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RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-10-2021
Arteta tells Arsenal to ignore criticism and eye Olympiacos revenge
![[Image: arsenal-manager-mikel-arteta_1p0ap1j51n4...uality=100]](http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/ea/1b/arsenal-manager-mikel-arteta_1p0ap1j51n4kp1xabw2chf769v.jpg?t=2067677767&operations=fit(650:)&w=650&quality=100)
Mikel Arteta concedes the next week will be "massive" in determining the success of Arsenal's season and wants his players to ignore any criticism coming their way.
Arsenal visit Olympiacos in the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday, with Arteta hoping the Gunners can gain revenge.
They were beaten on away goals by the Greek side in the last 32 of last season's competition.
The tournament represents the Gunners' best chance of reaching next year's Champions League, with them having slumped to 10th in the Premier League.
A key week will also see Arsenal face rivals Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, before the return leg against Olympiacos.
Arsenal also face West Ham in another London derby before the international break and Arteta knows the pressure is on.
"The players have to focus on performing as good as possible and try to do their best on the pitch," Arteta said.
"That criticism with where it is coming from with which intentions is something that they must not pay attention to because they cannot control.
"The better we do individually and the better we do collectively, things are going to work better and that's the responsibility they have all the time when they jump on that pitch.
"Obviously, it's a massive week for us, we have four very important games coming up and we need to win all of them. That is our reality and this is how we are going to approach it.
"But we are talking about [it being a decisive week] every week."
Arteta reflected on the Olympiacos loss last year, which saw Arsenal beaten 2-1 at home in the final moments of extra time in the second leg, having earned a 1-0 away win in the opening clash.
"Well obviously, it was a really tough one to swallow," he said.
"The way it happened at the end was really cruel after everything we did in the two games to lose it the way we did it and with the last chance that Auba [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] had.
"But we moved on. Obviously, we have some feeling towards that team and we want to put it right.
"Emotionally it really drained us because it was a rollercoaster during the game and with what happened, it could have ended in a beautiful way, but it ended in a really harsh way for us.
"I think emotionally it took some time to get the team and some individuals lifted because it really hurt.
"We have the two games to look at and everything that happened in those two games. The disappointment that we had to digest, and it took some time to do that because it was a hard one. We had a lot of faith and enthusiasm in the competition, and we were knocked out.
"And now we have another opportunity. It's the beauty of this game. It's a completely different context but the reality is the same that we have to beat them twice to go through in the competition and we have to be better than them.
"They are coming from playing in the Champions League. They played against City two really good games as well so it will be a really tough opponent.
"It's a team that is used to playing in all those competitions and they beat us last year. It doesn't matter the manner but they did it last year so we have to be better than last year to beat them now."
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-10-2021
Haaland will define a new era in football, says Lopetegui
![[Image: lopeteguihaaland-cropped_n684qpz7f8ky1ku...uality=100]](http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/bf/b8/lopeteguihaaland-cropped_n684qpz7f8ky1kuveyf11kuk3.jpg?t=462250920&operations=fit(650:)&w=650&quality=100)
Sevilla head coach Julen Lopetegui said Erling Haaland "will define a new era in football" after the Borussia Dortmund star made more Champions League history.
Haaland netted a brace as Dortmund drew 2-2 with visitors Sevilla in an absorbing clash on Tuesday but advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate.
In-demand Dortmund forward Haaland – who has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Juventus – became the quickest player to 20 Champions League goals after reaching the milestone in his 14th game in the competition.
Aged 20 years and 231 days, Haaland also became the youngest player to score in six consecutive Champions League matches, while he is the first player in the history of the competition to score at least two goals in four consecutive appearances.
Lopetegui hailed Haaland – who also scored twice in the first leg – post-match, telling reporters: "In three out of the four halves [of the tie] we were the better team.
"But it was not enough because they punished us strongly in the first one [in Seville] thanks to a player that will define a new era in football and made the difference.
"If we see it from a collective perspective we have played a great game in every aspect today against one the best teams in the world on the counter-attack.
"They are not just Haaland as they have top class players in every single position. But we have played with plenty of personality and pride, so it is a pity because our boys deserved more."
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-10-2021
Pioli confident ahead of Man Utd test despite Milan injury crisis
![[Image: stefano-pioli-cropped_1p6p6gbtr2udp1tquq...uality=100]](http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/70/ed/stefano-pioli-cropped_1p6p6gbtr2udp1tquqdvgxvnmn.jpg?t=525950856&operations=fit(650:)&w=650&quality=100)
Stefano Pioli insists Milan are in confident mood ahead of their Europa League last-16 tie with Manchester United, despite having to contend with a growing injury list.
Milan are without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Mario Mandzukic, Ismael Bennacer, Hakan Calhanoglu, Theo Hernandez and Ante Rebic for Thursday's first leg.
The Italian side travel to Old Trafford with just two strikers in their squad – Rafael Leao and academy product Riccardo Tonin, who has yet to feature at senior level.
However, Milan were also far from full strength for their 2-0 league win at Hellas Verona last weekend and Pioli is hoping to build confidence from that victory.
"We have a choice to make: either let ourselves be overwhelmed by the negative waves or ride the positive ones of confidence," he said.
"We will choose to ride it and I'm sure the team will put in a good performance against a difficult opponent.
"Winning our last game gives us momentum. When we play at our best we do well and against United we will be prepared.
"We have to play this type of game to our fullest ability. A positive result would give us momentum in view of the return match."
Milan are meeting United for the 11th time in a competitive match, though all 10 previous encounters have come in either the European Cup or Champions League.
The Rossoneri have not competed in Europe's flagship competition since 2013-14, while English heavyweights United exited the tournament at the group stage.
Both teams are second in their domestic leagues and United enter the match on the back of an impressive 2-0 win at Manchester City last time out.
But Pioli does not believe the winners of the two-legged affair should necessarily be considered the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy.
"I don't think so. There are many other teams that have a chance to win it," he said. "But of course it is a prestigious match with a lot of history and past.
"We are working hard to get back to winning trophies. As [technical director Paolo] Maldini said, it takes a couple of years of continued presence in the Champions League.
"We need to tackle this path with enthusiasm and conviction."
Thursday's clash will mark a first return to Old Trafford for Diogo Dalot since joining Milan on loan last October.
The full-back struggled for appearances at United but has been used 20 times in all competitions by Pioli, including eight outings in the Europa League.
"We are happy with his performance and his growth," Pioli said. "As far as his future is concerned, we are too focused on the league and on the Europa League for that.
"Besides, it is not me who makes a decision about his future."
Milan have been eliminated on six of the last seven occasions in which they have reached the last 16 of a major European competition.
However, they have got the better of United in four of their previous five knockout ties in European competition, with no side eliminating the Red Devils more often.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-10-2021
Mourinho wants Tottenham trophy to mark Levy landmark
![[Image: mourinho-cropped_dmm5e5fzimzp1duh2aovlsk...uality=100]](http://images.performgroup.com/di/library/omnisport/1e/16/mourinho-cropped_dmm5e5fzimzp1duh2aovlsk81.jpg?t=523560568&operations=fit(650:)&w=650&quality=100)
Jose Mourinho "would love" to bring silverware to Tottenham to mark two decades at the helm for chairman Daniel Levy.
Spurs face Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday, which will mark 20 years since Levy assumed the role following ENIC's takeover in 2001.
While Levy's reign has proven a huge commercial success, on-field glory remains scarce, with the 2008 EFL Cup triumph providing the only exception.
Premier League title tilts have floundered, while the 2018-19 campaign ended with a Champions League final loss to Liverpool.
Mourinho, a serial trophy-winner, was brought in to replace Mauricio Pochettino a matter of months after that defeat in Spain, and he has his heart set on success.
As well as the Europa League, Spurs have an EFL Cup final with Manchester City on the horizon, and Mourinho – who is approaching a milestone of his own – is hoping to make some additions to the trophy cabinet as reward for Levy's work.
"I would love to help and be part of the work that will deliver a trophy. I would love it," he said.
"I don't think sometimes it's fair for an owner, CEO or president to be judged on trophies. Many times they depend on others too.
"I think there are many ways to look at work in football and the work has been done in this club, independent of the trophies the club didn't get.
"The work is in other aspects. It's a big club now in many aspects and that's down to the work he's done and the structure he has put in place.
"But trophies are the salt and pepper of football and I would love to, not just for him but for the players and fans and everyone, help.
"I'm not a big guy on stats but my 1,000th match arrives this season and it would also be nice to celebrate that with a trophy with him."
In between the two legs of their Europa League showdown with Dinamo, Spurs take on Arsenal in the north London derby, but Mourinho urged focus on the immediate task at hand.
"I am not thinking about the Arsenal match," he said.
"I am thinking about his one. We will make changes the same way we made changes between the Fulham and the Crystal Palace match.
"The team is playing well and the team is winning, so you could say no changes, but we change.
"We won't play with the same team that played against Palace but the team will be equally strong."
One question mark is over the involvement of the in-form Gareth Bale, who has scored six goals in as many games and provided three assists, with Mourinho insisting the Wales forward's playing time needed to be carefully managed.
"I want to keep the momentum going but I need to manage him," he said.
"The communication is very good and I think he trusts me. In this moment we are deciding together what to do.
"He's playing very well. The relationship with him is very good I think and, of course, I would like him to play 90 minutes in every game, but he can't."
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-11-2021
Champions League: Messi, Ronaldo end 16-year streak after Juventus, Barcelona crash out
on
March 11, 2021
![[Image: messi-ronaldo.png.webp]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/messi-ronaldo.png.webp)
Neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo will play in the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since the 2004/2005 season.
Messi and Barcelona were sent packing at the last-16 stage by Paris Saint-Germain, who drew 1-1 with the Spanish side on Wednesday, to seal a 5-2 aggregate triumph.
A day before, Porto stunned Juventus and Ronaldo, to advance on away goals in Turin.
The last time both Messi and Ronaldo missed the last eight of the competition, Barca were eliminated by Chelsea in the last 16.
Ronaldo, who was with Manchester United at the time, lost to AC Milan in the round of 16.
Overall, Ronaldo has won the Champions League five times, while Messi has won the competition on four occasions – most recently in 2014-15.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-11-2021
Champions League: Mbappe snubs swapping shirts with Messi after 1-1 draw
on
March 11, 2021
![[Image: Kylian-Mbappe.jpg.webp]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Kylian-Mbappe.jpg.webp)
Paris Saint-Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe, opted not to swap shirts with Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, following their 1-1 draw in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Mbappe had opened scoring from the penalty spot, before Messi fired in a stunning equalizer from long range.
However, the result was not enough for Barca, who had lost the first leg 4-1 at the Camp Nou.
After the game, Mbappe asked Barcelona youngster Pedri for his jersey.
Pedri had played 78 minutes before he was replaced by Miralem Pjanic.
But he made his way back onto the field after the game and was approached by Mbappe, who had already removed his PSG jersey.
The duo hugged and spoke to each other for a few seconds before Mbappe asked the 18-year-old for his shirt.
Pedri responded by unzipping his jacket and swapping tops with the Frenchman.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-12-2021
Ex footballer, Finidi George faults coach Gernot Rohr over AFCON qualifiers squad
![[Image: 604b001eae865.jpeg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604b001eae865.jpeg)
Former Super Eagles player, George Finidi, has faulted coach Gernot Rohr's squad list for Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho.
On Tuesday, March 9, the German coach released a 24-man list that included Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, who has been without a club since leaving Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr last October.
Genk striker Paul Onuachu, who has scored just once in seven appearances, has failed to replicate his club form for the national team. For his club, he has scored 26 goals with three assists in 30 games across all competitions.
Speaking with Punch, George Finidi admitted that Musa is a quality player who has done a lot for the country but should not be on the list on the basis of form or fitness.
The 49-year-old former winger also questioned the process of inviting players to the national team before saying that striker Paul Onuachu’s poor form with the Eagles has been down to poor coaching.
“Coaches should be made to defend their list when they come up with names that are questionable. Coaches should not be left alone.
“They should be made to explain how they arrived at certain decisions on who they invite. Journalists should question the names on the list.”
“I have a problem with his list, selecting centre-backs as midfielders and right-backs in the midfield.”
“In the case of Paul Onuachu, who was snubbed, if you want a player to perform, you set up your formation in a way to make him comfortable. He has struggled largely because of poor coaching.”
“This is Rohr. The coach you expect to take us to the World Cup and win the AFCON. If he was a Nigerian that made these decisions, we would critique him, but here’s a coach who is supposedly very experienced, the choices are questionable.”
The Super Eagles will face Benin in Porto Novo on March 27 before facing the Lesotho three days later in their final 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, on March 30.
See full squad list below.
Goalkeepers.
John Noble, Maduka Okoye, and Francis Uzoho.
Defenders.
Kenneth Omeruo, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Tyronne Ebuehi, Ola Aina, Jamilu Collins, Zaidu Sanusi, and Chidozie Awaziem.
Midfielders.
Wilfred Ndidi, Abdullahi Shehu, Oghenekaro Etebo, Semi Ajayi, and Joe Aribo.
Forwards.
Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Victor Osimhen, Sadiq Umar, and Samuel Kalu.
Standby list.
Paul Onuachu, Peter Olayinka, Terem Moffi, Michael Olise, Daniel Akpeyi, and Henry Onyekuru.
![[Image: icon_share.png]](https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/images/icon_share.png){kind=icon}
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-12-2021
Quote:Cristiano Ronaldo Earns €1m Per Goal At Juventus, Claims Ex President Giovanni
Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has said the club should look to offload Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of the season after they were knocked out of the Champions League at the round-of-16 stage for a second straight year.
Juve signed Ronaldo from Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 with the expectation that the Portugal captain would lead them to glory in Europe's elite club competition for the first time since 1996.
Ronaldo has scored 27 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions for Juve this season but failed to find the back of the net in both Champions League encounters against FC Porto, who progressed to the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
"Was CR7 [Cristiano Ronaldo] the wrong signing? Absolutely yes," Cobolli Gigli, who was Juventus president from 2006 until 2009, told a radio station.
"I said that on the very first day, showing that I have respect for a great champion. But he is too expensive ... it's up to Juventus whether to sell Ronaldo or not, but he costs €1 million per goal. Juve president [Andrea] Agnelli must be self-critical, but he doesn't have great collaborators.
"Juventus has a need to rebuild. I would free Ronaldo but also [Juventus sporting director Fabio] Paratici."
Ronaldo, 32, also faced heavy criticism from former Juve manager Fabio Capello for his part in Sergio Oliveira's free-kick in Juve's 3-2 win over Porto.
Ronaldo was in the wall, but he jumped and turned around with the ball going under him and beating Juve goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny. Juve went out on away goals after a 4-4 aggregate result.
Juventus sporting director Paratici said prior to Tuesday's encounter that Ronaldo's contract extension is not on the club's agenda at the moment. The forward's deal runs out in June 2022.
Paratici also said Ronaldo will be the one to make the decision on whether he continues or not.
"Cristiano has his career in his hands," he said. "Always with these great players you know that when they decide to end their experience with one team and move on to another experience, it's they who decide, and you have to respect that decision. We have to consider how he will feel in order to continue or not once his contract expires."
https://www.espn.com/soccer/juventus/story/4335130/juventus-must-free-ronaldo-after-champions-league-elimination-ex-president-cobolli-gigli
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-13-2021
EPL: Tuchel can get very loud, say things that hurt – Ramos to Chelsea players
on
March 13, 2021
![[Image: hi-res-6611acc33cc996ca79aaa623d5ea5b00_...scaled.jpg]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/hi-res-6611acc33cc996ca79aaa623d5ea5b00_crop_north-scaled.jpg)
Chelsea players have been told that their new manager, Thomas Tuchel can get loud very easily and sometimes says things that hurt.
Former Borussia Dortmund striker, Adrian Ramos said this, adding that not everyone will like Tuchel’s coaching style.
Ramos, who worked under Tuchel at Borussia Dortmund, said some of his old team-mates were not so keen with the manager’s method.
The German gaffer was Borussia Dortmund boss for two years before moving to France to take over at Paris Saint-Germain. He is now at Chelsea.
Ramos says that the former PSG boss never means anything personal when he criticises players.
“Thomas is obsessed with football and places extremely high demands on his players, especially from a tactical point of view,” Ramos told Goal.
“Anyone who does not meet these requirements has a problem. Then Thomas can get very loud very quickly and sometimes says things that hurt,” he added.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-13-2021
NFF President Amaju Pinnick wins FIFA council seat
![[Image: 604c4ce070c2a.jpeg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604c4ce070c2a.jpeg)
The President of the Nigerian Football Federation Amaju Pinnick has been elected into the Fifa Council after a landslide victory.
Pinnick defeated Malawian FA president Walter Nyamilandu by 43 votes to eight during the CAF General Assembly that held at the Royal Ballroom of the Sofitel Hotel in Morocco’s administrative capital on Friday, March 12.
Four of Pinnick’s five rivals, Lamin Kaba Bajo (The Gambia), Wallace Karia (Tanzania), Nick Mwendwa (Kenya) and Andrew Kamanga (Zambia) threw in the towel before the vote and opted to back the Nigerian. General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi casted Nigeria’s vote.
Pinnick becomes the third Nigerian elected into the prestigious council after Oyo Orok Oyo (1980-1988) and Amos Adamu (2006-2010).
The position is for a four-year term, and automatically makes Pinnick a Member of the Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football.
![[Image: 604c4e6a185f2.PNG]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604c4e6a185f2.PNG)
Reacting to his victory, Pinnick on his IG page, wrote;
Quote:''I thank God Almighty for this day. FIFA COUNCIL dream is now a reality.''
Congrats to him!
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-13-2021
EPL: Tuchel scraps Lampard’s strict disciplinary policy on Chelsea players
on
March 13, 2021
![[Image: thomas-tuchel-psg-nimes-ligue-1-23022019...t.jpg.webp]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/thomas-tuchel-psg-nimes-ligue-1-23022019_176shaei6syn8135ytru7snvnt.jpg.webp)
Chelsea boss, Thomas Tuchel, has scrapped his predecessor, Frank Lampard’s strict disciplinary policy on the club’s players.
Chelsea have been in fine form since Tuchel replaced Lampard last January.
During Lampard’s regime, there were fines and charges related to poor discipline.
One of the punishments included a £500 fine for every minute a player is late for a team meeting, as well as a £20,000 charge for being late to training.
But Tuchel has now decided to go another way and has placed his trust in the Chelsea squad to keep their own discipline, insisting that he is “not the police”.
“I’ve no complaints – everybody has been on time, nobody was ever late for a meeting or out on the pitch,” Tuchel said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
“If a player arrives at 10.01 or 9.59, I’m not the police.
“I won’t be hanging around the window, checking the time, and I expect my players to take care of that.
“If you want to live together in harmony, everybody needs to accept certain values of how the family is run.
“I am more into trusting and feeling the same values and convincing them about the values than setting the rules and fines.
“I am not against fines, but I think it should be something in the dressing room. When you arrive and have an appointment with the physio or doctor, you arrive on time.
“This is absolutely normal if they do this with fines. Then they can have a nice dinner or a nice holiday together.”
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-13-2021
SPORT
Leeds vs Chelsea: Tuchel’s squad for EPL clash confirmed [Full list]
on
March 13, 2021
![[Image: Thomas-Tuchel-1.jpg.webp]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Thomas-Tuchel-1.jpg.webp)
Tammy Abraham and Thiago Silva will be missing for Chelsea, when they travel to Leeds United in Saturday’s early kick off.
The Blues go to Elland Road in search of a third successive Premier League win.
Chelsea’s win over Everton cemented their spot in the top-four, meaning a win against Leeds, who have lost their last two matches without scoring, would see them move into third-place, ahead of Leicester City, but only on goal-difference.
After missing seven games with a thigh problem, Silva was named on the bench against Everton. However, he has since suffered a setback, meaning he will miss the clash with the Whites.
Abraham also missed the win over Everton because of an ankle injury and he still not fit enough to be considered available for a return.
Ben Chilwell, N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount will be amongst those targeting returns after dropping out of the starting line-up against Everton.
Full Chelsea squad available to face Leeds United:
Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga & Willy Caballero.
Defenders: Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Ben Chilwell, Marcos Alonso & Emerson Palmieri.
Midfielders: Hakim Ziyech, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Billy Gilmour, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz & Faustino Anjorin.
Strikers: Timo Werner & Olivier Giroud.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-13-2021
SPORT
Real Madrid: Zidane opens up on Cristiano Ronaldo’s return
on
March 13, 2021
![[Image: Cristiano-Ronaldo.jpg.webp]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Cristiano-Ronaldo.jpg.webp)
Real Madrid manager, Zinedine Zidane, has refused to rule out a potential return for Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is currently being linked with a return to the Santiago Bernabeu from Juventus.
His future at Juventus was recently being called into question after the Old Lady was knocked out from the Champions League by Porto earlier this week.
The 36-year-old’s current deal at Juventus will expire at the end of next season, and the club’s director Fabio Paratici has already disclosed that the Serie A champions are not presently looking at extending Ronaldo’s contract.
Speaking on the development during his pre-match press conference on Friday ahead of Real Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Elche on Saturday, Zidane told reporters, “You know what he [Ronaldo] is, what he has done and how much love we have for him.
“He made history here, he’s magnificent. Now, he is a Juve player, and I cannot tell you anything about what they (media) are saying.
“He’s a Juve player, and I have to respect these things.”
Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 appearances for Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018.
The former Manchester United star won two La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns before he left the Los Blancos for Juve in 2018.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-13-2021
LaLiga: I shouldn’t have let Cristiano Ronaldo leave Real Madrid – Sergio Ramos
on
March 13, 2021
![[Image: Sergio-Ramos.jpg.webp]](https://dailypost.ng/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Sergio-Ramos.jpg.webp)
Real Madrid captain, Sergio Ramos has said that the club’s decision to sell their star striker, Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus was a loss for all involved.
Since the departure of the Portuguese international from Spain in 2018, Real Madrid have missed out on major trophies.
And Ramos is still lamenting Ronaldo’s exit, saying “Cris lost and Madrid lost [when he left],” According to Tribal Football.
“I wouldn’t have let him leave because he is one of the best and he would have brought us closer to winning [big trophies].
“These are relationships that have to be for life, it has to be a team fusion.
“He is a decisive player who helped us win.”
Cristiano Ronaldo and his Juventus side crashed out of the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Italian champions were knocked out by FC Porto of Portugal on away goal rule, with Ronaldo firing blank in both legs of the last 16 encounter.
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-14-2021
Racism: Footballer Wilfred Zaha becomes first Premier League player to stop taking the knee since George Floyd protests
![[Image: 604d2319ba7b5.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604d2319ba7b5.jpg)
Today, March 13, Ivory coast and Crystal Palace winger, Zaha became the first Premier League player to stop taking the knee.
'Taking the knee' is a public show of defiance against discrimination of any kind by footballers which involves kneeling down before football matches.
It started since 2020 following the killing of black American George Floyd at the hands of White policemen.
Although Zaha remains fully committed to the fight against racism, he says he feels the message being sent by sportspeople has become diluted, with plenty still suffering online racial abuse.
He suggests that a fresh approach is required.
In the match against West Brom on Saturday March 13, his first start since having injury last month, Zaha refused to kneel, while all the other footballers, coaches and officials took a knee.
![[Image: 604d2344d5a72.jpg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604d2344d5a72.jpg)
A statement from Zaha explaining his actions read: “My decision to stand at kick-off has been public knowledge for a couple of weeks.
“There is no right or wrong decision, but I feel kneeling has just become a part of the pre-match routine and whether we kneel or stand, some of us continue to receive abuse..
“I know there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes at the Premier League and other authorities to make change, and I fully respect that, and everyone involved.
“I also fully respect my team-mates and players at other clubs who continue to take the knee.
“As a society, I feel we should be encouraging better education in schools, and social media companies should be taking stronger action against people who abuse others online - not just footballers.”
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-14-2021
True champions never break!' Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to recent criticism as he passionately reaffirms commitment to Juventus
![[Image: 604d21a36c9ee.png]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604d21a36c9ee.png)
Football star, Cristiano Ronaldo has reacted to recent criticism about him after his club Juventus were knocked out of the Champions League by Porto this week.
The 36-year-old's future has become the subject of speculation since the Champions league exit and Juventus former President called him an 'expensive mistake' asking the club to sell him as he hasn't been able to deliver the Holy Grail of Champions League he was signed for.
Ronaldo, 36, joined Juve from Real Madrid in 2018 and has scored 92 goals in 121 appearances in all competitions.
He has now posted a reassuring message for Juventus supporters, insisting that he is focused on achieving the club's goals for the rest of the season despite their Champions League exit.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Ronaldo wrote:
"More important than the number of falls you take in life, is how fast and how strong you get back on your feet... true champions never break!
"Our focus is already in Cagliari, in the Serie A struggle, in the Italian Cup final and in everything that we can still achieve this season.
"It’s true that the past belongs in museums (I should say!), but fortunately, football has memory... and so do I! History can’t be deleted, it’s written every single day with resilience, team spirit, persistence and lots of hard work.
"And those who don’t understand this, will never achieve glory and success."
![[Image: 604d21db3f31e.png]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604d21db3f31e.png)
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RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-14-2021
Henry Onyekuru Scores Twice As A Substitute For Galatasaray
Nigerian footballer Henry Onyekuru scored twice as a substitute to help Galatasaray secure a 3-0 win against Kayserispor.
This is was in their Turkish Super Lig match at the Kadir Has Şehir Stadı on Saturday evening.
Onyekuru replaced Emre Akbaba in the 68th minute and scored to give Galatasaray the lead.
The Nigerian scored his second goal that secured all three points before full time.
Onyekuru joined Fathi Terim’s side from Ligue 1 club Monaco on loan in January.
The 23 year old has now scored four goals in nine league matches so far this season.
Watch Video;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqVEp9x6wsM
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-14-2021
Quote:[b]Kelechi Iheanacho Scores His First Premier League Hat Trick
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a superb hat-trick as Leicester City maintained their push for a top-four finish with a commanding Premier League victory over Sheffield United, in the Blades' first game since the departure of manager Chris Wilder.[/b]
Having been appointed interim manager until the end of the season on Saturday, Under-23s boss Paul Heckingbottom took charge of bottom club United following Wilder's departure by "mutual consent" after almost five years in charge.
But Leicester were far superior at King Power Stadium on Sunday, where Iheanacho continued his fine goalscoring form as the Foxes ran riot in the second half.
Iheanacho scored for a third successive Premier League game for the first time as he met Jamie Vardy's cut-back to break the deadlock shortly before the interval.
Ayoze Perez had come closest to an early opener with a flicked header that Aaron Ramsdale diverted onto the post, but the Spaniard got the goal his performance deserved with a fine finish into the bottom corner after 64 minutes.
Iheanacho got his second from Jamie Vardy's excellent pass five minutes later, before the Nigeria forward's powerful strike sealed his treble.
Vardy thought he had ended a six-game goal drought with his shot 10 minutes from time, but Blades defender Ethan Ampadu was adjudged to have made the decisive touch.
Leicester move into second place, above Manchester United, who face West Ham later on Sunday (19:15 GMT), while Sheffield United remain 12 points from safety
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56247534
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-15-2021
Cristiano Ronaldo Nets 770 Official Career Goals, Surpasses Pele
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to his 770 official career goals.
Quote:Ronaldo has placed himself at the top of the world's goalscoring list.
ESPN FC
He scored a perfect hat-trick inside 32 minutes as Juventus bounced back from their midweek Champions League exit by beating Cagliari 3-1 away in Serie A on Sunday.
The 36-year-old striker found the net with a header, a right-footed penalty and a left-foot shot and celebrated by pointing to his ear in an apparent response to recent criticism, hitting his 57th career hat-trick.
Quote:Sporting Lisbon - 5 goals
Manchester Utd - 118 goals
Real Madrid CF - 450 goals (highest in club history)
Juventus - 95 goals
Portugal - 102 goals (highest for the selecao)
Quote:The last few weeks were filled with news and stats considering me the World’s Top Scorer in football history, overcoming Pelé’s 757 official goals. Although I’m thankful for that recognition, now it’s time for me to explain why I didn’t acknowledge that record until this moment.
My everlasting and unconditional admiration for mister Edson Arantes do Nascimento, such as the respect that I have for mid-20th century football, led me to take into account his 767 score, assuming his 9 goals for São Paulo State Team, as well as his single goal for the Brazilian Military Team, as official goals. The World as changed since then and football as changed as well, but this doesn’t mean that we can just erase history according to our interests.
Today, as I reach the 770.º official goal in my professional career, my first words go straight to @pele . There’s no player in the World who hasn’t been raised listening to stories about his games, his goals and his achievements, and I’m no exception. And for that reason, I’m filled with joy and pride as I acknowledge the goal that put’s me on top of the World’s goalscoring list, overcoming Pelé’s record, something that I could never have dreamed of while growing up as a child from Madeira.
Thanks to all of those who took part of this amazing journey with me. To my teammates, to my opponents, to the fans of the beautiful game all over the World and, above all, to my family and close friends: trust me when I say that I couldn’t have done it without you.
Now I can’t wait for the next games and challenges! The next records and trophees! Believe me, this story is still far from being over. The future is tomorrow and there’s still a lot to win for Juventus and Portugal!
Join me in this journey! Let’s go! ����
Cristiano Ronaldo
Pele greets CR7:
Quote:@cristiano , life is a solo flight. Each makes his own journey. And what a beautiful journey you are having! I admire you a lot, I love watching you play and this is no secret to anyone. Congratulations on breaking my record of goals in official matches. My only regret is not being able to give you a hug today. But I leave this photo in your honor, with great affection, as the symbol of a friendship that has existed for many years.
Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele)
Portugal greets CR7:
Quote:The best ever is Portuguese! ��⚽ Cristiano Ronaldo is the ������ �������� in the history of world football! �� Thank you, captain! Let's all go. #VamosComTudo
Portuguese National Team
RE: Sports update - Edoman - 03-15-2021
Footballer, Angel Di Maria forced to flee PSG vs Nantes match after learning that robbers broke into his home and attacked his family
![[Image: 604ef57222dfd.jpeg]](https://alexis.lindaikejisblog.com/photos/shares/604ef57222dfd.jpeg)
Former Real Madrid and Manchester United attacker, Angel Di Maria was withdrawn during Paris Saint-Germain's defeat to Nantes on Sunday March 14, after he received news that his home had been robbed with members of his family present.
Di Maria had played well and was helping PSG push to take the lead back when the club's sporting director Leonardo signalled communication to Pochettino on the sidelines.
Pochettino immediately withdrew Di Maria and went with him into the dressing room before returning minutes later to oversee the rest of his side's match.
PSG players seemed shaken by the news hence their intensity reduced during the game and they ultimately lost as they also heard at the end of the game that team-mate Marquinhos' parents had also been victimised by home intruders.
Years back Di Maria's family was left traumatized by a robbery incident during his time at Manchester United .
"It's not an excuse but there was a drop in energy," Pochettino said after the match.
"We talked about things other than football after the game in the locker room."
"The truth is that the first period we controlled the match, but after the equalizer, we had trouble and we were not strong enough to hang onto this match."