Barcelona has reportedly compensated Xavi with €2.5 million following the termination of his managerial contract. Just a month after retracting his decision to step down this summer, Xavi was relieved of his duties due to public comments about the club’s transfer dealings, which irked president Joan Laporta, prompting a swift dismissal. Xavi had one year remaining on his Barcelona contract, entitled to around €11 million in compensation for its termination. However, SPORT has confirmed that the 44-year-old willingly forfeited his compensation. Instead, he requested reimbursement for the €2.5 million he paid to terminate his contract with Al Sadd before joining…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw has responded to critics who questioned his commitment to the club this season amid his struggles with injuries. Shaw’s campaign was marred by frequent setbacks, limiting him to just 15 appearances across all competitions, with his last game in February. England manager Gareth Southgate recently voiced concerns over Shaw’s fitness ahead of Euro 2024. Some fans accused Shaw of prioritizing his availability for the Euros over his responsibilities with United. In response, Shaw took to social media to clarify his situation. “Happy for the boys to lift the trophy at the weekend and finish this…
Cristiano Ronaldo Breaks Saudi Pro League Scoring Record Cristiano Ronaldo set a new record for the most goals in a Saudi Pro League season by scoring his 34th and 35th goals in Al Nassr’s final game of the campaign. “I don’t follow the records, the records follow me,” the 39-year-old Portuguese forward tweeted afterward. The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star scored in first-half stoppage time and again in the 69th minute with a header, leading Al Nassr to a 4-2 victory over Al Ittihad at home on Monday. The previous record for most goals in a single season…
Date for Tyson Fury vs. Oleksandr Usyk Rematch to Be Confirmed Within a Month Promoter Frank Warren has announced that the date for the rematch between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will be confirmed within the next month. Usyk defeated Fury via split decision earlier this month, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis in 1999. The contract for their first bout includes a rematch clause, which both fighters are eager to honor. “The rematch was signed before the first fight took place anyway, and that date will be set within the next month or so. Both fighters…
UEFA Gives Manchester United Deadline Amid Europa League Ban Threat UEFA has given Manchester United until Monday to resolve an issue that could prevent them from participating in the Europa League next season, according to the UK Telegraph. The complication arises because United’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, also owns Nice, which has qualified for the same competition. Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League, Manchester United secured their Europa League spot by winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City. Ratcliffe’s ownership of Nice and Swiss club Lausanne violates UEFA’s regulations, which prohibit the same owner or entity from having…
Manchester United’s Minority Owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Offers Early Bonus Payments to Encourage Staff Resignations Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a 27.7% stake in Manchester United for £1.3 billion in February, is aiming to streamline operations at Old Trafford. In an effort to reduce the workforce by approximately 25%, Ratcliffe is offering early bonus payments to encourage staff resignations. According to Mirror Football, employees who are neither scouts nor part of the playing staff received emails on Tuesday instructing them to return to the club’s offices in London or Manchester. Those unwilling to comply are given the option to leave…
Wayne Rooney Admits He Regrets Not Playing for Celtic Former Everton and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed that he wishes he had played for Celtic during his career. Rooney shared this regret during an interview with his former teammate Gary Neville on The Overlap. When Neville asked, “The club you wish you played for in your career?” Rooney responded, “Celtic, I’d say.” Surprised by the answer, Neville remarked, “Celtic? Wow. Celtic fans, you missed out there.” Rooney, now the newly appointed manager of Plymouth, considers it a notable regret in his career.
A recent report indicates that Manchester United are reconsidering the possibility of retaining Erik ten Hag as manager, despite earlier assertions suggesting otherwise. Initial reports before the FA Cup final suggested that United had already made the decision to part ways with Ten Hag, irrespective of the outcome at Wembley. However, following their victory over Manchester City in the final, subsequent reports have indicated that a final decision on Ten Hag’s future will be made during an upcoming season review. Manchester Evening News now reports that United have not definitively ruled out the option of retaining Ten Hag and have…
Leicester City midfielder Harry Winks lauded Enzo Maresca as the finest manager he has ever played under, as the Italian gears up for a potential move to Chelsea. Maresca steered Leicester to victory in the Championship this season, securing their promotion back to the Premier League. The 44-year-old, who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, is now a leading candidate to succeed Mauricio Pochettino as Chelsea’s manager. Winks had already foreseen Maresca’s future success at a top club earlier this season. In March, speaking to Sky Sports, Winks expressed his admiration, saying, “He’s by far the best…
Reports suggest that Serie A outfit Napoli have set their sights on Romelu Lukaku as a potential replacement for Victor Osimhen. With the star forward’s departure looming this summer, Napoli is eyeing Lukaku, especially if they secure Antonio Conte as their next manager. Currently on loan at AS Roma from Chelsea, Lukaku seems destined for a move away from Italy’s capital next season, with Napoli expressing strong interest. Corriere Della Sera indicates that Napoli is keen on the Belgian international to fill Osimhen’s shoes. Despite being a Chelsea player, Lukaku has spent several seasons on loan in Italy, with Napoli…
Manchester United are anticipated to part ways with Mason Greenwood during the upcoming summer transfer window. However, according to Goal, there’s a possibility that the 22-year-old could return to the squad before any transfer is finalized. Greenwood spent the 2023/2024 season on loan at LaLiga outfit Getafe. Following their final league fixture of the season, the English forward appeared to bid farewell to them. His loan agreement with Getafe is set to officially conclude in June, coinciding with the opening of the transfer window, during which significant interest in Greenwood is expected. Premier League clubs are among those eager for…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and players of the Super Eagles have dismissed an online report alleging that players of the team have not received payments from funds provided by the Presidency to the NFF for settling their bonuses and allowances. Last year, the presidency disbursed funds to the NFF to settle outstanding bonuses and allowances for players and officials of various National Teams. However, an online publication on Monday published what the NFF has described as a “fabrication of lies” and challenged the author to present evidence to support the claims. “The report is completely false and baseless, and…
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has expressed his excitement ahead of the Champions League final, calling it “a game I’ve dreamt of all my life.” Bellingham is set to face his former club Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s showpiece at Wembley Stadium. The 20-year-old has had an impressive debut season in Spain, scoring 19 league goals and helping Los Blancos secure the LaLiga title. He has also made 10 appearances in the Champions League for Madrid this season, scoring four goals. “I’m really excited. [The final] is a game I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing football,” Bellingham said. “I…
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has hinted at a potential departure from Chippa United this summer. Nwabali made a significant impact at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in January, finishing the competition with four clean sheets in seven appearances and making two penalty saves in the shoot-out against South Africa in the quarterfinals. This season, the 27-year-old has kept 11 clean sheets for Chippa United in 26 appearances, attracting attention from clubs abroad. He has been linked with Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq, English Championship side Queens Park Rangers, and South African club Kaizer Chiefs. After Chippa United’s…
Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca is set to bring back Willy Caballero to Stamford Bridge once his move to Chelsea is confirmed, according to the UK Metro. Both clubs are negotiating a deal for Maresca, who is now the leading candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea. The Blues have ruled out candidates such as Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank, and are now focusing on finalizing an agreement with the Foxes’ manager. Maresca, who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, fits the profile Chelsea is seeking in a young, progressive head coach. Chelsea…
Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson experienced a medical emergency during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles on Sunday, his representatives confirmed. The 57-year-old boxer became nauseous and dizzy, prompting flight staff to call for a doctor on board to assist. Upon landing in Los Angeles, paramedics boarded the plane to provide treatment. The flight had already been delayed by two hours in Miami due to the heat. Tyson’s representatives told The New York Post that he is now doing well, attributing the episode to an ulcer flare-up 30 minutes before landing. “Thankfully, Mr. Tyson is doing great,” his representatives…
Manchester United supporters had a memorable weekend as their team emerged victorious over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, as reported by Manchester World. The triumph not only silenced critics but also provided a significant financial boost to the club. Adding to the celebratory mood, on Sunday, traditional rivals Leeds United suffered defeat in the Championship play-off final. Despite the weekend’s elation, manager Erik ten Hag’s focus remains on addressing the team’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League, a crucial aspect in evaluations by Ineos, the club’s owner. However, ten Hag could present a compelling argument by underscoring the…
Chelsea has narrowed down their search for a new head coach to a shortlist of four candidates ahead of their pre-season games. The shortlist includes Roberto De Zerbi, Thomas Frank, Enzo Maresca, and Kieran McKenna. The club is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking coach who aligns with Chelsea’s long-term vision and has experience coaching at a high level in English football. De Zerbi is a strong contender, according to Sky Sports, having recently parted ways with Brighton after leading them into European competition last season. Thomas Frank has also impressed decision-makers at Stamford Bridge, transforming Brentford into a stable Premier League…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed that some players will be leaving the club in the upcoming transfer window. In a recent press conference, Guardiola acknowledged the inevitability of squad changes, stating, “Some players will leave. It’s part of football, and we have to adapt.” As City looks to maintain their competitive edge, Guardiola emphasized the importance of refreshing the squad: “Every season we need to make adjustments to stay at the top. It’s not just about buying new players but also about letting some go.” The departures are expected to include both seasoned veterans and emerging talents seeking…
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has taken full responsibility for their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday. Guardiola admitted that his game plan in the first half “was not good.” City, aiming to complete a historic double after winning the Premier League for the fourth consecutive time, found themselves quickly two goals down at Wembley, with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scoring for United. Guardiola made adjustments in the second half, bringing on Jeremy Doku, who scored a consolation goal for City. Despite the effort, it was not enough to turn the tide. After…