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Senegal international Fode Ballo-Toure has revealed the reason he signed for AC Milan ahead of the new season.

The Italian giants confirmed the arrival of the defender from Ligue 1 side AS Monaco after he penned a four-year contract with the Rossoneri, where he will be wearing the number five jersey.

The 24-year-old has revealed in his first interview why he decided to sign for the Italian outfit and the role played by legend Paolo Maldini in the transfer.

On why he ended up at Milan, Ballo-Toure said as quoted by sempremilan.com: “I’m very happy to be here. In the beginning, there was a contact between Paolo [Maldini] and my agent, I didn’t believe it.

“Then the negotiations with Monaco began, but I only started to believe it when I arrived in Milan.

“I am very happy that Maldini brought me to Milan and gave me his confidence. He is an important reference.”

On his first day at the club, Ballo-Toure explained: “The first few days went well. I was welcomed well, I already knew Leao, but everyone welcomed me well. Even the language gradually I learn more and more. Pioli told me what he expects from me and that he is always available if I have to need something.”

Toure has further admitted he will need to score goals next season, to better his display from last season.

“It’s one of the things I have to improve. I have to do better and score more as Theo Hernandez does,” Ballo-Toure continued.

“Everyone has his own style. Like him, I am very fast too. I have to improve various aspects, such as from the production point of view, but each has its own qualities and style.”

On joining a team with Fikayo Tomori, whom he faced in the Youth League final a few years ago, Ballo-Toure said: “It’s a great pleasure to see him again. We haven’t talked about that final yet, but we will certainly talk about it. It’s a real pleasure to find him.”

On his jersey number choice, Ballo-Toure said: “The 5 and 3 are the numbers that are usually worn by left-backs. The 3 was not available so I chose the 5.”

Despite playing for the French youth team, Ballo-Toure decided to feature for Senegal at international level, and speaking on the upcoming African Cup of Nations finals to be held in Cameroon, he said: “I will be happy to represent my national team in the African Cup. If we have to talk to the club about it, we will do it without problems.”

On Milan having several French players in the squad, he said: “I am happy that they are there, they can certainly help me also in the translation from Italian if I do not understand something. They will certainly make me feel at ease.”

Apart from Ballo-Toure, Milan have also signed Mike Maignan, Tomori, Sandro Tonali, and Olivier Giroud.

Sadio Mane has revealed his excitement after seeing Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, and Virgil van Dijk return to full training.

The trio missed a big part of the 2020/21 season owing to injuries, and as a result, the reigning Premier League champions at the time battled to a third-place finish.

The Senegal international, who had by his own admission the worst season of his career, noted how incredible it is to have every player available for pre-season ahead of the new season.

"I think not only me, I think everybody [is excited to have them back]," Mane told Liverpool FC.

"As a player, we all become like fans because if you see your teammate getting back in training and fit, you just say, 'Wow!' When I see Virgil, Joe [Gomez] and Joel [Matip], after every training session I say, 'My friend, how are you feeling?' Because I think to have everybody back in the team is just incredible. 

"Because we know what they are capable of doing for the team and for us, the most important thing is the team, so having those players fit, 100 percent – I think you can always see the smiles of the boys and say: 'Wow, what a season it’s going to be for us again'."

The 29-year-old has further stated he is fit and ready for the new campaign which starts on August 14.

"Yeah, sure [I am in better shape than this time last year," Mane continued when asked about last season.

"I think it’s always important as a player to have a break because I can say since I came to Liverpool this was the first time I have had four weeks or more holidays, so I think that sometimes helps a lot.  

"I could see from day one that everybody was looking sharp, which for me was unbelievable! I am not complaining about having one week or two weeks’ holiday, but I think it’s always extra [helpful] for us to have this long period of holiday. 

"To be honest, everybody, and I for sure feels more ready. I always say tiredness is here [in the head] and obviously you have to be mentally strong to cope with it, but at the same time, I think resting is the best [thing].

"I think now we have all rested properly so this is another advantage for us. We are looking to be ready for the season now."

Last season, Mane scored 16 goals but was disappointed since he felt he should have done more. He has now expressed his optimism ahead of the new campaign.

"Well, I think as I said at the beginning – and when I said it, I meant it, for sure [that it was a tough season]. It was not my best season, which I know," he added.

"Like I always said, it can happen in football but I think it won’t be the same [next] season. For sure, I am more ready, mentally, physically, everything, so I think it will be, for myself, an exciting season."

Christian Eriksen would need to have his defibrillator removed in order to return to action at Inter, says Italy's technical scientific committee.

The Danish playmaker suffered cardiac arrest while on international duty at Euro 2020 on June 12, with only the quick thinking of team-mates and medical professionals saving his life.

The 29-year-old has since been fitted with an ICD to regulate further disturbances in his heartbeat, but Serie A officials say Eriksen would need to prove that he is completely clear of any health concerns in order to resume his professional career at San Siro.

What has been said?

Francesco Braconaro, a member of the Italian FA's technical scientific committee, told Radio Kiss Kiss: "Christian Eriksen cannot be given the all-clear to play in Italy. If the player has the defibrillator removed, therefore confirming the pathology can be resolved, then he can return to play for Inter."

Could Eriksen have his ICD removed?

Eriksen spent six days in hospital after his collapse in Copenhagen. He was fitted with an ICD during that time, which is a device connected to the heart by wires that sends an electrical pulse in order to correct any irregular rhythms.

It appears highly unlikely that medics or the Dane's family would agree to having that removed.

Danish team doctor Morten Boesen said after Eriksen was released from hospital on June 18: "This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances. Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment."

Ajax and Netherlands defender Daley Blind has shown that performance at the highest level is possible with a defibrillator.

Further reading

Pierluigi Gollini says he is "really happy" to be heading to Tottenham, but admits there is some sadness at leaving "second home" Atalanta and that he turned down opportunities to stay in Serie A as he did not want to face the Bergamo club.

The Italian goalkeeper is heading for Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as new Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo puts his own stamp on the squad, and will compete with Hugo Lloris for the number one spot.

Gollini, who previously played in England with Aston Villa and spent time with Manchester United U18s, said he was grateful for the chance to test himself in English football once again.

What has been said?

Gollini told reporters in Italy: "I am really happy. It's been difficult to leave a place that was like my family, a second home. Thank you to Bergamo and all the supporters. I felt really loved. What we achieved is going to be in the history of the club.

"It's a new experience. I am happy and grateful to Tottenham for this opportunity. I am looking forward to starting.

"I could've still played in Italy but Tottenham is the best option for me. It's difficult for me to play for another team in Italy after Atalanta."

Gollini goes to Spurs

Gollini, who has one senior Italy cap, played for Villa in the Championship in 2016 before being sold to Atalanta for £4 million after a year and a half on loan in Bergamo.

In his time with Atalanta, Gollini has played an important role in their establishment as a regular Champions League qualifier from Serie A, including making a run to the quarter-finals in their 2019-20 debut campaign, although he missed the two legs against PSG with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Gollini returned to the Atalanta starting XI last season after his injury, making 32 appearances in all competitions.

According to reports, Gollini will sign on an initial loan with Spurs, with the deal becoming a permanent £13m transfer if he makes 20 appearances for the club this season. Tottenham also reportedly have the option to extend the loan deal by 12 months.

Further Reading

Mason Greenwood is proud to be placed in a similar talent bracket to former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, with the 19-year-old forward considering such talk to be "a nice little comparison".

The highly-rated graduate of the Red Devils' famed academy system has drawn similarities to a Premier League Golden Boot winner of the past due to his predatory instincts in front of goal.

Greenwood has shown that his left foot can be as devastating as that of a famous Dutchman that helped to deliver title glory to Old Trafford during Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at the helm in 2012-13.

What has been said?

Asked about the Van Persie comparisons during a Q&A on United's official website, Greenwood said: "It’s nice if people think I play like him and shoot like him a little bit. 

"For an all-time great like him, it’s nice to have that little thing that people say. 

"I used to watch him at United and obviously at Arsenal as well. He’s a good quality striker. 

"I’ve watched a lot of football games and a lot of Premier League strikers and obviously pick up a few things and watch a few clips. It’s a nice little comparison."

Is Greenwood left-footed?

While Greenwood has shown that he has a left foot to match that of Van Persie, questions continue to be asked of whether an ambidextrous performer actually has a strongest side.

"Good question – I’d probably say my left," Greenwood said when asked if he has a favoured foot.

"It used to be my right when I was younger. I used to use both when I was younger but used to use my right foot quite a bit more.

"Unfortunately, I got injured in a game in the academy and was out for six or seven months. When I was going back, I was not as strong as on the other foot and now think my left foot is a bit stronger, cutting in from the right."

Does Greenwood have a best position?

Debate is also raging regarding Greenwood's best position, with the youngster currently being used as a wide attacker.

The expectation is that he will move more centrally in time, allowing him to become an out-and-out striker, but there is no rush for that transition to be made.

England international Greenwood said when quizzed on his best role: "I don’t have a favourite, to be honest.

"If I’m asked to play up front or wide left, or wherever it is, I’m just happy to do a job for the team. I don’t mind where I play as long as I’m playing really and scoring goals."

Further reading

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bennet Mnguni has advised the Premier Soccer League side not to release Hlompho Kekana.

Kekana, who signed a long-term contract with Sundowns two years ago, did not feature prominently for the champions last season and that led to speculation he could leave the Pretoria side. Citing Kekana's experience, Mnguni said it would be critical for the club to consider having the midfielder in their ranks.

"What I can tell you is that Hlompho worked so hard for the team and if now the coaches don't see him the way he was before, the experience is still there," Mnguni told Sowetan Live.

"We need players who have experience at the club. People may say the coaches don’t play him, but you will find out that he is injured or being rested so he can get the energy."

Last season, Kekana played in nine PSL games and 15 across all competitions as Andile Jali and Rivaldo Coetzee were regularly fielded, but Mnguni insists it would be wrong to release him.

"We might not know why he was not playing last season. Remember, there was a game where he came in as a sub and he scored [against Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinal]," he added.

"He will still help the club, so for me to [let him] go, I don’t think it would be a good idea for the club."

However, Mnguni stated the decision to leave or not largely depends on Kekana: "It depends on him as a player what he wants. If he wants to go, the team can release him. But if he wants to remain with the team, he can stay," he concluded.

"So, it is up to him and the coaches what they decide. He served the club with passion and love, and we still need those kinds of players at the club."

Sundowns have strengthened the team with the signings of Sifiso Ngobeni, Thabiso Kutumela, Pavol Safranko, Divine Lunga, Neo Maema and Grant Kekana.

The new signings have been handed long-term contracts with each signing a five-year deal.

AmaZulu coach Benni McCarthy has come out to deny reports linking him with a move to PSL giants Orlando Pirates.

Speculation about the future of the 43-year-old tactician hit the headlines last week after he failed to report to AmaZulu’s first pre-season training camp, with rumours going round he was holding talks with Pirates over a possible transfer.

But after returning home from an extended holiday, the former Bafana Bafana striker has dismissed the reports linking him with a move away from Uzuthu.

What has been said?

“On the question that was asked, that I’ve had discussions with Orlando Pirates. No, I’ve not had a discussion with anyone,” McCarthy told Marawa Sports Worldwide as quoted by idiskitimes.

“I was not approached by Pirates; I haven’t had a chat with the chairman or any one of Orlando Pirates for that matter.

“Orlando Pirates has their own coaches and I’m sure they are very happy and content with what they have. So I didn’t have any meetings or discussions of taking the job at Orlando Pirates.”

On his status at AmaZulu, McCarthy explained: “I’ve got two more years on my contract.

“So that’s still a long time for me to go and achieve a lot of things here at AmaZulu. I’m happy and the way things look, I’m gonna finish my contract here at the club.

“But a lot of things can happen in football, a lot of things always changes in an instant, so new contract and all that, it will come I think.”

On dismissing the reports as fake news, the club said in a statement: “Usuthu would like to clarify any fake news regarding coach Benni McCarthy and Andre De Jong.

“Coach McCarthy has returned to South Africa from his off-season break in Scotland. He has been in training with the players as of Saturday, July 17, 2021.”

Further PSL reading 

Real Madrid have revealed that star striker Karim Benzema has tested positive for Covid-19.

The Liga giants, who are now working under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, are in the process of piecing together their plans for 2021-22.

A France international forward will play no part in pre-season training for the foreseeable future as he must now take in a period of self-isolation.

What has been said?

A brief statement on the Blancos' official website reads: "Real Madrid C. F. confirm that our player Karim Benzema has tested positive for Covid-19."

He will not be cleared to rejoin the rest of Ancelotti's squad before a negative test has been posted.

The bigger picture

Benzema has already made a delayed return to the Real fold following his involvement with France at Euro 2020.

Having been welcomed back from the international wilderness by Didier Deschamps, the 33-year-old hit four goals for his country before dropping out in the last 16.

Ancelotti would have been looking forward to being reunited with a familiar face in the Spanish capital.

The Italian coach is back at Santiago Bernabeu for a second spell following the departure of Zinedine Zidane.

He previously oversaw two 20-plus goal seasons for Benzema at Real between 2013 and 2015, with a famous La Decima triumph in the Champions League savoured along the way.

When are Real Madrid next in action?

The Blancos, who surrendered a domestic crown to neighbours Atletico Madrid in 2020-21, are in the process of completing a pre-season friendly programme.

They are due to face Scottish champions Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, before then tackling Ancelotti's former employers at AC Milan on August 8.

The new La Liga season will start for Real with a trip to Alaves on August 14.

Further reading

Gini Wijnaldum says he sympathises with new Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe's dilemma over whether to leave the Ligue 1 giants - but is hopeful the forward will stay.

Wijnaldum is one of several star players to arrive at PSG this summer, alongside Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sergio Ramos and Achraf Hakimi, as the Parisians aim to finally win their first Champions League title.

However Mbappe, whose contract expires next year, has still not committed to fresh terms with the French capital club, with speculation swirling that a huge move could be made this summer.

What has been said?

Wijnaldum, who ran down his own contract at Liverpool to leave on a free before choosing to join PSG over Barcelona, says he is very keen for Mbappe to agree renewed terms at the club, as he was among the major reasons he chose Ligue 1 ahead of La Liga.

He told RMC: "Everyone wants Mbappe to stay, starting with me because he is one of the reasons that made me come to PSG, to play with players like him. I was already very happy to see that Neymar had extended."

Given his own recent contract situation at Anfield, Wijnaldum does have sympathy with Mbappe potentially considering a move for a new challenge, and that he ultimately has to decide on what is best for his career personally.

Wijnaldum said: "I've been in that position too and most of the time you follow your feelings. I just hope his go to PSG because the club are doing their best to make this team the best in the world."

Could Mbappe leave PSG?

Mbappe joined PSG from Monaco in the summer of 2017 and he has since become a World Cup winner and Champions League finalist, so it would likely take an astronomical bid to prise the France forward away from Parc des Princes.

However the longer Mbappe stalls on a new deal - which comes after PSG missed out on both the Ligue 1 and Champions League titles last season - the greater the possibility of PSG having to cash in.

Wijnaldum makes Pogba appeal

Another star player linked with PSG is Paul Pogba, who is also yet to sign a contract extension, this time with Manchester United.

While a move away from Old Trafford has been mooted for Pogba for a long time and has yet to come to pass, Wijnaldum would love the 2018 World Cup winner to head for his native France and made an appeal to the midfielder.

He said: "He is amazing, I have played against him several times and what a fabulous player! If you ask any player from another team if he would like Pogba to join him, everyone will say yes because he is an extraordinary player, full of qualities.

"He's got everything. He's one of the best midfielders in the world. We need all the players for a season. I would love to have Paul Pogba with us here because he's a superb player."

Further Reading

Kenya international goalkeeper Patrick Matasi has parted ways with Ethiopia heavyweights Saint George S.C.

The Harambee Star has confirmed his exit from the team after the expiry of his contract. The custodian joined the Horsemen in October 2018 from Tusker FC, when he signed a three-year deal.

He has been serving as the first-choice goalkeeper for the club until recently when the decision to part ways was made.

What Matasi says after the exit

"I would like to appreciate the Saint George SC fraternity for giving me the opportunity to work, with, and for them since 2018," Matasi posted on his official social media account.

"41 matches and 22 clean sheets later, the time has come for me to say goodbye to the club that I so loyally served. I leave Ethiopia with more experience, not just in the game but in life in general. 

"Special thanks to all the fans and my teammates for the immense support and all the best in the future."

Where next for the Harambee Star?

Rumours have linked the goalkeeper to a move back to former team Tusker, who will represent Kenya in the Caf Champions League next season.

Coach Robert Matano is keen on having an experienced figure in goal, one who can command the starting spot consistently. 

"Matasi is interested in going back to Tusker, and I can assure you contact has been made," a source close to both the player and the club told Goal on Friday.

"[Matano] rates him highly, and having worked with him in the past, he is keen on getting him back. We all know what Matasi can do, we have seen him for Harambee Stars and his quality is unquestionable. 

"He can bring stability in the Tusker goal, and it is the reason why the club want him back now that there is Champions League football next season."

Kenya international Joseph Okumu was an unused sub as KAA Gent started their Uefa Europa Conference League campaign with a resounding 4-0 win against Valerenga IF on Thursday night.

The Harambee Star completed his move to the Belgian outfit from Swedish club IF Elfsborg on June 20 and in the team’s first competitive match this campaign, he only managed to make the bench and did not come on at Ghelamco Arena.

In his absence, the Buffalos scored through Gianni Bruno in the 11th minute before Tarik Tissoudali made it 2-0 in the 39th minute for a comfortable lead at the half-time break.

Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe then made it 3-0 for Gent in the 56th minute before substitute Yonas Malede capped the night with the fourth goal in the 88th minute against the Norwegians side, who hardly threatened, which allowed the home team to take the advantage heading into the next rounds of matches.

Gent manager Hein van Haezebrouck was impressed with the team’s newcomer Andrew Hjulsager, who managed two assists in the first 40 minutes of the game.

“It was indeed nice to start the season this way, also because there was also a convincing victory. Something like that certainly gives confidence, for me and for the team,” Haezebrouck told the club’s official website after the game.

“We struggled a bit in the first ten minutes. The opponent showed a lot of effort, but after the 1-0 we got full control of the game and I am impressed with how Hjulsager settled in well.”

Despite not scoring Hjulsager said: “The linesman first flagged for offside, but the goal was finally approved. The linesman had not seen that the ball came to me via a player from Vgalerenga.

“The opponent was a bit annoyed by that. But you just have to keep playing, even if the flag is offside.”

On his combination with goal scorer Bruno, Hjulsager explained: “Gianni is a smart player. We like each other. It also worked well in practice matches.

“So hopefully we can take this further and build on this.”

Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies admits that Manchester United star Luke Shaw is "clear" of him in the global left-back pecking order.

A rejuvenated performer at Old Trafford has enjoyed a remarkable return to prominence over the last 12 months, with eye-catching showings put in for club and country.

Davies once enjoyed a meteoric rise of his own, after leaving Canada for the Allianz Arena, but the talented 20-year-old is prepared to accept that he sits behind the England international at present.

What has been said?

During a discussion on his official TikTok account, Davies said: "I just saw one that was like ‘Luke Shaw is clear’. What does that mean? Someone explain to me. I never really understood that – clear of what?”

He then read out a reply in the chat: “That means he’s better.

"Ohhh! Ohh, OK, I get it now, it means he’s better. Yeah, I mean, he is, he’s a really good player!

"Alright, so every time you say like ‘Luke Shaw is clear, Robbo [Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson] is clear, that means he’s better’. OK, makes sense, makes sense."

Davies' record at Bayern

Bayern struck a deal for Davies during the summer of 2018, with a move from the Vancouver Whitecaps representing a then record transfer for MLS.

He linked up with German giants in January 2019 and was immediately thrust into the first team by the Bundesliga giants.

A hot prospect did not look out of place, with his blistering pace catching the eye early on.

The 2019-20 campaign proved to be a memorable one as he helped Bayern to a Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League treble, while also signing a new contract and finishing third in the Golden Boy vote.

An ankle injury was suffered last season, but Davies still took in 33 appearances across all competitions and further enhanced his reputation.

Further reading

Kenya's Gor Mahia are yet to confirm whether they will participate in the Cecafa Kagame Cup 2021 that will be hosted in Dar es Salaam

Cecafa has confirmed the regional tournament will be held between August 1-15 and Simba, the Tanzania Mainland Premier League champions, will not take part.

The host country will be represented by Yanga SC and Azam FC, who completed the 2020/21 season in second and third place, respectively.

While Yanga will participate in the Caf Champions League, Azam will represent Tanzania in the Confederation Cup and the Cecafa Cup is set to give them a platform to test themselves against other regional clubs.

Tusker, Kenya's Champions League representatives, have confirmed they will be part of the August competition in the coastal city, while Uganda Premier League champions Express FC and the reigning champions, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA FC), will represent Uganda. 

Malawi Premier League champions Nyasa Big Bullets have also confirmed their participation as a guest team.

Although Ethiopia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, and Somalia are members of the Cecafa fraternity, none of the teams from these countries has indicated whether they are likely to be part of the tournament.

The Cecafa executive director Auka Gecheo said the competition - the draw of which will be conducted on July 27 - is geared towards helping participants prepare for Caf competitions.

"This tournament will help our teams in the region prepare for the Caf competitions that start in September. We shall also have a guest team from Malawi to spice up the tournament," said the director.

KCCA defeated Azam to lift the Kagame Cup in 2019 in Rwanda. Last year, the tournament did not take place after the Covid-19 pandemic affected most sporting activities, including football, across the world.

The club competition will begin just after the Cecafa U23 competition - which is ongoing in the northern city of Ethiopia, Bahir Dar - ends.

Teams that have confirmed participation in the Cecafa Kagame Cup 2021 are Young Africans SC, Azam FC (Tanzania), Atlabara FC (South Sudan), Le Messager Ngozi FC (Burundi), APR (Rwanda), Express FC, KCCA FC (Uganda), Tusker FC (Kenya), KMKM SC (Zanzibar), Big Bullets FC (Malawi).

Gor Mahia have come out to assure their fans they are working around the clock to make sure they meet the demands from Caf ahead of next season’s inter-club competitions.

K’Ogalo, for the first time in three seasons, will participate in the Confederation Cup after they were beaten to the Champions League ticket by Tusker, who managed to top the 18-team table by the end of June 30 as directed by the Football Kenya Federation.

Despite qualifying for the Confederation Cup, Gor Mahia could miss out on taking part after they received a letter from the African body demanding answers on their financial status before they are allowed to participate.

Gor Mahia official Omondi Aduda, who sits in one of the club’s committees, has told Goal they have already engaged all the coaches and players demanding unpaid salaries from the club and are on track to meet the demands from Caf.

What has been said?

“We are on top of things, we are doing everything to make sure we meet the demands from Caf and so far we have made huge steps towards, meeting what they have asked us to do,” Aduda told Goal on Friday.

“We have already engaged those players and coaches demanding for money from us, we have signed with them agreements on how to settle the issue, so it is not that we are sleeping, we are doing everything to make sure we don’t get barred from the competition.”

Asked to clarify if they have paid them in cash, Aduda said: “We know what we are doing and sometimes it is not good to reveal what our plans are, just be informed that we are on top of things and fans should not be worried.

“Even FKF owes former Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche money and they are in agreement on how to pay it, so we are also in agreement with the players and coaches on how to settle the arrears.”

What did Caf say?

On Thursday, a source from the club confirmed to Goal they had received a letter from Caf demanding answers.

"In a letter, Caf has demanded that we produce audited accounts for the past year and also wants assurances that we have settled debts for players and coaches who have left," a top source at the club told Goal.

Some of the people who have moved to Fifa demanding salary arrears include former coach Steven Polack, Ugandan defender Shafik Batambuze and Ghanaian midfielder Jackson Owusu.

Further FKF Premier League reading 

There was never going to be any other outcome.

Aston Villa may have tried to prize Emile Smith Rowe away from Arsenal this summer, but the only time the Gunners academy product was ever going to play at Villa Park next season was when the Gunners travel there on March 19.

Each bid that arrived was met with the same response at Emirates Stadium: No chance!

Smith Rowe is key to Arsenal’s future and the club were always confident that he would sign a new long-term deal.

Confirmation of that contract finally arrived on Thursday, putting to an end any lingering hopes still harboured by those in the Midlands that the young playmaker might be lured away.

“Emile is a player who represents the future of the club,” said technical director Edu.

“We’re now looking forward to seeing him become even more important to the strong young team we’re building,” added Mikel Arteta.

Smith Rowe’s new contract follows on to the one handed out to Bukayo Saka last summer and is rich reward for the performances he put in after he came into the first-team half way through last season.

When he was brought into the side after the defeat at Everton on December 19, Arsenal were 15th in the Premier League and were staring a relegation battle in the face, with Arteta’s side just four points above the drop zone.

But he and Saka inspired an impressive turnaround during the second half of the campaign, with only Manchester City and Manchester United picking up more points than the Gunners from Boxing Day onwards.

Two youngsters, made in Arsenal’s Hale End academy, took it upon themselves to turn a season around.

In what was an immensely disappointing year for Arsenal, the performances of Saka and Smith Rowe were undoubtedly the shining lights of a dark campaign.

And the fact they Saka will start next season as Arsenal’s No.7 and Smith Rowe will now be No.10, highlights just how much trust the club already have in them, despite their tender years.

"Everyone knows that No 10 is a big shirt, so I’m buzzing to be honest,” Smith Rowe said, when asked about taking on the famous squad number, which had been vacant since Mesut Ozil’s exit in January.

“The legends that have played here and have worn the shirt. I just want to keep working hard and hopefully I can play like them and replicate what they've done."

The Hale End academy is key to Arsenal and having 19-year-old Saka and 20-year-old Smith Rowe now representing the first-team week in, week out will be a huge inspiration to those currently trying to follow in their footsteps.

Ensuring there is a clear pathway towards the senior side is imperative to Arteta, who has always been adamant that the academy will be at the heart of the rebuild he is trying to carry out in north London.

"For me, if we want to strengthen our position and we need to recruit somebody, first of all we have to look in our academy," said the Spaniard. "It's part of the DNA of the club and we have to do that.

"If we have that product in our club, let's bring him in. But he has to have the right qualities, the right mentality and character to do so.

"We are lucky. We have some really good players coming up but we need more and in order to do that we need to keep investing in our academy, to have the right coaches.

“I think Per Mertesacker [academy manager] is doing a fantastic job. Let's keep feeding the first team as much as we can."

Arsenal have a proud tradition of developing their own and Arteta is currently reaping the benefits of the hard work that has been put in during the past 10 years to grow the academy. 

Nine of the current first-team squad have spent at least some time being schooled at Hale End, with the likes of Saka, Smith Rowe, Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson being there since they were young boys.

“The young, top talent we produce at the academy is with the final aim of putting them with the first team and making it a regular thing,” said Arteta. 

“When I signed with the club it was one of the things that excited me more because I love to work with them and it is part of our DNA, part of our history.

“So when we have them, let’s keep them if we think they are players that can take us to the next level.”

Mertesacker took over as academy manager in 2018, but prior to his appointment Arsenal had pushed through a £50m ($62m) development project aimed at improving facilities at Hale End base, as well as at London Colney.

Former chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who is now at AC Milan, led the project and it's an investment that is proving to be a bargain.

“Our youth development is going to be the foundation of this football club going forward,” Gazidis said in 2014. “We’re investing millions of pounds into leadership at that level, new coaching and facilities.

“Hale End is getting totally transformed and we’re investing many million pounds into developing London Colney. We need to make sure that we’re absolutely ahead of the curve in all of those areas. 

“We have to find our own path and our path is going to be built around how well we can develop our young players and bring them through to our first team.”

The investment that has been pumped into Hale End is now certainly bearing fruit, with goalkeeper Arthur Okwonko another academy graduate to sign a new long-term deal in the past few weeks.

Folarin Balogun also put to pen to paper on a new contract in April and both are now considered part of the first-team squad and will be hoping for some game time this season.

Then there is the next crop who are waiting in the wings.

There is Charle Patino, the exceptionally gifted 17-year-old midfielder who many believe to be one of the most exciting talents ever to come through the academy.

He, along with the likes of Omari Hutchinson, Kido Taylor Hart, Miguel Azeez and Marcelo Flores will be eyeing first-team opportunities over the next couple of seasons and all will be boosted by the recent success of Saka and Smith Rowe.

The key thing for Arsenal now is to ensure the club does not rest on its laurels when it comes to the academy.

Mertesacker is aware of the need to keep improving and that’s why, along with technical director Edu, he has pushed through huge amounts of change in the past two years to ensure the production line at Hale End continues to develop top-class talent.

A whole new recruitment team has been installed, led by head of talent ID Lee Herron - who replaced former head of youth scouting Steve Morrow.

Herron, the former academy manager at Reading, was tasked with leading the new talent ID department and building a new team to replace Morrow and other senior figures that had been moved on, such as Kevin Beadell, Dan Rice, David Lee, Jay Leffe and Joe Sutton.

Finding the best young talent remains key to any successful club, especially in such a competitive market, and Arsenal are determined to stay at the front of the queue.

The key now is to ensure others continue to tread the same path taken by Saka and Smith Rowe.

Both Arteta and Edu have a long-term vision for Arsenal that is centred around a strong academy and in Mertesacker they have a man at the helm who is determined to keep the production line rolling.

Some big teams around the world have already unveiled their home and away playing kits for the 2021/22 season.

In the Premier Soccer League, Orlando Pirates revealed their Adidas jerseys on Friday while Kaizer Chiefs’ Nike concept shirts have been leaked.

There is some curiosity to see how the Brazilians will be kitted in the upcoming season.

For now, it is known that German sports apparel company Puma is the technical sponsor of Sundowns.

When will the new kit be launched?

It is not yet known when the public will know the exact kind of apparel Sundowns will be donning.

But after Pirates launched theirs, the Tshwane giants could unveil their kit anytime soon.

What to expect

It is given that Masandawana will have their traditional Brazil national team-inspired yellow shirts, blue shorts and white socks for their home games.

But it is the design that many are highly anticipating to see.

The away colours Sundowns and Puma will settle for are a secret for now and that is also what everyone is waiting to know.

It is a possibility that Masandawana might opt to use their new uniforms to celebrate their record fourth-straight Premier Soccer League title.

What will inspire the design and away colours of their new kit is what most are curiously waiting to know.

The defender How sis they look like last season?

The 2020/21 term was a significant one for Masandawana. 

Their kit was designed in celebration of their 50th anniversary and they also redesigned their logo to mark the half-century milestone in South African football.

The words “50 Years” were emblazoned below their updated logo in both home and away shirts.

Both jerseys were slim fit cut and had the “Johnny-collar” as they revisited how they looked like in 1970, the year they were formed.

For their home matches, they naturally went for their Brazil national team colours while away they donned all-blue from shirts to socks.