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Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have no ‘margin for error’ this summer as they attempt to close the gap that has opened up between themselves and the Premier League’s top teams.

The Gunners bring their league campaign to a close on Sunday when they host Watford at the Emirates knowing victory can take them no higher than eighth in the table.

It will be their lowest finish to a league season since 1995, and failure to beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final the following weekend will result in them failing to qualify for Europe for the first time in 25 years.

That will result in a major loss of revenue for the north London club, which - when combined with a £230 million ($293m) wage bill and the crippling financial effect of the coronavirus pandemic - will make the summer transfer market an incredibly difficult one to navigate.

Arteta is aware of the challenges that are facing the club and admits they can’t afford to get decisions wrong ahead of his first full season in charge in north London.

“We know that we don’t have any margin for error and everything has to be so planned,” said Arsenal’s head coach.

“I have to say that I am very confident with the way that the owners and the board are approaching this crucial time for us. With a great process to put the team into the next level very quickly. Once we know a little bit more and have more information about where we are it will be easier to make those decisions.”

Arteta came out in support of owner Stan Kroenke on Tuesday night after a group of Arsenal fans paid for a plane to be flown above Villa Park towing a banner which read ‘Back Arteta, Kroenke out’.

The Spaniard insisted that the American and the rest of the club’s hierarchy were putting a strong plan together ahead of the summer window.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s league finale, Arsenal’s head coach reiterated he was excited about what the future will bring - despite the challenging circumstances that currently surround the club.

“I came here and I knew the challenge,” he said. “I am so convinced that we are going to do it right but we need a little bit of time. The fans when they get nervous it’s normal. For me, it’s not that they get nervous, it’s frustration. This club and its history is there.

“People are relating this badge with success, with joy, with trophies and emotions. We can’t change that and we must not try to change it. Because it makes us big and we only have to think like that.

“For me it’s the only way to think about this club and the future of it. If we are all in the same place on that we will make it, but we have to do it and then transmit it to the players, to every member of the staff and then to the fans. If we do that and we are together with that mindset we will do it.”

Frank Lampard has further explained his spat with the Liverpool coaching staff in midweek, saying that 'arrogance' is an important trait in winners and honed in on the Reds backroom team rather than Jurgen Klopp as the target of his criticism.

Lampard's side are chasing a point against Wolves to get in the Premier League top four on the final day and qualify for the Champions League, but the manager had to further explain his comments which have caused a stir on Merseyside.

"When you are in a role at a club or whether you are talking about how benches work, what my feeling was the bench at Liverpool, or one person in particular, was absolutely crossing that line so that became arrogant to me," Lampard clarified.

“I haven’t contacted Liverpool. I shook Jurgen Klopp’s hand at the end and said ‘well done’ and I would easily have sat and had a beer with him and congratulated him on what an incredible job he has done.

“I know how hard it is to win a Premier League, I know how much work goes into it. He’s been there four or five years and the journey and the work has been incredible. He deserves everything. That row was nothing to do with him. What happened on the line can happen a fair bit.

“With cameras and microphones it was in full view and I regret the language that I used. I couldn’t help the passion that I felt. It wasn’t a foul as I saw it but even then I shouldn’t be swearing, but I had an issue with some of the staff and it was against the code of how it world on the bench."

Subsequently, Lampard was further asked on what the code of conduct should be in the heated enviornment of top level football: "What is the code? I think when you speak between managers, and there are lots of decisions that go and you can hear it more clearly now without the crowd.

"Lots of managers will call for decisions and it may be right or wrong, and then you speak with each other, but when people on the bench jump up and want to speak across to me and then smirk and smile and then continue to do so for quite a while, I think that is past the code."

Before becoming a manager, Lampard won 11 major honours as a player in the most successful time in Chelsea's history, giving him legendary status with the fans.

Lampard is comfortable with having both a level of arrogance and an edge to try to succeed in his aims to get the Blues back to where they were when he was a player for the club.

"I think arrogance is a very important quality in terms of how you attack a football match as a player, in terms of how you attack a football match as a manager, because you will be aware of expectations around you, criticism of anything you do that might be seen as being wrong or not quite right," he said.

"If you don’t have a level of arrogance in what you do, you can be affected negatively and you might not be able to do your job as well. I do have an edge. I would not have been able to play for Chelsea for so long in a team that was fighting for Premier League or Champions League winners in pretty much every season I was here.

“I have seen people around me who have an edge. I can’t stand there and demand an edge from my players and not have that in myself to try to drive the club forward, but it was not the right way to do it with the language I used.

"It can happen in the game. I have huge respect for Jurgen Klopp. I shook his hand at the end. It had nothing to do with what Liverpool Football Club had done. I applaud them to the highest degree no matter what the result would have been the other day. It was an in-game moment from me.

"You can probably find a rap sheet for all managers in the game because we are in a very high pressured job and we want to do well for our team. I would expect, and I don’t like my language, but I would expect if I was a Chelsea fan or Liverpool fan or Man United fan, you want people to care as much as the fans do.

"When a decision goes against me and it is 25 yards from goal and I know that Trent is going to put it in the top corner, then you feel a bit silly afterwards and I had a small smile at that point. I knew that was a pivotal moment for my team in the game that I knew was wrong. We had a lot on the game.”

Kylian Mbappe limped out of the Coupe de France final and was later on crutches as Paris Saint-Germain beat Saint-Etienne 1-0 thanks to Neymar's goal.

PSG, awarded the Ligue 1 title on a points-per-game basis after the season was called off in April, made it a double through Neymar's 14th-minute effort but it proved a pyrrhic victory.

Loic Perrin was sent off in the 31st minute following a cynical tackle on Mbappe, who was withdrawn with an apparent ankle injury and later returned to the bench on crutches with his leg in a brace, making him a serious doubt for PSG's return to Champions League action next month.

That challenge sparked a huge melee in the first competitive match in France since March, watched by a small crowd at the Stade de France, with PSG - who also lost Thilo Kehrer to injury - seeing out the win despite a spirited effort from 10-man Saint-Etienne.

Denis Bouanga almost gave Claude Puel's side an early lead when he rattled the post, but it was Neymar who broke the deadlock, turning in from close range after Jessy Moulin palmed away Mbappe's strike.

Moulin produced a brilliant save to deny Angel Di Maria before Perrin scythed down Mbappe as he was about to burst away, sparking unsavoury scenes as the two sets of players squared up.

Referee Amaury Delerue gave the defender his marching orders following a look at the pitch-side monitor after initially showing him a yellow card and another four players were booked - including PSG substitute Marco Verratti for coming off the bench to show dissent - due to the reaction to a tackle that left Mbappe limping down the tunnel following treatment.

Bouanga volleyed over as Les Verts on the hour-mark as Les Verts went in search of an equaliser and heavy tackles continued to define a frantic encounter.

Moulin denied Mbappe's replacement Pablo Sarabia as a second goal eluded PSG, but Neymar's early effort proved to be enough for Tuchel's men to regain the trophy.

What does it mean? Another trophy but concerns for Mbappe

While it was mission accomplished for PSG, winning a trophy they missed out on with a defeat to Rennes in the final last year for the 13th time in their history, the dominant force in French football's latest triumph came may have come at a huge cost.

The sight of Mbappe on crutches will give Tuchel a huge headache ahead of Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta on August 12.

PSG face Lyon in the Coupe de la Ligue final next Friday, but European glory is the priority and a potential Mbappe absence could derail their hopes.

Neymar continues scoring streak

Brazil forward Neymar scored four goals in three friendly matches before the long-awaited return to competitive action.

The former Barcelona man was quiet by his standards, but he showed his predatory instincts to pounce from close range for the winner.

Rash Perrin fails to lead by example

Defender Perrin's lunge cost his side, who had looked dangerous going forward but were always going to be up against it after he was given his marching orders.

Les Verts lacked discipline in a match they had waited so long for and Perrin could have no complaints about his dismissal.

What's next?

PSG will be looking to put another trophy in the cabinet when they come up against Lyon next week, while the beaten finalists return to friendly action against Troyes on Monday.

Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana has paid an emotional tribute to team-mate Jordan Henderson, saying no-one deserves success more than the Reds skipper.

Lallana has developed a close friendship with the 30-year-old, having played alongside him for the entirety of his Reds career since joining from Southampton in 2014, with Henderson arriving from Sunderland three years previously.

Henderson struggled for fitness and consistency in his early seasons at Anfield, with rumours the club were considering moving him on.

However, he has thrived since succeeding Steven Gerrard as captain in 2015, playing a central role in the club’s success under Jurgen Klopp in recent years.

In the last 12 months alone the England international has lifted the Champions League, Super Cup, World Club Cup and now the Premier League. He also received individual recognition when he was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year.

Lallana, who has also endured his ups and downs at Anfield, welled up when talking about his team-mate, how seriously he took his responsibility as captain and the hard work behind his eventual success.

“Having been with Jordan throughout the whole journey I’ve been lucky enough to be alongside him when he had his dark moments and couple of injuries that he’s had,” he told the club’s website.

“He’s also been alongside me in my dark moments, injuries. We always come back to injuries. It’s not just defeats that are dark moments, it’s injuries as well. 

“There was one game when we lost, well we drew 3-3 away to Sevilla. I say we lost because it felt like a defeat. I just remember he had his hood up and he kind of took the brunt of that result, took full responsibility. We were 3-0 up at half-time and it finished 3-3, and just hearing him say as captain, ‘That can’t happen, I’ve got to be responsible and I’m responsible for that being a Liverpool captain.’ 

"Just to hear how honest he was, I was thinking ‘Are you crazy to be taking that responsibility? It’s the team’s responsibility and we’ve not even lost the game.’

"But, that just epitomises his selflessness and how much responsibility he takes for this football club in the bad moments. That’s why he deserves this more than anyone else. He deserves to be captain of Liverpool holding the four trophies in one season more than anyone else and no-one can take that away from him, ever. 

"Being not just his friend, but his team-mate makes me so proud and privileged. Yes, it’s nice that our families are close and my kids are the same age as his kids, but more than anything him being my captain and being next to him on Wednesday when he lifted that Premier League trophy, there is nothing that makes me happier really.”

Yaya Toure is expecting the second leg of the Uefa Champions League encounter between Manchester City and Real Madrid to be a '50-50' affair due to the absence of fans.

After securing a 2-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu back in February, City welcome Zinedine Zidane's men to Manchester for the return fixture on August 7.

Isco's effort was not enough to power the Spanish giants to victory in the first leg as strikes from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne turned the result around for Guardiola's men in Madrid.

When quizzed about the likely result of the encounter which was delayed by the coronavirus lockdown, Toure - who played for Man City between 2010 and 2018 - thinks it would be difficult if his former team don't score a goal at home.

The four-time African Footballer of the Year just commenced training with League Two club Leyton Orient with the aim of maintaining his fitness level as he awaits a new challenge.

"I think it's going to be 50-50 because without fans it is complicated," Toure told Leyton Orient's channel.

"Real Madrid will be in good confidence having won La Liga two weeks ago. You just have to win because to draw against Madrid...It is going to be hard for City if they don't score one goal."

Toure last played for Qingdao Huanghai in the Chinese League One, and he helped them earn promotion to the Super League after winning the second division title last season.

After leaving China, the Ivory Coast legend was in transfer talks with Botafogo but he turned down a move to the Brazilian club due to family reasons.

“Yaya told us that he really wants to play in Botafogo but this is a very impactful decision for him and his family for an immediate decision. Moving to Brazil,” the club vice-president, Ricardo Rotenberg said.

“In conversation with the agent that for now we will end the negotiations but the doors are open in Botafogo. To be clear, Yaya did not accept - saying no.

"We've closed it but I still believe in Botafogo. Please, we will continue to send good messages to him and his wife."

Linkopings lost 3-2 at Umea in Friday’s Sweden Damallsvenskan outing with Nigeria international Ebere Orji assisting compatriot Uchenna Kanu to find the net at Umea Energi Arena.

Olof Unogard's ladies enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign this season, with no defeat in five opening matches, but they surrendered a two-goal lead to suffer their first loss this term.

Eva Nystrom's own goal gifted the visitors the lead after just four minutes. Seven minutes later, Kanu, who opened her Damallsvenskan account with the winner against Djurgardens, came close to levelling the score but her effort went wide.

In the 65th minute, Ebere, who has scored five goals in five matches this season, set up Kanu to double the lead for the visitors.

However, the hosts staged an incredible comeback when Therese Simonsson teed up Lova Lundin to pull one back 12 minutes later.

A minute after, Olivia Holm was introduced as the replacement for Eva Nystrom before the former levelled matters in the 80th minute.

Things fell apart for the visitors as Lova Lundin grabbed her second goal and the winner of the match inside injury time for Umea.

Kanu's strike was his second of the season in six appearances. The 23-year-old was in action for the duration of the match and Ebere was replaced by Alva Selerud in the 83rd minute for Unogard’s side.

With this result, Linkopings remained third on the log with 15 points after recording their first defeat in their last six outings.

In their next outing, Linkopings will be aiming to bounce back to winning ways when they host Örebro to Linkoping Arena on July 29.

Paris Saint-Germain suffered a major injury blow when striker Kylian Mbappe was forced off with an ankle injury during the first half of their Coupe de France final against Saint-Etienne.

Mbappe was left in agony after being scythed down by a sliding challenge from Saint-Etienne defender Loic Perrin as he looked to run through on goal.

Replays showed Mbappe's right ankle was bent inwards by the tackle, which sparked a furious melee between both sets of players, with even Saint-Etienne goalkeeper Jessy Moulin running out of his penalty area to get involved.

Mbappe, meanwhile, was left writhing in pain on the turf as the PSG's medical team sprinted onto the pitch to assess the damage.

After several minutes of treatment, the 21-year-old limped off the field still in obvious discomfort and looked close to tears as he headed straight down the tunnel, with Pablo Sarabia coming on his place.

Perrin was initially booked for the challenge but after consulting the VAR monitor, referee Amaury Delerue decided to upgrade his punishment to a red card, the third time Saint-Etienne have had a player sent off in the first half in a game against PSG this season.

PSG also lost defender Thilo Kehrer to injury during the opening 45 minutes, with Colin Dagba coming on in his place.

Mbappe had earlier played key role in PSG's opener, with his fierce shot parried by Moulin into the path of Neymar, who smashed the rebound in off the bar from close range.

Seven minutes of time was added on to the end of a fractious first half which saw seven yellow cards alongside Perrin's red, once of which was for PSG substitute Marco Verratti for arguing with the referee as he went to check the VAR monitor.

Though the severity of the injury is yet to be known, Mbappe's participation in PSG's remaining fixtures this season could now be in doubt.

Thomas Tuchel's side face Lyon in the Coupe de la Ligue final next week before a huge clash against Serie A outfit Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in Lisbon on August 12.

Jennifer Cudjoe has lauded the performance of her teammates as Sky Blue were sent crashing out of the 2020 National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) Challenge Cup at the hands of Chicago Red Stars.

Cudjoe joined Freya Coombe's team on a six-month deal from Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves in June and starred in their fairytale run to the knockout stages for the first time since 2013.

Having edged past Washington Spirit on penalties on Saturday, they were hoping to upset last season's runners-up who considered favourites for Thursday's semi-final clash.

But the effort from Evelyne Viens and Julie Ertz's own goal could not rescue Sky Blue from defeat as they bowed to first-half strikes from Bianca St. Georges, Rachel Hill and Savannah Mccaskill. 

That 3-2 loss means the Sky Blue are out of the competition and the Ghanian feels her side were impressive despite their exit.

"Words cannot express my feelings. This is not how I imagined my bubble days will end soon!," Cudjoe wrote on social media. 

"It was not the best result we anticipated but I am super proud of my team and the entire staff. 

"I can go on and say a million things that I have learnt from each player and staff, every moment with them has been joyous. 

"Thank you all for your help, support, and believing in me. Couldn’t have made these moments special without you guys!!!"

The result at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah will see Chicago Red Stars face off against Houston Dash in the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup final on Sunday, July 26.

Uganda captain Denis Onyango has paid tribute to Egypt legend Essam El-Hadary, who retired recently.

The veteran custodian hung up his boots at the age of 47 with a host of records during his football career and the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper has taken to his social media accounts to laud the Egyptian.

"Congratulations to arguably the best goalkeeper in Africa of all time on a happy retirement," Onyango tweeted.

"Essam El-Hadary, thanks for the inspiration and memories. You have earned a long and happy retirement. "A true legend in every sense of the word. Good luck legend."

The goalkeeper announced his retirement from football on July 24 after 27 years in the game.   

"Football is my second wife and I have divorced it. I am not returning to play football again, the entire system has errors and club heads attacking each other, and may God be in the help of the players," El-Hadary said in a statement.

"There is nothing to add to my footballing history. There is no goalkeeper in Egypt better than me. I only sat on the bench in 1998 for goalkeeper Nader El-Sayed."  

The former Egypt goalkeeper made 159 appearances for the Pharaohs after making his debut in 1996.

During this time, he helped his country win the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) four times - in 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

He was named the best goalkeeper in the competition thrice - in 2006 in Egypt, in Ghana 2008 and in Angola in 2010.

The custodian made history when he became the oldest player to play in the Fifa World Cup in 2018 at 45 years and 161 days of age.

During his 27-year-old career, the Egypt legend played for more than 10 clubs in and out of the country.

In 2018, he announced his retirement from the national team.

"This is a moment I didn’t want to come, I trained hard day and night to reach high performances and to be with the Egyptian team, I am very proud to play 159 matches with Egypt, won the African Cup of Nations four times, reached the final in 2017, won the best goalkeeper in Africa four times, won the Arab games in 2007 and finally reach the World Cup," the custodian said in a statement to the press upon his international retirement.

“Finally, thank God for everything. I want to thank my family for always helping me, especially my father and thank every one of you for your support that helped me a lot to reach all these achievements."

Atlanta United announced on Friday that the club has mutually parted ways with head coach Frank de Boer.

The Dutchman leaves on the heels of a disastrous MLS is Back tournament run, with the Five Stripes failing to advance out of the group stage of the tournament.

Atlanta failed to score a goal across its three games, losing to the New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew during their time in Orlando.

De Boer originally joined Atlanta United ahead of the 2019 season, replacing Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, who left Atlanta to take over as manager of Mexico after winning the 2018 MLS Cup.

Under the former Dutch star, Atlanta finished second in the Eastern Conference in 2019 while winning two trophies: the U.S. Open Cup and the Campeones Cup.

However, De Boer's style failed to mesh with Atlanta who, under Martino, had become one of the most dynamic attacking teams in MLS. This season, without star forward Josef Martinez due to injury, Atlanta struggled with De Boer making a number of unsuccessful tactical tweaks to account for the absence of the forward and key offseason departures like Darlington Nagbe and Julian Gressell.

The club won its first two games of the MLS season, but struggled mightily during the MLS is Back tournament, paving the way for Friday's move.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had with Atlanta United,” De Boer said. “Coaching in Major League Soccer and living in Atlanta has been a wonderful experience and a welcome new challenge. I will never forget the incredible supporters here in Atlanta, they are truly special. 

"I want to thank the players, coaches and staff for all of their support, it has been my pleasure to work with all of you.” 

“On behalf of Atlanta United, I would like to thank Frank for his leadership and commitment to the club,” added Atlanta United President Darren Eales. “Under Frank’s guidance, the club had a strong 2019 season in both MLS and international competition. 

"After discussing it with Frank, the decision was reached mutually to part ways.  In winning two trophies in his first season in charge, he will always be a part of the club’s history, and with great appreciation and respect we wish him all the best in the future.”

With no true MLS return officially on the schedule just yet, Atlanta will announce an interim coach in the near future while beginning a search for a new permanent manager.

Kaizer Chiefs striker Lazarous Kambole has provided an update on his fitness and also discussed the team's hopes of clinching this season's PSL title.

The Soweto giants are back in training as they look to perform well in their remaining eight matches in order to clinch the league trophy which has eluded Chiefs for five years.

The current campaign was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March with Amakhosi placed at the top of the league standings, and the PSL is working on resuming the suspended season.

“We are doing well as a team and personally, I feel good. Training has been fantastic this week and I am very much enjoying being back," Kambole told the club's official website.

“It’s good to be back – we missed football. I missed my teammates, so it’s good to be around them again.  It’s fantastic to be doing what we enjoy and that is playing football.

 “My body is managing with the training regime since we returned. I am happy with my fitness because even during the lockdown when we were training on our own, we were pushing ourselves hard."

Kambole believes that the team will be ready when the season resumes with the remaining matches expected to be played in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng.

"Training as a group was a challenge for the first week after we returned, but right now, I am happy with everything," the Zambia international continued.

“I am putting in a lot of hard work looking and forward to resuming play again. As a team, we are on right track and we are doing a lot to ensure that we will be ready when we play our first game.”

Chiefs are four points above second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.

However, Kambole believes that they have enough experience to help ensure the season ends successfully for Amakhosi.

“We are professionals and we know how to handle the challenges that lie ahead.  Being the log leaders requires a lot of hard work from the team because the pressure is on us,” he explained.

“Response from each player is good and we are working in the right direction and I am certain we will continue from where we left off before the lockdown."

Kambole will be looking score his first goal for Chiefs when the season resumes, having made 12 appearances across all competitions for the team without finding the net.

The speedy frontman joined the Soweto giants from reigning Zambian champions Zesco United in July 2019.

Everton midfielder Tyler Onyango has finally penned a professional contract with the club.

Onyango, who was born to a Kenyan father and an English mother, penned a three-year deal which will run until the end of June 2023.

“Everton midfielder Tyler [Onyango] has signed a first professional contract with the club, penning a three-year deal until the end of June 2023,” the club confirmed on their official website.

“The 17-year-old, who joined the Blues aged eight, has been rewarded for his impressive progress throughout his time at Everton Academy.

“Having consistently shone for Everton’s U-18s team, Onyango was promoted to the Blues’ U-23s set-up during the 2019/20 campaign.

“A skillful, athletic central midfielder who boasts a tireless work ethic and eye for goal, Onyango played in seven Premier League 2 matches before the campaign was ended early due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“His development was further underlined by his selection in two of the young Blues’ Leasing.com Trophy games in 2019/20.

“Onyango featured in matches against Crewe Alexandra and Fleetwood Town in the competition, which sees David Unsworth’s side test themselves against senior opposition.

“Luton-born Onyango is a current England Under-17 international.”

In a recent interview, Onyango revealed he would not mind playing for the Kenya national team as he is not yet capped by the England national team.

“I have been to Kenya many times over the years most recently in the summer of 2018,” Onyango told Nation Sports.

“I have a very big family in Kenya so it is always nice to come home to visit everyone. Unfortunately, I can’t speak Swahili or Luo. Expect a few odd words but it is definitely something I want to learn.

“I am eligible to play for Kenya and it is definitely something I’d be open to as you never know what the future holds so I want to keep my mind open to any opportunities that may occur.”

Sofapaka FC president Elly Kalekwa has welcomed the deal between the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and betting firm BetKing which will see clubs pocket annual grants of at least KSh8 million.

The Federation announced BetKing will sponsor the Premier League for five years and is expected to fork out up to KSh1.2 billion for the participating teams in the next five years. 

Speaking to the media on Friday, the Congolese businessman stated it is a big relief to clubs and has confirmed he is fully behind the deal.

"So far so good. Before this deal, we had nothing and clubs were really suffering and so this is a big relief to us and we fully support the deal with BetKing," Kalekwa told reporters. 

The Transitional Committee was formed a couple of days ago to go through the contract and advise clubs on the same.

The name of the top-flight will also be changed from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) to BetKing Premier League and the administrator has commented on the matter.

"It is really not a big deal to have to change the name of the league," Kalekwa added.

"What is important is that clubs get and have money to do their operations like paying players and honouring fixtures. Everything else is secondary."

Meanwhile, the administrator has insisted the league has to be run independently to maintain its professionalism. 

"We have run the league for many years under the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) and it worked perfectly," he continued.

"Our request is that whatever name we will run the league under going forward, we will be able to maintain the sense of independence and professionalism that existed. In this day and era, associations do not run the league and we are happy that FKF are keen to maintain the same even with the new arrangement."

In an earlier interview, promoted side Nairobi City Stars lauded the FKF for signing the deal with BetKing Kenya.

Simba wa Nairobi earned promotion to the top tier as they were leading the National Super League after the 2019-20 season was ended owing to the coronavirus pandemic, and have now welcomed the move with club CEO Patrick Korir saying it will go a long way to boost the clubs financially.

"We are very happy with the sponsorship, we are extremely happy with the new deal," Korir told Goal on Friday.

"That is a good package for starters and KSh8m will go a long way in helping clubs, you cannot say it is small money, eight million compared to zero shillings, it is a huge take home for the clubs and as City Stars, we are very happy with the deal."

Adam Lallana says the current Liverpool squad are a “group of legends” for bringing the league title back to Anfield after 30 years, as he prepares to bid his farewell to the Anfield club.

Lallana will bring his six-year stay with the Reds to an end next week, with his contract due to expire after their final Premier League game of the season at Newcastle on Sunday.

The 32-year-old has been able to witness first hand the club’s rise under Jurgen Klopp, having been signed from Southampton by his predecessor Brendan Rodgers in the summer of 2014.

Since Klopp’s arrival in the autumn of 2015 the team has been on a steadily upward trajectory, reaching the final of the League Cup and Europa League in 2016, before losing to Real Madrid in the Champions League in 2018.

It has been nothing but glory for the Reds since that defeat in Kiev, though, with last season’s European triumph in Madrid followed up by the Super Cup, Club World Cup and now the Premier League this campaign.

Of all the trophies won over the past few years, it is the Premier League that has been most keenly welcomed by the Merseysiders, given the long wait since their last title success in 1990.

Klopp recently described Lallana as a legend before his summer exit, and although Lallana himself cannot agree with that assessment, he does feel this current generation of players will rank alongside some of the illustrious teams from Liverpool’s past.

“Maybe he has gone a bit over the top there,” he told Liverpool’s website. “But we are a group of legends, I can definitely see that. 

“It’s not due to one or two individuals as why we have been so successful - it really is the infrastructure and the manager has created that. He’s recruited, he’s let people go when he’s saw fit or necessary, he’s moulded and created the culture that breeds throughout Melwood now.”

The moment Liverpool players, fans and staff were waiting for came on Wednesday, when they finally they got their hands on the Premier League trophy after their game against Chelsea.

For Lallana, it was the highlight of his time at the club.

“The Champions League [win] was amazing, don’t get me wrong, amazing,” he added, “I didn’t feature much and obviously I had injury troubles that year but it was great that I got back to being on the bench [for the final] because we were allowed nine subs. 

“But on Wednesday night I really do feel like I’ve contributed to this season. Maybe not all the time on the pitch but I’ve had important moments. My goal at Old Trafford was lovely, I enjoyed it, but there have been big moments as well coming off the bench seeing games out. It’s over the course of a season, so everyone plays their part.”

Looking ahead to the future and Lallana believes it is the right time for him to move on from Anfield for the sake of his career, but says his spell on Merseyside has created a lasting bond.

“There are parts of me that are excited about my next challenge, which I’m close to knowing what’s happening, so there’s a mixture of emotions really at the moment. But what I keep bringing it back to is just making sure I enjoy every last day of my last week really because there’s a lot happening," he said.

“It’s the right time for me to leave. I’m desperate for a new challenge, I’m desperate to play a bit more. I still feel like I’ve got two or three years left at the top.

"It’s more of the relationships that you create and, in a week’s time, I will be somewhere else and not seeing these people that I’ve fought for and fought with over the last six years.

"So that’s where the element of sadness comes, but I’m thoroughly excited by next challenge and what that will bring.”

With the final day of the 2019-20 Premier League season fast approaching, the race to finish in the last two coveted Champions League spots has been hotting up.

Liverpool and Manchester City have long cemented their spots in the top two of the Premier League, but Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester will have to battle it out for the remaining elite European places as they head into the final day of the season separated by just one point.

Goal has what you need to know about the results each team needs to qualify for next season's Champions League.

What result does Manchester United need to qualify for Champions League?

Manchester United will travel to Leicester where they will need to either win or draw against the Foxes to guarantee Champions League qualification. The Red Devils, who sit in third in the table, head into the final day of fixtures in pole position.

They will also qualify should Chelsea lose, regardless of their own result at the King Power Stadium.

If they lose to Leicester and Chelsea draw, Man Utd would finish fifth.

What result does Chelsea need to qualify for Champions League?

Chelsea require a win or a draw against Wolves to qualify after losing to Liverpool on Wednesday.

They will also qualify if they lose against Wolves and Man Utd win away at Leicester.

What result does Leicester need to qualify for Champions League?

Leicester must win against Manchester United at home if they want to finish in the top four.

A draw will suffice only if Chelsea lose against Wolves.

*As of Matchweek 37

Golden Arrows assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi says they will not be delving into the transfer market to replace players such as Danny Venter and Musa Bilankulu.

The experienced manager says they will rather opt to follow the example of Kaizer Chiefs, who are busy promoting their youngsters from the development ranks, and singled out players such as Siyabonga Ngezana and Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya.

Abafana Besthende recently parted ways with veteran defender Bilankulu as well as former Free State Stars midfielder Venter.

“We will replace them with the youth. In our squad of 35 players, 17 are youngsters. If a coach joins Arrows, they have to follow protocol,” Ncikazi told DailySun.

“Like Kaizer Chiefs who promoted the likes of [Siyabonga] Ngezana and [Siphosakhe] Ntiya-Ntiya from their youth set-up, we also give youngsters a chance to showcase their talent.

"If you don’t then how are they going to get the much-needed experience?”

The former Maritzburg United boss also credited Premier League giants Chelsea for having faith in promoting the youth.

“I was watching the FA Cup semi-final and Chelsea was amazing. The European teams like Manchester City don’t mind using their youth, but our clubs are not comfortable using a 19 and 20-year-old in their starting line-up," he added.

"We need to follow the same trend if we are to be successful at the international level."

Looking at the former Bidvest Wits and Bloemfontein Celtic versatile player’s contribution, Bilankulu has played over 200 games during two stints with the Durban-based outfit.

However, he has been struggling to make his mark under the former Amakhosi manager Steve Komphela this term and he is now a free agent.

On the other hand, the 33-year-old left-footed Venter has made 14 appearances for the former MTN8 champions in the current campaign as the management opted against renewing his contract.

As things stand, Komphela’s men occupy the seventh spot with 32 points from 23 matches as they look to reach the top eight once the season resumes, after it was halted in March because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scottish Premiership side Rangers have announced the signing of Leon Balogun on a year contract with an option of an extension.

The Nigeria international became a free agent after leaving Championship side Wigan Athletic at the end of the 2019-20 season.

The 32-year-old moved to England in 2018 from Bundesliga side Mainz 05 before teaming up with the Latics after finding game-time difficult to come by with the Seagulls.

The defender, who arrived Wigan initially on loan in January, was signed permanently until the end of the 2019-20 season.

The Super Eagles centre-back featured in 11 league games for the Latics but his effort was not enough to help the side avoid relegation after they were handed a 12-point deduction.

On Friday, Rangers heralded the signing of the defender after a successful medical examination and he will link up with his compatriot Joe Aribo at the club.

“I am pleased to secure the signature of Leon. He is an experienced centre half who will add strength and depth to our squad,” Rangers manager Steven Gerrard told the club website.

“Leon has just finished a round of competitive fixtures with Wigan so will hit the ground running. He’s a positive and bright character and we are looking forward to his influence around the group”

Sporting Director Ross Wilson added: “We quickly targeted Leon after adapting our transfer plan when Niko Katic suffered an injury a few weeks ago.

"Leon impressed Steven and me with his enthusiasm and excitement to join Rangers from the moment we first spoke whilst the staff at Brighton and Wigan couldn’t have spoken any higher about his personality and abilities.”

Balogun has spent most of his career in Germany playing for Turkiyemspor Berlin, Hannover 96, Werder Bremen, Fortuna Dusseldorf, Darmstadt 98 and Mainz.

The centre-back played 52 league games for the 05ers before joining Premier League club Brighton in 2018.

Balogun, who was born to a Nigerian father and German mother, has 32 caps for the Super Eagles and was part of the side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Former Mamelodi Sundowns winger Joel Masilela believes Lesedi Kapinga has a great chance to play and become a regular at Masandawana, but only if he works hard.

‘Fire’ believes the former Black Leopards midfielder is one of the top upcoming players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and that he can also grow under coach Pitso Mosimane.

On the other hand, Masilela says Mosimane cannot afford to sacrifice Sibusiso Vilakazi, Themba Zwane, or Gaston Sirino to accommodate the 25-year-old, but urged the new acquisition to focus and get advice from the three attacking players.

“I think he’s a good player. I can say he’s one of the young and upcoming players. He has produced promising performances in the games that I have watched him play,” Masilela told Goal.

“I like the fact he’s still young and he will grow to be an asset at Sundowns. He’s a player that wants to grow and learn more and joining Sundowns will definitely develop him.

“You know it will take some time before he establishes himself after joining a big club like Sundowns. This is a big club, known in Africa and you know he will have to fight his way up to the top.

“This is a big club achievement-wise and in terms of the quality on the field of play. However, he must not be carried away by the achievements of the club, but he needs to keep his mind on the job.

“He must work hard, adjust, and work hard, but he must also enjoy himself at Sundowns and learn as much as he can.”

Masilela explained that new players must earn their spots in the starting XI with Sundowns having also signed Jody February, George Maluleka and Grant Margeman ahead of the 2020/21 season.

“There’s nobody that be taken out. In football, you don’t do that. You cannot say I will take this player out or play this one, but he must work very hard to find a place in the team,” he added.

“You never talk about taking Zwane or Vilakazi and Sirino out, it’s all about the competition at Sundowns and he [Kapinga] must be ready to fight for his place.

“Sundowns has top players and it’s good for this player to go there and grow, measure his progress at Sundowns. He will also get good coaching at Sundowns. As I said, he has age on his side.

“Sundowns don’t just buy players and he must not moan when he is not being selected, but he can also talk to the likes of Vilakazi, Sirino and Zwane to get to know and understand the culture of the club and how to do well in that role or position."

“Sundowns is all about winning trophies and I don’t doubt his quality to play. He has a chance to play there and it’s all up to him now. Hard work and good social life will determine his success at Sundowns.”