Sports Updates

[Edoman]

New York City FC investigating sexual harassment allegations leveled by former intern against ex-player David Villa



                                





New York City football club has confirmed that the club is investigating allegations of sexual harassment levelled at their former player, David Villa.

 

Villa played for NYCFC between 2014 and 2018, with him being the club's first signing. During his career he played at Valencia, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona while earning 98 caps and scoring 59 goals for the Spanish national team.

 

Villa scored 80 goals in 126 appearances during his time in MLS, earning recognition in 2016 as the league's Most Valuable Player.

The sexual allegations surfaced on Twitter after the Washington Post made a damning report revealing a series of sexual harassment claims that happened at the front office of Washington’s NFL team.

 

After seeing the report, a former NYCFC intern tweeted that she had been a victim of sexual harrasment during her time at the club, saying that former Barcelona star David Villa repeatedly harassed her while she worked at the club.

According to her she "rarely went a day" without Villa “grabbing” her or "verbally harassing" her.

 



According to the intern, her superiors at NYCFC thought her allegations were  "great comedic material" while adding that she was repeatedly "groped", "mocked" and "shoved".

NYCFC has now reacted to the allegations, saying that the club is investigating the matter

"New York City Football Club has learned of the allegations made by a former intern by seeing them on social media," a club spokesperson said in a statement to Goal.com 

"We take this matter extremely seriously and do not tolerate harassment of any kind in any areas of our organization. We immediately launched an investigation into the matter."

Villa speaking to ESPN, denied the allegations: "I strongly object to the accusations made about me on Twitter. These accusations are entirely false and I deny them."

[Edoman]

Former Arsenal coach, Unai Emery returns to football as new manager of Villarreal 








Spanish La Liga club, Villarreal has confirmed the appointment of former Arsenal manager Unai Emery on a three-year deal.
 
The Spaniard, 48, has been out of football since his sacking at the Emirates in November 2019 after 18 months in charge of the Gunners. He will officially be presented to fans in a press conference on Monday afternoon, July 27.
 
On the official Villarreal website, a statement read: 'Villarreal CF has reached an agreement with Unai Emery for the Basque manager to be Yellows head coach for the next three seasons.
 
The manager will be presented on Monday at 12:30pm CEST in a press conference, which is exclusively open to media, which will take place in the Functions Room in the Preferencia Stand at the Estadio de la Cerámica (access by Gate 31).
 
Unai Emery is a well-respected coach with vast experience in football around the world, and has manager top-level clubs such as Paris Saint-German and Arsenal FC. Furthermore, he also knows LaLiga perfectly, after two successful spells at Sevilla FC and Valencia CF.
 
 

[Edoman]

Liverpool star, Fabinho's home burgled while he celebrated the club's' Premier League title win at Anfield 







Liverpool midfielder, Fabinho's home was reportedly burgled on Wednesday night as he celebrated the club's Premier League title win.
 
The break-in is said to have happened between 3pm on Wednesday afternoon and 4am on Thursday morning while no one was at home.
 
It's believed the thieves entered his home while the 26-year-old was at Anfield celebrating the club lifting the Premier League trophy for the first time in 30-years following their 5-3 victory against Chelsea..
 
Police said a number of jewellery items were stolen in the Formby burglary, while a grey Audi RS6 was also taken and later discovered and recovered in the Wigan area.
 
The occupants, that include Fabinho and his family, discovered the house had been broken into as they entered the home, police said. 
 

 
A spokesman for Merseyside Police said: 'Detectives in Sefton are appealing for information following a burglary in Formby.
 
'Police were called to an address in the early hours of this morning (Thursday, 23 July), when the occupants entered their house to find it had been burgled.
 

 
'No-one was in the property at the time of the incident but it was thought the burglary happened sometime between 3pm on Wednesday, 22 July and 4am on Thursday, 23 July.


'A number of jewellery items were stolen, alongside a grey Audi RS6, which has since been recovered in the Wigan area.


'The house and car have been forensically examined by Crime Scene Investigators and CCTV enquiries in the area are on-going.


'Detectives would urge anyone who has any information about this incident, especially anyone who was in the area and may have dash-cam footage which shows a grey Audi RS6 to get in contact. DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting reference 188 of 23 July. You can also contact @CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

[Edoman]

Revealed: The Premier League 2020-21 season will begin on September 12 and run until May 23, 2021.








The new Premier League season will commence on September 12 and and run until May 23, 2021.
 
The 20 top-flight clubs confirmed the calendar during a virtual meeting today, with new fixture list set to be unveiled weeks before the action restarts.
 
A statement from the Premier League read: "Premier League shareholders today agreed to start the 2020-21 Premier League season on September 12, 2020.
 
"The final match round of the campaign will take place on May 23, 2021. The Premier League will continue to consult the FA and EFL regarding the scheduling of all domestic competitions."
 
The current Premier League season will end on Sunday, July 26, with Liverpool already crowned champions of Premier League 2019/2020 season. 
 
The Jurgen Klopp's side dominated the Premier League this year and won the league with seven games to spare in late June. It took them 28 wins and 86 points to win the title.

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[Edoman]

Napoli Finally Agree €60 Million For Osimhen, Striker To Get Number 9 Jersey

Napoli have agreed an initial €60m fee with Lille for Victor Osimhen, with the Nigeria striker set to sign a five-year contract and join the Serie A side in the most expensive transfer deal of the summer so far,reports The Guardian of London.

The 21-year-old scored 18 goals in all competitions for Lille before the French season ended prematurely owing to the Covid-19 pandemic and has been linked with several English clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool.

But Osimhen, who changed agent last week, looks set to move to Napoli after negotiations between the clubs were completed on Thursday.

It is understood the fee could rise to €81m after a number of performance-related add-ons – €1m more than the African record transfer fee Arsenal paid Lille for the Ivory Coast international Nicolas Pépé last summer. There is also an option to extend Osimhen’s contract by a further year.

Lille are expected to step up their efforts to sign Jonathan David having seen a €25m bid for the Canada striker rejected by Gent this month.

The French club have signed the 35-year-old Turkey striker Burak Yilmaz in preparation for Osimhen’s departure and have been told they must pay a Belgian record fee of €30m to secure David.

Meanwhile, Osimhen is expected to take the Number 9 jersey once he arriverd at the Naples-based side

https://thenationonlineng.net/napoli-finally-agree-e60m-for-osimhen/

[Edoman]

Barcelona legend, Xavi Hernández announces he has tested positive for Coronavirus in Qatar








Barcelona icon, Xavi Hernández has tested positive for Coronavirus but is asymptomatic and currently in self-isolation.
 
The 40-year-old Barcelona and Spain legend, who is the current manager of Al Sadd in Qatar, announced his diagnosis today July 25 on Instagram. 
 
He wrote on his page: 'A few days ago, following the QSL (Qatar Stars League) protocol, I tested positive in the last COVID19 test. Fortunately, I’m feeling ok, but I will be isolated until I am given the all-clear. When the health services allow it, I will be very eager to return to my daily routine and to work. 
 

 
'I’d like to thank all the authorities, especially those working in [the] QSL, [the] QFA (Qatar Football Association) and [at] Al-Sadd for supplying the means of early detection, reducing the spread of infection and that guarantees the normal development of the competition.'
 

 
Xavi will now miss the club's Qatar Stars League game against Al Khor on Saturday as a result of contracting the disease. David Prats, Al Sadd's reserves coach, will  take interim charge.
 
According to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University, Qatar has over 108,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases with 164 deaths. 
 
 

[Edoman]

[b]Arsenal Winger Saka Says Choosing Between England And Nigeria Will Be 'tough[/b]

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka admits it will be challenging to choose between England or Nigeria, should his impressive Premier League form be rewarded with international selection

In a wide ranging interview with Sky Sports News the teenager discussed a memorable few years rising through the ranks at Arsenal, including:

Saka is yet to receive a call-up from either England or Nigeria but he's attracting admiring glances from both associations.

For the modest but confident 18-year-old it is a decision that will require careful consideration with family members at the right time.

"It's a tough choice," Saka revealed.

"I'm happy to have represented England at youth level but I'm also proud of my Nigerian heritage from my parents.

"We haven't been picked by any team so it's about staying humble and when the time comes we'll make the decision."

Gareth Southgate has been keeping a close eye on Saka and Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood, while Jude Bellingham recently became the most expensive 17-year-old in history following his £25m move to Borussia Dortmund.

The future for England appears bright with Europe's top clubs and their current managers putting faith in the teenage sensations.

"Greenwood and Bellingham have so much quality. Whether they are 18 or 28 or 38 they've got quality and when you've got quality you're going to be in the team, providing you can apply the right attitude," Saka said.

"I feel the age isn't really a factor because they've got maturity and quality beyond their years. That's why they're being trusted I believe."

Mikel Arteta, like Unai Emery before him, is certainly placing his trust in Saka who has scored in the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League during his 38 appearances this season.

"Being young and at a big club if you are in the team over an experienced professional the manager is basically telling you without speaking that I believe in you.

"(He's saying) go and do what you can do and that belief gives me so much confidence. Arteta is so detailed and clear and a lot of the players will tell you we are learning from him.

"I feel like we're going in the right direction and we're working hard to hit the ground running next season."

Saka recently scored his first Premier League goal and was this week rewarded with Arsenal's No 7 shirt, previously worn by Robert Pires, Tomas Rosicky and David Rocastle.

"I was so excited to get it. It's stuff you dream of and to think of the legends who have had it is such an honour," he said.

"I liked the number growing up because some of the best players in the world have worn it.

"It shows how much confidence they have in me and I want to repay their faith and hopefully can write my own history in that shirt."

In recent years the youngster has gone from watching Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to assisting his goal at Old Trafford earlier this season.

The youngster added: "In the academy we got tickets to watch (the first team) and I used to see him scoring goals. To now be playing with him is just amazing.

"You know he's going to score a goal for us. He's such a good guy who helps all the young players with advice and he's also funny as well!"

Saka spoke in similar fashion about Arsenal legend Thierry Henry when the Frenchman gave a talk to the academy players a couple of years ago.

He revealed this particular session spent in the company of Henry was on his mind recently when he scored a first league goal.

"His mindset was just so elite," Saka explained.

"He told us about a day that Arsenal were behind and he wouldn't allow his team to lose before running past everyone to score!

"When he speaks to your face and you see in his eyes how passionate he is for the game and how much he wanted to win it shows why he was such a great player.

"You dream of trying to emulate a career like his. As a young player that just inspires you and that's why scoring against Wolves meant so much to me."

Next weekend Saka can emulate Norman Whiteside if he scores in the FA Cup final as an 18-year-old, and although Whiteside's record of youngest scorer in the decider is safe, it would be a proud moment for him.

"The chance to win a trophy in my first full season is amazing. If you told me last year all of this would happen I wouldn't have believed you!

"We have Watford to focus on first to try to build momentum. They are going to be fighting for their lives because they want to stay in the Premier League but we want to win.

"It would be a shame if we have to send them down but at Arsenal we have a winning mentality and want to win every game."

The "humble" teenager admitted he is feeling "blessed" after signing a new long-term deal earlier in July.

With his infectious positive attitude and raw talent the Arsenal No 7 shirt may be occupied for some time.

Source: https://www.skysports.com/amp/football/news/11670/12035867/bukayo-saka-arsenal-winger-says-choosing-between-england-and-nigeria-will-be-tough

[Edoman]

Former Tottenham manager, Pochettino turns down another new job offer

 July 26, 2020



Barcelona have failed with a bid to appoint former Tottenham Hotspur manager, Mauricio Pochettino, as their new manager, The Times reports.


Barcelona have considered Pochettino as a replacement for current manager, Quique Setien, after failing to win the 2019/20 LaLiga title ahead of Real Madrid.


However, Pochettino has rejected the approach because he was a former player and coach of Barcelona derby rivals, Espanyol.


The Argentine will not consider working for Barcelona out of loyalty for Espanyol.

DAILY POST recalls that Pochettino had some days ago turned down an offer to become Monaco’s new manager.

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Pochettino remains desperate to secure an imminent return to the English Premier League.


[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/21/juventus-in-talks-with-former-tottenham-manager-mauricio-pochettino/]He has also attracted interest from Juventus and Newcastle United respectively.


Pochettino is waiting for the right opportunity to return to club management after he was sacked by Tottenham last November.

[Edoman]

Former Real Madrid coach, Capello reveals why Hazard struggles under Zidane this season


 July 26, 2020



Former Real Madrid coach, Fabio Capello has revealed why forward, Eden Hazard, struggled under manager, Zinedine Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu this season.
Hazard established himself as one of the best players in the world during his time at Chelsea.


The Belgium international, who scored over 100 goals for Chelsea, joined Real Madrid last summer for more than £100million.


His performances for Zidane’s side were largely underwhelming as he scored just once during the 2019/20 season.

But Capello believes Hazard has not adapted fully at the Los Blancos after his move from Stamford Bridge, adding that he would perform better next season.
“He has not been the player he was at Chelsea, and he was injured for a long time, he has not adapted,” Capello told Marca.

[/url]
‘I have always thought of him as a great player, but the Real shirt weighs heavily, and Hazard has sunk this year. It’s clear that he’ll be better next season.”

Meanwhile, Hazard had last week insisted that the 2019/20 season [url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/19/eden-hazard-reveals-most-trying-season-of-his-career/]was the worst campaign of his career so far despite winning the La Liga title.
 

[Edoman]

LaLiga: Messi tells board who should replace Setien as Barcelona manager


 July 26, 2020



Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, wants to hire Leeds boss, Marcelo Bielsa, as their new manager, according to the UK Sun.


Bielsa is Messi’s favoured candidate to replace the embattled Quique Setien.


The 65-year-old has just guided Leeds back to the Premier League after winning the Championship title, but his contract at Elland Road expires this month.
Setien is under increasing pressure at the Nou Camp, after Real Madrid snatched the LaLiga title from Barca this season.

The Catalans were leading at the top of the league with two points before the COVID-19, but threw away their advantage after the restart.


After a 2-1 loss to Osasuna at home this month, Messi branded Barca “weak” and “inconsistent”.

The Argentine superstar also said performances since January – when Setien replaced Ernesto Valverde – had been very bad.

[Edoman]

Champions League: Man City vs Real Madrid under threat after new UK COVID-19 rules


 July 26, 2020



The Champions League last-16 second leg game between Manchester City and Real Madrid has been plunged into doubt, due to new UK COVID-19 travel restrictions.


According to Diario AS, the UK Government has stated that anyone entering the country from Spain from June 26 onwards, will be required to self-isolate as per public health guidelines, following localised coronavirus flare ups in Northern Spain.


Madrid are due to face City at the Etihad Stadium on August 7.

However, the fixture is now potentially subject to change.


UEFA had initially proposed all last-16 second leg ties be played at neutral venues, ahead of the ‘Final 8′ tournament in Lisbon, Portugal next month.



However, that decision was overturned following a relaxation of rules regarding self isolation for most European nations in June.


UEFA are expected to provide an official update on the situation early next week.

[Edoman]

Conte speaks on Inter Milan signing Messi from Barcelona


 July 26, 2020


Inter Milan manager, Antonio Conte, on Saturday night dismissed speculations of a reported move by the Chinese-owned club for Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.


“We’re talking fantasy football, a situation that cannot be approached at Inter for many reasons,” Conte told reporters after their 3-0 win over Genoa.


“I don’t think there is a madman in the world who does not want Messi, but he is really far from us and what we want to build.”

Messi, 33, has spent his entire professional career at the Camp Nou.


However, there is uncertainty over his future, with his contract due to expire in 2021.


Messi was furious after Barca lost their LaLiga crown to Real Madrid this season and branded the team “weak and inconsistent”.

[url=https://dailypost.ng/2020/07/26/epl-final-day-vardy-aubameyang-ings-in-race-for-premier-leagues-highest-goal-scorer/][/url]
Inter CEO, Giuseppe Marotta, also brushed aside talk that Inter wanted Messi to rival Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Leo is not our goal and I don’t think he wants to leave Barcelona,” Marotta said.

[Edoman]

Vardy Wins Premier League Golden Boot, Beats Ings, Aubameyang & Sterling

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy became the oldest player to win the Premier League Golden Boot after finishing the season with 23 goals.

The 33-year-old ended up a goal clear of Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Southampton striker Danny Ings, both on 22.

Vardy is the ninth English player to win or share the Golden Boot.

Last season Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah and Arsenal's Aubameyang shared it with 22 each.

Vardy still finished clear despite failing to score on the final day as Leicester lost 2-0 to Manchester United to miss out on a Champions League place.

"It's a wonderful individual achievement," said Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers. "We wouldn't be where we are without his quality and goals.

"He's a joy to work with, has a great mentality and has such quality. It's a huge accolade and we're all delighted for him."

Former England striker Vardy scored more in 2015-16, Leicester's title-winning season, with 24 goals - but missed out that time to Harry Kane's 25.

Manchester City keeper Ederson pipped Burnley's Nick Pope to the Golden Glove award after recording his 16th clean sheet of the season on the final day of the season in a 5-0 win against Norwich, while Pope conceded in Burnley's 2-1 defeat against Brighton.

Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/english-premier-league/story/4146796/vardy-wins-premier-league-golden-boot-despite-defeat-to-man-united?platform=amp

[Edoman]

Football fans react to Man. U's surprising qualification for Champions league despite being 15 points behind Leicester at a point in time




                                  


Football fans all over the world have taken to social media to praise Manchester United after Ole Gunnar Solksjaer guided the club to a deserving Champions league spot following a 2-0 win over Leicester City, even though at a point in time this season the Old Trafford club were lagging 15 points Leicester.
 
The addition of Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo in January rejuvenated the club and after much hardwork, they will now participate in next season's Champions league while grabbing £75m in tournament revenue.
 
United needed just a draw today to qualify but surpassed that with a hard fought 2-0 win.
 
Fans were ecstatic with the win today. See some reactions below.
 

[Edoman]

Chelsea beat Wolves 2-0 while Manchester United defeat Leicester City 2-0 to qualify for UEFA Champions League




                                    


The 2019/2020 English Premier League season came to an exhilirating end today as football giants, Manchester United and Chelsea beat Leicester City and Wolves respectively to qualify for next season's UEFA Champions League.
 
United needed a win or draw to qualify for the champions league after drawing last time out against a resilent West Ham side. While Chelsea needed just a draw to pull through to next season's elite European competition.
 

 
Man United started with it's usual line up, Bruno Fernandes and Pogba manning the midfield with Nigeria's Odion Ighalo reduced to a bench role once again. Kelechi Iheanacho started alongside Jamie Vardy for Leicester City as they aimed to pressure United's fragile defence, and Leicester City sure looked the most assured out of both teams at the start of the match.
 
The first half was filled with nervy moments but still ended 0-0 with both coaches wary that all it could take to miss out on next season's competition could be just a silly mistake.

The Reds finished a tight first half on top and Rashford come close with a side-footed shot that went over the cross bar, after a spinning ball by Pogba deceived James Justin.
 

 
Pogba was beginning to dictate things and he played Anthony Martial through, only for his shot to be deflected for a corner, and, from the resultant set-piece, Rashford came close with a fizzing effort in the box that produced a save out of Kasper Schmeichel.
 
The second period started much as the first ended and the Reds came close to slipping Martial in on several occasion, yet good defending denied the visitors a significant chance.
 

 
As the match headed closer to a nervy finish, the Reds were awarded a penalty when a mixture of Wes Morgan and Evans brought down Martial in the box, although it was the latter who was adjudged to have committed the offence and was booked.
 
After a significant VAR delay, it was Fernandes who stepped up to score past Schmeichel.
 
Leicester continued to push but United held firm denying any opposition chances. In stoppage time, Evans was sent off in injury-time lunging tackle on Scott McTominay, 
At the last minute, Lingard scored when he capitalised on a mistake by Schmeichel, dispossessing the goalkeeper to score into an empty net .


 
Chelsea showed that superiority under club legend, Frank Lampard was a possibility with a convincing 2-0 win over Wolves on Sunday
 

 
Goals from Giroud and Mason Mount hepped the London club secure Champions league football, an unsure prospect at the beginning of the season under Lampard.
 
Chelsea started with Caballero,  defensive lime up of Azpilicueta, Zouma, Rudiger, and James, a midfield trio of Jorginho, Kovacic and Alonso, and a mobile front three of Pulisic, Giroud, Mount.
 
Rivals Wolves started with  goalkeeper Patricio, defenders Boly, Coady, Saiss, and Doherty, Portuguese midfielder Neves controlled things from the start alongside Dendoncker, Jonny and Neto while the frontline had Jimenez and Jota.
 
In the first half, Mason Mount, rose to the occasion against Wolves, carving open a tight game with a glorious free-kick before sending Olivier Giroud through to settle the match just before half-time.
 
There was much to admire about the way that Mount fed Giroud at the end of a move sparked by Christian Pulisic, a signing that has transformed the club.
 Giroud rounded Rui Patrício, the Wolves goalkeeper, to make it 2-0 and settle the contest leaving Wolves with no chance.
 

 
Congrats to both clubs.
 
????

[Edoman]

Wilfred Ndidi sets new record with club side Leicester City after season finale




                                


Nigeria and Leicester city midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has performed well as a premier league player this season, sharing the EPL top tackler accolade with Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the 2019/2020 season, and in the process setting a new record with his clubside after the premier league season finished on Sunday July 26.
 
In the just-concluded season, Ndidi, 23, made 129 successful tackles alongside Wan-Bissaka, while Pereira made 119 tackles.
 
In his first season for Leicester after joining from Belgian club, Genk, Ndidi topped the tacklers’ chart with 138 successes and was named Leicester City’s Young Player of the Year for the 2017/18 season.
 
The next season he made 144 tackles ahead of Idrissa Gueye (143) and Wan-Bissaka (128) making history by becoming the first player to lead the top of tackle charts for two consecutive seasons. Fast forward to 2020 and his tackle rates now means he is the first player to lead the tackle rates for 3 consecutive seasons.
 
Congrts to him!


by

[Edoman]

Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates celebrate as Juventus win ninth consecutive Serie A title (photos)




                            


Italian club, Juventus won the Serie A league title on Sunday night, July 26 after Cristiano Ronaldo and Federico Bernardeschi's efforts helped the club defeat Sampdoria 2-0.
 
Maurizio Sarri’s team win ensured they were seven points clear of second-placed Inter Milan with just two games left to play. The win means Juvenus have now won the league for the 9th consecutive time, a huge feat given how competitive the league has been over the years.
 

 
Star player, Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Juventus in the first-half injury time before midfielder Federico Bernardeschi added a second in the 67th minute. Juventus' marquee signing, Ronaldo, had another attempt to score again with a penalty but missed it  late in the game.
 
This is the second major trophy for Juventus coach,  Maurizio Sarri, as his Europa league win with Chelsea was his first. The very first time he won a trophy was with Serie D club, Sansovino, 17 years ago.
 
Congrats to them.
 
More photos below.
 

[Edoman]

[b]Ronaldo Dedicates Juventus' 36th Italian Title To The Fans As He Eyes Top Scorer [/b]

Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated Juventus' record-extending ninth successive Serie A title 'to the fans' as they defeated Sampdoria in Turin.

The forward scored his 31st league goal of the season from Miralem Pjanic's short free-kick and Federico Bernardeschi sealed the victory.

Maurizio Sarri's side are the only team to win nine consecutive titles in one of Europe's top five leagues.

It extends their own record, which Bayern Munich had matched in June.

Ronaldo missed the chance to get closer to Ciro Immobile's tally of 34 at the top of the Serie A goal charts as he struck a penalty against the crossbar in the final minutes.

Juventus had missed the chance to claim the title in what manager Sarri described as a "messy" defeat at Udinese on Thursday and began Sunday's match with just one win in their last five games.

They were far from their free-flowing best and were forced to withstand plenty of pressure in the second half but Bernardeschi's goal from Ronaldo's saved attempt ensured former Chelsea manager Sarri won the first league title of his managerial career.

Sampdoria's hopes of finding a way back into the match ended as they were reduced to 10-men following a second booking for Morten Thorsby.

Ronaldo's goal sees him move to within three of leading Serie A goalscorer Immobile, who scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Verona earlier on Sunday.

Title dedicated to the fans
Ronaldo, 35, has scored 10 goals since football returned in Italy on June 20, more than any other player in Europe, bringing his tally to 31 this season.

He has also matched former Italy World Cup winner Felice Borel, who was the last player to score 31 goals for Juventus in the 1933-34 season, with two games remaining.

"Delighted for the second consecutive championship and to continue building the history of this great and splendid club," said Ronaldo on Instagram.

"This title is dedicated to all Juventus fans, in particular to those who have suffered and are suffering from the pandemic that has taken us all by surprise by overturning the world.

"It was not easy. Your courage, your attitude and your determination were the strength we needed to face this tight final of the championship and fight to the end for this title that belongs to all of Italy.

"A big hug to you all."

Defender Leonardo Bonucci added: "It is the most beautiful success, even the most difficult because we wanted it and suffered.

"We started on a new path with a lot of scepticism around us, we gave everything, despite some slip-ups.

"It was a complicated year for everyone in the world, it was difficult to return after so many months not playing."

Juventus extend record domination
Juventus are one of three European teams to be on a run of nine titles in a row, alongside Celtic in Scotland and Ludogorets Razgrad of Bulgaria.

The world record for consecutive league titles is thought to be Tafea, who won the Vanuatu league for 15 seasons in a row (1994 to 2009), while Gibraltar's Lincoln Red Imps and the now dissolved Skonto of Latvia have the European record with 14 in a row.

Lyon won seven French titles in a row (between 2002 and 2008), while Real Madrid have won five consecutive Spanish titles twice and Huddersfield, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are the only teams to win three in a row in England.

Within Europe's 'big five' leagues - England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France - Juventus' 36 titles is a record, two ahead of this season's Spanish champions Real Madrid.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53544939

[Edoman]

Musa Nosa Kadiri Dies After Fall From His Apartment In New York 


Kadiri grew up playing soccer on the streets of his hometown, Benin City in Nigeria, where playing soccer served as both fun and distraction from daily life.

Former Nigerian international, Musa Nosa Kadiri, has passed away at the age of 53 in New York.

A source said Kadiri, ex- Flying Eagles star, went into a coma after falling from his apartment which caused bleeding in the brain.

SaharaReporters gathered that he died on Friday.






A statement says his funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 30, at 5:03 pm.

The source said, "I'm surprised because I saw him Saturday or Sunday. We were going over some business he wanted to be done, and he looked fine.

"He had lost a bit of weight due to being hospitalised two weeks earlier. But he was his usual self, talking politics and plans. So, a day or two later, he was unresponsive and on life support. It's hard to believe."

A soccer enthusiast, player and coach, Kadiri embodied everything soccer. He started playing soccer at the very young age of 5.

"I learned to walk with a ball between my feet," he was fond of saying.





Kadiri grew up playing soccer on the streets of his hometown, Benin City in Nigeria, where playing soccer served as both fun and distraction from daily life.

In his teenage years, Kadiri had become semi-professional, playing in local teams and winning local and national leagues. He also went to play soccer professionally in Europe.

In 1995, he mobilised ex-professionals in the New York City area to form Nigeria United that competed in and won local and national tournaments.

In 2002, Coach Kadiri founded Young Rock Soccer Academy (YRSA), a non-profit avenue for kids aged 4 -15 to come together in the celebration of soccer.

YRSA helped kids form strong bonds with their communities while getting fit.

Through this platform, Kadiri enthusiastically relished this grassroots opportunity to share his love for soccer with the next generation.

https://saharareporters.com/2020/07/27/former-nigeria-international-dies-after-fall-his-apartment-new-york

[Edoman]

[b]Solskjaer And Lampard Rewarded For Keeping Faith In Youth [/b]

Manchester United and Chelsea confirmed their places in the 2020/21 Champions League with victories on the final day of the league season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Frank Lampard end their first full Premier League seasons at their respective clubs with Champions League qualification as they confirm top four finishes on the final afternoon. Both sides have had inconsistent seasons but wins against tough opposition on the last day vindicate the bosses’ faith in young players.

Manchester United and Chelsea have had the two youngest squads in the league (based on average age) as their managers look to build a new team to complete with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top. As an elongated 352-game season finally draws to a close, it seems that decision has paid off.

United’s first-choice front three of Anthony Martial (24-years-old), Marcus Rashford (22) and Mason Greenwood (18) have all beaten their best previous goal-scoring seasons and appear to be thriving under the guidance of Solskjaer. Martial and Rashford have both scored 22 in all competitions while Greenwood has got 17 in a brilliant break-through season.

The quality of that young forward line has be a crucial part of United’s success since the restart and Solskjaer told reporters after the game that they have been influenced by the great players in the club’s past:

“The players now are learning what the other players through history have been through. We've been doing well before as well, having setbacks and having to come back. But say, for example, Marcus [Rashford] or Mason [Greenwood], they've been in the academy for so many years, they've seen so many players having done this before them, so it's a great learning [curve] for them."

For Chelsea, 21-year-old Mason Mount has played more minutes than any other player this season and it was his pin-point free-kick that opened the scoring against Wolverhampton Wanderers today. He was one of three players aged 21 or under to start the crucial game, along with Reece James and Christian Pulisic, while 19-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi made an appearance off the bench.

Speaking after the game, Lampard made clear that bringing through young talent was a key part of his new-look Chelsea side:

“When we first came in we maybe weren’t considered there but what we’ve done this season is take the opportunity to bring in the younger players and improve the existing players.

"Myself and the staff want to improve every time, the challenge now is to see what more we can do next season."

Disappointing 2020 costs the Foxes dearly
Leicester City were the unlucky team to miss out on Champions League football after a poor run of form in the second half of the season. The Foxes began the New Year in second place, 14 points clear of Manchester United in fifth, and looking a certainty for a top four finish.

But in the second half of the season they have picked up just 23 points from 19 games to end the campaign four points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. During that spell, the Foxes picked up as many wins (six) as relegated Watford.

Before the game against Manchester United,
Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers admitted that there would be “disappointment” if his side could not secure a Champions League place.

Speaking after the match he called on his players to learn from this season and come back stronger next year:

“The players will learn from this experience this year having been up there. But it’s the ambition and mentality and consistency that allows you to arrive there after 38 games, and that’s something that hopefully we’ll improve on next season.”

Source: https://en.as.com/en/2020/07/26/football/1595792492_759144.amp.html