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Showing posts from May, 2019

Transfer: Chelsea finally accept Real Madrid’s bid for Hazard

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Chelsea have finally agreed to allow Eden Hazard join Real Madrid, after agreeing a club record £115million deal for the Belgian winger, the UK Sun reports. The 28-year-old has one year left on his deal at Stamford Bridge and made it clear to the board in April, that he was keen on a move to the Bernabeu. Hazard wanted to leave in 2018, but was convinced to stay at the club by manager Maurizio Sarri, who promised to let Hazard go 12 months later should he wish to do so. Owner Roman Abramovich has now intervened, to ensure that Hazard gets his move to the Bernabeu and Chelsea have agreed a £115m deal with the La Liga giants. That dwarfs Madrid’s previous club record move for Gareth Bale, after they paid £87m for the Welshman in 2013. Chelsea will receive £100m up front for Hazard, with a further £15m in achievable add-ons. The Belgian is set to earn around £400,000-a-week at the Bernabeu, which tops the £300,000-a-week offer he had on the table from Chelsea.

Boxing news: Fans FUME at Deontay Wilder over after Luis Ortiz announcement

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Many had hoped that Wilder would step up to face Anthony Joshua - provided the Briton beats Andy Ruiz Jr on Saturday - in his next fight but instead he will face Ortiz later this year. The ‘Bronze Bomber’ has faced the Cuban southpaw once before, winning via knockout last year in an instant classic. The pair met at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, last March. The fight was instantly labelled a classic after Wilder survived an early scare to knock out the challenger. Now, they will do battle again, after Wilder confirmed on his Twitter account that he had signed terms to face off against the Cuban a second time. Fans immediately made their feelings known, with many point-blank calling out the American superstar for not fighting Joshua. “The AJ fight will never happen it seems which is a shame,” one wrote. Another wrote: “Ducked AJ,” followed by a series of laughing emojis. Wtf is wrong with you and your team!!!!! Why take this fight against an old man! Your team is brainwashing you! And...

Chelsea stars CLASH on eve of Arsenal Europa League final

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Luiz and Higuain came together as the Blues were put through their paces at the Olympic Stadium in Baku on Tuesday night. Higuain appeared to challenge the Brazilian from behind, angering Luiz and causing the defender to lash out with his arm. The pair exchanged words as captain Cesar Azpilicueta came over to intervene, while manager Maurizio Sarri appeared to be infuriated by their actions. The Chelsea manager stormed off the pitch towards the dressing room, throwing his cap on the floor and kicking it on more than one occasion while angrily gesturing towards his players as Higuain looked miffed while talking to Pedro as he approached the tunnel. Sarri left Gianfranco Zola to finish off the open training session, with the Italian boss too disgusted to continue drilling his players. The altercation, which left Luiz fuming on the touchline, is hardly the best preparation for Wednesday night’s clash with Arsenal. It is not the first time Sarri’s authority has been questioned, wi...

Europa League final: Sarri admits Hazard gets bored during Chelsea training

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Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, has admitted that Eden Hazard is so good, that he can become bored by training sessions. Hazard is set to complete another stellar campaign on Wednesday, with the Blues taking on Arsenal in the Europa League final in Baku. The Belgian has scored 19 goals in all competitions and Wednesday’s game could be his last with the Stamford Bridge outfit, as he has continually been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid. Sarri is hoping Hazard will start and has again hailed the 28-year-old as one of the world’s best. “He’s one of the most important players in Europe, in the world, at the moment. “I think he can improve. He has to try to become the best in Europe because, for characteristics, he can become the best player in Europe, in the world, I think. “It’s a pleasure during the match. Sometimes during the week it’s a problem. “It’s a problem during the week because he’s a talent and, during training, sometimes he’s bored because, for him, everything is real...

Transfer: Manchester United take final decision on signing De Ligt

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Manchester United have reportedly withdrawn their interest in Ajax defender, Matthijs de Ligt. There were reports over the weekend suggesting that United could move for the £65m-rated Netherlands international this summer. However, Sky Sports is reporting on Sunday that United have withdrawn the interest they had in De Ligt. According to the newspaper, many among the Old Trafford hierarchy believe the 19-year-old is set to join Barcelona. When asked about his future by the newspaper on Sunday, De Ligt said: “Where do I see myself? Well, obviously the Premier League is a big competition, Spain also, but you have other competitions, it’s not (just) about those two. “I still don’t know anything about where my future is, so I see how it goes. First, we have to play two games (in the Nations League) and then after that, we’ll see what happens next.” De Ligt has been a regular for Ajax over the past three seasons and captained the club to a league and cup double this campaign. He was also in...

Europa League: Luiz identifies Arsenal’s danger-man ahead of final in Baku

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Chelsea defender, David Luiz has named former teammate, Petr Cech, as Arsenal’s danger man ahead of both teams’ clash in the Europa League final in Baku. The Blues will come up against former team-mate, Cech, in what will be the veteran goalkeeper’s last game before retirement. Luiz said he was determined to make sure that Cech, who left Stamford Bridge for Arsenal in 2015, ends a glittering career on the losing side. “Pete is fantastic, a great person, a great man. The best goalkeeper I played with. One of the best professionals I had the opportunity to work with,” Luiz was quoted by Mirror UK as saying. “I wish Petr could be on our side. I hope he plays a good game, but I hope we win against him.” Talking about the Europa League final clash, Luiz added, “This is a totally different occasion. It’s a big London derby, big opponents, a high-level rivalry, everybody wants to win, everybody wants the best for their clubs, so we are going to try our best. “Arsenal are doing great. It is ne...

Sarri agrees to become new Juventus manager

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Chelsea manager, Maurizio Sarri, has agreed on terms to take over at Juventus after Pep Guardiola rejected the Italians’ advances, SNAI SportNews reports. The Serie A side are looking for a new head coach following the announcement that Massimiliano Allegri will leave at the end of the season. Sarri, who impressed during his time with Napoli, has been widely considered as the frontrunner and is now expected to be given the job after Chelsea’s Europa League final against Arsenal on Wednesday. Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho were also reported as options for Juventus, but Sarri has already reached an agreement with the club to replace Allegri. It is believed that Sarri will earn £6.1million a year on a three-year contract.

Transfer: Juventus offer Dybala, Sandro to sign Manchester United midfielder

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Juventus have offered Paulo Dybala and Alex Sandro in a sensational swoop to sign Paul Pogba from Manchester United, according to Express Sports. Pogba is also on Real Madrid’s radar. The French World Cup star is expected to leave Old Trafford for the second time this summer. Real Madrid are ready to match the £120million fee United have slammed on the midfielder, but could be forced to wait until they have sold Gareth Bale to raise enough funds In the meantime, Juventus are prepared to lure the midfielder back to Turin, offering Dybala and Sandro as bait. Pogba spent four years at Juventus between 2012 and 2016, having moved from United. He netted 34 times in 178 appearances as he picked up the Serie A crown in all four campaigns in Italy, along with two Coppa Italia winners’ medals. Striker Dybala and full-back Sandro have both previously been on the Red Devils’ radar – with the former a strong potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku.

Valencia shock Barcelona in Copa del Rey final

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Valencia have ended Barcelona’s four-year run of winning the Copa del Rey, with a shock 2-1 victory over the champions on Saturday night. Barca were looking to win the competition for the fifth year in a row, a feat that has been achieved in Spain before. However, Valencia took a two-goal lead in the first half, to stun Lionel Messi and co. Kevin Gameiro and Rodrigo scored within 10 minutes, to put Marcelino Garcia’s men in control of the game. Although Messi pulled one back in the second half, Valencia held on to win the trophy. Barca, who were dumped out of the Champions League by Liverpool, now have to settle for LaLiga and the Supercopa.

After knocking out Derek Chisora last December, Whyte was considered as a challenger for Joshua’s world titles, but couldn’t agree to a deal. Whyte will instead fight the unbeaten Oscar Rivas on July 20.

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Real Madrid winger and attacking midfielder, Marco Asensio, has threatened to leave Santiago Bernabeu if Paris Saint-German forward, Neymar signed for Zinedine Zidane’s men this summer’s transfer window. Neymar had already spoken of his desire to play with Chelsea star, Hazard, at Real Madrid. Paris Saint-Germain manager, Thomas Tuchel, had already admitted that Neymar could leave the Ligue 1 champions this summer. However, Fox Sports is now reporting that Asensio has threatened to leave the Los Blancos if Neymar is signed from PSG this summer. The report claimed that the 23-year-old believes that his chances at Real will be very limited if Neymar, Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Frankfurt’s Luka Jovic are signed. The report added that PSG is will demand in excess of 200 million euros for Neymar, a price which Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez is willing to pay. Asensio scored just six goals in 44 appearances for Real this season.

Anthony Joshua reveals who he wants to fight next between Wilder, Whyte

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IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, has made it clear that Deontay Wilder is his “main objective” so Dillian Whyte will have to wait for a rematch. Joshua will defend his belts against Andy Ruiz Jr on June 1 but is already eyeing an undisputed title fight against WBC holder Wilder. “I’m not looking at Dillian anymore, I’m looking at Wilder, because he’s got the belt. “Ruiz Jr? Provided I get past him, Wilder, that’s my main objective. Simple as that,” Joshua told Sky Sports. Whyte was in the running to become Joshua’s next opponent and avenge the only loss of his career, sustained in late 2015 with the British title on the line. After knocking out Derek Chisora last December, Whyte was considered as a challenger for Joshua’s world titles, but couldn’t agree to a deal. Whyte will instead fight the unbeaten Oscar Rivas on July 20.

Manchester United make €40million bid for Dembele

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Manchester United have made an offer in excess of €40million for Lyon striker, Moussa Dembele, Goal reports. Dembele enjoyed a productive first season with the Ligue 1 side, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, since his move from Celtic. United have been following the player since his youth days at Paris Saint-Germain, with club ambassador Eric Cantona having endorsed the move for his fellow Frenchman. Dembele is contracted to Lyon until 2021, meaning the Ligue 1 side who secured Champions League football for next season, are in a strong position in negotiations. It remains to be seen how attracted the 22-year-old is to a move to Old Trafford, with Europa League football on offer.

Flying Eagles open U-20 World Cup campaign with big win

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Nigeria thrashed Qatar 4-0 in their opening game at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland. Maxwell Effiom, Henry Offia, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Aliu Salawudeen all scored as the Flying Eagles won convincingly at the Stadion Miejski w Tychach, Tychy. The win takes Nigeria up to the top of Group D with three points. Paul Aigbogun’s team will now take on the United States of America on Monday, May 27. Victory against the Americans will all but guarantee their place in the next round of the competition.

Transfer: Rakitic to leave Barcelona this summer for one reason

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Barcelona midfielder, Ivan Rakitic, is set to leave the club in this summer’s transfer window after captain, Lionel Messi, convinced the club’s board to sign Ajax midfielder, Frenkie de Jong. According to Dario GOL, the 31 year old branded Messi a ‘betrayer’ after the Argentine captain moved for De Jong, 22, to take Rakitic’s position next season at the club. The Spanish newspaper claimed that Rakitic, who has spent five years at Nou Camp, has also told his Croatia team-mate, Luka Modric, that Messi keeps interfering in making transfer decisions at the club. Rakitic has been heavily linked with a move to Inter Milan and Manchester United respectively in recent weeks. Speaking on his future at Barcelona, Rakitic told Mundo Deportivo last week: “I cannot explain where this information comes from. “I have great respect for all the teams, and Inter is a very important club that I faced this year in the Champions League. “Some of my national team team-mates play for them, but I am right...

Barcelona sign another midfielder

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Barcelona on Thursday announced the signing of midfielder, Ludovit Reis from FC Groningen. This is coming after Barcelona, some weeks ago signed midfielder, Frenkie De Jong, from Ajax. Reis signed a three-year deal with the La Liga champions. Barcelona took to their official Twitter page to announce the signing of the 18-year-old. “Dutch midfielder Ludovit Reis joins Barça from FC Groningen, where he played 50 official games, signing a deal for the next three seasons. Welcome, Ludovit!” Barcelona tweeted.

Manchester City Captain, Vincent Kompany confirms leaving club

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Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany, has confirmed he will leave the club this summer, having secured an historic domestic treble. Kompany, 33, is City’s longest-serving player, having joined in August 2008, but his contract runs out at the end of the season. He has been blighted with injury problems in recent years but started five of City’s last six Premier League matches to help them win the title, including scoring a stunning winner against Leicester in the penultimate game. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Kompany wrote: “As overwhelming as it is, the time has come for me to go. And what a season to bow out. I feel nothing but gratefulness. I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club. “I remember the first day, as clear as I see the last. I remember the boundless kindness I received from the people of Manchester. “I will never forget how all Man City supporters remained loyal to me in good times and especially bad times. Ag...

Wilder knocks Breazeale out in first round, eyes Joshua fight

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Deontay Wilder knocked out Dominic Breazeale in one round, to retain his WBC heavyweight crown, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in the early hours of Sunday. Wilder landed a huge right hand to stop Breazeale with his 20th first-round KO. The American’s win keeps alive a potential undisputed unification showdown with three-belt champion Anthony Joshua. “The power is real, it’s something that I don’t have to really train for. “I think it will happen. It’s going to happen. I believe in all my heart it will happen,” Wilder told ringside reporters after the bout.

Cristiano Ronaldo tells Juventus chiefs who to appoint as next manager

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Juventus superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has given the club’s chiefs name of manager to sign as Max Allegri’s replacement this summer. According to Football Italia, Ronaldo has told Juventus hierarchy to sign Napoli manager, Carlo Ancelotti as the coach that will succeed Allegri. Ronaldo and Ancelotti both worked together between 2013 and 2015 during their time at Real Madrid. This is coming after Juventus, in a statement on Friday, confirmed that Allegri will not coach the club next season. The statement read: “Massimiliano Allegri will not sit on the Juventus bench in the 2019-2020 season.

Ribery, Robben seal title for Bayern Munich in 5-1 win over Frankfurt

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Outgoing Bayern Munich veteran forwards, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, both scored in their side’s 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday to win this season’s Bundesliga title ahead of rivals, Borussia Dortmund. Goals from Kingsley Coman, David Alaba, Renato Sanches, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben gave Bayern Munich their seventh successive Bundesliga titles. However, Sebastien Haller did score for the visitors at the Allianz Arena. Bayern won the Germany top-flight league title with two points ahead of Dortmund, who beat Borussia Monchengladbach 2-0.

Man City beat Watford 6-0 in FA Cup final

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MANCHESTER CITY underlined their dominance of English football with the biggest ever FA Cup win to complete an unprecedented haul of all three domestic trophies. Raheem Sterling claimed a treble of his own, hitting the final goal of the day over the line after Heurelho Gomes touched his original shot against the post. The goal equalled Bury’s 6-0 demolition of Derby in 1903 and made the England striker the first man to score a hat-trick in the Cup final since Stan Mortensen in 1953. It was an emphatic finish to a game which, in the opening exchanges, Watford had valiantly tried to play a part in. Their fans, who waved giant flags to the bitter end and were not going to let a small thing like the scoreline spoil their evening, will maybe even feel that two early incidents before the opening goal robbed them of their chance of glory. They are, of course, wrong. Manchester City were always too good not to win this in the end. But with a bit more luck, Watford might have made it a very...