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Griezmann was planning Barcelona departure before Koeman arrival, claims former agent

The French attacker was assessing his exit options prior to the Dutch manager's arrival

Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann wanted to leave Camp Nou before speaking to new head coach Ronald Koeman, claims former agent Eric Olhats.

Griezmann endured a difficult first season with Barca following his €120 million arrival from La Liga rivals Atletico Madrid, struggling for consistency despite scoring 15 goals across all competitions.

The 29-year-old's struggles prompted talk of an exit amid links to Paris Saint-Germain, while the front page of Friday's Marca reports Atletico rejected a proposed exchange deal from Barca that would have seen Griezmann and Joao Felix swap clubs.

Olhats, who previously represented Griezmann, claims the France international was eyeing a move away from Barca prior to Koeman replacing Quique Setien.

"Before the [8-2] defeat in the Champions League to Bayern [Munich], Antoine only had the desire to leave Barcelona," Olhats told RMC.

"The reality is that Griezmann perceived that he was not part of the club's plans, that he could not continue like this.

"He was seriously studying how to leave. Then what we know happened and a conversation with Koeman reassured him. [Koeman] expressed his plans, because he considers him an important player for the future."

Griezmann scored nine goals in 35 appearances as Barca were dethroned by bitter rivals Real Madrid in La Liga in 2019-20.

He also netted twice in the Champions League for Barca, who were embarrassed by Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals as they suffered a historic 8-2 defeat.

Barca are now braced for Lionel Messi to sensationally leave the club after the six-time Ballon d'Or winner handed in a transfer request, plunging the Catalan giants into further chaos following a tumultuous season.

While Messi may be leaving Barcelona, Koeman recently revealed his desire to play Griezmann in his preferred position next season as he looks to ensure the Frenchman shelves thoughts of an exit. 

"He is not a traditional winger, so you have to play him in his own position, in a role that suits him and where he can showcase his abilities," Koeman told NOS

"You have to know your players as a coach and ensure you get the best out of them."

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LIVE: Athletic Club vs Barcelona

The Citizens former skipper has backed the club's reported pursuit of the Argentine star

Vincent Kompany is hoping Lionel Messi does end up joining Manchester City and believes the Barcelona legend could help the club end their Champions League drought. 

Messi handed in a shock transfer request this week with Pep Guardiola's side the strong favourites to sign the Argentine should he secure a Camp Nou exit. 

Having previously played under Guardiola, Messi reportedly favours a move to the Etihad with City's manager also seemingly keen on a reunion after the two held initial talks about a move

Kompany, who recently confirmed his playing retirement as he focuses on managing Anderlecht, is hoping Messi does end up playing for Manchester City and believes his relationship with Guardiola could prove decisive. 

"It’d be incredible for the club to have a player like him - he could help them take the next step by winning the Champions League," Kompany said via The Sun

"I know Guardiola’s way of thinking, so I can well imagine the two of them will still have a rapport. I can imagine Pep and Messi still have one another’s phone numbers. So they can give one another a call.

"If Messi has decided to leave Barcelona then I can only respect his decision. Let’s be clear - as a City fan, I hope Messi joins them."

There has been no firm offer from City as yet, however, and any deal for Messi would be extremely complex given the financial details involved in such a transfer. 

Messi is planning to break his silence and explain the reasons behind his decision to leave Barcelona in the coming days. 

Former Barca president Joan Gaspart recently declared the Argentine will likely have to remain at Camp Nou for another season as he slammed Messi for turning his back on the club. 

"He will have to leave in 2021. I have seen the contract and it is very clear. The clause ended in June and there is no going back," Gaspart told Marca.

"I prefer him to leave next year for zero than to go now for less than €700 million. The club is in charge here, not the player. The club paid the players. And this is not a matter of money, there is a signed contract and that's it.

"I don't understand why he is leaving Barcelona. Well, I do understand because I know these plays by football players well.

"We all want him to stay at Barcelona. Doesn't he want to stay? What's going on? Are the millions of club members who ask him to stay not worth it? Does he think that Barcelona have not helped him to be what he is?"

Original author: Josh Thomas
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Wazito FC 1-2 AFC Leopards: Shaka, Rupia strike as Ingwe fight back for victory

The Les Bleus boss believes his French striker can shine alongside the Argentine in seasons to come if given the chance

France head coach Didier Deschamps insisted Antoine Griezmann can successfully play alongside Lionel Messi as the Barcelona superstar eyes an exit.

Messi has sensationally told Barca he wants to leave the embattled La Liga giants, having spent his entire professional career at Camp Nou.

Griezmann, who arrived from Atletico Madrid at the start of the 2019-20 season, and his relationship with Messi made headlines throughout the campaign as the former struggled for consistency.

As Messi generates interest from the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter, Deschamps was asked about the situation and Griezmann after naming his squad for France's upcoming Nations League fixtures.

"I don't know," Deschamps told reporters. "On the first part, it doesn't concern me. It concerns Leo Messi and Barca, so I'm not going to talk about it.

"As for Antoine, can it have an influence? It remains to be seen. The question is more about his position, the position on the pitch. He was sincerely happy to play with Messi. Sometimes it went well and sometimes not so well. Their association is not incompatible.

"It's not up to me, I have other things to take care of. That's about the clubs. Antoine had a rather complicated season, even if that didn't stop him from making a difference. Of course, less than with his former club where the team was built around him at Atletico Madrid.

"That doesn't change the importance he has with the French team. It depends on the coaches who can use different systems. The players have to adapt anyway."

Griezmann scored 15 goals across all competitions in his first season for Barca, which saw the Spanish powerhouse dethroned by Real Madrid in La Liga and humiliated by Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

After replacing Ernesto Valverde in January, head coach Quique Setien was also sacked following the 8-2 embarrassment earlier this month, with Barca turning to Ronald Koeman.

Koeman has since revealed his plans for Griezmann moving forward with the Frenchman's former agent recently revealing he was considering exiting Camp Nou but now seems content to remain at the club after talks with the Dutch manager.

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Man City complete €90m signing of Gvardiol

It is the second win in a row for the Ice-Cream Makers after a recent victory over Namungo

Azam FC defeated KMC FC by a solitary goal in a pre-season friendly played on August 27 at Azam Complex, as the hosts needed a late strike by new signing Prince Dube to give the fans something to smile about.

The 2014 league champions used the match to gauge the new signings as the team prepares for the 2020/21 Tanzania Mainland League season.

The visitors gave as much as they received, especially in the first half, with the strikers trying as much as they could to get a goal, but resolute defending by the Ice-Cream Makers kept them at bay.

Despite the fans receiving ample entertainment in the first half, the only disappointing thing was that there was no goal to celebrate.

The match was heading to a stalemate until substitute Dube received a good pass from the right, managed to get hold off his marker, before passing to Obrey Chirwa.

The Zimbabwean back-heeled the ball to the countryman, getting the defenders off guard, and the latter unleashed a first-time shot past the custodian to hand his team a late win.

It was the second consecutive loss for the Kinondoni-based side, who had lost 3-1 to Simba SC in another pre-season friendly game.

For Azam, the win is their second in a row after 2-1 loss against Namungo FC in their last build-up match.

Against Namungo, it took Azam 37 minutes to change the scoreboard, when Zimbabwe attacker Chirwa managed to beat the defenders and the goalkeeper to hand the 2018/19 FA Cup champions the lead. The 26-year-old was in fine form last season and scored 12 league goals to inspire the Ice Makers to a third-place finish.

Never Tigere picked out the striker in a good position, and miscommunication between the goalkeeper and defender allowed the forward to tap the ball into an empty net for the only goal of the first 45 minutes.

Namungo came into the second half an improved side and upped their tempo in search of the equalizer. It came in the 57th minute when the unmarked Steven Say nodded home a cross from the left.

Azam were not ready to spoil the mood of their fans and they intensified their attacks in search of the second goal. Their efforts paid dividends in the 66th minute courtesy of Andrew Simchimba.

The league resumes on September 6, before Azam host Polisi Tanzania and KMC play Mbeya City in the following days.

Original author: Seth Willis
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Live updates, analysis: USWNT faces Sweden in World Cup round of 16

The 25-year-old attacker joined the Brazilians in July but will only make his competitive debut next season

Black Leopards caretaker coach Mongezi Bobe is backing Mamelodi forward Lesedi Kapinga to follow the footsteps of Hlompho Kekana and Tiyani Mabunda to become a key player at Chloorkop.

After scoring six goals in 27 appearances across all competitions for Leopards this season, Kapinga caught the attention of Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, who signed him in July.

Bobe, a former Leopards captain, witnessed Kapinga’s rise closely, and feels the forward will transform himself into an instrumental figure in Mosimane’s side.

“Before Lesedi left, I wished him all the best. It’s not going to be easy, Sundowns have got a lot of quality players. I think about five players in each position if not four,” Bobe said at a South African Football Journalists Association virtual press conference, "and Lesedi is one of the quality players who have come from Black Leopards and he is a quality player.

"I think he will do well for Sundowns, they have a quality player there.”

Kapinga follows players like current Downs captain Kekana and Mabunda who previously turned out for Leopards before becoming key figures at Sundowns.

Having started out at Leopards, the attacker rose to make a name for himself as arguably Sundowns’ most successful captain, leading them to a Caf Champions League crown and two Premier Soccer League titles among other accolades.

Bobe said that if the Limpopo outfit survive relegation from the PSL, they would try to retain their best talent and build a formidable side.

“Again we have produced so many quality players like Tiyani Mabunda, [Hlompho Kekana], they were with us they came when they were young when I was still captain,” said Bobe. “As well as [Rodney] Ramagalela, you know when I was still playing he came for trials and we saw him, we liked the pace and the quality striker he was and look he went further.

“So many players who came to the team went further and no one knew about them and they came to Leopards. I can say Leopards is one of those universities where we produce quality players.

“This time around I think we have to be selfish, we have to keep our quality players and not sell our players to other teams and make sure we build a strong team that can challenge for next season.

“If you mention Leopards, you mention that we are always fighting for relegation," he added. "You are right but it is time for change and we need to make sure that we keep our players and make sure that we challenge [for trophies]. We can challenge.”

Leopards are currently battling for PSL survival, placed at position 13 on the log, and just two points above basement side Polokwane City.

Original author: Michael Madyira
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Flamengo, Corinthians draw first-leg blank

Utah Royals rookie Tziarra King also took aim at Dell Loy Hansen, who owns both RSL and the NWSL outfit

Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha has said he does not want to play for the club anymore after owner Dell Loy Hansen ripped his team for boycotting their game on Wednesday night. 

RSL did not play their match against Los Angeles FC, part of a larger movement across American sports in response to the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Wisconsin on Sunday.

Games across the NBA, WNBA, MLB and MLS were called off as players protested an incident in which Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, was shot seven times in the back and left seriously injured.

Hansen, however, did not respond kindly to seeing his team refuse to play, saying: "The disrespect is profound to me personally.

"It’s taken a lot of wind out of my sails, what effort I want to put into recruiting players and building a great team. It just seems that’s not a very good path to take."

Onuoha, formerly of Manchester City and QPR, admitted that he has been forced to consider his future after hearing his owner's comments.

"I don't want to be here because I'm not here to play for someone who isn't here to support us," ex-Manchester City player Onuoha told BBC World Service.

"We are trying to create a bigger conversation but a lot of the people who are in power don't empathise or sympathise or do anything. They are more concerned with themselves."

Hansen is also the owner of NWSL side Utah Royals FC, and rookie attacker Tziarra King took to Twitter to criticise her team's owner.

"Any player’s hope is to be in an environment where they are fully supported not only as a player, but most importantly as a person," King said.

"For DLH to take this very real situation for the black community, and try to turn it around and make it about himself is completely unacceptable.

"Messages about inclusion and diversity are in complete contradiction with an owner who refuses to understand the relevance of a player strike for racial equality. I’m disappointed, but not surprised, by the lack of understanding in this situation."

Original author: Goal
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UCL talking points: Barca vs. Inter thriller, Salah's record-breaking hat-trick, plus five-a-side picks

Women's football in England resumes this weekend, with players set to show solidarity with a cause that has gathered support across sport worldwide

While the Black Lives Matter movement has gathered support from every corner of the sporting world during the summer, women’s football in England is getting ready to show its solidarity with the fight against racism.

Wednesday night was yet another chapter in the continued battle in the United States, as the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks set the tone by boycotting Game 5 of their play-off with Orlando Magic.

The NBA then postponed games in three more play-off series, while three WNBA, three Major League Baseball and five Major League Soccer games were also called off.

The protests come in response to an incident in Wisconsin where Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot seven times in the back by police while entering his vehicle.

Across the Atlantic, there has been support across many major football leagues, including England’s Premier League, who have been wearing ‘Black Lives Matter’ on their shirts and kneeling before games.

Women’s sport has taken a backseat during the coronavirus pandemic, with few sports and football leagues resuming.

Clubs in the Women’s Champions League have been kneeling before their games since the competition resumed on August 21. Now, Women’s Super League clubs in England have been showing their solidarity in pre-season and want to see that continue when the league returns next weekend.

“We’ve been kneeling before the whistle in pre-season friendlies which has been something that’s good to show our support,” Harriet Scott of Birmingham explains. “Even if it’s not in front of anybody but [it] actually means a lot to us."

“We have been [taking a knee] for our pre-season games, so I can’t see why - at the start of WSL games – it would be a problem or why anyone would object to that,” Reading’s Dan Carter adds. “I’m expecting everyone to be taking knees for at least the first game of the season.”

The Football Association (FA) has made clear their support for those backing the Black Lives Matter movement, saying that it “will support any player who wishes to take a stand against discrimination in a respectful manner, this includes taking a knee”.

The Football Leadership Diversity Code was also created back in June by Paul Elliott, chair of The FA’s Inclusion Advisory Board, and the FA is fully supporting it.

“This is a prominent issue globally,” Anita Asante, who signed for Aston Villa this summer, says. “I think it’s for the players themselves who feel comfortable to [take a knee] and show their support to do that. I think myself personally, I will do that. I think it’s an important message to show solidarity.

“We have to do more in terms of how we impart direct actions that will create the kind of change that athletes and people and society want to see. That’s just a small part of a bigger goal, ultimately.”

Before the WSL gets underway next week, the Women’s Community Shield returns this weekend for the first time since 2008.

Players from Chelsea and Manchester City have confirmed that they will take a knee before the game, which is being played at Wembley as part of a double-header with the men’s game.

Tottenham goalkeeper Becky Spencer believes it is a perfect opportunity to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Moving forward we have to stand together and be as a collective because it’s so important and we can’t be quiet at this stage,” she says. “We have to voice everything, if that shows on televised games or interviews, I feel like we all need to stand up for what’s right.

“It’s sad that it’s got to this stage at the moment and I just feel like, us as players we have a voice and we can fight this as much as everyone else. We all need to stick together and get through this all together as one. I feel like we have a massive stage to show that.”

After games across several sports in the U.S. were cancelled on Wednesday, Brighton’s Victoria Williams said she would be willing to take that step should she and her team-mates feel it is necessary.

“If [boycotting games] is what is required, if that's the only way that we can demonstrate to people that it is not acceptable, then I would be more than happy to do it.” Williams said.

“I believe in those movements, in anything to engage change. I think we have a responsibility. I have a responsibility as a professional sportswoman to support people.”

Original author: Ameé Ruszkai
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Netherlands name uncapped Simons in WC squad

The Austrian defender went straight to his beaten opponent rather than celebrating with team-mates when the full-time whistle sounded

Bayern Munich defender David Alaba has explained why he rushed to console Neymar after the Champions League final.

While his team-mates sunk to the ground or sprinted off in celebration, Alaba went straight to his beaten opponent at the full-time whistle after a 1-0 win.

Neymar had chances to score for PSG, denied more than once by Manuel Neuer, and he made little attempt to disguise his disappointment after the game.

Alaba was applauded for his sportsmanship in the moment, and he said he recognised the burden Neymar carried as one of his side’s star players.

“It turned out that way. He's a player who has a lot of pressure on his shoulders, who carries a large burden, who carries the whole club," Alaba said on the FC Bayern Podcast.

Alaba said it wasn’t just the way Neymar played, but the fact he does so with a smile on his face. "That's important,” he added. “We all love these athletes.”

As gracious in victory as Alaba may have been, Neymar didn’t quite manage to repay the favour, mistakenly congratulating ‘Bayer’ – perhaps confusing the Bavarians with Bayer Leverkusen – as the dust settled.

It didn’t dull the Bayern celebrations. After already lifting the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal, Alaba said the feeling of completing the treble was one “which cannot be described. We are very happy and grateful that we can celebrate this triumph.”

Alaba’s suggestion that Neymar carried PSG – particularly with Kylian Mbappe putting in a disappointing performance on the night – perhaps rang true with PSG boss Thomas Tuchel, who bemoaned his side’s reliance on their key men.

“We've lacked efficiency,” Tuchel told RMC Sport after the game. “We want Kylian and Neymar to score all the time. I'm proud because Ney had another amazing game. He showed his abilities, his mentality.

“For Kiki, it’s difficult. It was a miracle that he was with us [after injury]. Small details made the difference.

"It was a real fight! We gave our all, we left our hearts on the field. We couldn’t control the outcome. It was a goal that made the difference between two super strong teams. I'm very proud of the way we played, of our mentality. That's all a coach can ask of his players.

“I'm disappointed, but not too disappointed. It's a close score. I'm convinced that if we score first, we win the game 1-0.”

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Ronaldo sits with injury as Saudi season ends

The Ghanaian midfielder was a constant fixture in the Bermellones side that suffered the agony of relegation last season

Former Ghana defender Mohammed Gargo believes it would be better if Baba Idrissu left Real Mallorca.

The 24-year-old Accra-born midfielder was ever-present for Los Bermellones last season, playing in all but two Spanish La Liga games. His consistency on the pitch could however not save Mallorca as they finished in 19th place, four points adrift of safety.

It marks an immediate return to the second tier for the islanders, who made it to La Liga via the Segunda Division play-offs in 2018-19 by seeing off Deportivo La Coruna 3-2 on aggregate

Baba is rumoured to be of interest by Atletico Madrid who would need a replacement should the €50 million release clause for Arsenal-linked and Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey be met.

Gargo is of the opinion Baba needs to take his career to the next level, hence should leave the Estadi de Son Moix.

“I think he [Baba Idrissu] should move,” Gargo told Citi Sports. “This is a great opportunity for him to take the next step in his career after what he did last season.

“If a club like Atletico Madrid has contacted him, then it means they’ve scored him and are aware of what he can do. He should leave.”

During the 2019-20 campaign, Baba averaged 28.6 passes per game at 81-percent success rate while his touches were 48.3 per game. His successful dribbles stood at 1.5 per match (85-percent success rate) and total duels won at 6.5 (51-percent success rate).

On the defensive side, his interceptions were 1.1 per match, the same as clearances, and he averaged 1.6 tackles per match. Baba did not commit any error leading to a goal in the 36 La Liga games he played.

Baba moved to Spain at a young age and started his football career at Leganes’ academy before moving to the Mallorca youth team. He had a loan stint at Segunda Division B side Barakaldo CF and was finally given his Mallorca senior debut on August 2018, going on to play 30 times in all competitions that season.

Baba has earned two caps for Ghana, playing 90 minutes in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against South Africa and Sao Tome and Principe on November 14 and 18, 2019 respectively.

Original author: Kunle Fayiga
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'I was scared for my life' - Maguire opens up on Greece incident as Man Utd captain insists he won't apologise

The England defender is appealing after being found guilty of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and repeated attempts of bribery in Greece

Harry Maguire says he was scared for his life during the recent incident which saw him found guilty of aggravated assault in Greece, with the Manchester United captain maintaining he won't apologise for his actions.

Maguire, 27, has already appealed and maintained his innocence after being handed a 21-month suspended prison sentence on Tuesday.

The Man Utd captain was found guilty of charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and repeated attempts of bribery after an incident in Mykonos, Greece last week.

Speaking to BBC Sport’s Dan Roan in his first public interview since the incident, Maguire said he thought he was being kidnapped - and denied that he had attempted to bribe police.

"These two men approached my little sister," Maguire said. 

"They asked where she was from, she responded and then my fiancee saw her eyes going to the back of her head. She ran over, and she was fainting, in and out of consciousness.

"My initial thought, I thought we were getting kidnapped. We got down on our knees, put our hands in the air.

"They started hitting us, he got one of my hands in the handcuff and he was hitting my leg saying, 'Your career’s over, no more football, you won’t play again'.

"At that point I thought there’s no chance these are police, I don’t know who they are, I tried to run away. I was in that much of a panic, fear... I was scared for my life."

Maguire added that he doesn't see any reason to apologise for his actions.

"I don’t feel like I owe an apology to anybody," he said. "An apology is when you’ve done something wrong. I regret putting the fans and the club through this."

Asked if he had attempted to bribe the police, Maguire replied: "No, for sure. As soon as I saw that statement, it’s just ridiculous."

Maguire was also asked whether he will be able to continue as Man Utd captain. 

"It’s a massive privilege to play for the club, never mind to be captain. It’s not my decision to make.

"I have great faith in the Greek law, that the retrial will give us more time to prepare, gather evidence and allow witnesses into the court, and the truth will come out."

Under Greek law, Maguire's appeal nullifies his conviction and means there will be a full retrial in a more senior court.

The defender, his brother Joe Maguire and their friend Christopher Sharman were all found guilty after a trial in Syros, Greece following the incident.

Greek police claimed the three defendants had been involved in an altercation with officers, and that bribery was attempted after they were taken to the police station.

The court heard the altercation began after an incident with another group, who they believed had injected Maguire’s sister Daisy with a suspected ‘date rape’ drug.

Maguire pleaded not guilty to all charges and was represented by one of his lawyers, Alexis Anagnostakis.

England manager Gareth Southgate dropped Maguire from his latest England squad after the guilty verdict was returned, but Man Utd backed their player after his appeal was accepted by the Greek court.

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Pele in hospital for Christmas as cancer worsens

The Nigeria international played on as the Georgian side were beaten by the Israeli giants
Original author: Kunle Fayiga
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Percy Tau: What to expect in 2021-22

The Uruguayan is seen as a genuine option by the Serie A giants as they look reinforce up front

Luiz Suarez could be playing for Juventus next season with Andrea Pirlo's side considering a move for the Barcelona outcast. 

Goal can confirm that Suarez has been offered to the reigning Serie A champions after seemingly being shown the door at Camp Nou. 

Juventus are in the market for another striker with new manager Pirlo recently confirming the departure of Gonzalo Higuain

Suarez, now 33, has never played in Serie A before and moved to Barcelona from Liverpool in 2014 having first turned heads while playing in the Eredivisie for Ajax

Following the appointment of Ronald Koeman as the Catalans' new manager, Suarez was left off the Dutchman's list of names that were seen as vital to the future of the club with the forward quickly pleading for clarity from club president Josep Maria Bartomeu

“There is talk of some names that the president gave, of changes that can be made, but nobody told me that they want to do without me,” Suarez said in an interview with El Pais

“If this is the desire of the club, it would be good if the person in charge speaks directly to me. I've been at Barca for six years, enough time to say what they think. It's better to tell me if I am one of the ones that they want out. It remains to be seen.

“I also want the best for the club and my plan today is to continue, but if the club thinks that I am expendable, I have no problem speaking with those who decide.

“[I want to stay], as long as I am counted on, I want to continue contributing as much as I can. I have felt the support of the fans since I arrived and that also gives me a lot of strength to continue.”

With Lionel Messi recently revealing his desire to leave Barcelona, Suarez could find himself lining up alongside Cristiano Ronaldo instead next season if the Uruguay international seals a move to Juventus. 

The Bianconeri are set to further investigate a possible move for Suarez in the coming days with initial signs suggesting the Serie A side are open to a transfer. 

As speculation swirls about Suarez's future, the striker has come out and declared he will speak for himself when the time is right to provide clarity on what is next for him. 

Original author: Goal
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Ronald Koeman claims whoever leaked Lionel Messi's contract should be sacked

Jacob Blake's shooting has prompted several athletes to boycott their matches in order to show their support in the fight for racial justice

A handful of games in America were cancelled in the wake of the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was shot seven times by police in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Games across the NBA, MLS, MLB and WNBA were called off with players boycotting the matches in order to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Two demonstrators were killed two days after Blake's shooting at a protest in Kenosha by a 17-year-old white man.

Blake's shooting invigorated protests for racial justice taking place across America, further igniting the racial tension throughout the country that has been growing for months. That movement has now seen strong support across sport, stemming from George Floyd being killed by a white police offer in May.

What teams have boycotted games? Will the NBA and MLS seasons be called off? Why are protests happening in America?

What teams have boycotted games?

Severa NBA teams had boycotted their fixtures, starting with Milwaukee Bucks calling off Game 5 of their play-off series against the Orlando Magic.

The Bucks were meant to emerge from their locker room and take the court at 4pm on Wednesday, but instead released a statement later that afternoon condemning the police actions and calling for justice for Blake: "When we take the court and represent Milwaukee and Wisconsin, we are expected to play at a high level, give maximum effort and hold each other accountable. 

“In this moment, we are demanding the same from our lawmakers and law enforcement.”

The Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball also decided to forego their game.

MLS sides soon followed suit with a boycott of their own, with five games postponed on Wednesday evening as several players took their own collective stands against racism.

Atlanta United vs Inter Miami, FC Dallas vs Colorado Rapids, Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes, Real Salt Lake vs LAFC and LA Galaxy vs Seattle Sounders were all postponed with players refusing to participate in order to support the Black Lives Matter movement.

Players involved in Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City, which went ahead on Tuesday, kneeled beforehand.

The only match played on Wednesday was between Orlando City and Nashville SC, with former Manchester United player Nani stating he was not aware other matches had been postponed: “We didn’t know. We understand and we respect what’s going on and what the other teams did.

“This is a situation we must stick together from today to try to do our best to see what we can help and what we can support.”

Players in MLB and the WNBA also boycotted their games, while the Women's Super League have also outlined their support for the movement.

“MLS unequivocally condemns racism and has always stood for equality, but we need to do more to take tangible steps to impact change,” an MLS statement read.

“We will continue to work with our players, our clubs and the broader soccer community to harness our collective power to fight for equality and social justice.”

Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha said: “People will miss out on the entertainment, but at the end of the day it’s entertainment. There are other things going on which are essentially life and death, which should be a bigger part of any conversation that exists today.”

Will the NBA and MLS seasons be called off?

Reports stated that the LA Clippers and LA Lakers had voted to cancel the NBA season on Wednesday night, but according to ESPN, players have decided to continue with the play-offs following a meeting held on Thursday.

Further meetings are to be held to discuss how the league can better address issues related to social injustice and racism.

MLS stated that the postponed games would be rescheduled: "Major League Soccer has made the decision to postpone the remaining five matches - Miami vs Atlanta, Dallas vs Colorado, Real Salt Lake vs LAFC, San Jose vs Portland, LA Galaxy vs Seattle - scheduled for this evening.

"Each match will be rescheduled."

Why are protests happening in America?

Protests are still ongoing throughout America following the aftermath of the death of George Floyd, a Black man who was killed on May 25 by a white police officer in Minneapolis.

The police officer responsible was not initially arrested, but was later charged with second-degree murder.

America has a dark and ugly history of systemic racism in tangent with police brutality, with the latest events in Kenosha further re-igniting and amplifying discussions about racial inequality at the hands of the current criminal justice system.

Original author: Cady Siregar
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Liverpool set to beat Man Utd to Derby starlet Kaide Gordon

Bayern Munich's UEFA Supercup clash with Sevilla will be a trial for supporters to return, but it will be a one-off for the German side for now

The 2020-21 Bundesliga season will be played without fans in stadiums until at least the end of October following a decision from the German government.

The new German season is set to start on September 11 with the first round of the DFB-Pokal. The Bundesliga then kicks off the following weekend.

There had been the possibility that a limited number of fans may have been allowed into stadiums but, amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this will have to wait.

A conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Ministers of Germany’s federal states decided that local governments should work out proposals on how fans could be allowed to return to stadiums in a limited capacity by the end of October.

However, at major events where contacts cannot be traced and hygiene regulations cannot be complied with, spectators won’t be allowed to return until at least the end of the year.

Bavaria’s Prime Minister Markus Soder said it wouldn’t make sense for football to resume with spectators in September, as it would send the wrong message if the number of infections was to increase.

The Bundesliga was the first major European league to return from coronavirus lockdown in May, giving football fans their first taste of the ‘Geisterspeiele’ – ‘ghost games’ – which have since become the norm.

In France, up to 5,000 people per match are allowed to watch their teams from the stands now the new Ligue 1 season is underway.

Such a return will have to wait in Germany, but Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich will play in front of fans in their upcoming UEFA Super Cup clash with Sevilla.

UEFA confirmed this week that the match, held at the 67,000-capacity Puskas Stadium in Budapest on September 24, would be used to trial a partial return of supporters.

The stadium could be filled up to 30 per cent capacity, with German outlet kicker suggesting UEFA will provide both teams with a quota of 3,000 tickets each.

Bayern face Sevilla looking to win their fourth trophy of 2020, having completed a historic treble of Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and Champions League with last week’s 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Sevilla, meanwhile, will be hoping to upset the odds having beaten Inter 3-2 to win the Europa League.

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Bruno Fernandes empathises with Donny van de Beek over lack of Man Utd playing time

Their game against LAFC was one of five MLS matches that were cancelled on Wednesday amid outrage over a police shooting in Wisconsin

Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen has fired a broadside at his own team and other MLS sides who refused to play matches on Wednesday night in protest of a police shooting. 

Police in Wisconsin shot Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, in front of his children on Sunday, severely injuring him and potentially paralyzing him permanently.

As outrage over the shooting grew, professional sports leagues in the U.S. went on strike on Wednesday, with the NBA and WNBA cancelling all games and Major League Baseball cancelling several of theirs.

MLS cancelled five of its six scheduled games, including Real Salt Lake's match against Los Angeles FC

Hansen, who also owns NWSL side Utah Royals FC, called the move disrespectful and even threatened to cut back on his investment in the team.

"It’s a moment of sadness," Hansen said on radio station X96. "It’s like somebody stabbed you and you’re trying to figure out a way to pull the knife out and move forward. That’s what it feels like. The disrespect is profound to me personally.

"It’s taken a lot of wind out of my sails, what effort I want to put into recruiting players and building a great team. It just seems that’s not a very good path to take."

RSL was one of a handful of MLS sides to begin hosting matches with limited fans in attendance as the league returns to home markets amid the coronavirus pandemic.

After the events of Wednesday, Hansen has threatened to begin cutting jobs due to the lost revenue from games being cancelled.

"We will not be inviting fans back to the stadium in the future," Hansen said. "Monday, I start having to cut 40, 50 jobs again. We would not go through the risk of inviting people back to have that kind of an outcome."

Club legend Nick Rimando, who retired at the end of the 2019 season, immediately condemned Hansen's comments in a post on Twitter.

"Real Salt Lake locker room, fans, and front office that stand for equality, human rights, and the fight against racism I applaud you," Rimando said.

"I am disgusted by DLH comments. This is more than a game."

Original author: Goal
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Jose Mourinho warns Gareth Bale he must earn minutes at Tottenham

Barca look set to lose their star man and the Bayern Munich attacker is intrigued to see where the iconic forward ends up next

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona and starting a fresh challenge elsewhere would make things interesting for football, according to Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller.

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi informed Barca on Tuesday he wants to leave after 19 years at the club and it is believed he wants to activate a possible clause to depart on a free transfer during the current window.

Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, who are managed by former Barca boss Pep Guardiola, are considered the realistic candidates to sign the 33-year-old.

Muller considers Messi to be arguably the greatest footballer of all time and is intrigued to see where the superstar forward ends up if granted his wish to leave Camp Nou.

"The day Messi and Barcelona go their separate ways had to come at some point," Muller said at a promotional event for Hoffner. "Of course, you would have thought that would be the end of his career but now it seems to be different.

"Lionel Messi is one of the best footballers on the planet, maybe even the best of the last 100 years, although everyone will have their own opinion. If you ask Pele, he may see things slightly differently! Now there will be a change and it could become interesting for football.

"Besides Barcelona fans, which I understand, nobody views this in a bad way, but are instead curious about what new paths could open up."

Bayern, who thrashed Barcelona 8-2 en route to winning the Champions League, had also been tipped to move for Messi should he be available on a free transfer.

However, CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge ruled out a move on Thursday and Muller has joked his side were never truly in the running to sign the Argentina international.

"I've spoken to our CEO once or twice in the last few months and I don't think we can do anything about that," he said.

Despite his impact for treble-winners Bayern this season, Muller has been left out of Germany's latest squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League games against Spain and Switzerland.

The versatile forward has not been called up by Joachim Low since November 2018 and has insisted he is not bothered by the continuous snubs.

"Of course, due to the team success and my role in it, this national team question has surfaced again in the last few months," he said. "But relatively clear statements have been made from all sides. That's why there is no new stance and it is currently not an issue for me.

"The young players have developed very well. There is no reason for me to change anything in this direction. If the situation were different, I would be the very last one who does not revise a decision, but I currently see no reason. This path is good."

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Brighton confirm signing of Marc Cucurella from Getafe

The Buccaneers have gone for six consecutive PSL matches without winning but their defender is not discouraged

Orlando Pirates defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza believes that the Soweto giants just need one victory to spark a winning streak and end their difficult run of form, but has cautioned that it's imperative the PSL heavyweights take their chances.

Josef Zinnbauer’s and his men have gone for six straight Premier Soccer League games without tasting victory during a run that has yielded two defeats and four draws.

Now placed fifth on the standings, they have managed to score just one goal in those six games, but Nyauza insists that they are not as a bad side as their results might reflect.

As they now shift attention to their next match against SuperSport United at Ellis Park on Saturday, where Nyauza and co will be aiming for a turnaround.

“The team is not been doing bad, we are doing well. It’s just we have to convert our chances going forward,” Nyauza told Pirates TV. “It’s not easy, I could say, and we have improved a lot in terms of us conceding goals.

"Our defence is great, it’s just that going forward we have to convert our chances and the team is playing good football.

"We are waiting for that game where we will get a win then we will get a flow, getting more wins," he continued. “We still lack a little bit of finishing.

"We train on that in every training session. We are emphasising on finishing a lot. We instil in the offensive players’ minds that when they get to the final third they have to convert their chances.”

Pirates’ difficult run comes in stark contrast to the side that registered a nine-match unbeaten streak between November 2019 and February 2020, including seven wins and two draws.

As they seek a turnaround in their fortunes in the remaining three matches, Nyauza has emphasised the role of senior players in inspiring confidence in the team.

“It’s very important for senior players to motivate the young players that are upcoming, guide them, mentor them,” said Nyauza. “When we play matches [to] keep the guys focused, keep the guys believing in themselves, keep the team together as a senior player.

"You know players, especially youngsters get frustrated if they don’t get a result or if they don’t score their chances when they get the opportunity," he continued. “You have to uplift them as a senior player at halftime.

"So it is very important to give them confidence that we will get a result until the end of the game.”

Original author: Michael Madyira
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Abraham Marcus: Portimonense SC sign attacker from Remo Stars on loan deal

Frederick Moore talks about a possible deal for the unattached midfielder, and explains what must be done to get it over the line

Hearts of Oak chief executive officer Frederick Moore has hinted that wage demands remain a factor currently hindering the Ghanaian giants' hopes of signing Ghana international Sulley Muntari.

The former AC and Inter Milan midfielder has been linked to the Phobians on the back of training spells with the 19-time Ghana Premier League champions in recent times.

He has been without a club since leaving Spanish lower tier outfit Albacete last year.

“Sulley Muntari is a very good player and if he is available and affordable we will be interested to sign him," Moore told Happy FM.

Muntari, who featured for Liberty Professionals before leaving Ghana for Italian Serie A side Udinese in 2001, first trained with Hearts in 2018 before making another return this year.

In April, he was rumoured to have agreed on a two-year deal with the Phobians, a report which was promptly rubbished by the club.

“For the past two years, Hearts of Oak have been telling Sulley Ali Muntari that we’ve reserved a jersey for him," Hearts board member Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, also a former president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), told Angel FM. "Anytime he’s ready to play, he knows what to do."

Hearts fans were recently left disappointed when the 36-year-old professed love for arch-rivals Asante Kotoko despite stating an openness to join the Phobians.

“I love Kotoko. They tried signing me when l was a young player in Kumasi," Muntari said in an Instagram Live chat with his fans. “I would love to retire with them, but l would not rule out Hearts, RTU [Real Tamale United], King Faisal or Liberty Professionals.”

Earlier, the 2010 Uefa Champions League winner had expressed interest in a move to South Africa.

“I spoke to an agent. He gave me a call. I have forgotten his name. Sipho...I don’t know how to pronounce his name,” Muntari told Metro FM. “I would love to come and play in South Africa because they have great teams that I like. For instance, [Mamelodi] Sundowns are there, [Orlando] Pirates are there but my favourite one are [Kaizer] Chiefs.

"I don’t know why but I have been following Chiefs for a moment now, I love the way they are and everything," he added. “So I said if I am going to South Africa, there is the only team I want to play for, that is Chiefs.

"With all due respect to Pirates and Sundowns and the other teams that are in the South African league of course this is what I prefer, so that’s the only plan, that’s what I spoke [about] with the agent.

“That’s it and I haven’t said anything more, but why not? It’s home, Ghana is home, South Africa can be home, any part in Africa can be home. It would be good to come [to South Africa] but I haven’t made my mind as yet.”

Muntari has also played for English side Portsmouth, with whom he won the FA Cup in 2008, Sunderland, Italians Pescara, Spanish club Deportivo La Coruna and Saudi outfit Al-Ittihad. 

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
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Manchester United considering loan moves for Teden Mengi and Dylan Levitt

The two players have been out since the 2019/20 Tanzania Mainland League season ended in July after returning home to get married

Simba SC have received a major boost ahead of their Sunday's Community Shield match against Namungo FC following the arrival of two of their key players, newlywed duo Luis Miquissone and Pascal Wawa.

The two players had returned to their countries, Mozambique and Ivory Coast respectively, to tie the knot before rejoining their teammates in preparation for the new season.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi have now confirmed the two players are in the country with their team, ready for their first game of the season.

"Luis Miquissone and Pascal Wawa are back in the country and will be part of the team that will travel to Arusha for the Community Shield Cup match to be played on Sunday, August 30 against Namungo FC," Simba confirmed on their official Facebook page.

The Ivorian central defender has been in the team since 2017 when he joined from Sudanese side Al-Merreikh, having previously played for Azam FC.

The Mozambican joined the Tanzania champions at the beginning of the year from UD Songo and went on to establish himself as one of the key players in the team.

Wawa and Miquissone missed the friendly against Vital’O of Burundi on Saturday, a match the hosts won 6-0, having previously sat out matches against KMC and Transit Camp.

The Belgian coach has revealed the two players missed the battles on permission from the club as they had sought for some time to be with their families.

"We gave them permission to sort out family issues and so they did not miss the friendly because they want to leave the club," Vandenbroeck told Goal. "In fact, the two players were tying the knot, and that is why they were not available but I am happy to reveal they have confirmed when they will come, with [Luis] expected on Tuesday and [Wawa] on Wednesday.

"When they arrive I will now have a full squad to start planning for the new season, they are the only players missing out but their issue is well known."

This will be Simba SC's third appearance in the Community Shield in as many seasons. The team has been in great form, winning the Tanzania Mainland League for the third time in a row.  

For Namungo, this is their first time playing the curtain-raiser. They qualified after reaching the finals of the FA Cup where they played against Wekundu wa Msimbazi and lost 2-1.

Original author: Seth Willis
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PSG awaiting Tottenham decision on Dele Alli transfer

The Colombia international is reportedly looking to force his way out of his current side, who are topping the table in Scotland at present

Kris Boyd has slammed Rangers star Alfredo Morelos, calling the want-away striker's attitude "disgraceful" and "appalling."

Morelos was left out of his side's match against Kilmarnock on Saturday after having reportedly handed in a transfer request.  After the match Rangers head coach Steven Gerrard admitted that he dropped the Colombian due to his mind being elsewhere.

"I've picked the players that looked focused," Gerrard told Sky Sports News. "I said last week he'd had his head turned. I'm going to pick the players that are hungry and want to be here."

Morelos has had no shortage of suitors after scoring 29 goals in all competitions last term, with Ligue 1 outfit Lille reportedly keen on a move for the 24-year-old. 

Speaking on the Sky Sports Scottish Football Podcast, former Rangers striker Boyd has expressed his displeasure with Morelos, who had reacted angrily as he was replaced in a scoreless draw against Livingston the weekend prior.

"It is one of those things that is really starting to annoy me now," Boyd said. "We have said for a number of months now that Alfredo Morelos, when he is playing well, he can be a handful.

"The other side of this is when he is not playing, he can be a hindrance. It was after the Livingston game, there was a little glimpse of it against St Johnstone in the midweek fixture that his attitude coming off the pitch was not good enough and I felt the exact same at Livingston.

"I think his attitude has been disgraceful the last few weeks and for me personally, top players when they get a move work harder, they show their qualities and that has not been the case with Morelos.

"I know the Lille saga keeps on rolling on, but it is going to have to be dealt with because the sooner Morelos is out the building, the better because he is going to be more of a hindrance now because his attitude over the last few weeks has been nothing short of appalling."

Rangers, who are top of the table after five matches, are back in action on Saturday when they travel to face Hamilton Academical.

Original author: Goal
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