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Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has written a funny post for London fans after Willian left Arsenal on Monday.

The 33-year-old Brazilian winger agreed to terminate the remaining two years of his contract and instead, sealed a transfer to Corinthians.

But despite, Willian leaving the Gunners, Drogba took to his Twitter handle to welcome the player back to Chelsea.

Willian confirmed his departure by stating: "Thank you Arsenal.”

Drogba, who played at Stamford Bridge alongside Willian, replied: "Oh Willyyyyyyyyyyyyyy haaaaaaaannnnnnnnnn Come back home.”

Drogba recently took to his social media pages to praise Chelsea after they beat Arsenal 2-0 in a Premier League match.

He commended the outcome of the game after first-half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Reece James were enough to seal maximum points for Chelsea and condemn Arsenal to their second straight defeat of the season.

"Arsenal vs Chelsea same old story. My team strong, real strong Chelsea," Drogba tweeted with a laughing emoji.

Meanwhile, Willian, who made 38 appearances for the Emirates club during the 2020-21 campaign, has expressed his regret that things did not work out for him at Arsenal.

"I would like to thank Arsenal for the opportunity they have given to me and for the warm welcome received by everybody at the club," he said.

"Unfortunately things on the pitch didn't go the way we had all planned and hoped. I received a lot of criticism, especially from some members of the press, that I had come here for financial reasons. I hope with my actions today explain to those people and they now understand that was not the case.

"I hope it teaches some people that they should not be so quick to pass judgement or create bad environments to make themselves important, even though I accept that's part of the game.

"All my career I have done everything to be the best I can be. I always want to win and I find it hard to accept not doing so. Unfortunately, it didn't happen for me at Arsenal and I am sorry about that.

"I came to England in 2013 and I have enjoyed every minute of my time here. I want to thank everyone who had helped me along the way to play in this wonderful league that is full of heart and spirit."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has ended speculation over his future by signing a new four-year contract. 

The midfielder becomes the latest member of Jurgen Klopp's squad to commit his long-term future to the Reds, following in the footsteps of team-mates Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho and Andy Robertson.

Henderson arrived at Anfield from Sunderland in 2011, and his new deal will keep him on Merseyside until the summer of 2025.

An end to the uncertainty

Henderson's current deal was due to expire at the end of next season, and initial discussions over an extension had proven fruitless with the England international unimpressed by the terms offered.

This led to reports that he could leave Liverpool this summer, with Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain said to be monitoring the situation. Bizarrely, Henderson was also linked with a move to Arsenal at one point.

Goal understands Liverpool always expected a resolution to be found, and negotiations accelerated once Henderson returned from his summer break following the European Championships.

Despite his age, he is still viewed as someone who will play a big role under Klopp in the coming years and his off-field influence remains integral.

What has Henderson said?

Speaking to the club website after signing his new deal, Henderson said: “I’m obviously very honoured and proud to continue the journey I’ve already been on here. It’s amazing to finally get it done and just concentrate on looking forward and what the future may hold.

“I’m in a different place of course, as a player and as a person, from when I first walked in. I’ve learned and grown a lot over my time here, and I’ve got to thank a lot of people for that.

“I’ve loved every minute of it, even when I look back at the tough times, I was still enjoying being a part of this football club. The longer I can do that, the better for me really. I want to be here as long as possible, I’ve always said that.

“To continue this journey is incredible for me and my family, and I hope the fans and the club feel the same way.”

Whose deal will be next?

The Reds are currently negotiating with star forward Mohamed Salah over a new deal, with the Egyptian having entered the final two years of his current contract.

Sources say initial discussions have been ‘positive’, and there is optimism that Salah will, like Henderson, commit his future until 2025 with a deal that would make him the highest-paid player in Liverpool history.

Fellow forwards Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are also in the final two years of their respective deals, as are midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita. As yet, however, there has been no word of any extensions for those players.

Further reading

West Ham have completed the signing of CSKA Moscow midfielder Nikola Vlasic for a reported €30 million (£26m/$35m) fee.

Vlasic has put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the London Stadium, bringing to an end his two-year stint in Russia with CSKA.

The 23-year-old has become the Hammers third major signing of the summer after Kurt Zouma and Alphonse Areola, with David Moyes adding another No.10 to his ranks as he bids to improve on the Hammers' sixth-place Premier League finish in 2020-21.

What's been said?

The Hammers have confirmed Vlasic's permanent move from CSKA in an official statement, which reads: "West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Croatia international attacker Nikola Vlašić.

"The talented 23-year-old arrives on a five-year deal from Russian Premier League club CSKA Moscow."

More to follow.

Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic believes Kenya will start as favourites when the neighbours kick off their campaign to Qatar in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers with a fixture at Nyayo Stadium on Thursday.

The East African rivals are pooled together in Group E of the qualifiers alongside West African giants Mali and Rwanda with the top team set to qualify for the third qualifying round.

The Serbian tactician, who returned to handle the Cranes on July 27, after parting ways with Zambia, believes Harambee Stars have the advantage owing to the fact they had played their FKF Premier League campaign to a conclusion unlike in Uganda where their league was cancelled. This was after the outbreak of the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

What did Sredojevic say?

“This is one more episode of the never-ending derby between Kenya and Uganda or Uganda versus Kenya and I am happy to come here to Nairobi,” Sredojevic told Goal on Tuesday.

“It is going to be a measurement of value, a test of character for the Cranes that is a team in transition with too much at stake, World Cup qualifiers and it is very hard and difficult to play against the friends that you know and understand very well.

“It is going to be a very tough match that will show us where we as Uganda are at the present; we know we are playing against a very competitive good team that has a huge advantage coming into the game because coach Jacob [Mulee] had Afcon qualifiers in March and also their league was not rescheduled and it recently finished.

“Most of the Kenya players were in full competitiveness while in Uganda we were having some certain problems because of our league being in a recess owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“But no matter all that, we are representing Uganda and I know the game against Kenya will be decided by small details and we shall do everything to make sure those small details go our way.

“We are anticipating a good match, a football match of friends that will be fought for 90 minutes but after 90 minutes we shall be East African brothers again.”

What did captain Okwi say?

Uganda captain Emmanuel Okwi explained they have respect for Kenya but they have come to Nairobi to fight for a positive start in the qualifiers.

“We have just arrived and we want to see how we can rest and start our day tomorrow [Tuesday], so that by Thursday we acclimatise to the weather and make sure we are ready for the game on Thursday,” Okwi, who turns out for Egyptian club Al Ittihad Alexandria Club, told Goal.

“Of course, we have a lot of respect for Kenya, we have respect for them as a team and as a country but we are here to fight and make sure we get the best start possible."

On losing to Ethiopia 2-1 in a friendly on Sunday, Okwi said: “The match against Ethiopia didn’t go as planned but we have seen where it went wrong and we are going to work on that for the two days that we will be here and by Thursday I am sure the technical bench and as players shall have found out the missing link so we are ready for Thursday.”

In the last six matches between the two nations, Kenya have managed one win, Uganda have won twice while the other three have ended in draws.

Juventus have bid farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo as they confirmed a €23 million (£20m//$27m) deal with Manchester United for the transfer of the attacker.

The 36-year-old has spent three years with the Serie A side and lifted two league titles, but has opted to head back to Old Trafford amid the Bianconeri's recent failure to compete for major trophies.

Ronaldo looked to be heading to Manchester City initially, but the Red Devils swooped in to snap him up and confirmed an agreement on Friday.

What has been said?

"On 10 July 2018, two icons of the European and football world came together - Cristiano Ronaldo became a Juventus player. Today, after three years together and 133 appearances, 101 goals scored and five trophies won, that chapter has come to an end. The paths of CR7 and Juventus have gone their separate ways," a statement on the club's website read.

"On that day in July, when Cristiano arrived in Turin, the electric feeling of those great days could be felt through the air. The Juventus fans welcomed CR7 like a king, eager to see him on the pitch and cheer with him. It was a great story.

"He was the first player in Juventus history to score at least 100 goals in all competitions in his first three seasons with Juventus, and since his arrival in Serie A, he has scored more goals than any other player: 81, at least 10 more than any other.

"Not only that, with the aforementioned title of top scorer, he also become the first to sit on the throne of the top goalscorers in Serie A, La Liga and the Premier League.

"The unforgettable moments experienced together were many. We could recite them and relive them, but it would not help, because everyone has their own special memory linked to CR7. Everyone has a shared emotion that does not need to be dusted off, because everyone will always remember what they felt in walking this stretch of road together.

"Today that bond born on July 10, three years ago, has been dissolved, but what has been written will forever remain. It has been an incredible journey."

What are the terms of the deal?

United will pay a fee of €15m (£13/$18m) over the course of five years to seal the Portugal star's return to the Premier League, Juventus confirmed. They will have to pay up to €8m (£7m/$9m) in bonuses "upon achievement of specific performance objectives".

The deal will appear as a €14m (£12m/$17m) loss for the Turin side in the 2020-21 financial year, the club reported.

Further reading

Zambia striker Patson Daka had admitted they will be under pressure to deliver for the fans when they kick off their campaign to the Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup Finals.

Chipolopolo, who are drawn in Group B of the qualifiers, will open their campaign with an away game against Mauritania in Marrakech, Morocco, on Friday before they host Tunisia on September 7, 2021, at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Ahead of the opener, Daka, who signed for Premier League side Leicester City from Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg at the start of the new season, believes expectations for the team to deliver are very high especially after missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations finals to be staged in Cameroon.

“I know a lot has to be done; a lot is expected from myself, so I really know the reason why I am here. I am happy that I am able now to meet with my teammates,” the 22-year-old told Zambia FA's official website.

“I know the expectations are so high not only from the fans back home but also from ourselves as a team because we know what is at stake.

“I think this is a new beginning. It is a new challenge we are starting and so we just must put behind us all the misfortunes we have had like missing the Afcon.

“And this is a new journey we have started on. We have to concentrate on it. We have to work together as a team. This is a team sport; we have to support each other, every person is important in this team, and we have to appreciate what each person brings to the table because no one can do anything by themselves.”

Daka continued, “To have a great start is what everyone is looking forward to and it’s going to be encouraging also to have a better start going into the next games.

"So, we just have to make sure we give our very best and get a positive result that everyone is looking forward to.”

Daka thanked the Chipolopolo fans for their support across all seasons and promised to give them positive results during the qualifiers.

“Thanks so much to the fans who have continued to be so dedicated to the national team supporting us through thick and thin. It hasn’t been an easy road not only for us but also for the nation,” Daka said.

“The fans leave what they are doing just to support us to make sure we have the moral support that we want, and we will just continue to give our best.”

“It is not that we go out there wanting to lose but we always give our best to make sure at the end of the day we give them a smile for the support that they have given us.”

Zambia final squad; Goalkeeper: Mwenya Chibwe (Baroka FC-RSA), Gregory Sanjase (Young Green Eagles), and Lameck Siame (Zanaco).

Defenders: Benedict Chepeshi, Prosper Chiluya (Red Arrows), Simon Silwimba, Solomon Sakala (both Zesco United), Tandi Mwape (TP Mazembe-DRC), and Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors).

Midfielders: Enock Mwepu (Brighton & Hove Albion-England), Clatous Chama (RS Berkane-Morocco), Dickson Chapa, Kelvin Mubanga (both Zesco United), Spencer Sautu (Power Dynamos) Benson Sakala (Unattached), Lubambo Musonda (AC Horsens-Denmark), Roderick Kabwe (Unattached), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), and Boyd Musonda (Zanaco).

Strikers: Brian Mwila (Buildcon), Patson Daka (Leicester-England), and Edward Chilufya (Djurgardens IF-Sweden).

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to share Manchester United set-pieces with Bruno Fernandes according to Rio Ferdinand, who says the latter will give up penalties but not free-kicks.

United reached an agreement to bring Ronaldo back to Old Trafford from Juventus on Friday, with the reported €23 million (£20m/$27m) transfer set to be finalised before the summer window slams shut at midnight on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old was a talismanic figure in his first spell at the club between 2003 and 2009 and will likely be the focal point in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's attack for the rest of the season, but Ferdinand doesn't think Fernandes will be pushed to the side.

What has been said?

Fernandes has been involved in more goals than any other United player since joining the club from Sporting CP in January 2020, with many of his efforts coming from dead-ball situations.

Ferdinand is expecting the Portuguese playmaker to hand penalty duties over to his compatriot, but sees no reason why he should also step aside from free-kicks given his impressive scoring record.

"I think Bruno gives up penalties but doesn’t relinquish free-kicks and corners," the former Red Devils defender said on his FIVE Youtube channel. "The free-kicks around the box, he’s going to be on them I think. I think his record demands that he should do that.

"He takes the penalties, 100 per cent. They agree to give him the penalties but I think free-kicks around the box, Bruno’s just wiping the ball and putting it down."

Ferdinand does however think Fernandes will be happy to pass the main goalscoring burden onto Ronaldo as United seek to bring a frustrating five-year trophy drought to a close.

"I think Bruno sees the bigger picture, that this guy can get us over the line to win us trophies," he added. "If that means my percentage of goal involvements goes down but he gets his hands on a big trophy, he’d take that all day long."

When could Ronaldo make his debut?

Ronaldo will be re-joining United just as the first international break of the season comes into effect, meaning supporters will have to wait to see him don the famous red shirt once again.

The outgoing Juve superstar is set to link up with Fernandes for Portugal's latest set of World Cup qualifiers before returning to Old Trafford and integrating into Solskjaer's ranks.

The United boss will then hope to have Ronaldo available to make his debut in a home fixture against Newcastle on September 11, which comes four days before they kick off their latest Champions League campaign away at Young Boys.

Further reading

It has been 15 years since he retired from professional football, but former England international forward Alan Shearer still holds the record of scoring the most number of goals in the history of the Premier League.

The former Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers star netted 260 goals in 441 Premier League matches in his 18-year long career. Other than being the highest goalscorer of all-time, he also holds the joint-record of scoring the most goals in a single Premier League match (five).

Shearer is followed by former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney who netted 208 goals in 491 appearances for Everton and the Red Devils. Rooney's predecessor at Manchester United Andy Cole is the third-highest goalscorer with 187 goals in 414 matches.

Argentina international forward Sergio Aguero, who left Manchester after 10 seasons in 2021 and joined Barcelona, is the fourth-highest goalscorer of all time with 184 goals 275 appearances for the Cityzens. Aguero also holds the record of scoring the most number of Premier League goals for a single club.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane is the only active player to feature among the top 10 highest goalscorers with 166 goals. He overtook former Liverpool forward and current East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler (163) to climb to the seventh position last season.

Here, we take a look at the top 10 players who have scored the most number of goals in the Premier League.

The Premier League has seen an array of creative talent showcase their talent over the years. And it is former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs who is the all-time highest assist provider in the history of the Premier League with 162 assists in 632 appearances.

The Welsh legend is followed by former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas who provided 111 assists in 350 appearances for the two London clubs. Another Manchester United great Wayne Rooney sits in the third position with 103 assists to his name in 491 league appearances for Everton and Manchester United.

Players like Dennis Bergkamp, Frank Lampard, David Silva and David Beckham also features among the top 10 players with the most assists in the league. Among the active Premier League players, only Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne and Liverpool's James Milner feature in this list.

Former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry and De Bruyne jointly hold the record of providing the most number of assists in a single Premier League season (20) while another former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has the record of assisting in most consecutive Premier League matches (seven).

Here, we take a look at the top 10 players who have provided the most number of assists in the Premier League.

Further reading

Five assists in two matches for Pogba

Atletico Madrid have rejected a loan bid from Barcelona for forward Joao Felix, Goal understands, and have refused to enter negotiations on the eve of the transfer deadline.

The offer was made through agent Jorge Mendes, with the Blaugrana expressing enormous interest in a player they have targetted before.

But Atletico Madrid do not need to sell, and they consider Felix to be the crown jewel of the future of the club and are therefore not thinking of letting go of a player of his talent - even less so 24 hours before the market closes.

How Felix situation is expected to develop

Atletico Madrid will inform Barcelona and Mendes that selling Felix is not an option at this stage as they look to win La Liga for a second straight season.

So, there is no anticipation that the approach Ronald Koeman and Co. will lead to movement from the player.

Record at Atletico Madrid

The 21-year-old arrived to Spain as a teenager for €126m (£122m/$142m) and has since been a regular player under Diego Simeone.

In 58 La Liga appearances, he has scored 13 goals and assisted six times. He's also featured at international level with Portugal.

However, Felix has yet to make his full mark and Atletico Madrid are hopeful this can be his breakout season.

Bigger picture

Barcelona have been forced to think differently this window as the organisation's financial crisis has wiped away their ability to spend big and forced the shock exit of Lionel Messi.

This past weekend, Koeman admitted his side could not hope to compete with other top clubs for signings until the money returns.

"I understand what people who love this club can feel, but the economic situation is what it is," Koeman said via SPORT. "It's frustrating, but you have to be realistic. Economically we can't compete with Paris, City or United. That's right and we have to accept it.

Attempting a late loan move for Felix is not the type of overture Barcelona usually make, and the rejection from Atletico Madrid could make their difficult summer sting even more.

Further reading

Football is “just too easy” for Virgil van Dijk, says former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson, who believes the “Rolls-Royce” of a centre-back is also bringing the best out of his defensive team-mates.

Van Dijk is back at the heart of the Liverpool defence after recovering from a serious knee injury that caused him to miss the majority of last season.

The 30-year-old looks to be back to his best form already after helping the Merseysiders to an unbeaten start to the campaign as they look to reclaim the Premier League title from Manchester City.

What did Lawrenson say?

Lawrenson says Van Dijk’s game is comparable to that of his former Liverpool team-mate Alan Hansen, who won 25 major honours during a glittering Anfield career in the 1970s and 1980s.

"The game's easy to him," Lawrenson told Off The Ball. "It was like when Hansen played, it was just too easy.

"He never got his kit dirty, it was like 'what's your problem?' when you'd come off covered in blood and snot and everything and he'd just walk off and basically give his kit to the kit-man and tell him he won't need to wash it this week.

"Everyone keeps going on about Van Dijk and Hansen is the closest person that I can think of that's comparable."

Van Dijk having ‘fantastic’ effect on Matip

Lawrenson also believes Van Dijk's return is having a positive impact on his central defensive partner Joel Matip, with the duo keeping clean sheets in wins over Norwich and Burnley, before last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea.

Both players missed large chunks of last season through injury and their absences are seen as one of the key reasons why the Reds failed to retain their title.

"He's a Rolls-Royce of a centre-back,” added Lawrenson, who made 356 appearances for Liverpool between 1981 and 1988. “He also has such a fantastic effect on Joel Matip. Matip is a much better player playing with him, as you would be, but the thing about Joel Matip when he plays with Van Dijk is that he comes out and plays.

"He comes out and joins into the midfield and commits members of the opposition which is really really good.

"I don't think Matip particularly likes football, I don't think he really enjoys it but it's just something that he's really good at, but he's really really good when he's got Van Dijk beside him."

Further reading

Real Madrid are in advanced talks with Rennes over a €30 million (£26m/$35m) deal for highly-rated teenage midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, Goal understands.

Los Blancos have turned their attentions to sealing a late move for the 18-year-old after pulling out of negotiations for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe.

The midfielder is now set to have a medical before sealing a deadline day transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu on a five-year deal.

Real switch targets late in window

Manchester United and PSG are among the clubs to have previously been linked with a move for Camavinga, who has emerged as one of the top young prospects in European football since breaking into the Rennes senior squad as a 16-year-old in 2019.

He became the third-youngest player in Les Bleus' history when making his international debut in a 4-2 Nations League win over Croatia last September, before becoming their second-youngest scorer when he netted against Ukraine the following month.

At the time, he was being touted for a move for a fee upwards of €100 million (£86m/$117m). However, his value has dramatically decreased over the past 12 months.

With just one year remaining on his contract, Rennes were adamant Camavinga would either sign an extension or be sold this window. 

The ongoing stalemate means he has spent much of the new season on the bench, starting just one of Rennes' opening six matches so far.

With just hours to go until the deadline, Rennes have reached a comprimise to avoid losing the starlet on a free transfer next year.

Los Blancos, meanwhile, are keen to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes, having only brought in David Alaba on a free transfer so far.

They were initially confident of agreeing a deal with PSG for Mbappe, but pulled out of negotiations on Sunday after having two bids rejected and refusing to meet the French side's €200 million (£175m/$235m) valuation.

That freed up funds to be spent elsewhere, with Camavinga now emerging as their next target.

Further reading

Conor Gallagher is looking to add both leadership and goals to his game in order to play more like his hero Frank Lampard.

Crystal Palace and manager Patrick Vieira signed Gallagher on a season-long loan deal from Chelsea amid competition from both Leeds and Newcastle.

Now, meeting up with Lee Carsley and England's Under-21s, he will train under Chelsea legend Ashley Cole for the first time. However, it is legendary Blues midfielder Lampard who he is looking to emulate.

What did he say about the Chelsea icons?

"Frank Lampard is someone I have always looked up to, being a Chelsea fan, it was incredible watching him and the number of goals and assists he got was crazy for a midfielder," Gallagher said from St George's Park.

"It is ridiculous with his numbers. I want to be a goalscoring midfielder but there’s a lot of work to be done. I got a couple of goals the other day which gave me confidence for sure."

On Cole, he added: "I haven't worked with him yet but I've seen him around the Chelsea training ground. I'm really excited to work with him. I looked up to him as well as a Chelsea fan.

"He was the best left-back in the world. He can teach me things - he seems like a top guy and a top coach."

How is Gallagher doing this season?

After missing Palace's first game due to being ineligible to play against his parent club, the 21-year-old has made a huge impact.

He has started all three of his side's other matches, earning man of the match last time out for his display away at West Ham, where he scored two brilliant goals.

Gallagher spoke of watching old video clips of his new manager Vieira, who was one of the Premier League's best-ever players and carries loads of intel on how to succeed in the division.

The 21-year-old was asked whether he saw Vieira's famous tunnel bust-up with former Manchester United captain Roy Keane while Vieira was at Arsenal.

"Oh, I've seen that a few times, yes," he said with a laugh. "I was a bit too young to watch him play but I have watched videos of him. I have seen him running past players and bullying people basically.

"I'm really excited with how he wants to play, how he is as a person and manager."

Adding that he wants to be a leader like the former Gunners captain, having worn the armband while in Chelsea's academy, Gallagher said: "I'm not a leader in terms of communicating or shouting on the pitch.

"It seems like when I'm on the pitch that I breathe so heavily that I can’t talk, to be honest. But I think in the way I play, I want to lead in that aspect through working hard, pressing aggressively and helping others around me.

"I would like to think [that I am a leader], yes."

Further reading

Bordeaux have announced the signing of Junior Onana from fellow French topflight side Lille.

After one season at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, the 21-year-old joins the Girondins on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

With this move, Onana – who boasts one international cap for Cameroon – will remain at Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux until 2026.

The youngster joined Lille from Portuguese side Leixoes in 2020, however, his inability to break into the first team saw him loaned to Royal Excel Mouscron in a bid to garner first-team experience.

“The Girondins are proud to announce the recruitment of Junior Onana. The international midfielder has successfully passed his medical before signing a contract for the next five seasons (June 2026),” a statement from Bordeaux website read.

“At the age of 21, our new midfielder started playing football at the Nkufo Academy (Cameroon). He then moved to Europe and joined the youth teams of Leixoes (Portugal).

“In January 2020, Junior discovered Ligue 1 by joining LOSC, a club with which he played a league match against Olympique de Marseille.

“He was then loaned to Mouscron (Jupiler Pro League). His passage is interesting since he participates in 28 games for 2 goals.”

Meanwhile, the club’s technical director Admar Lopes has voiced his delight following the recruitment of the African youngster.

“Junior Onana is a player we know well,” he said.

“He is young and has enormous potential. He is also coming off a very interesting season in the Belgian Division 1.

“He also has a certain versatility since he can evolve as a defensive midfielder. We are very proud to welcome him to our club.”

With this move, Onana becomes the eleventh African in Vladimir Petkovic’s squad. Others include Samuel Kalu (Nigeria), Josh Maja (Nigeria), Abdel Medioub (Algeria), Edson Mexer (Mozambique), Gideon Mensah (Ghana), Issouf Sissokho (Mali), Loic Bessile (Togo), Mehdi Zerkane (Algeria), Sekou Mara (Senegal), and Amadou Traore (Guinea).

After the international window, he is expected to start training with the rest of his new teammates. The Indomitable Lions could make his debut when Bordeaux take on Lens on September 12.

The Girondins are winless in their last six games in all competitions and currently occupy the 19th position in Ligue 1 table having accrued just two points from four outings so far. 

Football enthusiasts across Africa have voted Villarreal star Samuel Chukwueze as the best winger in Nigeria.

The Villarreal forward has established himself as a regular fixture in Gernot Rohr's team since he made his Super Eagles debut in an international friendly against Uganda in November 2018.

Before his progress to the senior team, Chukwueze played for Nigeria U17 and he helped them win the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup in Chile with his goalscoring return of three goals.

According to a poll conducted on Goal Africa’s Twitter page, Chukwueze saw off competition from captain Ahmed Musa, Bordeaux's Samuel Kalu and Nantes' Moses Simon.

The 22-year-old got 71.2 per cent of the total votes while Musa trailed in the second spot with 15.1 per cent followed by Simon (8.3 per cent) and Kalu (5.4 per cent).

The Villarreal attacker has boasted the Super Eagles' frontline with his dribbling skills and pace.

On an individual note, he has scored three goals in 19 appearances for Nigeria across all competitions, which include the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2021 Afcon qualifiers.

Despite his eye-catching qualities, Chukwueze was not invited for the Super Eagles’ 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde because he is still recovering from a muscular injury.

In his absence, Musa is another player who can cause havoc in the opposition’s defence with his frightening pace.

The Fatih Karagumruk forward, with 98 appearances for the Super Eagles, could close in on Vincent Enyeama and Joseph Yobo's appearance record (101 caps) if he gets playing time against Liberia and Cape Verde.

Musa has proved his goalscoring abilities in the national team since he made his debut in August 2010 against Madagascar.

The former Leicester City star has scored 15 goals for the Super Eagles while Simon has five goals to his name in 33 appearances and Kalu has scored just two goals in 13 games for the three-time African champions.

Hearts of Oak board member Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe is displeased by the low quality medals presented to players of the club for wining the Ghana Premier League and FA Cup.

The Phobians sealed a double last season, beating arch-rivals Asante Kotoko to the league title, before moving on to account for Ashanti Gold on penalties in the final of the cup competition.

Amid the celebration, there were a few concerns from some quarters about the quality of the medals presented by the Ghana Football Association to the winning players.

“We as a club have not at all had any complaint or said anything but as a leadership, the FA has been there for years – over 60 years now, and there have been progress all along,” Nyaho-Tamakloe, a former president of the GFA, told Joy FM.

“They are there now and they see the best being done, and I don’t think there’s the need for anyone to put pressure on them to better their position and the positions of the club, because this sort of third-class cups is unacceptable now. Look at the sort of medals the boys had – it’s unacceptable

“So I believe strongly their own leadership should look into it and know that the word is changing. Everybody is now well informed, and television is everywhere in the world. People are watching, particularly what happens in Ghana here, as we are a football country and they should improve these things.

“They have the money there, so I don’t see what their problem is. These sort of third-class cups and batches that they gave to the boys, I think it’s time they put a stop to it and get us something up to world standards.”

Hearts finished four points clear at the top of the table to win the Premier League, the title their first since last conquering the country in 2009. It was also their 20th league triumph in history, three fewer than Kotoko who are the most successful club in the history of the top flight.

In the FA Cup final, Hearts beat Ashanti Gold 8-7 on penalties to win the title.