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As Carl Ikeme turns 34, Goal take the opportunity to review the brief Super Eagles career of a player whose time with the national side was brief but memorable, curtailed prematurely by his early retirement in July 2018.

While it was always going to be hard to rebound from the leukaemia diagnosis which turned his world upside down in 2017, it was impossible to prepare for the finality of Wolves' official statement almost two years ago, when Ikeme confirmed that there would be no return.

Now 34, Goal celebrate a player who was raised a wolf, then became an eagle.

In a tenure that was riddled with acrimony, accusation and attrition, he proved one of the few positives of Sunday Oliseh's shortlived time at the helm, as the keeper took his first steps in the international arena. It was the former Super Eagles captain who gave him his international debut in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania.

Nigeria has not always handled goalkeeping transitions well, although one must concede that it is not exactly a cinch to pull off. With their ability to continue well into their 30s, unlike outfielders, there is the danger of letting them run on too long. However, Ikeme's arrival on the scene came as a matter of necessity, following the surprising decision of Vincent Enyeama to retire from the national team.

With a toothless Super Eagles attack unable to muster any menace, its midfield devoid of any guile, and its defence shorn of all structure, the Wolves goalkeeper was literally the sole reason the game ended goalless. His tremendous reflex save from Thomas Ulimwengu in the second half lives long in the memory, but it was just the pick of a brilliant bunch.

"Carl Ikeme had a great game for us." Oliseh acknowledged afterwards. "He saved us from defeat."

There had long been the impression that players eligible for European countries would only opt for Nigeria if they weren't good enough.

Yet, here was a tall, commanding goalkeeper, in his prime and playing club football in England, and he was not only chuffed to be here, but he was actually quite excellent? Why are we so blessed?

It was love at first sight, but a love that almost seemed fated not to last.

Before the cancer, there were the injuries. He missed the crucial return leg of the Afcon qualifier against Egypt, a 1-0 defeat which confirmed Nigeria's absence from the 2017 edition.

He then missed the World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo with a hip injury. As it turns out, his final game for the Super Eagles was the opening qualifier against Zambia in Ndola. There is a nice symmetry to the Ikeme love story: Zambia and Tanzania, where it ended and where it began, are contiguous; beyond land, they are now connected by Ikeme's brilliance.

It would have been unfathomable, watching him wave a rattled defence into position after repelling wave after wave of Zambian attack, that he was waving goodbye.

The depth of disappointment following the revelation of his cancer diagnosis months later was like the excision of a painful tooth, only to find the root rotting. It felt like a cruel joke: relief quickly turning to grief, which in turn quickly became panic.

With the World Cup on the horizon, who was supposed to be in goal?

For the second time in two years, the Super Eagles had to deal with Enyeama's retirement. Ultimately, it led to the discovery of Francis Uzoho, but few would have begrudged Ikeme his World Cup moment; he only featured in three qualifiers, but they were hugely important ones: the two-legged play-off against Swaziland, and that crucial victory over the Chipolopolo.

He was in goal just a handful of times for the Super Eagles, but that was all it took to win a nation's hearts. He leaves unblemished, with no losses on his record, and while he may not have burnt long, he certainly burnt brightly.

Jordan Henderson admits the pain of losing major finals helped to feed Liverpool’s hunger to get back on the trophy trail, with everyone at Anfield determined to establish another dynasty.

Prior to lifting the Champions League crown aloft in 2019, the Reds had gone seven long years without getting their hands on major silverware.

A wait for top-flight glory has stretched on even longer, with the 30-year mark reached in 2020.

That barren spell appears set to be brought to a close, with Jurgen Klopp’s side about to resume competitive action sat 25 points clear of the chasing pack, and the floodgates have been well and truly flung open on Merseyside.

Henderson believes falling short over recent years, in domestic and European competition, can be credited with having taught Liverpool what was required to get over the line and to become regular contenders for the very biggest prizes on offer.

The Reds captain told the club’s official website: “That was a big factor.

“Not only the 2018 [Champions League] final, but previous finals over the years that we had been involved in – the ­Europa League final to Sevilla as well, the League Cup final that we lost to Manchester City.

“All of those things you sort of learn from and it gives you even more ­hunger to put things right and improve.

“Every time we have faced that adversity we have bounced back in a really good way.

“It was just a case of continuing to do that and we knew the time would come where we’d manage to win something. Thankfully it came last year.”

Liverpool are also benefitting from Jurgen Klopp’s work in assembling a star-studded squad, with Henderson of the opinion that the Reds could not be better placed to build on their triumphs of the last 12 months.

He added: “The amount of great players of course that we have in this team, but how they are as people, how we are as a dressing room, how close we are and not only players but that’s the staff as well.

“The fans are incredible of course so it’s just an amazing football club and over the past couple of years we’ve played some pretty good football, went through some pretty tough times but also some pretty amazing times, so I’m just so excited to see what the future holds for this team and this football club because I know we’ll continue to give everything and keep improving and keep learning.

“If we do that then there’s no reason why we can’t have more success in the future.”

Barcelona forward Martin Braithwaite has described Lionel Messi as an "inspiration" as he reflected on his first few months at Camp Nou.

The 29-year-old was a surprise signing in February after injuries to Luis Suarez and Ousmane Dembele left Barcelona short on attackers. While yet to score for the club across three appearances, Braithwaite did contribute two assists on his debut as he gets used to playing with the Catalans. 

Messi is one player the Dane hasn't struggled to gel with as he noted the Argentina legend has already begun improving his game. 

"It changes a lot, of course," Braithwaite told Goal when asked about his opinion on Messi now he plays alongside him.

"He gives so much confidence to the team because he can make the difference and also helped me personally to be a better player with his advice and how he sees football. He is really an inspiration."

Signed in the wake of an injury to Suarez, Braithwaite may now struggle for minutes when the Liga season resumes this week with the Uruguayan star now fully fit again, but rather than despair at his likely limited role at Camp Nou, the Denmark international is eager to learn from Suarez. 

"Honestly I don't think in that kind of way. I am so happy that Luis is back because when I came here he was injured and I haven't played with him," he said. "I want to learn from him, he is one of the best strikers in the world and I am happy he is back." 

After previously playing for the likes of Leganes, Middlesbrough and Toulouse, Braithwaite has found things quite different on the training ground at Camp Nou. 

"The training is totally different to what I was used to so I can feel I am developing a lot in the technical level," Braithwaite said. "As a human I can feel I have more attention in such a big club like this but you must learn to live with all this attention."

One year ago, the prospect of Braithwaite being a Barcelona player would have been laughed off by many, but the fact it has happened convinces the man himself that no dream should be deemed too hard to reach as he hopes his time at the club will show his grandchildren anything is possible. 

He said: "I just want to tell them everything is possible in life. If you put your mind in it you can achieve your dreams."

Alexis Sanchez's struggles at Manchester United have "no explanation", according to Ander Herrera, who says his old team-mate "had everything to succeed" at the club.

Sanchez joined United from Arsenal in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January 2018, bringing to an end his hugely impressive four-year spell at Emirates Stadium.

The 31-year-old scored 80 goals in 166 appearances for the Gunners, becoming one of the finest imports in Premier League history in the process.

He was, however, unable to reproduce the same electrifying form at Old Trafford, and ended up being shipped out to Inter on loan last summer after netting just five goals in 45 outings across all competitions.

Sanchez is due to return to United at the end of the month, but it is uncertain whether he will figure in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans.

Herrera played alongside the Chile international before his final contract at United expired, and admits he has been mystified by the mercurial performer's spectacular fall from grace.

The ex-United midfielder, who now plies his trade in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain, told The Athletic: "Sometimes, in football, there is no explanation for every single thing that happens.

"Alexis is one of them. He came from Arsenal. He used to win games by himself for Arsenal.

"I remember watching him because Arsenal were our rivals for titles and the top four. I saw them losing games 2-0 and Alexis would score two and they’d win the game. He’d score the winning goal.

“It shows football sometimes has no explanation. How can a player, who one month before, two months before, is the best player by far in a big team like Arsenal… then he comes to United and he doesn’t perform? I have no explanation."

Herrera added on Sanchez's failure to transfer his performances in training to matchdays at Old Trafford: "He trains good, he is a good professional, he tries to improve.

"In training sessions, you can see his quality. He scores a lot of goals. In front of the goalkeeper in training, he was lethal, scoring goals, goals, goals.

"He fights if he loses the ball, he runs back and wins the ball, so he had everything to succeed at United, and he didn’t do it.

"The only thing I can tell you is that I have no explanation."

AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has maintained his stand that the 2019-20 Kenyan Premier League (KPL) season should be declared null and void.

While the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) moved to end the season and crown Gor Mahia the champions while promoting Nairobi City Stars and Bidco United, the KPL has insisted a decision on the league is yet to be made.

On two occasions, KPL plans to issue a stand on the league have been jolted by the extension of the nationwide curfew, with the latest being on Saturday when Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed the ban on all sporting activities and social gatherings will remain in force for another 30 days.

The decision by Kenyatta has left the Ingwe chairman also calling for the league managers to move quickly and make a decision, insisting the only way to have peace is by annulling the top-flight.

“My stands is still the same and it will not change, KPL should annul the league and allow teams to start afresh next season,” Shikanda told Goal on Monday.

“It will be a very big mistake to award Gor Mahia the trophy, even if it was AFC Leopards who were leading, I will not advocate we be given the title whereas we have not played all the matches.

“The simplest way for KPL to solve this puzzle once and for all is to declare the season null and avoid and allow Gor Mahia and Bandari to represent Kenya in Caf competitions, as AFC Leopards we don’t have any objection with that and it will remain our stand.”

Shikanda’s comments come a few hours after Gor Mahia coach Steven Polack also called on KPL to issue a final decision on the 2019-20 season.

“Thirty more days [extension of curfew] …it means we are now where we were three months ago, and let’s be honest, at the end of the current ban which ends on July 7, we will not be able to play the league,” Polack told Goal on Monday.

“Even if the President says we can now start sporting activities at the end of the 30 days, it will not be possible to play the league, we will need at least four to five weeks of training, which will take us to the middle of August, and then if we resume the league it will finish at the beginning of October.

"Then you will need to rest and have pre-season, meaning the new season can only start in November or December, which is not possible.

“For me, the KPL needs to make a decision now, do they nullify it, do they cancel it or do they award Gor Mahia trophy, so that everybody can get prepared for the new season which starts at the end of August.”

Gor Mahia are leading the 17-team league table on 54 points, seven more than second-placed Kakamega Homeboyz, who have a game in hand.

Lionel Messi appears on course to be fit for Barcelona's first La Liga game back this week having returned to group training on Monday.

The Spanish top flight recommences on Thursday following a three-month break enforced by the coronavirus pandemic, with leaders Barca visiting Real Mallorca on Saturday.

However, there were concerns their key man may be missing for that fixture after Barca confirmed last week Messi had a quadriceps injury and was unable to train with the main group.

The Blaugrana captain was still training separately on Saturday when the team conducted a session at Camp Nou, yet on Monday the club's all-time leading scorer was back with the rest of the squad.

Barcelona uploaded photos of that session showing Messi smiling alongside Luis Suarez as Quique Setien's players warmed up.

Setien had previously insisted Messi was "perfectly fine" when the Barcelona head coach was asked about the superstar's physical condition.

"It's not just Messi - other players haven't trained because they've had niggles," Setien told Movistar. "It's happened to lots of them.

"Leo has a cramp that's not hugely significant. I think he's perfectly fine and he won't have any problems. It's the same for any other player. We'll see how the league goes and what circumstances come up.

"We have lots of games and a small squad. I always want to have Messi on the pitch, of course."

Messi is La Liga's top scorer for 2019-20 having registered 19 goals in 22 appearances, while he has contributed 12 assists - also the most in the division.

Barcelona full-back Nelson Semedo, another who had been training alone due to an injury issue, was also back with the main group on Monday.

While Messi's fitness was a focus for Barcelona, the club will also be boosted by the return of Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan star's extended injury absence. The club confirmed over the weekend that Suarez will be fit to take part in the weekend’s clash with Mallorca, as he will return to the Barca squad for the first time since January.

La Liga will resume with Barcelona two points clear of their great rivals Real Madrid with 11 games to go.

After Mallorca, Barca face a short turnaround before a match against Leganes three days later before a slight break ahead of a game against Sevilla on June 21.

India number one Gurpreet Singh Sandhu is one of the few Indian players to have plied their trade in a European league. He was part of Norwegian outfit Stabaek for a period of three years from 2014 to 2017 before opting to return to India and join Bengaluru FC.

Gurpreet started his career with East Bengal in the I-League, however. In an Instagram chat on the Indian Super League (ISL) handle, he opened up on his time in Kolkata and detailed how he came to play in Norway and the challenges that came with it.

He also revealed that Hyderabad FC's veteran goalkeeper Subrata Paul was a huge factor behind him taking goalkeeping seriously, having not watched the domestic leagues with any seriousness before then.

"When I was playing football I didn't know much about the structure of Indian football. I was fortunate to get a call from India U16s and there in the camp in Goa I started watching I-League. That's when I decided to become a serious footballer watching Subrata Paul play," he said.

"Subrata Paul was the best in the country. He was great in one-on-one situations. Being a young keeper you idolise him and I wanted to replace him. I wanted to wear that India jersey and get out on the pitch."

The 28-year-old almost joined the famed Tata Football Academy (TFA) as a youngster before opting to go to Kolkata and join East Bengal.

"TFA was the place to be back then and in 2008 I went there. There was an East Bengal scout there. After watching me play, he came to my father and said that one day I will play for East Bengal. But a strange thing happened when I went back to Goa (India U16). Colin Toal was the coach and he asked me why I went to TFA when players from there are coming here? Then I did not join TFA. And in 2009, I signed for East Bengal."

"I chose East Bengal because of Atanu (Bhattacharya) da. I had offers from Salgaocar and Churchill Brothers as well. But I wanted to learn from the best and therefore, I joined East Bengal. Before that, I was training under Tanumoy Basu during my formative years," he added.

After surviving the testing atmosphere in Kolkata, a visit from former English goalkeeper John Burridge turned out to be a breakthrough for Gurpreet. However, he explains why he could not join Premier League outfit Wigan Athletic with whom Burridge had arranged a trial for Gurpreet.

"In 2010-11, John Burridge came to one of the East Bengal sessions. He was watching me play, he got excited. After the session, he told me that you are wasting your time here. You should go outside and play. That was the first time I thought about going out. Because of his help, I got a good seven day trial with Wigan Athletic. I got to understand the level of the Premier League. If I was a free agent, I could have signed for them. But due to contractual obligation I could not sign."

But former Wigan custodian Ali Al Habsi helped Gurpreet get a trial in Norway with Stabaek.

"I did not want to sign an extension with East Bengal. Thanks to Ali Al Habsi, I got an opportunity in Norway. They were looking for a good prospect. I went to Norway without expectations. Then I started training with them and a seven-day trial turned into a three-year contract."

He was initially on the fringes at Stabaek, getting occasional minutes during cup games but soon Gurpreet climbed up the ladder and became the first Indian to play in a Europa League game when he started for Stabaek in a qualifying fixture.

"I was training with Sayouba Mandé and I got better. But I had to surpass his level and get a chance in the team. It took me more than a season, but I became the number one," he added.

Gurpreet, who stands at 6'6", was sidelined soon after the club changed the head coach. Though he wanted to stay in Europe, Gurpreet ended up joining ISL outfit Bengaluru FC at the start of the 2017-18 season.

"I didn't want to leave (Stabaek) but I had to. I wasn't getting game time under the new coach. Then the contract expired. When you know that the coach is not expecting much from you it becomes difficult. My first intention was to stay in Europe and I tried my best. I had offers but they were from lower levels.

"I managed to talk to a club in Portugal first division. They had three keepers. They told me to join and spend one season loan and then join back. I accepted the offer. I found the loan option in ISL with Bengaluru. But we didn't hear from the Portugal club even on the transfer deadline day.

"That's when I decided to stay back with Bengaluru. It is an ambitious club. I am playing in Asia and then I tell them that I want to play for them for a long time. Then the five-year deal happens. But I told them that anything from Europe I will take into consideration."

Robin van Persie’s move to Manchester United in 2012 came as a massive disappointment to Thomas Vermaelen, with the former Arsenal defender admitting that he had hoped to see the Dutch striker go on to become “a legend” at Emirates Stadium”.

The proven frontman was well on course to achieve that status when the decision was taken to head for the exits in north London.

Van Persie had been acquired by the Gunners in 2004 and scored 132 goals in 278 appearances for the club.

His efforts saw him land a Premier League Golden Boot and take on captaincy duties for Arsenal.

He was very much a talismanic presence for Arsene Wenger, but took the decision in 2012 not to commit to new contract.

That forced the Gunners into a corner, with it clear that they needed to cash in on a prized asset who wanted out.

Domestic rivals United made the most of a surprise opportunity by tabling a £22.5 million ($29m) bid and saw Van Persie help them to title glory in his debut campaign at Old Trafford – while also landing another top goalscorer gong.

Vermaelen was among those left frustrated at the Emirates, with the Belgian admitting that he had hoped to see Van Persie sign a new deal and secure a standing alongside the likes of Ian Wright and Thierry Henry.

"It was a surprise he left," Vermaelen told Arsenal’s official podcast.

"I knew he was going to go eventually but to hear that he'd all of a sudden left for Manchester United was a big surprise.
 
"I wanted him to stay at Arsenal of course, because in his last season with us he was the PFA Player of the Year. He had a great season, the best season of his career, so I wanted him to stay and be a legend.
 
"Of course, he's strong in his character so he couldn't change his mind. I think that's a good thing because that makes him the person and player he is. You couldn't change his mind, he'd made it up that he was going to go."

Having seen Van Persie walk away when at the peak of his powers, Arsenal now find themselves in a similar situation when it comes to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Another prolific frontman is approaching the final 12 months of his contract, with no indication offered that fresh terms will be agreed as the likes of United begin to circle once again.

Simba SC have emerged victorious in a friendly match against Transit Camp after a 4-2 win in Dar es Salaam on Monday.

It was the first match the defending Mainland Premier League champions have taken part in since the teams were allowed to converge for joint training sessions last month.

The Democratic Republic of Congo forward Deo Kanda was the first to strike for the Wekundu wa Msimbazi in the third minute.

Gerson Fraga scored the second for Sven Vandenbroeck's charges in the 15th minute before Tairone Santos added the third goal of the encounter two minutes after Fraga's strike.

Simba did not add a fourth goal until after the first half ended but they also could not keep Transit Camp at bay, as their opponents reduced the deficit in the first minute of added time courtesy of Hamadi Habibu.

In the 46th minute, Meddie Kagere added his name onto the scoresheet as he stretched Simba's lead further. Transit Camp answered back in the 64th minute from Nisile Kisimba's strike but their resurgence did not deny Simba a convincing win.

Simba's win came almost a day after their traditional arch-rivals Yanga SC were humbled by Kinondoni Municipal Council FC 3-0 in a friendly tie.

This was Transit Camp's second friendly match against a top club in the country after they had fought to a 0-0 draw against Azam FC a day ago.

The win for the Tanzanian 20-time league champions was witnessed by a large group of fans who followed the proceedings from the terraces.

Teams are in a race to raise the level of fitness of their players before the league resumes on June 13 after it had been suspended in mid-March due to the restrictions the government had applied to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Simba will face Ruvu Shooting on June 14 at home as they restart their title defence. The Wekundu wa Msimbazi enjoy a good lead at the top and coach Vandenbroeck had urged them to ensure they bag the first 12 points in order to win the title in earnest.

With three of their four foreign players already in Tanzania, Simba are assured of an almost full squad for the matches, which also includes the FA Cup quarter-final tie against Azam.

Sharaf Shiboub is the only foreign player yet to report from South Sudan.

Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was all praise for his Bengaluru FC teammate Sunil Chhetri and went on to say that it would not be surprising if the 35-year-old goes on to play for six more years at the top level. 

While speaking about his introduction to football, Sandhu shared how winning a 100m race in school opened the doors for him to pick up the sport. He went on to claim that, in a race he could compete with Chhetri if not better him!

"I never watched football until 2006-07. I was born in a cricket-loving family. Even I love cricket. It's just that I found football. I started at my school academy. I won a 100m race. After I won the first race, it helped me get recruited in my academy. Then it was training twice a day training and getting in to a routine.

"I can compete with Chhetri in a race because I have bigger strides. He can play six-seven years easily. He is getting younger day by day," stated the India international during an online chat show hosted by the Indian Super League (ISL). 

Sandhu is currently in Sydney and has already started to train for the upcoming season with another Bengaluru FC teammate Erik Paartalu. He believes that he needs to improve with the ball at his feet and is currently honing his skills under the guidance of the Australian midfielder. 

"It is easy to train with Paartalu as we are in the same city. He knows the city very well and knows when and which pitch is free. We meet around three-four days a week. Erik makes me do a lot of hard work. I am trying to work on my passing and working with my left foot. Roy Krishna took advantage of my left foot (during the ISL last season). So I am working on it." 

The 28-year old accepted that the loss to Chennaiyin FC in the 2017-18 final of ISL was a huge setback, with Albert Roca stepping down after the final. He even considers the Marina Machans a greater rival to Bengaluru FC than Kerala Blasters.

"That was one of the worst nights at the Kanteerava. Losing the final is the biggest setback. We became more determined and we worked towards lifting the trophy. I was playing in a league format in Norway and mentally I was still in that league stage where things got over once you top the standings after the league. The shift was different for me to understand (adapt). It was also difficult when we came to know that (Albert) Roca would not coach us. But with Carles (Cuadrat) leading us it became easy. It was the same mindset and the same approach.

"If you slip there's always going to be someone behind you. Bengaluru did a lot in the past six-seven years. This season, a slip-up cost us a trophy. ATK was one of the most difficult sides to play. The way they defend made it more difficult. We had to take our chances. We did pretty well In the first leg. In the second leg, it was their quality that shone through. They deserved that result. We gave them the opportunity to be the better team," opined Sandhu. 

The Punjab-born player also revealed that Miku is the best player he has faced on Indian soil. He also said that apart from Bengaluru FC, he would like to don the jersey of either ATK or Kerala Blasters. 

Sandhu also opened up on one of India's best games in recent times where they managed to hold Asian champions Qatar to a goalless draw away from home. Gurpreet starred under the bar, pulling off several impressive saves.

"We had lost against Oman. It was a tough game. But going to Qatar and finding out Chhetri was not playing was a shock. But it was an opportunity to show that even without our best player we can do the job. I said the same thing in the dressing room. And we got a result. I have played more difficult games before though. The Iran game was much more difficult (in 2015). I was much more exhausted after that."

The former East Bengal player spent three years in Europe playing for Norway side Stabaek FC. He reckons that to be successful in Europe, one must start training there from the formative years.

"I think any player who goes at 15-16 years old in Europe can make it. You just have to work hard. You are training with better players, in better weather. It's not about playing but the journey is very important. That's what will make you a better player," concluded the goalkeeper.

Ex-Manchester United star Mikael Silvestre has revealed how close he came to moving to Liverpool from Inter in the early stages of his career, claiming he was contacted personally by Gerard Houllier.

Silvestre enjoyed a hugely successful career spanning two decades, with his prime years spent on the books of Sir Alex Ferguson's United. The former France international racked up 353 appearances for the Red Devils between 1999 and 2008, winning 10 trophies in total, including four Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Champions League.

He went on to play for Arsenal, Werder Bremen, Portland Timbers and Chennaiyin FC before hanging up his boots in 2014, but might have also had a spell at Anfield had he chosen a different route when leaving Inter at the age of 21.

"Marcello Lippi arrived at Inter and recruited another wing-back, Grigoris Georgatos, who was a bit older than me," Silvestre told FourFourTwo. "My game time was going to diminish and I wanted to play. Gerard Houllier had been my coach at youth level in France, so we knew each other well, and he called to ask if I wanted to join Liverpool.

"He said he wanted me to play left-back for them, and that while the competition would be there, I was in a good position to start most games."

The United legend went on to explain why he chose to snub Liverpool in favour of joining up with their arch-rivals, adding: "Alex Ferguson phoned me a few days later to register his interest.

"The choice was easy to make, because United had just won the Treble. Sir Alex was like, 'You’re going to play left-back and centre-back – I need you for both positions.'"

Silvestre ended up making his Red Devils debut against Liverpool, but insists there was no animosity between him and Houllier when they met on the touchline.

The 42-year-old said: "I remember that I arrived in Manchester on a Thursday and by Saturday I had already played my first game – at Anfield, of all places, against Liverpool!

"That was madness: I didn’t even know my team-mates or speak the language well. On matchday, I had a brief chat with Houllier, who jokingly asked me, 'Why didn’t you sign for us?' But he said he understood my choice."

Bristol City legend Louis Carey said Benik Afobe’s return from injury will be the biggest boost for the Robins ahead of the resumption of the 2019-20 Championship season.

Afobe, who joined Lee Johnson's side on a season-long loan from Stoke City last June, suffered an ACL injury during a training session earlier this season with his last competitive match in August.

Before the setback, the 27-year-old scored three goals in his first five games for the Robins which include a brace against Hull City on August 24.

Bristol City are seventh on the league table just a point adrift of the promotion playoff zone, and Carey believes Afobe's presence in the team will be crucial in the final nine games of the season.

"Any striker who has got a proven track record within the Championship and within the Premier League, to have that type of signing coming back when you've got nine games to go is the biggest boost the players could ask for,” Carey was quoted as saying on BBC Radio Bristol.

"When there's proven goals in a player that can step into your team, that is a gift.

"That is something that this time off has helped with and hopefully he can come in and start how he started when he originally signed and it would be great for the whole club."

The English second division will resume on June 20, more than three months after it was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Carey, who spent 18 years at Ashton Gate across two stints, is positive that the Robins have the quality to qualify for the play-offs.  

"Whatever you say, they've got a top squad and I think after they've had this time off I think the majority of people will be back fit so they've got as much a chance as anybody and I know we've spoken about this over the years, the Championship is crazy," he said.

"You can quite easily go on a six-game winning run or six-game losing run. We are going to see that. There will be somebody that will fall like a stone with these nine games and hopefully it won't be Bristol City and hopefully they can push.

"They've certainly got the players, they're in a great position and if there is an understanding in what the manager wants, once you get back fit hopefully, they can hit the ground running. If they can put together performances like I saw at times in the Fulham game, then they've got every chance of making the play-offs."

Simba SC midfielder Francis Kahata says he is not worried by his chances of making the first XI once the league restarts and his main job is to continue giving his best in training.

Before the games were stopped owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Kenya international was among the few players whose position in the first team was not guaranteed.

With the Tanzania Mainland League resuming on June 13, most players are giving their best to stand a chance of getting a starting berth.

"I have to admit the competition in the team is currently stiff in all departments," Kahata told Goal on Monday.

"Every player wants to get into the first team and as we all know, the quality in the team is good. So everyone has a fair chance of getting in the first 11.

"Well, I am not worried [about starting matches or not]. My job is to convince the technical bench I am ready through the training sessions we have. Then the coach will choose his first XI; Simba have good players, competition has to be there."

The Kenya international has also stated his condition after joining the team late.

"I am 70% fit because of my late arrival, however before our league match I will be fully fit," Kahata revealed.

"The team is also doing well, and I believe by next week every player will be 100% fit and ready to play."

In addition, the 28-year-old also shed some light on his personal target as well as those of the team.

"So far I have managed to get five goals and six assists meaning I have been involved in 11 goals for the team, but I want to do more.

"We are also in the race for the league title as well as the FA Cup, I will be satisfied if we win both. Many claim the league is ours because of the healthy lead we command, but until we are crowned, other teams have a chance.

"So we have to seal it by winning the required number of games before saying we are champions.

"All top four teams are in the FA Cup and are hungry to win it just like us, and it makes it a little tougher. But we are determined to go all the way."

Martin Braithwaite says that people look at him differently now that he plays for Barcelona as the Danish forward admitted his life has changed off the field significantly since joining La Liga's leaders.

Braithwaite joined Barcelona from Leganes in February via an emergency transfer, with the Catalan club in desperate need of a forward due to several injuries.

The forward made three appearances for Barca before La Liga was suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak, having scored eight goals in 24 matches for Leganes prior to making the move.

It was a transfer that Braithwaite sees as the defining moment of his career so far, and one that he says has had a massive impact on his life off the field.

"I felt really proud and patted myself on the back," Braithwaite told Goal. "I said to myself that the hard work was paying off and it gave me even more motivation to push the limits on what I can do in my career."

He added: "A lot of things changed because now I am in the biggest club in the world so people look at you differently and recognise you more because my face is now more familiar. Beyond football, it changed a little bit but, in the end, football is still football."

Braithwaite says that his time at Barcelona hs been made easier by several of his team-mates, with the forward saying his ability to speak French has helped him connect with players like Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele and Clement Lenglet. In addition, he says he has become close to Frenkie de Jong, who joined the club last summer from Ajax.

However, while Braithwaite has found pleasure with life at Barca, his former club, Leganes, will be in a fight for survival when La Liga resumes. 

Leganes currently sit 19th in the table, three points behind 17th-place Celta Vigo.

"I've been looking at their games and results, hoping they win games because I don't like leaving a club in that kind of way," Braithwaite said, "but now I am focused on Barcelona. I want the best for my former team-mates and former club.

"Everyone was really nice to me in Leganes. I met a lot of good people and they told me they were happy for me. They said I deserved it and, honestly, it was a special moment.

"It was difficult because I made a lot of good friends at Leganes and so many good relationships. It is always difficult when you have to leave a club. I have to thank them for everything they gave to me."

Barcelona are set to face Leganes on June 16 in the club's second match after returning from the coronavirus suspension, and Braithwaite says there will be no personal sentiment either way and no hard feelings regardless of what the result is.

"Of course," he said when asked if he would celebrate against his former club. "That would be a special scenario but I don't really think about this. When we play against them I will only be thinking about winning. I have a commitment for winning and will try to keep it against Leganes."

Celtic may be able to hold onto Arsenal target Odsonne Edouard amid the Covid-19 crisis, according to ex-Hoops manager John Barnes.

Edouard was enjoying his best season yet in a Celtic shirt before the coronavirus outbreak stopped play in March. The 22-year-old had hit 27 goals in 45 games in all competitions, helping Neil Lennon's side maintain their dominance of the Scottish football landscape.

Celtic were awarded the title for a ninth successive year in May after authorities decided to scrap all remaining fixtures due to the continued threat of Covid-19.

Speculation is now mounting over Edouard's future ahead of the summer transfer window, with Arsenal reportedly lining up an approach for the French forward.

However, Barnes is confident that Celtic will be able to retain a prized asset due to the financial implications of the coronavirus crisis, with top clubs across Europe likely to tighten the purse strings after an extended period without any matchday revenue coming in.

The former Hoops boss told BonusCodeBets: "Celtic is a fantastic club. We know that money plays a big part in this, but we don’t know what is happening this summer because after Covid-19, I don’t think you’re necessarily going to see £100m and £50m signings. 

"It’s up to the player to decide if he wants to stay in Scotland or not. If he is happy there and he’s in the Champions League and happy with his football then yes they may be able to keep him, but if he wants to go and play in a bigger league with more exposure then it is hard for any Scottish team to keep their better players."

Lennon revealed on Saturday that Celtic have already opened talks with Edouard over a new contract, with his existing deal set to expire in the summer of 2022.

Despite Celtic's attempts to tie the striker down to fresh terms, Barnes says his former club will be used to losing their top players, given the fact that the Scottish Premier League is unable to compete with Europe's top divisions in the transfer market.

He added: "Celtic have no more frustration than if you’re a top club in any league where you can’t compete financially with England, Italy, Spain, France and Germany.

"Celtic are slightly different in that they are as big as some clubs in England or the world, but the financial implications of football in Scotland means they can’t always keep these players and I suspect it will be a frustration. 

"They’ll be understanding that they’re no different to other clubs that lose players, look at Belgium, one of the best teams in the world but you don’t see any players playing in Belgium.

"This has always been a factor of Scottish football, except maybe in the 70s and 80s because from a financial point of view they were able to compete, but now the financial differences between Scotland and England and the rest of the European nations means it is hard for the Scottish teams to compete in keeping their best players."

Pius Obuya has revealed his imminent move to KCCA FC and hopes to fill the void left by Allan Okello.

Obuya served Maroons FC, who were relegated to the Fufa Big League for the 2020/21 season, and that seems to have given him the opportunity to seek greener pastures.

Although the news concerning his KCCA move has not been confirmed, Obuya is keen to replace his former Uganda U17 teammate at Lugogo.

“I respect [Allan] Okello, he is a big player, has done a lot for KCCA and I respect whatever he has done for the club,” Obuya told Sports256.

“Many people think I am his replacement, I must say 'yes' because we play the same style of football, we both can play in the central midfield and on the flanks, so, it is a very big challenge for me, because they need a special player who is creative and can make a difference when the club needs to win certain games.”

Although Obuya has set his eyes on the potential move, he has revealed other clubs have approached him too.

“A move to KCCA is likely, though, other clubs had also shown interest,” added the star.

“Joining KCCA is a great pleasure because it is a big club in Uganda and for them to show interest in me is a great honour.

“So, I know what it means going to Lugogo, going for a new challenge and make a difference because they have reasons why they want me.

“For now, what comes into my mind is; how to adapt to a new environment and to the club’s philosophy, which showcases a lot of professionalism, meeting new friends, a new technical team which I believe will help me.”

The 22-year-old wants to win the Uganda Premier League (UPL) title with the Mike Mutebi-led side after they lost out to Vipers SC when the season was cancelled.

“KCCA are a team that want success, so I also think of winning trophies for the team. And I think my, and some other players' arrival will boost the morale of the fans that could have been demoralised by the departure of some players,” he continued.

“I will continue developing as a player at Lugogo, then within two-three years, I see myself playing in Europe. I am thinking of giving my best at a big club KCCA where other clubs on the continent can easily pick you up.”

Orlando Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Ben Motshwari has fully recovered from the coronavirus.

Motshwari tested positive for the virus in May without showing any symptoms and he had been self-isolating at home. 

Now, the Buccaneers are pleased that their hard-working midfielder is back after the scare. 

"Orlando Pirates Football Club is pleased to announce that Ben Motshwari has fully recovered from Covid-19," said the club through their App. 

Motshwari thanked everyone who wished him well soon after the news of him testing positive of the coronavirus broke in May.  

"Hi Mabhakaniya, this is Ben Motshwari. I just want to thank each and everyone one of you guys who have been texting me, calling me or wishing me well during this difficult time that I was facing," said Motshwari in a short video clip posted on the App. 

The 29-year-old former Bidvest Wits midfield kingpin also thanked the Bucs medical team and staff for their continued support.  

"To the medical team, the staff of Orlando Pirates, I just want to thank you," he said. 

Motshwari urged the country to continue adhering to government's calls to curb the spread of the virus by practising social distancing, sanitising and wearing masks in public places. 

"Guys, let us keep on sanitising, let's keep on practising social distancing, let's wear our masks in public players so that we curb the spread of this coronavirus," concluded Motshwari.     

Motshwari was the first professional player to test positive of the coronavirus in South Africa - and this happened when the PSL was trying hard to convince the government to allow the return of football in the country. 

His recovery comes at the right time when both the PSL and Safa appears to be edging closer to winning the battle to complete the 2019-20 season. 

However, before that could happen, expectations are that all the players, coaches and team officials will be tested, just like this has been the case in England over the past few weeks.

With contact sport in South Africa now allowed, Motshwari will certainly return to the pitch as soon as Pirates give their players the go-ahead to report back to the training grounds.

Chelsea are getting a “Michael Owen-like” frontman in Timo Werner, says Tony Cascarino, with the Germany international expected to be a “real danger player” for the Blues.

Those at Stamford Bridge have agreed to trigger the £54 million (€60m/$68m) release clause that will free the 24-year-old striker from his contract at RB Leipzig.

No deal has been completed as yet, but there is a belief in west London that a top target will be acquired.

It had appeared as though Werner was destined to head for Liverpool if a big-money move was to be made in the next transfer window.

Fierce competition for places at Anfield and reluctance from Jurgen Klopp to splash the cash has, however, led the prolific presence towards an alternative Premier League destination.

Cascarino believes Frank Lampard has got himself quite the coup, with there similarities to be drawn between Werner’s game and that of an ex-England international who once starred for Liverpool and landed the 2001 Ballon d’Or.

“He predominantly likes to play on the left, but he’s quite versatile,” Cascarino told talkSPORT of Werner.

“His outstanding feature is his pace; his pace over 10 yards is extraordinary, lightning quick… Michael Owen-like.

“He tries to get on the back of defenders all the time and comes in off the left to try and get the goals in.

“He gets a lot of one-on-ones and he’s a real handful.

“But there is a lot of improvement to be made; I don’t think he’s the most technically gifted. When I’ve watched him I’ve always thought his touch is a bit off for someone who has so many goals.

“But there is a real danger player in there, and I think Lampard wants goals from more areas in his team.”

Cascarino added on Werner edging away from long-standing links to Liverpool: “Most players want to be guaranteed a starting place and Timo Werner probably got that guarantee from Frank Lampard where he is going to play, and he’s going to play a lot of games.

“I think that’s very important for Werner because I’m not sure he’d get in front of [Sadio] Mane, [Mohamed] Salah or [Roberto] Firmino [at Liverpool].

“We don’t know if one of those will be sold, but obviously Klopp wouldn’t want that to happen; he’d want to keep all three.

“And I think it’s a case he’d have to fight for a place just to get in that team.”

Liverpool kept their focus on winning the Premier League title before 'Project Restart' was announced, according to Dejan Lovren.

The Reds were on the verge of securing a first top-flight crown in 30 years when the coronavirus outbreak called a temporary halt to the 2019-20 campaign on March 13.

Jurgen Klopp's men won 27 of their opening 29 fixtures to storm 25 points clear of reigning champions Manchester City, who have played a game less.

Only two more wins will be needed for Liverpool's coronation to be confirmed, with the Premier League set to resume on June 17 following a three-month hiatus.

There were strong calls for the season to be voided as Covid-19 cases began to rise across England, but the number of people testing positive for the virus has dropped in recent weeks, leading to an easing of lockdown restrictions.

Lovren insists that he and his Liverpool team-mates took all the necessary steps to maintain their fitness levels while in quarantine, with a view to being at the peak of their powers when football was finally cleared to return.

The Croatian centre-back told the club's official website: "To be honest, even without a date at the beginning, our main focus and goal was, 'Guys, let's finish the season. There will, of course, be a date back, but just stay in shape, be in shape when we come back. We will do it and then we can say well done.' 

"That was our main focus from the beginning. All the time we have been working in the gym, we know what is our focus. Of course we still have two games [to win until] we can say, 'Yeah, we are the champions' but our main focus is to win all the games. That's the main target." 

Lovren is delighted to have seen the squad's discipline pay off, but admits that he found his final few weeks in self-isolation frustrating due to the lack of certainty over the resumption of top-level sport.

He added: "The last two weeks before we came back together, to be honest, I was a little bit struggling with not knowing when we will start and when we will be back together.

"You put so many questions in your mind, 'When will everything be back to normal?', but this is a great challenge for yourself and to show to everyone that you care about yourself, you care about your team. 

"So we did it and we did an amazing job. We came back in great shape. We did some physical tests and I think it says a lot about the team. 

"Everyone respected all the planning and programmes that we got. This is what's important for this team."