Messi’s €555m Barca contract sports biggest deal

31Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Messi’s €555m Barca contract sports biggest deal

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona before the spanish cup, Copa del Rey, football match played Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Vallecas on January 27, 2021 in Madrid, Spain.Lionel Messi’s current deal will end up costing Barcelona €555million (£492m) when it concludes this summer, a significant leak of his contract has revealed, reports Daily Mail.The four-year deal was signed in 2017 and will end this June when the 33-year-old will be able to leave for nothing.Spain’s El Mundo, who published the details of the contract under a headline which says it will 'ruin Barcelona', say the combination of fixed salary, image rights, variables and the tax that Barcelona have had to pay on the contract will rise to €555,237,619.Messi has been guaranteed €138m (£122m) a season in gross salary a...

30Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Milan ready to defend Ibrahimovic against racism

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan reacts during the Coppa Italia match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 26, 2021 in Milan, Italy.AC Milan will defend Zlatan Ibrahimovic if he faces disciplinary action for racism after the Swede clashed with Inter's Romelu Lukaku during an Italian Cup match this week, team technical director Paolo Maldini said Saturday."We are ready to defend Ibrahimovic in any way possible if racism should be brought up, which has nothing to do with him," said Maldini."It happens to argue, it's an ugly episode to watch, but it ends there."(Ibrahimovic) was sorry for having left the team with 10 (players), he defended his teammates against Lukaku's unprovoked attacks."The heated altercation between the former Manchester United teammat...

29Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Ibrahimovic, Lukaku get away without further bans after spat

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) of AC Milan argues with Romelu Lukaku of FC Internazionale during the Coppa Italia football match between FC Internazionale and AC Milan. FC Internazionale won 2-1 over AC Milan.MILAN — Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku were each given one-match suspensions by the league on Friday following their spat in the Italian Cup, with no bans added on for further disciplinary reasons. Ibrahimovic's suspension is because of the two yellow cards and his subsequent sending off during Tuesday's game, while Lukaku's suspension is for accumulated cards. There was a huge argument — and head-to-head clash — between Ibrahimovic and Lukaku just before halftime and both players were given yellow cards. The spat between the former Manchester United teammates continued after the halfti...

29Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Official: Barcelona to face Granada in Copa del Rey quarter-final

The quarter-final draw for this years’ edition of the Copa del Rey was completed on Friday morning. Barcelona will face Granada in the last eight of the competition, in a bid to lift the cup title for a record 31st time.The Catalans will travel to the new Los Carmenes to take on last season’s semifinalists. Barcelona are the clear favourites out of all the teams remaining in the competition after both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid bowed out in previous round upsets. Barcelona took a trip to Granada just a couple of weeks ago in La Liga, with the match ending in a resounding 4-0 win for the visitors.Barcelona first beat UE Cornella in the Round of 32 after extra time, followed by Rayo Vallecano in the Round of 16. Granada, en-route to the quarters have had to win 4 games. They have picked...

28Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Premier League: Manchester United slams ‘mindless idiots’ after Anthony Martial, Axel Tuanzebe face racist abuse online

Anthony Martial of Manchester United takes a knee in support of the black lives matter movement during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Sheffield United at Old Trafford on January 27, 2021 in Manchester, England.London: Manchester United on Thursday called for stronger measures to be taken against "mindless idiots" who post racial abuse after Anthony Martial and Axel Tuanzebe were targeted.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men fell to a shock 2-1 loss to the Premier League's bottom side Sheffield United at Old Trafford on Wednesday.That defeat sparked a torrent of online invective aimed at United's players, including racist abuse aimed at defender Tuanzebe, who inadvertently turned home Oliver Burke's winner, and forward Martial.Racist terms and monkey emojis were put on Instagr...

28Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Ronaldo Under Investigation for Violating Travelling Restrictions

Cristiano Ronaldo of Juventus Fc celebrate during the Serie A match between Juventus Fc and Bologna Fc. Juventus Fc wins 2-0 over Bologna Fc.While his teammates where breezing past SPAL in the Coppa Italia’s quarter-finals on Wednesday night, Cristiano Ronaldo, who was given the day off, spent the day with his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez in Courmayeur, a renowned skiing destination. However, he may have broken the travelling restrictions imposed by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the local authorities are looking into the matter, news agency Ansa reported.In order to contain the spread of the disease, it is currently allowed to leave the region where one is located only for some limited exceptions, like for work or for an emergency, and not for recreational purposes....

28Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Copa del Rey: Lionel Messi scores on return from suspension to guide Barcelona to win over Rayo Vallecano

Santi Comesana of Rayo Vallecano and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelonain action during the spanish cup, Copa del Rey, football match played Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Vallecas on January 27, 2021 in Madrid, Spain.Madrid: Lionel Messi marked his return from suspension with a goal in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday as Barcelona survived a scare against Rayo Vallecano to reach the quarter-finals.With Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid already out, another upset looked on the cards when Fran Garcia gave Rayo a surprise lead at Vallecas early in the second half.But Messi tapped in Antoine Griezmann's pass to equalise before turning creator, sending Jordi Alba through, with Frenkie de Jong at the back post to seal a 2-1 victory.Rayo sit fourth in Segunda, Spain's second tier, after bein...

27Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea squad a ‘present’ for talented Thomas Tuchel, says Jurgen Klopp

New manager Thomas Tuchel of Chelsea holds up the home Nike Shirt at Stamford Bridge on January 27, 2021 in London, England.Jurgen Klopp expects Chelsea to thrive under Thomas Tuchel but described the decision to sack Frank Lampard as “really harsh”.Tuchel, the man who replaced Klopp as boss at both Mainz and Borussia Dortmund, was on Tuesday named as the new Chelsea manager following Roman Abramovich’s decision to show Lampard the door on Monday morning.Asked about the German’s arrival in the Premier League, Klopp’s first response was to talk about the man he follows.“Frank Lampard lost his job and I have to say that is a really tough one,” he said.“I think that Chelsea did an incredible job in the transfer market this summer and brought in good players but things like this take time.“It ...

27Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester City go top after hammering West Brom 5-0

Joao Cancelo of Manchester City celebrates with team mates Rodri after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Manchester City at The Hawthorns on January 26, 2021 in West Bromwich, England.With a sparkling attacking display, Manchester City’s players powered to the top of the Premier League for the first time this season, and even the opposition are stopping to admire their work.In a comical exhibit for VAR’s ever-lengthening highlights reel, West Bromwich Albion’s defenders virtually stopped in their tracks and looked on as Joao Cancelo curled a shot into the top corner for the second of City’s goals in a 5-0 rout on Tuesday.After all, the assistant referee had raised the flag for offside moments earlier but City, unlike West Brom...

26Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Tomas Soucek leads comeback at Crystal Palace as West Ham reach top four

Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace is challenged by Tomas Soucek of West Ham United during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Ham United at Selhurst Park on January 26, 2021 in London, England.A brace from Tomas Soucek helped West Ham come from behind to win 3-2 at Crystal Palace and move into the Premier League top four.David Moyes watched his in-form side make a poor start to the London derby when Wilfried Zaha grabbed the opener after three minutes.But it was largely one-way traffic afterwards, with Soucek hitting a first-half double to take his tally for the campaign to seven while Craig Dawson wrapped up the points with a fine header after the break.The Hammers have now won their last six games in all competitions and are up to fourth which has put them in the mix fo...

26Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Buffon could face ban for blasphemous remark

Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus Fc looks on during the Serie A match between Fc Internazionale and Juventus Fc. Fc Internazionale wins 2-0 over Juventus Fc.Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is facing a one-match ban if found guilty of using an alleged blasphemous expression during a match against Parma on Dec. 19.The incident relates back to a comment made while speaking to teammate Manolo Portanova in the 80th minute of the Bianconeri's 4-0 victory over Buffon's former side.The Italian FA opened an investigation in the aftermath of the match and confirmed on Tuesday the case had now been passed to the country's federal court. If found guilty, Buffon is likely to receive a one-match ban.In 2010, a "Blasphemy Law" was introduced in Italy, which led to a spate of sports stars being sanctione...

25Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Marcus Rashford has knee scan ahead of Sheffield United clash

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United leaves the field after appearing to pick up an injury during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on January 24, 2021 in Manchester, England.The England forward was withdrawn late in the Red Devils' 3-2 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, after scoring his side's second goal against the reigning Premier League champions.Rashford scored a brace in his side's 3-2 win at Bramall Lane last month."Let's hope so," manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær said when asked if Rashford was okay."His knee was bothering him. So he'll have a scan and we'll see where we are. ℹ The boss has provided an update on @MarcusRashford after the forward was substituted in today's #FACup win...#MUFC— Manchester Uni...

25Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Report: Lucas Torreira close to permanent Arsenal exit

Lucas Torreira of Atletico Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Atletico Madrid v Valencia at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on January 24, 2021 in Madrid Spain.Arsenal are reportedly considering recalling Lucas Torreira from his Atletico Madrid loan spell in order to get the midfielder off their books permanently.The Uruguay international has spent the past four months on loan at the Wanda Metropolitano after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta.Torreira has started only two games for Atletico in La Liga and the Champions League, though, and Tuttomercato suggests that he could be heading back to North London.However, the Gunners supposedly have no plans to keep the 24-year-old and will instead look to offload him on a permanent basis.Ligue1 side Monaco are said to be int...

25Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Premier League: Chelsea sack manager Frank Lampard; reports say Thomas Tuchel set to be new boss

Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea looks on during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Chelsea and Luton Town at Stamford Bridge on January 24, 2021 in London, England.London: Chelsea sacked manager Frank Lampard on Monday after 18 months in charge, with former Paris Saint-Germain boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly set to replace him at Stamford Bridge.Sunday's 3-1 FA Cup fourth-round win against Championship side Luton was not enough to save Lampard, whose team have slumped to ninth place in the Premier League.Chelsea said it had been a "very difficult decision" to part ways with the 42-year-old, who replaced Maurizio Sarri in July 2019."We are grateful to Frank for what he has achieved in his time as head coach of the club," Chelsea said in a statement."However, recent results and p...

24Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona win at Elche despite Messi absence

Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the La Liga Santander match between Elche CF and FC Barcelona at Estadio Martinez Valero on January 24, 2021 in Elche, Spain.Frenkie de Jong and Riqui Puig found the back of the net as Barcelona went third in La Liga with a comfortable 2-0 away win over Elche.Lionel Messi missed out for the Catalans as he served the second of a two-match suspension for the red card picked up in the Spanish Supercopa defeat to Athletic Club, but Barca coped without their top scorer and main man.Elche held their own for much of the first half, but buckled as Barca increased the pressure, with the opportunistic de Jong finishing on the goal line after a Martin Braithwaite cross was sent goalward by Diego Gonzalez.Marc-Andre ter ...

24Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Mesut Ozil thanks Arsenal for ‘amazing journey’, says he leaves for Fenerbahce with no grudges

Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on September 21, 2020 in St Albans, England.London: Mesut Ozil has thanked Arsenal for an “amazing journey” after his departure to Fenerbahce was confirmed, saying he goes with no grudges despite not playing for nearly a year.Ozil said goodbye to his Arsenal teammates a week ago and his move to Turkey has now been wrapped up.“I’d like to thank the club for this amazing journey over the past seven-and-a-half years,” Ozil said Sunday.The former Germany international has not played for Arsenal since March and his contract was due to expire at the end of the current season.“The support I have felt from the team and fans during my time here has been truly incredible and something I will always be grateful for," Ozil said. “Togethe...

24Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BUNDESLIGA

Hertha boss, director fired after 4-1 defeat

Bruno Labbadia, Head Coach of Hertha BSC looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and SV Werder Bremen at Olympiastadion on January 23, 2021 in Berlin, Germany.Struggling Hertha Berlin fired coach Bruno Labbadia and long-time sports director Michael Preetz on Sunday, following their 4-1 home loss to Werder Bremen a day earlier that left them in 14th place in the Bundesliga.Hertha have won one of their last eight league games, having also lost the last two, after pumping in hundreds of millions of pounds through investor Lars Windhorst in recent months.The experienced Labbadia, who has also worked at VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburg SV and VfB Stuttgart, took over in April last year charged with helping Hertha stay up, which he did.But this season the 54-year-old has been far from su...

24Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Monaco hands Marseille another defeat, Nice wins

Monaco's Chilean defender Guillermo Maripan (L) celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match Monaco and Marseille at "Louis II" stadium in Monaco, on January 23, 2021.PARIS — Improving Monaco beat Marseille 3-1 in the French league on Saturday for a fifth win in six games, while the struggling visitors slipped to a fourth straight defeat despite taking an early lead.After defender Guillermo Maripan equalized for Monaco, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni headed in the second goal and forward Stevan Jovetic thumped in a superb angled free kick in the last minute to complete what ended up as a comfortable win.Fourth-place Monaco moved one point behind third-place Lyon, which plays on Sunday, while Marseille remains in sixth spot.Arkadiusz Milik started on the bench for Mar...

24Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Leaders AC Milan stunned at home by Atalanta

Samu Castillejo of AC Milan, Cristian Romero of Atalanta, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan, Remo Freuler of Atalanta during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta Bergamo at San Siro Stadium on January 23, 2021 in Milan, Italy.AC Milan's lead at the top of Serie A was cut to two points after they were outplayed by Atalanta at the San Siro.Cristian Romero headed home Robin Gosens' corner after 26 minutes before Josip Ilicic was brought down by Milan's Franck Kessie in the area midway through the second half. Full-time at San Siro#MilanAtalanta #SempreMilan @emirates pic.twitter.com/Rej50hpSyr— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 23, 2021 Ilicic converted the penalty before Duvan Zapata added a third late on.Inter Milan, who could have gone level at the top with a win, were held to a goalles...

22Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona appeal against Messi two-game ban rejected: source

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona looks on during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final match between Barcelona and Bayern Munich at Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica on August 14, 2020 in Lisbon, Portugal.Barcelona's appeal against Lionel Messi's two-match ban following his sending-off in the Spanish Super Cup final was rejected on Friday, sources from the Spanish Football Federation told AFP.It means the Argentine will not be able to play for Barcelona in Sunday's game away at Elche in La Liga.Messi served the first match of his suspension as the Catalans won 2-0 in extra time away to near neighbours Cornella, of Spain's third-tier Segunda B division, on Thursday in the Copa del Rey.He was sent off late in extra time in Sunday's Super Cup final in Seville against Athletic Bilbao, which Barc...