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Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning efforts in 2020 mean that they will “always be remembered”, says Fabinho, with the record books having been rewritten by Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The Reds fell agonisingly short of claiming a domestic crown in 2019 as Manchester City pipped them to the post by a solitary point.

Rather than wallow in the pain of that disappointment, Klopp’s side dusted themselves down and landed Champions League glory.

Major silverware has been secured on a regular basis since then, with a 30-year wait for English top-flight supremacy brought to a close along the way.

With the men from Merseyside back on top of the global game, Fabinho believes the legacy of those who helped to return Liverpool to that perch will stand the test of time.

The Brazil international told the Reds’ official website: "We may not have realised this importance yet but I think we will always be remembered because we were the first Liverpool squad to win the championship since it became the Premier League. 

"This club has a lot of history and has won many trophies as well, but this one is perhaps a little bit more special due to the long period we've spent without a league title. 

"Liverpool supporters have been waiting for this title for a long time and unfortunately they could not be inside the stadium with us [due to coronavirus restrictions], but certainly everyone in their houses celebrated a lot. 

"We absolutely have to celebrate because the way we conquered, with the huge points difference between us and second place, is really something to celebrate."

Fabinho has seen the success enjoyed by Liverpool justify his decision to join the Reds in the summer of 2018 when he had other options to consider.

The versatile 26-year-old added on being at Anfield: "Liverpool is very important to me.

"When I decided to leave Monaco, I wanted to go to an important football club, that fought for huge goals, and here at Liverpool I managed to do all these things. 

"I've also arrived at a football club where the atmosphere and the squad are great. I've learnt a lot from the technical staff as well. 

"I've really managed to learn more at this club and understand the supporters' love closely. 

"So I am very grateful for all these experiences I've had living here and I hope to achieve more."

Jose Mourinho is “the best coach in the history of football”, according to Emmanuel Adebayor, with the Portuguese having enjoyed success wherever he has been in a distinguished managerial career.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ burst onto the scene when guiding Porto to domestic and Champions League glory.

Premier League title triumphs were then savoured at Chelsea, before a historic treble was secured with Serie A giants Inter.

Mourinho went on to conquer La Liga with Real Madrid, before returning to England to get Chelsea back on top of things and claiming three trophies in his debut campaign at Manchester United.

The charismatic 57-year-old is now looking to deliver long-awaited silverware at Tottenham, with Adebayor considering him to be the perfect man for that job.

The ex-Spurs striker, who claimed Copa del Rey honours when working under Mourinho during a loan spell at Real in 2011, told AS of his former boss: “I love Mourinho, we had a great relationship and he was the one who brought me to Madrid, although it wasn't easy for him to find a place for me in the side.

“The only trophy I have ever won was at Madrid with him. Now he's at Tottenham and I wish him the best of luck.

“He is the best coach in the history of football.”

Adebayor spent only five months at Santiago Bernabeu, and has represented a number of other leading clubs, but considers his time in Spain to be a career highlight.

The 36-year-old Togolese, who was last on the books of Paraguayan side Olimpia, added: “I've played for Monaco, Arsenal and City, among other teams before coming to Madrid and so I could see the difference.

“Madrid is way ahead of the rest. I enjoyed a wonderful experience there. I love Real Madrid and I would like to go back and say my goodbyes when I get the chance.

“Signing for Madrid was the best moment of my life. But in the end, it was the place where I played the least football of my career - nevertheless it was the club which left the biggest mark on me.

“The organization was incredible, how I was treated, the affection from the fans... everything.”

Jean-Pierre Nsame has set a new goal scoring record in a single Swiss Super League season after scoring a brace in Young Boys' 3-1 win over St. Gallen.

The Cameroon international helped the Stade de Suisse outfit clinch their 14th league crown on Monday with his two first-half goals before his compatriot Moumi Ngamaleu sealed the victory in the 86th minute.

Nsame ended the 2019-20 Super League campaign with 32 goals after 32 games, to be become the all-time top scorer in a single Swiss top-flight season. He surpassed the previous record held by Ivory Coast's Seydou Doumbia who scored 30 goals in 32 league outings for Young Boys back in the 2009-10.

Nsame opened the scoring at the Stade de Suisse in the 14th minute and he doubled their lead eight minutes later. Towards the end of the first-half, Jeremy Guillemenot pulled a goal back for St. Gallen.

The Cameroonian forward was replaced by his compatriot Ngamaleu in the 63rd minute and the 26-year-old made his mark in the game by sealing the crucial win with his seventh goal of the season four minutes from time.

The victory ensured Young Boys hold an eight-point lead ahead of second-placed St. Gallen who gathered 68 points from 36 matches.

Nsame has been in fine goalscoring form since football activities in Switzerland restarted in June after the coronavirus hiatus, scoring 14 goals in 11 league matches.

The title is Nsame's third league crown with Young Boys since his arrival from rivals Servette in 2017.

On the international scene, the Douala-born striker has played two matches for Cameroon with his last outing dating back to June 2019 in a friendly match against Zambia ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Nsame was dropped from Clarence Seedorf’s selection for the biennial tournament, however, he will be hoping his scintillating form in front of goal earns him a recall to the Indomitable Lions.

Kenya international Joseph Okumu returned from injury as IF Elfsborg claimed a 3-3 draw against IK Sirius FK in a Swedish top flight match played on Monday.

The towering defender has been missing in action since he picked up an injury and was stretchered off during their 2-1 win against Kalmar FF, three weeks ago.

However, Okumu was given the opportunity to start after recovering from the injury and he featured for 70 minutes before being substituted.

Okumu., who suffered muscle problems, has confirmed to Goal his happiness of returning to action after staying out for at least three weeks.

“I feel great to play again, I am happy I was finally involved and the 70 minutes is not bad for a player who is coming from injury,” Okumu told Goal on Tuesday.

“I now want to cement my place in the team, as I had done before the injury, and help my team do well this season.”

The draw saw Okumu’s side move third on the 16-team table with 21 points from 12 matches, four fewer than table-toppers IFK Norrköping FK, who have played a similar number of matches while Malmö FF are second also on 25 points.

Okumu’s Elfsborg will next face AIK in another league match on Wednesday.

In a recent interview, Okumu revealed to Goal he would love to captain the national team sometime in the future.

The 23-year-old centre-back has been one of the rising stars in the country and his exceptional display in the 2019 Afcon held in Egypt sealed his place in the first XI.

The youngster played in all three matches in Group C - the 2-0 loss to Algeria before helping the team to a 3-2 win against close neighbours and rivals Tanzania and eventually losing 3-0 to Senegal.

"It is a dream for any player to captain his national team," Okumu told Goal when asked whether he wishes to skipper Harambee Stars in future.

"If an opportunity to [captain] the team comes my way, I will take it with both hands. It will be a privilege, but if it does not, my job is to give my country the best services and I will continue pushing myself harder on the pitch."

In 2017, the towering defender was released by South African side Free State Stars after barely one season.

Although he is suspended for the eagerly anticipated Nedbank Cup semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend, Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Ricardo Goss is confident they overcome his new team.

The former Golden Arrows netminder is on his way to Chloorkop next season after the Braamfontein-based side was sold to Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). 

Goss was handed an eight-match ban by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) in March and says he is not focusing on his big move to the reigning PSL champions, but rooting for Gavin Hunt’s men to lift the Ke Yona trophy.

Together with Sameehg Goss and Doutie, Goss was charged with assault following an altercation with match referee Masixole Bambiso during their 2-0 defeat to Cape Town City at Cape Town Stadium in January this year.

“Obviously it’s going to be a tough and difficult game for both teams. We’ve prepared well and we are ready for the game obviously we haven’t played in a long time but we are ready,” Goss told Goal.

“So, in terms of match fitness, I think we will be ready to go, and facing Mamelodi Sundowns is always tough. They are a good side with quality players – it’s going to be a really good game.

“We will have to do our best to win it and ensure we finish this one with silverware. I’m suspended for this game.

"I will be watching from the hotel but I just hope the guys will come up and give a good fight. It won’t be easy but we will give it our best shot.

“I feel if we give it our all we stand a good chance of winning it.”

Speaking about his next move and facing his new teammates, the 26-year-old shot-stopper says he is not looking beyond the current campaign and is focused on the Students.

“For now, I’m focusing on where I’m at [not on my move to Sundowns], I’m rooting for my boys to come with a win and end the season by winning this competition,” he added.

“I’m focusing on Bidvest Wits until the end of the season. As I said, it will be good to finish this season with silverware and we need to give the team a proper send-off.”

The encounter will be staged at Orlando Stadium in Soweto just after the other semi-final clash pitting Bloemfontein Celtic and Baroka at the same venue.

Iker Casillas has officially announced his retirement at the end of a 22-year playing career, with the legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper hanging up his gloves at the age of 39.

The World Cup winner has not taken in a competitive appearance since suffering a serious health scare in May 2019.

He recovered from a heart attack to rejoin the ranks at Porto and was named in their squad for the 2019-20 campaign.

Casillas has, however, now taken the decision to hang up his gloves as he seeks to move in a different direction away from the field.

He posted on social media: “The most important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not the destination that it takes you.

“I think I can say, without hesitation, that this has been the right path and the dream destination. Thanks.”

Casillas burst onto the scene as a teenager at Real Madrid and would go on to take in 725 appearances for the Blancos – helping them to five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

He also captained his country to World Cup glory in 2010 and sandwiched that success with European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012.

A move away from his homeland took him to Portugal in 2015, with a further 156 outings and two more title triumphs secured with Porto.

Casillas is now looking to take on positions off the field, having announced his decision to run for the presidency of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and will have many fond memories to look back on as he prepares to open a new chapter in his professional and personal life.

Recognising his efforts over the course of a stunning playing career, Real posted in a statement on their official website: “Real Madrid CF wants to show its appreciation, admiration and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.

“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football came to our house when he was nine years old. Here our bond was formed and defended for 25 years, being forever one of our most iconic captains. Iker Casillas has earned the love of Real Madrid and is a benchmark of the values ​​that represent Real Madrid.
 
“Today, one of the most important footballers in our 118-year history, a player whom we love and admire, a goalkeeper who has enlarged the legend of Real Madrid with his work and exemplary behaviour both on and off the field, says goodbye as a professional player.

“With the first team he played 725 games during 16 seasons in which he won 19 titles: three European Cups, three Club World Cups, two European Super Cups, five Leagues, two King's Cups and four Spanish Super Cups.

“In Portugal, with Porto, he has achieved two Leagues, one Cup and one Super Cup. He has been an international with Spain on 167 occasions and has won one World Cup, two Euro Cups and one U-20 World Cup.
 
“Casillas was included in the FIFA FIFPro World XI five times and chosen as the best goalkeeper in the world by the IFFHS five times. 

“His impressive sports career has been recognised with the Prince of Asturias Award for Sports, the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit and the Gold Medal of the Community of Madrid.
 
“Casillas belongs to the heart of Real Madrid and will do so forever. Real Madrid wants to convey to him and his family the affection of our club, which is the club of his life.”

Odsonne Edouard is unlikely to end up at Arsenal if he does head for the exits at Celtic, claims Charlie Nicholas, with Leicester or Leeds considered to be more suitable landing spots.

The French forward continues to generate interest with his efforts in Scotland, with a hat-trick netted in the opening rounds of Premiership fixtures in 2020-21.

Edouard has proved to be a prolific source of goals for Celtic since making a move from Paris Saint-Germain and at 22 years of age is expected to have a bright future ahead of him.

Many have suggested that the Premier League could be his next port of call, with leading sides in England closely monitoring his progress.

Nicholas has previously talked up a potential switch to Emirates Stadium, with Arsenal still waiting to discover whether Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be committing to a new contract.

The former Celtic and Gunners forward has, however, changed his tune and now believes that a transfer to the King Power Stadium or Elland Road could be made ahead of a move to north London.

Nicholas told Express Sport: "I know Edouard is still under contract but the player still holds all the power.

"If he decides he wants to leave then it will happen, that has been shown with Moussa Dembele, Virgil van Dijk and Kieran Tierney in the past.

"For Edouard to leave I do think it would take a sizeable fee, whether that is £25 million or £30 million.

"People argue he is worth more than Tierney because he is a striker and he gets goals but the problem is that the market has changed dramatically post-Covid-19.

"I don't see Arsenal making a move for him but I could see Everton, West Bromwich Albion, Leeds United or Leicester City making bids.

"Leicester is the one of interest because Brendan Rodgers rates him so highly and was the one who signed him for Celtic.

"He knows he can trust Edouard to play the way he wants.

"That is important because I don't see him fitting into an Everton or a Newcastle, but he might suit a Leeds United and would also do well at Leicester.

"He has to go to a club that suits his style because he knows that when he does leave and goes to the Premier League he is probably walking into a £100,000-a-week contract.

"They have six weeks, which is a long time, to wait until the transfer window closes.

"If they can keep him then he is key to Celtic winning 10 and it is no secret that winning this league is everything to the club.

"If Edouard wants to leave then it will happen."

Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier had revealed why he wants to seek another term in the club’s upcoming elections.

Despite leading the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) champions for the last 12 years, Rachier has defended his move to seek re-election again during the club’s much-awaited polls set to be conducted via electronic voting on August 8.

“I have done much for this club and it is evident enough. Since I took over in 2008, we have achieved so much and that makes me proud,” Rachier is quoted by People Sports.

“In 12 years, we have won 46 trophies, surely that is something. It is also a testament I have retained my seat unopposed; it means members have always had faith in my leadership.

“To run this great club, you have to be a servant first. It is not easy to lead Gor Mahia given the image and so it is about being passionate and efficient. The reason I am in the seat is so to help drive the club to greater heights.”

Rachier, who is heading to return unopposed, as no official stepped up to contest his position, has also supported the club’s new constitution which moved to reduce the number of elective posts from 11 to four.

“It will be better to have a lean but effective office with individuals able to persecute the mandate given to them,” Rachier continued.  “In the past, it was a bit complicated and sometimes differences would occur.

“We want to speak a unified language that is endeared to developing the club.”

On whether they are ready for the exercise, Rachier said: “We are ready for the polls and we have followed all directives of the Sports Act. In fact, the recent directive by Sports Registrar on deploying monitors to assess the viability and credibility of elections online is complete.

“We have ICPAK [Institute of Chartered Public Accountants of Kenya] on board and we have already forwarded names of voters who have met criteria of being registered club members.

“The Board is in place with gender balance ascertained.”

Apart from Rachier, secretary Sam Ocholla is also unopposed while former club officials ‘Sally Bollo and Francis Wasuna will battle for the vice-chairmanship post while Gor Mahia’s Augmentin official Dolphina Odhiambo will face off with Chrispine Okoth.

Emmanuel Adebayor admits that players like Cristiano Ronaldo “come along once every 200 years”, with Real Madrid told they made a mistake in believing that a suitable replacement for the Portuguese could be found.

The Blancos bid farewell to their all-time record goalscorer in the summer of 2018, with a shock deal done with Serie A giants Juventus.

Ronaldo had starred at Santiago Bernabeu over the course of a nine-year spell, with his standing among the all-time greats secured during a stunning stint in Spain.

Real agreed to part with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner as they felt a younger successor could be found to fill the role of club talisman in Madrid.

They have found out the hard way that countering the loss of Ronaldo was always going to be an impossible task.

Zinedine Zidane has returned the Blancos to the top of La Liga, with a title triumph enjoyed in 2019-20, but Adebayor believes a side that has been inconsistent at times would have secured even more silverware had a fearsome No.7 still been on their books.

“Without Cristiano, Madrid know what they have lost, but maybe not what they could have won if he was still there,” Adebayor, who took in a loan spell at the Bernabeu in 2011, told AS.

“I think maybe they thought they would get another player like Ronaldo but players like him only come along once every 200 years.”

Karim Benzema is among those to have been charged with the task of filling Ronaldo’s boots, with the French striker having fared as well as anybody in that quest – with 56 goals recorded across the last two seasons.

“When Ronaldo left, he had to take up the responsibility and I think he's done really well,” Adebayor said of a fellow frontman.

“He's scored a lot of goals, important goals so he'll be a danger [to Manchester City in the Champions League], no doubt about it.”

City are next in Benzema’s sights, as Real seek to overturn a 2-1 deficit in a heavyweight Champions League last-16 encounter, with the Blancos looking to conquer the continent for the first time since Ronaldo departed.

“Madrid would have been favourite with Cristiano,” said Adebayor.

“Back then, they had Cristiano who is a goal machine. He can make the difference at any moment and he would give the team 50 goals a season.

“They lost the first leg at home, at the Bernabeu 1-2, and it's going to be very difficult with the fans, against Manchester City, the city, the weather... but it's not impossible.

“Madrid have players with a lot of experience like Marcelo, Benzema, [Thibaut] Courtois and they are used to playing in big games like this one.”

Young Africans (Yanga SC) decided to release captain Papy Tshishimbi because the two parties failed to agree on the contract which was on the table.

The dreadlocked defender from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was among the 14 players shown the exit door by the Jangwani Street-based giants on Monday.

Goal can now reveal Tshishimbi and Yanga failed to reach an agreement on the new deal which the club had offered the player and hence moved to part ways on mutual consent.

“[Tshishimbi] was not keen to sign the new deal, he also demanded many things including a car, and it was difficult for the club to offer him what he wanted,” a source from Yanga, who did not want to be named, told Goal on Tuesday.

“The club was keen to keep him but it seems he had already made up his mind to leave if you see some of his comments to media in recent interviews, he was not ready to extend his stay with us, the contract was to end on August 12, but we have moved to part ways amicably and we wish him well.”

On Tuesday, Tshishimbi was among the players let go by the club as they continue with their clear out in the transfer window.

According to the club, former Gor Mahia striker Gnamien Yikpe, who took much criticism last season, was axed alongside Tshishimbi, who refused to renew his contract and Congolese striker David Molinga.

Others dropped are veteran striker Mrisho Ngassa, Jafary Mohamed, Mohamed Issa Banka, Tariq Seif, Andrew Vincent Dante, Patrick Sibomana, Muharami Issa, Ali Ali, Rafael Daud, Ali Mtoni Sonso and Eric Kabamba.

Surprisingly, the club have retained controversial Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison, who has missed training since the team suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat against rivals Simba SC in the FA Cup semi-final clash and was since arrested under suspicion of marijuana possession.

Other played retained include Kenyan keeper Farouk Shikhalo, Metacha Mnata, Ramadhan Kabwili, Haruna Niyonzima, Lamine Moro, Bernard Morrison, Feisal Salum, Juma Mahadhi, Adeyum Saleh, Said Makapu, Balama Mapinduzi, Deus Kaseke, Ditram Nchimbi, Abdulaziz Makame, and Paul Godfrey.

Yanga had a disappointing campaign in the last season where they failed to reach the final of the FA Cup after losing to eventual winners and rivals Simba SC, and could only finish a distant second behind their old rivals on the league table.

The Timu ya Wananchi have now been linked to a number of foreign-players, including Kenyans Jesse Were and John Makwatta, who play for Zesco United, Sven Yidah of Kariobangi Sharks, Erick Rutanga of Rayon Sports and Mukoko Tonombe of AS Vita Club from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Sofapaka President Elly Kalekwa has revealed they will sign five players to beef up their squad ahead of the new season.

Batoto ba Mungu are yet to unveil any new signing and Kalekwa believes the first arrival could be done early next week.

“We want to sign five players to add into the squad we had last season,” Kalekwa told Goal on Tuesday. “Out of the five players, we have foreigners and local ones, I cannot give out the names now.

“But what I can promise is the first signing should be unveiled next week, we have discussed everything and agreed on all the terms, he is a foreign player, coming in the defence, but our number of signings will not go beyond five.”

On how far they have reached to sign ex-Gor Mahia captain Musa Mohammed, Kalekwa said: “It is not about [Mohammed] alone, we are engaging many players, our efforts are not only focusing on [Mohammed].

“Like I said last week, we gave Mohammed a contract which we feel is good for him, he promised to go read it and get back, we have not heard from since then and we don’t want to keep following him.

“We will now wait and see if he will come back to us, he is not the only target we have, we have other options, if he doesn’t want to come, it is fine with us, we will get an option for his position, I don’t want us to look as if we are desperate to sign him, we are not.”

Mohammed is currently a free agent after his two-year contract with Nkana FC of Zambia came to a close at the start of June.

In a recent interview, Kalekwa told Goal he was a keen admirer of the defender who guided Gor Mahia to five Kenyan Premier League (KPL) titles before he left for Nkana FC of Zambia where his contract ended in June.

“It is not an open secret Sofapaka have always wanted to sign Musa [Mohammed], since we engaged him last season before he left for Zambia,” Kalekwa told Goal.

“I am informed he is now a free agent after ending his contract with Nkana but we have not reached out or talked to him, we will talk to him when the right time comes, he is a good player, who can fit in well into our squad and give us the leadership quality that we want in the team.”

Tanzanian giants Young Africans (Yanga SC) are among the clubs that have reportedly shown a keen interest in signing the defender.

At Nkana, the central defender was parading alongside other Kenyan stars, including former AFC Leopards captain Duncan Otieno, former Gor Mahia captain Harun Shakava and Duke Abuya, who joined in January 2020.

Mohammed featured for K'Ogalo from 2010 to 2017, before moving to Albania for a short stint with KF Tirana.

When he ended his contract with the European club, he returned home before moving to Zambia in 2018.

Ghana Football Association (GFA) communications director Henry Asante Twum has revealed the football's governing body has not made an attempt to lure Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah for an international future with the Black Stars.

The 21-year-old, who currently plays for England at youth level, and the GFA have been in the news concerning a possible discussion for a nationality switch following a social media exchange after Arsenal beat Chelsea 2-1 to win the English FA Cup on Saturday.

He was born in London to Ghanaian parents and reportedly turned down a first approach to play for the Black Stars in 2019 ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

“All his parents are from Ghana and he [Nketiah] has represented England in all youth competitions," Asante Twum said, as reported by Citi Sports.

“He has won two trophies this season, that is with Leeds United in the Championship and then with Arsenal, so we congratulated him on twitter for his achievement. He also responded to our tweet to show his appreciation.

“It is not far-fetched to strategically congratulate him to let him know that eyes are watching.

“Contacting his family has not come up yet. When the process begins, the media will be updated.

“That move cannot be made without the input of technical handlers.

“Where we sit, nothing of the sort has come to our table.”

After Saturday's match where Nketiah came on as an 81st minute substitute, the GFA quoted his celebratory post on Twitter with a reply "congratulations Eddie Nketiah".

The striker, who also picked a Championship winner’s medal with Leeds United with whom he spent the first part of the season, then responded "thank you", an exchange that prompted speculation about his international future.

In March, new Ghana coach CK Akonnor announced a list of seven diasporans being courted for a switch of international allegiance to represent the Black Stars.

The roster, which included the Anderlecht trio of Derrick Luckassen, Jeremy Doku and Francis Amuzu, Strasbourg centre-back Alexander Djiku, Gent midfielder Elisha Owusu and Ajax starlet Bryan Brobbey, had no place for Nketiah.

Recent reports say the FA have added Brighton and Hove Albion right-back Tariq Lamptey to their list of targets. 

Napoli have named Kalidou Koulibaly in their squad for the final stages of the 2019-20 Champions League while there is no place for new recruit Victor Osimhen and Algerian defender Faouzi Ghoulam.

The Parthenopeans will take on Spanish giants Barcelona in the round of 16 of the tournament in a one-legged tie on August 8.

According to the list announced by Uefa, Senegal international Koulibaly is the only African star who made the club’s 23-man squad.

Koulibaly has featured 33 times for Gennaro Gattuso’s men across all competitions, including six in the European tournament and will hope to help his side win the trophy. 

Algeria international Ghoulam will play no further part in the competition as he is still recovering from an injury.

Napoli will also not be able to bank on the services of their new signing Osimhen, with the Nigeria international having featured in the group stage of the competition for Lille.

The forward completed a €50 million transfer from the French side last month following his eye-catching performances during his time with the club.

Osimhen bagged 18 goals and provided six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions before leaving Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

The forward made his Champions League debut against Ajax in September 2019 and scored two goals in five appearances as Lille failed to progress past the group stage.

The 21-year-old striker will be expected to make his first appearance for the Parthenopeans during their pre-season games.

Osimhen is a key member of the Nigeria national team and was part of the side that finished third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The forward currently has four goals in nine games for the West Africans and will be expected to play a prominent role in the Super Eagles World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Barcelona are still capable of claiming Champions League glory this season because “even a little bit of Lionel Messi is mucho Messi”, says Sylvinho.

The Blaugrana are still picking the bones out of a disappointing domestic campaign which saw them surrender the Liga title to arch-rivals Real Madrid.

Inconsistency has been an issue for the Camp Nou giants, with Messi taking to airing his frustration in public.

The Argentine has suggested that Barca will struggle to mount a serious challenge for a European crown in their current state.

The mere presence of the mercurial Argentine does, however, give the Catalan giants a fighting chance every time they take to the field.

Messi has collected another Pichichi Trophy in 2019-20, having topped the Liga scoring charts with 25 goals, and remains a talismanic figure for Quique Setien’s side.

Barca are due to take in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 encounter with Napoli on Saturday, with that tie locked at 1-1, and Sylvinho believes they remain serious contender for the ultimate prize.

The former Blaugrana full-back told The Guardian: “Even a little bit of Messi is mucho Messi.

“He’s still the best. He can change a game in the seconds. He gets the ball, bluh, bluh, bluh, bluh, goal! A team with a player like that, look out, maybe they can win it.”

Ex-Brazil international Sylvinho found himself on the books at Camp Nou as Messi was making a senior breakthrough.

He admits that he could never have predicted how good the South American would become, with a standing among the all-time greats having been safely secured for some time now.

“He was the same then as now in many ways,” added Sylvinho.

“He didn't speak much, he was relaxed, he would just train and go home. He has a great family behind him.

“We didn't know how far he would go. We knew there was a lot of potential there. We knew he was something different, very different. But it's a lie to say we thought: this guy will win six Ballon d'Or prizes, you never know what will happen.”

Messi has previously played a part in four Champions League triumphs for Barcelona, but the last of those came back in 2015 and a global superpower is keen to return to the top of a continental game.

Mesut Ozil is “too long in the tooth to change his game now”, says Alan Smith, with a summer move away from Arsenal considered to be the best option for all concerned at Emirates Stadium.

Transfer talk is building around a World Cup winner now that another window has swung open.

Ozil has fallen out of favour under Mikel Arteta, a man he once played alongside in the Gunners midfield, and was completely overlooked as FA Cup glory was secured by the north London outfit against Chelsea.

The 31-year-old’s representatives have maintained that a contract due to run until 2021 will be honoured at Arsenal, allowing him to drop into the free agent pool next summer.

There does, however, appear to be little point in Ozil sticking around, with it likely that game time would once again prove hard to come by next season.

With that in mind, and there no indication that the German playmaker will be meeting the demands of Arteta, Smith feels a parting of ways should be sought over the coming weeks.

The former Arsenal striker told Sky Sports: "It seems that Arteta wants to draw a line under it, and convince the players he's not part of the plans. He's passed the buck to Ozil and said: 'What do you want to do about it?'

"Hopefully he leaves the club would be Arteta's reasoning. That would free up a bit of money in terms of his wages.

"It's always going to be a talking point for as long as Ozil's at the club. I don't know whether anything could happen in this transfer window, there aren't too many links with any clubs. We might end up having this situation for another year until his contract runs out. He might get used now and again, but he won't be a core figure in his plans.

"It's something Arteta could have done without. He's got enough on his plate, without constant questions about the German's future. But Arteta is decisive; if he decides somebody doesn't fit in going forward, no matter how much they're earning, he's not going to pick them. That's strong management, and I think Arsenal need that.

"Can he fit in at Arsenal? No, I don't think so. This is an era at the club where everybody has to really dig in and work incredibly hard off the ball. Ozil is too long in the tooth to change his game now, and I don't think physically he is capable of doing what Arteta wants him to do, either.

"It might be another year before he leaves the club, but I can't see much of a future there for him."

Chris Smalling has thanked Roma's fans while expressing how "gutted" he is to be returning to Manchester United before the end of the Italian club's Europa League campaign.

Smalling joined Roma on a season-long loan deal back in August, after falling down the squad pecking order at Old Trafford under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 30-year-old has since racked up 37 appearances for the Giallorossi, scoring three goals, while helping them to finish fifth in Serie A and advance into the latter stages of the Europa League.

Roma boss Paulo Fonseca publically admitted that he would like to retain Smalling's services beyond the end of the current season back in April, telling Portuguese publication A Bola: "He's a great professional and person, it's a pleasure to have him here with us."

The English centre-back's loan agreement ran until the end of the 2019-20 Serie A campaign, but he has not been granted the chance to extend his stay in Italy to take part in the club's remaining Europa League matches.

Roma will take on Sevilla in a single leg round of 16 tie in Germany on Thursday, and will have to make do without a key performer as he makes his way back to Manchester.

Smalling delivered a message to his followers on social media confirming the news, writing on Twitter: "I’m gutted that I can’t finish what we started this season.

"To experience the love shown to me in such a short time was extra special and it will not be forgotten.

"I want to thank and wish all the players and staff the best of luck against Sevilla. DAJE ROMA!"

The Giallorossi will still have the opportunity to try and sign Smalling permanently now that the summer transfer window is open, and they are also free to explore the possibility of another loan deal in 2020-21.

Inter loanee Alexis Sanchez is also due to return to Old Trafford, but the Serie A giants are currently in the process of persuading United to part ways with the Chilean.

The Nerazzurri are on a course to meet the Red Devils in the Europa League final, and they want to tie Sanchez down to a permanent deal so he can aid their cause over the next couple of weeks.

Manchester United will be mentally stronger after this season, according to Fred, who is targeting "as many trophies as possible" in 2020-21.

United secured a third-place Premier League finish by beating Leicester City on the final day of the league season, capping off an impressive run of form since the turn of the year.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side won nine of their last 14 top-flight outings to earn Champions League qualification, with January signing Bruno Fernandes proving to be an inspirational presence in the middle of the pitch.

The Red Devils haven't lost a single top-flight game since the Portuguese star's arrival from Sporting CP, and they also enjoyed a 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions before being beaten by Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals.

Optimism around Old Trafford has been in short supply since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure in 2013, but Solskjaer's rebuilding job is finally starting to take shape, and United could yet end the season with a piece of silverware.

Ahead of a Europa League round-of-16 clash with LASK on Wednesday, Fred has talked up the Red Devils chances of fighting for major trophies across all competitions next term.

“The team have been on a really good trajectory,” the Brazil international told the United Review.

“We've had some wobbles, some ups and downs, which is normal during such a long season, but we managed to maintain a great run of form.

"That was really important for the team and in our fight for a Champions League place.

“I'm sure our squad will be mentally stronger after this season. It's been an atypical season with all that's happened, so next season I'm sure we'll be strengthened mentally and we'll look to win all the competitions we're in.

“I'm sure we're capable of doing this, we've got a great squad and we'll go for it. There's the Premier League, we'll be in the Champions League and also the cups so we'll do everything to win as many trophies as possible for Manchester United.”

Fred was heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford after a difficult first year in Manchester, but he's bounced back to play a key role in Solskjaer's plans over the last 12 months.

The 27-year-old has taken in 45 appearances for United in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and laying on four assists, finally justifying the club's £52 million ($68m) investment in his talent.

“I've been really happy with my performances. Coming from a difficult previous season, I think I've had a great season and I've maintained a high level of football, which I'm really happy with,” Fred added.

“I've received a lot of praise which is important, but I need to continue working hard so that I can improve my game every day, show my worth and help Manchester United. I want to win a lot of trophies here.

“I've done really well this season, but I can definitely get better every day. I look to improve with every game and day by day so I'm sure there's a lot more to come.”

Roberto Firmino is not the striker for anyone looking for a 40-goal centre-forward but the Liverpool star is a “complete” frontman, according to former Brazil international Sylvinho.

Those at Anfield are certainly aware of the value in a hard-working forward.

Jurgen Klopp has embraced the qualities of a South American whose footballing philosophy matches his own.

Firmino is happy to let others steal the headlines, with important contributions made to the collective cause on and off the ball.

He is still a useful source of end product, but his game is about much more than merely hitting the net.

Liverpool and Brazil have bought into that skill set, with Sylvinho having been impressed by the Reds star when sent on a scouting mission by Selecao boss Tite in 2016.

The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester City full-back told The Guardian of Firmino: “When I started working with Brazil, Tite sent me to watch Firmino at Burnley and he was incredible.

“You see him play [on TV] and think: ‘Yeah, he’s very good.’ But at the ground? Wow. He does so much. I left there enamoured.

“The ball’s on the other side and you see him move, the generosity with which he links team-mates, how he never lost the ball – that’s incredibly hard in the Premier League.

“If you say ‘I want 40 goals’, maybe he’s not that striker but if you want someone complete, who generates spaces, goes outside, inside… brilliant.”

Firmino has continued to be showered with praise throughout the 2019-20 campaign, with his efforts helping Liverpool to UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup and Premier League crowns.

Reds legend Graeme Souness is among those to have talked up the Brazilian’s talent, telling Sky Sports of an unsung hero: “I love watching Roberto Firmino play. A couple of years ago, I likened him to Kenny Dalglish. He’s like a big cat walking through the jungle waiting for an opportunity to do damage.

“His radar is on all the time and he’s got a great football brain, whereas Salah and Sadio Mane, they will catch your eye more because they are direct and they score more goals.”