May 2022 – Page 5 – Football Flame

Month: May 2022

LALIGA

Barca’s Aubameyang retires from internationals

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of FC Barcelona looks on during the La Liga Santader match between FC Barcelona and RC Celta de Vigo.Striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has retired from international football, the Gabon federation said Wednesday.The federation said it received a letter from the Barcelona striker and Gabon captain on Tuesday informing it of his decision, after playing for the national team for 13 years.The Gabon federation published parts of Aubameyang's letter, where he thanked the Gabonese people, his coaches, teammates and his father, who also played for Gabon in the 1980s and 90s."Hope to have made him proud by wearing our colors," Aubameyang wrote in his letter.The 32-year-old Aubameyang played 72 times for Gabon and is his country's all-time leading scorer with 30 goals. With...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Lampard insists Everton cannot treat home clash with Crystal Palace as ‘all or nothing’

Everton manager Frank Lampard applauds the supporters following the Premier League match between Everton and Brentford at Goodison Park on May 15, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Frank Lampard insist Everton must not adopt a belief that their fight for survival boils down to an “all or nothing” encounter at home to Crystal Palace.The Toffees realistically need two points from their remaining two matches but fans, well aware of the team’s woeful away record, have long been fearing a final-day trip to Arsenal.But Lampard said it would not be wise to pin all their hopes on their last home game of the season in case they still needed to go to the Emirates to get something at the weekend.“If you approach it as ‘all or nothing’ and then we don’t get the right result, do you then try to rekindle that ...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel describes Man City and Liverpool as Premier League’s best ever

Thomas Tuchel, manager of Chelsea looks on during the national anthem during The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2022 in London, England.Thomas Tuchel has described Manchester City and Liverpool as 'maybe the best teams to ever play' in the Premier League but is pleased with Chelsea's progress this season.The Blues will likely finish third in the final standings, albeit some way behind the two title challengers, but Tuchel expressed satisfaction given the sanctions imposed on the club as owner Roman Abramovich was ousted.In addition to qualification for next season's Champions League, Chelsea have reached both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals - losing both on penalties to Liverpool - and won the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.But ...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Beating this Liverpool side to Premier League title would be Guardiola’s finest achievement

Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool celebrates their sides victory after the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on May 17, 2022 in Southampton, England.Jurgen Klopp classed Liverpool’s chances of winning the Premier League title as “not likely but possible” after 2-1 victory over Southampton on Tuesday night moved them within a point of leaders Manchester City.It means the fate of the title race remains in City’s own hands; if they win on Aston Villa, they will be crowned champions for the fourth time in five years, with Liverpool’s victory in 2020 the only interruption.The Reds looked as though they might have conceded the league early when a second-string line-up went down 1-0 to Southampton early on, but goals from Takumi Minamino and Joel Matip t...
NEWS

Thousands of Fans arrive in Seville ahead of Europa League final

18 May 2022, Hessen, Frankfurt/Main: Fans of Bundesliga soccer club Eintracht Frankfurt in their white T-shirts wait at the departure counter at Frankfurt Airport this morning. Around 50,000 Eintracht supporters are expected to attend the Europa League final against Glasgow Rangers in Seville, although the club's ticket quota is only 10,000.Fans of Eintracht Frankfurt of Germany and Rangers of Scotland gathered in sunny Seville on Tuesday ahead of the 51st edition of the Europa League final."It's just something you dream of as a kid that you don't actually think you'd see," said Scott Dowling, a Rangers fan as he prepares to watch his side in their fifth European final. "I think following a Real Madrid, a Manchester United, you expect it. But for us, it is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. ...
TRANSFERS

Liverpool and Manchester United make approach for Ajax winger Antony

Antony of AFC Ajax in action during the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen leg one football match between SL Benfica and AFC Ajax at the Luz stadium in Lisbon, Portugal on February 23, 2022.Manchester United and Liverpool have both made an approach for Ajax winger Antony, according to reports in Brazil.The 22-year-old has been one of Ajax’s standout performers under Erik ten Hag this season, scoring 12 goals and registering 10 assists in 33 appearances.United are looking to bolster their attacking options after a woeful campaign and it’s understood that Ten Hag has identified Antony as a signing who could immediately improve his squad.Ten Hag has now worked with Anthony for two seasons at Ajax and the Brazil international was quick to make an impact in the Eredivisie following his arri...
TRANSFERS

Juventus, Angel Di Maria Reportedly Agree to Terms

 Angel Di Maria of PSG celebrates his goal during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Montpellier HSC (MHSC) and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson on May 14, 2022 in Montpellier, France. Italian giant Juventus and Argentine winger Angel Di Maria have reportedly agreed to terms on a contract, according to Goal via CBS Sports Golazo. Di Maria is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season. The contract will be a one-year deal, although with a second year option. First off, Juventus is saying goodbye to Paulo Dybala. He’s officially played his last home match for the club, and will play his last match this coming weekend. Dybala has been a mainstay in the Juventus attack for several years now, so his departure opens a major h...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool beat Saints to keep alive title race

Che Adams of Southampton is challenged by Joel Matip of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary's Stadium on May 17, 2022 in Southampton, England.Liverpool have taken the Premier League title race down to the final day of the season by coming from behind to win at Southampton.Jurgen Klopp's side knew defeat would hand the title to Manchester City - while even a draw would effectively end the challenge because of their inferior goal difference.And it looked as if Liverpool might have a struggle on their hands when Nathan Redmond gave Southampton a 13th-minute lead with a curling right-foot shot beyond Alisson.Liverpool, with nine changes from the side that won the FA Cup by beating Chelsea on penalties at Wembley on Saturday, once again showed ...
LALIGA

Barcelona have already set new meeting for Ousmane Dembele contract talks

07 Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and RD Mallorca at Camp Nou Stadium on May 1, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona are already said to have set a date for a meeting with Ousmane Dembele.The French winger still hasn’t made up his mind over his future, having been offered a new deal by Barca.In fact, Barcelona have offered a number of deals, though the first few were believed to have been low-ball offers. Since then, Dembele has impressed under Xavi Hernandez, and it became abundantly clear that the Blaugrana would have to step up their game if they wanted to keep their French winger.They did, and a new offer was submitted a ‘long time’ ago, according to Barca president Joan Laporta.No reply has been given by Dembele or hi...
SERIE A

Juventus Open Negotiation to Extend De Ligt Contract

Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt (4) looks on during the Serie A football match n.33 JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA on April 16, 2022 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Piedmont, Italy. Final result: Juventus-Bologna 1-1.On top of making an offer for Paul Pogba, Juventus discussed the future of Matthijs De Ligt with his representative Rafaela Pimenta, who heads the firm of the late Mino Raiola. The Bianconeri wish to prolong his contract to make sure he stays.The defender is tied to the club until 2024. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the brass proposed to tack on two more years. It does not appear his wages would change, but the move would still help them with the balance sheets. And it would give the club more leverage in case of offers.Giorgio Chiellini anointed De Ligt as his Juventus heir in his...
TRANSFERS

Borussia Dortmund pay tribute to departing Erling Haaland ahead of his £51m move to Manchester City

Erling Haaland of Dortmund is seen prior to the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hertha BSC at Signal Iduna Park on May 14, 2022 in Dortmund, Germany.Borussia Dortmund have paid tribute to departing striker Erling Haaland ahead of his move to Manchester City this summer. It was confirmed last week that the 21-year-old will join Pep Guardiola's side at the end of the season in a £51million move. Ahead of the last home game of the season against Hertha Berlin, Haaland was honoured in front of a full Signal Iduna Park. Before kick-off, he was given a round of applause by fans and team-mates and was then presented with a bouquet flowers and a 'Danke Haaland' poster by Dortmund chiefs.The Norwegian went on to score from the penalty spot as Dortmund came from behind ...
TRANSFERS

Jurgen Klopp speaks out on Liverpool’s interest in Kylian Mbappe

Manager Jurgen Klopp of Liverpool after Liverpool's victory in The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2022 in London, England.Jurgen Klopp insists Liverpool are interested in signing Kylian Mbappe but admits the club cannot compete with Real Madrid for the Paris Saint-Germain forward.The 23-year-old’s contract with PSG expires at the end of the season and it’s understood that the forward has now reached an agreement to join Madrid on a free transfer this summer.Reports in Spain have claimed that Liverpool made a late approach for Mbappe but while the France international is flattered by the interest from the Champions League finalists, he is intent on joining Madrid.Klopp, meanwhile, concedes that he would love Mbappe in his squad but says Liverp...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta refuses to defend Arsenal players after Newcastle defeat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to Mo Elneny during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on May 16, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Mikel Arteta refused to defend his Arsenal players following their shambolic performance in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Monday evening.The Gunners have now put Tottenham in the driving seat to qualify for a Champions League place as the loss at St James’ Park means they are two points behind their north London rivals with one game remaining.Arsenal, who host Everton on the final day, now require Spurs to lose against Norwich City on Sunday to stand any chance of finishing fourth in the Premier League.But Arteta admitted after the defeat to Newcastle that his side looked well short of looking like a C...
TRANSFERS

Kylian Mbappe agrees Real Madrid deal after rejecting late Liverpool approach

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian MBappe receives the Best Ligue 1 Player award during the TV show on May 15, 2022 in Paris, as part of the 30th edition of the UNFP (French National Professional Football players Union) trophy ceremony.Kylian Mbappe has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid this summer after turning down a late approach from Liverpool, according to reports in Spain.The 23-year-old is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season and is not expected to agree a new deal.Both Real Madrid and Liverpool were reportedly keen on securing the France international, while PSG have been desperately trying to tie the forward down to anew deal.However, Marca report that Mbappe has chosen to join Madrid and has agreed a contract with the Spanish champions.The re...
SERIE A

Juventus held by Lazio amid emotional farewells for Chiellini and Dybala

Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus leaves the pitch and passes the armband to his teammate Paulo Dybala during the Serie A match between Juventus and SS Lazio at Allianz Stadium on May 16, 2022 in Turin, Italy.Juventus fans said goodbye to their captain, Giorgio Chiellini, and forward Paolo Dybala during Monday night’s game against Lazio – but the visitors’ last-gasp equaliser spoiled the farewell party in Turin.Chiellini had recently announced he was leaving Juve this summer after 17 seasons at the club – with MLS in the United States a likely destination. The centre-back was substituted in the 17th minute, taking off the captain’s armband and giving it to Dybala before being replaced by Matthijs de Ligt.By that time, striker Dusan Vlahovic had already scored the opener from Álvaro Morata’s as...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal injury news and predicted XI as Mikel Arteta faces defensive crisis

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during a training session at London Colney on May 15, 2022 in St Albans, England. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta knows he may have to field a makeshift defence if Ben White is not fit to start against Newcastle United. The Gunners boss did not sound confident that White or Gabriel Magalhaes would return from injury when he spoke with the press earlier this week.Last week's defeat to arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur, not only closed the gap to fourth place, but saw Arsenal finish the game with ten men. A red card for Rob Holding means he'll also be absent for the Gunners tonight.“It's a good question,” Arteta told Football London when asked about the status of players who might be available including White and Gabriel. “We will know probably more tomorrow, so we wa...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp makes prediction for Man City vs Aston Villa

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp celebrates with the trophy following The FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on May 14, 2022 in London, England.Jurgen Klopp cannot see Manchester City failing to beat Aston Villa in their final game of the Premier League season, admitting that it is very unlikely that his Liverpool side will manage to win the title.The Reds go to Southampton on Tuesday night in their penultimate league match of the campaign, knowing that a victory will put them just one point behind City at the top of the table.A win at St Mary’s would take the Premier League title race down to the final day, but it would leave Liverpool needing to win at home to Wolves and hope that City slip up at home to Villa.Klopp admits that this is unlikely, especially ...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Ben Foster announces he will leave Watford

Ben Foster of Watford FC warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Watford and Leicester City at Vicarage Road on May 15, 2022 in Watford, England.Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster has confirmed he will leave Watford at the end of the season after the club’s relegation from the Premier League.The 39-year-old rejoined Watford from West Brom in the summer of 2018 but will not be staying on as the club rebuild for life back in the Championship.Foster announced his decision on his Twitter account, posting: “The ups, downs, good, bad and ugly... it’s all part of the journey!“My time at Watford is up, but a huge thanks for all the support and love I’ve received from fans, players and staff in the six years with the club, it’s been a blast!“Looking forward to what next season will bri...
NEWS

Official: Barcelona to take on Real Betis for the Spanish Supercup semi-finals

The logo of the Supercopa is pictured on the eve of the Spanish Super Cup semi final between Valencia and Real Madrid on January 7, 2020, at the King Abdullah Sport City in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah.After securing second place in La Liga with a 0-0 draw against Getafe, Barcelona have also officially secured their place in the Supercopa de Espana for next season, also known as the Spanish Super Cup.As the rules dictate, the runners of La Liga take on the winners of the Copa del Rey, while the winners of La Liga lock horns against the runners up of the Copa del Rey. The winners of each game battle it out in the finals.This season, Real Betis won the Kings’ Cup beating Valencia in the final. Hence, Barcelona have been pitched against Manuel Pellegrini’s side for the semis, while L...
SERIE A

AC Milan win, edge closer to Serie A title

Rafael Leao of AC Milan battles for possession with Berat Djimsiti of Atalanta BC during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 15, 2022 in Milan, Italy.AC Milan's lengthy wait for the Italian league title will last another week at least.Second-half goals from Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez saw Milan beat Atalanta 2-0 and they now only need one point from their final match to secure a first Serie A title since 2011.The Rossoneri could even have clinched the title on Sunday but defending champions and fierce rivals Inter Milan won 3-1 at relegation-threatened Cagliari to keep their fading title hopes alive.Milan are two points ahead of Inter and have the better head-to-head record, which is the first tiebreaker in Serie A. Stefano Pioli's Milan p...
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