Tuesday, 14 June 2016

Nigerian Wonderkid, Kelechi Nwakali Confirms Arsenal Transfer Deal

Nigerian starlet Kelechi Nwakali has took to Facebook to confirm his transfer to Arsenal. The 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder who was the player of the tournament as Nigeria lifted the Under-17 World Cup in Chile last year first traveled to London back in January to sign a contract alongside Gunners legend Nwankwo Kanu. A move to the Emirates, though, could not be finalised until he turned 18 on June 5 due to Fifa regulations.

As well as changing his Twitter bio to, ‘Footballer for Arsenal FC and Nigeria U20 Nike Athlete’, Nwakali confirmed that a deal had been wrapped up in an interview.

Friday, 10 June 2016

"Although We Know He's a Great Coach But Pep Is not Going to Have It Easy at Manchester City" - Says Pedro

Spain and Chelsea forward, Pedro who played under Pep Gurdiola when they were both in Barcelona fears his former manager Pep Guardiola could struggle at in England because Premier League is not an easy league. The former Barcelona manager was appointed as Manuel Pellegrini's successor as City boss after spending three years in charge at Bayern Munich.

The Spaniard's coaching trademarks have seen an emphasis on ball possession, short passing and clever movement. But Pedro, who played under Guardiola at Barcelona for four seasons, believes the 45-year-old's tactics could struggle to translate in the Premier League.

Ibrahimovic will not be Allowed to Join Manchester United Until after Euro2016 Tournament - Sweeden Head Coach

The PSG striker has been linked with Manchester United for almost two months and Sweden head coach, Erik Hamren has come out to confirm his imminent transfer to United. Erik Hamren says the striker is not allowed to leave camp midway through the tournament to sign for the Red Devils. He said it would "not be okay" for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to fly to England to complete a move to Manchester United until after Euro 2016.

Ibrahimovic will leave Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the month and is being tipped to link up with United manager Jose Mourinho, whom he worked with at Inter.

"Players have their leisure time on the schedule, what they do then there's nothing I can do to control. But it would not be okay for Zlatan to fly to Manchester," said Hamren.

Thursday, 9 June 2016

James Rodriguez Declares His Desire to Continue With Real Madrid Amid Latest Exit Rumours

Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez has revealed that he is keen to stay at the club despite speculation linking him with a move away. The playmaker is part of the Colombia squad for the 2016 Copa America Centenario, inspiring his team to victory with brilliant performances in the first two games of the tournament.

Speaking to Caracol Radio, the 24-year-old insisted he still see his future in the Spanish capital.

Vitesse Loan Return for Nathan - Chelsea Announce

Chelsea have confirmed Brazilian midfielder Nathan will return to Vitesse Arnhem on loan for the 2016-17 season. Nathan, 20, joined the Blues from Atletico Paranaense last July for a reported £4.5m ($6.5m).

As it has been customary for many youngsters who have joined the Premier League side in recent years, the attacking midfielder immediately moved to Dutch club Vitesse, where he was later joined by fellow Chelsea youngsters Danilo Pantic, Lewis Baker, Izzy Brown and Dominic Solanke.

Having made 19 appearances and scored twice in all competitions last season, he will return for a second spell next term.

Confidence is High and We are Ready to Go - Pedro Boast Ahead of Euro2016

Ahead of the Euro2016 tournament whicih commences on Friday, Spain and Chelsea forward, Pedro has reiterated the desire and high spirit in Spain camp. Spain’s triumph in 2008, when they beat Germany in the final thanks to a Fernando Torres goal, was the first major trophy in their history, and it triggered a wonderful period of glory as they went on to win the World Cup two years later and another Euros in 2012.

Their performance at the World Cup in 2014 was disappointing as they uncharacteristically crashed out at the group stage, but after an impressive qualification campaign for the Euros Vicente del Bosque’s side appear to be back to their best, despite a shock friendly defeat to Georgia on Tuesday.

‘Confidence is high and the team have been doing well,’ says Pedro. ‘All the players are focused on the tournament and winning the cup but there are a lot of other strong teams such as England, Belgium and France, who are playing at home, so it will be difficult.

"Chances Like this Won't Come Again" - Alan Smith Advised Jamie Vardy to Make Arsenal Move

Alan Smith During his interview with the TalkSPORT, has advised the English forward to leave Leicester City for Arsenal to make a big step forward in his career. The 29-year-old hitman is currently mulling over a switch to Emirates after his £20m release clause was activated by Arsenal last week.

Alan Smith who faced with the same dilemma back in 1987, advises the Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy to leave the King Power Stadium in order to make Arsenal move in summer. 

He said: “I know Leicester are in the Champions League, but Arsenal are one of the biggest clubs in the country. I will probably upset Leicester fans, but my advice is I think he should grab the chance to join Arsenal.

Former Liverpool Defender, Daniel Agger Hangs Booth at the Age of 31

According to the BBC, former Liverpool star Daniel Agger has decided to retire at the age of 31. After leaving the Anfield, Liverpool fans beloved defender turned down offers from Premier League and other European clubs to return to Brondby, saying he was “feeling the effects of playing regularly in a league that is as physically demanding as the Premier League”.

The contract of the 31-year-old Denmark international expired at the end of the season and Agger revealed that retiring was the best decision for him.

Abubakar Lawal's Solitary Goal Takes Wikki Tourists to NPFL Top Spot

Wikki Tourists continued their push for the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title with a 1-0 defeat of the visiting El-Kanemi Warriors to extend their winning streak. The solitary goal came off the boots of Abubakar Lawal and this ensured that the coach Abdul Maikaba side went two points clear of second placed Rangers International.

The host took control of the encounter right from the commencement of proceedings with Lawal Abubakar hitting his first shot on target after 15 minutes and forcing goalkeeper George Michael to a big save.

‎With the league's top scorer, Godwin Obaje leading the Wikki onslaught in the attack comprising the other lethal pair, Mubarak Umar and Hassan Hussein, El-Kanemi's backline had to be at their very best to truncate a number of raids on their post area. Indeed, the Maiduguri Warriors' defence line led by former Kano Pillars' Zango Umar defended well throughout the first 45 minutes to head to the locker room without conceding.

Barcelona Star Urges Club to Sign Nolito this Summer

Gerard Pique has encouraged Barcelona to renew their pursuit of former Barcelona's B-team player and Celta Vigo star Nolito in the coming transfer window, saying his €18m (£14.1m, $20.4m) release clause represents a bargain. The Spain international admits the decision is out of his hand, but feels his national teammate would be a great addition for Luis Enrique's side.

Nolito was earmarked as Barcelona's top priority for the January transfer window, after Luis Enrique demanded the signing of a back-up for his attacking trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. The boss coached the versatile forward for both Celta and in Barcelona's B-team, and considered him an ideal fit for the Nou Camp as he would not need to adapt to the club's passing game.

CAF President Sends Letter of Condolences as NFF Mourns the Legend, Stephen Keshi

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep shock at the death, in the early hours ofWednesday, of former Super Eagles Captain and Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. NFF President Amaju Pinnick was too shocked for words: “This is devastating. We have lost a superhero.”

Family sources said the 54 –year old, who buried his wife Kate only five months ago, had complained of irregular heartbeats and pain in his legs and was being rushed to a nearby hospital in Benin City, capital of Edo State in southern Nigeria, when he gave up the ghost.

Pinnick confirmed he had been in contact with the family and would lead a delegation of some NFF Board and Congress members to Benin City on Thursday.

“The NFF Board will meet and decide on the best way to honour Stephen Keshi. We will be fully involved in the arrangements for the final burial rites.”

Manchester United Defender Chris Smalling Praises Louis van Gaal's Contribution in His International Career

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has paid tribute to former manager Louis van Gaal for helping him become England quality. Though Van Gaal was not a popular figure at Old Trafford, with rumours of a number of first-team players being unhappy with his playing style overall but .

A fifth-place finish last season led to the former Ajax boss being replaced but Jose Mourinho, but English football could yet benefit from his influence if Smalling can have a strong Euro 2016.

I will Have Discussion with Antonio Conte very Soon - Napoli Defender Kalidou Koulibaly Confirm

Napoli Defender and Senegal international has admitted he is likely to leave this summer for a big club, with a contract as Napoli are not making any move to renew his contract. Chelsea look to have received a boost in their transfer pursuit of the Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly when the Senegalese said he will be having discussion with the new Chelsea manager Antonio Conte on possible transfer to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Koulibaly has impressed in his time in Serie A, also attracting rumoured interest from Arsenal, though it looks like he could be set to negotiate a move to Stamford Bridge.

Wednesday, 8 June 2016

"At 25 Years Old, It's Important to Play," - I’ll Leave Liverpool if I'm not in Jurgen Klopp's Plans

Belgian and Liverpool striker, Christian Benteke has indicated his desire to quit Anfield this summer if he is not part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans. The 25-year-old who endured a difficult debut campaign on last season is presently on international duty with Belgium warming up for Euro2016 which commences on June 10.

After signing from Aston Villa in a £32.5million deal, he netted just 10 goals and his comptriot Divock Origi was preferred during Daniel Sturridge’s injury absence. And now the Belgium international has spoken out about his future plans as he builds up to

Bayer Leverkusen Centre Back, Jonathan Tah Called to Replace Injured Ruediger in Germany's Euro 2016 squad

Germany have called up defender Jonathan Tah to replace the injured Antonio Ruediger in their Euro 2016 squad, coach Joachim Loew confirmed on Wednesday. 20-year old Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah, has been recalled from a holiday in Miami to join up with the world champions, who face Ukraine in Lille in their Group C opener on Sunday.

"I wanted a direct replacement. Jonathan has been in our team before and has been training on his own for the last three weeks," Loew said at a press conference at the German squad's base in Evian-les-Bains, near the Swiss border.