Arsenal display FA Cup in Lagos

Arsenal Football Club of England on Thursday displayed the English FA Cup the team won in Lagos. The colourful event took place in Lagos with the Nigerian partners of the team, Sterling Bank, fully represented together with some customers of the bank and fans of the team. The trophy was on parade at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island as fans took photographs with the trophy and the vising Arsenal representatives. Arsenal’s Partner Services Executive, Alex Smith, said the tour was important because the club appreciates the support the English team enjoys in Africa. Smith said: “We have similar arrangement with some other African countries including South Africa. The trophy is here for Nigerian fans to have a feel of what the team is doing out there in the UK and also in Europe. “The partnership with Sterling Bank is a tremendous one for the team because we have received some of the fans and customers of the bank at the Emirates Stadium for live games.” Sterling Bank’s Head of Consumer banking, Gbenga Adegoke, said the bank had similar virtues with Arsenal. “Arsenal believes in gradual growth to achieve success and that is what the bank is doing in Nigeria. We are proud to be partners of the club,” he said.

All Africa Games: Our ultimatum is to win laurels for Nigeria – Tennis coach

Abuja – National Tennis Coach, Rotimi Akinloye, on Thursday in Abuja, said Nigeria’s tennis team to upcoming All Africa Games in Congo was determined to win laurels for the country. To achieve this, he said that the players and trainers had intensified preparation for the competition. Akinloye said that though the team had only six weeks to prepare for the games, it had mapped out plans to ensure adequate fitness of players, assuring that the team would not disappoint Nigerians. “We have divided our training period into three; we have the general preparatory period, the specific period and the pre-tournament period. “So far in this general preparation, we have been building on solid foundation, improving on the players’ technical ability and making sure that they are very fit. “The response has been very encouraging this year; for this year’s All Africa Games preparation, we have an array of very young talented players who we expect to be in their peak form and do the nation proud at the games,’’ he said. Akinloye said that 16 players were currently in camp, while four would join from their foreign locations next week. “We hope that before the end of next week everybody will be in camp, so that we can do our elimination and focus on the actual players going for the games. “Our ultimate goal is to win goal medals and that is what we are going for,’’ he said. Akinloye assured that the team would win at least three goal medals out of the six medals available in the event. He advised players to stay out of drugs, warning that he would not condone such act. He commended the National Sports Commission for doing everything in its power to meet the challenges of the team. NAN reports that the 11th All Africa Games is scheduled for Sept. 4 to Sept. 19 in Brazzaville. It also reports that the country’s contingent to the games would depart on Aug. 30, according to the sports commission. 

Van Gaal unsure of Di Maria whereabouts as Blanc says deal is 'close to an end'

The Manchester United boss says he does not know where the Argentina international is, while his Paris Saint-Germain counterpart insists a deal is almost done

Louis van Gaal has admitted he does not know where Manchester United’s record signing Angel Di Maria is, with the Argentine’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain edging towards a conclusion.

Di Maria failed to report back for pre-season training as planned on July 25, with Van Gaal confirming he had not boarded a plane to meet his team-mates in San Jose as planned.

And after United went down 2-0 to PSG in a pre-season game in Chicago on Wednesday night, the Dutchman claimed to have no idea of his player’s whereabouts, while his opposite number Laurent Blanc revealed that talks are at an advanced stage.

“I don’t know where he is,” Van Gaal admitted to a press conference after the International Champions Cup clash at Soldier Field, but Blanc was able to shed more light on the 27-year-old’s situation.

“Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are two big clubs, and negotiations can be difficult but we are close to an end,” confirmed the Frenchman.

Di Maria moved to Old Trafford in a £59.7 million move from Real Madrid in August 2014, but struggled to fully adapt after a promising start and made only 20 starts in the Premier League last season.

Benitez open to further Real Madrid signings - but stays silent on De Gea

The former Napoli boss says it is not his place to comment on the Manchester United goalkeeper but would not rule out more summer arrivals

Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn on David de Gea's future but admits he will welcome further signings this summer.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has claimed this week that speculation over the goalkeeper's possible move to Madrid is not doing any favours to either club, though he accepted the Spain international may well be keen on a transfer.
Benitez, however, told reporters on Thursday that De Gea's future "is a question for Van Gaal and De Gea" before adding that he is happy with the three goalkeepers currently at his disposal.
Speaking after his side's penalty shootout win over AC Milan, he said: "I had a great keeper in the first half [Keylor Navas], a very good keeper in the second [Kiko Casilla], and another very good one waiting... on the bench [Pacheco]."


The former Napoli and Liverpool boss would not rule out further additions this summer, however.
"It's a good squad, we have to work with them. If someone else arrives, he will be welcome, but they have to be better than what we have," he said.
"The conversations I have with [director] Jose Angel Sanchez and the president are between us."
Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Milan before they triumphed 10-9 on penalties to win the International Champions Cup and Benitez accepts they found the first half difficult.

 "We faced a team like Milan who haven't travelled and have been here for six days, and of course they had good rythym and pressed well. It wasn't easy.
"In the second half they slowed down and it was easier to keep the ball."
Gareth Bale was once more deployed in a central role behind Karim Benzema and Benitez admits he offers a different kind of threat away from the wing.
"Bale's done pretty well, he works hard and plays in a role whereby he's involved more or less depending on how the team plays. He's a player who attacks the space and moves between lines."
Luka Modric, meanwhile, was keen to praise the local supporters for their backing during Madrid's successful tour of China.
"We've enjoyed it a lot, we've had six beautiful days in China and we're happy to head back with the title," said the Croatian.
"We thank the Chinese fans for their support and we hope to come back soon."

Zidane: Di Maria can take PSG to the next level

The former France star says the Argentine could help the club's Champions League ambitions and has backed Michel Platini as a Fifa presidential candidate

Angel di maria  is the perfect player to take Paris Saint-Germain to the next level, according to Zinedine Zidane.
Head coach Laurent Blanc claimed earlier this week that a deal to bring the Manchester United winger to Parc des Princes is "close".
And Real Madrid Castilla coach Zidane believes the Argentina international is an ideal signing to help PSG in their quest to win the Champions League.
"He's the kind of player that can take you to the next stage. That's what they need to go further in the Champions League," the former France international told BFM TV.
"Angel Di Maria can contribute his energy, the difference he makes when he accelerates, he has the quality to do something. I think that it will happen in the coming days."
Zidane has also backed compatriot Michel Platini's bid to become the new president of Fifa, following the former Juventus star's declaration that he will stand for election to replace Sepp Blatter.
"He'll do well. He's the ideal person to take over all that," said Zidane.
"I'll support him, he's done a good job. Of course I would vote for him."

Prepare for Enyeama’s exit, Rufai tells Oliseh

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai has told newly appointed coach, Sunday Oliseh to have a standby goal tender that will step into the shoes of current number one Vincent Enyeama.
Enyeama, has been between the sticks for the Super Eagles since 2002. He recently indicated that he will not be there forever, when he announced that he might call it quits after the 2017 African Cup of Nations.

Vincent Enyeama

Rufai,  a former Stationery Stores of Lagos keeper and one of Nigeria’s goalkeeping legends advised Oliseh to start shopping for a replacement.
“I think one of the tasks before him will be to find a replacement for Vincent Enyeama,” Rufai said.
“But Enyeama is still around and we don’t have to panic. But the coach must begin to look for replacement because we need to have someone capable when he (Enyeama) is gone.”
Rufai said he will be in support of whichever goalkeeper the Super Eagles coaches feels is the right one.
“I believe the coaches know what they are doing. I’m sure they must be looking at other options so whichever goalkeeper they choose eventually will be good I believe,”

Extra Time: Cristiano Ronaldo's outrageous salute to Real Madrid fans

Days after being mobbed by mascots ahead of Madrid's friendly with Inter in China, the Portugal forward gave a little back to the fans with a cheeky piece of skill

EXTRA TIMECristiano Ronaldo loves a showboat, that's no secret. So when the opportunity arises to have some fun during training on a pre-season tour, you can imagine he'll grab it with both hands.

Fans flock to see the Real Madrid forward wherever he's in action - from South America to Asia - so it was no surprise that he was the centre of attention when training with his team-mates on their pre-season tour of China.

Ahead of the 3-0 victory against Inter on Monday he was mobbed by mascots who abandoned other Madrid stars just to be near him - which he clearly loved!



And, never one to disappoint his public, he just couldn't resist giving a little something back in training a couple of days later.

'She should focus on his weight' - Mourinho launches stinging attack on Benitez

The Chelsea boss has hit back at comments made by the Real Madrid coach's wife, who claimed her husband is always "tidying up" after the Portuguese, in extraordinary fashion

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has unleashed a stunning attack on Real Madrid counterpart Rafael Benitez, claiming he "destroyed" his Inter team and even poking fun at his weight.

Benitez's wife, Montserrat Seara, caused a stir when she claimed her husband is always tidying up after Mourinho, having coached Inter, Chelsea and now Madrid after the Portuguese.

Those comments have provoked a stinging response from the Blues boss, who pointed to the fact Benitez was sacked just six months into his spell at Inter having taken over a treble-winning team.

"The lady is a bit confused, with all respect," Mourinho said after Chelsea beat Barcelona 4-2 on penalties after drawing 2-2 with Barcelona in the International Champions Cup.

"I'm not laughing. Because her husband went to Chelsea to replace Roberto Di Matteo and he went to Real Madrid and replaced Carlo Ancelotti.

"The only club where her husband replaces me was at Inter Milan, where in six months he destroyed the best team in Europe at the time.

"And for her also to think about me and to speak about me, I think the lady needs to occupy her time and if she takes care of her husband's diet she will have less time to speak about me."

Wenger disagrees with Mourinho: Hazard not at Ronaldo & Messi level yet

The Arsenal boss believes the PFA Player of the Year needs to decide matches more consistently if he is to be considered alongside the two best players in the world

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Eden Hazard is not currently at the same level as Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

Hazard was one of the stars of the 2014-15 Premier League season and claimed the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards as he helped the Blues claim their first title since 2010.

And while Jose Mourinho believes the former Lille winger had a better season than Ronaldo, who scored 61 goals despite Madrid failing to win a trophy, Wenger believes Hazard needs to be the difference for his team more consistently.

He told reporters ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash against Chelsea: "It is all about opinions. You have to compare the numbers. I must say players like Messi and Ronaldo still score 50 goals and that is exceptional.

"He [Hazard] can decide the games and you put the top players in this kind of calibre when they can decide the games with something special.

"Hazard is in this category, now to reach the other two or three that are dominating world football at the moment I think it demands consistency which he is still to do."

Moses scores as Chelsea beat PSG

Thibaut Courtois was the hero in Charlotte, scoring the winning penalty and saving two of PSG’s in the shoot-out following an exciting 1-1 draw in normal time.
The goalkeeper kept out spot-kicks from Jean-Christophe Bahebeck and Thiago Silva before blasting the 14th and final penalty into the top corner, handing the English Champions the victory against the French champions.
In normal time it was Victor Moses who cancelled out Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s opener. The Swede fired home a rebound midway through a first half mostly dominated by the Parisians.

Moses celebrates his goal

Chelsea were much improved after the break and deservedly levelled when Cesc Fabregas expertly picked out a fine Moses run, whose subsequent close-range volley was crisp and clinical. Falcao then came on for his first appearance in a Chelsea shirt and impressed. He was also one of six Chelsea players to score their penalty having stepped up first.
The starting line-up included the back four that began so many games together last season, and behind them, as Jose Mourinho had promised, was Begovic. Cesar Azpilicueta completed 90 minutes for the second game running. As in New Jersey, Moses began out wide, while there were first starts of the summer for Nemanja Matic, Eden Hazard and Diego Costa.
PSG’s team had plenty of familiar faces, none more so than David Luiz. Ibrahimovic captained.


PSG had two penalty appeals waved away in 30 seconds after Cesar Azpilicueta became the game’s first booking, and with the Blues seemingly still rattled at the back Verratti ghosted in unmarked but scooped an impudent effort wide.
The French side’s good period continued when Augustin stole a march on Ivanovic behind our defence. There he went eye to eye with Begovic, who had shown another important goalkeeping attribute by racing off his line alert to the danger. The Bosnian’s big frame blocked the shot.
He had one more bit of work to do before the interval, stretching low to his left to divert a Moura daisy cutter wide of the post.
Three fresh Chelsea faces came out for the second half, and one, Begovic’s replacement Courtois, was immediately in the action, gathering a shot from PSG sub Thiago Motta at the second attempt. Kurt Zouma and Ramires were the other newcomers.
The occasionally fractious nature of the game continued when Adrien Rabiot and Aurier went into the book for bad tackles on Hazard and Diego Costa respectively. The striker pounced on a loose Paris pass and picked out Fabregas whose shot was blocked; Moses following up fired wide.
Those same two players linked up to perfection moments later, however. It was Fabregas with the cross, perfectly weighted, and Moses with the movement and confident first-time volleyed finish that brought the equaliser. The winger’s celebration was as spectacular as the link-up play that preceded it!
Five minutes later the Chelsea supporters in the Bank of America Stadium had reason to roar almost as loudly as they did for the goal when Falcao was introduced.
The Colombian was immediately involved, impressively winning possession back and finding fellow sub Loic Remy. His shot was low and hard and needed saving. Not long after, with Chelsea now well on top and looking dangerous with every attack, Falcao had an effort of his own blocked. The chance was created thanks to his good movement in the box.
Two other South Americans introduced by Mourinho then linked up to good effect as Oscar from deep picked out Juan Cuadrado’s penetrative run. He opted not to shoot having raced clear and the opportunity passed.
Penalties loomed. The closest either side came to preventing them was in stoppage time when PSG’s Christopher Nkunku stung Courtois’ palms with a long-ranger. But penalties it was.
Falcao and Azpilicueta got Chelsea up and running confidently but with PSG scoring their first three spot-kicks Cuadrado’s subsequent miss could have proved decisive.
Instead Courtois denied Bahebeck and so on the shoot-out went. Five more penalties – including Remy, Oscar and Willian for Chelsea – were scored, before Courtois seized the initiative. First he kept out Thiago Silva’s effort with ease, then smashed his own shot into the roof of the net, as though taking a goal-kick. It was an emphatic end to an enjoyable encounter.
 

Real Madrid give up on De Gea

Real Madrid will end their attempts to sign Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea... for now. Los Blancos will instead make do with Keylor Navas this season before bagging the Spanish shot-stopper for free next summer

Arsenal & Madrid pull out of Vidal deal

Both Real Madrid and Arsenal had been ready to battle Bayern Munich for Arturo Vidal this summer until the Chilean's drunk driving controversy. The Gunners immediately backed out of talks, while Florentino Perez vetoed any move.

Man Utd increase Ramos bid

Manchester United have returned to Real Madrid with a fresh offer for Sergio Ramos, offering €60 million (£42m) for the Spanish centre-back. The Red Devils are also thought to be tracking Fiorentina's Stefan Savic.

Arsenal make Rugani move

Arsenal have made the first steps to sign Juventus defender Daniele Rugani. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Empoli and opportunities at Juve appear to be limited, with Arsene Wenger a big fan of the centre-back.

Liverpool could offer more than €20m for Pedro

Liverpool is interested in Pedro Rodriguez who could leave FC Barcelona this summer. 'Reds' would offer more than €20m for Spanish player