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Ben Chilwell claims the heel problem which had cast doubts over his £50 million ($66m) move to Chelsea is “healing well”, with an “easy decision” made to link up with the Blues.

A big-money transfer for the England international had been in the pipeline for some time.

In a summer of heavy investment from those at Stamford Bridge, Frank Lampard quickly identified the acquisition of a new left-back as a top priority.

Chilwell was an obvious target, as a player with Premier League experience and the potential for future improvement at 23 years of age.

Doing a deal was not easy, though, as Leicester were understandably reluctant to part with a prized asset, while a niggling knock suggested that medical issues may arise.

All hurdles have been cleared, though, and Chilwell expects to hit the ground running in new surroundings.

He told Chelsea’s official website of the foot complaint that has been holding him back and prevented him from figuring in Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad: “I’m feeling really good.

“The injury is healing really well and I’ve been doing a lot of fitness work over the past four or five weeks.”

Chilwell is eager to make his mark at Chelsea as quickly as possible, with the highly-rated defender happy to have secured a step up the ladder that will allow him to further his career.

A man who broke through Leicester’s academy system to become a senior star, added: “I tried not to listen to the speculation, I was just focused on giving my all for Leicester while I was there.

“Testing myself at the next level is something I’ve wanted but while I was a Leicester player, my focus was solely there.

“Obviously it’s a tough decision for me in the sense that I’m leaving behind a lot of good friends and it’s felt like home to me, as I’ve been there since I was 11 or 12.

“So in that respect it was difficult but for my career, it wasn’t a tough decision because you just have to look at what a great club Chelsea is. That made it a pretty straightforward and easy decision for me.

“I remember coming here [to Chelsea] and playing in youth games and seeing what a huge club this is, even at that age.

“It was also a daunting thing, to come and play against Chelsea, so to be part of such an elite club is really exciting for me and I can’t wait to get started.”

Trabzonspor winger Anthony Nwakaeme has debunked rumours making the rounds that he is looking forward to joining Turkish Super Lig rivals Fenerbahce this summer.

The 31-year-old has been in superb form since teaming up with the Black Sea Storm from Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Be'er-Sheva.  

The Nigeria international has bagged 21 goals in 52 league appearances for the club since his arrival at Medical Park Stadyumu in the summer of 2018.

In the 2019-20 campaign, the forward found the back of the net 14 times and provided seven assists in 39 appearances across all competitions.

The Super Eagles player has reportedly been linked to the Yellow Canaries according to reports in Turkey following his eye-catching displays for the Black Sea Storm.

Nwakaeme, who has two years left on his current contract has, however, revealed his club is yet to receive any offer for him and explained his aim to continue with the Medical Park Stadyumu outfit.

“I have heard many things that have been said in the media. I’m still a player of Trabzonspor, my goal isn’t to leave at the moment,” Nwakaeme told the Punch.

“I have two years left on my contract and if I have to leave, there must be an offer officially made to the club.”

Nwakaeme started his career with Vejle Football Academy in 2006 before he moved to Romania to join Universitatea Cluj.

The forward scored eight goals in 37 appearances in his first spell with the side before leaving to sign for Petrolul Ploiesti in 2012.

He then returned to Universitatea Cluj in 2013 before he teamed up with Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Ra'anana in the summer of that year after only featuring 10 times and scoring two goals for the Red Caps.

Nwakaeme spent two years with Hapoel Ra'anana and then left to join rival club Hapoel Be'er Sheva in 2015, where he scored 35 goals in 95 league games during his three-year stay which propelled Trabzonspor to secure his signature.

The forward made his debut for Nigeria against Algeria in November 2017 but has not been given a further invitation to the national team.

Kenyan midfielder Sven Yidah has confirmed his departure from Kenyan Premier League (KPL) side Kariobangi Sharks.

Yidah has served the Eastlands side since 2016 when they were playing in the National Super League [NSL] and helped them earn promotion to the top-tier in 2017.

He has been linked with a number of Premier League sides but Nairobi City Stars, according to close sources for Goal, have been seen as his probable destination.

Nairobi City Stars are strengthening their team as they hope to return even stronger after their promotion to the KPL.

At Kariobangi Sharks, Yidah won the FKF Shield Cup in 2018 and was part of the squad that participated in their maiden campaign in the Caf Confederation Cup.

They were eliminated by Asante Kotoko of Ghana in the first round though. In 2019, they also fought hard and reached the FKF Shield Cup final but lost to Premier League rivals Bandari.

“My time at Kariobangi Sharks FC has come to an end today [Thursday],” Yidah announced on his Facebook page.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from management, coaching staff, my fellow players and our fans throughout the time that I have been here.

“From January 2016 when I joined this project we have done a lot together. I am happy to be part of the history-making teams that saw us earn promotion to the Premier League, winning the first major trophy in the FKF Shield Cup and many other great things, together.

“I have learned a lot as a player from this family and for this reason, I wish the club all the best in the future.”

Yidah’s exit comes on the same day Michael Bodo was confirmed at Sofapaka. The two have been teammates at Kariobangi Sharks and their exit could be a beginning of more departures.

The Nairobi club was lucky to remain in the Premier League after struggles for better results in the 2019/20 season. Various reports have indicated head coach William Muluya could also leave after failing to replicate good performances last season as was the case in the previous campaigns.

In the previous transfer windows, Kariobangi Sharks lost Duke Abuya who had become a dependable team player. The forward left for Nkana FC of Zambia and won the Super League title in his maiden season.

Kenyan Premier League side Sofapaka FC have confirmed the arrival of defender Michael Bodo from Kariobangi Sharks.

Batoto ba Mungu struggled at the back in the abandoned 2019/20 KPL season, and they are keen on strengthening the weak areas. It is the reason why they have gone for the experienced player who they believe will strengthen their rearguard for the new campaign.

"We are pleased to announce we have secured the signature of defender Michael Bodo from Kariobangi Sharks," the club confirmed on their official portal.

"Bodo, who played a critical role in the promotion of Kariobangi Sharks in 2016 and participated in Caf Confederation Cup tournament in 2018, joins our defensive department in a bid to tighten our back."

The team has also confirmed the defender will be with them for the next three seasons.

"The former Thika United player has inked a three-year deal with the club that will see him with Batoto ba Mungu for the next three seasons.  

"Bodo becomes our third signing ahead of the new 2020/21 season. Welcome to Sofapaka family Bodo."  

The 2009 league champions had initially signed goalkeeper Kevin Omondi and midfielder Roy Okal.

Omondi, who had a promising outing with relegated Sony Sugar in the 2018/19 season, did not settle at his immediate former club Wazito FC.

Omondi was among the players who were signed by Wazito but they did not make much of an impact for a side that was looking for instant dominance in the KPL after winning the National Super League (NSL) title before.

The goalkeeper was among another 12 players released by Wazito ahead of the upcoming season but he has now found himself a new home in the top-tier.

His arrival at Batoto ba Mungu means he will fight for first-team chances with Richard Aimo, who previously played for Chemelil Sugar and Isaiah Wakasala.

He is also a direct replacement for Ugandan goalkeeper Nicholas Ssebwato who left the 2009 KPL champions after his half-a-season contract ended and was not renewed.

Okal has been signed from former KPL champions Mathare United and is expected to fill the void that was left by the former Tusker and Gor Mahia midfielder Cercidy Okeyo.

Major League Soccer has cancelled five games that were due to kick-off on Wednesday in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake. 

Blake, a 29-year-old African American, was shot and injured by police on Sunday in front of his children with protests since breaking out in Wisconsin and across the country. 

While MLS matches had gone ahead this week, players and fans had called on the league to take a stand and cancel games in a show of support for the black community. 

Though Orlando City's match against Nashville did go ahead on Wednesday evening, MLS ultimately decided to call off the remaining five games that were set to take place. 

"The entire Major League Soccer family is deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless shooting of Jacob Blake and events in Kenosha," an MLS statement read.

"We continue to stand with the black community throughout our country - including our players and employees - and share in their pain, anger and frustration. 

"The entire Major League Soccer family unequivocally condemns racism and has always stood for equality, but we need to do more to take tangible steps to impact change. 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." 

While US President Donald Trump has condemned the resulting protests, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has called on the country to come together peacefully to instigate change. 

"Once again, a Black man — Jacob Blake — was shot by the police. In front of his children. It makes me sick," Biden tweeted.

"Is this the country we want to be? Needless violence won’t heal us. We need to end the violence - and peacefully come together to demand justice." 

In an article of the official MLS website, the league called on fans to make their voices heard. 

"The fight must continue against racism, racial injustice, bigotry, hate and the use of violence by police against the Black community," the article read.

"Real change needs to happen: The shooting of Jacob Blake and the murders during the protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin are the latest incident and it has to stop.

"Everyone in the MLS family is united on this. Make your voice heard. We fully support our players in the ongoing struggle." 

Former Mohun Bagan player Arijit Bagui is set to join Bhowanipore FC, Goal can confirm. 

The defender was Mohun Bagan's 'Player of the Year' in the 2018-19 season. But struggled to get minutes on the pitch in the previous campaign under Kibu Vicuna. 

He started his career at Kalighat MS and then went on to join Peerless SC where he was converted into a right-back from a winger by coach Fuja Tope. He proved his mettle in the Calcutta Football League (CFL) and was roped in by Mohun Bagan in the following season. 

In his debut I-League season under coach Sankarlal Chakraborty, he was an undisputed starter and went on to play more than 1100 minutes.

In the next season, he notched up his game a level higher and helped Bagan reclaim the CFL after a hiatus of eight years. He continued his rich vein of form in the I-League and although Bagan was struggling as a team, his contributions in defence and attack were decisive.

His performances were given due recognition by the club and he was awarded the Player of the Year gong. 

However, in the following season, he could not replicate the form under Vicuna.

At the back of a forgetful campaign, Bagui would like to re-establish himself under Chakraborty and strive to fire the club to I-League. 

A club can spend lots of money and build a squad full of stars. But there's a more challenging way to run a club, but also one that's more rewarding and indicative of its commitment to the future - by creating stars. I-League club Chennai City fall in the second category. 

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC recently announced the signing of full-back Ajith Kumar from Chennai City. The 23-year-old's sale to the ISL club is the latest feather in the cap of the management at Chennai City. Ajith joins Nandhakumar Sekar (Odisha FC), Michael Soosairaj (to Jamshedpur and then ATK Mohun Bagan), Romario Jesuraj (FC Goa), Edwin Vanspaul (Chennaiyin) and Sinivasan Pandian (Chennaiyin) in the list of players transfers which has earned Chennai City a sizeable fee in the last few years.

Add Pedro Manzi's sale to Japanese second division club Albirex for a record fee and the numbers become even more impressive. 

At Chennai City, they are okay to sell talented players because they are supremely confident in their ability to keep finding new ones. "There are certain players who will do well for a few years and when it is time for them to go to the next milestone, we let them leave with our best wishes," club owner Rohit Ramesh told Goal. 

"Even if we lose players, we are not going to be in a situation where we can't find more players. We know exactly where to dip in to find these players.

"The person who is coaching and the management carry that vision come what may. Fortunately for us, with Akbar Nawas at the helm, we found Ajith Kumar, and now we will find someone else. He has to get complete credit along with Jordi Vila (former assistant coach). My supporting staff also has that vision. In Ajith's case, I was contemplating what to do and everyone around me was like, we will find someone else. That is the best way to rebuild, that has been part and parcel of this club."

Singaporean head coach Akbar Nawas replaced V Soundararajan at the Coimbatore-based club in 2018 and the club has since managed to step up their proceedings on and off the field. They stormed to an I-League title win in the 2018-19 season using a well-balanced mix of foreign and local talents in the squad, all the while sticking to the club's vision of promoting local talent. 

"From the start of our tenure in I-League, the predominant focus was to ensure that we give a chance to our state players. we felt that local players have the potential," Rohit added.

"With regards to the club philosophy, that is something we try to explain to whoever comes on board. It depends on the coach, if they believe in the philosophy, that is when things click automatically. In that way, I should give 200 per cent credit to Akbar Nawas. If it wasn't for him, we would not have achieved this kind of a level," Rohit credited the club's head coach and his former assistant coach for taking up the project in the way he envisioned it. 

Rohit feels that the club do not want to stand in the way of players because of the fact that it helps the player develop and grow in his career while fetching the club a good transfer fee as a return on their investment on him. Moreover, it paves the way for more local talents to get the opportunity to experience football at the highest level.

"Initially, when he came on board, we had an open discussion and I told him that these are the players which we have and we want to use them as a benchmark. Slowly, when these players leave, we can add more players. He believed in this project and that is when the project really kickstarted and it had more value."

"We are also not in a position to hold onto a player (like) he has to be here.  Our vision is clear. If a proper evaluation is met and if we feel that the player will develop in his career with another club, we show him the path. We tell them about the offer and what he is getting. There were instances where players could have gotten paid but they preferred this path (to stay at Chennai City)."

Regardless of the player sales, Chennai City continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the field and that is where the club's talent management scores top the charts. They are currently playing in the group stage of the AFC Cup and are set to resume their continental sojourn next month.

With players leaving, you expect officials at the Chennai City headquarters to be worried. But they should not be worried. What does Chennai City do when their stars leave? They make new ones. 

Thiago Silva took to social media on Wednesday to bid farewell to the Paris Saint-Germain faithful ahead of his anticipated move to Chelsea. 

Silva joined PSG in 2012 from AC Milan and went on to lead the French side to seven Ligue 1 titles in eight seasons, part of a total haul of 23 trophies during his time at Parc des Princes. 

But the Brazil defender was not offered a fresh contract at the end of his current deal, instead signing a temporary extension which came to an end with PSG's defeat to Bayern Munich in Sunday's Champions League final, the first in the club's history. 

Chelsea have since emerged as the front-runners to sign Silva, with reports that he will soon sign a two-year deal to join the west London club circulating. 

Silva took the opportunity to pay tribute to his former supporters, quoting renowned Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa in a heart-felt message shared on Instagram.

"The value of things is not in the time that they last, but in the intensity with which they occur. That is why there are unforgettable moments, inexplicable things and incomparable people," wrote the centre-back, using Pessoa's famous phrase. 

"Today a cycle is ended, after eight years at PSG, I would like to thank my team-mates, the entire coaching staff and board, the fans, my family, God and my friends, for all of the happy years we have spent in the City of Light. 

"Here, together with my wife, we have enjoyed unforgettable moments, our children grew up, we became French citizens, and we will carry forever in our hearts these years lived in France. Thank you so much."

AC Milan sporting director Fredric Massara has stated that the Rossoneri are not prioritising Serge Aurier at the moment but are focused on other targets.

The Italian giants have popped up as a destination for the Ivorian right-back who has been with Spurs since 2017, making 83 competitive appearances, scoring six goals and providing 14 assists.

There was an earlier indication of Milan’s interest in Aurier when club legend Paolo Maldini admitted the Rossoneri had been in contact with his agent last year.

“We had talked to [Aurier's] agent last year, there was a chance,” Maldini previously told Sky Sports Italia.

However, that stance seems to have now changed with Massara’s admission.

"There are many names associated with Milan, some realistic and others not,” he said in a press conference that kicked off Milan’s pre-season. “He [Aurier] is an excellent player but there are no conditions to think about him, he cannot be a priority for now."

Massara went to state that Milan have intentions of bolstering their midfield despite the solid combination of Ivory Coast and Algeria internationals Franck Kessie and Ismael Bennacer.

Both Africans played a key part in ensuring the Rossoneri made it into the European qualification places and went unbeaten after the restart of league fixtures and Massara says reinforcements will be needed in that area as the season will be tightened due to the 2020-21 season starting a month past the usual August slot.

"Kessie and Bennacer did excellent things not only after the lockdown, but also before. They have grown exponentially, not only individually but also as a couple,” Massara continued.

“[Stefano] Pioli's intuition of the double midfielder has made them to be great, but surely in midfield we will have to intervene to help the team in their commitments, given that the one we have ahead of us is a very long but compressed season. We are already evaluating our options.”

The new Serie A season is set to commence on September 19, however no fixture schedules have been released yet. Juventus are the reigning champions having won the title for the eighth consecutive season which is a record.

Ramon Calderon expects Barcelona to agree a reduced fee for the transfer of "priceless" captain Lionel Messi.

Messi has asked to leave Barca - his only senior club - after a difficult season at Camp Nou in which they failed to win a trophy amid tension between the board and the talismanic forward.

The 33-year-old has a clause in his contract that allows him to terminate his deal and leave the club for free at the end of each season.

It is claimed Messi intends to activate this clause, yet Barca reportedly believe the option has already expired for this year, despite the 2019-20 season having been prolonged by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rival clubs would otherwise have to pay €700 million (£627m/$828m) to release Messi from his contract, a fee that would appear beyond any suitor between the demands of Financial Fair Play and the impact of the global crisis.

But Calderon, the former Real Madrid president, is confident Josep Maria Bartomeu will accept a compromise.

"I am pretty sure they will reach a friendly agreement," Calderon told Stats Perform News . "They have had 20 years together.

"Messi has given his best for Barcelona, and Barcelona have given their all to Messi. They have won many titles together. He has won six Ballons d'Or.

"I am convinced they will not go for a legal fight and they will solve it in a friendly way. It would be what I would try, and I am sure Bartomeu [as Barcelona president] will do the same.

"I know him. He is a calm man, and he will look for the best solution for both. There is no need to go for any legal fight or any controversy."

Messi's significant wage packet represents another stumbling block, but Calderon believes the forward offers value for money – even if a cut-price deal with Barca might be required.

Juventus paid just €100m (£90m/$117m) to Madrid for Messi's great rival Cristiano Ronaldo two years ago, a fee Calderon considers a relative bargain.

"Obviously, I would be enthusiastic if I was the president of any club who can sign [Messi]," Calderon said. "It is true he is 33, but I am sure he has still three or four years at his best level ahead of him.

"Having said that, how can you pay for him? Real Madrid gave a gift selling Cristiano Ronaldo for €100m because he is showing he is still really valuable and will be for another couple of years.

"I don't know – [the fee] is something that has to be fixed. I am sure nobody will pay €700m, but that will not be the point.

"I am also sure Messi will try to get any fee for Barcelona. How many million? I honestly don't know.

"The club who sign him will be lucky but also will have a huge salary to be paid. He really deserves it, though. The value he adds to a team is priceless."

Tim Sherwood says Jack Grealish is the closest player to the abilties of Paul Gascoigne that he has seen and the Aston Villa captain should not be compared to recent England call-up Kalvin Phillips.

Grealish, who is yet to make his international debut, was again overlooked for Gareth Southgate's latest Three Lions squad with Leeds midfielder Phillips being selected despite never having played a minute in the Premier League.

While Sherwood believes Phillips will become a star for the national team, he feels that comparisions with Grealish are unfair, with the 24-year-old - who he handed a debut while coaching at Villa - competing for a different position in the squad.

"Jack is a different player to Phillips," Sherwood told the Daily Star. "He's exceptional and he's vying to be the best number six in that squad, sitting in and around the back four.

"I guess you'd have to give Jordan Henderson the nod just above him because of what he's done with Liverpool but after him, Phillips is better than the rest.

"He really is a player and he's got everything. Phillips is the full package. I know he hasn't had Premier League experience but when you get in among better players at international level, you shine and he could be wearing the England shirt for a long time to come.

"I'm gutted for Jack but he shouldn't be being compared with Phillips.

"Jack's been unfortunate because Gareth can't pick everyone. He says Jack's unfortunate because of the likes of Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling.

"But he's more in the bracket of Phil Foden and Mason Mount. They're the two he should be being compared with.

"Jack just needs to stick with it. He is the nearest thing to Gazza I've seen. Gazza is the most difficult opponent I ever played against. Jack has that same outstanding ability and audacity with the ball."

There is talk Grealish may consider a switch back to the Republic of Ireland if he keeps on getting snubbed for England selection.

However, Sherwood feels the playmaker should stick it out and that he will eventually become a Three Lions regular - much like he was forced to himself during his playing career.

"If I was Jack I wouldn't be thinking of switching back to Ireland. He's made his mind up and he just has to be patient. I know how hard that can be," Sherwood said.

"I won the title with Blackburn. I was in incredible form and thought I was one of the best players around. Yet I must have been called up 28 times and never got picked until I moved to Tottenham.

"It's not ideal but all Jack can do is get on with it and not sulk and I don't think he'll do that. His chance will come.

"It might come through an injury crisis or whatever but once Gareth sees how good he is, how he dribbles and draws players with his pace, he'll be up and running.

"When international teams sit back you need players who have that guile and that key to the door.

"Jack has to just get his nut down and get all this not being picked stuff out of his head. He's not in the squad because he's not good enough. Anyone who thinks that is talking nonsense."

At least four Chelsea players have been forced to quarantine in line with government guidelines, the club confirmed on Wednesday. 

The Blues squad underwent coronavirus testing at the end of last week upon their return to training, in line with Premier League protocol ahead of the new season which begins on the weekend of September 12. 

While it's unclear whether any members of Frank Lampard's squad tested positive, the club have confirmed a handful of their players are now in quarantine. 

"We have a number of players that are following government guidelines regards quarantine but we are not briefing or confirming names," Chelsea explained in a statement released on Wednesday.

As the missive suggests, the club will not reveal the players affected on confidentiality grounds, but the news will put a dent in Frank Lampard's pre-season plans on the same day they confirmed the signing of Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell. 

Sheffield United, West Ham and Brighton have all recorded positive cases upon their return to training, with a total of 14 positives confirmed across no less than 12 clubs in the English top flight. 

Chelsea's quarantine news comes on the same day that the UK government announced that the Blues were to form part of a pilot scheme designed to welcome football fans back into stadiums for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic first brought the sport to a halt in March. 

Lampard's charges travel to Brighton for a friendly on Saturday, with the Seagulls' Amex Stadium set to hold 2,500 spectators respecting social distancing protocol. 

"I know fans and their teams can't wait to be reunited in stadia across the country, but it's imperative we take a cautious and phased approach to get fans back in safely," Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden announced on confirming the relaxation of restrictions on fans for the clash.

The revised measures will also be applied in a women's friendly between West Ham and Arsenal on the weekend as well as fixtures in cricket, rugby and certain horse racing meets among other activities.

Chelsea will begin their 2020-21 campaign away against Brighton on September 14. 

Josep Maria Bartomeu is treated as a "black sheep" and gets unfair criticism at Barcelona, according to former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

Bartomeu is under fire at Camp Nou after Lionel Messi asked to leave the Blaugrana at the end of a hugely disappointing season.

The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's transfer request followed Barca's humiliating 8-2 Champions League defeat to eventual winners Bayern Munich.

But Calderon, who previously served as president at rivals Real Madrid, has sympathy for Bartomeu, whose position is up for election in March.

"Being sat in this chair is very difficult," Calderon told Stats Perform News. "It is much more difficult than what people can imagine.

"There are so many critics and yet, when things go well, the praise is for players and managers. It is normal that the president is the black sheep.

"This is the person who is accused of not signing a player or letting a player who fans consider important for the team leave. I don't like it.

"I don't have the information [to properly analyse], but I think Bartomeu has been a good president. From what I see and from what I know of him, I think he is a good president.

"It is very complicated. Even more so in this time when the team start to lose and get that humiliating defeat. The fans don't forgive."

Attempting to explain Bartomeu's actions, Calderon added: "As all presidents do, he has looked for the best for the club.

"Whatever he has done or said, I am sure it has always been for good and trying to get the best for the club he represents."

With Messi now set to leave La Liga behind, Calderon believes the competition will struggle to cope after seeing their two biggest stars depart. 

"It would be really hurtful for the image, the quality, the show," he said. "We have been really lucky having Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in our league for the past 10 years, the best two players in the world by far.

"They won't be here anymore, neither of them will be with us. It is really hurtful for our league and for the fans."

Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona would represent a blow for all of La Liga, says former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon.

Six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has informed Barca - his only senior club - he wishes to depart after a dismal season at Camp Nou, a decision that has caused uproar at the Blaugrana as their captain and superstar prepares to leave after two decades of service.

The Catalan giants failed to win a single trophy and exited the Champions League with a humiliating 8-2 quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.

In La Liga, meanwhile, a disappointing end to the interrupted 2019-20 season saw Barca relinquish the title to their arch-rivals, who eventually finished five points clear at the summit to claim their first Primera Division crown since 2017.

It appears the talismanic number 10 will now move on just two years after his great rival Cristiano Ronaldo left Madrid for Serie A giants Juventus.

Calderon told Stats Perform News: "It would be really hurtful for the image, the quality, the show [in LaLiga if Messi went].

"We have been really lucky having Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi playing in our league for the past 10 years, the best two players in the world by far.

"They won't be here anymore, neither of them will be with us. It is really hurtful for our league and for the fans."

Calderon revealed his surprise at Messi's request, although he acknowledged the scale of Barca's recent failings made the move understandable.

"Recent events have surely made Messi upset," he said. "It is a weird time because he is a winner, as Barcelona used to be.

"The defeat against Bayern has hurt him a lot, for sure. That makes Messi reconsider his future, especially because there will be a World Cup in two years. I am sure he is aiming to be there and to win the cup.

"So, he has probably thought the future of Barcelona is not the best for his goals and he takes that decision.

"It has been a bit shocking for me because I thought he had already decided to finish his career at Barcelona, but it looks like these latest actions have influenced him to leave the club."

Napoli new boy Victor Osimhen has lauded the roles played by manager Gennaro Gattuso and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis in convincing him to move to Italy.

The Nigeria striker was reportedly linked to a number of clubs in Europe after his outstanding debut campaign in the Ligue 1 with Lille where he notched 13 goals in 27 games.

However, before he penned a five-year deal with Napoli earlier this month, Osimhen noted the ‘father figure’ roles by Gattuso and De Laurentiis as the persuading factors for him.

“Playing for Napoli is a dream come true and [Aurelio] De Laurentiis and [Gennaro] Gattuso have welcomed me like a son,” he said during his media presentation.

“The president and the coach really wanted to sign me and spoke to me a lot before I joined. Both were like father figures because they gave me lots of advice. I decided to accept the challenge with Napoli after speaking to them. It’s not often you’re shown so much love. For a young player like myself, that’s vital.”

The 21-year-old joined his new teammates for training this week at their pre-season camp in Castel di Sangro.

He disclosed how he can fit into Gennaro Gattuso’s squad.

“I like to get involved with the play. My team-mates are vital to me. My motto is never say never. Everything is possible in football,” Osimhen continued. “This is a squad of great players and it’s a big step up for me to be here.

“I’m focusing on doing everything I can for the team and helping my teammates.”

Osimhen admitted his initial worry about racism in the Italian city but the reception he got from fans has changed his perspective.

“I was a bit sceptical because it’s something that affects the whole world,” he said.

“But I’ve visited the city of Naples, I’ve seen things with my own eyes and I know that I’ve come to a marvellous city. Racism is a problem that exists everywhere, but I’m sure that I’ve made the right choice because the love the Napoli fans show me will make me feel right at home.

“I’ve always been convinced that Napoli was the right choice for me right now and in the future. From both a personal and a playing perspective.”

New Southampton recruit Mohammed Salisu will wear the number 22 jersey for the 2020-21 season after the squad numbers were released by the club.

The 21-year-old joined the Saints having completed a £10.9million move from Real Valladolid. A fee which matched his release clause.

Salisu had been linked with a host of European giants that included Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

At some stage it looked like Ligue 1 club Rennes - who were keen to bolster their backline ahead of their Champions League debut, would append his signature. However, Southampton won the intense race for a fee considered a huge bargain in today’s hyper-inflated transfer market.

Upon his arrival, Salisu stated he was ready to adapt to the Premier League which he called a very tough league.

“For me, it has been a dream since I was a child to play in the Premier League and I am very, very happy to be here,” Salisu said on the club website.

“We all know it is a very tough league, but I am ready for everything to put all I can into helping the team.

“It is a very good feeling to be a Southampton player. I am very happy to be part of the club and I am looking forward to starting here.

“It’s a very good club for me to develop my skills and to learn a lot as a young player and I’m very happy to join. Southampton have a fantastic history in developing young players and I hope I do my best to add to that group.”

The Ghanaian comes with a good reputation from La Liga where he averaged 5.0 clearances per game, 1.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions, all last season in what was a breakthrough senior debut with the Blanquivioletas having been a youth player since 2017.

The number 22 Southampton jersey was previously worn by Nathan Redmond, but the English forward will now take the vacant number 11 shirt.

The other Africans in the Saints squad in Malian Moussa Djenepo and Moroccan Sofiane Boufal retained their number 12 and 19 shirts respectively.

Southampton finished in 11th place last season, 18 points clear of the relegation zone and seven points short of European qualification.

Salisu will be looking to make his Premier League debut when the Saints travel to Jordan Ayew’s Crystal Palace on September 12.

Express FC's sixth signing Godfrey Lwesibawa has called for consistency when the 2020/21 Ugandan Premier League (UPL) starts.

Lwesibawa re-joined the Red Eagles from Tooro United, a club he made his debut for in 2013 and helped them finish third three years later.

Since then, Express have failed to finish in any subsequent seasons as among the best three teams but Lwesibawa is hopeful they can challenge for a trophy once again.

“All our [players] objectives can’t be any different, we all want to win silverware this season but our biggest motivation will be consistency, we have to score goals but also defend well so as to achieve the main target,” Lwesibawa told the club’s website.

“We have to be one, the senior players have to guide the younger players and also guide them when the pressure mounts but also the fans have to be with us, in good and bad times.”

Meanwhile, Mustafa Kiragga revealed why he had to choose Express while he had other numerous offers.

“Express FC are a big brand and not forgetting the amazing supporters,” Kiragga told Sports Nation.

“I had more than two offers here and another one outside but won’t mention them because I’m happily a Red Eagle now.

“I’m looking forward to achieving first-team football then plenty of goals and assists to help the team claim more trophies.”

The striker, the first to be signed by the Red Eagles, also discussed his time at Alexandria FC of South Africa.

“It’s been having ups and downs but it’s all part of the journey. Living in a foreign land is a milestone and a huddle that one has to overcome by all means,” he added.

“It takes only the brave-hearted ones to stay focused amidst many challenges but I managed to play in different competitions, got accolades for top scoring.

“I didn’t find my way into the top-tier due to some uncertainties but people always complimented on how good my craft is which fuelled and kept me going and now I’m here to make things happen Insha-Allah.”

Kiragga has previously played for Lweza, SC Victoria University and KB Lions and left Uganda two years ago.

Tabitha Chawinga continued her impressive start to the season in Jiangsu Suning's 5-0 triumph over Henan Jianye in a Chinese Women's Super League encounter in Kunming on Wednesday.

Jiangsu went into the contest on the back of a narrow 3-2 win over Hebei China Fortune on Sunday, while Henan bowed narrowly 2-1 to Wuhan Jiangda in the opening match of the day.

In the last meeting in September, they played out a 1-1 draw after Tang Jiali cancelled Onome Ebi's opener in the final league match.

With the absence of Nigeria duo Ebi and Chiwendu Ihezuo, the champions made a bright start to the contest when Chawinga assisted Wu Chengshu to open the scoring after just nine minutes.

With the slim lead, Jiangsu could not find a breakthrough past Henan until the pacy Malawi international raced off from the passing area to double the lead in the 78th minute. 

Chengshu bagged her second of the match moments later before she hit her treble from the spot in the 88th minute and Gong Li struck seconds from time to wrap up the victory.

Chawinga, who played for the duration, has now scored two goals in two matches this season for Jiangsu in her third season in China.

The absence of Ebi and Ihezuo due to travel restrictions are proving costly for Henan as the latest defeat places them in 10th with no point, no goal from two matches, conceding nine in the process.

The win means Jiangsu moved to second on the log with six points from two games and the next league fixture will pitch Tabitha against her sister Tenwa for the first time on August 29. 

Temwa Chawinga opened her goal account in the debut Chinese Women's Super League season with a brace to help Wuhan secure a 5-0 victory over Hebei China Fortune on Wednesday.

The Malawi international made her debut as a second-half substitute in Wuhan's 2-1 win over Henan Jianye last Sunday following her signing from Swedish side Kvarnsvedens in January.

This time, the 21-year-old striker was handed a starting role following her impactful display against Henan when she earned a penalty to ensure her side secure a winning start to the season.

Wang Shanshan opened the scoring for Wuhan to continue from where she left off in the opener after just nine minutes against Henan, who were smarting from a 3-2 defeat to Jiangsu Suning.

Moments later, Wang Shuang brilliantly raced into the area before sending in a fine pass to Chawinga for the Malawian to lash in her first goal of the season and double the lead for Wuhan.

Rampant Wuhan did not take their feet off the pedal as Shuang again teed up Chawinga who eventually bagged her second goal of the match and the fourth for the visitors. 

Having already bagged two assists in the game, Shuang once again continued her assist role as she provided her third assist of the match for Xiao Yuy to wrap up the victory for the visitors.

Chawinga, who was in action for the duration for Wuhan, has now scored two goals from her two games in 2020.

The result saw Wuhan retain third spot on the log with six points from two games and they will hope to maintain the run against Tabitha's Jiangsu Suning in their next fixture on Saturday.