioned the video.

    One thing which can be made out of the video is that the television was showing a replay of the game they had just finished, which earned the players the game warrior from the manager.

    Mourinho reveals next ambition

    It would take a miracle for Roma to make the top four in the Italian Serie A. They are six points behind fourth-placed Lazio with two games to go in the season.

    The team could play Champions League football next season if they beat Sevilla, which is Jose’s next target.

    “The final? I think of it as any other final. We want to bring the trophy home,” he told DAZN via Roma Press.

    Mourinho slammed for ugly tactics

    The Special One is a master of dark tactics, famously dubbed Parking the Bus. As Sports Brief reported, fans slammed Mourinho for his tactics against Leverkusen.

    His team were totally dominated. The Germans enjoyed 72% of the possession and played 23 shots to Roma’s one, which was off-target, but could not find a way through.

  • Klopp eulogize Milner, Firmino and two others as they depart

    Klopp eulogize Milner, Firmino and two others as they depart

    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has expressed his admiration for the departing group consisting of James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita.

    As their contracts are set to expire next month, these four players will receive a heartfelt farewell at Anfield during the match against Aston Villa.

    Having all experienced success as Champions League and Premier League winners, Firmino and Milner, who joined just before Klopp’s appointment in 2015, have particularly stood out with their impactful performances.

    Jurgen Klopp

    However, Klopp emphasized that each of the four players has made significant contributions to the team’s accomplishments throughout their time at Liverpool.

    “We spoke already with the boys earlier this week about it,” said Klopp.

    “It is super-important for us and kind of super-emotional as well for different reasons because we say goodbye to, from my point of view, four Liverpool legends.

    “Two of them were here when I arrived – Millie (Milner) and Bobby (Firmino) – and nothing of all the good things which happened in the last few years would have happened without them.

    “Bobby, my God, how much I love the guy. It is 100 per cent deserved.

    “Millie played an incredible number of games, I think I am the manager he played the most games for in his career, and probably the same for Bobby.

    “My English is not good enough to really express my respect for them but that’s the same for Ox (Oxlade-Chamberlain) and Naby, for different reasons.

    “Ox was unlucky in moments with bad injuries in absolutely the wrong moment. I remember the (2018 Champions League game) against Roma when he got badly injured and I had no clue how to sort that situation as he was that good and pretty much irreplaceable in that moment.

    “Everyone knows we spent a lot of money on Naby and there were a lot of expectations and because of injuries in the wrong moments he couldn’t fulfil all of them but go back and look at the football he could play in his good moments.”

    The Quartet leaving Liverpool soon

    Milner has been heavily linked with a move to Brighton, but the futures of the other three are less clear, although they will not be short of offers.

    Klopp added: “I wish them all well and hope they find a place where they are as much respected and needed as here and they find their luck again because they had a lot in the last few years.

    “All four won pretty much each available trophy and we love them but it is professional football and nothing is forever.

    “There is always a moment and it’s a good moment because it means one chapter will be closed and we can start writing a new one, which is good as well for them and for us.

    “I will be forever thankful to them because without them nothing would’ve happened. They were super-important in all they did and that’s the farewell they deserve.”

  • List of 3 biggest Ballon d’Or ‘robberies’ in history

    List of 3 biggest Ballon d’Or ‘robberies’ in history

    The decision to hold the 2022 World Cup in the ‘weird’ month of December has brought about a chain of unprecedented debate ahead of the 2023 Ballon d’Or race with talks about biggest robberies in history.

    The World Cup is often a strong indicator of who will win the Ballon d’Or, with Lionel Messi leading the race for the individual gong. Erling Haaland has since immersed himself in that debate.

    However, with Messi’s early elimination from the Champions League, the 2023 race will be determined by a couple of things apart from the World Cup. Let’s face it, by the time the 2023 vote reaches, the Qatar bonanza will be in distant memory.

    1. Robert Lewandowski – 2020

    The theft herein was the fact that it was cancelled at a time when Lewandowski was on his way to winning his first title. A Lewandowski victory could have been uncontested like the Benzema triumph last year, as he was in a class of his own.

    According to a report on Goal, the organisers cited the coronavirus pandemic as an excuse, but every sane football fan knows it was Lewandowski’s award for the taking.

    Robert Lewandoski
    2. Franck Ribery – 2013

    Ribery was part of the Bayern Munich squad that won the treble under Jupp Heynckes. He was the focal point of the attack that saw off Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.

    However, he was beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo to the award despite Ronaldo finishing the season without a single trophy. Ronaldo was adjudged to have had better individual numbers than Ribery.

    Frank felt robbed after CR7 won the Ballon d’Or in 2013
    1. Wesley Sneijder – 2010
      How the Ballon d’Or winner is arrived at came under intense scrutiny in 2010. Whether it was one’s goals or how one had inspired his side to trophies was discussed widely.

    Judging by the outcome, the former won the argument as Lionel Messi was declared the winner. While it is hard to argue against Messi’s 60 goal contributions that season, Sneijder had made Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan tick.

    Wesley Sneijder

    Inter won the treble that season and Sneijder followed it up with another marquee performance at the World Cup. He was only outperformed by Uruguay’s Diego Forlan as the Netherlands reached the final.

    Messi, meanwhile, bowed out in the quarter-finals and was eliminated from the Champions League by Sneijder’s Inter.

    His World Cup heroics with Argentina have given him a perfect head start. Erling Haaland has closed the gap, or even surpassed him, in recent months, with a spectacular goal-scoring record as he chases a treble with Manchester City.

    In as much as the Ballon d’Or award is often given on individual merits, the Champions League usually plays a critical role in swaying the vote. In the case of a World Cup year, the once-in-four-years competition takes precedence over any other trophy. Luka Modric is a witness.

    Africa’s shortcomings at Ballon d’Or

    Sports Brief has also reported that Sadio Mane recorded a contrasting set of fortunes in the 2021/2022 season. The then Liverpool forward led Senegal to their maiden African Cup of Nations title.

    He then played a huge part as Liverpool beat Chelsea in both the FA and Carabao Cup finals to complete a domestic double. They were not as lucky in the Premier League and the Champions League finals, however.

    That notwithstanding, Mane was a strong contender for the 2022 Ballon d’Or award. One could argue that if Lionel Messi won the 2021 award after leading Argentina to the Copa America, then Mane surely deserved an equal chance.

  • Lampard said nearly got ‘goal machine’ Haaland to Chelsea

    Lampard said nearly got ‘goal machine’ Haaland to Chelsea

    Frank Lampard has revealed he tried to sign Erling Haaland for Chelsea during his first spell as the manager at Stamford Bridge.

    The Manchester City striker came up against Lampard’s team in a pre-season friendly in 2019 while he was playing for RB Salzburg in Austria.

    He scored 28 goals in 22 matches that season before signing for Borussia Dortmund the following summer, but Lampard said he attempted to bring him.

    Lampard nearly signed Haaland for Chelsea during his first stay at Chelsea

    Ultimately competition for the Norway international’s signature, together with the fact not everybody at Chelsea was convinced that a bid for Haaland would have been the right move, meant that Lampard was left frustrated.

    His 36 Premier League goals for title-chasing City this season mean he has scored as many times in the league as the entire Chelsea squad have, with the two teams meeting at the Etihad on Sunday as City look for the victory they need to seal the title.

    Chelsea by contrast remain in the bottom half of the table, with their struggles in front of goal this season having shown no sign of easing in recent weeks.

    “I’ve got huge respect for him as a player, he’s a player I tried to bring to Chelsea the first time I was here,” said Lampard. “I was really keen to get him here but obviously that couldn’t happen. His level at that point was very clear, we played against him in a pre-season game for Salzburg.

    “Credit to him, I love seeing players of that level, I love seeing players of that personality and hunger to play and be the best which he’s proved himself to be. In terms of having to deal with him you have to have obviously a plan and an idea, but players of that level can make anything happen at any moment.

    “I think he’s special, I thought he’d adapt straight away just (because of) his level. I think with the level of players and his record of scoring, firstly in Austria then for his country and in the Bundesliga – which is not an easy league – to come into a really good unit already.

    “The rest is just credit to himself and the team around him. I did expect that, it’s not just an easy hindsight answer, I’ve got real respect for the player.

    Lampard during a post match conference

    “I don’t know whether he would have decided to come here anyway but I was a big fan. There are some of those that happen that people don’t know about that could have been this way, people talk a lot about mistakes and the things that could have been in football.

    “Whether he would have come I don’t know, but I was pushing big, and for a couple of other players as well. But he was the outstanding one.

    “From our point I was pushing it, I’m not sure what the appetite everywhere else in the club was to do it. The competition was big to take him because he was an outstanding player. I think there was a buyout clause at the time which I think was relatively reasonable given the player (he joined Dortmund for around £17million). I don’t have enough detail to say how close it was.”

    Lampard has two matches left of his interim spell in charge, with Manchester United at Old Trafford and Newcastle at Stamford Bridge to come after City.

    He has won only once during his eight games in the job, a 3-1 victory at Bournemouth earlier in May, with six defeats having come in that time including a Champions League exit to Real Madrid.

    Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be confirmed as the permanent successor to Graham Potter, who was sacked on April 2, in the coming days, and he will have a huge rebuild on his hands after a disastrous season for the club.

    Mauricio Pochettino

    Despite the poor form, Lampard said he has no regrets about agreeing to take over in the short-term from Potter.

    “I have enjoyed it, I get asked it a lot,” he said. “You want to always get results but you have to be realistic in football.  When I came into this, the Champions League dream that everyone talked to me about, (saying) it’s been done before, can we do it again?

    “The realistic answer was we were where we were in the league for a reason. Our view was to try and beat Real Madrid then possible City to get to a final. In terms of the rest of the job, it’s been how many small wins can I try and impact behind the scenes. You can’t always impact results.

    “Generally there’s a lot of work to do here. I can have a certain impact with certain individuals within the group because I have a big feeling for the club.”

  • Cheap penalties won Argentina the World Cup – Ex Uruguay player

    Cheap penalties won Argentina the World Cup – Ex Uruguay player

    Credibility concerns surround Argentina’s potential success in the 2022 World Cup, as former Uruguayan international Sebastián Washington Abreu has raised questions about the penalties awarded in favor of the South American team.

    Argentina’s tally of five penalties awarded during the tournament reportedly exceeds the number given in any World Cup edition since 1966, according to The Athletic.

    Sebastián Washington Abreu has raised questions about the penalties awarded in favor of the South American team.

    As per PSG Talk, Abreu has highlighted the discrepancy in the refereeing decisions, pointing out that fouls inside the penalty box were called in Argentina’s matches while similar incidents in other games were not treated with the same standard.

    “They had different criteria with some penalties. If you have a little bit of common sense, taking off your fanaticism and your shirt, now the fact is done, and no one is going to take the World Cup from you.

    “If you analyze some penalties, here they were charged and in other games, they were not used the same criteria.”

    Lionel Messi guided Argentina to lift the 2022 World Cup for the first time since Diego Armando Maradona guided the South American giant to the 1986 title.

    Abreu slams criminal treatment of Messi

    Meanwhile, Sebastian Abreu has lambasted how Paris Saint-Germain fans have treated Lionel Messi after the Argentine received boos from the club’s supporters, Sportskeeda reports.

    Lionel Messi looks certain to leave PSG this summer

    Abreu noted that he would love Messi to end his career at Barcelona and has called for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to return to Camp Nou at the end of the season.

    Messi has failed to fulfil PSG fans’ expectations since his move to France as the club has failed to progress beyond the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

    Al Hilal set to hijack deal for Messi

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Lionel Messi will have to decide which is more important, money or staying in Europe, after Saudi Pro League team, Al-Hilal raised their offer to sign the Argentina superstar.

    Messi travelled to Saudi with his family and it was rumoured that he went due to Al-Hilal’s interest in him

    The 35-year-old forward and Paris Saint-Germain are set to part ways at the end of the season after two mixed seasons with the Ligue 1 giants, whom he joined in 2021.

    Al-Hilal have increased their offer by an extra €100 mil after initially tabling a €400 mil two-year deal for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.

  • Marquinhos’ PSG deal extended till 2028

    Marquinhos’ PSG deal extended till 2028

    Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) announced on Friday that their captain and Brazil defender, Marquinhos, has signed to extend his contract until 2028.

    The Qatari-owned club expressed their delight in a statement, stating that the 29-year-old Brazilian defender will continue his journey with the Red and Blue until June 30, 2028.

    Marquinhos joined PSG in 2013 at the age of 19, leaving Roma to become an integral part of the team.

    Marquinhos ignores transfer talks, stays with PSG

    He has since become indispensable to the club and was a key player in the PSG squad that reached the final of the UEFA Champions League in 2020.

    “I am very happy to announce this contract extension but also very proud,” said Marquinhos.

    “This is a very special moment for me,” he added, saying he was “convinced that we will continue to achieve great things together in the years to come”.

    With Lionel Messi on the point of leaving and speculation surrounding the futures of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, the decision of Marquinhos to throw his weight behind PSG has been welcomed by the club.

    “This is already very good news for the club, for me as coach and for the fans,” said Christophe Galtier in a press conference.

    “It is an example. He is finishing his 10th season. He is one of the best central defenders in the world, he has been omnipresent for 10 years. It’s a strong signal sent to everyone.”

    Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi hug each other

    PSG were beaten by Bayern Munich in the last 16 of this year’s competition but are on the verge of wrapping up their ninth Ligue 1 title in 11 years.

  • AC Milan fans demand apology from Inter’s Dimarco after offensive chant

    AC Milan fans demand apology from Inter’s Dimarco after offensive chant

    Inter Milan defender Federico Dimarco has issued an apology to AC Milan fans following his excessive celebrations on Tuesday night.

    The two city rivals faced off in the semi-final of the UEFA Champions League, where Inter emerged victorious with a convincing 3-0 aggregate scoreline, securing their place in the final against Manchester City.

    In the first leg, Inter won 2-0 as the away team, taking advantage of AC Milan’s absence of the injured Rafael Leao.

    Although Leao returned for the second leg, he couldn’t prevent Inter’s progression as Lautaro Martinez scored the only goal of the day.

    However, Dimarco’s celebrations after the match were deemed to have gone too far, leading to his subsequent apology to AC Milan fans.

    Federico

    There were wild celebrations in the San Siro after the game, and Italian defender Dimarco taunted and mocked the rival fans after the final whistle, as reported by Sempre Milan.

    Milan fans threaten Dimarco

    According to Goal, he made offensive words on the microphone after the game and no longer acceptable chants due to an agreement between the two fanbases.

    The Rossoneri fans took exception to the defender’s celebration and issued a message to him via an unsigned banner in the city.

    “Dimarco focus on playing, or we’ll make you swallow your tongue,” the banner reads.

    Dimarco apologies to Milan fans

    The player quickly recognised the gravity of his actions and took to his Instagram story to apologise for the offensive behaviour.

    “Tuesday evening after the game, I let myself go for a moment of elation. I wanted to apologise to all the Milan supporters who felt offended,” he wrote.

    The investigation was carried out to ensure no threats were issued. Stefano Pioli confirmed the details of the meeting, and it was to encourage the players for the remaining games of the season.

    Milan face an uphill task to qualify for the Champions League next season. They are fifth on the table with 61 points, four behind fourth-placed Lazio.

  • Sadio Mane may land any of these club after steely Bayern axe

    Sadio Mane may land any of these club after steely Bayern axe

    Sadio Mane is expected to seek a transfer away from Bayern Munich this summer, with the former Liverpool forward not believed to have a future under new manager Thomas Tuchel.

    Mane, who swapped Liverpool for Bayern last summer, has failed to hit the right strings despite beginning his spell with the Bavarians on a bright note – scoring five goals in his first six outings.

    His goals have since dried up while his overall form has significantly dipped, largely due to niggling injuries, with rumours linking him with a move away from the Allianz Arena, per GOAL.

    With seven goals in the Bundesliga this season, Mane’s goal returns have dipped significantly and any interested party will now be aware of signing a player whose talents look to have diminished.

    Senegal star, Sadio Mane

    However, with his valuable experience at the elite level, he could remain a useful option for clubs around the world.

    A move away from the Allianz Arena is on the cards for Mane, and Sports Brief takes a look at the potential new clubs for the Senegal star ahead of the summer transfer window.

    Chelsea

    Even if Chelsea have options in Mane‘s position, it would not be strange for a bid to sign the Senegalese forward to happen, considering Todd Boehly’s transfer approach thus far at Stamford Bridge.

    The addition of Mane would increase competition for Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk, although departures are probably necessary before any transfer is made.

    The Blues are leading the race for Mane, and they also need to continue the evolution of their squad. However, Boehly needs to learn from the mistakes he made by signing a waning Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in the previous summer.

    Saudi Arabia

    Mane has been linked to a number of elite European clubs, but the attacker may also be interested in Saudi Arabia, which is now paying high wages to attract top European players.

    Lionel Messi is said to be attracting interest to Al-Hilal, where he could earn a staggering £320 million per year. Such astronomical figures might not be on the table for Mane, but he might look for a sizable payment so that he can keep supporting village initiatives in his hometown.

    Man United

    According to reports in Germany, Mane’s most likely Premier League destination is Manchester United.

    The ex-Liverpool superstar has found himself linked to the Old Trafford outfit following reports of discontent in Bavaria.

    United boss Erik ten Hag is likely to bolster his frontline, and the club may pursue a player they came close to signing in 2016.

    Mane has previously spoken about how close he came to a United move.

    “I have to say, I was really close to going to Manchester United,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. It was all ready, but instead, I thought, ‘No, I want to go to Liverpool.”

    PSG

    Given that both Lionel Messi and Neymar are anticipated to leave the team this summer, PSG may be forced to look to Mane as an alternative to fill the vacuum.

    Mane would be a good fit for this role because of his versatility in the middle of the field and his ability to connect up with Kylian Mbappe.

    He might fall outside of their new transfer model, though, since the Parisian club is anticipated to have a new recruitment plan based around bringing in young French players.

    Mane told to join PSG

    Sports Brief reported earlier that Sadio Mane has been urged to leave Bayern Munich after one season following the Senegalese forward recent struggles with the reigning Bundesliga champions.

    The 31-year-old forward has endured a mixed start to life at Bayern, having been plagued with injuries and off-field controversies following his spat with teammate Leroy Sane.

    According to PSG Talk, journalist Nabil Djelitt has advised Mane to move to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain this summer to escape his nightmares in Germany.

  • Adult site presents shirt sponsorship proposal to Inter Milan

    Adult site presents shirt sponsorship proposal to Inter Milan

    Inter Milan have received a lucrative shirt sponsorship proposal from an adult site as they prepare for the UEFA Champions League match against Manchester City next month in Istanbul.

    After triumphing over their city rivals and stadium neighbors, AC Milan, with an impressive 3-0 aggregate scoreline, Inter Milan has reached the final for the first time since their victorious campaign in 2010.

    Their formidable opponents, Manchester City, have displayed remarkable dominance, having defeated the 14-time champions Real Madrid with a convincing 5-1 aggregate scoreline in the other semi-final.

    According to Goal, Nerazzurri have removed their main shirt sponsor DigitalBits after the cryptocurrency company failed to make any payment for this season.

    Inter receive sponsorship offer

    The black-and-blue side of Milan have played with blank shirts since the game against Lazio, which they won 3-1. They won both legs of the Champions League semi-final against Milan in the same way.

    Inter Milan players and club vice president Javier Zanetti celebrating after reaching the Champions League final. Photo by Piero Cruciatti. Source: Getty Images

    Simone Inzaghi’s men battled through an inconsistent season to reach the final of Europe’s most prestigious competition.

    They are set to play at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul with a blank shirt again, but an offer has arrived from an adult subscription company, as reported by Daily Star.

    Their previous sponsorship was worth £75m, while the new offer is worth £80m, with an offer to be their sponsor until 2029. It remains to be seen whether the deal will be sanctioned.

    AS Roma, who were also sponsored by the digital assets company, removed the brand and replaced it with SPQR, an old Roman abbreviation that means ‘Senatus Populusque Romanus’ or ”the Senate and People of Rome”.

    Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the Inter shirt without any sponsorship inscriptions
    Why Inter could win UCL

    Sports Brief reported that a fans theory predicted Inter as UCL winner come June 3 in Istanbul despite Manchester City being the clear favourite.

    Since Mario Mandzukic with Bayern Munich in 2013, a Croatian player has been on the winning side of the Champions League. Luka Modric won in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022. Mateo Kovacic won 3 with Real Madrid and with Chelsea in 2021.

    Ivan Rakitic won with Barcelona in 2015, while Dejan Lovren won with Liverpool in 2019. Inter have midfielder Marcelo Brozovic in their team.

  • Ancelotti’s ‘favourite’ Vini Jr seemed to disagree with him after City’s first goal

    Ancelotti’s ‘favourite’ Vini Jr seemed to disagree with him after City’s first goal

    Following Real Madrid’s concession of the opening goal against Manchester City, there appeared to be a confrontation between Carlo Ancelotti and Vinicius Jr.

    The match proved to be one to forget for Madrid, as they were thoroughly outplayed and humiliated by City in front of a lively crowd at the Etihad Stadium.

    Bernardo Silva found the back of the net in the 23rd minute, and shortly after, he capitalized on a defensive miscommunication to score his second goal, compounding Madrid’s woes.

    An own goal from Brazilian defender Eder Militao, and a beautiful finish from Julian Alvarez after a Phil Foden defence-splitting pass, wrapped up an embarrassing night for Madrid.

    Ancelotti and Vinicius disagree

    As spotted by ESPN FC, Vinicius Jr. and Ancelotti appeared to disagree after City opened the scoring through Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva.

    The forward gestured with his arm and pointed to the goal scene as if he were telling his manager what went wrong in the defence.

    Fans faulted Ancelotti for dropping German defender Antonio Rudiger, which may have caused the initial struggles. However, not much changed when he came on, as Madrid conceded two more goals even with him on the field.

    Vinicius reveals why Madrid lost

    The 22-year-old looked distraught during his post-match interview with El Chiringuito TV, via Daily Post, and revealed why his team were embarrassed.

  • Pep knew his side will thrash Madrid hours before game – Rio Ferdinand

    Pep knew his side will thrash Madrid hours before game – Rio Ferdinand

    Legendary figure at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, has disclosed the content of a text message he received from Pep Guardiola just hours before Manchester City’s crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid.

    The two teams clashed in a thrilling semi-final encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night.

    Following a 1-1 draw in the first leg played in Spain, both teams had everything to fight for in the second leg at the Etihad Stadium.

    Man City’s manager Pep Guardiola

    The Citizens, who are looking to win the competition for the first time in their history, were the eventual winners of the fixture.

    Sky Sports reports that Bernardo Silva was the man of the moment for City, as he netted a first-half brace before Akanji and Julian Alvarez also got their names on the scoresheet to help the hosts beat Real 4-0.

    Pep’s message to Rio

    It has now emerged that Guardiola was very much aware that his charges would demolish the La Liga giants during their meeting.

    According to Rio, the Man City boss texted him moments before the clash and told him his side would emerge victors.

    “Pep Guardiola texted me before the game and said, ‘We beat them two years ago, and we will beat them again, believe me’,” Sportbible quoted Ferdinand saying.

    Rio Ferdinand and Pep Guardiola

    Rio’s revelation came moments after a video emerged of Guardiola approaching the legendary defender after the match and pointing, seemingly, in an attempt to show that he was proven right.

    Pep clashes with De Bruyne

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Kevin De Bruyne and Pep Guardiola clashed midway through the second half of Man City’s clash against Real Madrid.

    The incident happened after the Belgian playmaker lost possession to Eder Millitao before turning to his manager, shouting in anger.

    While it remains unclear what sparked the spat, it is believed De Bruyne was dissatisfied with the instructions shouted at him by Pep.

  • Two reasons why Man Utd should ditch Kane for Osimhen – Andy Cole details

    Two reasons why Man Utd should ditch Kane for Osimhen – Andy Cole details

    Andy Cole, a former Manchester United player, has recommended that his former club prioritize Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen over English international Harry Kane for a potential summer signing.

    Andy Cole,former United player

    Manchester United has faced difficulties in scoring goals across various competitions this season, leading them to consider adding a new striker to their roster at the end of the current season.

    Both Osimhen and Kane have displayed remarkable performances for their respective clubs, and the decision-makers at Manchester United are eager to secure the services of one of these exceptional players.

    The Super Eagles striker has registered 23 goals this term for Napoli and has also won the Serie A title. Kane, on the other hand, has netted 27 Premier League goals for Tottenham.

    According to the reports on Pulse and Utd District, Cole made it clear that Osimhen is the man who can really help Man United, considering his age and pace.

    Cole wants Osimhen at United

    “Kane is 30 years old next season and Osimhen is 24 years old, and he’s already done a lot at his age too. Italian football is complicated, but there is no doubt that he can adapt to the Premier League.

    Victor Osimhen celebrates

    If Manchester United wants to pay £100m for a 24-year-old or a 30-year-old, you have to look at it in the long term.”

    Balotelli links up with Osimhen

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported how Italian forward, Mario Balotelli met up with Victor Osimhen, following the Nigerian striker’s league triumph with Napoli.

    The Super Eagles star led Gli Azzurri to their first league title in 33 years, after scoring 23 goals in Serie A this season.

    Osimhen had already spoken to the former Inter Milan striker via Instagram the day the title was won.

    The duo finally met in Italy, after Balotelli returned home to watch the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between his former clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

  • Boxing prodigy Freezy MacBones snubs Ghana for UK

    Boxing prodigy Freezy MacBones snubs Ghana for UK

    President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Abraham Neequaye, has revealed that Seth Gyimah, a Ghanaian boxer based in UK and popularly known as Freezy MacBones, has opted to pursue British citizenship.

    Freezy Macbones

    Initially, Seth had intended to represent Ghana in his boxing career. Seth gained national recognition after his impressive win against Darryl Sharp at the Copper Boxing Arena in London in April.

    The 33-year-old fought in an under-card bout in the Joe Joyce vs Zhilei Zhang main event over the weekend as he defeated his opponent through a unanimous decision by the judges.

    It was only his second professional fight since leaving Ghana for the United Kingdom.

    MacBones with opponent

    This feat caused many Ghanaians to habour the idea of him joining the Ghana team on the international front.

    But the Association says prior to his recent bouts, Freezy applied for a GBA license, which would have made him a Ghanaian boxer.

    However, he switched to a UK license to compete as a British in the lead-up to his Darryl Sharp face-off.

    Neequaye in an interview with Romeo TV said, “We sent him a message and he can confirm it.

    “Before his fight in the UK, he had come to Ghana to get a license from the Ghana Boxing Authority.

    President of the Ghana Boxing Authority (GBA), Abraham Neequaye

    He came for our license, but when it was time to get a release letter from us, he changed his mind and decided to fight as a UK national.”

  • Ati-Zigi wins best goalkeeper award in Swiss Super League

    Ati-Zigi wins best goalkeeper award in Swiss Super League

    Goalkeeper for the Ghanaian national team, the Black Stars, Lawrence Ati-Zigi, has been honored with the title of Best Goalkeeper of the Season in the 2022/23 Swiss Super League.

    The 26-year-old, who serves as St. Gallen’s number one goalkeeper, received this recognition through a vote conducted by the Swiss Association of Football Players, which represents the Switzerland branch of FIFPro.

    Ati-Zigi has been an integral part of St. Gallen’s success this season, displaying exceptional skills in 30 league matches and maintaining three clean sheets along the way.

    His consistent performances and contributions have earned him this prestigious accolade in the Swiss Super League.

    He has faced 146 shots in those 30 games he has played, saving 103 of them (the most in the league), giving him a 70 percent save rate as he conceded 44 goals, letting in 1.5 goals per game.

    Ati-Zigi

    The former Red Bull Salzburg goalkeeper makes 3.5 saves per 90 minutes.

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi was also named the Best Player in the Swiss Super League in the first half of the season. He has been Ghana’s number one goalkeeper since Joseph Wollacott picked up an injury on the World Cup eve.

    Lawrence Ati-Zigi adjudged best goalkeeper in Swiss Super League
    Swiss Association of Football Players Golden 11 of 2022/23 season
  • Madrid players still want ‘their’ Ancelotti to stay as manager after City humilation

    Madrid players still want ‘their’ Ancelotti to stay as manager after City humilation

    Real Madrid players are reportedly hoping that Carlo Ancelotti will not be sacked by the club despite their humiliating elimination from the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, May 17.
    Following their crushing 4-0 defeat against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, there have been doubts about the future of the Italian manager.

    And it’s a goal from Bernado Silva

    However, Vinicius Junior has shown his support for Ancelotti, and it is believed that the players share a similar sentiment, hoping that the club will retain him despite the disappointing result.

    According to Football Espana, Luka Modric also has backed Ancelotti to continue as Real Madrid’s manager, despite the club’s failure to reach a consecutive Champions League final.

    “It’s football, but I think that in the Cup and in the Champions League we have done very well. For this reason, for me, there is no doubt about his continuity. He deserves it for everything he does and has done.”

    Luka Modric also has backed Ancelotti to continue as Real Madrid’s manager, despite the club’s failure to reach a consecutive Champions League final.

    Ancelotti’s current deal with Real Madrid runs until the summer of 2024, although the Brazil national team is said to be courting the Italian manager for their vacant managerial post.

    Ancelotti admits City were better

    Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that his Real Madrid team deserved to lose against Manchester City, as they were second-best to the English champions, Caught Offside reports.

    Carlo Ancelotti looks on during Real Madrid’s 4-0 Champions League semi-final defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Photo by James Gill

    The Italian manager said that there was no psychological decline, despite being blown away 4-0 by the Cityzens in the second leg of their semi-final clash at the Etihad Stadium.

    Real Madrid have failed to defend the Champions League and La Liga titles they won last season, marking a disappointing end to their 2022/23 campaign.

    Madrid’s Ancelotti hopes to stay

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated his desire to continue as the club’s coach, despite Wednesday night’s rout at the hands of Manchester City.

    The Cityzens mauled Real Madrid 4-0 to book their place in the Champions League final.

    When asked about his future, Ancelotti was upbeat, and he fully anticipates being at the helm for Real Madrid in the upcoming campaign.

  • Soccer academy is to assist the underprivileged – Yaw Dabo

    Soccer academy is to assist the underprivileged – Yaw Dabo

    Ghanaian actor, Samuel Yaw Dabo, has recently shared his motivation for establishing a soccer academy, emphasizing his desire to support talented footballers who come from less privileged backgrounds.

    Dabo’s primary objective is to give back to society by providing opportunities to aspiring players. He actively visits orphanages and villages to identify and recruit potential talents for his academy.

    Through this initiative, Dabo aims to uplift and empower young footballers who may not have had access to formal training or resources, allowing them to pursue their passion for the sport.

    “I have the Dabo Soccer Academy, because we have to support others. That’s my dream because, when you get money, you have to give it to somebody because everybody needs help,” he told Marca.

    “Me, too. I need help. My brother needs help. So I want to give back to my society to support others. I go to orphanages and I go to the villages to bring talented players to everybody to see that in Ghana we have very talented players.

    Yaw Dabo: I established soccer academy to support the less-privileged

    “A lot of good players are in the academy and go to school. I have workers, coaches and caterers to support the football team. I have everybody. I came to Europe to find a solution to support my academy.”

    Yaw Dabo appeals to Real Madrid and super-agent Jorge Mendes to partner his academy | Pulse Ghana

    The comic actor has been touring various European countries to build a network between his academy and clubs on the continent.

    He made stops in Germany and France before taking his tour to the Netherlands, where he met with Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.

    Dabo then headed to Spain and was in attendance at the Santiago Bernabeu for Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg game against Manchester City.

    People are calling me from US, Europe after Marca interview – Yaw Dabo Pulse Ghana

    The diminutive actor went viral when he was interviewed by Spanish television station Marca TV in the aftermath of the game.

    He was later invited to the media organisation’s office in Madrid, after which he discussed his academy and future.

    Dabo said he’d love to partner with Real Madrid and also appealed to super-agent Jorge Mendes for a collaboration.

  • City’s star jabs Vinicius Jnr after Madrid’s lashing defeat

    City’s star jabs Vinicius Jnr after Madrid’s lashing defeat

    Kyle Walker is relishing his triumph as Manchester City secured their place in the Champions League final with an impressive victory over Real Madrid.

    The right-back from England played a crucial role in neutralizing Real Madrid’s key attacker, Vinicius Junior, throughout the second-leg match, which City won convincingly with a 4-0 scoreline.

    Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.

    According to Madrid Universal, Walker acknowledged Vinicius after the semi-final encounter but couldn’t resist making a subtle remark about their respective abilities, implying a comparison between them.

    “You have to be arrogant. You have to be like attackers. I’m very confident in my speed and going one-on-one. I’m bigger than him, and I thought I could use my physical advantage.

    He’s a fantastic player, but I have to use my strengths. I made it as difficult for him as I could.”

    Vinicius failed to muster a single shot on target against Manchester City as Real Madrid failed in their quest to defend the Champions League title they won last season.

    Vinicius laments Real Madrid’s UCL loss

    Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior has blamed Real Madrid’s ouster from the Champions League on failure to listen to the coach’s instructions in their loss to Manchester City, Daily Post reports.

    Real Madrid were pummelled 4-0 by the Citizens thanks to a brace from Bernardo Silva and two second-half goals from Eder Militao and Julian Alvarez.

    Vinicius scored Real Madrid’s goal against City in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu but was kept quiet by the English defence in the second leg.

    Vinicius appeared to disagree with Ancelotti

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Carlo Ancelotti and Vinicius Jr. appeared to have gotten in each other’s faces after Real Madrid conceded the first goal against Manchester City.

    The Brazilian forward gestured with his arm and pointed to the goal, as if he were telling his manager what went wrong in the preceding play.

    Vinicius Jr and Carlo Ancelotti

    Real Madrid will want to forget that night quickly, as they were dominated and embarrassed by City in front of a packed Etihad Stadium.

  • Ancelotti still wants to stay with Madrid even after City’s thrashing defeat

    Ancelotti still wants to stay with Madrid even after City’s thrashing defeat

    Manager of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, has reaffirmed his intention to stay on as the team’s head coach despite Wednesday night’s humiliation at the hands of Manchester City.

    The Citizens destroyed Real Madrid 4-0 to secure a spot in the Champions League championship game.

    According to Football Espana, Bernardo Silva scored twice to get Pep Guardiola’s team going before Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez added insurance goals to the tally.

    The second leg at the Etihad Stadium was Ancelotti’s 191st as a manager in the Champions League, which takes him ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as having the most appearances in the competition.

    However, it was a night to forget for the Italian manager, who acknowledged that Man City were by far the better team on the night, as per La Gazzetta dello Sport.

    “We have lost to a team with more quality and more intensity than us. Last year we were superior, and this year they were superior. It’s a defeat that hurts a lot. They’ve been much better, there’s no other choice but to think about next season.”

    When asked about his future, Ancelotti was similarly upbeat, and he fully anticipates sitting on the bench for Real Madrid in the upcoming campaign.

    “Next season, I will be here to fight to win another Champions League. No one doubts me. I think the president was very clear 15 days ago. What he tells me in private, I’m not going to say here.”

    Ancelotti has a contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2024.

    Meanwhile, Man City will face Inter Milan in the UCL final on June 10 in Istanbul, Turkey, with the Citizens chasing the elusive treble.

    City fans humiliate Real Madrid

    There had been talks of City fans acting too elite and not getting behind their team with a proper atmosphere at the Etihad Stadium, but the night was different.

    The stadium was packed and loud from start to finish with City’s white and blue colours all over the seats ahead of kickoff and supporters making themselves heard.

    After City’s third goal, they hit the famous Poznan celebration – rising from their seats, turning their backs, and suggesting the game was already over, per ESPN.

    Ancelotti angrily chews gum

    Sports Brief reported earlier that Ancelotti cut a worried figure as he watched his Real Madrid side helplessly go down two-nil at half-time in their Champions League semi-final reverse tie against Man City.

    Carlo seriously munch on his gum while he watched his side crumble against City

    The Italian’s side came into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium with the tie poised at 1-1, with both teams eyeing a spot in the final against Inter Milan, yet he watched his side slip down two-nil by the break.

  • Haaland’s Champions League final qualification alters Ballon d’Or rankings

    Haaland’s Champions League final qualification alters Ballon d’Or rankings

    It was projected that the 2023 Ballon d’Or was going to be a contentious event somewhere in March of this year, when Bayern Munich had eliminated Paris Saint-Germain from the UEFA Champions League.

    There is no clear winner, unlike in 2022, and Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory makes everything more complicated.

    If someone could win the Ballon d’Or after being eliminated from the Champions League so early, that was the debate that arose at the time.

    Lionel Messi with a replica of the World Cup trophy on March 23, 2023. Photo by Luis Robayo.

    Admittedly, the World Cup takes precedence over European’s elite competition.

    Luka Modric rode on his highs with Croatia in 2018 to break the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly, although the midfield veteran had won the Champions League as well that year.

    Karim Benzema, Marcus Rashford, and Erling Haaland were backed as potential stars who could wrestle the title from Messi’s grasp.

    Benz was in for his ability to inspire Real Madrid to a 15th Champions League title – a dream that has now ended with a sting after a 4-0 shellacking in Manchester on May 17.

    Rashford, at that time, couldn’t stop scoring, but his case was made hard by the fact that he wasn’t competing in the Champions League or for the Premier League title.

    And at the time, Haaland was down the pecking order, because it looked highly unlikely that Manchester City would close in on Arsenal and go within one win of defending the league again.

    But how the tables have since turned! The City striker has undeniably narrowed the gap on Messi or even surpassed him, depending on how you see it.

    1. Lionel Messi

    Messi’s early elimination from the Champions League notwithstanding, the Argentine delivered for his country in Qatar. He played a role in almost every game, bar their opening match against Saudi Arabia.

    Apart from the World Cup, the 35-year-old has the Ligue 1 trophy in waiting, as well as the French Cup. If you combine his assists and goals, he almost matches Haaland’s astronomical numbers.

    2. Erling Haaland

    Picture this, the Norwegian wins the Premier League (as early as this weekend), and then inspires his side against Manchester United in the FA Cup final on June 3, before rounding it off by winning the Champions League vs Inter Milan on June 10.

    He then gets denied the Ballon d’Or – the question would be, what more could a man do?

    Erling Haaland is set to receive his award at the FWA Footballer of the Year 75th anniversary dinner in London on May 25

    Even if he misses two of the three trophies, his 50-plus goal tally in a league considered the toughest in the world will surely do him a lot of favours.

    Other possible Ballon d’Or winners

    The other candidates won’t really offer much competition. Benzema and Vinicius Junior will only have the Copa Del Rey to show, with Robert Lewandowski currently outscoring them in Spain.

    Rashford has hit a rough patch of form, and the only trophies he can realistically finish with are a domestic cup double.

    Qatar 2022’s top scorer, Kylian Mbappe’s chances are dwarfed by Messi’s presence in the PSG team.

    Also, preserve a thought for Julian Alvarez – he is in a position to win a unique quadruple, but won’t make the cut for the Ballon d’Or- not when he plays with the frontrunners in the same team and club.

    Whichever way you look at it, it is a two-horse race, with the rest having to settle for places in the top 10.

    The question the journalists who decide where the award goes will be answering in October is: which holds more water: the Champions League or the World Cup?

    But first, Haaland must finish the job in Istanbul to put them in such a spot.

  • Pep blasts claims Man City’s win is not to cement his already ‘exceptional’ legacy

    Pep blasts claims Man City’s win is not to cement his already ‘exceptional’ legacy

    Even if he (Pep Guardiola) does not succeed in winning the Champions League, Pep Guardiola believes his legacy at Man City will be “amazing.”

    But, City’s Kyle Walker believes the team owes it to their Abu Dhabi owners to eventually rule Europe.

    City, who are poised to win their fifth Premier League championship in as many years, have not yet won the trophy they really desire in Pep’s seven years at the Etihad.

    Pep Guardiola

    With their semi-final with Real Madrid poised at 1-1 ahead of the second leg, Guardiola said: “My legacy is exceptional already.

    “I’ve been here many times already. The legacy is that we have had one hell of a time.

    “For many years they will remember a generation of players who for five or six years scored lots of goals and conceded very few — won lots of things and won very well.

    “People should remember that. It would be a good book.

    “Whether or not they will remember us or not I don’t know but we have had a good time.”

    However, Walker believes that after 12 consecutive years in the competition, it is high time they finally lifted the trophy.

    Kyle Walker wants to win the Champions League for City’s owners

    The defender said: “You have to just look over the road at United and what they have accomplished over a number of years.

    “When you get compared to that team, they won countless titles.

    “We’ve done five in six years, hopefully, if we can cross the line on this one.

    “But the club is missing the Champions League and the owners and the amount of money they have pumped into this club and the investment they have done, we owe that to them.

    “We got to the Champions League final against Chelsea and did not perform as well as we can.

    “So we owe that to ourselves to get some revenge because we know it was below par in 2021.”

    Victory over champs Real would leave Pep’s Treble chasers hot favourites to lift Europe’s big prize.

    Guardiola added: “We’re not stupid, we know how important this game is.

    “It is maybe one of the most important games since we came together here. We cannot deny that. For the competition, for the rival, for many things.”

    Guardiola’s players battled back to earn a draw in the Bernabeu last week thanks to Kevin De Bruyne’s stunner.

    Kevin Debruyne

    But Pep said: “My feeling is we have to play better than we did in Madrid.

    “But all the players have to do is what we’ve done for many years.

    “I’ve lost seven semi- finals out of ten. I’ve lost more than I’ve won, so there are many things you can’t control but my only wish is to be ourselves.”

    The ex-Barca boss has been accused of causing City’s downfall in Europe by tinkering too much.

    And he teased: “I have an idea that we could do something a bit differently but it’s nothing special.

    “I’m not overthinking it, don’t worry guys, nothing different to what we’ve done, just more fluid and play a bit better.”

    Last term, the Etihad clash saw City winning 4-3 in the first leg — before slipping up in Spain.

    Guardiola added: “We’d like to have the game we had here last season, I’d sign for it right now but I don’t think it will happen.”

  • Sadio Mane does not want to leave Bayern Munich – Sources

    Sadio Mane does not want to leave Bayern Munich – Sources

    Sadio Mane, the Senegalese forward, has expressed his strong desire to remain at Bayern Munich in Germany and compete for a position in the team.

    Despite the swirling speculations about Mane’s potential departure from Bayern, with several rumors suggesting a return to the Premier League during the upcoming summer transfer window, it appears that staying at the German club is his primary intention.

    Sadio Mane

    While Chelsea has been frequently mentioned as a potential destination for Mane, who is yet to make a significant impact in Germany, no concrete indications have emerged regarding his future club.

    Italian journalist with a near-perfect record on transfers, Fabrizio Romano is saying that the two-time African Player of the Year is bent on spending another season at Bayern Munich.

    “Understand Sadio Mané still wants to stay at Bayern next season. Mané & his agency ROOF have no plans to leave the club. #FCBayern.

    Mané seed the project at Bayern, he has a great relationship with Tuchel and hopes to stay and win titles next season”, he said.

    The speculations around Mane swelled up after his altercation with Leroy Sane in the aftermath of their game against Manchester City in April.

    Sane who is of Senegalese descent clashed with his compatriot who was reportedly unhappy with his conduct in their Champions League match against Pep Guardiola’s side.

    In 36 games for Bayern Munich this season, Mane has scored 12 goals and made six assists.

     Bayern Munich players distanced themselves from Senegalese international, Sadio Mane after his altercation with teammate Leroy Sane at the Etihad Stadium, Sky Sports has reported.

    Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has jumped to the defence of beleaguered winger Sadio Mane after his dressing room fight with teammate Leroy Sane.

    Thomas Tuchel

    Mane was been suspended by Bayern Munich and was out of the squad who faced TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.

    “I’m here to defend Mané. I’ve known him for a very long time and only know him as an absolute professional. I also know his entourage. He has never been guilty of anything,” he said, as quoted by Supersport.

    Leroy Sane reportedly left the Etihad Stadium with a bruised lip following a dressing room fight with Senegalese forward, Sadio Mane.

    The Bayern Munich winger was reportedly attacked by Mane after the defeat to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg.

    According to GOAL, the 31-year-old former Liverpool forward struck the Frenchman in the face, after an argument which started on the pitch and ended in the dressing room.

  • Haaland’s agent calls star’s ‘mystery’ transfer release clause a treasure chest’

    Haaland’s agent calls star’s ‘mystery’ transfer release clause a treasure chest’

    When questioned about the presence of a release clause in Erling Haaland’s contract with Man City, his agent chose not to provide a clear answer.

    The talented 22-year-old forward, who has already scored an impressive 52 goals this season, is aiming to contribute further in tonight’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid.

    Haaland, hailing from Norway, was acquired by City in a £51 million transfer from Borussia Dortmund last year.

    Haaland at Dortmund

    According to The Athletic, his City contract initially possessed a £150m release clause, which was due to kick in during the summer of 2024.

    The clause was directly linked to Pep Guardiola’s future, and is claimed to have expired when the Spaniard signed his new contract last November.

    And now Haaland’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, has been asked whether Haaland still has the release clause following Guardiola’s new deal.

    But Pimenta cryptically told Mundo Deportivo on the situation: “I have nothing to clarify.

    “The mystery of this story is nice because nobody knows where it is, like a treasure chest.

    “It’s more beautiful and, as a lawyer, I can’t reveal contracts.”

    Haaland has been linked with a move to Real Madrid when his time at City comes to an end.

    And Pimenta was also asked where can Haaland go for the next step in his career.

    She replied: “Wherever he wants. He is a player that has never been seen. For me, his quality in everything and his ability to evolve are very impressive. 

    “He is capable of adapting quickly to a new club, to a society, to the coach… it is as if he had always been there. That gives you a lot of peace of mind and allows you to move forward. 

    “He is very calm in his professional and personal life, he has the quality, today he is in the right place, with the right team and the right coach. 

    “In Brazil we say that the sky is the limit. I think he is going to break all the records.”

  • Eight-month ban for Brentford striker Ivan Toney after betting breaches

    Eight-month ban for Brentford striker Ivan Toney after betting breaches

    Ivan Toney, a striker for Brentford, has been given an eight-month suspension after acknowledging breaking the betting laws.

    Toney was accused with 262 alleged violations over a four-year period by the Football Association in November.

    The 27-year-old, who finally made his long-awaited England debut in March, pleaded guilty to 232 of the offences; 30 of those were later dropped.

    Following a personal hearing an independent regulatory commission imposed Toney’s sanctions, which included a £50,000 fine.

    He will not be able to play until January 17, 2024, but can train with Brentford from September 17.

    “Ivan Toney has been suspended from all football and football-related activity with immediate effect for eight months, which runs up to and including 16 January 2024, fined £50,000 and warned as to his future conduct for breaches of the FA’s betting rules,” an FA statement read.

    “The Brentford FC forward was charged with 262 breaches of FA Rule E8 in total between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021. The FA subsequently withdrew 30 of these breaches and he admitted to the remaining 232.

    “His sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission following a personal hearing.

    He is permitted to return to training only with his club for the final four months of his suspension starting from 17 September 2023.”

    The written reasons behind the decision of the independent regulatory commission are to be published “in due course” and will be reviewed by both the FA and Brentford.

    The Bees chose to make no further comment and will be “considering our next steps”, which could include an appeal against the suspension.

    Toney scored 20 Premier League goals for the Bees this season, but will now sit out the remaining two matches – at Tottenham and then home to leaders Manchester City – as Thomas Frank’s side look to consolidate a top-10 finish.

    The loss of Toney, though, is likely to be more keenly felt at the start of the next campaign.

    Speaking last December following the announcement of the FA’s charges, Frank had been questioned on what the club might do should Toney end up facing a lengthy suspension.

    “We don’t have anything specific lined up if something should happen,” Frank said.

    “We are always in the market, we always try to improve the squad so, of course, we are aware of players out there and we have a plan we are following, but no specific one for potentially replacing Ivan.”

  • PSG’s form before and after Lionel Messi joined

    PSG’s form before and after Lionel Messi joined

    After spending two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel Messi’s tenure at the French giants is drawing to a close.

    The Argentine superstar is poised to secure his second Ligue 1 title before departing.

    Following financial complications that led to his departure from Barcelona, Messi joined PSG in the summer of 2021 on a two-year contract.

    His arrival in Paris was met with high expectations from the fans, as the club hoped his presence would propel them to their maiden UEFA Champions League victory.

    Since joining PSG, Messi has amassed 31 goals and 34 assists in 72 appearances across all competitions.

    Messi has 495 goals just like Ronaldo

    Additionally, he recently clinched the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in December.

    Here, Sports Brief analyses how PSG has fared since signing the veteran as a free agent in 2021.

    PSG and Messi in 2021/22

    PSG have not necessarily been better with Messi in the team. The club’s supporters are turning on the Argentine superstar and calling for him to leave after protesting at PSG’s headquarters.

    The superstar’s first season was hampered by a niggling knee injury and a bout of COVID-19. The Parisians averaged 2.12 points in Ligue 1 with the Argentine in the team.

    In all competitions in the 2021/22 season, PSG played 34 matches with Messi and won 20 matches, lost 7 and drew 11, Ligue 1 reports.

    They managed an average point tally of 2.03, despite scoring a total of 74 goals and conceding 36 while the Barcelona legend was present in the first team.

    Without Messi, PSG had a better average point tally, amassing 2.53 points in the 15 games played without the Argentine. They scored 38 times and conceded just 12 goals.

    PSG and Messi in 2022/23

    This season, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has only missed six games in Ligue 1 and nine in all competitions- and PSG have missed him when he hasn’t been around.

    The Parisians have an average of 2.45 points per game with Messi, and 1.67 without him in the first team. They also average one more goal per game.

    Messi has also scored 15 goals, created 15 assists in Ligue 1 alone, and was the club’s top scorer in the Champions League group stages. He scored six goals before they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Bayern Munich.

    As can be seen above, PSG remains marginally better without Messi over the last two seasons, even if there has been a significant uptick in his performances. They average marginally more points and score slightly more.

    What’s next for Lionel Messi?

    Messi remains a world-class player – perhaps the greatest ever – and he will continue to make good on the above numbers, but his time at PSG appears to be over.

    According to Sky Sports, Messi will leave Parc des Princes at the end of the season, with the Ligue 1 club reportedly not planning to offer him a new contract.

    Messi remains confident in his ability to play at the highest level in Europe, and Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to re-sign him this summer.

    It remains to be seen whether they can afford to offer him a new contract, but at this point in his career, he is far more likely to stay in Europe than move to Inter Miami (or any other MLS club) or Saudi Arabia.

    PSG fans still boo Messi

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that PSG fans are showing no mercy for their superstar, Messi, as they insist the World Cup winner must go.

    The Argentine veteran was booed again during his first game back after the two-week suspension, much to the delight of the crowd.

    Messi was initially punished for an unsolicited trip to Saudi Arabia, which would have forced him to miss Saturday’s match against Ajaccio.

  • Check out Bayern Munich’s new white home shirt

    Check out Bayern Munich’s new white home shirt

    For the upcoming season, Bayern Munich has revealed a distinctive and unconventional white home shirt.

    The renowned German club has opted to combine the color white with their iconic red on the sleeves, resulting in a bold design.

    Created by adidas, the jersey pays homage to Bayern’s inaugural season in the country’s top division back in 1965-66 when notable players like Gerd Muller sported a similar style.

    The inside of the collar features the message “Rot & Weiss ein Leben lang” — translating to “red and white for life” — a reference to one of the club’s bylaws that home kits must feature the two colours.

    Striker Thomas Muller said: “The colours red and white have been with me all my life. 

    “With this traditional design, the new home shirt stands for the success story of Bayern Munich.”

    Gakpo in new white home shirt

    Women’s team star Lina Magull added: “When you think of FC Bayern, images of red and white immediately come to mind. 

    “Even as a child, my room was decorated in these colors and it’s a dream to be able to wear them on the pitch. 

    “The new jersey combines history and elegance — and we want to do justice to these colours.”

    Women’s stars Linda Dallman and Lina Magull will also wear the shirt next season

    Thomas Tuchel’s men will wear the shirt for the first time in their crunch clash with RB Leipzig on Saturday, with the battle to defend their Bundesliga crown going down to the wire.

    Bayern’s away kit

    The champions are just a point above Borussia Dortmund with two games to play as BVB bid to end Bayern’s decade of dominance. 

  • Balotelli, Osimhen link up for a night out after Serie A win

    Balotelli, Osimhen link up for a night out after Serie A win

    Following Napoli’s league win, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen had the opportunity to meet up with Italian forward Mario Balotelli.

    Osimhen’s exceptional performance of scoring 23 goals in Serie A played a significant role in leading Gli Azzurri to their first league title in 33 years.

    Prior to their meeting, Osimhen had already engaged in a conversation with the former Inter Milan striker through Instagram on the day Napoli secured the championship.

    Victor Osimhen celebrates win

    The duo finally met in Italy, after Balotelli returned home to watch the UEFA Champions League semi-final clash between his former clubs, AC Milan and Inter Milan.

    In a photo shared on social media, Balotelli and Osimhen were seen having fun as they celebrated the moment together.

    “Trust me, you did incredible. You still don’t know what you did, trust me. You will realise what you did, not tomorrow, not next year, but in 10 years you’ll understand what you did,” Balotelli previously told Osimhen, as reported by Vanguard.

    Balotelli and Osimhen go live to celebrate Serie A win

    With the league wrapped up, Osimhen has now switched his attention to winning the golden boot. The Nigerian striker leads the goal race with 23 goals.

    Meanwhile, Bayern Munich and Paris-Saint Germain are reportedly interested in his services next season.

    Balotelli celebrates Osimhen’s league success

    Previously, Sports Brief reported that Italian striker, Balotelli heaped praise on Osimhen after the striker won the Serie A title with Napoli.

    The Super Eagles forward has been the leading man for the side, with his 23 goals powering Gli Azzuri to their first Scudetto in 33 years.

    With four games still to go in this campaign, Osimhen is said to have switched his focus to claiming the prize as the Serie A top scorer.

    Okocha reveals career secret

    Former Super Eagles captain, Jay-Jay Okocha has discussed leaving Nigeria at an early age and said this helped his football career flourish.

    The legendary midfielder left his home country as a teenager to play in Germany, signing for Borussia Neunkirchen at the age of only 16.

    After two years, Okocha moved to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he became famous for his wizard-like goal against legend, Oliver Kahn.

  • Kyle Walker warns Vinicius Jnr ahead of UCL showdown

    The reason for Kyle Walker’s affectionate embrace with Vinicius Junior following the first leg of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League match against Real Madrid has been revealed.

    The Spanish powerhouses will be Man City’s opponents at the Etihad Stadium in the second leg. The English right-back and Vinicius engaged in a contentious scrap on the right flank.

    Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.

    With the tie finely poised at one-all, both Walker and Vinicius will be expected to put up splendid performances to push their respective clubs over the line in their pursuit of European glory.

    Ahead of Wednesday’s second-leg clash, the Sheffield-born defender lifted the lid on what motivated him to embrace the Madrid winger.

    According to the 32-year-old, he cautioned Vini not to make a meme out of him, after the Brazilian tried an audacious rainbow flick in an attempt to outwit the former Tottenham Hotspur full-back in the first leg.

    “I went to hug Vinícius because he tried to rainbow-flick me. It was more to say, ‘Don’t do that again’ because I don’t want to be a meme,” he said, as quoted by Madrid Zone.

    Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring against Manchester City on May 9.

    Aside from his light-hearted caution to the zippy winger, Walker expressed his utmost respect to Vinicius, per Evening Standard.

    “Boxers have a battle and shake hands after. You give the level of respect because they deserve it.

    Carrying a massive club over the line in the Champions League, you show your respect. Tomorrow night, I’ll give him the respect he deserves at full-time, but before that, it’s dog-eat-dog.”

    Vini attempts audacious rainbow flick

    The Brazilian put on another impeccable show in the UCL with a fine display against Manchester City, Sports Brief reported.

    Vinicius even attempted a rainbow flick, but the Citizens defender, Kyle Walker was alert to him and stopped his effort.

    Vini’s strengths, like Kylian Mbappe’s, are his pace and mazy feet with the player improving his finishing and pass success.

    Vinicius attempts rainbow flick
    Walker names toughest-ever opponents

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Walker named the three toughest players he has ever come up against, with his choices raising some eyebrows.

    The England international recently named the attackers that still gave him nightmares, with his list including former Liverpool star, Sadio Mane.

    Walker also admitted he was torn between picking Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Paris Saint-Germain superstar, Mbappe as the more difficult.

  • Real Madrid stranded at airport ahead of Man City clash

    Real Madrid stranded at airport ahead of Man City clash

    Prior to playing Man City on May 17 in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal, Real Madrid experienced a little setback in their preparations.

    The Los Blancos players arrived at Manchester Airport on Tuesday, May 16, but they were stuck there for more than 30 minutes because their coach was late.

    The players were reportedly seen waiting for their bus at terminal 2, and head coach Carlo Ancelotti did not appear happy about the situation, according to The Sun.

    Luka Modric’s facial expressions also looked like someone who would have preferred to be anywhere else than in the airport.

    Real Madrid players were forced to wait at the Manchester Airport on Tuesday, May 16. Credit; @CityXtra Source: Twitter

    However, Vinicius Junior and Eder Militao appeared to be in high spirits as they chatted with their teammates.

    The latter will be available after missing the first leg through suspension, where the former starred with a beauty of a goal.

    Real Madrid fans will be hoping that the minor delay didn’t affect the team’s plans and morale ahead of the crunch tie at the Etihad.

    The duel is evenly balanced at one-all after Kevin De Bruyne cancelled out Vinicius’ goal.

    The winner of the tie will face Inter Milan in the June 10 final in Istanbul.

    Kyle Walker vs Vinicius Junior

    Sports Brief has also reported that Kyle Walker has explained the reason behind his warm embrace with Vinicius Junior after the first leg of Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League tie with Real Madrid.

    The English right-back had an eventful battle with Vinicius on the right flank, and the two are set to rekindle their rivalry when Man City host the Spanish giants at the Etihad Stadium in the return leg.

    Kyle Walker and Vinicius enjoyed a heartwarming moment after Man City’s draw with Real Madrid.

    With the tie finely poised at one-all, both Walker and Vinicius will be expected to put up splendid performances to push their respective clubs over the line in their pursuit of European glory.

  • Georgia parents arrested as starving 10-year-old begs for food on streets

    Georgia parents arrested as starving 10-year-old begs for food on streets

    In a deeply distressing incident, the Georgia community, in the United States of America (USA) was left in shock as parents Tyler and Krista Schindley were arrested on charges of child abuse and negligence.

    The couple’s 10-year-old son, malnourished and desperate for sustenance, was discovered wandering the neighborhood in search of a grocery store where he could beg for food.

    Krista and Tyler Schindley were arrested after neighbors found their emaciated 10-year-old son wandering the streets.


    The harrowing ordeal unfolded when concerned neighbors found the emaciated child on the streets, pleading with the authorities not to return him home.

    Weighing a mere 36 pounds, similar to that of an average 4-year-old, the boy had endured intentional starvation, a fact that sent shockwaves through the community.

    The parents are accused of intentionally starving their son and depriving him of sunlight and other basic needs.


    During a press conference, Griffin District Attorney Marie Broder expressed her distress, stating, “This child was, simply put, being starved to death, and it is tragic. I truly believe that if he had not escaped that home, we would be facing an even graver situation.”


    According to court documents, the parents were accused of subjecting the child to unimaginable cruelty.

    They allegedly locked him inside his bedroom for extended periods, depriving him of access to essential necessities such as food, clothing, light, and adult interaction.

    Furthermore, they withheld hot water, views of the outside world, toilet paper, and even basic human interaction.

    In a horrifying revelation, it was discovered that the child had suffered physical abuse, enduring beatings that resulted in additional injuries.


    Rescued from his dire circumstances, the malnourished child was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where medical professionals are providing treatment for his severe malnutrition and low heart rate.

    Tragically, the child also bore dental injuries and disfigurement, further evidence of his prolonged starvation that the parents allegedly neglected to address.

    The child was allegedly kept locked inside the house, but he was able to escape.


    “This case is undeniably disturbing,” stated Broder, a seasoned prosecutor in child abuse cases. “It’s heart-wrenching.”

    Authorities confirmed the presence of other children in the household, who have since been placed under the care of the state’s Department of Family and Children’s Services to ensure their safety and well-being.


    The Schindleys now face a range of charges, including criminal attempt to commit a felony, false imprisonment, battery, and multiple counts of cruelty to children.

    As the community grapples with the profound sadness and outrage brought forth by this tragic incident, it serves as a somber reminder of the importance of protecting and cherishing the well-being of our most vulnerable members – the children.

  • Ex Chelsea Keeper and EPL winner now a gardener

    Ex Chelsea Keeper and EPL winner now a gardener

    Former Chelsea star and EPL winner, Lenny Pidgeley, who played for Jose Mourinho, has retired from football and is now employed as a gardener.

    When the former custodian joined the Blues as a teenager in 2003, he had the entire world at his feet.

    The young custodian was quickly chosen by Mourinho, who had recently transferred from Porto to Chelsea, for his side during the 2004–2005 campaign.

    However, it was nearly a given that Pidgeley would not have a significant role that season given the presence of Petr Cech.

    Be that as it may, Mourinho still found a place for him on the bench during Chelsea’s League Cup triumph in 2005.

    The former goalkeeper went on to make his Premier League debut towards the end of the campaign as the Blues went on to lift the Premier League trophy.

    Incredibly, John Terry is said to have even gone out of his way to ensure Pidgeley received a winners medal.

    Lenny Pidgeley’s career hits nosedive

    However, that is as far as it went with Pidgeley’s career at Chelsea. According to The Sun, the Englishman left Stamford Bridge in 2006 after just two appearances and went on to join Millwall on loan.

    After then, he became a journeyman with several lower-tier teams, including Woking, Carlisle United, Bradford City, Exeter City, Newport County, Mansfield Town, Leatherhead, Forest Green Rovers, Hastings United, and Margate.

    He would later wind up his career at Farnborough, where his manager infamously announced the goalkeeper’s retirement from football in 2018.

    Lenny Pidgeley’s struggle with depression

    It is understood that Pidgeley’s football career came to a screeching halt just three months after he had penned a deal with Farnborough.

    According to reports, the ex-keeper’s retirement came after a struggle with depression.

    “The manager had made me feel so small and suggested it was all my fault if they lost, because I couldn’t play,” Pidgeley told FourFourTwo.

    He called out his former manager for stealing his moment in retirement – a moment he believes every professional has the right to.

    “That could have tipped somebody else over the edge, but luckily for me I had the coping mechanisms in place to put it to one side,” he added.

    More than four years after Pidgeley’s retirement, the former Chelsea star is now working as a gardener – a career switch he has found fulfilment in.

    “It’s tempting to wonder how different it could have panned out if I wasn’t one of the thousands who suffer from depression, but I am where I am and I’m finding peace,” he recently admitted.

    Kante hints at Chelsea future

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that N’Golo Kante has made a decision over his Chelsea future amid speculation he could depart at the end of the season.

    The Frenchman’s current deal with the Stamford Bridge side is set to expire this summer, with his contract situation sparking fears he could leave for free.

    Kante has been one of Chelsea’s most influential figures since his arrival back in 2016 from Leicester City, with his latest comments hinting at his plans.

  • A look at Ronaldinho’s extravagant car collection

    A look at Ronaldinho’s extravagant car collection

    Ronaldinho, the Brazilian legend, is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history and has a taste for extravagant and luxurious cars.

    Throughout his remarkable career spanning over two decades, he represented top clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain.

    Ronaldinho’s success on the field brought him substantial earnings from both his salaries and lucrative sponsorship deals, allowing him to live a luxurious lifestyle.

    Former Brazilian football star, Ronaldinho

    Unfortunately, he has faced financial difficulties in recent years.

    In 2018, he was fined a significant amount after a charity organization associated with his name alleged that he had failed to fulfill his financial obligations.

    It is believed that the matter saw him lose a number of his assets, including a fleet of his cars, which was seized.

    Be that as it may, The Sun reports that Ronaldinho still boasts an incredible collection of expensive cars in his yard.

    Sports Brief takes a look at some of the cars that the Barcelona legend owns.

    1. Bugatti Veyron – £1.6million

    The Bugatti Veyron is the most expensive car in Ronaldinho’s collection.

    Like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, the 43-year-old is also among the few footballers who own the supercar.

    It is believed the ride set Ronaldinho back an eyewatering £1.6million to secure it.

    2. Rolls-Royce Cullinan – £300,000

    The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the second most expensive car that Ronaldinho owns.

    SunSport reports that the car boasts a 6.75-litre twin turbo V12 engine, meaning the massive ride is still capable of hitting 62mph in five seconds with a top speed of 155mph.

    3. Lamborghini Aventador, £271,146

    A car collection is never complete without a Lamborghini Aventador,

    As for Ronaldinho, he preferred his in yellow, just like the iconic Brazilian national football colours.

    The ex-footie star is believed to have splashed a massive £271,146 to purchase the set of wheels.

    4. Ferrari 458, from £155,263

    A Ferrari 458 is the other car that Ronaldinho has previously been spotted with.

    Mesut Ozil, Louis Saha and Mario Balotelli are among the top footballers who have owned this specific model.

    5. Aston Martin Rapide AMR, £129,992

    Back in 2019, Ronaldinho reportedly became the first person to buy a car at the Riyadh’s Motor Show.

    The former footballer was initially said to have splashed almost £130,000 to acquire the ride.

    However, it later emerged that the ex-Brazilian star had been gifted the car by the Sheikhs who organised the event.

    Ronaldinho makes football comeback

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Brazil football legend, Ronaldinho has made a stunning return to football.

    The former Barcelona star called time on his illustrious football career in 2015 after a brief stint in his homeland with Fluminense.

    However, at 42, the football icon was back to doing what he does best as he featured in a recent football match.

    The ex-Brazil international was in action for Porcinos FC in a seven-a-side King’s League which is run by fellow Barca legend, Gerard Pique.

  • Partey’s loss of form linked to Arsenal’s title collapse

    Partey’s loss of form linked to Arsenal’s title collapse

    Former defender for Manchester United and England, Gary Neville, thinks Thomas Partey’s poor play at a vital point in the season hurt Arsenal’s chances of winning the league’s title.

    Due to a terrible run of performances by the Ghanaian international, Arsenal lost to Liverpool, West Ham, and Southampton, losing points.

    Jorginho displaced Partey, who hasn’t started for the Gunners in their last three games.

    Neville claims that the Black Stars player was absent during pivotal times.

    “He’s been in a shadow of himself in the last few weeks, Partey,” said Neville, as quoted by Metro.

    “He has been nowhere near it. A large part of the season, he has been fantastic. His form and composure have deserted him at the most vital time.”

    Arsenal lost to Brighton over the weekend, giving Manchester City the edge with a game in hand.

    The Citizens could win the league if they beat Chelsea in their next game, extending the Gunners’ 20-year wait for the Premier League title.

    However, Arsenal are making a return to the UEFA Champions League after a six-year absence from Europe’s elite competition.

    Partey reacts to Casemiro comparison

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghana and Arsenal midfielder, Partey has welcomed the comparison between him and Manchester United star, Casemiro.

    The duo has been head-to-head this season in terms of the roles they play at their various clubs and their importance to their respective teams.

    While Partey has been key to Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League table, Casemiro helped the Red Devils to their first trophy in six years.

    Partey pays tribute to Atsu

    Sports Brief also reported on Ghana international, Partey discussed his emotional tribute to late former teammate, Christian Atsu.

    The Black Stars winger was among those tragically killed following the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria on February 6.

    During the Gunners’ comeback win against Bournemouth earlier in the year, Partey dedicated his goal to his compatriot.

  • PSG eyes Man City star to replace Messi

    PSG eyes Man City star to replace Messi

    Midfielder for Manchester City, Bernardo Silva,has been chosen by Paris Saint-Germain as Lionel Messi’s ideal successor and is already part of the French champions’ succession plan.

    Messi joined the Parisians in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, and he has had two exciting seasons with the team.

    However, when his contract ends at the end of the current season, he wants to depart.

    Silva is ready to leave Manchester City this summer for a new challenge outside of England, and according to Barca Universal, PSG and Barcelona are prepared to compete for his signature.

    Bernado Silva

    PSG believe they have the financial might to lure the Portuguese midfielder to the Parc des Princes Stadium this summer, unlike Barcelona, who have still not recovered fully from their financial crisis.

    Silva has almost won everything during his time at Manchester City, except for the Champions League, which he stands a good chance of winning this season.

    Crystal Palace unhappy with PSG

    Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are said to be unhappy with the French giants over their pursuit of Anglo-French-Nigerian winger, Michael Olise, All Nigeria Soccer reports.

    The English Premier League club believe that the Parisian’s interest in the forward may hinder their efforts to sign Olise to a new contract, which expires in 2026.

    PSG director, Luis Campos is said to have contacted Olise’s representatives about the possibility of moving to Parc des Princes in the summer, as part of an overhaul of their current squad.

    Silva sends Real Madrid warning

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported Manchester City will begin their revenge mission against Real Madrid when both teams meet again in the Champions League semi-final on May 9.

    The Cityzens were minutes away from reaching a consecutive Champions League final last season, before they saw their hopes erased, with late goals from Rodrygo to force extra-time.

    Bernardo Silva has now stated that Man City are confident they can defeat Real Madrid this term, as they are not afraid of the Spanish giants despite their impressive UCL resume.

  • Real Madrid found a replacement for Benzema

    Real Madrid found a replacement for Benzema

    Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen is allegedly being pursued by Real Madrid.

    The Copa del Rey champions wants the Super Eagles and Napoli star to replace the Ballon d’Or winner and captain of the Madridistas, Karim Benzema.

    A replacement for the 35-year-old Benzema, who has been a crucial player at the Santiago Bernabeu for years, is being sought by the club as he enters the final years of his career.

    Osimhen has been incredible this season in all competitions, and many clubs will be looking to grab his signature this summer, even though the Napoli president has made it clear that he won’t sell the Nigerian.

    Victor Osimhen celebrates victory
    Why clubs want Osimhen

    Osimhen is currently the leading scorer in the Serie A, with 23 goals. The Nigerian has also helped Napoli to win the Scudetto, with three games left to the end of the term.

    His speed, power, and goal sense are just some of the reasons many clubs in Europe want the Nigerian in their squads.

    According to reports on Complete Sports and Daily Post, Real Madrid chiefs are seriously monitoring Osimhen’s transfer situation.

    There are four games left to the end of the season in Spain. Benzema has scored 17 League goals, and Real Madrid occupy second position on the table.

    Karim Benzema

    Barcelona have won the La Liga title following their 4-2 win over Espanyol on Sunday night, 14 May.

    Balotelli praises Victor Osimhen

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported how Italian striker Mario Balotelli heaped praises on Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen after he won the Serie A with Napoli.

    The Super Eagles striker has been the main man in Napoli’s league triumph, with his 23 goals powering the Gli Azzuris to their first Scudetto in 33 years.

    With the league wrapped up, Osimhen will be hoping to finish the season as top scorer.

    Italy forward, Balotelli revealed to Osimhen that the magnitude of his success with Napoli will take years to sink in.

  • Haaland deprived Arsenal of EPL title – Stats

    Haaland deprived Arsenal of EPL title – Stats

    Fascinating statistics have surfaced indicating that without Erling Haaland, Arsenal would have defeated Manchester City to win the Premier League.

    After Arsenal stumbled in the title battle towards the end of the season, City are on track to win the domestic championship this year.

    After a fantastic campaign led by Mikel Arteta, in which the team dominated the standings for the majority of the year, the Gunners were hailed as the clear favourite to win the championship.

    Man City head coach, Pep Guardiola and ‘goal scoring machine Haaland

    However, a string of poor performances in recent weeks have seen them lose the grip at the top, with their weekend defeat against Brighton all but handing Man City the title.

    The Athletic reports Arteta’s men were demolished 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium over the weekend, with the result leaving them trailing City, who have a game in hand, by four points.

    Haaland and City’s title bid

    While Man City boast an incredible squad, it has now emerged they have Haaland to thank for putting them on course to retain the Premier League.

    According to Sportbible, stats show that had it not been for the Norwegian’s goals this term, the Citizens would not have successfully challenged for the crown.

    City and Arsenal

    The publication, citing numbers crunched by NJ.bet, shows the champs would not have even been in the Premier League top four without Haaland.

    The former Borussia Dortmund ace has scored an eyewatering 52 goals for City across competitions, with 36 of those coming in the Premier League.

    Without his contributions, the Citizens would be sitting fifth with 61 points, a point behind Liverpool, who would be in fourth.

    Arsenal would be leading the table with their current 81 points, a massive 13 points ahead of Newcastle, who would be second.

    Meanwhile, Man United would be sitting third with 67 points, a point behind the Magpies.

    Why Arsenal lost EPL title

    Earlier, Sports Brief reported on Manchester United legend and now pundit, Gary Neville outlining seven reasons why Arsenal failed to win the EPL title this season.

    With the Gunners having little to no hope of being crowned champions, the Red Devils legend believes he knows why the north Londoners tripped at the finish line.

    Erling Haaland’s impact on Manchester City’s title charge cannot be overstated.

    The Norwegian striker, known for his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and clinical finishing, added a new dimension to City’s already formidable attacking lineup.

    His arrival provided City with a lethal and consistent source of goals, giving them an edge over their competitors.

    Despite Arsenal’s commendable efforts, they were unable to sustain their early-season form until the end.

    While their campaign ultimately fell short, their performances should not be overshadowed.

    Under Arteta’s guidance, Arsenal displayed an improved style of play, solid defensive organization, and promising attacking combinations that ignited hopes of a potential title triumph.

    The emergence of young talents like Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, coupled with the experienced presence of players such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, contributed to Arsenal’s success during the season.

    However, the introduction of Haaland to Manchester City proved to be a game-changer in the title race.

    Nonetheless, Arsenal’s progress under Arteta bodes well for the future, as they continue to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for major honors.

    With the right reinforcements and continued development, the Gunners will be eager to mount a stronger title challenge in the seasons to come.

    While the statistics indicate that Arsenal could have secured the Premier League title if not for Haaland’s influence, it is important to recognize the overall strength and depth of Manchester City’s squad, which extends beyond any single player.

  • Ex Leeds boss Bielsa is the new head coach for Uruguay

    Ex Leeds boss Bielsa is the new head coach for Uruguay

    Former Leeds boss, Marcelo Bielsa, aged 67, has been named the new head coach of Uruguay’s national team.

    Bielsa had been without a managerial role for almost 15 months since departing from Leeds United.

    The Uruguayan Football Association has officially announced his appointment on a contract that extends until the 2026 World Cup.

    Former Leeds boss, Marcelo Bielsa

    Bielsa takes over from Diego Alonso as the national team boss.

    Alonso’s contract expired after the World Cup in Qatar earlier this season, where Uruguay suffered a shock group-stage exit.

    Bielsa served as manager of Argentina from 1998 to 2004 and he also had a four-year stint in charge of Chile.

    Bielsa guided Leeds back to the Premier League from the Championship in 2020 and was one of the most popular managers in the club’s history.

    But he left in February last year following a run of four successive league defeats.

    His lengthy managerial career has also included spells with Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lille.

    Uruguay are currently 16th in FIFA’s world rankings, with Bielsa’s first major campaign at the helm set to be next year’s Copa America in the United States.

    Marcelo Bielsa is an Argentine football manager who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected figures in the sport. He is renowned for his tactical innovation, attention to detail, and commitment to an intense, high-pressing style of play.

    Bielsa took charge of Leeds United in June 2018 and had a transformative impact on the club during his tenure.

    He instilled a strong work ethic and a distinct playing philosophy that earned him the admiration of both players and fans.

    Under Bielsa’s guidance, Leeds United achieved significant success. In the 2019-2020 season, the team secured the Championship title, earning promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence from the top flight of English football.

    Bielsa’s meticulous approach and tactical astuteness were instrumental in Leeds’ promotion campaign.

    Bielsa’s coaching methods are known for their attention to detail, video analysis, and emphasis on physical fitness.

    He is known to spend hours studying opponents’ tactics and meticulously preparing his team for each match. Bielsa’s relentless pursuit of perfection and his demand for hard work from his players have earned him a reputation as an uncompromising coach.

    Beyond his success on the field, Bielsa is respected for his sportsmanship and dedication to fair play.

    Notably, during a match against Aston Villa in April 2019, when Leeds scored a controversial goal while an opposition player was down injured, Bielsa instructed his team to allow Aston Villa to score unopposed in the ensuing restart—a gesture that showcased his integrity and respect for the spirit of the game.