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Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp has opened the door for an emotional return to north London.

The former Netherlands international spent 11 memorable years with the Gunners during his playing days.

His arrival at Highbury in1995, which was followed by Arsene Wenger a year later, is considered to have helped pave the way for the success that Arsenal were to enjoy in the late 90s and early 00s.

A statue of Bergkamp now sits outside Emirates Stadium, with his achievements through 423 appearances set to live long in the memory.

He did head back to his homeland when hanging up his boots in 2006, with a coaching role taken up within the famed academy system at Ajax that he came through.

That post was left, though, in 2017 and Bergkamp is starting to get the football itch once more.

That could lead him back to Arsenal, with the 51-year-old admitting that he would welcome an approach from a club that still holds a special place in his heart.

Bergkamp told FourFourTwo of his future plans: “When the time is right, I’d love to go back and get a role somewhere.

“At the moment we’re great in Holland. I’ve got a young family and have been out of coaching for a little while now. But I must admit, I have the urge to go on the pitch again and help, whether it’s with the technical or coaching staff. 

“It might be a bit too early, but you never know. We’ll see what comes my way.”

Pressed specifically on Arsenal, Bergkamp added: “At the moment there hasn’t been any contact about that, but as soon as I make my decision, let’s see what happens.

“Of course it would be ideal at Arsenal – I spent 11 years there and have a good feeling with the club.”

Bergkamp was also quizzed on whether he could see himself working alongside a former team-mate such as Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry, with two iconic Frenchman now filling managerial roles at Nice and Montreal Impact respectively.

The Dutchman said: “I follow how they’re doing from afar. It’s a shame that MLS stopped after Thierry took a job there, and Patrick is doing well at Nice.

“I’m really interested in Mikel Arteta and how he’s doing at Arsenal, as there have been signs that he wants to change their philosophy. It looked good in the few matches I watched earlier in the year. 

“But my future, who knows? In football, one day is not the same as the other.”

Former Manchester City forward Benjani Mwaruwari has revealed he blew an opportunity to break into the Premier League earlier after he disappeared from the radar of Jomo Sono who had organised trials for him at Newcastle United.

While turning out for Jomo Cosmos in 2001, Benjani went for national duty with Zimbabwe but failed to return to South Africa in time to fly to England for auditions with Newcastle.

Although he might have struggled to obtain a work permit had he impressed The Magpies, he still missed out on an early chance with the Premier League where he later on arrived in 2006 after stints in Switzerland and France.

“To be quite honest I didn’t have a clue about him [Sono] taking a lot of players to Europe. I was just excited that I will come to South Africa and play for Jomo Cosmos as he mentioned to me,” Benjani told Marawa Sports Worldwide as per The Herald.

“When I was at Cosmos, I discovered all these things he did for the players. I went AWOL when we were playing for the national team in Zimbabwe and he said 'Where are you? I want you to go to Newcastle for trials'.

“I was nowhere to be found, he said 'You missed a chance to go to Newcastle, now you have to go to Bournemouth, where I am at the moment'. He made some arrangements and I came to Bournemouth. I went there at the wrong time.”

Options for him widened after failing to impress Bournemouth as he ended up trialling at clubs in Turkey, Norway and Swiss side Grasshopper where he signed on loan from Cosmos for the 2001/02 season.

“While I was in Bournemouth, he arranged for me to go to Turkey but I didn’t like it,” said Benjani.

“I flew to Turkey from Norway, I don’t know what’s happened there. From there, I went to Switzerland. Within a space of one month, I had four trials, then, eventually, I made it in Zurich.

“You know, in Zurich, it was nice, the city was beautiful and I loved it and I said Bra Jay, you know what, I will sign here and he said 'I am coming tomorrow'. He flew over then we signed a deal. When he wants things to happen he can put an effort.’’

Following the end of his loan stint at Grasshopper, Benjani went to then Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre where he spent two-and-half seasons, a stint which included Champions League football and winning the French Cup.

Then his Premier League breakthrough finally came in January 2006 when Harry Redknapp brought him to Portsmouth.

This was followed by spells at Manchester City, Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers, before he wrapped up his playing career in the Premier Soccer League with Chippa United and Bidvest Wits.

Mesut Ozil looks to be “gone” at Arsenal, admits Ian Wright, with Mikel Arteta having made it clear that life at Emirates Stadium is now “all about attitude”.

A World Cup winner in north London has seen his application called into question.

It is not the first time that Ozil has faced such scrutiny, with his laid-back approach to filling a creative No.10 post having seen him fall short of expectations on a regular basis.

He may, however, find himself ushered towards the exits on the back of his latest struggles to convince.

Arteta has taken to dropping the 31-year-old from his plans, with a former Germany international yet to see a minute of competitive football since Premier League action resumed in mid-June.

Ozil still has 12 months left to run on a lucrative contract at Arsenal, with his representatives stating that the intention is to see that deal out, but Wright feels a parting of ways may be on the cards.

He is among those who believe that the former Real Madrid star could still have something to offer the Gunners, but concedes that Arteta appears ready to take things in a different direction.

Arsenal icon Wright told Premier League Productions of Ozil: “I think that he’s gone.

“It’s all about attitude. The thing is when you look at Dani Ceballos, he had an attitude problem, Mikel turned him round and now he’s in the team.

“Matteo Guendouzi – they’re talking about him having a problem – he’s not in the team.

“Mikel’s given people the opportunity to get into the team if their attitude is right but at the minute their attitude is not right.

“Arsenal need him [Ozil], of course.

“But I believe that he’s somebody that’s gone from Arsenal - whether he stays or Mikel gets rid of him, we’re not going to see much of him.”

Part of the problem for Arsenal is going to be finding a club willing to take on Ozil’s considerable salary.

They would also expect to generate a fee from any deal done in the next window, as an experienced figure remains under contract, but few sides have expressed a willingness to do a deal at present.

Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta could be on his way out of Aston Villa as Turkish giants Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have reportedly developed an interest in him.

Birmingham Mail has reported the Taifa Stars skipper could be granted permission to leave the club at the end of the current campaign that is almost ending.

Samatta scored against Bournemouth and Manchester City after just signing for Dean Smith’s side but he has failed to regain his form since football resumed.

He is under immense pressure to deliver goals for Aston Villa especially after he has failed to do so since the club resumed their league assignments.

The Tanzanian was signed by the Birmingham club to help fill the void that was left when Brazilian striker Wesley Moraes got injured at the start of the year.

Birmingham Mail reports further indicate Fenerbahce are ready to offer the former Simba SC centre-forward a loan deal first.

A deal, according to the publication, between the Turkish giants and the player has already been agreed on.

Aston Villa signed the former TP Mazembe star from KRC Genk after good performances with the Belgian side.

Meanwhile, Samatta’s captain Jack Grealish explained the difference in the team before and after the coronavirus pandemic.

“Since we’ve come back, we’ve deserved more than we’ve got. We had certain things before Covid-19 that we were struggling with – one of them being set-pieces,” Grealish told the club’s website.

“We conceded too many goals, and over that time [during lockdown] we had Zoom calls twice a week and once we were back in training, we were working on it every single day.

“Since we’ve been back, we’ve defended brilliantly and we’ve also been brilliant from set-pieces, so it shows we’ve been working hard.

“The ball’s in our court now, so it’s up to us what we do on the last day now. Nothing’s done yet and we have a massive game on Sunday against West Ham. We’ll be giving our all again.”

The win against Arsenal on Wednesday, which is the first one against the Gunners since 1998, helped Aston Villa move out of the bottom three for the first time since February.

Mason Greenwood’s 18-goal return for Manchester United has seen him better the achievements of Wayne Rooney and George Best, with Harry Maguire admitting that the youngster is a “special talent”.

An exciting Old Trafford academy graduate found the target again on his most recent outing against West Ham.

That effort helped United to claim an important point from a 1-1 draw, as they continue to chase down a top-four finish and Champions League qualification.

It also saw Greenwood become the first teenager to hit 18 goals for the club in a single campaign, with iconic figures such as Rooney, Best and Brian Kidd all managing 17.

At just 18 years of age, there is plenty still to come from a highly-rated forward who has burst onto a senior stage.

Maguire is among those expecting Greenwood to reach the very top, with the United captain telling the club’s official website of a mercurial talent: "When he gets into the box and he can manoeuvre his feet - to either foot - he's a nightmare for defenders, I know from training.

"He's been excellent; he's playing with confidence and he always seems to get on the scoresheet, especially since we've returned from lockdown.

"He's a special talent and he's got a big future at this club."

While United were pleased to see Greenwood find the target against West Ham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side had been hoping for more from a crucial clash on home soil.

Stalemate with the Hammers prevented the Red Devils from cementing their standing in third place with just one game left to take in.

Maguire added: "We're disappointed. It was an important game; a very important game not to lose.

"But no, we wanted to win the game."

United will now face Maguire’s former club Leicester on the final day of the campaign in what has become a decisive fixture for both sides.

Solskjaer’s side will secure a top-four finish if they avoid defeat, but the Foxes could snatch a place among the European elite away from them with victory at the King Power Stadium.

"If you can't get ready for the game on Sunday, you're in the wrong sport," said Maguire, who swapped Leicester for Manchester as a part of a record-breaking £80 million ($102m) transfer in 2019.

"It's a huge game. We've got three days to prepare for it... we'll be ready."

Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Naby Keita have shared their feelings after Liverpool were crowned Premier League champions on Wednesday.  

Jurgen Klopp’s men were presented with the trophy during their last home game of the 2019-20 season against Chelsea at Anfield.

The Reds secured a 5-3 thrilling victory over the Blues with goals from Keita, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Georginio Wijnaldum, Roberto Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain which rendered efforts from Olivier Giroud, Tammy Abraham and Christian Pulisic as mere consolations.

Salah was a key man in the title success, the Egypt international bagged 19 goals in the division and provided 10 assists in 33 appearances amid other dazzling displays.  

The fleet-footed forward joined the Reds in the summer of 2017 from Serie A side AS Roma and he has not failed to live up to expectations in all three seasons at Anfield.  

Salah has now scored 73 league goals since teaming up with Liverpool and will now add the Premier League trophy to his Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup diadems he had previously won at Anfield.  

Mane has stood out as one of the consistent players in front of goal for the Reds since signing for the club from Southampton in the summer of 2016.  

The forward had scored 62 league goals in his four-year stay so far and this season, he has bagged 17 strikes and provided nine assists in 34 appearances to ensure his side scooped the coveted trophy.

Keita’s campaign at Anfield has been blighted with injury problems which have prevented him from featuring regularly for Klopp’s side.

The midfielder is, however, now back to his best and scored a cracking opening goal against Chelsea. He has made 17 league appearances, scoring two goals and providing three assists for the Anfield outfit.  

The Guinea international had taken to social media to express his feelings after adding the Premier League title to the previous trophies he won at the club.  

The African stars will hope to help Liverpool finish the 2019-20 campaign with a victory when they face Newcastle United in their last game of the season on Sunday.  

Real Madrid knew their recent trophy drought would not last and that they would keep winning without Cristiano Ronaldo, says Luka Modric.

The Blancos were crowned champions of Spain for the 34th time following their 2-1 victory over Villarreal at Santiago Bernabeu last week.

Zinedine Zidane's men picked up the title for the first time since 2017, and ultimately finished five points clear of arch-rivals Barcelona at the top of the table.

Madrid won three consecutive European Cups and one La Liga crown during Zidane's first spell in charge, with the club's all-time record scorer Ronaldo spearheading the attack.

However, the French head coach left his post in 2018, while the Portuguese superstar completed a big-money move to Juventus.

The Blancos endured a miserable transitional season following the pair's departure, which saw them fail to land a single trophy while coming a disappointing third in La Liga.

Zidane returned to steady the ship in March 2019, and Madrid gradually rediscovered their best form, but Modric insists he never doubted that the glory days would return to the Bernabeu.

Asked whether Ronaldo's exit affected the winning mentality within the squad, the Madrid midfielder told Sportske Novosti: "It is not necessary to discuss how important Cristiano was for Real Madrid.

"But I must say that we were not overwhelmed by the fact that he was not there in the sense that we could not have the same ambitions.

"We were convinced that we would continue to win without him."

Modric added on Zidane's expert man-management skills: "Zidane once again proved to be a great person. He is reassuring and he is very correct in his approach to the player.

"There are always those who do not play as much as they would like, they are not happy and that makes sense.

"But the coach's approach has helped everyone feel part of the team and accept their situation.

"In this dressing room, everyone is a good guy, there is no one who creates problems for their own reasons, there are no bad apples."

Madrid are now looking ahead to a return to Champions League action, with a round of 16 second-leg tie against Manchester City on the cards next month.

Zidane's side must overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit at Etihad Stadium in order to reach the last eight, with the next stage of the competition set to take place in Lisbon.

Mohamed Salah is “undervalued and underappreciated” at Liverpool, claims Jamie Carragher, while Sadio Mane is considered to be “the best left-sided attacking player in the world”.

The Reds got their hands on the Premier League title after playing out a 5-3 thriller against Chelsea at Anfield on Wednesday.

Neither Salah nor Mane were among the goals in that contest, but they have contributed 36 between them this season as a 30-year wait for English top-flight glory has come to a close on Merseyside.

Salah, who landed Golden Boots in each of his first two campaigns with the Reds, has led the way once again with 19 league efforts and 23 in total across all competitions.

His numbers have dipped since finding the target on 44 occasions in 2017-18, with Carragher admitting that a “freak” first season with Liverpool has seen unrealistic expectations form around the Egyptian.

The Reds legend told Sky Sports of Salah:  “He's now actually undervalued and underappreciated a little bit, even by Liverpool supporters.

“The reason is because he started with 47 goals in a season. That was a freak, it was like the best season of his life. Whatever he does after that feels like a drop-off. In real terms, it’s not.

“He’s a player who’s going to get you 25 goals every season. His numbers are off the scale, in terms of goals and assists – higher than any other Liverpool player in history.”

Mane is another now expected to deliver the goods every time he steps onto the field, with the Senegalese rarely disappointing after becoming a prolific presence from the flanks.

Carragher added on the 28-year-old forward: “I think he’s the best left-sided attacking player in the world right now. He only had a week off in the summer after the Africa Cup of Nations, after he got to the final. He was on the bench against Norwich in the first game of the season.

“For me, I think he’s been Liverpool’s best player. In those early weeks, his goal against Southampton, the Super Cup and having no rest, it's just phenomenal and he doesn’t stop.

“His pace, what he brings to the team and his all-round game - he’s an absolute superstar.”

The qualities of Salah and Mane are complemented by Roberto Firmino, with the Brazil international ending his long wait for a Premier League goal at Anfield in the Reds’ victory over Chelsea.

The 28-year-old has never been prolific, but he is the perfect fit for Jurgen Klopp’s system and a man who can be relied upon to deliver important goals and tireless running.

Carragher said of the South American: “He's been brilliant. His numbers aren’t amazing for a centre forward playing in the best team in Europe but you judge him on how he influences the rest of the team - not goals.

“He makes team-mates play better, he wins the ball back. He’s never injured. He’s always there and that performance level you get from him.

“You always think of the man through the middle as the one who gets the goals, but Liverpool’s main scorer plays down the right wing. If Salah played down the middle and Firmino down the right, you’d say Firmino's numbers are good.

“He’s a vital player for Jurgen Klopp, and you also have to remember what Klopp’s done for him, making him the centre forward, because when he first came to Liverpool a lot of people were scratching their heads asking where he fits in.”

Ajax Cape Town chief executive officer Ari Efstathiou says the Premier Soccer League (PSL) should consider having 18 teams in the top-flight league.

This comes after a report by City Press revealed the current season could be cancelled if the league's executive committee members have their way.

There is a stand-off between the PSL and the South African Football Association (Safa) over the resumption of football with the campaign having been suspended from last March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

PSL had plans to resume the suspended season in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng on July 18, but Safa insisted football can only start in August 2020 as the match officials were not ready.

Efstathiou feels it is time for the league's Board of Governors to look at the possibility of going back to an 18-team league.

“It’s an option that needs to be considered, there are obviously cost implications to that," Efstathiou was quoted as saying on The Citizen.

"But I also believe that a country like ours should have always had an 18-team League, not a 16-team League.

“So, maybe this is the right opportunity to go back to an 18-team league, so I think that’s a strong option that must be considered by the Board of Governors.”

The PSL was an 18-team league when it started, but it was reduced to 16 teams in 2002 in order to address the issue of fixture congestion.

The league bought out the statuses of Ria Stars and Free State Stars, whose late chairman Mike Mokoena revived the club as he bought and renamed the franchise of National First Division (NFD) side Maholosiane.

Free State Stars were back in the elite league in 2005 after winning the NFD title which was called Mvela Golden League at the time.

Efstathiou's Ajax looked destined to secure promotion to the PSL as they were in top form in the NFD, while also sitting at the top of the league standings.

The Urban Warriors are seven points above second-placed Moroka Swallows with six matches left.

The PSL Board of Governors is set to hold a meeting on Friday to discuss the way forward regarding the resumption of football.

Leeds United have defended their decision to hold an open-top bus celebration outside Elland Road on Wednesday night.

The Whites' long-awaited return to the Premier League was confirmed after West Brom's defeat at Huddersfield last Friday.

They were also named Championship winners following Brentford's loss against Stoke City the next day, and they took in their final game of the season against Charlton in midweek.

Marcelo Bielsa's side ran out 4-0 winners at Elland Road, thanks to goals from Ben White, Stuart Dallas, Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton.

Leeds officials organised an open-top bus parade outside the ground for later in the evening, with supporters flocking from across the city to celebrate their club's promotion to the top flight.

Social distancing measures are still in effect across Great Britain due to the continued threat of coronavirus, but the large crowd flouted those rules while singing with the players standing on the top deck of the bus.

Leeds have now come out to insist that the relevant authorities were consulted over the parade, and that the safety of the public has always been the club's number one priority throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

A spokesman for the Whites has released an official statement on the matter, which reads: "Following consultation with the SAG and Council, Leeds United arranged for a bus to be parked outside the East Stand reception as a contingency to assist dispersal should a crowd congregate at Elland Road despite a month-long campaign from the club and supporter groups to encourage supporters to stay at home.

"The safety group believed was that a brief appearance from the players with the Championship trophy, would help to signal an end to proceedings, encouraging fans to head home safely.

"In challenging circumstances, fan safety has always been our priority."

Leeds will now look ahead to their first appearance in the Premier League since the 2003-04 campaign, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is among those excited by the prospect of Bielsa managing in English football's top tier.

"He is unique in world football because of the special way he plays," Guardiola told a press conference on Monday. "He is an authentic manager. No other manager in the world plays the way he plays.

"He is an incredible person. He is so special. It is my personal opinion but it will be incredible for English football to have him in the Premier League next season."

Betting firm BetKing is contemplating taking action against Kenyan Premier League (KPL) giants Gor Mahia for declining a deal with them despite, allegedly, accepting a KSh15 million downpayment. 

Weeks ago, K'Ogalo announced another betting firm Betsafe as their shirt sponsors in a three-year-deal starting in the 2020/21 season. According to the details of the deal, Gor Mahia will get KSh55 million per year from the organization.

"They have a new sponsor but it is going to put them in trouble soon," a senior source revealed to Goal on Thursday.

"The company [BetKing] were keen on sponsoring the team; it was on a Ksh30 million deal and everything had been agreed, and the downpayment already made. We were shocked by their last-minute change and the unveiling of our competitors."

Reportedly, the KSh15 million was wired in a different account with a local bank, where only three officials from the club are signatories. It is a move which has raised eyebrows considering the fact that Gor Mahia have an active bank account.

As opposed to BetKing, Betsafe paid Gor Mahia Ksh5 million as downpayment, with another amount set to hit K'Ogalo accounts in a couple of weeks.

When reached for comment, Gor Mahia Secretary-General Ronald Ngala had a different version.

"We signed a deal with our kit manufacturer Umbro who promised to bring an unnamed shirt sponsor," Ngala told Goal.

"There was no contact, no deal signed or any deal involving BetKing with Gor Mahia. Somethings we are reading are not true since Umbro had not revealed the shirt sponsors they were bringing on board.

"We went on with our search for a new sponsor and Betsafe agreed to come on board. That is when we came to understand Umbro had intentions of bringing on board BetKing who they are partnering with."

And what about the downpayment?

"We did not receive the purported KSh15 million as reported but half the amount which was from Umbro," Ngala continued.

"The monies were wired to the Gor Mahia accounts, the alleged account... does not exist... We only have one account, and it belongs to the club, Gor Mahia."

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) have decided to conduct I-League 2020-21 season at a centralised venue as part of its measure to deal with the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.

Given that the Indian Football Association (IFA) - the governing body of football in West Bengal - have agreed to host all the I-League matches of the upcoming season, several clubs have expressed their support of the decision while some are apprehensive.

Although it is not confirmed yet when the season will start, it is expected to be commence between December 2020 and January 2021. It has been ascertained that five to six venues in the state are believed to be ready to host the matches. However, the Salt Lake stadium is not in contention as it is one of the venues for the 2020 U17 Women's World Cup which starts in February 2021.

"We are ready to play in Kolkata. We have no problem. The home advantage will not be there. But again, it will be played in empty stadiums. Gate collection would have suffered anyway, even if it was played in Manipur. So we don't have any issue playing in Kolkata," NEROCA secretary Manimohan Moirangthem to Goal.

Chennai City and Gokulam Kerala have also deemed it a positive move but sought more clarity in order to plan their campaigns, especially with regard to the summer transfer window of August 1st to October 20th.

Chennai City owner Rohit Ramesh stated, "It's good that we are having it in one place. If you take the logistics into consideration, it is a positive step to have it in one location but then you have to see with regards to the flights and all. Each state is different. Some places are under complete lockdown. It all depends on how the situation evolves over the next couple of months."

Gokulam Kerala, having clinched the 2019 Durand Cup tournament in West Bengal, feel that Kolkata is an ideal place to hold the I-League. However, they want the AIFF to support them when it comes to accommodation arrangements.

"So far, we have not heard anything officially. Kolkata is okay (as a venue). We played the Durand Cup over there and since we started from the group stage we were there for nearly a month. The only thing is, if we have it there, it should be at least for a three-month period. So we don't know how the AIFF is going to support us with the accommodation and all that because staying in a hotel will be a huge deal (expense) for us," Gokulam Kerala President VC Praveen said.

"The earlier the I-League starts, the better for us. We are signing a player for four or five months without clarity and if the I-League is going to get over in less than three months' time, then we should see to it that we have another tournament or something," he continued.

"We have finished our Indian signings. We have Ronald Singh, Roshan Singh, Zodingliana Ralte and three local players. As for the foreign signings, we have to know when the league is starting. Since the transfer window is open till October 20th, we can probably wait because more players will be available also by then."

Meanwhile, representatives of Churchill Brothers and Aizawl FC have communicated their apprehensions about such a move.

"Right now, these are unprecedented times. We have to see to the safety of the players," Valanka Alemao, CEO of the Red Machines, indicated. "Right now, in Kolkata, the infection rate is very high. I'm sure the federation will take care of the safety aspect but you cannot say at this time how it is all going to work out. I have heard that just two hotels will accommodate all the players but if you ask me, I think till the pandemic is in control, I cannot imagine what it's going to be like. 

"And it's a different state for all of us. In my region I will be able to take care of my people, but over there I will not know how. Everybody is scared to even get into a flight right now. So I understand that, that's why they want it at one venue but I am not able to have that vision of how it is going to be over there as it is said that India is going to peak in November," she aired her fears.

Aizawl FC owner Robert Royte was also concerned about the expenditure the club might incur in such a scenario.

"It depends on the support from the AIl India Football Federation for conducting the league at venue. We will be losing the home support and we have no information regarding the ticketing system. Extra expenditure will be there. At this stage, I cannot comment further until I have more details.

"We are yet to start our season. Usually, the Mizoram Premier League precedes the I-League every year but we cannot have it (yet) this year. Group training is also not allowed because of the Covid-19 situation."

Real Kashmir are also seeking subsidies from the Indian FA in case the I-League ends up being held in West Bengal.

"We will definitely approach AIFF for some subsidy. We have already wasted a lot of money in the previous season with bookings and cancellations of all sorts. Definitely, we can't blame anybody for that. The cost is going to be very high as the team will be staying in a hotel in a new city," Real Kashmir owner Sandeep Chattoo said.

"Moreover, food might be an issue. When you are staying away from Kashmir for such a long time it will have its effects on the team, apart from the fact that it is going to be very expensive. The pandemic will affect the sponsorship revenues as well. But the show must go on."

Inter head coach Antonio Conte said the second position in the table is "just first for losers" after the Nerazzurri dropped behind Atalanta in Serie A.

Conte's stuttering Inter produced a toothless display as they were held to a 0-0 draw by visiting Fiorentina at San Siro on Wednesday.

Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez both hit the woodwork for Inter, who missed the chance to move above Atalanta into second place with three matches remaining.

Inter are one point adrift of high-flying Atalanta and seven behind leaders Juventus as the defending champions close in on a ninth successive Scudetto.

"Second place is meaningless in my eyes, it's just first for losers," Conte told Sky Sport Italia post-game.

"Some settle for that, but not me. I don't want my players to settle for that either."

"It was a good game, we played with the right intensity and passing moves, but were unlucky when hitting the woodwork twice," Conte said.

"I can't complain when the lads put in this desire and we even risked losing it at the end through our sheer desire to win. Fiorentina deserve credit for a very good defensive performance.

"When you drop points, there are always things that have gone wrong. We are trying to develop a killer instinct and I am happy if my players are disappointed at this draw, because that shows my work is bearing fruit.

"Every game is a test to prove that we are growing. I think this team hasn't reaped what it sowed this season, aside from securing a Champions League place with several rounds to spare."

Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez started on the bench against Fiorentina, with Conte preferring Lukaku and the in-form Sanchez up front.

Martinez struggled to make an impact following his introduction with 21 minutes remaining and Conte added: "We are talking about a 22-year-old who didn't really play much last season.

"He has made his mark this term, but still has a journey ahead of him, a growth process that he needs to go through. Lautaro is not the complete package yet.

"He can alternative positive and negative moments, as is natural for someone of his age. The rumours around him are insulting his intelligence and trying to stir up trouble, claiming he is thinking about another club."

After waiting 30 years to return to the top of English football, Liverpool held their long-awaited celebration on Wednesday as the Reds finally raised the Premier League trophy.

Liverpool cemented the occasion as a day to remember on the field with a 5-3 win over Chelsea, with five different goalscorers kickstarting the Anfield celebrations.

Naby Keita, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Georginio Wijnaldim all fired first-half goals before Roberton Firmino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain added finishes of their own in the second half.

But the day's best moments came after the final whistle, when captain Jordan Henderson, who missed the match due to injury, finally got his hands on the Premier League trophy.

Although it came at an empty Anfield with just players, coaches and families inside the stadium to celebrate, the moment was anything but subdued with massive fireworks exploding over the Kop to commemorate the occasion.

As the celebrations raged on, a number of Liverpool players, both current and former, took to social media to celebrate and send a message to fans watching at home as they await the true party when supporters are able to return to Anfield.

Tamil Nadu is one of those states in the country which does not have a common football league. In the absence of a league or competition organised by the Tamil Nadu Football Association (TNFA), leagues in cities like Chennai and Madurai hold utmost importance for footballers from the state. 

The Chennai Football Association's (CFA) Senior Division is extremely special in that regard because it has been the breeding ground for almost every talent that has come up from the South Indian state.

It has been running for a long time (even before independence) under the stewardship of CFA and is the only properly-organised league in the state.

Forget the past. From the current crop of players, the likes of Dharmaraj Ravanan, Michael Soosairaj, Edwin Vanspaul, Michael Regin and Nandhakumar Sekar are all players who proved their mettle in the CFA Senior Division before getting their chance to gain national prominence.

However, for the last three years, the CFA Senior Division has not been held, dealing a major blow to the dreams and aspirations of countless local players who rely on the competition to impress scouts and get a break in their career.

Regin, an ISL winner with ATK last season, had this to say to Goal in a recent interview - "Chennai league is the first step for many local players. I played both second, first and then played senior division. It gives a lot of exposure to local players. Nobody would have known me If I’d not played there.

"I don't understand what is happening but a lot of players are suffering. Everybody cannot play for Chennai City FC and come up. They cannot give a chance to every player. There needs to be the league in the city. It is such an important part for a Tamil Nadu player."

The reason for the discontinuance of the league is a legal spat between CFA and TNFA. The state body took the district body to court in 2018 after opposing the elections held by the CFA that year. Chennai City owner Rohit Ramesh was elected as President but the state body filed a case saying the Secretary E Sugumaran was ineligible to contest the elections.

The legal wrangle has left the CFA without a rudder for more than two years and as a result, the Senior Division league has not run since. Not only did the spat bring the footballing activities in Chennai to a standstill, TNFA reportedly went as far as cutting the electricity connection to the CFA office at one point.

After seeing literally no progress and no intent to foster the sport in the state because of the impasse, Rohit Ramesh even offered to resign from the CFA, only for the Secretary to turn the resignation down.

The spat has permeated all aspects of the footballing administration in the state with TNFA accused of delaying and creating roadblocks for entities and clubs associated with the CFA.

The Madras High Court had to intervene in August 2019, appointing an ad-hoc committee to ensure the CFA Senior Division at least is held in 2020. However, even the court's directive has not produced any results despite efforts to start the registration process in January 2020 by the court-appointed committee.

Rohit Ramesh feels that because he belongs to the opposing camp, as per TNFA, they manufacture difficulties and create unnecesary red tape when it comes documentation and other procedures that involves his I-League club Chennai City FC.

"It (the Senior Division) has not been happening for the last three years. When you got an entity fighting case after case in the court, nothing happens. Then there are the ego clashes," he told Goal.

"For instance, when we have to get some certificate for our licensing procedure, it has been tough because they know that we are from CFA and they try to delay it. They bring politics into it. You supported this or that (against us) and why should we help you. It’s not working out."

In fact, Goal was privy to a recent telephonic conversation between a Chennai City official and J. Jesiah Villavarayar, a senior TNFA official. The club official's requests for an affiliation document needed for the club licensing procedure which was initiated by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) was met with a rude 'no'.

The official cited the ongoing lockdown as a reason for his inability to furnish the document. But the polite request for even an e-mail acknowledgement of the fact that TNFA are unable to do so fell on deaf ears as Jesiah asks the club official to take it up with the AIFF.

Under such trying circumstances, Rohit feels it is beyond CFA's ability to hold a league that means so much to the development of football in the city and the state. He feels that only an AIFF intervention can resolve the issue at hand in the near future.

"To be very honest, it is highly unlikely that the league will happen until and unless the AIFF intervenes. If you ask me, they should put an ad-hoc committee to help both associations sort out their differences.Till then, a representative from AIFF should take over the running of the league. That would be the only way the league might restart, if you ask me."

Not every local player can get a chance at Chennai City or Chennaiyin FC - the two clubs from the state playing in the national competitions. The CFA Senior Division is a huge event in the players' calendars and right now, they are being denied that chance by egoistic administrative tussles.

The Indian FA have made some noise recently about handing more responsibility including the organisation of youth leagues to the state associations. In Tamil Nadu's case, the priority for AIFF should be to sort out this issue that is threatening to stall the progress and development of the sport.

Jude Bellingham expressed his love for Birmingham City after the tearful teenage sensation played his last game for the Championship outfit ahead of his move to Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham will play for Bundesliga giants Dortmund in 2020-21 following the completion of his €23million (£21m/$26.6) transfer on Monday, prior to Birmingham's season finale on Wednesday.

The 17-year-old stepped out in a Birmingham jersey for the final time in a 3-1 Championship defeat to visiting Derby County midweek.

Bellingham was overcome with emotion post-match at St Andrew's, where he emerged from his boyhood club's youth system last year.

"I tried my best to hide it but sometimes it's difficult," Bellingham said. "I love the club, I am a massive fan of the club.

"I've been coming here since I was seven, not just playing in the academy.

"I fell in love with Birmingham City and then fell in love with football.

"So just to get a little bit of time out there on my own and with my little brother, mum and dad meant the world to us.

"We've shed a few tears and I am really devastated about how it's finished but at the same time I am optimistic for the future and looking forward to that."

He added: "I just want to say thank you so much for the season, for the way you've been with me, the way you've pushed me on, the little bit extra that you've given me.

"Whatever happens, I'm always a Blue. As I've said, this is my club. I love the club to bits. Id' die for this club and I hope I showed that in the performances when I was here.

"I hope I was fun to watch, fun to interact with and stuff because that's what I wanted to do. I wanted to bridge the gap between the players and the fans that had maybe been there the last few years while there hadn't been an academy graduate.

"To do that and take the opportunity that I've been given, it's something I've had to do, but I'll only look back on Birmingham City with love and fond memories."

Bellingham ended the 2019-20 season with four Championship goals and two assists in 41 appearances.

Inter chief executive Giuseppe Marotta said the Nerazzurri are in talks with Barcelona target Lautaro Martinez regarding a new deal.

Martinez has been tipped to leave Inter for La Liga giants Barca at the end of the season, though the Italian side have regularly insisted they have no plans to sell the star forward.

Barcelona have long been linked with a deal for Martinez, who the club reportedly see as Luis Suarez's long-term success.

However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the potential transfer faces a bit of uncertainty, as Barca have stated they will not make a move for the Inter star until their season in finished.

The 22-year-old – whose €111 million (£98.8m/$128.5m) release clause expired earlier this month – has scored 18 goals this season but he has struggled with just two goals since the Serie A's restart in June.

Marotta was asked about Martinez and loanee Alexis Sanchez prior to Wednesday's goalless draw at home to Fiorentina in Milan.

Martinez started on the bench, while in-form Sanchez partnered Romelu Lukaku up front, with Inter CEO Marotta telling Sky Sport Italia: "We have had some contact with Manchester United to understand if we can extend his [Sanchez] stay after the Europa League play-off with Getafe.

"We are discussing contract renewals with many players, above all the younger ones who we want to work with for a long time, and that includes Lautaro.

"We're doing it calmly, without rush, as there is a rapport of trust. He is happy to wear this jersey and at the opportune moment we will evaluate his future."

Inter came up against rumoured target Federico Chiesa, who was introduced off the bench for Fiorentina with 15 minutes remaining midweek.

Italy international Chiesa has been linked to Inter as well as Juventus and clubs in the Premier League.

"Chiesa is a Fiorentina player today, he might even be a Fiorentina player next season, that depends on them," Marotta said.

"I can assure you there have certainly not been any approaches or negotiations. We respect Fiorentina and the player."

Inter sit third in Serie A with three games remaining, one point behind Atalanta and seven points behind league-leaders Juventus.

Next up for Martinez, Sanchez and Inter is a visit to Genoa before matches against Napoli and Atalanta to end the Serie A season. 

Frank Lampard believes Christian Pulisic's impact on Chelsea is comparable to Eden Hazard's at Stamford Bridge.

Pulisic scored and provided an assist after coming off the bench during the second half of Chelsea's 5-3 Premier League loss to Liverpool on Wednesday.

The United States international, 21, has scored nine league goals and provided four assists in 24 games, comparable to Hazard's first campaign (nine goals and 11 assists in 34 matches) at Chelsea in 2012-13.

Lampard lauded the attacker and said Pulisic's impact on Chelsea was similar to Hazard's, with the Belgian having left for Real Madrid last year.

"He is hugely important. He has had that impact," the Chelsea head coach told a news conference.

"I was here for Eden's first year and it's not easy to come into the Premier League, even for Eden in that first year, and adapt to the Premier League. Christian has had his moments of that.

"Since mid-season he's had a really good patch, since the restart he has been in incredible form. Only the injury he picked up in the Norwich game has kept him out of the [FA Cup] semi-final when he is flying.

"Today he comes on and has 40 minutes, which is great for the injury to feel confident with it and shows the quality that he has been showing. He's so young, he has got such natural talent. He scores goals, he creates goals and he is a big player for us. Delighted to see him come through fit. Clearly he will be a big player for us in these next few games but going forward as well."

Chelsea twice trailed by three goals against Liverpool, who sealed their win late on after the visitors had come back to a 4-3 deficit.

But Lampard had no criticism for under-fire goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, with Liverpool producing several good finishes.

"I wouldn't talk about individuals in a game where we have conceded those goals. Some were real quality Liverpool finishes, particularly the free-kick [from Trent Alexander-Arnold]," he said.

"There were some collective and individual errors for them but what we did do was contribute towards a really good game. At 4-3 it felt like we would get back into the game. I felt it throughout. At 3-0 it was difficult but even at 3-1 and what that gave us and the way we were playing in the game.

"We know where we're at and we know if we make mistakes like that against a team of the quality of Liverpool, this is what can happen. But there were a lot of good things in the game so I certainly don't want to get into an individual conversation about players. 

"We've now got two big domestic games to play this week. It's important we go in together as players, fans, everybody, to finish the season how we want."

With one league game remaining, Chelsea are a point clear of fifth-placed Leicester City, while they will face Arsenal in the FA Cup final on August 1.