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'Not even remotely true' – Deeney addresses swathes of Watford rumours following Pearson sacking

The Premier League outfit parted ways with the 56-year-old on Sunday, with Hayden Mullins set to take charge against Manchester City this week

Watford captain Troy Deeney has denied rumours that he will be involved in selecting the Hornets' team for Tuesday's encounter with Manchester City following Nigel Pearson's sacking, with the 32-year-old rubbishing reports of a fight in the changing rooms during half-time in their defeat to West Ham on Friday.

The Premier League outfit relieved coach Pearson of his duties on Sunday, with Hayden Mullins handed the reins for the club's final two games of the season as they bid to avoid relegation, starting with the match against City.

Rumours emerged that Pearson was involved in a fracas with players as his side slumped to a 3-1 loss against the Hammers last week, but speaking ahead of his side's clash with City, Deeney has poured cold water over any such notions, as well as shutting down discussions that he may help pick the starting XI to face Pep Guardiola.

"I just want to put it out there, there was no fight at half-time," he told beIN Sports. "It's 2020, you don't do that any more and certainly with all the cameras you would see a lot more if that was the case.

"The gaffer didn't put his hands on anybody. He was just frustrated and had a firm talking to us. No-one was fighting, no-one was punched and no-one was tickled. There were no hands thrown.

"Second of all, Troy will not be picking teams - I have read that online as well. I am player-coach, apparently. Anything else I have missed out? We weren't locked in... so a lot of interesting things."

Speaking on Pearson's exit - with the 56-year-old the third permanent manager to be dismissed by Watford this term after Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores, Deeney admitted that he was caught off-guard by the choice to sack him.

"You get to a point in football where you are not surprised any more, but I would say this one surprised me and took me back a bit," he added.

"I wasn't anticipating that was going to be the situation we'd walk into on Sunday. We had an up and down week before.

"We won two games (against Norwich and Newcastle) and you'd like to think we would have got a better result against West Ham, but that wasn't to be and the club made a decision.

"You have to respect that decision. Again, they pay us. They are our bosses, essentially, and we have to respect the decision and give all the support you can to good people in Hayden and Stacky (Graham Stack, goalkeeping coach).

"We want to make sure we give them the best chance because ultimately their career depends on it moving forward."

Terry 'fully focused' on Aston Villa despite Bristol City talk - Smith

The ex-England defender is committed to staying the course with the Villans, according to their boss

John Terry is "fully focused" on the task at hand as assistant manager of Aston Villa, according to Dean Smith, as speculation continues to link the former Chelsea star with the vacancy at Bristol City.

The ex-England defender finished his playing career at Villa Park before subsequently making a return to the Midlands to take up the job of Smith's second-in-command almost two years ago in October 2018.

Since then, he's helped the club seal a return to the Premier League in his first season in the dugout, and his credentials have now seen him linked with a trip south to take the reins of the Robins.

Bristol parted ways with Lee Johnson earlier this month after the club fell short of their Championship play-off target, and Terry has emerged as a potential frontrunner for the gig.

Smith, however, remains calm amid talk of his number two bidding farewell and insists that the 39-year-old remains committed to his role.

"I answered this a couple of weeks ago," the Villa boss told the media.

"I spoke to JT about the Bristol City link and he said no. He's fully focused on the job here. We've got a good working relationship – and a good relationship away from work as well.  

"He's fully focused on Aston Villa and we really enjoy working together."

Villa themselves are currently fighting for Premier League survival and sit in 18th, three points behind Watford as they look to make a last-gasp bid for survival.

They face two do-or-die games over the coming week, starting with the visit of FA Cup finalists Arsenal before they face off against West Ham to conclude their campaign.

Bristol were previously linked with Rangers boss and Terry's former England team-mate Steven Gerrard, though the ex-Liverpool man is no longer the favourite for the position, while former Brighton supremo Chris Hughton is one of the other names that has cropped up.

Danny Cowley, recently relieved of duties in charge of relegation-threatened Huddersfield Town, is another viable candidate for the Robins as they look to bounce back from what has ultimately been a frustrating campaign.

Original author: Rob Lancaster

LIVE: Juventus vs Lazio

90' + 4' Cuadrado skips past Falbo on the right, and wins another Juve free-kick. They're eating this stoppage time up well.

90' + 3' Ronaldo is forced wide by a poor pass on a counter-attack, and Bastos fouls him as he takes it to the corner flag.

90' + 2' Moro, only brought from the bench moments ago, almost breaks through on goal but Bonucci makes a brilliant covering tackle.

90' + 1' Five minutes added on.

90' So close to an equaliser! Milinkovic-Savic does brilliantly from the free-kick, curling it right-footed towards the top-left corner, but Szczesny manages to get both hands to the ball to tip it clear.

88' Lazio win a corner on the right, but the delivery is far too deep and easily headed clear at the edge of the area.

86' Immobile almost steals into the area again, but this time De Ligt takes no chances and hoofs clear.

85' Five minutes to go... Lazio looked dead and buried, but have they got another goal in them now?

84' That goal means Immobile is now back level with Ronaldo in the top scorer stakes, with both players reaching the 30-goal mark tonight.

82' Penalty for Lazio! There might be life in this game yet. Bonucci is indecisive dealing with a bouncing ball in the area, and he fouls Immobile with Szczesny sluggish to come off his line.

80' Into the final 10 minutes, Lazio - and the rest of Italy - need a miracle if the title race is to be kept alive. It won't be mathematically over with a Juve win tonight, but you can't see them chucking away an eight-point lead with only Udinese, Sampdoria, Cagliari and Roma still to play.

79' Milinkovic-Savic heads over from the corner, under pressure from Szczesny.

77' Oof! Anderson, fresh off the bench, fires an absolute missile just over the bar from some 25 yards out. He cut across the ball with his right foot, and it looks to have taken a slight deflection off Cuadrado, with a corner given.

74' Time for drinks!

73' Some more changes are afoot. Pjanic looks to be getting ready to come on, as we near the final 15 minutes of the match.

72' Dybala brings down a long pass at the edge of the area and works the ball onto his left foot to shoot, but Strakosha gets down low to smother his effort. The Argentine's dribbling has been typically superb tonight.

71' Ronaldo has tonight become the first player to score 50 goals in each of the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A.

69' The corner from the left is cleared but Immobile and Adekanye combine to keep the attack alive, eventually winning a throw-in by the right corner flag.

68' Lazio get a rare chance to get the ball into the area from a free-kick, from deep in the right channel. It eventually comes to Vavro who shoots with his first touch off the bench, but he doesn't get a clean hit and it deflects behind for a corner.

66' Off the crossbar! Dybala does well to get around Bastos at the edge of the area and he clips a left-footed cross in to Ronaldo, whose header clips the top of the bar. 

65' It's starting to look as though Juve have this one all sewn up already. Lazio look a shadow of their former selves, and a third goal for the home side seems likely.

63' From the resulting corner, Ronaldo heads straight at Strakosha, and looks really annoyed at himself. For someone with his heading ability, that was a real chance for a hat-trick.

62' Lazio are looking light at the back now, and Juve should do better with this chance. Sandro has acres of space to run into down the left, but his pass to Matuidi at the edge of the six-yard box is poor and Strakosha comes out to smother the Frenchman's shot.

58' Ronaldo has now overtaken Immobile in the Serie A top scorers race. He has 30, with Immobile sitting on a paltry 29.

56' If the result stays at it is, Juve will be eight points clear with four games to play. But then, they were 2-0 up in their last game and ended up drawing 3-3...

52' Lazio have taken only one point from their last four league games. They'll need to mount a comeback if they're going to improve on that form tonight.

50' Ronaldo will be the man to take the penalty for Juventus...

48' Penalty for Juve! Bastos blocks a Ronaldo shot at the edge of the area with his arm. It's originally given as a free-kick but after a lengthy VAR check, the spot-kick is given.

46' Close for Juventus straight away! Dybala does really well, squirming through a few Lazio defenders inside the area and getting a shot on target. Strakosha can't tip it clear and it comes to Ronaldo, but he can't react quickly enough to stab it hard at goal and Felipe gets back to hack it off the line.

45' We're back up and running for the second half. Juve were kept waiting, sent out early by Sarri but with the visitors in no such hurry to get back underway.

Sarri probably won't be too unhappy with what he's seen from his side, though there hasn't been a lot of cutting edge in the final third so far. They're panicking a little when they get within sight of goal, and have seen a few long-distance shots easily dealt with.

So, no goals but it's been a fairly entertaining affair. Juventus have been on top but have only really threatened from range, though Sandro headed against the post from a free-kick which wasn't properly cleared. Lazio have been playing largely on the break but have hit the post as well, with Immobile firing an absolute rocket off the woodwork not long before half-time.

45' + 4' HALF-TIME: JUVENTUS 0-0 LAZIO

45' + 3' Lazzari wins a corner off Sandro, but Lazio won't have long to take it.

45' + 2' Ramsey doesn't seem to be moving with any discomfort after falling awkwardly a couple of minutes ago.

45' + 1' There will be three minutes of stoppage time at the end of the first half.

45' The physios are on for Ramsey, who looks to have tweaked something as he was tackled by Parolo by the touchline. He rolls almost off the pitch, but not quite, so play is halted as he receives treatment. Lazio aren't best pleased.

44' Lazio hit the post! This one comes out of nowhere as Immobile picks up the ball 25 yards out to the left of centre. He fires goalward with his right foot, and sends an absolute rocket thudding into the base of the left post.

43' Acerbi and Ramsey both seem to kick each other in the foot as they challenge for a high ball at the edge of the Lazio area, but the free-kick goes against the Welshman.

41' Szczesny has his heart in his mouth for a second as a pass back to him bounces up slightly awkwardly off his first touch, but he manages to put his foot through the ball before Immobile can close him down.

39' Bastos shows some quick feet to tease Ronaldo into pressing and then jinking away. He gets some approving cheers from the away bench.

38' Ramsey inadvertently fouls Cataldi, slipping over and rolling under the Lazio midfielder.

37' The resulting corner kick is towards Ronaldo, but he doesn't connect properly with his header and it skims wide to the right of goal.

36' Rabiot carries the ball a long way down the left and, looking up to see no support once he arrives in the penalty area, he has a go himself. He fires a powerful left-footed shot at goal, and Strakosha has to get a strong hand to the ball to tip it over.

34' Juventus have had eight shots so far, but four of them have been blocked with only one on target. 

33' Rabiot is the latest player to try his luck from range. He picks the ball up 25 yards from goal, over to the left and lets fly with his left foot, but Felipe gets in the way.

32' Close for Juve! Sandro finds Dybala in the area and he looks to flick it towards Ronaldo for a tap-in at the far side of the six-yard box, but a Lazio boot just manages to lift the ball over his head and it runs clear.

31' Ronaldo drifts in from the left and again tries his luck from range, and again the shot is blocked immediately.

30' Cuadrado and Costa are having some joy combining down the right. This time, Cuadrado goes wide and Costa dribbles infield, feeding the ball into Ramsey in the area, and the Welshman's attempted square pass is cut out.

28' We're back underway after the drinks break.

27' Juventus are winless in three games, drawing two and losing one and conceding twice in each. They haven't conceded two or more goals in four consecutive league games since March 1993, when Giovanni Trapattoni was at the helm.

26' Time for drinks! Juventus have been the better of the two sides so far, and don't look too far from finding a way through. Lazio haven't quite got going yet, though their defending has been pretty steadfast when the home side have gone forward.

25' Ronaldo tries his luck from the edge of the area, shooting across goal with his right foot, but his effort is immediately charged down and cleared.

24' Rabiot and Caicedo both go down after a clash on the halfway line. The latter went over the top of the former and landed awkwardly, but the pair are both back up on their feet after a moment.

23' Lazio work the ball into the area but can't find room for a shot. Anderson feeds it inside to Caicedo with his back to goal and he looks for his strike partner Immobile, but Juve eventually scramble clear.

22' Ronaldo rises highest in the penalty area to meet a free-kick but he can't get up high enough. His flicked header eventually takes the ball away from Bonucci, who rushing to meet it at the far post.

20' Ronaldo finds Rabiot down the left with a clever backheel and he plays it inside to Ramsey in the area, but he can't quite control the ball cleanly. It flicks up off his boot and while he gets a shot away with his left, Felipe has time to react and make a good block.

19' Ronaldo looks to run at his man down the left and put a cross in, but he's unlucky as Bastos blocks the ball back against him and out for a goal kick.

18' A Lazio corner is cleared and Cuadrado threatens to lead a counter-attack, but Felipe does well to step out of the line and defence and halt his run before he can pick out a pass ahead of him.

16' Cataldi tries his luck from range, but his side-footed effort deflects well wide from a central position.

14' Milinkovic-Savic looks to switch the play from right to left but his pass is overhit and Anderson can only watch it behind for a Juve goal kick.

12' Dybala shows some beautiful footwork by the right corner flag, robbing one Lazio defender of the ball and slipping it between two, but he can't find the killer pass to top it off.

11' Off the post! From the resulting free-kick, Lazio fail to clear their lines and De Ligt volleys the ball back into the danger zone. Sandro is the man to meet it, and he heads against the right post and away.

10' Ronaldo goes down holding his face after an aeriel challenge with Bastos. The defender did look to put his left forearm into Ronaldo's teeth, but there wasn't any intent.

9' Ronaldo has his first sight of goal, shooting first-time with his right foot. He was stretching for the shot and drags it well wide, with Dybala frustrated not to receive a return pass from him.

8' Costa has the first effort on target in the game, but his left-footed shot from distance is straight down Strakosha's throat from a central position and he takes an easy catch.

7' The resulting corner for Lazio is cleared away easily.

6' Good chance for Lazio! From the left corner of the penalty area, Immobile slips a pass through to the advancing Caicedo, and Bonucci does well to block his shot at the edge of the six-yard box.

5' Juventus are enjoying some good early possession around the Lazio penalty area, with some neat passing in the attacking third. The visitors are looking to play on the break.

4' Ramsey does well to keep possession from a loose Dybala pass at the right corner of the area, but the move eventually breaks down as Cuadrado's ball is intercepted.

3' Lazzari gets to the edge of the area and crosses from the right, but Immobile can't win the header in the centre of the penalty area.

2' Anderson makes an early tackle on Cuadrado, the 25-year-old Amsterdamer looking to make an impression on his first Serie A start.

1' We're off! Juventus get the ball rolling in what could be a huge night in the Serie A title race.

The teams are on their way out onto the pitch, with a late change for the hosts. Higuain pulled up injured in the warm-up, so Dybala comes into the starting XI.

Lazio have lost 81 games against Juventus – more than against any other Serie A team. The Old Lady have scored 269 goals against Lazio, their favourite target in the league.

Lazio endured a goalless draw at Udinese in their last game, and they make three changes. Jony, Luis Alberto and Stefan Radu all drop out of the squad completely with Anderson, Cataldi and Bastos starting ahead of them.

Juve make four changes from the side which drew 3-3 at Sassuolo last time out. Federico Bernardeschi and Giorgio Chiellini are missing entirely while Pjanic and Matuidi drop to the bench with Costa, Bonucci, Rabiot and Ramsey coming in in their place.

SUBS: Luca Falbo, Guido Guerrieri, Nicolo Armini, Andre Anderson, Bobby Adekanye, Denis Vavro, Silvio Proto.

LAZIO (3-5-2): Thomas Strakosha; Francesco Acerbi, Luiz Felipe, Bastos; Djavan Anderson, Marco Parolo, Danilo Cataldi, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Manuel Lazzari; Ciro Immobile, Felipe Caicedo.

SUBS: Gianluigi Buffon, Carlo Pinsoglio, Danilo, Daniele Rugani, Merih Demiral, Wesley, Miralem Pjanic, Blaise Matuidi, Simone Muratore, Gonzalo Higuain, Marco Olivieri, Luca Zanimacchia.

JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny; Alex Sandro, Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci, Juan Cuadrado; Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabiot, Aaron Ramsey; Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Dybala, Douglas Costa.

Juve are five points clear of second-placed Inter with a game in hand going into this match, as the Italian season enters its final stretch. Lazio’s title challenge has fallen away in recent weeks, but they could go back to second with a big win tonight.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of this Monday night Serie A fixture, as Maurizio Sarri’s table-topping Juventus host Simone Inzaghi’s Lazio.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Claims Arsenal Hope to 'Surprise the World'

The Ivory Coast international is on the road to recovery after he collided with Harry Maguire on Sunday and had to be hospitalised

Manchester United centre-back Eric Bailly has assured fans that his head injury sustained in Sunday's FA Cup semi-final loss to Chelsea was not as bad as first feared, with the defender describing it as "just a scare".

The Ivory Coast international was taken to hospital after a clash of heads with back-line partner Harry Maguire near the end of the first half at Wembley, with the Blues eventually running out 3-1 winners.

Having initially returned to his feet, he subsequently had to be loaded onto a stretcher and receive oxygen after having already removed himself to the sidelines, sparking fears that his condition may have been worse than initial appearances suggested.

In his absence, United saw their 19-game unbeaten streak come to an end as Frank Lampard's side marched on to the final with Arsenal.

Now, a day on from the match, Bailly has taken to social media to appease concerns that he is set to for a lengthy lay-off, while passing on his gratitude for the support he has received.

"Thank you for all the messages of support," the 26-year-old wrote on Twitter. "I am OK, it was just a scare. I feel the pain of yesterday's defeat even more.

"But we have to get back up and refocus on the two big games we have this week."

United's exit from the FA Cup – having fielded a side that suggested manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had been told to focus on their top-four aspirations over domestic silverware – mean they now have only the Europa League left in terms of knock-out competition.

They will face LASK in the second leg of their round-of-16 tie next month, with a 5-0 advantage from the first tie, with the Red Devils expected to face little difficulty in progressing to the quarter-finals in Lisbon.

Before then, however, Solskjaer will look to get his side back to winning ways as they aim to secure Champions League football next term, with an encounter against former Red Devils boss David Moyes next up with the visit of West Ham.

They will then take in a key encounter with fellow top-four hopefuls Leicester City to conclude the current Premier League campaign.

Mauritius partner Liverpool to boost country's tourism

The African country are the new tourism and economic development partner for the newly-crowned Premier League champions

Liverpool have announced a three-year partnership with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and Economic Development Board as their tourism and economic development partner.

The Reds disclosed the agreement on Monday as they aim to help the island nation boost their drive in becoming a leading global tourist destination and business hub of Africa.

A year ago, Liverpool who are the 2019-20 Premier League champions opened an international academy in Mauritius and Chief Commercial Officer of the club, Billy Hogan is thrilled with the continuous relationship between both parties.

“This is an exciting partnership and we’re delighted to build on our existing relationship with Mauritius following the opening of the LFC International Academy on the island in July 2019,” Hogan told the club website.

“We have a large, passionate fan base in Mauritius, and we’re pleased to be able to bring our supporters closer to the club through this partnership.

“We look forward to working with Mauritius Tourism and its Economic Development Board to support their ambition to further establish the country as a leading tourist destination and economic forum.”

Earlier this year, Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth visited Anfield and he is pleased by the partnership with the Reds who share common values with the country.

“Mauritius is proud to be an official partner of Liverpool Football Club, a global football elite [club] and the Premier League champions,” Jugnauth said.

“We both share common values of dedication, determination and unity. This collaboration aims at strengthening and propelling Mauritius as a thriving economic powerhouse and a world-class tourism destination.”

Mauritius are the second African country to partner a Premier League club for tourism promotions after Rwanda’s relationship with Arsenal through its Visit Rwanda initiative.

Original author: Taiye Taiwo

Gcaba: Former Orlando Pirates defender still searching for new club

The ex-Buccaneers defender confirms he has not retired and hopes to secure a new deal

Former Orlando Pirates defender Ayanda Gcaba is ready to play anywhere in South Africa, saying he can accept offers from the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and National First Division (NFD).

The experienced defender says he has no regrets as far as his career is concerned but admits some people believe a player is finished when he is above the age of 30.

Gcaba was recently part of NFD outfit Royal Eagles but was released and he is now looking for a club as he hopes to revive his career.

“No [I have not retired]. I don’t have a team, I’m home just training. I’m a free agent and I don’t have an agent anymore,” Gcaba told Goal.

“I can play anywhere [in the NFD or in the PSL].”

When asked about regrets in his career, the veteran defender says he has none, explaining he has done his part in local football.

“Look, I’m happy with my career and I don’t regret anything. I’ve played my part in the football industry,” he added.

“It’s just that in South Africa when you reach the age of 30, they think you can’t play football anymore.

“And sometimes it all goes down to the coaches, do you fit their style of play or not, are you a hardworking person, disciplined on and off the pitch and so on.”

Apart from a stint with Eagles, the former Free State Stars defender also tried his luck with NFD club, Real Kings where he failed to secure a deal.

The 34-year-old struggled to find a club despite trying to secure a deal with both Black Leopards and Highlands Park just before securing a deal with the KwaZulu-Natal side.

In addition, the lanky central defender also confirmed he has not retired whilst indicating that he has served his part in South African football.

After parting ways with the Soweto giants in July 2018, the Port Shepstone-born could only secure a move to Eagles in September 2019 but left in January this year.

Gcaba helped the Buccaneers to the 2013/14 Nedbank Cup, but he was released by the club following a loan spell with Platinum Stars in July 2018.

Original author: Phumzile Ngcatshe

Kizza: Uganda star completes move to join Wanyama at Montreal Impact

The 20-year-old player will, however, remain at his current club due to the restrictions placed to contain Covid-19

Major League Soccer (MLS) side Montreal Impact have confirmed they have signed Ugandan international Mustafa Kizza from KCCA FC.

Kizza will, however, remain at KCCA on loan as he cannot complete the move now due to the coronavirus restrictions.

“Montreal Impact announced on Monday the acquisition of Uganda international full-back [Mustafa] Kizza from KCCA FC, in the Uganda Premier League, for two years plus three optional years. The deal will start on August 12,” the Canadian club announced.

“Kizza will remain with his club until December, on loan from the Impact, because of the current Covid-19 situation, so he will not be taking an international spot on the roster.

“Montreal keep the option to call him back if the situation improves.”

Montreal Impact sporting director Olivier Renard has praised the Ugandan star’s abilities after confirming the deal.

“We are really happy to acquire one of the best young players from Uganda,” Renard told the club’s portal.

“Mustafa Kizza is a modern attacking left-back with great crossing abilities and huge potential. He is good on free-kicks and his height will also help on set pieces.”

Kizza has been a key member of the Kassasiro Boys side which lifted the Premier League title in 2019. In the abandoned season which KCCA surrendered the title to Vipers FC, the full-back-cum winger scored five goals and gave 12 assists from 19 games.

During the Caf Champions League, where KCCA were eventually eliminated by Petro Atletico of Angola, Kizza scored two goals and made two assists in the campaign.

When KCCA conquered the 2019 Cecafa Kagame Cup in Rwanda, and for the second time in their history, the winger scored two goals.

He was signed by the capital city club in 2017. He has also been key for the national team as he scored two goals and contributed to the making of five goals during the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifiers.

Kizza will become the second Ugandan to play for Montreal Impact in the MLS after Mike Azira.

Azira is now at Chicago Fire and was the first Ugandan to join Montreal Impact and served them for two years between 2018 and 2019.

Montreal Impact is coached by Thierry Henry and Kizza will become the second East African currently at the club as he joins Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama.

Wanyama was signed by the club from Tottenham Hotspur in March.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Are Barcelona fan-owned? Catalan club's model & elections explained

Goal takes a look at who owns the Liga giants, the membership requirements and how their system works

Some of the biggest and best football clubs in the world are owned by wealthy businessmen, who pump millions into their teams in search of success.

Premier League giants Chelsea are famously owned by Roman Abramovic, while Emirati Sheikh Mansour owns Manchester City and Stan Kroenke owns Arsenal, among other teams.

However, despite their standing, Barcelona are not owned by one super-rich billionaire backer. So who does own the Spanish giants?

Goal brings you all you need to know.

Contents

Are Barcelona owned by the fans? What are Barcelona members called? How can I become a Barcelona member? What are the benefits of Barcelona membership?

Are Barcelona owned by the fans?

Barcelona is a members-owned club, with over 144,000 members, and fans are encouraged to become members.

This means that Barcelona is not owned outright by a single individual and decisions regarding the future direction of the club are made by the members.

The club motto Mes Que Un Club (More Than a Club) is central to the idea of being members-led, applying a democratic approach to an institution that is synonymous with Catalan pride.

We will often hear from the Barcelona president, but that individual is not the owner of the club; merely a part-owner, elected by other owners.

The Barcelona presidential elections are held every six years, but may take place earlier in exceptional circumstances.

What are Barcelona members called?

Barcelona members are known as socis in Catalan or socios in Spanish. The words socis and socios translate to 'partners' in English.

How can I become a Barcelona member?

Becoming a member of Barcelona is not as straightforward as simply filling out a form. 

Applicants must be able to demonstrate a familial tie to an existing Barcelona member or serve a probation period as a commitment card carrier.

As well as showing a photocopy of the two family members' national identification documents, an official document or family record confirming the relation is required.

The following familial relationships between a member and applicant-member are accepted:

Between parents and children Between grandparents and grandchildren Between married couples and registered partners Between brothers and sisters (and in law) Between parents and children in law Between uncles, aunts, nephews and nieces Between cousins

The price of the Barcelona membership is €185 a year (£167/$211) for an adult. It is cheaper for a child (€92) and an infant under six (€44).

In the event that you do not have a family member who is a member of the club and do not meet the requirements, you can apply for a commitment card.

After holding a commitment card for a period of three years, an individual can then apply to become a full member of Barcelona.

The annual fee for a commitment card is €144 (£130/$165), meaning you will have to invest at least €432 (£390/$495) before you can even apply for full membership.

In some extraordinary cases, the Barcelona board can grant membership whenever it deems such an exception appropriate.

What are the benefits of Barcelona membership?

The chief perk of Barcelona membership is the ability to vote in the club elections and have a say on who becomes the president of the vaunted institution.

In order to vote in Barcelona's presidential elections, members must be at least 18 years of age and they must have been a member for at least one year.

Voting as a member can only be done in person, so a member must be present at Camp Nou when elections are held in order to cast their ballot.

As well as voting rights, Barcelona members receive free and unlimited access to Barca TV, the club's official media channel, and correspondence in the form of the newsletter El Butlleti .

In addition, only fully paid-up members are entitled to apply for season tickets, but the demand means that there is often time spent on the waiting list.

Original author: Goal

Guardiola can only do so much for Manchester City and the rest is down to the players, insists Walker

The Kenyan keeper who missed the clash against Mwadui FC has been included in the squad for the two remaining matches

Young Africans (Yanga SC) have named keeper Farouk Shikalo in the squad that left on Monday for Morogoro ahead of their two Mainland Premier League matches.

Shikalo, who joined the Jangwani giants from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Bandari, missed the team’s last league match against Mwadui FC after he twisted his hand wrist while in training.

Yanga coach Luc Eymael had earlier told Goal Shikalo could likely miss the Wednesday match against Mtibwa Sugar but the Kenyan custodian has now been named in the team for the two away matches.

However, Yanga will have to do without the services of Haruna Niyonzima and Mapinduzi Balama, who according to Eymael have been left behind as a precautionary measure.

The two players have been struggling with injuries with Niyonzima trying to come back in the FA Cup semi-final clash against Simba SC but aggravated the injury further.

“I will have to do without Niyonzima and Balama for the remaining two matches because they are being troubled with various injuries and I don’t want to risk them,” Eymael was quoted by Sokaletu.

“I don’t want to give them too much pressure and they are not fit enough, it is just a precautionary measure and maybe we can now start planning with them for the new season.”

Niyonzima picked up his injury in the match against Biashara United but his comeback in the domestic cup defeat against Simba ended in pain and was withdrawn, while Balama sustained his injury while preparing for the league match against Ndanda FC.

The players who have travelled alongside Shikalo include; Metacha Mnata, Ramadhan Kabwili, Geoffrey Magaigwa, Juma Abdul, Paul Godfrey, Ally Mtoni, Jafary Mohammed, Adeyum Saleh, and Lamine Moro.

Others are Faisal Salum, Abdullaziz Makame, Said Juma Makapu, Deus Kaseke, Mrisho Ngassa, Eric Kabamba Yikpe Gislain, David Molinga, Tariq Seif, Ditram Nchimbi and Adam Kiondo.

Yanga are chasing to finish the season in second position and will have to win their two away matches against Mtibwa on Wednesday and Lipuli FC on Sunday.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka

AFC Cup 2020: Maldives to host remaining group matches

Chennai City will play their AFC Cup group matches in the Maldives...

Maldives have been selected as the centralised venue for the remaining group fixtures of the 2020 AFC Cup, Goal can confirm. It has been learnt that they were the sole bidders for the rights to host the remaining games. 

Chennai City are set to rekindle their continental campaign on October 23 against TC Sports Club.

"We just got confirmation tonight (Monday). We have to wait and see now since we don't know when we can hold training in Chennai and when we can travel internationally," Chennai City owner Rohit Ramesh told Goal.

He added, "It will be a huge task for sure. But we need to wait and see how the situation evolves."

Chennai's next two matches are against Basundhara Kings of Bangladesh on October 26 and 29 respectively. 

After a two-day break, they will again take the pitch to lock horns against Maziya Sports & Recreation of the Maldives. In their final group game on November 4, they will be facing TC Sports Club once again. 

The teams in Group E - Basundhara Kings, TC Sports, and Maziya apart from Chennai City played just one game each in the Group Stage before the Coronavirus pandemic brought the footballing world to a standstill.

While the Bangladeshi champions defeated Maldives' TC Sports 5-1 at home, Chennai played out a 2-2 draw against Maziya at home.

The final of the tournament will be played on December 12 but a decision on the venue for it has not been taken. 

Original author: Ashwin Muralidharan

LOSC v Ajax facts

The Ivorian strikers found the back of the net as their South Korean side defeated their hosts to extend a fine run on Monday

Cote d'Ivoire internationals Ines Nehry and Josee Nahi were on target for Gyeongju as they secured a 3-1 victory at Gumi Sportstoto in Sunday's South Korean WK League encounter.

Nehry and Nahi joined the Korean giants at the Gyeongju Civic Stadium from former Turkish champions Besiktas and Norwegian outfit Arna-Bjornar in the 2018 and 2019 seasons respectively.

The Ivorian duo was outstanding for their Korean outfit as they contributed eight and 14 goals in 17 and 25 appearances respectively to help Gyeongju finish as runners-up last season.

Having failed to register a goal so far this season, the striking pair opened their 2020 season goal account to power their side to a fifth win of the season in Sejong.

The visitors stormed into an early lead when Lee Jae-Ahn opened the scoring after just nine minutes against the hosts before Nehry doubled the advantage for Gyeongju in the 23rd minute.

After the restart, Nahi netted the third goal of the match to wrap up the victory for the visitors in the 66th minute despite the stunned hosts managing to grab a consolation goal two minutes from time.

The victory propelled Gyeongju to retain second spot on the league table after gathering 18 points from seven games and remain four points behind leaders Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC.

Nahi was involved for 70 minutes of the match, while her compatriot Nehry, who played from the start to finish. Both of them have now scored a goal each in seven matches for Gyeongju this season.

Up next, they will hope to keep up their newly found scoring form when Gyeongju take on bottom-placed side Boeun Sangmu on July 27.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

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Champions League permutations: who can join Juve, Bayern, Paris?

The Argentine's coaching legacy will endure longer than his major honours, according to the Spaniard, after the Whites sealed a Premier League return

Pep Guardiola has paid a glowing tribute to Marcelo Bielsa after the Leeds United manager secured his side claimed the Championship crown, describing the veteran tactician as a "unique" presence in world football.

The former Chile, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille boss has secured hero status in West Yorkshire after guiding the Whites back to the Premier League, ending a 16-year exile from the top flight of English football a year on from play-off heartbreak in his first season at the helm.

The Championship title represents Bielsa's first domestic honour for over two decades, having last claimed silverware at club level in 1998 with Primera Division club Velez Sarsfield in his home nation.

But the 64-year-old has long been a cult figure and favourite of many coaches, including Guardiola.

The Spaniard has long admired the Argentine, having sought his counsel before he made the move into top-level coaching and has now admitted that he is delighted his old friend will join him in the Premier League next term.

"He has done an exceptional job," he told his pre-match press conference ahead of City's trip to Watford.

"They were exceptional last season and then didn't get promoted. They showed a lot of character to get promoted a year later. We know how difficult it is to win the Championship and get to the Premier League, so congratulations."

Addressing Bielsa's relatively light trophy cabinet - he also has an Olympic Gold Medal from his time in charge of Argentina - Guardiola stressed that he feels the ex-Albiceleste boss' enduring influence upon a generation of players and coaches counts for much more.

"I was not his player, so it is difficult to talk about him. But I know the reference from a hundred million players who were with him," he added.

"I was lucky enough to have the chance to talk to him. He is unique in world football because of the special way he plays. He is an authentic manager. No other manager in the world plays the way he plays.

"He is an incredible person. He is so special. It is my personal opinion but it will be incredible for English football to have him in the Premier League next season."

Guardiola's spells with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and City means he has ample experience when it comes to winning titles.

However, he feels even these considerable heights are dwarfed by what Bielsa has created during his career.

"Winning titles helps to have a job next season but at the end of your life, what you remember is not the titles you have won, what you remember is the memories you have and whether the manager taught you a lot," he said.

"I had a bad night after the Arsenal game but the day after, it is forgotten. If you win a title it is the same. You have the night but the day after, it is forgotten.

"What we remember are the experiences and the memories, the players you have had, the managers you have had. Marcelo is at the top of the list. Absolutely at the top of the list."

One manager unable to keep hold of his job was Nigel Pearson, who will not lead Watford against City after being relieved of his duties on Sunday.

"Before the lockdown, what Nigel had done was incredible," Guardiola added. "The amount of points and the results they got when they were at the bottom. After that, I don't know what happened.

"I respect the decisions of the club, of course. I wish Nigel all the best, he's an experienced manager in England and has done incredibly well in the past and this period at Watford."

Original author: Dom Farrell

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Kudus' record-breaking transfer 'not a small thing' - Akenteng 

Former Ghana Football Association (GFA) technical director Francis Oti Akenteng has hailed new Ajax Amsterdam acquisition Mohammed Kudus for breaking Ghana's transfer record for a teenager.

Last week, the 19-year-old, a product of the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, completed a five-year move to the Eredivisie giants from Danish fold Nordsjaelland.

The deal was worth a reported €9 million.

“To be frank, Kudus' move to Ajax is a good one. It is good for himself, the country, his former club FC Nordsjaelland and most importantly Right to Dream Academy. In fact, his move serves as a motivational factor to the rest of the academies," Akenteng told Bryt FM.

“Now people who will like to venture into the academy will happily do it because they know that if you do your work very well, you will definitely get somewhere.

“I remember Nordsjaelland invited me to Denmark and I had the opportunity to meet Kudus. I spent about five days there and had talks with the Ghanaian players at their fold before I came to Ghana. I also had the opportunity to be with him at the Ghana U20 team although the entire team did not do well but everybody saw his potential.

“He is a boy who has been lucky, playing from the U17, U20 and to the Black Stars. When he came to the Black Stars, I was in camp with them and I did my best to prop him up and I am very happy to see that this boy has matured and now breaking the transfer [record] for a teenager, it is not a small thing.”

After progressing from representing Ghana at the 2017 Fifa U17 World Cup in India, Kudus represented Ghana at the 2019 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Niger where the Black Satellites failed to qualify from the group stage.

In November last year, the attacking midfielder was rewarded with a call-up to Ghana's senior national team for a 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe on the back of a run of fine performance for club side Nordsjaelland.

It was a remarkable debut against South Africa as the Accra-born netted as a second-half substitute to ensure the 2-0 triumph in Cape Coast.

He made 25 appearances and scored 11 goals for the Wild Tigers in the Danish Super Liga this season. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

Bell urges reported Chelsea target Onana to consider game time ahead of money before next move

The Indomitable Lions legend has some words for his compatriot whom he wishes to be the world's number one shot-stopper

Former Cameroon goalkeeper Joseph-Antoine Bell has told Andre Onana to consider the prospect of regular football before “thinking about money” if he has to leave Ajax Amsterdam.

Onana has been linked with a move away from the Johan Cruyff Arena with Chelsea, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in him.

But Chelsea have appeared more serious in recent days following a series of errors by their number one, Kepa Arrizabalaga who has been far from impressive, while veteran Willy Caballero has failed to step in between the posts.

If Onana is convinced to return to Barca where he attended La Masia for five years before joining Ajax in 2015, he would be met with competition from Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Brazil’s Neto if none leave the La Liga giants.

At PSG, the experienced Keylor Navas and Sergio Rico would be in his way.

“When it’s time to move you have to think about one major thing,” Bell told Goal.

“The issue is, am I going to play? And how often am I going to play? And then you can think about the money. Money must never be the sole reason you are moving. So if Andre can get the answer to these questions, then he can make up his mind and make a decision.

“Andre has to first assess his chances of playing at any club he would move to. He knows himself, he can situate himself with regards to other goalkeepers at the club and he is talking with this club and he knows what the club thinks about him and his performances.

“I am not his counsellor, I am not his advisor, I am not his advocate. I am just someone who can watch the game and say Andre is doing well but I am not there to compare him with goalkeepers from other clubs.”

Onana who still has two years left on his Ajax contract has previously stated he is keen for a Premier League move.

While Onana is already regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world after being nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year at the 2019 Fifa Ballon d'Or awards, Bell wishes for the 24-year-old to become the best on the planet.

“When you are a football player and performing for the best club in the world you always think you have to go further,” Bell said.

“So all we can wish or I can wish for Andre is [for him] to become world number one. But you know being among the best is easy and it is even easier than being the best [which] is only one spot. Being among the best you can be number two, number three, number four, number five. So no one can predict he is going to be the world’s best but at least we know he is already among the best.

“You know, to be among the best is not having one good and great season, you need to among the best for a long period to leave a legacy.”

In the Cameroon national team, Onana contends for a starting place with his cousin brother Fabrice Ondoa with whom he attended the Barcelona youth academy.

Onana and Ondoa have managed to condemn veteran goalkeeper Carlos Kameni to the bench, highlighting the strength of the Indomitable Lions' goalkeeping department which has always been rich in depth across generations.

Besides Bell, Thomas N'Kono and Alioum Boukar are some of the legendary goalkeepers who gave fame to Cameroon's goalkeeping area.

Original author: Michael Madyira

Dunga bags league title with KF Tirana, reaches Champions League group stage qualifiers

The former Sony Sugar star could have a taste of the top European football next season should they navigate the preliminary stage successfully

Kenyan international Ismael Dunga won the Albanian Premier League of the 2019/20 season with KF Tirana and booked a spot in the Champions League group stage qualifying rounds.

Although Dunga did not start in the Saturday match that guaranteed KF Tirana the win and a trophy, the forward would be proud of his 2019 move that has now ensured he has a league title to his name.

He was brought on in the 72nd minute to replace Winful Cobinah. Ernest Muci and Marsel Ismailgeci scored to ensure KF Tirana won 2-0 against Flamurtari on July 18 on their way to another title in their history.

The Capital City club has bagged the league trophy with two matches still remaining for the season to conclude.

KF Tirana won what became their 25th title and Dunga became the first Kenyan to lift the Albanian league.

Simba SC’s Francis Kahata, Musa Mohammed of Nkana FC and Kenneth Muguna of Gor Mahia had stints at the club but did not record a league success with them.

Kahata was at KF Tirana in 2015 while Muguna and Mohammed joined them in 2018 when the then Gor Mahia coach Jose Marcelo Ferreira ‘Ze Maria’ signed them.

Dunga bagged the gong alongside Ghanaian Cobinah who joined KF Tirana from Hearts of Oak in 2018.

As Cobinah made 29 appearances for the club and scored seven goals, Kenya’s Dunga played in 13 games and scored three fewer goals than Cobinah.

Dunga has played for Kenyan Premier League (KPL) sides Tusker, Sony Sugar and Nakumatt FC before.

KF Tirana were established on August 15, 1920, and could crown their 100th anniversary with a double should they defeat Teuta Durresin during the upcoming domestic cup final.

Dunga arrived at KF Tirana last year from another Albanian club Luftetari where, from 2018 to mid-2019, had played in 24 matches and scored seven goals.

The 27-year-old forward played for Greek side Acharnaikos between 2016 and 2017, featured in seven matches and scored three goals before he moved to Morocco and signed for Raja Beni Mellal.

From Raja Beni Mellal, Dunga signed for City of Lusaka in 2017 and in 2018 he left for NAPSA Stars, another Zambian side.

Dunga’s maiden league trophy will count as the first for KF Tirana who last won it in the 2008/09 season.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Real Sociedad confident Odegaard loan from Real Madrid will be extended

The Norwegian winger has impressed at Anoeta since his temporary switch from Santiago Bernabeu last year

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is confident that Martin Odegaard's loan from Real Madrid will be extended for another season.

Odegaard joined Sociedad on a one-season loan deal in July 2019, and has since shown exactly why Madrid went to so much trouble to snap up him up while he was a teenager at Stromsgodset.

The 21-year-old contributed an impressive seven goals and nine assists in 36 domestic outings for Imanol Alguacil's side this term, helping them earn a sixth-place finish in La Liga.

Odegaard's most notable performance came in a Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over his parent club, as Sociedad beat Madrid 4-3 at Santiago Bernabeu to reach the last four.

The Norwegian found the back of the net in the pulsating cup tie and set up another of the goals, before leaving the pitch to a standing ovation from the home supporters when substituted in the second half.

Sociedad legend Roberto Lopez Ufarte talked up Odegaard's abilities during an interview with Noticias de Gipuzkoa in April, while insisting the attacking midfielder could end up filling Luka Modic's boots at Madrid when the Croatian calls time on his career.

Ufarte said: “I think he has his head screwed on and he knows why he came here: to show people, to show that he has a lot of ability and that he is waiting for a spot to open up at Real Madrid. These are just my thoughts, but possibly in the next year when Modric leaves."

Madrid have yet to decide whether to recall Odegaard or extend his loan stay at Sociedad by an extra year, but Aperribay is "hopeful" an influential figure will stay put through to the end of the 2020-21 season.

Asked if there is a good chance of the former Stromsgodset starlet's services being retained, the La Real president told Onda Cero: "Yes, I think so. It doesn't depend on us but on him and Real Madrid, but we are hopeful that he can stay with us for another season."

Odegaard's final outgoing of the current campaign came as Sociedad earned a 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday.

Madrid, meanwhile, became La Liga champions for the 34th time in their history after beating Villarreal last Thursday, before wrapping up their domestic schedule with a 2-2 draw at Leganes over the weekend.

‘We get on very well’ - Choupo-Moting on his relationship with Mbappe and Neymar

The 31-year-old Cameroon international has been with the Parisians since 2018 and has enjoyed success with the side

Eric Choupo-Moting has opened up on his relationship with his Paris Saint-Germain teammates, stating he gets on well with them.

The Cameroon international made a surprise switch to the French champions in the summer of 2018 as a free agent after leaving Stoke City following their relegation from the Premier League.

The move afforded him the opportunity to link up with Brazil star Neymar and France forward Kylian Mbappe, who emerged as the 2018 World Cup Best Young Player after helping his country to win the coveted trophy.

Choupo-Moting, who recently extended his contract with the Parisians to enable him to feature in their Champions League, Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue games, explained how he gets on with the star players.  

“At the start, when I didn’t know them very well, they were stars. After two weeks here, they were team-mates and even friends because we get on very well, we laugh together,” Choupo-Moting told France Football.

“And then, they integrated me very well too. It was easy for me… From the outside, everyone thinks: ‘Ooooh, how is it to live alongside these big stars?’ For me, we have players who belong to the top five players in the world category.

“But, when we are together, we don’t think about that. We speak and joke together, it is not anything extraordinary. We are like friends.

“I think that we have the best attack in the world, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar are in the top five players in the world category. But it is also a source of motivation. I don’t want to take someone’s place but to bring something to the table.”

The forward has scored six goals in 31 league appearances since joining the Parisians and in the 2019-20 season, he has featured in 17 games across all competitions scoring five goals and providing one assist.

The 31-year-old was part of the side that won the Ligue 1 title in 2019 and 2020 and will hope to add to his trophy cabinet before the end of the campaign.

Choupo-Moting, who started his career with Teutonia 05, has previously played for Hamburger SV, Mainz 05 and Schalke 04.

The forward was born to a German mother and a Cameroonian father and featured for Germany's youth teams before pledging his international future to Cameroon.

The striker made his debut for the Indomitable Lions in May 2010 and has played 55 times for the West Africans, scoring 15 goals.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye

U.S. beats Canada to win NL as Balogun nets 1st

The Citizens' season now hinges on the outcome of their European exploits and the manager is leaving nothing to chance

Pep Guardiola will not give Manchester City any time off between the end of the Premier League season and their crunch Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Europe's top competition represents City's remaining chance to add to their retained EFL Cup this season, following a lacklustre 2-0 loss to Arsenal in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final.

Guardiola was critical of his players' performance over the opening 45 minutes of that match and they are set for a period of intensive work on the Etihad Campus training pitches in the 12 days in between the concluding Premier League encounter against Norwich City on July 26, and Madrid's visit to Manchester on August 7.

City hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu back in February and, ahead of Tuesday's Premier League game at Watford, Guardiola rejected the suggestion he might allow a break at the end of the domestic season.

It is a stance at odds with Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane, who said he would allow the newly crowned La Liga champions to "disconnect a little bit from football" after finishing their domestic campaign with a 2-2 draw against Leganes on Sunday.

"No, no, no – we'll have two days after the game against Watford but after we will make two weeks of training sessions," Guardiola said, with his team guaranteed a second-place finish behind Liverpool.

"These two games – we are going to make some changes, some that played the semi-final are not going to play. We are going to play the next two games. I will try to let them all of them play. We will see what happens."

Guardiola's criticism of City's mentality against Arsenal marked a departure from his usual reactions to defeats, where he tends to be carefully protective of the players.

The 49-year-old is set to break new ground next season, having never led a club for five consecutive campaigns.

Despite the dispiriting nature of the weekend loss and the surrender of the Premier League title to Liverpool, Guardiola insists his motivation remains undimmed.

"As a manager with one team, you have an advantage with positive things but at the same time, after you win a lot, you have difficulties to handle the situations," he said. "But I'm so excited for these two weeks we have ahead, preparing for the Madrid game and excited for next season.

"The moment I lose this excitement, the fire I still have inside me to go after victories and defeats, it will be a problem."

Guardiola added: "It's a challenge for me, I've never been five years at one club and also it is a challenge to prove myself next season. Am I able to maintain the level that we had in the previous seasons? 

"In a world where everyone sacks everyone, to stay in a job for a long time is so difficult. Just take a look. England was an exception but now it is not anymore.

"It depends on the results and I'm so proud of the staff and backroom and players for helping me to be here for a fifth season."

Original author: Dom Farrell

Zeki Çelik: Things to Know About the in-Demand Lille Full-Back

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Original author: Chris Burton

Arteta admits Partey has struggled at Arsenal but backs midfielder to show his best

The Nerazzurri chief hasn't ruled out the prospect of bringing the Chilean star onto the club's books ahead of the 2020-21 campaign

Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has addressed the possibility of signing Manchester United winger Alexis Sanchez permanently at the end of the season, insisting the club "appreciate his quality".

Sanchez's career went off the rails somewhat when he moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal in an exchange deal involving Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January 2018.

The 31-year-old had proven himself as one of the best players in the Premier League during a four-year stint at Emirates Stadium, but was unable to reach the same heights in Manchester.

A modest return of five goals in his first 45 appearances for United saw him slip way down the squad pecking order, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ultimately decided to send him out on loan to Inter at the end of August.

The Chile international was hampered by a string of niggling injuries during in his first few months at San Siro, before the coronavirus outbreak wreaked havoc upon the Serie A schedule.

Sanchez used the time in lockdown to work on his fitness, and returned to action in June with a renewed sense of purpose.

Only Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has provided more assists than the former Arsenal star since the resumption of the season across all of Europe's major leagues, with Antonio Conte delighted to see the attacker rediscover his "hunger" in the final third.

After watching Sanchez score during a 4-0 win over SPAL on July 16, the Inter boss told reporters: "He is a rediscovered footballer, with the right hunger. He suffered a lot, he is now well, he is an extra weapon for us."

The Nerazzurri have yet to decide whether to submit a permanent offer for the United loanee, but Marotta is pleased with the impact he's had at San Siro in recent weeks.

When quizzed on Sanchez's future by Sky Italia, the Inter chief responded: "We are happy with what he is doing. We appreciate his quality and we will make appropriate evaluations. We want to raise the bar, building a mix of experienced players with a winning mentality and young prospects."

Sanchez will be back in contention for a place in Conte's starting XI when Inter take on Fiorentina at San Siro on Wednesday, as they look to close the gap on Serie A leaders Juventus.


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