NEWS

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...

13Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, Ligue 1, NEWS, PSG

PSG receive injury boost as Mbappe returns ahead of Bayern Munich clash

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe lies on the ground after getting injured during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on February 1, 2023.Paris Saint-Germain have received a massive injury boost ahead of their crucial Champions League encounter with Bayern Munich in the coming week. The club’s talisman Kylian Mbappe who was initially a doubt for the Round of 16 first leg game with injury, returned to training with the group on Sunday in a bid to play a role in the game. It has been a rough few days for PSG with their Ligue 1 title charge taking a hit following a disappointing 3-1 defeat away at AS Monaco on Saturday. Earlier, they were dealt another blow by Marseill...

12Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Club World Cup, NEWS, Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior

Real Madrid beats Al-Hilal to win 5th Club World Cup

(L-R) Rodrygo, Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy following the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2022 Final match between Real Madrid v Al Hilal at Prince Moulay Abdellah on February 11, 2023 in Rabat, Morocco.Real Madrid has won the Club World Cup for a record-extending fifth time after beating Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal 5-3 in the final in Rabat, Morocco. Vinicius Junior scored twice and helped Karim Benzema in a third goal, while Federico Valverde added two more for the European champions in Saturday’s final, which turned into a shootout. Al-Hilal never led the match but showed it was no fluke that it had upset Brazil’s Flamengo to reach the decider in Morocco’s capital. Luciano Vietto scored twice and Moussa Marega once for the Asian champions. Madr...

11Feb

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

Club World Cup, NEWS, Real Madrid

Madrid faces Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal for club world title

Carlo Ancelotti head coach of Real Madrid looks during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 29, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Real Madrid have proven they can find the net even if they must take the field without talisman Karim Benzema in Saturday’s Club World Cup final against Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal in Morocco. Carlo Ancelotti’s side, reigning European and Spanish champions, are aiming to win the competition for a fifth time and build confidence after a shaky start to 2023. Madrid captain Benzema missed the semi-final with a thigh injury but is set to train with the squad on Friday before the final. Los Blancos are already the record four-time winners and are firm favourites to beat Al-Hilal after their 4-1 semi-final victory...

11Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, NEWS

Messi, Mbappe and Benzema nominated for 2022 FIFA Best Men’s Player

Lionel Messi of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the French Ligue 1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Toulouse FC at Parc des Princes stadium, in Paris, France, on February 4, 2023.Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema have been named as the finalists for The FIFA Best Men’s Football Player Award in 2022, soccer’s world governing body FIFA announced on Friday. Messi captained Argentina to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar last year, beating France in a dramatic final. Messi won the tournament’s Golden Ball, while his Paris Saint-Germain teammate Mbappe secured the Golden Boot with eight goals. Mbappe’s compatriot Benzema won last year’s Ballon d’Or for winning UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles with Real Madrid but missed the World Cup due to inju...

10Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FIFA, Lionel Scaloni, NEWS

World Cup winner Scaloni leads FIFA ‘Best’ coach award shortlist

Lionel Scaloni takes an honorary kick-off prior to the La Liga Santander match between RCD Mallorca and Real Valladolid CF at Estadi Mallorca Son Moix on January 07, 2023 in Mallorca, Spain.Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni, Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola were named as FIFA’s finalists for the 2022 ‘Best’ coach of the year award on Thursday. Scaloni harnessed Lionel Messi’s powers as a battling Argentina impressed at the Qatar World Cup, while Ancelotti’s Real Madrid also showed depth of character in a series of comebacks to eventually win the Champions League. Lyon’s Champions League winner Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Pia Sundhage and Sarina Wiegman, who led England to Euro 2022 glory, were the final three in the women’s category. Former ...

8Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, NEWS, PSG

Messi and PSG face potentially season-defining week

Lionel Messi of PSG celebrates his goal with teammates during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Toulouse FC (TFC, Tefece) at Parc des Princes stadium on February 4, 2023 in Paris, France. A French Cup trip to bitter rivals Marseille on Wednesday is the start of seven days that could define this season for Paris Saint-Germain, with a Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich approaching. The Bundesliga giants visit the French capital for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie next Tuesday, but there will be no easy build-up to that game for PSG. Marseille await them in the bear pit of the Velodrome for a French Cup last-16 tie as the Parisians aim to reclaim a trophy they missed out on last season after winning it six times in the previous seven...