June 2023 – Page 2 – Football Flame

Month: June 2023

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Neymar to be handed second fine over unlicensed construction project in Brazil

 Neymar is seen in attendance during Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on June 09, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Environmental authorities in Brazil fined footballer Neymar a second time on Saturday after their orders to halt an unlicensed construction project at his mansion outside Rio de Janeiro were ignored, officials said. The Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star was already facing a fine of at least 5 million reais ($1 million) after authorities said they had found “various environmental infractions” on Thursday at his luxury property in the resort town of Mangaratiba, where workers were building an artificial lake and beach. The authorities cordoned off the site and ordered a halt to all activity, but Brazilian media re...
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SERIE A

Federico Chiesa Contemplates Juventus Exit

 Federico Chiesa of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands. Juventus ace Federico Chiesa has grown increasingly impatient with under-fire manager Massimiliano Allegri and could soon issue a transfer request. Gazzetta dello Sport took stock of the Italian’s future in Turin on Saturday, underscoring his frustration for the lack of playing time under the ex-Milan boss. Even though the two have never had a falling out, Allegri has never exploited Chiesa’s full potential. While there’s no denying a series of injury setbacks plagued the winger’s progress last season, his limited first-team opportunities after regaining full fitness didn’t go unnoticed. Unfortunately, fa...
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Sergio Busquets is joining former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami

 Sergio Busquets during the match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca, corresponding to the week 37 of the Liga Santander, played at the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium, in Barcelona, on 28th May 2023.Sergio Busquets is joining former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the team’s second major addition in less than a month. The team confirmed the move Friday in a video posted on Twitter. Inter Miami displayed the phrase “Busi,” referring to Busquets’ nickname, accompanied by quotes from various soccer stars. “On the field, he’s always No. 5, but in reality as a player and a person, he’s a 10,” Messi wrote in Spanish. The 35-year-old Messi announced on June 7 that he was joining Miami. He is expected to make his Major League Soccer debut in a home game on July 21, the team confi...
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Neves joins Saudi’s Al-Hilal for club record £47m

 Ruben Neves of Portugal ahead of the the UEFA EURO 2024 Qualifying Round Group J match between Iceland and Portugal at Laugardalsvollur on June 20, 2023 in Reykjavik, Iceland.Wolves have sold captain Ruben Neves to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal for a club record £47m. The 26-year-old Portugal midfielder had a year left on his contract and leaves after six seasons at Molineux. Neves is the latest big-name player to leave a European club for Saudi Arabia’s Pro League. Earlier this month Karim Benzema left Real Madrid for Al-Ittihad, joining former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo who signed for Al-Nassr in January. Midfielder N’Golo Kante agreed a deal to leave Chelsea and join France team-mate Benzema at Al-Ittihad earlier this week. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is also close to signing ...
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LALIGA

Rafael Benitez set to be named new Celta Vigo boss

 Rafael Benitez looks on before the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Rafael Benitez is to become the new manager of Celta Vigo, the Spanish club have announced. Celta have confirmed an “agreement in principle” has been reached for the former Liverpool, Newcastle and Real Madrid boss to take charge at the Balaidos Stadium from the start of pre-season training July. Benitez, 63, has been out of management since he was sacked by Everton in January last year. The Spaniard boasts considerable experience having also had spells at other clubs including Chelsea, Napoli, Inter Milan and Valencia. His successes include winning the Champions League, LaLiga twice, the Europa League, UEFA Cup, Club Wo...
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Man City midfielder Silva a target for Al Hilal

 Bernardo Silva of Manchester City looks on during the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal Second Leg match between FC Bayern Munchen and Manchester City at the Allianz Arena on April 19, 2023 in Munich, Germany.Manchester City attacking midfielder Bernardo Silva is a target for Saudi Pro-League side Al Hilal. Silva’s contract with City runs to 2025 and, while the club are keen for him to sign an extension, he has a number of offers on the table. Paris St-Germain are also interested in the 28-year-old, as are Barcelona, who have been linked with the Portuguese for the past two summers. Barcelona have already agreed to sign his club captain Ilkay Gundogan. However, both clubs could be eclipsed by the salaries on offer in Saudi Arabia. Riyadh-based Al Hilal, who are in the process of sig...
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LALIGA

Barcelona to kick off La Liga title defence at Getafe; Athletic Bilbao to host Real Madrid

 Xavi Hernandez coach of FC Barcelona celebrates the championship of La Liga 2022/2023 season after the match against Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain, on May 20th, 2023.Barcelona will begin the defence of their La Liga title away to Getafe on the weekend of August 12-13, while Real Madrid start the new season with a trip to Athletic Bilbao.Atletico Madrid take on newly-promoted Granada in the opening round of fixtures for the 2023-24 season that will finish on May 26.The first Clasico is scheduled for October 29 and will be played at the Olympic stadium on Montjuic, which is serving as Barcelona's temporary home while the Camp Nou is being result.A vast redevelopment plan is expected to be completed by 2026, with Barcelona due to return to their traditional home ...
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Midfielder Davies to leave Everton after 13 years

 Tom Davies of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on April 3, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.Everton midfielder Tom Davies will leave the club this summer after rejecting a new deal with the Toffees. Davies came through the academy at Goodison and has scored seven goals in 179 games for his hometown club. However, the 24-year-old, who joined Everton at the age of 11, has made just six Premier League starts across the past two seasons. “We respect his decision and thank him for his service and commitment,” said director of football Kevin Thelwell. “We offered Tom a new contract but he feels he has reached the stage in his career where he needs regular first-team football and, as a result, he wants to look at alternative ...
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Arsenal agree £65m deal for Chelsea forward Havertz

 Kai Havertz of Chelsea FC scores his team's second goal with a penalty kick during the UEFA Champions League football match Chelsea FC vs Borussia Dortmund on March 07, 2023 at the Stamford Bridge in London, United Kingdom.Arsenal have agreed a deal with Chelsea worth around £65m for Germany international forward Kai Havertz.It is understood the clubs have made an agreement in principle that will allow the player to discuss personal terms and have a medical.The fee for Havertz, who scored nine goals in 47 games for the Blues last season, could rise with add-ons. Havertz, 24, joined Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020 for a deal worth about £71m. He also scored the winning goal for Chelsea in the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City. Havertz is set to move across Lond...
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SERIE A

Llorente agrees personal terms with Roma

 The Roma player Diego Llorente during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal second leg match between AS Roma and Feyenoord at the Stadio Olimpico. Rome (Italy), April 20th, 2023.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has announced that Diego Llorente is set to join Roma in an £8.5m move in the next few days.The 29 year old centre back, only signed a three and a half year contract extension last December, but spent the second half of last season in Italy’s capital, and before long, expressed his desire to make the move permanent. Romano claims Llorente has agreed personal terms at the Stadio Olimpico, and is set to pen a multi-year deal. Leeds will be pleased to get him off their books. The Spanish International (10 caps) has been earning £56,000 a week (or just over £240,000 a move before tax)...
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LALIGA

Toni Kroos signs Real Madrid contract extension

 Toni Kroos of Real Madrid CF looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Athletic Club at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on June 04, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Toni Kroos has signed a contract extension at Real Madrid. The Germany international joined the Spanish club back in 2014 and has gone on to make more than 400 appearances. He has now agreed to a one-year extension, which will see him remain at the Bernabeu until 2024. The Athletic reported in April that Kroos was expected to sign a new deal, with talks beginning in the early months of 2023. Real were open to extending Kroos’ contract until 2025, but he opted for just one further year at the Bernabeu. Kroos is one of the most decorated players in club history having collected 20 trophies. He has won four Champi...
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Chelsea sign France striker Nkunku for £52m

 Christopher Nkunku of France looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group B match between France and Greece at Stade de France on June 19, 2023 in Saint-Denis, France.Chelsea have signed France striker Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig for £52m. The 25-year-old scored 16 goals in 25 games in the Bundesliga last season. Nkunku, who has won 10 caps for France, is manager Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing since he took charge in May. “I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea. A big effort was made to bring me to the club. I am very excited for this challenge and will be proud to wear the Chelsea shirt,” Nkunku said. “Having played in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I now want to play in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world. “I am looking forward t...
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Nigeria, Cape Verde and Mali qualify for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire

 A brace by in-form striker Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles to the important awa victory that helped the Super Eagles to win the match and secure their qualification for the tournament to be played in Cote d’Ivoire Nigeria dominated the early exchanges and in the 19th minute, Osimhen lobbed the ball past Sierra Leone goalkeeper Ibrahim Sessay, igniting jubilation among the Super Eagles contingent. Just three minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze came close to extending the lead, but his shot veered off target. With a well-executed assist from Ahmed Musa, Osimhen capitalized on the defense’s neglect and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike, further cementing the Super Eagles’ advantage. Osimhen’s brace also propelled him to the top of the scorer rankings with seven goals, surpas...
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Spain win Nations League final on penalties

 Coach Luis de la Fuente of Spain, Kepa Arrizabalaga of Spain, Dani Carvajal of Spain, Robin Le Normand of Spain, Nacho of Spain, Martin Zubimendi of Spain, Mikel Merino of Spain, Alvaro Morata of Spain, Fabian Ruiz of Spain, Gavi of Spain, Marco Asensio of Spain, Sergio Canales of Spain, Ansu Fati of Spain, David Raya of Spain, Aymeric Laporte of Spain, Yeremy Pino of Spain, Rodri of Spain, Fran Garcia of Spain, Jordi Alba of Spain, Rodrigo of Spain, Joselu of Spain, Dani Olmo of Spain, Jesus Navas of Spain and Unai Simon of Spain celebrate their victory during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Final match between Croatia and Spain at the De Kuip on June 18, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Croatia missed out on their first international trophy after losing on penalties to Spain in the ...
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Italy third in Nations League after 3-2 win over Dutch

 Federico Dimarco of Italy celebrates with team-mates after scoring the goal during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 18, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Italy have claimed the consolation bronze medals at the Nations League finals, and added to a disappointing week for their Dutch hosts , as they edged the Dutch 3-2 in the third place play-off at the Twente Stadium. Federico Dimarco thrashed the ball home at the far post in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubled the score from in front of goal in the 20th minute to give Italy a comfortable halftime lead in Sunday’s clash. But the Dutch launched a concerted second half comeback, making three attacking changes at the break and laying siege to Italy’s goal be...
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Wales defender Davies to miss Turkey qualifier

 Ben Davies of Wales during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group D match between Wales and Armenia at Cardiff City Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales.Wales defender Ben Davies has withdrawn from the squad for their Euro 2024 qualification match against Turkey due to the birth of his first child. Striker Kieffer Moore is unavailable after his red card against Armenia on Friday, while goalkeeper Tom King has also not travelled to Samsun. Rob Page’s side are looking to bounce back after a humiliating 4-2 home defeat by Armenia on Tuesday. Turkey are top of Group D with Wales two points behind in third. Losing two key players was not part of Page’s script as he attempts to get Wales back on track against Turkey on Monday. Defeat by Armenia on Friday ranks as one of the worst ...
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Al Hilal agree fee with Wolves for Ruben Neves

 Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers at City Ground on January 11, 2023 in Nottingham, England.Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal have agreed a €55million (£47m) fee with Wolverhampton Wanderers for the signing of Ruben Neves. The Midlands side are eager to conclude a deal swiftly that would see the Portugal international leave England for the Saudi Pro League. Neves, who has one year left on his Wolves contract, is in negotiations with Al Hilal over personal terms and a move is expected to go through. The Athletic reported last month that senior figures at Barcelona wanted to sign Neves. The La Liga club discussed signing him last summer but were unable to find the funds and are having the same...
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Lukaku rescues point for Belgium against Austria

 Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates his goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group F match between Belgium and Austria at King Baudouin Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.Romelu Lukaku scored a second-half equaliser as Belgium salvaged a draw against Austria in Euro 2024 qualifying in Brussels. The Chelsea forward received the ball with his back to goal before turning and evading the Austrian defence to fire past Alexander Schlager. Michael Gregoritsch had given Austria the lead as his first-time effort was deflected past Thibaut Courtois. The visitors remain top of Group F, while Belgium stay second. Lukaku’s goal was one of two attempts on targets by the hosts, who were without Kevin de Bruyne after he suffered a hamstring injury during Manchester City’s victo...
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Euro 2024 qualifiers roundup: France maintains perfect record by beating Gibraltar

 Kylian Mbappé of France celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group B match between Gibraltar and France at Estadio Algarve on June 16, 2023 in Faro near Faro, Portugal.France maintained their perfect record in Group B of the European Championship qualifying with a resounding 3-0 triumph over Gibraltar, courtesy of goals from Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe. Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe scored for France in their 3-0 victory over Gibraltar in European Championship qualifying. Giroud netted after only three minutes but a penalty from Mbappe just before half-time was the only other chance that the World Cup finalists converted before a late own goal from Aymen Mouelhi as France maintained their 100 per cent record in Group B. In ...
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Smalling signs new contract with Roma

 Chris Smalling of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on June 04, 2023 in Rome, Italy. Former England defender Chris Smalling has signed a new two-year contract with Italian side Roma. The 33-year-old joined the Serie A club on a season-long loan from Manchester United in 2019 before he made the switch permanent in 2020. Smalling’s previous deal at the Stadio Olimpico was set to expire next month. “I’m playing the best football of my career here and my family and I have felt so welcome in this wonderful city from day one,” he told Roma’s website. “What’s more, this club is clearly taking great strides forward in all areas. Choosing to remain at Roma was an easy decision to make.” Smalling, who has been capped 31 times by Eng...
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