September 2022 – Football Flame

30Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona still owe €50m for Miralem Pjanic & Philippe Coutinho transfers

Philippe Coutinho of Aston Villa acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on January 15, 2022 in Birmingham, England. Barcelona are thought to still owe as much as €144m on various incoming transfers from years – including €50m on Miralem Pjanic and Philippe Coutinho alone, both of whom have actually left Camp Nou in permanent deals. Barça made Coutinho one of the most expensive players of all time when they agreed a deal with Liverpool in 2018 worth up to €160m. But things quickly soured for the Brazilian and he spent time on loan at Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, before joining the latter for a minimal fee this year. Pjanic, meanwhile, was part of a slightly bizarre double deal in the summer of 2020 t...

30Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel Arteta defends Gabriel Jesus with Arsenal striker at risk of Premier League ban

Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal during a training session at London Colney on September 27, 2022 in St Albans, England.Mikel Arteta has come to the defence of striker Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal's top scorer runs the risk of picking up a suspension in this weekend's north London derby. The Brazilian frontman has scored four goals since arriving from Manchester City, helping the Gunners climb to the top of the Premier League table after seven matches. He has also earned four bookings, though, and another against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday would rule him out of the important Premier League game at home to Liverpool on October 9. Arteta suggested his team had been unlucky with some of the cards shown to the 25-year-old. However, he maintained it is in Jesus' nature to play the way he does. “There is...

29Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City set for Bernardo Silva talks to finalise midfield transfer plan

Bernardo Silva of Portugal during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 2 match between Portugal and Spain at Estadio Municipal de Braga on September 27, 2022 in Braga, Portugal.Manchester City will sit down with Bernardo Silva to discuss his future before they finalise plans for strengthening their midfield next summer. City are open to seeing the Portugal star extend his stay at the Etihad, but cannot ignore the fact that he has been open to leaving for the last two years. Barcelona conducted a very public pursuit of the star this year and – despite never actually bidding for him – have made noises about trying again for a player who will have two years remaining on his deal at the Etihad next summer but would still command a sizeable sum given his importance to the Premier League ...

28Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Inter Milan post 140 million-euro loss in 2021-22 accounts, 43 percent less than 2020-21

Inter's Head Coach Simone Inzaghi during the italian soccer Serie A match Udinese Calcio vs Inter - FC Internazionale on September 18, 2022 at the Friuli - Dacia Arena stadium in Udine, Italy.Inter Milan announced on Wednesday that they had posted a loss of 140 million euros ($133.9 million) for the 2021-22 season, a significant reduction in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The loss, which Inter say in a statement was due to virus restrictions still being in place for the first half of last campaign, was around 105 million euros less than the previous season’s record losses. Revenue was also up 75 million euros on the previous season to 439.6 million euros. Inter said if the end of the 2019-20 season (which ran into the following financial year after the pandemic ravaged Europe) is not t...

28Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Messi gets double as Argentina beat Jamaica 3-0

Argentina's Lionel Messi celebrates his goal during the international friendly football match between Argentina and Jamaica at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, on September 27, 2022. Lionel Messi came off the bench to score a late double as Jamaica were beaten 0-3 by Argentina in their friendly international, at the red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Tuesday. It was Argentina’s final friendly international before November’s World Cup finals in Qatar and Messi provided an exciting end after what was mostly a pedestrian game, the start of the Heimir Hallgrimsson era as the Reggae Boyz coach. Julian Alvarez had given Argentina the lead after 13 minutes but they had to wait until late in the game before Messi, who was a second half substitute, added two late strikes much to the delight of ...

28Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Banana thrown at Brazil during goal celebration

Brazil's forward Richarlison celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the friendly football match between Brazil and Tunisia at the Parc des Princes in Paris on September 27, 2022. A banana was thrown from the crowd at Brazil players celebrating a goal in a friendly against Tunisia in Paris on Tuesday. Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison, who is Black, had just scored the team’s second goal in a 5-1 win at Parc des Princes when the banana was thrown toward him and the other Brazilians celebrating near one of the corner flags. What appeared to be a water bottle and another object also were thrown toward them. Brazil was using the match to make a statement against racism, with the players posing before kickoff in front of a sign that said: “Without our black players, we wouldn’t ha...

27Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arteta facing nightmare Tottenham scenario with six-man Arsenal injury crisis

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to his players during a training session at London Colney on September 27, 2022 in St Albans, England.Arsenal make their return to action in the Premier League against Tottenham in a huge north London derby clash following the international break. However, the Gunners come away from the two-week break with a squad in less than ideal shape for such an occasion. Both sides have made a good start to the season – sitting first and third respectively – though Mikel Arteta will be hoping to enact his revenge on their near-neighbours after last season. Spurs managed to sneak into the top four over the Spaniard’s side in the final few games. One of those key turning points came in the north London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that had to be rearranged d...

27Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

England in a ‘good place’ for World Cup, says Harry Kane after 3-3 draw with Germany

Harry Kane of England celebrates after he scores a goal to make it 3-2 from the spot during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between England and Germany at Wembley Stadium on September 26, 2022 in London, England.England captain Harry Kane said the Three Lions are in a good place heading into the World Cup after a 3-3 draw with Germany on Monday despite going to Qatar on a six-game winless run. Kane looked to have completed a famous fightback for Gareth Southgate’s men as they came from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 at Wembley before Kai Havertz salvaged a point for the visitors. “The mentality and fight of the team was shown out there today,” said Kane, who moved to within two goals of matching Wayne Rooney’s record of 53 goals for England. “We didn’t get the win but we can be proud ...

26Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Che Adams is fit and says Scotland are ‘raring to go’ against Ukraine

Che Adams of Scotland before UEFA Nations League B Group 1 match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland.Scotland striker Che Adams has shrugged off a sickness bug and says he and the team are ready to take on Ukraine and earn promotion to the top tier of the Nations League. Manager Steve Clarke revealed on Monday morning that Adams and fellow forward Lyndon Dykes has suffered from sickness as a virus hit the Scotland camp. Adams confirmed he was wasn’t at his best but said he would be fit enough to play a role in a gem where Scotland just need a draw to earn several rewards, including a Euro 2024 play-off place. “I feel great, feeling better,” the Southampton striker said. “It is one of those ones where we have to get through it and put in a mas...

26Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Video: Wales relegated and France flop as Virgil van Dijk secures Netherlands win

Luka Modric of Croatia tackles Christoph Baumgartner of Austria during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between Austria and Croatia at Ernst Happel Stadion on September 25, 2022 in Vienna, Austria.Virgil van Dijk scored a late winner against Belgium on Sunday night to secure the Netherlands’ spot at next June’s Nations League finals.The Liverpool defender nodded home in the 73rd minute to secure a 1-0 win in Amsterdam. The Netherlands will be joined in the four-team tournament by Croatia, who scored twice in the second-half to confirm a 3-1 victory against Austria in Vienna.Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner cancelled out Luka Modric’s early opener for the visitors before Marko Livaja and Dejan Lovren struck to ensure Croatia finished top of Group A1. Their win spared France’s b...

25Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Arsenal confirm early Tierney return after injury concern on international duty

Kieran Tierney of Scotland leaves the field after recieving medical treatment during the UEFA Nations League League B Group 1 match between Scotland and Republic of Ireland at Hampden Park National Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland.Arsenal have confirmed that defender Kieran Tierney has made an early return to the club after suffering injury on international duty. The left-back was substituted with a head injury in Scotland’s UEFA Nations League clash with Republic of Ireland on Saturday.The move back to the Emirates Stadium comes as a precaution, with the club set to check over the 25-year-old before making a decision on his availability. It marks a second return from international duty for the Gunners in the space of two days, with midfielder Thomas Partey also coming ba...

25Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Gareth Southgate: I’m still ‘right person’ to lead England at World Cup

Gareth Southgate, head coach of England during Italy against England, Nations League, at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2022. Gareth Southgate insists he remains “the right person” to lead England into this year’s World Cup in Qatar, despite increased scrutiny after a disappointing Nations League campaign.England have been relegated from the Nations League top tier after a five-match winless run in which they lost twice to Hungary — including 4-0 at home — and failed to score a goal in open play.The crowd turned on Southgate after that Wembley shock in June, and there were boos again from visiting fans after the 1-0 defeat to Italy on Friday.But the manager who led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and then the Euro 2020 final last summer is adamant that “stability” ...

25Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Video: Cristiano Ronaldo suffers injury in Portugal’s thrashing of Czech Republic

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal injured with a bloody nose during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 2 match between Czech Republic and Portugal at Fortuna Arena on September 24, 2022 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo was left covered in blood after a nasty collision with Czech Republic goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik on Saturday night.The Manchester United forward went down in a heap after the mid-air collision in the 13th minute of the Nations League clash.He was left bloodied, bruised and dazed on the turf.Ronaldo required medical treatment on the pitch but later returned with a bandage on his nose.And he was soon back in the thick of the action by conceding a penalty for a handball, although Patrik Schick missed from the spot.Portugal ran out 4-0 winners to set up a...

24Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

McMenamin withdrawn from Northern Ireland squad

Northern IrelandÕs Conor McMenamin reacts after a missed chance during the UEFA Nations League match at Windsor Park, Belfast. Picture date: Sunday June 12, 2022.Conor McMenamin has been withdrawn from the Northern Ireland squad for their Nations League fixtures against Kosovo and Greece after an historic video surfaced appearing to show the Glentoran winger allegedly singing a pro-IRA chant. The decision came a day after Kyle Lafferty was sent home after his club Kilmarnock opened an investigation into a video appearing to show the veteran striker allegedly using sectarian language. The Irish FA announced the decision to axe McMenamin less than an hour before kick-off in Northern Ireland’s match against Kosovo at Windsor Park. A statement said: “In light of an historic social media video ...

24Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Watch Lionel Messi goal against Honduras

Forward Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina kicks the ball while being defended by Midfielder Hector Enrique Castellanos Villatoro #16 of Honduras during the international friendly match between Honduras and Argentina at Hard Rock Stadium on September 23, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.Argentina played their penultimate match before the Qatar 2022 World Cup on Friday night, beating Honduras 3-0 in Miami.

24Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Jules Kounde ruled out of El Clasico, could return for Bayern Munich clash – report

Jules Kounde of France during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between France and Austria at Stade de France on September 22, 2022 in Paris, France.Barcelona’s worst fears have now been confirmed as Javi Miguel of AS is reporting that Jules Kounde will be out of action for four to five weeks due to injury, effectively ruling him out of the gigantic clash against Real Madrid. The 23-year-old summer signing suffered an injury while playing for France against Austria in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday night. After tests were conducted in France, it was initially reported that he could be sidelined for a few weeks. Kounde flew back to Barcelona last evening and went into the club’s Ciutat Esportiva complex earlier today to have himself checked by the club doctors, who carried...

24Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

UEFA Nations League: Hungary beat Germany, England relegated

Adam Szalai of Hungary celebrates their side's win after the final whistle of the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Germany and Hungary at Red Bull Arena on September 23, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany.A superb first-half stiletto kick from striker Adam Szalai gave Hungary a 1-0 away win over Germany during their Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League group match at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena on Friday. The win cemented Hungary’s position on top of the group standings, with the unbeaten side only needing a draw in their final match away against Italy to secure top spot. Playing his second-last game before retiring from international football, striker Szalai gave Hungary the lead after 17 minutes. Szalai, who plies his trade at Swiss side Basel after a career...

23Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Ronaldo charged by FA for clash with Everton fan

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in action during the Portugal training session at Cidade do Futebol FPF on September 21, 2022 in Oeiras, Portugal.Cristiano Ronaldo was charged with “improper and/or violent” conduct by the English Football Association on Friday for an incident dating back five months. Footage showed Ronaldo appearing to knock a fan’s mobile phone to the ground after United’s 1-0 defeat at Everton on April 9, for which the Portuguese was cautioned by Merseyside Police. “Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3 for an incident that took place after Manchester United FC’s Premier League match against Everton on Saturday 9 April 2022,” said a FA spokesperson. “It is alleged that the forward’s conduct after the final whistle was improper and/or violent.” Afte...

23Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Arthur Melo ‘hires his own personal fitness team’ at Liverpool

Arthur Melo of Liverpool before the UEFA Champions League group A match between Liverpool FC and AFC Ajax at Anfield on September 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England.Liverpool summer arrival Arthur Melo has employed his own fitness team to ensure a speedy start under Jurgen Klopp, according to reports. The Brazil and Juventus midfielder, who is on loan at Anfield until next summer following his arrival on deadline day, came on as a substitute during the Reds’ 4-1 defeat by Napoli in the Champions League earlier this month. Despite handing Arthur his debut fairly swiftly — less than a week after he completed his switch to Merseyside — Jurgen Klopp decided not to use the playmaker against Ajax the following week. The 26-year-old suffered a handful of hamstring and ankle injuries at Juventus after...

23Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Croatia beat Denmark 2-1 to top Nations League group

Lovro Majer of Croatia celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second goal during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 1 match between Croatia and Denmark at Maksimir Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Zagreb, Croatia. Croatia substitute Lovro Majer scored a late goal as they beat Denmark 2-1 on Thursday to top UEFA Nations League A Group 1 with the winner coming two minutes after visiting captain Christian Eriksen’s superb equaliser. Having beaten the Danes in Copenhagen in June, the Croatians repeated the feat to reach 10 points from five games, one ahead of Denmark in their bid for a Nations League semi-final spot which goes to the pool winners. Croatia round off their group campaign at bottom side Austria, who lost 2-0 in Paris on Thursday to a France side that will b...