Former Nigerian national team captain, John Obi Mikel, has expressed his willingness to make a comeback to the team, a decision he announced four years ago when he retired from international football. This comes a year after he retired from active football. Mikel boasts a distinguished international career, having played 91 matches for the Nigerian senior national team, progressing from the U17 and U20 levels to the senior squad. He also represented the U23 team as one of the overaged players during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. With experience in two World Cups and four AFCON tournaments, one of…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Nuno Espírito Santo, the former Tottenham coach, has been dismissed by Al-Ittihad due to reported conflicts with their standout player, Karim Benzema, following a series of losses in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese coach saw his Al-Ittihad team exit the AFC Champions League group stage after failing to secure a victory in their last five league matches. Al-Ittihad boasts a squad filled with talent, featuring former Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante, ex-Celtic winger Jota, and former Liverpool player Fabinho. However, despite their array of star players, Nuno managed to secure only two wins in their last nine matches across all…
Following Tuesday’s group fixtures in the Champions League, a minimum of two teams have secured their places in the Round of 16. Manchester City advanced with a commanding 3-0 victory over Young Boys at the Etihad. Erling Haaland notched a brace, and Phil Foden also found the net as the Premier League champions maintained their flawless record. The second squad to secure a spot in the knockout rounds is RB Leipzig, who defeated Crvena Zvezda 2-1. In other matches of the evening, AC Milan achieved a remarkable 2-1 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain, while Atletico Madrid dominated Celtic with a resounding…
Barcelona Manager Xavi Hernandez Provides Insight on the Team’s 1-0 Loss to Shakhtar Donetsk in Champions League Xavi Hernandez, the Barcelona boss, shed light on his team’s 1-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk in Tuesday’s Champions League match. Xavi observed as Danylo Sikan’s first-half goal secured a victory for Shakhtar Donetsk at Volksparkstadion. Barcelona managed only one shot on target compared to Shakhtar Donetsk’s four. In his post-game remarks, Xavi acknowledged that Barcelona did not perform well against the hosts and admitted that his team made a significant mistake against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Spaniard told the media (h/t BarcaBlaugranes): “We have…
Former Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott has elucidated the rationale behind Erling Haaland’s adoption of Chelsea legend Didier Drogba’s goal celebration. In Tuesday evening’s Champions League victory over Young Boys, Haaland replicated Drogba’s iconic celebration. The Norwegian international scored twice, securing Manchester City’s spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League. However, it was his celebration that truly captured attention. Lescott revealed that Haaland recreated Drogba’s celebration as a personal tribute to the Ivorian legend, who had requested this gesture during a meeting in Paris. Drogba asked Haaland to honor him with a throwback celebration the next time he…
It has been disclosed that Liverpool’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, breached a Premier League regulation to honor a commitment he made to midfielder Harvey Elliott. Klopp’s adeptness in handling his players is regarded as one of his most remarkable managerial attributes, with numerous athletes attesting to their preference for playing under him. In a 2020 interview with Sky Sports, Manchester United legend Gary Neville disclosed that Klopp would have been his preferred manager to play under during his own career, second only to Sir Alex Ferguson. Since Klopp’s arrival at Anfield in 2015, he has transformed Liverpool into perennial contenders for…
Emmanuel Adebayor, the iconic figure from Togo, has at long last unveiled his perspective on the tumultuous relationship he had with Premier League club Arsenal. The retired footballer’s departure from Arsenal to Manchester City in 2009, despite his pivotal role for the Gunners, left fans under the impression that he had left solely for financial gains, given Manchester City’s lavish spending during that transfer window. However, in an extensive interview with talkSPORT, the 39-year-old revealed that he felt he was coerced out of the club, disputing the notion that he left for monetary reasons. He stated, “When I left, they…
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has conceded that the enduring success of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson has created a “very challenging” situation. Nevertheless, he remains motivated by the prospect. United appointed Ferguson in November 1986 when the club was at its lowest point, languishing just four points off the bottom of the table with a mere three wins from their first 13 league games. After a lackluster 11th-place finish in that initial season, Ferguson guided the team to a second-place finish in the 1987/88 season. However, things took a concerning turn in the following years, mirroring the struggles…
According to football transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, it is highly probable that Manchester United’s midfielder, Donny van de Beek, will part ways with Old Trafford during the upcoming January transfer window. Romano shared this information on The United Stand’s YouTube channel, suggesting that the Dutch talent is seeking a permanent transfer to secure consistent playing opportunities outside of Manchester United. Romano said: “Donny will leave in January for sure. He has to and he wants to because he wants to play. “It’s a shame because Donny wanted to play for United; he loved this opportunity, but at the same time,…
AC Milan claimed their inaugural victory in the Champions League campaign by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-1, significantly altering the dynamics of Group F. Milan Skriniar, formerly of Inter, kicked off the scoring for PSG with a header. However, Rafael Leao swiftly equalized, and in the second half, Olivier Giroud’s powerful header secured an exhilarating and memorable triumph for Milan. After Borussia Dortmund’s triumph over Newcastle United earlier on Tuesday, all four teams are now separated by just three points heading into the final two matchdays. Ruben Loftus-Cheek sent a blistering shot just over the crossbar in the early stages, setting…
Manchester City delivered a masterful performance, securing a resounding 3-0 victory against Young Boys Bern in the Champions League, marking their 11th consecutive season in the knockout phase. Despite initial doubts surrounding his availability due to an ankle injury, striker Erling Haaland defied the odds by scoring two goals, while Phil Foden added a third to seal the win. Haaland’s Remarkable Showing Erling Haaland’s performance was truly exceptional. The Norwegian forward calmly converted a penalty in the 23rd minute, followed by a stunning long-range goal in the second half. His double took his total to 39 goals in just 34…
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti refutes claims of excluding Brahim Diaz from his plans, emphasizing that the midfielder remains a part of his strategy. As they prepare for their upcoming Champions League match against Braga, Ancelotti asserted, “I maintain regular communication with him. While he hasn’t seen extensive playing time, I recognize his potential and his availability. Our squad is highly competitive, but I hold him in high regard due to his skillset, professionalism, and commitment.” Ancelotti further assured, “He will have opportunities in upcoming matches, including tomorrow. Reports suggesting that I’ve made a definitive judgment on him are inaccurate.…
Frank Lampard has revealed that Chelsea’s leadership thwarted his efforts to secure the signing of a young Jude Bellingham long before the midfielder achieved his current superstar status. Despite already gaining recognition as one of the most promising young talents in global football during his three seasons at Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham has gone on to surpass expectations since joining Real Madrid. His remarkable contribution of 13 goals and three assists in various competitions accounts for a significant 55% of the team’s total output in both La Liga and the Champions League. Even at a hefty price tag of €134 million…
Eduardo Camavinga expresses his joy and excitement about his fresh contract with Real Madrid. The talented French midfielder has extended his commitment to the club until 2029. He shared his sentiments, saying, “I’m incredibly proud to have the opportunity to renew my contract. It’s a dream come true for me to continue training alongside the exceptional players at this world-renowned club, which is undeniably the best in the world.” Camavinga continued, “Real Madrid is not just a dream fulfilled, it’s my life. I’ve aspired to play here since I was a child, and now it’s a reality. I take great…
Real Madrid has officially confirmed that Eduardo Camavinga has put pen to paper on a contract extension with the club, extending his commitment until 2029. As previously disclosed in early October, Real Madrid had successfully negotiated contract extensions with both Camavinga and his midfield counterpart, Federico Valverde. The club’s priority has been to secure their most valuable assets with new long-term agreements. Brazilian forwards Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo recently signed contract extensions at the Santiago Bernabeu. Now, Camavinga has also committed to the Spanish capital by finalizing a six-year deal. A statement released by Real Madrid on Tuesday stated: “Real…
According to reports, Manchester City has disclosed their asking price for midfielder Kevin De Bruyne in response to interest from the Saudi Pro League. De Bruyne is said to be a target for Al Nassr, who are eyeing a potential move next summer. The Saudi Pro League club appears optimistic about convincing the City legend to leave European football. A prospective transfer to the Saudi Pro League and Al Nassr would bring De Bruyne together with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. It would also see him reunite with former City teammate Aymeric Laporte, who joined the club in the recent…
Casemiro has risen as a prominent transfer target for the Saudi Pro League in 2024, and there’s even a chance of a potential offer for the Manchester United midfielder in January, as per information obtained by 90min. Manchester United secured the Brazilian player’s services from Real Madrid in August 2022 following a rocky start to Erik ten Hag’s managerial tenure. Casemiro significantly bolstered the team’s defensive stability and contributed with crucial goals, aiding United in achieving a top-four finish in the Premier League, winning the Carabao Cup, and reaching the FA Cup final. His acquisition has faced periodic criticism, primarily…
Real Madrid’s midfielder, Jude Bellingham, is scheduled for a fitness evaluation on Wednesday in anticipation of the club’s Champions League encounter with Braga. However, Bellingham’s availability remains uncertain. In the recent 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano, Bellingham experienced an uncomfortable fall early in the match. Despite completing the full game, he displayed visible discomfort in his shoulder. Interestingly, this game marked the first time this season that Real Madrid failed to score. Since joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, the 20-year-old has been a remarkable addition to the team, excelling in an advanced ‘number 10’ position and netting 13…
The five-time Ballon d’Or recipient notched a goal and an assist in his team’s recent victory, while coaches at several other high-spending clubs in the league are grappling with challenges. As we advance into the second quarter of the Saudi Pro League season, the competition for the title is gaining clarity. It appears that the battle for supremacy is narrowing down to two teams: Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr. Considering the lackluster performances of certain summer signings in the Pro League, it’s crucial to highlight Cristiano Ronaldo’s exceptional dominance during the 2023-24 season. The five-time Ballon d’Or recipient once more demonstrated his…
“Anthony Taylor is set to officiate the Chelsea vs. Manchester City match on Sunday, despite his recent controversial penalty decisions. Taylor faced a temporary demotion to the Championship after his contentious decision to award Newcastle a penalty in their 2-2 draw against Wolves at Molineux last month. The Premier League’s Independent Key Match Incidents Panel reviewed the ruling and deemed it incorrect. In response to his earlier mistake, Taylor was assigned to officiate the Preston vs. Coventry game on Saturday as a form of discipline. Unfortunately, he once again found himself embroiled in controversy, this time awarding a soft penalty…