Chelsea Manager Antonio Conte clarifies Diego Costa’s Chelsea future

The star striker was left out of the squad to face Leicester City last weekend after a reported row with Conte during Chelsea training. Costa was said to be distracted by a lucrative offer from the Chinese Super League, but Conte says speculation over a move is not in the 28-year-old’s mind.

Conte said: ‘I think the player wants to stay in Chelsea, he’s very happy to play with us. This idea [China] is far in his mind.

‘He’s happy to stay here and to play with us. This is important for us.’

The Spaniard’s current contract at Stamford Bridge expires in 2018, but Conte played down the importance of Costa penning a new deal.

‘I think now it is better to be focused on the present, not the future,’ the Italian added.

‘It’s important to think about the next four months in a very strong way and then we’ll see. It’s important not to see too far [ahead].’

Former Barcelona Forward Rivaldo Backs Barcelona to Sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool

Brazilian legend Rivaldo has backed his former club and Spanish champions to sign Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool. Coutinho has been key for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season with five goals and five assists in 14 Premier League appearances so far, and has only recently returned from an ankle injury which kept him sidelined throughout the Christmas period.

And Rivaldo, who won two La Liga titles and the Ballon d’Or during his five seasons at Camp Nou, is confident that his fellow Brazilian will make the switch from Anfield.

‘In my opinion, he’s a great player and a player who knows Neymar well. I think they are both friends – players who stand out,’ Rivaldo told Sky Sports.

BREAKING NEWS! FIFA Expands World Cup Participants to 48 Teams - Africa and Asia to get Lion Share of the Additional 16 Places

Fifa today voted to expand the World Cup from its current format of 32 teams. There were five proposals on the table, from which Fifa’s 37-member council voted unanimously to increase the tournament to 48 nations. The expansion plan was led by new Fifa president Gianni Infantino. You can see their motivation, their own report suggests revenue will increase to £5.29bn – producing a rise in profits of £521m.

But while Fifa have given it the go ahead, many fans are unconvinced it’s a good move. Here’s what you need to know…

The expansion will kick in from the 2026 World Cup. The bulk of the additional 16 places to go to Africa and Asia. Europe could get an additional three places on top of their current 13. This isn’t being decided today though. Format will see 16 groups of three countries, with the top two advancing to the knock-out phase. Number of games increases from 64 to 80. Tournament will still last 32 days and no team will play more than seven matches – as is the case currently

Alexis Sanchez Display His World Class Status as Arsenal Star Shakes off Injury to Rescue Chile

Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez has been hailed as one of the best players in the world after he shrugged off injury to score twice in Chile’s 3-1 victory over Uruguay on Tuesday evening. The 27-year-old was initially a major doubt to feature during the international break after suffering a low grade hamstring tear last Tuesday.

But the Arsenal forward showed no signs of injury as he struck twice in the second half to secure a vital victory in Chile’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

‘Individuals speak for themselves,’ Chile boss Juan Antonio Pizzi said after the match.

‘Alexis is among the best players in the world.

‘[But] I am more in favour of emphasising the strengths of the group. And it is what allowed us to turn the game.’

Despite having his right thigh heavily bandaged in training, Sanchez was declared ‘100% ready’ to play against Uruguay by Pizzi.

Qatar Bans Alcohol in the Streets and Public Places at World Cup 2022

Football fans are in for a sober time at the 2022 World Cup as Qatar authorities announced that alcohol will be banned from the streets and all public places during the event. The head of the country's tournament organising committee has mentioned that they are also attempting to prohibit the sale of liquor at the stadiums which will be used for games.

"There will be no alcohol consumption on the streets, squares and public places and that is final," Hassan Al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said in an interview printed on the website of Arabic language newspaper Al-Sharq.

"We are against the provision of alcohol in stadiums and their surroundings."

He went on to explain that while there would be provisions for alcohol; they would only be available in "far-away places".

Legendary Brazilian Footballer Carlos Alberto Dies Aged 72

Former Brazil captain Carlos Alberto has died, aged 72. Alberto skippered Brazil to World Cup glory in 1970 and scored arguably the greatest goal in the competition’s history in the final against Italy. Reports in Brazil claim Alberto suffered a heart attack but there’s yet to be an official statement on the Brazilian’s death.

Alberto was widely considered one of the best right-backs in the world during his illustrious 19-year career and he enjoyed success as a manager with the likes of Flamengo and Botafogo.

Alberto scored one of the most famous goals of all time when he netted an iconic fourth goal in Brazil’s 1970 World Cup final win against Italy.

Source: Metro

Tottenham Star Dele Alli is Better than Paul Pogba - Ray Parlour claims

Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has suggested Tottenham Hotspur star Dele Alli is a better player than Paul Pogba. The 20-year-old Spurs man has burst onto the scene over the last 12 months, impressing for club and country, and Parlour has hinted Alli has the edge on Manchester United's world-record summer signing.

Alli has become an integral part of the Tottenham side under Maurcio Pochettino, with Parlour describing him as "an all-round good footballer".

AFCON-2017 Draw - Defending Champion Cote d'Ivoire Starts Campaign against Togo

Cote d'Ivoire will start their defense of the Africa Cup of Nations against Togo in January, according to the draw made Wednesday. Cote d'Ivoire, who beat Ghana on penalties in the 2015 final, are in Group C against Togo, Morocco and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Hosts Gabon will stage the opening match in Libreville on January 14 against Group A opponents Guinea-Bissau who make their first appearance in the 16-nation tournament.

Pique and Luis Suarez Clash in Barcelona Training ahead of Man City Match

Sparks flew as Gerard Pique and Luis Suarez squared up in training ahead of Barcelona's Champions League clash with Manchester City. Centre-back Pique took exception to something Suarez did and the pair were involved in a confrontation, but the pictures suggest Suarez was immediately apologetic.

Neymar and Lionel Messi stepped in, and the dispute was quickly resolved with Pique and Suarez all smiles afterwards.

Wednesday night's match sees the return of Pep Guardiola, the man who led Barca to 14 trophies in four glittering years at the Nou Camp. He won 10 trophies during his 11 years at Barca as a player.

Barcelona won their opening two matches in Group C, hammering Celtic 7-0 and Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1.

They have met City four times in the last three years in the Champions League - winning all four matches.

The dust appears to settle as Pique smiles

Pique looks in better humour after the incident

DONE DEAL - Boca Juniors Starlet Rodrigo Bentancur to Join Juventus Despite Manchester United Approach

Boca Juniors starlet Rodrigo Bentancur is set to join Juventus after the Serie A giants agreed to activate an option to buy 50% of his rights from the Argentinian side for €7.5m (£6.7m, $8.2m). Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan also made approaches to secure the services of the coveted 19-year-old midfielder but Boca president Daniel Angelici has confirmed that the Italian giants are ready to win the battle.

The Uruguay midfielder had attracted the attention of a number of big European giants after emerging as one of the biggest jewels of the prolific Boca academy.

In April, ESPN reported that Arsenal were closely monitoring his development ahead of luring him to the Emirates Stadium while other sources in recent months had linked him with both Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Club Director Confirms Real Madrid's Interest in Javier Hernandez

Real Madrid have confirmed that they would be open to signing Javier Hernandez from Bayer Leverkusen. The Mexico international enjoyed a very good season long loan in the Spanish capital and scored nine goals in 33 appearances. Hernandez was sold by Manchester United to Bayer Leverkusen for £7.3 million just over a year ago and scored 26 goals in 40 games in his debut campaign for the Bundesliga club.

And Madrid are now keen to see him back at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

‘Yes, I’d like to see Chicharito back at Real Madrid as we feel that he is an excellent player,’ Madrid’s club director Santiago Aguado told Fox Sports.

On the Pitch, Diego Costa Injects Adrenaline Inside Your Body, He’s a Great Guy and a Good Friend - Thibaut Courtois

That’s according to Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois who believes his former Atletico Madrid team-mate is at the top of his game at the moment. Costa has started the season in stunning form, scoring six goals in seven Premier League matches.

“He’s at his best, he’s playing how he did at Atletico and during his first season here,” he told the club’s website.

“Last year was difficult for everybody but after January he started scoring a lot of goals and he’s taken the form he produced at the end of last season into this one.

“He’s playing very well. It’s great to have a striker who scores so many goals and who can do it easily.

“It makes it difficult for the players behind him such as Michy to get into the team but Diego does everything well.

“We’re happy he’s in this form but it’s down to the whole team to perform well and contribute with goals.”

Courtois has also opened up on Costa’s mentality when he takes to the field as well as his close friendship with the 28-year-old.

“He’s a great guy and a good friend,” he added. “He’s always involved in the jokes but he wants to work hard and he wants to win. 

“On the pitch he goes into a mode where he will give everything to win, he goes for every ball.

“On occasions he can sometimes clash with defenders but that’s simply because he gives everything and I don’t think that’s a bad thing.

“Sometimes it can help the team because when you see a guy performing like that you want to follow, it gets the adrenaline inside your body going and you need that to win games.

“You need players who desperately want to win and who will lead the other players, so we’re very happy with him.”

Chelsea and Nike Announce Long-term Partnership as the Blues Sign Their Largest Commercial Deal in the Club’s History

Chelsea Football Club have announced a new partnership with Nike, which represents the largest commercial deal in the club’s history. Chelsea have been with Adidas since 2006 but announced in May that their partnership with the German kit giants will end at the end of the campaign.

Having ended their £30 million-a-year agreement with Adidas six years early, Chelsea were reportedly forced to pay in the region of £40m in compensation.

The long-term agreement will see Nike, the world’s leading sports footwear and apparel company, become the official kit supplier beginning with the 2017/18 season. Nike will produce strips for the first team, Academy and Ladies teams, as well as a full range of clothing for Chelsea’s millions of supporters around the world. 

Chelsea Winger Willian to Miss Leicester City Clash as His Mum Passed Away

Chelsea winger Willian will miss his side’s Premier League clash with Leicester City following the death of his mother. Willian, who scored for Brazil in a 2-0 win over Venezuela on Wednesday, took to social media to share a touching poem in tribute to his late mother, who lost her two-year battle with cancer.

The 28-year-old, who revealed that his mother was suffering from the illness back in September, has tragically seen surgery and chemotherapy treatments fail to send the disease into remission.

Messi and Samuel Umtiti Back in Full Training with Barcelona

Lionel Messi returned to full training with Barcelona on Wednesday, three weeks after suffering a groin strain against Atletico Madrid. Messi limped out of last month's 1-1 draw against Atletico at the Nou Camp and has missed three games, including the 4-3 defeat at Celta Vigo on 2 October.

France international defender Samuel Umtiti also returned to training alongside the Argentina star, although their availability for the weekend is still in doubt.

A club statement read: "Both Leo Messi and Samuel Umtiti, despite neither yet being declared fit for selection as they battle to recover from injury, were able to join the rest of the team for the workout."

Luis Enrique's side - two points behind early pacesetters Atletico - host Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday before lining up against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Fans Sent Death Threats to Real Madrid Star James Rodriguez for Pulling Out of Colombia Squad

Real Madrid and Colombia star James Rodriguez has received death threats, his mother has revealed. Rodriguez pulled out of Colombia’s squad for their 2018 World Cup qualifying matches against Paraguay and Uruguay with a calf complaint and has since been harassed with death threats on social media.

A group called ‘Legion Holk’ have sent the player and his mother chilling messages accompanied by pictures of weaponry. 

The messages seem to be in response only to his withdrawal from the Colombia squad, and perceived average performances on the field of play. 

The Tweeting message translates as ‘I am getting ready to go by James Rodriguez’ while Tweets sent from the now suspended @FrekeMan account read: 

Wanted Everton Striker Enner Valencia Fakes Injury to Escape Police in an Ambulance

Everton striker Enner Valencia staged a bizarre police getaway by faking an injury during Ecuador’s World Cup qualifier against Chile. The 26-year-old had a warrant issued for his arrest in his home nation after he was accused of failing to pay £13,350 in child maintenance.

Lawyers arrived with police at the Atahualpa Stadium in Quito as the Ecuador squad arrived for their fixture, but they were unable to detain Valencia before the match began.

Valencia, who is on loan at Everton from West Ham, started the game as Ecuador sealed a 3-0 win. But in the 82nd minute, Valencia was seen laying down on the pitch and required a medical buggy to leave the pitch. 

Transfer to Big Club Like Chelsea is Possible - Agent Confirms Thiago Silva's Likely Move in January

Thiago Silva would not rule out a transfer to Chelsea, according to the Paris Saint-Germain star’s agent. The Brazilian was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on Thursday after his defensive partner David Luiz joined Antonio Conte’s side in the summer.

Silva’s contract expires at the end of next season and PSG are yet to open talks regarding a fresh deal. And while the 32-year-old has not yet been contacted by Chelsea, his agent Paulo Tonietto refused to shut the door on a possible move to the Premier League.

I Will Fight for My Place Under Mourinho - Marcos Rojo Reveals His Desire to Work with Mourinho

Marcos Rojo has revealed that he immediately received backing from Jose Mourinho following the Portuguese’s arrival at Manchester United. The Argentina international was among those linked with a summer exit, while he’s yet to feature in the Premier League this season.

But the defender, who has been widely criticised by fans for his sub-par performances this season, admits he has been ‘surprised’ by Mourinho’s man-management skills.

‘There are many reports circulating about how he did not want me,’ he told ESPN.

This Is Coutinho’s Moment - Brazil Manager Tite Explains why Philippe Coutinho Gets Picked Ahead of Willian

Brazil boss Tite insists Philippe Coutinho’s current form for Liverpool means that he deserves to get selected ahead of Chelsea midfielder Willian for the national side. The two inform midfielders are both competing for a place in Brazil’s starting XI for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Venezuela.

Coutinho has been one of Liverpool’s standout players this season, scoring two goals and registering two assists in his last five games for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Willian also has two goals in his last five appearances for Chelsea, but Tite insists the Liverpool midfielder is the current favourite for the national team.