Category: Football

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  • France head coach outraged by Mbappe

    France head coach outraged by Mbappe

    Kylian Mbappe’s return to action earlier than expected has outraged France head coach Didier Deschamps and his coaching staff as the striker was left off the squad that will take part in the UEFA Nations League.

    Mbappe was subbed off with an injury during Real Madrid’s win over Alaves and was expected to be out for three weeks but returned to action just nine days later against Lille in the UCL. He further went on to play 70 minutes against Villarreal on Saturday.

    According to a report by Marca, Deschamps and his coaching staff are not happy with Mbappe, as the only reason he was rested was due to injury and have the feeling that the French captain ‘has erased himself from the national team.’

    France had lost their last Nations League outing against Italy and currently sit in second place in Group 2. After a trip to Hungary, where they will face Iran, they will turn their attention to Belgium, who they will face on October 11.

    Mbappe’s developments have seen him receive a lot of hate, which also includes some harsh words from former France and Manchester United captain Patrice Evra, who even criticised the decision to hand the 25-year-old the reins of the national team.

    “You gave him the keys to PSG, you gave him the keys to the French national team , but Mbappé is still a young player. With all due respect to him, he has not yet reached Benzema’s level,” said Evra on RMC Sport show Rothen S’enflamme

    “Of course I would have given the armband to Griezmann , without hesitation. I would never have given it to Mbappe. How do you want him to be motivated afterwards? If we give him everything, will you want to make the effort?” he further said.

  • Obi-Martin breaks silence after joining Man Utd from Arsenal

    Obi-Martin breaks silence after joining Man Utd from Arsenal

    Chido Obi-Martin on Saturday finally confirmed his move from Arsenal to Manchester United.The 16-year-old took to his social media to post images of him signing a contract.

    He also posted a picture of him wearing a Red Devils shirt from when he was much younger to confirm his long-term affinity with his new club.

    Obi-Martin opted to leave Arsenal in the summer after scoring 28 goals in the U-18 Premier League.Although Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta, fought hard to keep the striker, he ultimately decided to join United.

    Reports then claimed on Friday that Obi-Martin – who also attracted interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund – had signed his contract at Old Trafford ahead of an official announcement.

    The 16-year-old has now confirmed the move himself, posting pictures on social media of him penning the deal along with the message: “I’m very happy to sign with Man United, an amazing club. It’s now time to focus and achieve all my dreams. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far.”

    The signing of Obi-Martin will be seen as a coup for United, with the Danish youth international – who is also eligible to represent England and Nigeria – having made repeated headlines with his remarkable scoring exploits at academy level with Arsenal.

    Obi-Martin said: “Very happy to sign with this amazing club. Time to focus and achieve all my dreams. Thanks to everyone who has helped me get this far.”

  • William Saliba delivers a Man of the match performance as France dumb Belgium out of Euros

    William Saliba delivers a Man of the match performance as France dumb Belgium out of Euros

    Arsenal and France centre back delivered a flawless performance as Les Blues dumped the Red Devils out of the EUROs. In a match punctuated with half chances and defensive prowess the French boys came on top courtesy of former Tottenham centreback Jan Vertoghen own goal from Paris Saint German’s striker Randal Kolo Muani tame effort.

    The World Cup runners up will face the winners of the clash between Portugal and Slovenia in Hamburg on Friday.  

    As the clock ticked towards 90 minutes, there was a feeling a goal from anyone could prove to be the winner. Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne both stung the palms of Mike Maignan, while the impressive William Saliba came close to what could have been a first senior goal in France colours, but it was Kolo Muani who came up trumps.

    France nearly had the opener in the 48th minute when Belgian defender Wout Faes deflected an attempt from Aurélien Tchouaméni that nearly snuck into the bottom corner, forcing keeper Koen Casteels to make a fantastic diving stop.

    The French continued to press early in the half but were unable to break through with the opening goal of the match. Kylian Mbappe nearly put France up in the 53rd, finding his way into the box on a spectacular individual effort but put his attempt just over the bar. Mbappe had another chance in the 78th minute but once again was unable to put his ball on target, sailing it wide of the goal. 

    France continued to dominate in the second half, holding nearly 60 per cent possession and finished with a 19-5 advantage in shots.

    Belgium had their first dangerous chance of the match in the 70th minute but Romelu Lukaku was denied by Mike Maignan to keep the match scoreless. Kevin De Bruyne had another wonderful chance in the 82 minute but Maignan was once again up to the task.

    Next up for the winners is a quarter-final against either Portugal or Slovenia. If Roberto Martinez’s team claim victory, it would set up a repeat of the Euro 2016 final when Portugal beat France on hope turf.

  • Jude Bellingham Euro 2024 in limbo as investigation starts

    Jude Bellingham Euro 2024 in limbo as investigation starts

    England midfielder Jude Bellingham Euro 2024 stint could be over after UEFA initiated an investigation over a gesture he made after scoring a late equaliser against Slovakia.

    The Real Madrid star and former Birmingham City youngster appeared to gesture toward the Slovakian bench after his overhead kick brought England level in the dying seconds of injury time in Gelsenkirchen.

    UEFA released a statement on Monday which said: “A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding a potential violation of the basic rules of decent conduct by the English Football Association player, Jude Bellingham, having allegedly occurred in the scope of this match.

    “Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”

    Bellingham posted on X about the gesture in the hours after the match, saying: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”

  • West Ham pips Liverpool’Next Ronaldinho’ after completing transfer

    West Ham pips Liverpool’Next Ronaldinho’ after completing transfer

    Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool but has now completed a move to Premier League rivals West Ham. He has signed a five-year deal with the Hammers.

    He is believed to have cost Julen Lopetegui’s side around $32m (£25m/€30m) and told West Ham’s official website: “The club presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I’m very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead.

    “The Premier League is the best league in the world. I believe I’ll improve a lot here with the entire staff at West Ham, which is crucial for my development.

    Luis Guilherme

    “Growing up, whenever I had the chance, I watched English football. Seeing how it is and now being able to play here is an incredible feeling.. Here is all you need to know about the Brazilian ace.

    Background

    Guilherme only made his professional debut a year ago for Palmeiras but has already developed an impressive reputation. He featured regularly last season in an advanced midfield role, turning heads with his speed and passing ability.

    The teenager, who joined Palmeiras at the age of 11, scored a last-gasp winner for his side in their Copa Libertadores victory over Independiente del Valle, having appeared as a substitute. Guilherme has already been promoted to the Brazil Under-20 side.

    Guilherme is the latest talent off the Palmeiras production line, with teammate Endrick set to join Real Madrid this summer. Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus also came through the ranks with the Brazilian club before joining Manchester City.

    Transfer interest

    It was reported by the Daily Mail earlier this month that Liverpool was among a number of clubs watching the teenager. Palmeiras was said to be looking for more than $50m (£40m/€47m) for the player.

    Those claims were backed up by Spanish publication Nacional, who stated that Slot is also a big fan of the teenager. But Liverpool knew it wouldn’t get it all its own way. Bayern Munich and Chelsea had been credited with an interest previously.

    But West Ham pulled clear in the race and managed to get a deal over the line for the Brazilian youngster for a cheaper fee.

    Ronaldinho comparison

    Guilherme has already been branded the ‘new Ronaldinho’ in Brazil amid similarities with the former Barcelona and AC Milan icon. Ronaldinho was just 21 when he left Grêmio for Europe and Paris Saint-Germain.

    Speaking to Globo in 2021, he admitted he has another idol, revealing: “Lionel Messi is the player I like to watch the most and I always follow him. For me, he is the best in the world. He is my great inspiration.”

    Guilherme is continuing to make waves in Brazil and looks set to be the next South American talent to make the move to Europe.