Tag: football

11Jan By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

The Goal That Saw Cristiano Ronaldo Become The Joint-Highest Goalscorer In Football History

  Cristiano Ronaldo reached another historic milestone in his incredible career last night when he became the joint highest-goalscorer in football history. After goals from Danilo and Aaron Ramsey either side of a Gregoire Defrel equaliser for the hosts, the Portuguese superstar struck in the 92nd minute to seal a 3-1 win for Juventus over Sassuolo and in doing so, moved level with Czech Republic legend Josef Bican on 759 goals. Ronaldo sprinted in behind late on and supplied an emphatic finish for his 15th Serie A goal of the season so far, but more importantly the strike means he is just one away from becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in history. He has hit 759 in 1037 games for club and country. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner surpassed Brazilian legend Pele'...

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11Jan By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

UFC Lightweight Champion Khabib Nurmagomedov Shows Off 99 Pace While Playing Football With Clarence Seedorf

  Khabib Nurmagomedov is slow and methodical inside the Octagon but that doesn't mean he hasn't got some serious speed in his locker. The UFC lightweight champion, 29-0 in MMA, has been over in Dubai as he enjoys retirement from MMA and was recently filmed playing football with AC Milan and Ajax legend Clarence Seedorf, his late father's favourite player. The two were playing against Turkish chef Burak Özdemir, aka CZNBurak, in a big eleven-a-side game. And, 'The Eagle', wearing his UFC/Reebok shorts and Asics running trainers, has gone viral after one clip in particular started doing the rounds. The Dagestani fighter, a staunch Real Madrid supporter, knocked the ball past Burak down the left flank and demonstrated some ridiculous pace to burn. The video really shouldn'...

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6Dec By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Klopp singles out Chelsea as Premier League favourites

The Reds boss believes the Blues have a strong squad and are playing good football, making them strong contenders for the title this year Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Chelsea are the current favourites to win the Premier League this season. The Blues are first in the English top-flight after they beat Leeds 3-1 on Saturday and have a one-point lead over reigning champions Liverpool and Tottenham, who play on Sunday. Klopp believes the London side are the biggest threat to his side's title defence but was quick to stress the Reds remain focused on themselves.

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29Nov By BobbyNo Comments

News

Argentine officials raid home of Diego Maradona’s doctor as investigation into his death begins

Argentine officials investigating the death of football legend, Diego Maradona searched the home of his personal doctor amd neurosurgeon, Dr Leopoldo Luque, on Sunday, November 29.   According to reports, he is being investigated for involuntary manslaughter.   Maradona died of a heart attack on Wednesday November 25, aged 60 in his native Argentina much to the shock of football lovers worldwide.   Argentina's president declared three days of mourning in the wake of Maradona's death.   He was buried on Friday November 27, after spent the day lying in state at the Casa Rosada, Argentina's presidential palace.     Maradona’s lawyer, Matias Moria, on Thursday, November 26, said he would ask for a full investigation of the circ...

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29Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Gimnasia win first match since Maradona’s death

The Argentine club managed to secure the perfect tribute for their iconic manager Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata won their first match since the death of head coach and football legend Diego Maradona. Argentina and Napoli great Maradona – arguably football's greatest ever player – died of natural causes at the age of 60 on Wednesday. Maradona was buried in a private funeral at the Jardines de Bella Vista cemetery on the outskirts of Buenos Aires after thousands gathered on the streets of the capital to mourn the 1986 World Cup winner on Thursday.

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27Nov By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘It was tough to pull that shirt on’ – Mertens struggling after Maradona’s passing as Napoli pay tribute

The Belgian attacker has also taken to social media to apologise for any comparisons that have been between the two Dries Mertens said it was "tough to pull that shirt on" after Napoli wore the famous number 10 shirt in honour of Diego Maradona prior to their Europa League win over Rijeka. Argentina and Napoli great Maradona – arguably football's greatest ever player – died of natural causes at the age of 60 on Wednesday. Napoli's first match since the passing of their most iconic star this week was played out to the noise of songs and fireworks despite the empty stands at the Stadio San Paolo, where Maradona guided the Italian team to unprecedented Scudetto success in 1987 and 1990.

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16Nov By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Javier Mascherano retires aged 36

Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano has announced his retirement from football after a glittering 17-year career. The 36-year-old dad-of-three revealed his decision on Sunday after his current side, top-flight Argentinian team Estudiantes de la Plata, continued their poor start to the season. A spell with West Ham introduced the anchor man to European football although his switch became embroiled in the Hammers' third-party ownership saga that cost the club a £5.5million fine. He moved to Liverpool in early 2007 and went on to make 139 appearances and become a star of the side under Rafa Benitez, before signing for Barcelona three seasons later. At the Camp Nou, Mascherano quickly settled to become an integral part of Pep Guardiola's imperious side. A d...

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27Sep By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona coach Koeman: Of course Messi is angry about Suarez

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman insists there shouldn't be surprise with Lionel Messi's outburst last week. Messi has voiced his outrage over the way Luis Suarez has been treated by Barca this summer. Koeman said: "I think it's normal that a player is a little sad when a friend of his leaves the club after so many years together. It's part of football. "But the most important thing for me is how Leo's been in training and games. In training, he's been an example for everyone. I have not seen a day when he's seemed affected. He returned after a day off really motivated. "He has shown it in training and he will show it in games. There are no doubts about Leo in that sense." Suarez signed for Atletico Madrid on Friday and could make his debut for Diego Simeone's side against Gr...

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14Sep By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Forbes: Messi Becomes Football’s Second Billionaire, Tops List Of Earners

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has become football's second billionaire. After Cristiano Ronaldo previously achieved the feat, Messi has now earned $1billion in pre-tax earnings during his career, as reported by Forbes. Messi is the highest earning player in 2020 according to Forbes, with the Argentina international set to earn $126million (£98million) - split between his salary of $92million (£72million) plus $34million (£26million) in endorsements. Having recently agreed to stay at Barcelona for another season after much uncertainty, Messi will hope that he can help the Catalan club to bounce back after they failed to win a trophy last campaign. In addition to his boot deal with Adidas, Messi also has endorsement deals with Pepsi, Budweiser and AI-vision company OrCam Technolo...

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9Sep By dthataNo Comments

Sport

“Football Without Fans Is Like A Circus Without Clowns”- Cristiano Ronaldo

 Portugese star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has related football without fans to a circus without clowns after he scored in Portugal's 2-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday night, September 9 due to the absense of fans to celebrate with him. The match against Sweden was played in an empty stadium as the Coronavirus pandemic restricted fans from attending games in most regions across Europe. Ronaldo,who also became the second highest goalscorer in international football with 101 goals after netting two goals against Sweden, described the absense of supporters as a major missing key of the football game. "There is no need to regret, when I do something I like to be whistled because it gives me chills. But health comes first, if the WHO says that these aren't safe conditions, that's it. The m...

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3Sep By BobbyNo Comments

News

Modric: Zidane told me that I could win Ballon d’Or one day!

  The Los Blancos playmaker revealed his manager gave him the confidence to win football's biggest individual honour Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane told Luka Modric he was a player capable of winning the Ballon d'Or, giving the Croatian confidence to go on and win the award. Zidane provided the inspiration to Modric when he was appointed Los Blancos coach in 2016 and the midfield star went on to lift the famous individual award at the end of 2018. In that year, Modric was part of the Madrid team to win a third successive Champions League, while also spearheading Croatia to a first-ever World Cup final in Russia.

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29Aug By dthataNo Comments

Sport

My Mum Threatened To Disown Me Because I Choose Football – Francisca Ordega

Francisca Mlumun Ordega popularly known as Franny is a Nigerian Professional Footballer who currently plays for Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Women's Super League. In an exclusive interview today with Benue TV, Francisca disclose that "in my early stage of becoming a footballer, at a point, my Mum threatened to disown me because I choose Football". Who According to her Mum is a Boys game and girls should not partake in it but today she thank God for the honor her daughter has brought to her family, Tiv Nation, Benue State, Nigeria and Africa at Large. Interestingly, Francisca's Dad Mr. Ordega was supportive of her daughter's passion and was adequately informed and aware of her daughter's Football movement which makes it more easier for her. The Super Star appreciated the vi...

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27Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Gareth Barry retires from football at 39

Former Aston Villa, Manchester City and Everton midfielder Gareth Barry has retired from professional football at 39. Barry - who made a record 653 Premier League apperances - played his final game in March this year, when he featured in West Brom's 3-2 FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United at the Hawthorns, one of six games he played for the Baggies last season. Those matches took his number of senior games to 833, in a career spanning 23 years but one which has now come to an end. He scored 67 goals in that time. Barry spent the first 12 years of his career with Aston Villa before a £12m move to Manchester City, with whom he won the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League the following season. After being a regular in England youth teams, Barry made his senior debut against Uk...

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19Aug By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘Right now is the fittest I have ever been’ – Ex-Everton star Anichebe hungry for football return

The 32-year-old revealed his desire to return to the field for competitive football after a long hiatus Former Everton and Sunderland striker Victor Anichebe is hoping to play football again and he wants to complete his ‘unfinished business’ in England. Anichebe,32, last played competitive football in 2017 when he moved to China to play for Beijing Enterprises. Last year, the ex-Nigeria international had a trial at League One club Doncaster Rovers which was not successful, however, he awaits the right opportunity in England after snubbing offers from abroad.

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13Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Atalanta’s Josip Ilicic wants to quit football after he found his wife Tina Polovina cheating

Atalanta’s Josic Ilicic is heartbroken, depressed and he is considering retiring from football. According to reports, he travelled to Slovenia to surprise his wife Tina Polovina, shockingly, he caught her cheating with another man. Josip Ilicic, 32, is considering quitting football after he was granted permission to leave the Italian club’s training camp for personal reasons. Ilicic met his wife Tina Polovina in 2009 and soon enough got married to her, they have two daughters Sofia and Victoria, rumours have it that the “little heart ” celebration the striker does after every goal is a dedication to his wife, Tina. The Slovenian striker seems to have slipped into depression after he found his wife cheating on him when he decided to pay her a surprise visit at their country ho...

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7Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Virgil Van Dijk Is The Only Liverpool Player To Make European Team Of The Season

 Virgil van Dijk has surprisingly been named as the only Liverpool star to make WhoScored's European Team of the Season. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side were in scintillating form last season en route to capturing the Premier League title. But Van Dijk, who has been instrumental in the Reds' success since he signed in 2018, was described as "exceptional" by WhoScored. The publication revealed that the 29-year-old Dutch centre-back "made more accurate passes (2903) than any other player to feature at the heart of the defence." WhoScored's Team of the Season lines up in a 4-4-2 formation and only features players from Europe's top five leagues. Brescia's Jesse Joronen earned a 7.01 rating and locked his place down between the sticks. Ahead of Joronen is the centre-b...

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5Aug By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

News

Harry Redknapp Is A ‘Better Tactician Than Arsene Wenger,’ Says Paul Merson

Harry Redknapp has been branded as a "tactically" better manager than legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. That's according to Paul Merson, who played under both Redknapp and Wenger in his football career. Harry Redknapp has been branded as a "tactically" better manager than legendary former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger. That's according to Paul Merson, who played under both Redknapp and Wenger in his football career. "As a man-manager knowing what you want or what you need, you could tell him what you need, he wouldn't tell you what you needed. I think that was a massive thing with him. "The thing with Harry, people think, 'Oh, he's a wheeler-dealer' […] his knowledge of football is second to none. "I honestly think he's tactically better than Arsene Wenger, i...

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15Jul By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Arsenal Football TV Get Rid Of Claude Callegari After Racist Remark About Son Heung-Min

AFTV have had to remove Claude Callegari from the channel, after their regular contributor made a racist remark about Son Heung-min during the north London derby. The Arsenal fan channel has become infamous with the club, especially during their losses, and that was no different on Sunday after their 2-1 loss to rivals Spurs. However during the show Callegari was heard saying 'DVDs going off' as Spurs' midfielder Son was subbed off during the game. The term 'DVD' has been used as a racist slur against Asian footballers in the past, referring to people selling DVDs on a market. Initially AFTV and Claude claimed that he wasn't talking about the player. In an 'apology' video the contributor and presenter Robbie Lyle discussed how he was referring to Spurs being mocked for brin...

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12Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Levante Club Director, Ramón Vilar is Dead

Levante Football Club Director, Ramón Vilar Zanón, is dead. Vilar died at the age of 64. Levante made the announcement in a statement via the club’s official website on Sunday. The statement read: “Levante U.D. and the Cent Anys Foundation want to express their condolences for the death of the director Mr Ramón Vilar Zanón. “Ramón Vilar held the position of director of Levante U.D. since 2009 and was a patron of the Cent Anys Foundation from 2009 to 2017. “All the members of the club and the Foundation join the pain of family and friends in these difficult moments after their sudden and irreparable loss. “Levante would like to thank him for his dedication and work in the club for his whole life and for his eternal Levante. D.E.P.” Meanwhile, Real Madrid hav...

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9Jul By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Man Utd’s Solskjaer Takes Decision on Pogba’s Future

Manchester United manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, wants Paul Pogba to sign a new deal with the club. Pogba has long been linked with a transfer to Real Madrid or former team, Juventus. He admitted last year that he was looking for a “new challenge”. The France midfielder made just eight appearances in all competitions during an injury-hit season before the COVID-19 lockdown. However, the 26-year-old has impressed since the restart. Having recently signed Nemanja Matic and Scott McTominay to new deals, Solskjaer is optimistic the club can also secure the long-term future of Pogba, whose current contract is due to expire next year, although United have the option of triggering a one-year extension. “I can’t comment on discussions between players and the ...

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13Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Juventus 0-0 Milan (1-1 agg):

Despite playing against 10 for almost 75 minutes, Juventus could only draw 0-0 with Milan in the first football game in Italy since March. Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty failure did not prove costly for Juventus as they reached the Coppa Italia final on away goals following a 0-0 draw with 10-man Milan in Italian football's return on Friday. The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg of the semi-final at San Siro in February but had to wait four months for the return match at the Allianz Stadium due to the coronavirus pandemic leading to the suspension of major sport across the globe in March. Prior to kick-off a minute's silence was held for those who died from COVID-19, before a round of applause for the nation's health workers. Milan had warmed up in 'Black Lives Matter' shirts, while ...

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12Jun By dthataNo Comments

Politics

Ganduje Reopens Football Viewing Centres In Kano

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has ordered the reopening of football viewing centres in Kano state. The governor gave the order as major leagues across Europe resume. He made this known when the leadership of Soccer Viewing Centres Association, Kano State chapter, paid him a courtesy call at his office, on Friday. The association urged the governor to ease the lockdown order for the Centres. The governor, who granted the request, also donated Forty Thousand (40,000) face masks for distribution at viewing centres in the state. “It is in line with our decision to see that our economy bounces back, through reinvigorating commercial and other business activities in the state, that I have directed all viewing centres to be re-opened from today,” the governor was quoted in a sta...

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10Jun By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Former Female African Player Of The Year, Gaelle Enganamouit, Retires From Football

The Lioness of Cameroon and former African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Gaelle Deborah Enganamouit has announced her retirement from football. She made the announcement yesterday (June 6th, 2020) to mark her 28th birthday. Fastest goal in the world Gaelle Enganamouit moved to Europe in 2012 and signed for Sparta Subotica in Serbia. She scored what is believed to be the fastest goal in women’s football while playing for Sparta in the Serbian League. The goal was scored at the 3 second mark. She also played for Sparta in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. She also played an important role in the Cameroonian team that got to the final of the 2014 African Women’s Championship, scoring 2 goals against Algeria in the group stage and a goal against Ivory Coast in the semi-final and beco...

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10Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

​Boca Juniors keen on Man Utd defender Rojo

Boca Juniors are willing to sign Marcos Rojo from Manchester United this summer. The Argentine defender, who can play left-back and centre-back, was at Estudiantes on loan for the second half of this season. He has a contract with United until 2021, but they wish to sell him. ESPN is reporting that Boca would like to sign the 30-year-old, if they can agree on a fee with United. Rojo has played nine times for United this season, and also had injury problems with Estudiantes. He would be well behind the pecking order at United and a move to Boca would give him a chance at regular first team football.

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10Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Everton boss Ancelotti full of praise for Roma target Kean

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has not given up on Moise Kean. The youngster has endured a disastrous debut season in England after arriving from Juventus in the summer. Ancelotti, who joined the Toffees midway through the season, still thinks Kean can come good. He told Radio Radio: "I believe that Moise Kean has many great qualities. "He is a great talent and, as I said many times, today's football must surely be based on talent. "However, it must be supported by great character, professionalism and personality. "He's very young and a serious boy, who is always available. I'm sure he will do well."

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9Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Gaelle Enganamouit announces retirement from football at 28

The Cameroon international has decided to hang up her boots on her 28th birthday Cameroon international Gaelle Enganamouit has announced her retirement from football at the age of 28, Goal understands. The striker has been without a club since she mutually parted ways in April 2019 with Spanish side Malaga, who she joined four months earlier after leaving Norwegian outfit Avaldsnes. Despite her fitness worries, she made Cameroon's squad for the 2019 Women's World Cup but did not feature in any matches as the Indomitable Lionesses reached the Round of 16 in France.

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8Jun By BobbyNo Comments

News, Sport

Arsenal warned ‘Achilles heel’ will end top-four hopes as Keown highlights long-standing problem

The former Gunners defender doubts that Mikel Arteta’s side can come into Champions League contention as their away form remains an issue Arsenal have been warned that their long-standing issues away from home are likely to scupper any top-four ambitions when Premier League football returns, with Martin Keown considering form on the road to still be the Gunners’ “Achilles heel”. Top-flight action in England has been given a green light to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic from June 17. Arsenal will be among the first back out onto the field, as they prepare to take in a meeting with Manchester City.

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7Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

FIFA Confirms Paying $700,000 Owed To Super Falcons For World Cup Participation In 2019

World football governing body, FIFA, has confirmed it has paid Nigerian Football Federation the outstanding $700,000 owed to the Super Falcons for participation in the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria’s women’s team, the Super Falcons participated in the Women’s World cup in June 2019 and as at February 2020 had not received payment of $1m for participation. The NFF were due to receive $1m for reaching the Round of 16 in France, but $240,000 was deducted for the Super Falcon’s extended stay in France and rescheduled flight after their sit-in protest. In February, FIFA explained the payment delays. “Regarding your request, as part of our long-term vision to invest into the development of women’s football at all levels, prior to last year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in France, Fifa a...

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6Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Giggs explains why Ighalo is different from other Manchester United players

The United legend is thrilled to see the Nigeria forward staying at Old Trafford until January 2021 after making a statement within three months Odion Ighalo is different from his Manchester United teammates because he is a centre forward and he gives something extra off the bench, according to club legend Ryan Giggs. Earlier this week, the Nigeria striker’s loan deal at Manchester was extended until January 2021 after his impressive goalscoring contribution between January and March. Ighalo joined Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team on an initial five-month loan from Shanghai Shenhua, and he returned four goals in eight games before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the football calendar from March.

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5Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona Confirm Messi’s Injury, Give Team news ahead of Restart

Barcelona has confirmed that captain, Lionel Messi, has sustained a minor right quadriceps injury. The Catalan club also provided the latest team news update on their first-team players ahead of the La Liga resumption next week. Quique Setién’s side disclosed this in a statement on its official website on Friday. “Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, has a minor right quadriceps injury and trained in isolation, doing specific exercises to avoid unnecessary risks with just eight days remaining before Barcelona finally get back to playing matches. “Messi should be able to rejoin his team-mates in a few days’ time. “All of the available players were at the Ciutat Esportiva, where they were joined by Jorge Cuenca and Kike Saverio as well as the other B team p...

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4Jun By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Football legend, Samuel Eto’o reveals how a local game in his city convinced his parents to allow him to play football

Cameroonian Football legend, Samuel Eto'o has revealed how a local game in his city convinced his parents to allow him to play football. During his stellar career, Eto'o, who played for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Everton amassed three Champions League titles, three La Liga crowns, two Copa del Reys, Serie A, the Coppa Italia twice and the FIFA Club World Cup. But while growing up, he used to hide from his parents to go play football because they thought football was a sport for those that had no interest going to school. He said the major break happened when his father accidentally saw him played so well in a local game in his city, and that was how he got convinced and allowed him to continue playing football. I lived and breathed football – but my p...

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31May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Messi Reveals what COVID-19 will Cause

Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, has admitted that life and football will never be the same again, following the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic has claimed almost 400,000 lives across the world. It also led to several leagues being suspended. However, Spain’s La Liga, England’s Premier League and Italy’s Serie A are all set to restart in June. “I don’t think football will ever be the same,” Messi said in an interview El Pais on Sunday. “But beyond football, I don’t think life, in general, will ever be the same, either. “In my case, it’s with a feeling of sorrow and frustration for those that have suffered the most due to the loss of loved ones.” Messi has donated more than €1million to hospitals and charities fighting COVID-19. Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, ...

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31May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘Liverpool have to earn everything all over again’ – Lijnders looking for intensity from Klopp’s side

The Reds’ assistant manager says the league leaders are determined to ensure that standards are maintained when a return to competitive action is made Liverpool will need to prove themselves and “earn everything again” when they return to action, says Pep Lijnders, with the Reds looking to maintain their intensity despite being 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League table. Jurgen Klopp’s side are just two wins away from wrapping up a first title triumph in 30 years. With English football set to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic on June 17, it should not take long for that particular line to be crossed – although said step will be taken behind closed doors and potentially outside of Merseyside.

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25May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Martial to Leave Man Utd on one Condition

Manchester United forward, Anthony Martial, could leave the club if they sign a world-class striker this summer transfer window. This claim was made by former West Ham United goalkeeper, Shaka Hislop. The likes of Lyon’s Moussa Dembele and RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner have been linked with a move to Man United in the past. But Hislop now feels Martial should be accessing his options. “I can see [Martial] departing Old Trafford,” Hislop told ESPN. “At times he’s cut a forlorn figure and not looked happy with his football. “The challenge is, I don’t see why Manchester United let him go right now. “Manchester United don’t have an awful lot of world-class talent in that dressing room, and Martial is one of their brightest talents. “So u...

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24May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Sevilla stars apologise for party violating La Liga and government lockdown rules

Lucas Ocampos, Franco Vazquez, Luuk de Jong and Ever Banega have been repentant for their party on Saturday Sevilla players Lucas Ocampos, Franco Vazquez, Luuk de Jong and Ever Banega have issued apologies after breaking quarantine rules designed to help get professional football in Spain back up and running. Play has been suspended in La Liga since March due to the coronavirus outbreak in the country, which has thus far infected over 280,000 people and led to more than 28,000 deaths - currently the highest per capita in major nations. Nevertheless, the 2019-20 La Liga season is set be completed, with June 8 previously confirmed as the date the game will restart amid tight lockdown restrictions for players that were designed to help the country get moving again.

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23May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘There were no fruits i didn’t sell’ – Super Eagles and Leicester City player Wilfred Ndidi opens up on tough childhood

Leicester City of England and Super Eagles of Nigeria star midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, has opened up on his experiences while growing up. Born and raised in Lagos, Ndidi, whose father was a soldier, said he had to battle through selling fruits on the streets of Lagos while navigating his father's ''hostility'' towards his football aspirations. According to the 23-year-old Ndidi, he had to help his mum sell fruits and food in order to sustain the family while he kept playing football and hoping for a breakthrough. Ndidi rose to prominence featuring for Nigeria at the 2013 Fifa U20 World Cup in Turkey before he was signed by Genk of Belgium, then in 2017 he joined Leicester city for £17m and he is now one of the first names on the team sheet for both club and country.  ...

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22May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Dimitar Berbatov Reveals Player Chelsea Should Sign as Hazard’s Replacement

Former Manchester United striker, Dimitar Berbatov, has urged Chelsea to sign Bayer Leverkusen winger, Kai Havertz, as former Blues star, Eden Hazard’s replacement at Stamford. Hazard left Chelsea last summer for Real Madrid, but Berbatov believes Havertz could replace the Belgium international at Chelsea, adding that the 20-year-old German star has excellent quality. “I think it’s interesting to see Chelsea linked with him, they have not really replaced Hazard since he left and it was always going to be difficult to do so,” Berbatov told Betfair. “I think for sure they need to go for a young player with a lot of football ahead of them, and if that is the case, then they will also have to be patient as well because sometimes young players need tim...

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21May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

QPR midfielder, Ebere Eze Reveals Why he has not Decided on Playing for Nigeria

Queens Park Rangers midfielder, Ebere Eze, has said he is enjoying his football and does not want to be put under pressure on his international future. Eze is still eligible to play for Nigeria, despite playing for the U-20 and U-21 teams of England. “I don’t want to make a rash decision, as much as it would be a privilege to play for either,” Eze said on The Beautiful Game podcast. “It would be a great honour.” “But again, I am just enjoying my football right now and I don’t want any added pressure on my mindset. “I don’t want to focus on the wrong things. Eze once trained with the Super Eagles in March 2017, ahead of an international friendly against Senegal.

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21May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

‘Football Is Closer To Coming Back’, Says Klopp As Liverpool Return To Work

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is optimistic about the chances of completing the Premier League season as the champions-elect returned to training in small groups on Wednesday. Klopp’s side were just two wins away from ending a 30-year wait to win the title when the English top-flight was shutdown more than two months ago due to the coronavirus pandemic. Six positive cases of COVID-19 were detected in the Premier League’s first round of 748 tests of players and staff ahead of a return to socially distanced training this week. At the start of the outbreak, Klopp accepted football should be suspended if it would help save even one life. But the German believes it is now safe for players to return to phase one of training. “I always said we don’t want to rush anything, but ...

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20May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Athletic Bilbao Striker, Aritz Aduriz Announces his Retirement From Football at 39 Due to a Hip Injury

Spanish and Athletic Bilbao striker, Aritz Aduriz has been forced to announce his retirement from football due to a hip injury. The 39-year-old, who spent most of his career with Athletic Bilbao, revealed that he made the decision to retire after doctors told him to get a prosthetic to replace his hip. “The time has come. Many times, I have said that football will leave you before you leave it,” the striker wrote on Twitter. “Yesterday, the doctors told me to go see the surgeon, sooner rather than later, to get a prosthetic to replace my hip and to try and go about my everyday life, as normally as possible. Unfortunately, my body has said ‘enough’. “I can’t help my teammates the way I would like to, nor the way they deserve. That is the life of a professional athlete. S...

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20May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Giroud set to remain at Chelsea as club announces contract extension

The French striker had been linked with a departure, but he is now slated to remain at Stamford Bridge through next season Chelsea have confirmed that the club has extended Olivier Giroud's contract, keeping the Frenchman at Stamford Bridge through the 2020-21 season. The extension will keep Giroud at the club for his third full season, having joined midway through the 2017-18 campaign from London rivals Arsenal. "I am delighted to continue my journey and adventure at Chelsea," Giroud said in a statement. "I can’t wait to get back to playing and enjoying competitive football with my team-mates. I’m looking forward to wearing the Chelsea shirt again, especially in front of our fans at a full Stamford Bridge, whenever it is safe to do so."

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19May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

How I Wasted Billions in Cash I Made from Football – Alex Song

Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder, Alex Song, has revealed how he wasted billions in cash he made from football on expensive cars, trips, and dinners during his career at Emirates. Song, who spent eight years at Arsenal before joining Barcelona for £15million in 2012, said he only earned £15,000-per-week in his first year at the North London club, but failed to spend wisely. The former Cameroon international also said that he struggled to save money in his account because he wanted to live like his former Gunners teammate, Thierry Henry, who was the club’s highest earner at the time. “I spent eight years at Arsenal, but it was not until my last four that I can say that I started earning a very good living because my salary increased considerably. “I wasted a lot of mo...

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18May By dthataNo Comments

Sport

Prolonged Absence Of Fans Could Damage Football, Wenger Tells

Staging football matches without spectators must only be a short-term fix during the COVID-19 pandemic as the prolonged absence of fans could damage the game, former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says. The German Bundesliga became the first major football league to resume since the novel coronavirus outbreak shut down sports earlier this year. The Bundesliga return behind closed doors is now being closely watched by other leagues. “Will it survive long term? Will it damage the show long term without supporters? I am convinced of that,” FIFA’s head of global development Wenger said. “You cannot imagine a whole season without any spectators. That’s why I believe it a short-term solution. “It is still the best possible way to get a verdict for the end of the season. It’s be...

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18May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Celtic crowned champions and Hearts relegated as Scottish Premiership season is cut short amid coronavirus pandemic

The SPFL have taken the decision to finish the 2019-20 campaign at this point, meaning that the crown heads to Parkhead for a ninth straight year Celtic have been declared Premiership champions for 2019-20, with the SPFL taking the decision to cut short the Scottish season amid the coronavirus pandemic. The vast majority of sides in the top-flight had played 30 fixtures prior to football entering a state of lockdown , with Rangers and St Johnstone stuck on 29. A points per game model has been used to finalise the standings and bring the curtain down on a campaign that will not be played to a finish .

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18May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

‘I still miss it’ – David Beckham reflects on playing career seven years on from retirement

As he reflected on some of his best career moments, the former England captain paid tribute to "amazing" backing from his supporters David Beckham says he still misses football as he marked seven years since his retirement from the game. The former England captain played the last match of a glittering professional career when he turned out for Paris Saint-Germain in a Ligue 1 match against Brest on May 18, 2013. To recognise the occasion, Beckham posted a video of some of his greatest moments – including Manchester United’s 1999 Champions League triumph – along with an accompanying message on Instagram.

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17May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Majority of Premier League players uncomfortable about returning – Willian

The Brazilian claims players are keen to return to the pitch but only when it's safe to do so Chelsea attacker Willian believes the majority of Premier League player are "uncomfortable" with the idea of the competition resuming in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Football in England was suspended in March with the top-flight currently targetting a return in mid-June. The United Kingdom has been hit particularly hard by Covid-19 with 240,000 confirmed cases and over 34,000 deaths to date.

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17May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Chirivella offered five-year Liverpool deal as midfielder closes in on free agency

The former Valencia youngster has impressed the Anfield side with his application this term and has a big decision to make over his future Pedro Chirivella is yet to make a decision on his Liverpool future despite being offered a five-year contract by the Reds. The Spanish midfielder’s current Anfield deal is due to expire at the end of June – although the club will have the opportunity to extend that with the English football season set to run into July at the very least. Liverpool would like to keep the former Valencia youngster, who will turn 23 this week, having been impressed by his performances and application this season.

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17May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Newcastle boss Bruce will respect decision if players refuse to play due to coronavirus concerns

The Magpies manager has promised not to force any of his squad to take to the field if they do not feel comfortable Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has insisted that he will respect any player's decision to refuse to play due to coronavirus concerns when – and indeed if – Premier League football resumes. Several players, such as Willian, Sergio Aguero, Troy Deeney and Danny Rose, have spoken out and expressed a reluctance to be forced back into action prematurely. And Bruce, along with Watford manager Nigel Pearson, is understanding of his charges' concerns as Newcastle players begin to return to training in a limited capacity.

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15May By BobbyNo Comments

Sport

Caf rules in Botswana’s favour after boycotting U17 Women’s World Cup clash with Morocco

The African football governing body has refused to punish the Southern African nation for failing to honour their away tie The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has rescheduled Morocco's second leg of the second round tie of the 2020 U17 Women's World Cup qualifiers against Botswana. The match originally scheduled to be played at Stade Boubker Ammar in Sale on March 14 following a 1-0 first-leg triumph at the National Stadium, Gaborone, saw the visitors not show up because they boycotted the match due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Reports say that the match's abandonment was due to the travel ban by Botswana's government on citizens to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

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11May By Czar Owolabi MarcusNo Comments

Sport

Pascal Chimbonda Claims Wigan Transfer Request Cost Him Huge Move

Pascal Chimbonda has claimed his infamous transfer request at Wigan Athletic denied him a surprise move to Manchester United, with the right back eventually moving to Spurs instead. The former Wigan defender went from hero to villain in Lancashire pretty quickly. He helped Paul Jewell's side avoid relegation in their first Premier League season in the 2005/06 season, with his performances earning him a place in the PFA Team of the Year. However things quickly turned sour and after the loss to Arsenal on the last day of the season he famously handed in a written transfer request in the dressing room, whilst still in his kit, something the 41-year-old claims cost him a move to Old Trafford, with United rumoured at the time to be interested in him. "That's my biggest regret. Th...

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