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Robin van Persie’s move to Manchester United in 2012 came as a massive disappointment to Thomas Vermaelen, with the former Arsenal defender admitting that he had hoped to see the Dutch striker go on to become “a legend” at Emirates Stadium”.

The proven frontman was well on course to achieve that status when the decision was taken to head for the exits in north London.

Van Persie had been acquired by the Gunners in 2004 and scored 132 goals in 278 appearances for the club.

His efforts saw him land a Premier League Golden Boot and take on captaincy duties for Arsenal.

He was very much a talismanic presence for Arsene Wenger, but took the decision in 2012 not to commit to new contract.

That forced the Gunners into a corner, with it clear that they needed to cash in on a prized asset who wanted out.

Domestic rivals United made the most of a surprise opportunity by tabling a £22.5 million ($29m) bid and saw Van Persie help them to title glory in his debut campaign at Old Trafford – while also landing another top goalscorer gong.

Vermaelen was among those left frustrated at the Emirates, with the Belgian admitting that he had hoped to see Van Persie sign a new deal and secure a standing alongside the likes of Ian Wright and Thierry Henry.

"It was a surprise he left," Vermaelen told Arsenal’s official podcast.

"I knew he was going to go eventually but to hear that he'd all of a sudden left for Manchester United was a big surprise.
 
"I wanted him to stay at Arsenal of course, because in his last season with us he was the PFA Player of the Year. He had a great season, the best season of his career, so I wanted him to stay and be a legend.
 
"Of course, he's strong in his character so he couldn't change his mind. I think that's a good thing because that makes him the person and player he is. You couldn't change his mind, he'd made it up that he was going to go."

Having seen Van Persie walk away when at the peak of his powers, Arsenal now find themselves in a similar situation when it comes to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Another prolific frontman is approaching the final 12 months of his contract, with no indication offered that fresh terms will be agreed as the likes of United begin to circle once again.

Simba SC have emerged victorious in a friendly match against Transit Camp after a 4-2 win in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

It was the first match the defending Mainland Premier League champions have taken part in since the teams were allowed to converge for joint training sessions last month.

The Democratic Republic of Congo forward Deo Kanda was the first to strike for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi in the third minute.

Gerson Fraga scored the second for Sven Vandenbroeck's charges in the 15th minute before Tairone Santos added the third goal of the encounter two minutes after Fraga's strike.

Simba did not add a fourth goal until after the first half ended but they also could not keep Transit Camp at bay, as their opponents reduced the deficit in the first minute of added time courtesy of Hamadi Habibu.

In the 46th minute, Meddie Kagere added his name onto the scoresheet as he stretched Simba's lead further. Transit Camp answered back in the 64th minute from Nisile Kisimba's strike but their resurgence did not deny Simba a convincing win.

Simba's win came almost a day after their traditional arch-rivals Yanga SC were humbled by Kinondoni Municipal Council FC 3-0 in a friendly tie.

This was Transit Camp's second friendly match against a top club in the country after they had fought to a 0-0 draw against Azam FC a day ago.

The win for the Tanzanian 20-time league champions was witnessed by a large group of fans who followed the proceedings from the terraces.

Teams are in a race to raise the level of fitness of their players before the league resumes on June 13 after it had been suspended in mid-March due to the restrictions the government had applied to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Simba will face Ruvu Shooting on June 14 at home as they restart their title defence. The Wekundu wa Msimbazi enjoy a good lead at the top and coach Vandenbroeck had urged them to ensure they bag the first 12 points in order to win the title in earnest.

With three of their four foreign players already in Tanzania, Simba are assured of an almost full squad for the matches, which also includes the FA Cup quarter-final tie against Azam.

Sharaf Shiboub is the only foreign player yet to report from South Sudan.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was all praise for his Bengaluru FC teammate Sunil Chhetri and went on to say that it would not be surprising if the 35-year-old goes on to play for six more years at the top level. 

While speaking about his introduction to football, Sandhu shared how winning a 100m race in school opened the doors for him to pick up the sport. He went on to claim that, in a race he could compete with Chhetri if not better him!

"I never watched football until 2006-07. I was born in a cricket-loving family. Even I love cricket. It's just that I found football. I started at my school academy. I won a 100m race. After I won the first race, it helped me get recruited in my academy. Then it was training twice a day training and getting in to a routine.

"I can compete with Chhetri in a race because I have bigger strides. He can play six-seven years easily. He is getting younger day by day," stated the India international during an online chat show hosted by the Indian Super League (ISL). 

Sandhu is currently in Sydney and has already started to train for the upcoming season with another Bengaluru FC teammate Erik Paartalu. He believes that he needs to improve with the ball at his feet and is currently honing his skills under the guidance of the Australian midfielder. 

"It is easy to train with Paartalu as we are in the same city. He knows the city very well and knows when and which pitch is free. We meet around three-four days a week. Erik makes me do a lot of hard work. I am trying to work on my passing and working with my left foot. Roy Krishna took advantage of my left foot (during the ISL last season). So I am working on it." 

The 28-year old accepted that the loss to Chennaiyin FC in the 2017-18 final of ISL was a huge setback, with Albert Roca stepping down after the final. He even considers the Marina Machans a greater rival to Bengaluru FC than Kerala Blasters.

"That was one of the worst nights at the Kanteerava. Losing the final is the biggest setback. We became more determined and we worked towards lifting the trophy. I was playing in a league format in Norway and mentally I was still in that league stage where things got over once you top the standings after the league. The shift was different for me to understand (adapt). It was also difficult when we came to know that (Albert) Roca would not coach us. But with Carles (Cuadrat) leading us it became easy. It was the same mindset and the same approach.

"If you slip there's always going to be someone behind you. Bengaluru did a lot in the past six-seven years. This season, a slip-up cost us a trophy. ATK was one of the most difficult sides to play. The way they defend made it more difficult. We had to take our chances. We did pretty well In the first leg. In the second leg, it was their quality that shone through. They deserved that result. We gave them the opportunity to be the better team," opined Sandhu. 

The Punjab-born player also revealed that Miku is the best player he has faced on Indian soil. He also said that apart from Bengaluru FC, he would like to don the jersey of either ATK or Kerala Blasters. 

Sandhu also opened up on one of India's best games in recent times where they managed to hold Asian champions Qatar to a goalless draw away from home. Gurpreet starred under the bar, pulling off several impressive saves.

"We had lost against Oman. It was a tough game. But going to Qatar and finding out Chhetri was not playing was a shock. But it was an opportunity to show that even without our best player we can do the job. I said the same thing in the dressing room. And we got a result. I have played more difficult games before though. The Iran game was much more difficult (in 2015). I was much more exhausted after that."

The former East Bengal player spent three years in Europe playing for Norway side Stabaek FC. He reckons that to be successful in Europe, one must start training there from the formative years.

"I think any player who goes at 15-16 years old in Europe can make it. You just have to work hard. You are training with better players, in better weather. It's not about playing but the journey is very important. That's what will make you a better player," concluded the goalkeeper.

Ex-Manchester United star Mikael Silvestre has revealed how close he came to moving to Liverpool from Inter in the early stages of his career, claiming he was contacted personally by Gerard Houllier.

Silvestre enjoyed a hugely successful career spanning two decades, with his prime years spent on the books of Sir Alex Ferguson's United. The former France international racked up 353 appearances for the Red Devils between 1999 and 2008, winning 10 trophies in total, including four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

He went on to play for Arsenal, Werder Bremen, Portland Timbers and Chennaiyin FC before hanging up his boots in 2014, but might have also had a spell at Anfield had he chosen a different route when leaving Inter at the age of 21.

"Marcello Lippi arrived at Inter and recruited another wing-back, Grigoris Georgatos, who was a bit older than me," Silvestre told FourFourTwo. "My game time was going to diminish and I wanted to play. Gerard Houllier had been my coach at youth level in France, so we knew each other well, and he called to ask if I wanted to join Liverpool.

"He said he wanted me to play left-back for them, and that while the competition would be there, I was in a good position to start most games."

The United legend went on to explain why he chose to snub Liverpool in favour of joining up with their arch-rivals, adding: "Alex Ferguson phoned me a few days later to register his interest.

"The choice was easy to make, because United had just won the Treble. Sir Alex was like, 'You’re going to play left-back and centre-back – I need you for both positions.'"

Silvestre ended up making his Red Devils debut against Liverpool, but insists there was no animosity between him and Houllier when they met on the touchline.

The 42-year-old said: "I remember that I arrived in Manchester on a Thursday and by Saturday I had already played my first game – at Anfield, of all places, against Liverpool!

"That was madness: I didn’t even know my team-mates or speak the language well. On matchday, I had a brief chat with Houllier, who jokingly asked me, 'Why didn’t you sign for us?' But he said he understood my choice."

Bristol City legend Louis Carey said Benik Afobe’s return from injury will be the biggest boost for the Robins ahead of the resumption of the 2019-20 Championship season.

Afobe, who joined Lee Johnson's side on a season-long loan from Stoke City last June, suffered an ACL injury during a training session earlier this season with his last competitive match in August.

Before the setback, the 27-year-old scored three goals in his first five games for the Robins which include a brace against Hull City on August 24.

Bristol City are seventh on the league table just a point adrift of the promotion playoff zone, and Carey believes Afobe's presence in the team will be crucial in the final nine games of the season.

"Any striker who has got a proven track record within the Championship and within the Premier League, to have that type of signing coming back when you've got nine games to go is the biggest boost the players could ask for,” Carey was quoted as saying on BBC Radio Bristol.

"When there's proven goals in a player that can step into your team, that is a gift.

"That is something that this time off has helped with and hopefully he can come in and start how he started when he originally signed and it would be great for the whole club."

The English second division will resume on June 20, more than three months after it was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Carey, who spent 18 years at Ashton Gate across two stints, is positive that the Robins have the quality to qualify for the play-offs.  

"Whatever you say, they've got a top squad and I think after they've had this time off I think the majority of people will be back fit so they've got as much a chance as anybody and I know we've spoken about this over the years, the Championship is crazy," he said.

"You can quite easily go on a six-game winning run or six-game losing run. We are going to see that. There will be somebody that will fall like a stone with these nine games and hopefully it won't be Bristol City and hopefully they can push.

"They've certainly got the players, they're in a great position and if there is an understanding in what the manager wants, once you get back fit hopefully, they can hit the ground running. If they can put together performances like I saw at times in the Fulham game, then they've got every chance of making the play-offs."

Simba SC midfielder Francis Kahata says he is not worried by his chances of making the first XI once the league restarts and his main job is to continue giving his best in training.

Before the games were stopped owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Kenya international was among the few players whose position in the first team was not guaranteed.

With the Tanzania Mainland League resuming on June 13, most players are giving their best to stand a chance of getting a starting berth.

"I have to admit the competition in the team is currently stiff in all departments," Kahata told Goal on Monday.

"Every player wants to get into the first team and as we all know, the quality in the team is good. So everyone has a fair chance of getting in the first 11.

"Well, I am not worried [about starting matches or not]. My job is to convince the technical bench I am ready through the training sessions we have. Then the coach will choose his first XI; Simba have good players, competition has to be there."

The Kenya international has also stated his condition after joining the team late.

"I am 70% fit because of my late arrival, however before our league match I will be fully fit," Kahata revealed.

"The team is also doing well, and I believe by next week every player will be 100% fit and ready to play."

In addition, the 28-year-old also shed some light on his personal target as well as those of the team.

"So far I have managed to get five goals and six assists meaning I have been involved in 11 goals for the team, but I want to do more.

"We are also in the race for the league title as well as the FA Cup, I will be satisfied if we win both. Many claim the league is ours because of the healthy lead we command, but until we are crowned, other teams have a chance.

"So we have to seal it by winning the required number of games before saying we are champions.

"All top four teams are in the FA Cup and are hungry to win it just like us, and it makes it a little tougher. But we are determined to go all the way."

Martin Braithwaite says that people look at him differently now that he plays for Barcelona as the Danish forward admitted his life has changed off the field significantly since joining La Liga's leaders.

Braithwaite joined Barcelona from Leganes in February via an emergency transfer, with the Catalan club in desperate need of a forward due to several injuries.

The forward made three appearances for Barca before La Liga was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, having scored eight goals in 24 matches for Leganes prior to making the move.

It was a transfer that Braithwaite sees as the defining moment of his career so far, and one that he says has had a massive impact on his life off the field.

"I felt really proud and patted myself on the back," Braithwaite told Goal. "I said to myself that the hard work was paying off and it gave me even more motivation to push the limits on what I can do in my career."

He added: "A lot of things changed because now I am in the biggest club in the world so people look at you differently and recognise you more because my face is now more familiar. Beyond football, it changed a little bit but, in the end, football is still football."

Braithwaite says that his time at Barcelona hs been made easier by several of his team-mates, with the forward saying his ability to speak French has helped him connect with players like Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Clement Lenglet. In addition, he says he has become close to Frenkie de Jong, who joined the club last summer from Ajax.

However, while Braithwaite has found pleasure with life at Barca, his former club, Leganes, will be in a fight for survival when La Liga resumes. 

Leganes currently sit 19th in the table, three points behind 17th-place Celta Vigo.

"I've been looking at their games and results, hoping they win games because I don't like leaving a club in that kind of way," Braithwaite said, "but now I am focused on Barcelona. I want the best for my former team-mates and former club.

"Everyone was really nice to me in Leganes. I met a lot of good people and they told me they were happy for me. They said I deserved it and, honestly, it was a special moment.

"It was difficult because I made a lot of good friends at Leganes and so many good relationships. It is always difficult when you have to leave a club. I have to thank them for everything they gave to me."

Barcelona are set to face Leganes on June 16 in the club's second match after returning from the coronavirus suspension, and Braithwaite says there will be no personal sentiment either way and no hard feelings regardless of what the result is.

"Of course," he said when asked if he would celebrate against his former club. "That would be a special scenario but I don't really think about this. When we play against them I will only be thinking about winning. I have a commitment for winning and will try to keep it against Leganes."

Celtic may be able to hold onto Arsenal target Odsonne Edouard amid the Covid-19 crisis, according to ex-Hoops manager John Barnes.

Edouard was enjoying his best season yet in a Celtic shirt before the coronavirus outbreak stopped play in March. The 22-year-old had hit 27 goals in 45 games in all competitions, helping Neil Lennon's side maintain their dominance of the Scottish football landscape.

Celtic were awarded the title for a ninth successive year in May after authorities decided to scrap all remaining fixtures due to the continued threat of Covid-19.

Speculation is now mounting over Edouard's future ahead of the summer transfer window, with Arsenal reportedly lining up an approach for the French forward.

However, Barnes is confident that Celtic will be able to retain a prized asset due to the financial implications of the coronavirus crisis, with top clubs across Europe likely to tighten the purse strings after an extended period without any matchday revenue coming in.

The former Hoops boss told BonusCodeBets: "Celtic is a fantastic club. We know that money plays a big part in this, but we don’t know what is happening this summer because after Covid-19, I don’t think you’re necessarily going to see £100m and £50m signings. 

"It’s up to the player to decide if he wants to stay in Scotland or not. If he is happy there and he’s in the Champions League and happy with his football then yes they may be able to keep him, but if he wants to go and play in a bigger league with more exposure then it is hard for any Scottish team to keep their better players."

Lennon revealed on Saturday that Celtic have already opened talks with Edouard over a new contract, with his existing deal set to expire in the summer of 2022.

Despite Celtic's attempts to tie the striker down to fresh terms, Barnes says his former club will be used to losing their top players, given the fact that the Scottish Premier League is unable to compete with Europe's top divisions in the transfer market.

He added: "Celtic have no more frustration than if you’re a top club in any league where you can’t compete financially with England, Italy, Spain, France and Germany.

"Celtic are slightly different in that they are as big as some clubs in England or the world, but the financial implications of football in Scotland means they can’t always keep these players and I suspect it will be a frustration. 

"They’ll be understanding that they’re no different to other clubs that lose players, look at Belgium, one of the best teams in the world but you don’t see any players playing in Belgium.

"This has always been a factor of Scottish football, except maybe in the 70s and 80s because from a financial point of view they were able to compete, but now the financial differences between Scotland and England and the rest of the European nations means it is hard for the Scottish teams to compete in keeping their best players."

Pius Obuya has revealed his imminent move to KCCA FC and hopes to fill the void left by Allan Okello.

Obuya served Maroons FC, who were relegated to the Fufa Big League for the 2020/21 season, and that seems to have given him the opportunity to seek greener pastures.

Although the news concerning his KCCA move has not been confirmed, Obuya is keen to replace his former Uganda U17 teammate at Lugogo.

“I respect [Allan] Okello, he is a big player, has done a lot for KCCA and I respect whatever he has done for the club,” Obuya told Sports256.

“Many people think I am his replacement, I must say 'yes' because we play the same style of football, we both can play in the central midfield and on the flanks, so, it is a very big challenge for me, because they need a special player who is creative and can make a difference when the club needs to win certain games.”

Although Obuya has set his eyes on the potential move, he has revealed other clubs have approached him too.

“A move to KCCA is likely, though, other clubs had also shown interest,” added the star.

“Joining KCCA is a great pleasure because it is a big club in Uganda and for them to show interest in me is a great honour.

“So, I know what it means going to Lugogo, going for a new challenge and make a difference because they have reasons why they want me.

“For now, what comes into my mind is; how to adapt to a new environment and to the club’s philosophy, which showcases a lot of professionalism, meeting new friends, a new technical team which I believe will help me.”

The 22-year-old wants to win the Uganda Premier League (UPL) title with the Mike Mutebi-led side after they lost out to Vipers SC when the season was cancelled.

“KCCA are a team that want success, so I also think of winning trophies for the team. And I think my, and some other players' arrival will boost the morale of the fans that could have been demoralised by the departure of some players,” he continued.

“I will continue developing as a player at Lugogo, then within two-three years, I see myself playing in Europe. I am thinking of giving my best at a big club KCCA where other clubs on the continent can easily pick you up.”

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Ben Motshwari has fully recovered from the coronavirus.

Motshwari tested positive for the virus in May without showing any symptoms and he had been self-isolating at home. 

Now, the Buccaneers are pleased that their hard-working midfielder is back after the scare. 

"Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce that Ben Motshwari has fully recovered from Covid-19," said the club through their App. 

Motshwari thanked everyone who wished him well soon after the news of him testing positive of the coronavirus broke in May.  

"Hi Mabhakaniya, this is Ben Motshwari. I just want to thank each and everyone one of you guys who have been texting me, calling me or wishing me well during this difficult time that I was facing," said Motshwari in a short video clip posted on the App. 

The 29-year-old former Bidvest Wits midfield kingpin also thanked the Bucs medical team and staff for their continued support.  

"To the medical team, the staff of Orlando Pirates, I just want to thank you," he said. 

Motshwari urged the country to continue adhering to government's calls to curb the spread of the virus by practising social distancing, sanitising and wearing masks in public places. 

"Guys, let us keep on sanitising, let's keep on practising social distancing, let's wear our masks in public players so that we curb the spread of this coronavirus," concluded Motshwari.     

Motshwari was the first professional player to test positive of the coronavirus in South Africa - and this happened when the PSL was trying hard to convince the government to allow the return of football in the country. 

His recovery comes at the right time when both the PSL and Safa appears to be edging closer to winning the battle to complete the 2019-20 season. 

However, before that could happen, expectations are that all the players, coaches and team officials will be tested, just like this has been the case in England over the past few weeks.

With contact sport in South Africa now allowed, Motshwari will certainly return to the pitch as soon as Pirates give their players the go-ahead to report back to the training grounds.

Chelsea are getting a “Michael Owen-like” frontman in Timo Werner, says Tony Cascarino, with the Germany international expected to be a “real danger player” for the Blues.

Those at Stamford Bridge have agreed to trigger the £54 million (€60m/$68m) release clause that will free the 24-year-old striker from his contract at RB Leipzig.

No deal has been completed as yet, but there is a belief in west London that a top target will be acquired.

It had appeared as though Werner was destined to head for Liverpool if a big-money move was to be made in the next transfer window.

Fierce competition for places at Anfield and reluctance from Jurgen Klopp to splash the cash has, however, led the prolific presence towards an alternative Premier League destination.

Cascarino believes Frank Lampard has got himself quite the coup, with there similarities to be drawn between Werner’s game and that of an ex-England international who once starred for Liverpool and landed the 2001 Ballon d’Or.

“He predominantly likes to play on the left, but he’s quite versatile,” Cascarino told talkSPORT of Werner.

“His outstanding feature is his pace; his pace over 10 yards is extraordinary, lightning quick… Michael Owen-like.

“He tries to get on the back of defenders all the time and comes in off the left to try and get the goals in.

“He gets a lot of one-on-ones and he’s a real handful.

“But there is a lot of improvement to be made; I don’t think he’s the most technically gifted. When I’ve watched him I’ve always thought his touch is a bit off for someone who has so many goals.

“But there is a real danger player in there, and I think Lampard wants goals from more areas in his team.”

Cascarino added on Werner edging away from long-standing links to Liverpool: “Most players want to be guaranteed a starting place and Timo Werner probably got that guarantee from Frank Lampard where he is going to play, and he’s going to play a lot of games.

“I think that’s very important for Werner because I’m not sure he’d get in front of [Sadio] Mane, [Mohamed] Salah or [Roberto] Firmino [at Liverpool].

“We don’t know if one of those will be sold, but obviously Klopp wouldn’t want that to happen; he’d want to keep all three.

“And I think it’s a case he’d have to fight for a place just to get in that team.”

Liverpool kept their focus on winning the Premier League title before 'Project Restart' was announced, according to Dejan Lovren.

The Reds were on the verge of securing a first top-flight crown in 30 years when the coronavirus outbreak called a temporary halt to the 2019-20 campaign on March 13.

Jurgen Klopp's men won 27 of their opening 29 fixtures to storm 25 points clear of reigning champions Manchester City, who have played a game less.

Only two more wins will be needed for Liverpool's coronation to be confirmed, with the Premier League set to resume on June 17 following a three-month hiatus.

There were strong calls for the season to be voided as Covid-19 cases began to rise across England, but the number of people testing positive for the virus has dropped in recent weeks, leading to an easing of lockdown restrictions.

Lovren insists that he and his Liverpool team-mates took all the necessary steps to maintain their fitness levels while in quarantine, with a view to being at the peak of their powers when football was finally cleared to return.

The Croatian centre-back told the club's official website: "To be honest, even without a date at the beginning, our main focus and goal was, 'Guys, let's finish the season. There will, of course, be a date back, but just stay in shape, be in shape when we come back. We will do it and then we can say well done.' 

"That was our main focus from the beginning. All the time we have been working in the gym, we know what is our focus. Of course we still have two games [to win until] we can say, 'Yeah, we are the champions' but our main focus is to win all the games. That's the main target." 

Lovren is delighted to have seen the squad's discipline pay off, but admits that he found his final few weeks in self-isolation frustrating due to the lack of certainty over the resumption of top-level sport.

He added: "The last two weeks before we came back together, to be honest, I was a little bit struggling with not knowing when we will start and when we will be back together.

"You put so many questions in your mind, 'When will everything be back to normal?', but this is a great challenge for yourself and to show to everyone that you care about yourself, you care about your team. 

"So we did it and we did an amazing job. We came back in great shape. We did some physical tests and I think it says a lot about the team. 

"Everyone respected all the planning and programmes that we got. This is what's important for this team."

Former Kaizer Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala has explained why he is still clubless almost a year after leaving BB Erzurumspor. 

In an online press conference with the South African Football Journalists Association, 'Shabba' revealed he had planned to get back onto the field sooner but he picked up an injury which made it impossible for him to sign with any of the clubs he was in talks with.

After recovering from the injury he was about to leave the country, then the coronavirus hit the world which was another blow in his hopes of securing a new home, according to the Phiri-born midfielder.   

"The plan was to be back on the field sooner, and I picked up an injury late last year as we were about to embark on another journey, so that was a blow for me," Shabba told the South African Football Journalists Association.

"I recovered from the injury and, as I was about to leave, the situation that we're currently facing happened, so I had to put everything on hold and understand that it can't happen at that particular time." 

"There was no movement or anything. So, in a way, I shifted my focus to matters that have been affecting us from that particular period until now."

The 35-year-old is still hopeful of returning to the pitch after the lockdown and revealed he had offers from China, Italy and Turkey before the pandemic brought the world to a standstill.  

"I still hope that, when this is all over, I'll get an opportunity to be back on the field again. I had offers – before lockdown – to play overseas, there was interest in China, Italy and also in Turkey," confirmed the veteran. 

Tshabalala further stated that he will need time to think about what to do next after the coronavirus lockdown - whether he wants to go abroad or remain in South Africa and end his career. 

This is a decision he will take together with his family and for the benefit of his family.  

"Obviously after this, one has to sit down and think, do I still want to go abroad or do I want to play here at home and end my career as well?" he asked.

"But the decision that I'll take will be a collective decision with my family. It will be a decision that will favour my family as well, so we'll see about that."

Arsenal have been warned that their long-standing issues away from home are likely to scupper any top-four ambitions when Premier League football returns, with Martin Keown considering form on the road to still be the Gunners’ “Achilles heel”.

Top-flight action in England has been given a green light to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic from June 17.

Arsenal will be among the first back out onto the field, as they prepare to take in a meeting with Manchester City.

A positive result in that contest could set Mikel Arteta’s side up for a late surge up the standings and into contention for Champions League qualification.

There is an eight-point gap for them to bridge in that quest at present, with the Gunners sat some way behind London rivals Chelsea in fourth spot.

A faultless run through to the end of the current campaign may be required in order to give Arsenal a shot at staging the most miraculous of recoveries.

Keown cannot see that happening, with it likely that struggles on their travels will end up undermining the efforts of those from Emirates Stadium.

Away form has been a problem for some time, with the rot first setting in as Arsene Wenger was edging towards the exits and a managerial baton was passed to Unai Emery.

There have been signs of progress since Arteta took the reins, with Arsenal plugging some of their defensive leaks, but they are considered to be a work in progress and a side that is unlikely to trouble many of those currently sat above them in the table.

Keown told the Daily Mail when asked if a top-four finish remains a realistic target for the Gunners: “Arsenal’s problem, for the last two-and-a-half seasons, has been their away form. It’s their Achilles heel.

“In 2019-20, they’ve won twice on the road in 13 attempts, and their next three games are all away from home — against Manchester City, Brighton and Southampton.

“Then later in the campaign, they face Wolves and Tottenham away, too, before travelling to Aston Villa.

“If you’re a Manchester United player looking at those Arsenal fixtures, you’d be saying: ‘Good luck with that.’ United have a slight head start and a more favourable run-in.

“Something affects this Arsenal group when they’re competing away from home, and I doubt they’ll make it into the Champions League because of that.”

Failure to climb into the top four would mean that Arsenal are left facing up to a fourth successive season without elite European competition, with 2016-17 representing the last time they graced a Champions League stage.

AFC Leopards attacking midfielder Musa Saad has picked the players who must be kept if the club wants to fight and win the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) title.

AFC Leopards last won the title in 1998 and Saad says should the nine players he identified remain for the foreseeable future, victory can be achieved.

Saad named young players who were mostly signed last year by Ingwe as the ones capable of delivering the title back at the Den.

“AFC Leopards have incredible talents. There are very talented players at the club and if the club can keep them, we are bound to be successful,” Saad told the club's Online TV. 

“Collins Shichenje, Vincent Oburu, Austin Odhiambo, Marvin Nabwire, Omar Somobwana, Said Tsuma, Maurice Sunguti, Daniel Msamali and Boniface Mukhekhe are the players with huge potential for AFC Leopards.

“That is the crop of players if they are maintained together for two to three seasons, we can lift the league title easily. I can assure that.”

The attacking midfielder also said the fans need to play their part as the players fight to ensure the league title is won so as to earn a Caf Champions League slot in the coming seasons.

“It has also been a long time since AFC Leopards took part in the Champions League but with that kind of players that is achievable,” he added.

“We have got the squad, we have a good technical bench and an office that has shown their willingness to help players.

“We only need fans to push us as we try to achieve our targets.

“We will have a deadly squad especially if the other external factors are settled. I believe everyone there is capable and have great potential.”

Meanwhile, the former Thika United star picked Paul Were as the best ever player to don the blue jersey of AFC Leopards. Saad further stated his respect for Tom Juma, the current cub official, for what he did during his playing time.

"[Paul] Were is my all-time best player for AFC Leopards. I met him at AFC Leopards and after little interaction, I was satisfied by his abilities and talent," he concluded.

“It could have been great if I had played alongside our team manager [Tom] Juma. At times when we train together, you can just see how good he was during his time.”

Saad joined AFC Leopards on July 2018 from Thika United, who had suffered relegation.

Alisson is capable of breaking “all the records” at Liverpool if he sticks around at Anfield for a “long time”, says legendary former Reds goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar.

A Brazil international was added to Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded squad during the summer of 2018.

He was briefly the most expensive keeper on the planet, with a £65 million ($82m) transfer fee required to prise him away from Serie A giants Roma.

An immediate return has been offered on that investment, with Alisson’s debut campaign ending with him collecting a Premier League Golden Glove and Champions League crown.

He has since gone on to help Liverpool close in on the Premier League title, while also earning a billing as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the world game.

Grobbelaar believes the 27-year-old is capable of re-writing the history books on Merseyside, with a man who has 40 clean sheets to his name from 79 appearances in a position where he could chase down Ray Clemence’s club record of 323 shut outs.

“If Alisson stays at Liverpool long enough he could break all the records that myself and Ray Clemence achieved,” Grobbelaar, who spent 13 years at Anfield between 1981 and 1994, told The Mirror.

“If he wants to stay at Anfield for a long time he will break all the records for sure and I would love him to do that.

“Alisson is undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he deserves to be put on that pedestal.

“Him and Manuel Neuer are probably the best two when it comes to angles — those two are the very best in the world at getting their angles right, they don’t have to dive because they aren’t out of position.

“They are in the right place at the right time and they move their feet very, very well.”

Alisson is not the only talismanic presence to have emerged at Liverpool under Klopp, with Grobbelaar also quick to sing the praises of commanding Dutch centre-half Virgil van Dijk.

He added on a defensive colossus: “I played behind Phil Thompson and Alan Hansen, and they were both brilliant centre-halves.

“With Thommo, Jockey had to work a little bit harder because when Thommo made a mistake, he had to cover up quite a lot.

“When Thommo left, Jockey took up his role and we had Mark Lawrenson, who was quick, he had brilliant speed.

“Now with Van Dijk, you have a cool head like a Hansen but he’s that quick like Lawrenson — he is both rolled into one.

“But what he does with his other centre-halves and other defenders is make them much better, and that’s the quality of Virgil van Dijk.”

Jose Mourinho must manage Harry Kane's return to the pitch carefully, according to Paul Robinson, who says the Tottenham striker can't be expected to play three games a week.

Kane has not featured for Spurs since suffering a hamstring injury during a 1-0 defeat against Southampton at St Mary's on January 1.

The 26-year-old was forced to undergo surgery on the issue, and had to watch on from the sidelines as Tottenham embarked on a miserable run of form before the coronavirus-enforced break in the season.

Mourinho's men failed to win any of their final six matches, exiting both the Champions League and FA Cup along the way, but they do still have an outside chance of finishing in the Premier League's top four when the campaign resumes.

Kane has benefitted from the extra recovery time while in quarantine, and is now back in training with the rest of his team-mates ahead of a huge meeting with Manchester United on June 19.

However, Robinson has warned Mourinho against rushing a prized asset back into the fold, with a congested fixture list likely to increase the risk of injuries.

The ex-Spurs goalkeeper told Sky Sports: "You have to worry whether Harry Kane can play two or three games a week, whether he can play 90 minutes on a Saturday and then have to wait again for the following Saturday to play another 90 minutes.

"It will be all about how Jose (Mourinho) manages the situation because you can't expect a player whose been out after that length of time to be able to come back and play three games a week with all the demands Premier League football puts on you.

"Managers are going to have to be very aware and conscious as to how they man-manage their players fitness, injuries and squad rotation.

"Squad rotation, in particular, is going to be huge in the next three or four weeks with the amount of games - training is going to be minimal so it's going to be all about preparation and recovery."

Tottenham find themselves down in eighth in the top-flight standings, seven points behind Chelsea in the race for the final Champions League spot. Mourinho could see his side make up significant ground on their rivals if they secure all three points against United, before focus shifts to a London derby against West Ham on June 23.

Very few Indian players can boast of being part of historic title-winning sides like Jayesh Rane can. The decorated ATK attacking midfielder has an enviable CV, with one I-League title and two Indian Super League (ISL) titles to his name.

Jayesh was part of the Chennaiyin FC squad that sported a spirited comeback in the 2015 ISL to clinch the title. They won their last four games in the league phase, as required and defeated ATK, FC Goa in the following rounds to make the improbable possible.

He was also an integral part of the Aizawl FC side that defied all odds to write an incredible footballing story in the 2016-17 I-League season. Khalid Jamil’s men became the first team from North-East India to win the national title, despite not having any star name.

Recently, the 27-year-old won his second ISL title, this time with ATK which became the first side to win the competition thrice. Understandably, he was unable to pick a favourite when he spoke to Goal.

“All the tournaments were memorable. In the I-League when I played for Aizawl FC, no one thought we would win. But it became one of the best stories you've heard. Even with Chennaiyin FC (In 2015), no one thought we would win. We had to win five games in the last five games. We did it and won the trophy. You can say that all three were memorable for me,” he said.

All players have that one coach with whom they share a special bond and are able to play to their potential under them. While Jayesh claimed to have learnt a lot from all the coaches he played under, he reserved a special mention for Khalid.

He credited the former Aizawl and Mumbai FC coach for his development and versatility.

“It was always Khalid (Jamil). He was the one who picked me up at Mumbai FC where I started my career. There are many coaches I have trained under – at Air India it was Godfrey Pereira and then there was my uncle Rajesh Rahane.

“But it was Khalid Jamil who stood out. He knows how to handle players. There were no superstars in the team at Aizawl. He knew how to bring the best out of everyone. He knows me very well from the beginning and what I was capable of. And hence played me at central midfield that season.

“He knows where to use the players. He is very intelligent in all this."

Rane also paid credit to his former coaches and explained how playing in different styles has helped him improve his game.

“Everyone had their own style. I was with (Marco) Materazzi for three years. He was very strict on the field, like all foreign coaches I’ve played under. But Materazzi was chill (off the field). He used to say that we could do whatever we wanted off the field but on the pitch, he always demanded our 100 per cent. That is all he asked for. I got to learn different styles. From Materazzi, I learn the Italian style which was different defensively. I got to learn a lot. I was with Steve Coppell, Teddy Sheringham, Robbie Keane, and Antonio Habas. All their styles were different,” he explained.

Rane started his career as a striker and went on to play at multiple positions. A crucial element in any squad, Rane has practically played everywhere on the pitch bar between the posts and in central defence. Once again, he had words of praise for Khalid who believed in testing his players at multiple positions.

“I am a player who loves to adjust anywhere. I don’t mind where I play as long as I play football. Whatever the coach asks me to do, I would love to do it. Every coach has their own style and you need to adjust as a player.

“At Mumbai FC I started off as a striker. Ashutosh (Mehta) was there in my team at that time and he used to play as a right-winger. I was not a regular and joined mid-way. In most of my junior career, I played as a striker.

“Khalid Jamil knew that with my body type, you can’t play as a striker in Indian football because strikers are usually big. So, he used me as a winger. Then I played as a right-back, left-back, centre-half, and every other position. I give all the credit to Khalid Jamil because he used to play me in every position. He likes to try playing everyone in different positions.

“Whenever a coach asks me if I can play in a certain position because a player is injured, I am always up for it,” said Jayesh.

He also spoke about how Fiji star Roy Krishna motivated the youngsters at ATK last season. As for his personal goals, Jayesh is looking to achieve his first national team call-up. He has also made it his mission to impress in his first-ever Asian outing as ATK-Mohun Bagan gear up for their AFC Cup 2021 campaign.

“Elano, (Stevin) Mendoza, (Bernard) Mendy, Robbie Keane and many other players were active in mentoring the youngsters. I learnt a lot from them. This season, Roy (Krishna) stood out as a player who encouraged youngsters and motivated them.

“My goal was always to play for the national team and that will always be there. We will be playing AFC Cup with ATK now. I have never played in that competition before, so winning that would be a goal,” he concluded.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the club will need Eden Hazard for their La Liga title battle.

Hazard has been limited to just 15 appearances for Madrid since arriving from Chelsea in a reported €100 million deal due to injury and fitness problems.

The 29-year-old attacker broke his ankle prior to the La Liga campaign being suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, but he has used the near-three-month hiatus as a chance to fully recover ahead of the league's return.

Madrid – who were two points behind leaders Barcelona with 11 matches remaining – will resume their season against Eibar on June 14 and Courtois provided an update on team-mate Hazard.

"Hazard is just fine," Belgium star Courtois told Movistar. "The rhythm he has is surprising, but we have to go bit by bit.

"We can't expect him to be on top form without playing. I think he's in shape and we'll need him to fight for the title."

Madrid had only won one of their last four La Liga games prior to the league's postponement due to the Covid-19 crisis in March.

Zinedine Zidane's Madrid defeated bitter rivals Barca 2-0 in March but lost to Real Betis and Levante, while they drew at home to Celta Vigo.

"We can't wait for the league to begin again and start the battle to win it," Courtois said as Madrid prepare to play behind closed doors.

"It'll be different [without fans]," added Courtois. "It's great when there is an atmosphere - even when you are playing away from home and it's against you. It gives you adrenaline and it's something which motivates me to pull off more saves. I'll be just as motivated without the fans there."

Not only will Madrid take to the field without fans, the Spanish giants will play away from the Santiago Bernabeu due to renovation work on the iconic stadium.

Madrid are set to play their remaining La Liga games at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano – the club's Valdebebas training ground.

"I don't think it will work against us [playing away from the Bernabeu]," Courtois said. "It's an honour to play at a stadium named after a legend - the best player in Real Madrid history.

"For the history of the club, it would be very nice to win the league there. The training sessions we have had there have been going well and I can't see us having any problems playing there."

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo believes his "very special" team can win the Champions League without fans.

Atletico dethroned titleholders Liverpool in the last 16 before the Champions League was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic in March.

The Champions League could resume in August, with the Bundesliga back underway as La Liga, the Premier League and Serie A prepare to return this month.

Atletico lost two Champions League finals under Diego Simeone in 2014 and 2016, but Cerezo told Movistar: "We are very special, we can win a Champions League without an audience. It could be our year."

La Liga will restart with a Seville derby between Sevilla and Real Betis on June 11 following the Covid-19 crisis. Atletico, meanwhile, will travel to Athletic Club behind closed doors on June 14.

Simeone's men are sixth in the table with 11 matches remaining, a point behind Real Sociedad and the final Champions League qualification spot.

"In the league we are in a difficult situation and in Champions we are very good," Cerezo said. "A few games away from reaching a final, which is where we like to be."

"He [head coach Simeone] is calm and has confidence in what he does and will direct us to get into the top four," added Cerezo.

The coronavirus pandemic is set to impact the transfer market as clubs feel the financial effects of the crisis.

Atletico spent heavily at the start of the season after Antoine Griezmann joined Barcelona, breaking a club record to sign Joao Felix, while Marcos Llorente, Hector Herrera, Felipe, Renan Lodi, Mario Hermoso and Kieran Trippier also arrived.

Looking ahead to 2020-21, Cerezo said: "There is a possibility that nobody will be signed, but we will have to wait for what happens in the season. The transfers will be very difficult for everyone."

Star Atletico midfielder Saul Niguez has recently been in the headlines with the Spaniard reportedly being hunted by Manchester United.

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with the midfielder, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still in the market for more ball-playing options despite adding Bruno Fernandes to his ranks and seeing Paul Pogba return to fitness.

They will not be the only ones in the mix, though, if a scramble is sparked for a prized signature, with Saul's agent Jonathan Barnett admitting as much to Sport Witness.

He said: "Somebody like Saul doesn’t need anybody to push him. He’s so good and everybody knows that and they know a lot of clubs want him. But he’s already at a very big club. He has a very good relationship with Atletico Madrid and Atletico fans.

"Every good player is linked with another club. Some agents may want to do that and if they need the press to do something, then they are not very good at their job. It’s journalists trying to write things. It may be true or may not be true, but it’s something we as an agency at Stellar don’t really get involved in."