May 2024 – Page 3 – Football Flame

Month: May 2024

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TRANSFERS

Crystal Palace closing in on signing 20-year-old Barcelona loanee

Chadi Riad of Real Betis in action during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis Balompie at Civitas Metropolitano stadium on March 03, 2024, in Madrid, Spain. Chadi Riad, who has spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Real Betis from Barcelona, is reportedly on the verge of joining Crystal Palace.According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chadi Riad has been the subject of interest from Crystal Palace in recent weeks. The Moroccan international has already agreed to join the South London club in the summer transfer window. The Eagles will cough up a base fee of €12 million to secure the services of the Barcelona loanee.Who is Chadi Riad?Chadi Riad has found a stable footing in his career since joining Real Beti...
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SERIE A

Osimhen missing from Striker of the Year shortlist

Victor Osimhen of Napoli reacts during the Serie A TIM match between Cagliari and SSC Napoli at Sardegna Arena on February 25, 2024 in Cagliari, Italy. Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen is conspicuously missing as the Lega Serie A officially revealed their three-player shortlist for the Striker of the Year prize as part of the division’s annual MVP awards, including Milan’s Rafael Leao, Paulo Dybala of Roma and Juventus leading goalscorer Dusan Vlahovic.There are several prizes up for grabs upon the end of the 2023-24 season, including the equivalent awards for goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders, as well as the U-23 player of the year, and the league’s overall MVP, which will be announced directly, without a shortlist, on May 24.This is the sixth season in the current...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Mauricio Pochettino leaves Chelsea after one year as manager of the Premier League club

Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea, reacts prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on February 12, 2024 in London, England. Mauricio Pochettino has left Chelsea by mutual consent, the Premier League club said Tuesday.Pochettino spent just one season as manager at Stamford Bridge and endured a troubled campaign in which he failed to secure qualification for the Champions League.“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea, we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio for his service this season. He will be welcome back to Stamford Bridge any time and we wish him all the very best in his future coaching career,” Chelsea sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said in a statement.Chelsea finished sixth in the standings, was...
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LALIGA

Real Madrid player Toni Kroos to retire after EURO 2024

 Toni Kroos of Germany reacts during the international friendly match between France and Germany at Groupama Stadium on March 23, 2024 in Lyon, France. Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos will retire after this summer's European Championship largely known as the UEFA EURO 2024, the player confirmed on Tuesday."This decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro championship," Kroos said on Instagram."As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level," he added.The 34-year-old previously announced his retirement from the Germ...
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NEWS

Marcus Rashford has been left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024

 Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at City Ground on February 28, 2024 in Nottingham, England. Marcus Rashford has been left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024, according to The Athletic.Rashford, 26, has experienced a difficult season for Manchester United and has scored just eight goals in 42 appearances for the Red Devils. He also lost his starting place to Alejandro Garnacho.The forward has won 60 caps for England since making his debut in 2026.England manager Gareth Southgate will name a preliminary squad for Euro 2024 at 2 pm UK time.Ahead of the squad announcement, it has been reported that Rashford will not be among the 26-man selection.Want to know more about livets...
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BUNDESLIGA

Leverkusen two games away from unbeaten season

Xabi Alonso, Manager of Bayer Leverkusen, looks on prior to the Bundesliga match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at BayArena on February 23, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. Bayer Leverkusen are two games away from achieving an unprecadented full season unbeaten.Leverkusen completed a full Bundesliga season with losing on Saturday -- extending their run to 51 games -- having clinched the title last month. Xabi Alonso's side now face two cup finals in four days to achieve a previously unthinkable unbeaten season in domestic and continental competition.Leverkesen will play in the Europa League final against Atalanta on Wednesday before facing second-tier side Kaiserslautern in the German Cup final on Saturday -- a game in which they are heavily favoured.Alonso's side have pr...
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NEWS

Gareth Southgate to call up Liverpool star to replace Jordan Henderson in preliminary Euro 2024 squad

Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson of England inspect the pitch prior to the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 2024 in London, England.Jordan Henderson is reportedly set to miss out on selection in England's provisional Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate - with a surprise name in line to replace him.The 34-year-old started the 2023/24 season with Liverpool, but left to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq before the Premier League campaign began.After six months in Saudi Arabia, he ended his contract by mutual consent before moving to Eredivisie giants Ajax.Southgate had assured Henderson that his place in the England squad was secure at the beginning of the season, and he continued to be selected in squads despite his move away fro...
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LALIGA

Barcelona pre-season 2024/25: Fixtures and schedule

Head Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona celebrates with Marc-André ter Stegen of FC Barcelona outside the dressing room after their victory during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between FC Barcelona and SSC Napoli at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 12, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona seemed to be heading into a prosperous new era with Xavi at the helm, but the relinquishing of their La Liga crown has left the Spaniard with an uncertain future.The manager's U-turn after deciding to step down at the end of the season means he's expected to be in charge for the start of pre-season this summer, but there are no guarantees in Catalonia.Xavi's future is seeped in doubt, although there's little room for speculation regarding Barca's pre-season plans.Her...
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LALIGA

Real Madrid pre-season 2024/25: Fixtures and schedule

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates with teammate Jude Bellingham after scoring their team's first goal during the Super Copa de España Final match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona on January 14, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Real Madrid could end 2023/24 with three trophies in their back pocket and there's no overlooking the club's summer preparations in their success.The addition of Jude Bellingham helped mitigate the void left by Karim Benzema, while under-the-radar acquisition Joselu inspired the club into yet another Champions League final by scoring a late brace against Bayern Munich.A productive pre-season in the United States doubtlessly contributed to an impressively unified Madrid dressing room despite the litany of superstars and that collective cohesion is set to...
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NEWS

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami troubled by key defender suffering brutal injury

 Inter Miami CF center back Nicolas Freire (21) looks up field during a match between the New England Revolution and Inter Miami CF on April 27, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Inter Miami, currently leading the MLS table, faces a setback as their star defender Nicolas Freire suffered a torn ACL, keeping him out for the rest of the season.Freire sustained the season-ending injury during a recent match against DC United, where Inter Miami secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Leonardo Campana in extra time. The club's communications department confirmed that Freire would undergo surgery at Baptist Health and is projected to be sidelined for the rest of the season.Throughout the 2024 season, Freire, the Argentine defender on loan from Liga MX team Pumas UNA...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Aston Villa confirm Adidas for new multi-year kit deal beginning next season

 Premier League 2023/24 match balls lined up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester City and Aston Villa at Etihad Stadium on April 3, 2024 in Manchester, England. Aston Villa have confirmed that adidas will be the club’s new kit partner from the 2024/25 season onwards. Adidas will replace Castore for Villa’s debut season in the Champions League.Described as a multi-year deal, no value was given for the new partnership though it is said to be a record for the club. It is the first time adidas have supplied Villa’s kit.Aston Villa co-owner Nassef Sawiris owns about 7% of Adidas.Castore were reportedly paying Villa £3 million per season but the relationship with the club started to sour after players complained about Castore’s ‘wet look’ shirts which they said retaine...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Arne Slot’s player ‘fine system’ as Liverpool confirm head coach appointment

Head Coach Arne Slot of Feyenoord says goodbye to Feyenoord during the Dutch Eredivisie match between Feyenoord and Excelsior at De Kuip on May 19, 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Liverpool's new head coach Arne Slot is set to implement a series of fines for players upon his arrival at Anfield.The former Feyenoord boss was confirmed as the new manager of the Reds this evening. His arrival has been one of the worst-kept secrets in football since Jurgen Klopp led the Liverpool fans in chants for the Dutchman on Sunday.Slot himself had also announced earlier in the month that he had taken on the position at Anfield during a press conference. The 45-year-old is heading into a difficult job with the Reds as he looks to navigate the new era at the club.To help him do this, according to The Athlet...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ross Barkley set to join Premier League club after Luton relegation

Ross Barkley of Luton Town scores his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Luton Town at Etihad Stadium on April 13, 2024 in Manchester, England. Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Ross Barkley from Luton Town after they were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday.Barkley had been linked with a move to Manchester United and it was thought that Sir Jim Ratcliffe saw him as a potential replacement for Casemiro.But Villa want to strengthen their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window as they prepare for the Champions League after finishing fourth in the top-flight.It seems they’re set to bring in Barkley – who massively impressed for Luton in the 2023-24 campaign – after arriving at Kenilworth Road as a free agent l...
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Ligue 1

Radoslaw Majecki extends his contract until 2028

Radoslaw MAJECKI (asm) during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Lyon and Monaco at Groupama Stadium on April 28, 2024 in Lyon, France.AS Monaco are delighted to announce the extension of Radoslaw Majecki's contract. The 24-year-old Polish goalkeeper is now tied to the club until June 2028.After arriving from Legia Warsaw in the winter of 2020 and spending last season on loan at Cercle Brugge, Radoslaw Majecki played an active role in the club’s results in the second half of the 2023-24 season, contributing to the return to the Champions League, finishing 2nd in Ligue 1.At the start of January, his match against RC Lens in the Coupe de France, crowned by a successful penalty shoot-out that gave his side victory, launched his season in the best possible way.In Ligue 1 Uber Eats, the 1.93m ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Klopp seeks private life, encourages Liverpool fans to embrace the future

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool asleep with the Carabao Cup on the flight back to Liverpool after the Carabao Cup Final between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2024 in London, England.Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he plans to retreat into a private life following his departure from the Premier League club and has no immediate plans to return to management.Klopp bade farewell to the Anfield faithful in a long address after Liverpool's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday and led the crowd in a song for incoming manager Arne Slot, who has enormous shoes to fill.Klopp, who famously introduced himself as "the normal one" in his first Liverpool press conference, was glad he is leaving the club in a good position after enjoying a trophy laden car...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Andre Onana names two key players ahead of Manchester United FA Cup final vs Man City

Andre Onana of Manchester United warms up ahead of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Brighton, England.Andre Onana is calling on everyone associated with Man United to stand together ahead of this weekend's FA Cup final at Wembley.Goalkeeper Andre Onana insists the returns of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will give Manchester United a significant boost ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley.Martinez started for the first time since February 4 as United beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 on the final day of the Premier League season. Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund both scored in the second half to seal a second successive win for the Reds.Varane, like...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Emotional Bukayo Saka moment applies pressure to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

David raya and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal during the Arsenal and Adidas kit shoot at Emirates Stadium on February 28, 2024 in London, England.Arsenal could face a fight to keep Bukayo Saka long-term if they again fail to land the Premier League title next season. Despite not being passed fit to face Everton at the Emirates on Sunday, the England forward was overcome with emotion at the final whistle, visibly in tears after the Gunners were confined to second place in the table.Mikel Arteta’s side kicked-off against Everton knowing no less than a win would suffice if they were to have any chance of ending their 20-year wait for a top flight title, and the hosts delivered. Despite trailing to Idrissa Gueye's deflected free-kick, Takehiro Tomiyasu levelled before half time and Kai Havertz scrambl...
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SERIE A

Atalanta can end 61-year wait for trophy in Europa League final

Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A TIM match between US Lecce and Atalanta BC at Stadio Via del Mare on May 18, 2024 in Lecce, Italy.Atalanta have a date with history and Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday when the Italians aim to become the first team to beat the new German champions this season and win their first ever European final.Gian Piero Gasperini's side have in the Dublin Europa League final another shot at winning a first trophy in 61 years after losing the Italian Cup final against Juventus last week.The traditionally small club from Bergamo travel to Ireland in high spirits after securing a spot in next season's revamped Champions League.Star forwards Charles De Ketelaere and Gianluca Scamacca secured ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man City win record fourth English title in a row as Foden scores twice

Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-0 during the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England.Imperious Manchester City beat West Ham 3-1 at Etihad Stadium to become the first team to win the English league title four seasons in a row.With City needing a win to be sure of holding off Arsenal, who started the final day two points behind but with a better goal difference, Phil Foden put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead after just two minutes.The England star added another before the break and although Mohammed Kudus pulled one back, midfielder Rodri restored the home side's two-goal cushion with a shot from the edge of the area after 59 minutes.City survived a late scare when West Ha...
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SERIE A

Reports Allegri and Juventus partnership could end in court

 Massimiliano Allegri head coach fo Juventus FC looks on during the Coppa Italia 2023/2024 Frecciarossa final match between Atalanta BC and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on May 15, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Juventus’ recent dismissal of head coach Massimiliano Allegri could potentially end in a court case according to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport on Sunday morning.Allegri was officially sacked on Friday, in the aftermath of Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final, where, despite Juventus lifting the trophy, the coach erupted on the touchline, before making a series of alleged personal threats to Tuttosport editor Guido Vaciago.Do Juventus owe Allegri €7m?La Gazzetta report that Juventus consider themselves negatively impacted by Friday’s sacking, and that they have been evaluating the...
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