Ronaldo advises Real Madrid who to sign between Neymar, Mbappe


 
on
 August 23, 2020



Brazil legend, Ronaldo de Lima, has advised his former club, Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe instead of his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate, Neymar.

Congratulations, Bayern - winners of the 2020 UEFA Champions League.

Bayern become the first unbeaten champions since Manchester United in 2007/08


Source: https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1297641700219858951?s=19

 They are also treble winners after picking up the Bundlesliga and DFB Pokal earlier this year.
Congratulations Bayern Munich.





Bayern Munich celebrated their sixth European crown on Sunday. Getty
Bayern Munich won their sixth European title after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the Champions League final in Lisbon on Sunday.

Kingsley Coman scored a header in the 60th minute to put the German giants level with Liverpool for third-most all time in Europe and complete treble of titles this season for Hansi Flick's men.
The loss means PSG, who were playing in their first-ever Champions League final, will have to wait at least another season to lift the trophy they so covet and have spared no expense to chase.

The match went into half-time goal-less after an absorbing first period in which the French side looked more threatening with both teams coming close to scoring.

Kylian Mbappe missed a glorious chance to give PSG the lead late in the half but shot straight at Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer, who had made a superb double save to thwart Neymar earlier on.

At the other end, Bayern's top scorer Robert Lewandowski fired against the post and then headed straight at keeper Keylor Navas, while the Germans lost defender Jerome Boateng to injury, with Niklas Suele replacing him.

The Germans thought they had a penalty just before the break when Coman -- who started the match in place of Ivan Perisic -- went to ground following some handsy defending from Thilo Kehrer. However, the official saw no infraction and awarded PSG a goal kick.

And it was Coman who finally broke the deadlock at the hour mark when a swift Bayern move down the right side resulted in a Joshua Kimmich cross to the back post where the former PSG man was free to head past a helpless Keylor Navas in goal.

Bayern -- who finished 11-0-0 in the Champions League this season -- became the first team to win every UCL match en route to the title and were the first unbeaten champion since Manchester United in 2007-08.
SOURCE: https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId



Congratulations Bayern Munich, the first true champions of the champions league.

                           

                           

One of the first problems in Ronald Koeman's in-tray is just what to do with Philippe Coutinho, with the Brazilian midfielder due to return to the club after his loan spell with Bayern Munich.

In the aftermath of his Champions League success, the Brazilian confirmed that his future is up in the air once he returns.

"Of course, I have to go back to Barcelona and then we'll see what happens," Coutinho explained in an interview with Movistar+ after Sunday's final.

"I haven't really thought about it much, I've only been focused on the final.

"What I can say is that I really want to work hard to have a great year, but let's see what happens."

Coutinho takes a Champions League winner's medal back to the Camp Nou with him, which will somewhat make up for the pain felt by the fact Liverpool had won the trophy just after he left.

"We had a great season and we are very happy," he added.

"We've deserved this and it's a special feeling.

"I'm finding it hard to describe, I'm very happy and we are going to enjoy this a lot today."

PSG missed their chances, whilst Bayern Munich were more reliable in possession, and Coutinho believes it was only small details which took his team to the trophy.

"Finals are always like this," he said.

"They are defined by the smallest of details.

"We have controlled our emotions and now we are champions."

Source: https://amp.marca.com/en/football/international-football/2020/08/24/5f42ef78e2704efe2d8b45ac.htm

Quote:[b]Harry Maguire Found Guilty Of Bribery & Violence, Sentenced

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has been given a suspended sentence of 21 months and 10 days in prison after his trial on the Greek island of Syros.[/b]

The England defender, 27, was found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insult after arrest on Mykonos.

Maguire said after Tuesday's verdict that he had instructed his legal team "with immediate effect to inform the courts we will be appealing".

"I remain strong and confident regarding our innocence in this matter - if anything myself, family and friends are the victims," he added.

Later on Tuesday, England manager Gareth Southgate withdrew Maguire from the squad for September's Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark.

Southgate, who had included the defender in the squad earlier the same day before the guilty verdict was given, added: "As I said earlier today, I reserved the right to review the situation.

"Having spoken to Manchester United and the player, I have made this decision in the best interests of all parties and with consideration of the impact on our preparations for next week."

The sentence is suspended for three years because it is a first offence and the charges were misdemeanours.

Maguire was arrested along with brother Joe, 28, and Christopher Sharman, 29, on Thursday after an altercation with police.

Joe Maguire has been found guilty of repeated bodily harm, violence against public employees and attempted bribery.

Sharman has been found guilty of insult, repeated bodily harm and violence against public employees.

Both were sentenced to 13 months in prison, suspended for three years.

All three men denied all charges.

Harry Maguire was not in attendance at the trial in Syros, but his father, Alan, was.

The United captain is being represented by Alexis Anagnostakis, one of Greece's top human rights lawyers, who asked for a postponement, but that was rejected by the judge.

Manchester United said in a statement: "Harry Maguire pleaded not guilty to all of the misdemeanour charges made against him and he continues to strongly assert his innocence.

"It should be noted that the prosecution confirmed the charges and provided their evidence late on the day before the trial, giving the defence team minimal time to digest them and prepare. A request for the case to be adjourned was subsequently denied.

"On this basis, along with the substantial body of evidence refuting the charges, Harry Maguire's legal team will now appeal the verdict, to allow a full and fair hearing at a later date."

Anagnostakis told the court the events stemmed from Maguire's sister Daisy being injected by a substance by a group of Albanians and she immediately fainted.

The defendants called for transport and asked to be driven to a hospital, but were instead taken to a police station.

The prosecution said Maguire, his brother and friend then physically and verbally attacked police officers.

One policeman alleged that while at the police station, Maguire said: "Do you know who I am? I am the captain of Manchester United. I am very rich. I can give you money. I can pay you. Please let us go."

His colleague added that Maguire had said to him: "Please, let me go. I am very rich. I can pay. I am the leader of Manchester United."

The defence argued that this request may have been lost in translation and suggested Maguire may have been asking to pay a "fine" to be released.

In response to the charge of insult, the defence added that the defendants said things which did not imply diminished professionalism by the police officers.

Anagnostakis said the defendants had been beaten, an assertion confirmed by a forensic expert, and added that Maguire became angry only after he was hit on his "golden leg", insinuating his dominant leg in football.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53903703

Lionel Messi has told Barcelona via fax that he wants to leave the club on a free transfer this summer.

The incredible development potentially puts the 33-year-old within reach of a dramatic move to Manchester City and a reunion with Pep Guardiola... but they aren't the only club likely to be vying for his signature.

With Manchester United, PSG, Inter Milan and Juventus also showing interest, Sportsmail have looked at the favourites to land Messi this summer.

Manchester City - 6/4 to sign Messi

The links with the Etihad Stadium just simply will not go away.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic means these are testing financial times for all football clubs but, when it really comes down to it, City have all the money they need.

Recently coming out victorious from their CAS appeal against UEFA's claims of Financial Fair Play breaches, City will feel more confident than ever before in their model of operation.

Pulling off the signing of Messi, however, would be bigger than anything that has gone before. An obvious lure comes in the form of boss Pep Guardiola, who honed Messi into the finest footballer on the continent, along with Cristiano Ronaldo, and built his great Barca side around him.

Still, City would require a way around the astronomical buy-out fee to keep the books balanced and would rely on Barca accepting a reduced bid this summer. Or wait until January to negotiate openly with Messi.

Thereafter, however, City could still comfortably meet Messi's mammoth annual wages and ensure he is still the most well-paid footballer in the world.

Inter Milan - 3/1 to sign Messi
Most European clubs have been borderline silent when it comes to the subject of Messi... except Inter.

Over at the San Siro, Messi's name is on the lips of everybody, and his image was even beamed onto the Milan's iconic Duomo cathedral towards the end of the season by Inter's Chinese owners. (They claimed this was to promote coverage of their side's fixture with Napoli, though it all seems rather convenient.)

As recently as last week former Inter director Massimiliano Mirabelli made the admission that a long-term plan to acquire Messi has been in the pipeline for several years, and was something the club's owners identified in their very first meeting.

Inter appear the most likely side to tempt Barca with a bid this summer and, is it important to note, that while the Spanish giants have refused to sell, this is the last window in which they can receive a fee for their talisman.

Preferably, of course, Inter would want to take Messi on as a free agent and it has been speculated that long-time sponsors Pirelli would help to make up the player's huge wages with a series of added incentives.

Paris Saint-Germain - 3/1 to sign Messi

PSG have a track record when it comes to audaciously taking prized jewels from Barcelona.

It is fair to say the relationship between the two clubs has been non-existent ever since the bad blood of the Neymar saga.

While they already don't want to lose Messi, Barca would fight tooth and nail to ensure PSG do not get their hands on the Argentine.

Interestingly, the Parisians could offer Neymar as part of a complex switch, though no murmurs have left the Parc des Princes suggesting that this is even being considered as a possibility.

Juventus - 4/1 to sign Messi

Juve shocked the world when they moved swiftly to get Cristiano Ronaldo out of Real Madrid, so surely they could not be looking to pull this off again with Messi?

The reigning Serie A champions are rank outsiders when it comes to Messi's possible destination, but have shown the nous and know-how to get a huge deal done.

Recent reports in Spain sensationally suggested Juve had even made contact with Barca to offer Ronaldo, in order to clear his hefty £28m annual earnings from their wage bill.

Such talk was dismissed by the club, though all indications are that Juve are cutting back on their spending prowess and looking to invest in the future under an energetic new manager in Andrea Pirlo.

While Messi naturally appeals, the fact he turns 34 next June does not.

Manchester United - 13/2 to sign Messi

When it comes to financial rivalry United can certainly wield their might alongside their wealthy neighbours.

Whether United are interested in Messi or not, they will be linked with the superstar purely due to their status as one of the few sides who could realistically package a deal together.

From a marketing perspective this would be a dream, given that Messi personally has a global fan base which exceeds that of most Premier League teams.

He would, of course, also propel United back into Premier League and European contention and ensure the eyes of the world are glued to Old Trafford week-in, week-out.

All that said, his age, 33, simply does not fit into United's new ways of doing things. Too many times in recent years have the Red Devils been burnt by offering lucrative deals to ageing stars.

Players in Ole Gunnar Solkskjaer's match-day squads now average around 25 years old, and that looks set to be the benchmark heading into the future.

Major League Soccer (MLS) - 12/1 to sign Messi

As with China, a move to the United States would represent a huge compromise by Messi on his standing in the football world.

While it would be the biggest coup in the history of American soccer, with a host of teams rapidly crunching the numbers to work out if a deal is possible, it appears to be a non-starter.

The quality of living may well appeal to Messi much more, with the option of living in one of the USA's most glamorous cities with possibly a greater degree of anonymity than he would be afforded in Europe.

Still, if this one was to happen, it would likely occur several years down the line.

Source: https://talksport.com/football/750919/llionel-messi-next-club-barcelona-man-city-man-united-psg/amp/

Barcelona signs new forward as Messi insists on leaving


 August 26, 2020



Barcelona on Wednesday officially unveiled their newest signing, Francisco Trincao.

Messi lists conditions to sign two-year contract with Manchester City


 
on
 August 26, 2020



Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, could agree to a two-year contract with Manchester City, RAC 1 reports.
The Premier League side will pay the 33-year-old as high as he is currently earning with the LaLiga giants.

Quote:
[b]Rivers United Sign Afelokhai And Anaemena From Enyimba 

Rivers United confirms the signing of Afelokhai and Anaemena from Enyimba
[/b]
Rivers United have confirmed the signing of Ifeanyi Anaemena and Theophilus Afelokhai from rivals Enyimba International of Aba.

The Stanley Eguma side confirmed the signing of the experienced duo on Tuesday following the expiration of their contract with the People’s Elephant.

Enyimba showed interest in keeping both players, but the People’s Elephant couldn’t reach agreement over a new deal.

Afelokhai who previously played for Kano Pillars is now expected pocket N1.2 million as monthly salary from his deal with Rivers United, while Anaemena is expected to a million naira.

The 32 years old Afelokhai who spent five years with the People’s Elephant after joining the Aba side from Kano Pillars in December 2015.

Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Anamena who Captained the team arrived from defunct Giwa United in 2014 and both players helped the club win two league titles each.

They are now expected to help drivers United challenge for the league crown and CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Source: https://www.brila.net/rivers-united-confirms-the-signing-of-afelokhai-and-anaemena-from-enyimba/

Why Messi can’t leave Barcelona this year


 
on
 August 26, 2020



A former Barcelona president, Joan Gaspart, has insisted that captain, Lionel Messi, cannot leave the club this summer because the contract clause that would have allowed him departing the Blaugrana for free expired in June this year.

Messi tells Neymar to join him at Man City


 August 27, 2020



Lionel Messi has told former Barcelona team-mate, Neymar, to join him at Manchester City, ESPN Brazil reports.

Cristiano Ronaldo still interested in Man Utd – Bruno Fernandes
 
on
 August 27, 2020



Manchester United midfielder, Bruno Fernandes, has said his Portugal team-mate, Cristiano Ronaldo remains interested in the club.

PSG ready to hijack Man City’s bid to sign Messi


 
on
 August 27, 2020



Paris Saint-Germain are closely monitoring Lionel Messi’s situation at Barcelona, after he told the club he wants to leave, ESPN reports.

                              

Malang Sarr, a young French defender previously with Nice, has joined Chelsea

The 21-year-old left the Ligue 1 club this summer following the end of his contract there and has now signed a five-year deal with us. He will spend the 2020/21 season out on loan. This will provide the chance to gain valuable game time and add to his experience so he will be ready to join our squad.

On signing Sarr, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: ‘The opportunity to sign Malang was one we could not miss. He is a tremendous prospect and we will be monitoring him closely during his loan period, hoping he will soon be back at Chelsea. We are very happy to welcome him to the club today.’

Sarr had played for his local side Nice since he was five years old and became a regular in their first team at the age of 17. He had a dream start when he scored the only goal of the game on his debut in a Ligue 1 match against Rennes in August 2016.

Primarily a centre-back but also able to play on the left of a back three and at left-back (he is left-footed and six foot tall), within three years he had made 100 appearances and won the club’s young player of the year award. He has scored in the Europa League and has experience of the Champions League qualifying rounds. For his last two seasons on the Cote d'Azur he was managed by Patrick Vieira.

With Nice opting for a patient, build-up-from-the-back style, Sarr was often involved early in their moves and his passing into the attacking third had influence. He has a good first touch and defensively, his mobility stands out.

UP AGAINST KYLIAN MBAPPE IN 2018
At international level, Sarr is eligible to play for Senegal due his parents but he has represented France from Under-16 to Under-21 levels and captained their Under-18s. He played at the 2019 Under-21 Euros.

SARR COMPETITING FOR FRANCE AT THE LAST EUROPEAN UNDER-21 CHAMPIONSHIPS
In total for Nice he made 119 appearances and scored three goals.

Source: https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1298968969198669828?s=19

Paul Pogba tests positive for coronavirus

 
on
 August 27, 2020




Manchester United midfielder, Paul Pogba, has tested positive for Coronavirus.