NEWS

21Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

England, Marcus Rashford, NEWS

Rashford ruled out of England Euro qualifiers

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United in action during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. England will be without Marcus Rashford for Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine after the in-form Manchester United forward picked up a knock in Sunday’s FA Cup victory over Fulham. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount have also pulled out of Gareth Southgate’s squad. Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster is the only replacement called up by Southgate, who named a 25-man squad last week. Rashford’s absence is the most serious blow given his scintillating form since the World Cup. The 25-year-old has scored a career-high 27 goals for United this season, 19 of whi...

18Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Darwin Nunez, NEWS, Uruguay

Nunez pulls out of Uruguay squad with injury

Darwin Nunez of Liverpool FC runs with the ball during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Real Madrid and Liverpool FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has pulled out of the Uruguay squad for their upcoming friendlies because of injury. The 23-year-old forward was named in the squad for Uruguay’s matches against Japan and South Korea on 24 and 28 March respectively. Nunez will instead receive treatment at the Premier League club’s training centre. Liverpool did not specify what the injury was in their statement but reports suggest it is an ankle issue. It is thought he sustained the injury against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, when Liverpool lost 6-2 on aggregate in the last 16. Club ...

17Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Chelsea, NEWS

Champions League draw produces top-heavy quarter-final line-up

Presenter Pedro Pinto speaks during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 Quarter-finals and Semi-finals Draw at the UEFA Headquarters, The House of the European Football, on March 17, 2023, in Nyon, Switzerland.Chelsea will play holders Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the winners facing either Manchester City or Bayern Munich following a top-heavy draw that produced two blockbuster ties. On the other side of the draw Napoli will face AC Milan in an all-Italian clash while Inter Milan will play Benfica, with one of those sides guaranteed to reach the Champions League final. Real Madrid defeated Chelsea in last season’s quarter-finals on their way to lifting the Champions League for the 14th time and Friday’s draw produced a repeat of that tie. Manchester Cit...

16Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, NEWS, Victor Osimhen

Osimhen double helps Napoli see off Frankfurt

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between SSC Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on March 15, 2023 in Naples, Italy.Victor Osimhen scored twice as Napoli cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time with a comfortable win over Eintracht Frankfurt. With Luciano Spalletti’s side two goals up from the first leg, the Nigeria striker’s thumping header in first-half stoppage time dispelled any lingering nerves at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Osimhen doubled the Italians’ lead on the night with a close-range finish from Giovanni di Lorenzo’s cross eight minutes after the break and, having been brought down in the box, Piotr Zielinski ...

16Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Champions League, Karim Benzema, NEWS

Real Madrid dump Liverpool out of Champions League

Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg two match between Real Madrid and Liverpool FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 15, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Liverpool’s Champions League hopes ended at the hands of Real Madrid for a third consecutive season as they failed to overcome their first-leg Anfield demolition. The Reds, who lost the first leg 5-2, lined up with four forwards at the Bernabeu as they looked to add another famous comeback to their fabled European history. But that rarely looked on the cards and legendary Real striker Karim Benzema put the tie beyond doubt when he tucked in from Vinicius Jr’s cutback late on. Jurgen Klopp’s side would have lost this game by more if not for Alisson. The Reds goalkeeper denied Vin...

15Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Sweden, Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 41, called up to Sweden squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan in action during the Serie A football match between AC Milan and Atalanta BC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in San Siro in Milano, Italy, on February 26 2023.AC Milan’s veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was named on Thursday in Sweden’s squad for this month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, when he could break Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff’s age record. Ibrahimovic, 41, last featured for his country 12 months ago and will beat Zoff’s Euro qualifier milestone of 40 years and 90 days set in 1983 if he features in games against Belgium on 24 March or Azerbaijan on 27 March. He has played just three games for Milan this season after recovering from a knee issue. “Zlatan has made three slightly longer substitutions now in Milan and feels fit and in decent shape even thoug...

14Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Aaron Ramsey, NEWS, Wales

Ramsey named new Wales captain

Aaron Ramsey of Wales on the pitch during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Aaron Ramsey will replace Gareth Bale as Wales captain with Ben Davies becoming vice-captain.Wales men’s record scorer and top appearance-maker Bale announced his retirement from football in January. Wales boss Rob Page has selected four uncapped players in his squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Croatia and Latvia. Jordan James, Nathan Broadhead and Ollie Cooper could win first caps, as could 17-year-old forward Luke Harris. Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw’s fine form sees him called up for the first time in five years. Nice midfielder Ramsey, now the most-capped outfield player in the squad, is fit and a...

10Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

EUROPA LEAGUE, Marcus Rashford, NEWS

Man Utd bounce back to beat Betis, Arsenal held by Sporting

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United (L) celebrating his goal with his teammates during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Manchester United and Real Betis at Old Trafford on March 9, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom.Manchester United bounced back from a historic thrashing by Liverpool to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, while a 2-2 draw away to Sporting Lisbon gave Arsenal work to do to reach the quarterfinals. United equaled their heaviest ever defeat and worst since 1931 in losing 7-0 at Anfield on March 5. Erik ten Hag responded by naming the same starting line-up and was rewarded with a return to form. “You see how a team reacts after a setback,” said Ten Hag. “This is not the first time this season, I t...

4Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Fulham FC, Manor Solomon, Marco Silva, NEWS

Silva will fight to keep hold of Solomon

Manor Solomon of Fulham looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Fulham and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on February 28, 2023 in London, England.Fulham boss Marco Silva says he is ready to fight to keep in-form winger Manor Solomon at Craven Cottage this summer. The Israeli international capped a dream return from a dreadful knee injury by curling in an excellent effort against Leeds in the FA Cup on Tuesday night – his fourth such strike in as many games – sparking speculation that other sides could seek to exploit the uncertainty around the FIFA regulations that govern the 23 year-old’s registration to sign him at the end of the season. But Silva, who has been credited by Solomon as one of the principle why the precocious talent chose to join the Whites in th...

4Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco, NEWS, PSG

Morocco’s Hakimi charged with rape

Paris Saint-Germain's Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi (L) arrives with teammates for a training session at club's training ground in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, west of Paris on March 3, 2023, on the eve of the L1 football match against Nantes.Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi was charged with rape on Friday, French prosecutors said. Hakimi, 24, was questioned by prosecutors on Thursday about accusations made by a 24-year-old woman, and subsequently charged. The Madrid-born player, who was a key part of Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Qatar last year, trained with his PSG teammates on Friday morning. A PSG spokesman said the club “gives its support” to Hakimi and “places its trust in the justice system”. Hakimi allegedly paid for his accu...

3Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, NEWS, PSG, Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos is keen on PSG extension

Sergio Ramos looks on during a Paris Saint-Germain training session on March 01, 2023 in Paris, France. Sergio Ramos, PSG centre-back and one of the most decorated defenders in history, may have reached the end of the road when it comes to his national team duties. However, his passion for football burns bright, as he reportedly seeks to continue his journey with the French capital club, according to L’Équipe. Currently, negotiations between Ramos and the club are on hold, but there are positive indications of a good working relationship between the two sides, and they have agreed not to rush any decisions. At nearly 37 years old, the defender’s poor performances in the first half of the season was overlooked, with hopes that he would flip the Champions League switch. ...

1Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FA Cup, Kelechi Iheanacho, Leicester city, NEWS

Kelechi Iheanacho frustrated by Leicester’s missed FA Cup opportunity

Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round between Leicester City and Blackburn Rovers at The King Power Stadium on February 28, 2023 in Leicester, England.Kelechi Iheanacho admits Leicester blew their FA Cup chance after a last-16 defeat to Blackburn. Tyrhys Dolan and Sammie Szmodics scored to book Rovers a quarter-final spot for the first time in eight years with a 2-1 win on Tuesday. Iheanacho grabbed a second-half consolation – meaning he has 18 goals in 24 FA Cup appearances – but knows the Foxes missed their chance. “It’s so disappointing, especially at home,” he said. “It wasn’t good enough. If you don’t do what you need to do, you get punished. Obviously, that’s gone now, we need to look forward to the Premier League, but we need to do more. “(...

1Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FRANCE, Just Fontaine, NEWS

Just Fontaine, France’s record World Cup goalscorer, dies aged 89

Ex-France international footballer Just Fontaine (C) receives the Adidas Platinum Boot award from ex-Brazil international footballer Ronaldo (L) and UEFA President Michel Platini during the Opening Ceremony of the 64th FIFA Congress at the Transamerica Expo Center on June 10, 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.French football legend Just Fontaine, who in 1958 scored a record 13 goals in a single edition of the World Cup, has died aged 89. The prolific striker scored 30 goals in 21 internationals for France between 1953 and 1960. But Fontaine will always be remembered for the mark he set in Sweden, when he was instrumental in Les Bleus reaching the semi-finals. In his club career, Fontaine’s strike rate was as impressive. He scored 259 goals from 283 matches and was one of the key player...

28Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FIFA, Lionel Messi, NEWS, PSG

Messi wins Best Fifa men’s player award

Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain FC) wins The Best FIFA Men's Player trophy during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 at Concert hall Salle Pleyel, Paris, France on February 27, 2023 in Paris, France.Argentina and Paris St-Germain forward Lionel Messi has been named men’s player of the year at the 2022 Best Fifa Awards. The 35-year-old beat French forwards Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize. Messi captained Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar, and scored 27 goals in 49 games for club and country in 2021-22. Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas was named women’s player of the year. Messi, who won the award for a second time, said: “It’s amazing. It’s been a tremendous year and it’s an honour for me to be here and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn’t be here...

23Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Sergio Ramos, Spain

Sergio Ramos retires from Spain duty after coach call

Sergio Ramos warms up during a Paris Saint-Germain training session on February 23, 2023 in Paris, France.Sergio Ramos retired from international duty with Spain on Thursday, saying new coach Luis de la Fuente told him he did not count on him. The Paris Saint-Germain defender, who won the 2010 World Cup and 2008 and 2012 European Championship with La Roja, last played for Spain in March 2021. Ramos, who turns 37 in March, published an open letter on social media in which he indicated the new coach forced his hand. “The time has come, the time to say goodbye to the national team, our beloved and exciting Roja,” wrote Ramos. “This morning I received a call from the current coach who told me that he does not and will not count on me, regardless of the level I can show or how I continue my car...

21Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, NEWS, Neymar, PSG

Neymar injury blow: PSG superstar in race against time for Bayern tie

Neymar Junior of Paris Saint Germain (C) lies injured during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lille OSC at Parc des Princes on February 19, 2023 in Paris, France.“Oh, not again!” Neymar must have cursed his luck from the depths of his heart when the Paris Saint-Germain superstar landed awkwardly on his ankle after being tackled by Lille defensive midfielder Benjamin Andre during their Ligue 1 clash on Sunday.It is the same right ankle that has caused Neymar severe problems in recent years. The world’s most expensive footballer has sustained ankle injuries in 2018, 2019 and 2021, forcing him to miss Champions League ties against Manchester United and Real Madrid. The Brazil striker also had similar ankle troubles at the World Cup in Qatar, which kept him sidelined f...

19Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1, NEWS, Neymar, PSG

Neymar carried off as Messi scores late PSG winner

Neymar Jr #10 of Paris Saint-Germain reacts after an injury with Kylian Mbappe #7 during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lille OSC at Parc des Princes on February 19, 2023 in Paris, France.Neymar was carried off on a stretcher before Lionel Messi scored a 95th-minute winner as Paris St-Germain gained an incredible win over Lille. PSG had been 2-0 ahead and 3-2 behind after goals from Lille’s Bafode Diakite, Jonathan David and Jonathan Bamba transformed the match. Kylian Mbappe, who opened the scoring, grabbed his second in the 87th minute to give PSG hope of victory. Messi then won it in dramatic fashion with a 22-yard free-kick. Despite the win, PSG’s main concern will be for Brazil forward Neymar after the 31-year-old, a goalscorer in the first half, was kicked on his c...

18Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Christian Atsu, NEWS

Atsu found dead after Turkey earthquake

The coffin containing the body of former Ghana international football player Christian Atsu is loaded into an airplane bound for Ghana, at Adana airport in southern Turkey, February 18, 2023. Footballer Christian Atsu has been found dead under the rubble of his home almost two weeks after the Turkey earthquake, his agent has confirmed. The Ghana international, 31, had spells with Premier League sides Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle. Atsu had been missing since the 6 February quake that caused the collapse of his apartment in Antakya, Hatay. “There are no words to describe our sadness,” tweeted his Turkish top-flight club Hatayspor. “We will not forget you, Atsu. Peace be upon you, beautiful person.” In the aftermath of the quake, Hatayspor initially reported Atsu had been rescued “with...

15Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, Ligue 1, NEWS

‘I shouldn’t have come back’ – Mbappe’s fitness confession after PSG return

Kylian Mbappe of PSG during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Bayern Muenchen (Bayern Munich, Bayern München) at Parc des Princes stadium on February 14, 2023 in Paris, France.Kylian Mbappe admitted he rushed back too soon to face Bayern Munich in PSG’s Champions League last 16 first-leg defeat on Tuesday. The 24-year-old injured his thigh in PSG’s 3-1 win at Montpellier on February 1, and it was reported he would be sidelined for three weeks. However, just 13 days later, the forward was a surprise inclusion in Christophe Galtier’s squad and was introduced from the bench at the Parc des Princes. Mbappe had a goal ruled out for offside on a frustrating evening for the French champions as Kingsley Coman returned to haunt his former s...

15Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BARCELONA FC, EUROPA LEAGUE, NEWS, Ronald Araujo

Xavi plans to use Araujo against in-form Marcus Rashford

04 Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona v Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on February 5th, 2023.Barcelona welcome an in-form Marcus Rashford to the Camp Nou on Thursday for the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie with Manchester United. The England international heads into the game after scoring 21 goals in all competitions this season, including 13 since the World Cup – that’s more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues. Xavi has been thinking about the game and has come up with a plan to deal with Rashford and his name is Ronald Araujo, according to AS. The Barcelona boss has previously used Araujo up against Vinicius Junior, to good effect, and now wants to do the same thing with R...