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Nigeria legend Tijani Babangida has backed Umar Sadiq to reach the peak of his career after experiencing a turnaround in his career at Almeria.

The forward started his European career with Spezia before joining AS Roma, including a loan spell with Rangers, where he underwhelmed.

The young attacker has, however, enjoyed a turnaround in his career since teaming up with Almeria and in the 2020-21 season, he scored a number of breathtaking goals.

In total, the forward racked up 28 strikes in 53 appearances across all competitions but his efforts were not enough to help the Rojiblancos gain promotion to La Liga.

The forward was recently handed a call-up to the Super Eagles for their international friendlies against Cameroon but withdrew due to an injury.

Babangida is backing him to become the future star of the Nigeria national team and achieve greatness in the future.

"Umar Sadiq has come of age. He's been doing well in his club even though it is Segunda in Spain,” Babangida told Tribal Football.

"He scored a great number of goals for his club. He has shown great potential and at the moment, if Sadiq gets his chance in the Super Eagles, I think he will be able to express himself more.

"I believe that very soon he will grab the opportunity to show the coach and Nigerians how good and capable he is to wear the national team jersey of Nigeria.

"How good he can be depends on him because there is always room for improvement, if a player keeps working hard."

Babangida is currently the president of the National Association of Nigerian Professional Football and also a football agent.

The former Super Eagles winger played for Roda JC, Ajax and Changchun Yatai before his retirement from professional football.

In December, Babangida advised the national team under manager Gernot Rohr to improve on their playing style.

“We never knew Nigeria as a country that plays kick and follow football but we already lost our culture of football in Africa," Babangida said.

“We have our own culture of play, just like the Brazilians, and I believe only Nigeria and Brazil have that culture in football. But we have lost it.

“You will discover that whenever we play against any team with whatever tactics they come up with, they fall down easily when we start playing our game.

“Now we have changed and we are not looking for those kinds of players that suit the system. And then we find it difficult because we are playing the 4-4-2 defensive system and that’s why we are always having problems.

“Nigeria is a country with a lot of potential players and the only country that can compete with Nigeria in terms of potential is Brazil.

“We are almost the same as them and that’s why we were always beating other Africans or other nations when we played against them because we have the quality, we have the group and we also have the culture. But that culture is what we have lost.”

The 2021 Carling Black Label Cup which features two of the biggest clubs in the country, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates has moved to a new venue.

The high-profile pre-season friendly match was scheduled to take place at the iconic, FNB Stadium on July 31.

However, the Soweto Derby clash will now be played at the Mecca of South African football, Orlando Stadium on August 1 according to the following statement from the competition sponsors. 

“Carling Black Label, alongside the two Soweto Giants, Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates as well as Stadium Management has made the decision to move the Carling Black Label Cup to the Orlando Stadium,”  a statement read.

“For the very first time since the Cup’s inception in 2011. Having played at the infamous calabash, FNB Stadium for the past decade the stakeholders saw an opportunity to commemorate the success of the Cup through the years by hosting the match at a venue that is a stone throw away from where both teams originate.

“The venue change will see stablemate, Castle Lager host the British Irish Lions series match between the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions on the 31st of July 2021 while the Carling Black Label Cup match will be moved to the 1st of August 2021 to a 17h00 kick-off.”

The Carling Black Label Cup will move away from FNB Stadium for the first time since its inception in 2011. 

Castle Larger Brand director Arne Rust stated that he would have preferred having fans at Orlando Stadium which is Pirates' home ground.

“Although we would have loved to have Champion voices in-stadia to witness the very first Carling Black Label Cup at the spectacular Orlando Stadium," Rust said.

Rust said that they will ensure that the supporters have a nice experience watching from home.

"We will ensure that viewers have a memorable experience from the comfort of their homes. The Orlando Stadium also provides the perfect backdrop for the Soweto Derby," he added.

"Furthermore, we believe this change of venue will only affect the fan experience positively."

The 2020 edition of the Carling Black Label Cup was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

India ended their 2022 World Cup qualifier campaign with a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan at the Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Doha and finished third in their group behind Qatar and Oman.

The Blue Tigers took the lead in the 75th minute of the match after Afghanistan goalkeeper Ovays Azizi accidentally sent the ball into his own net. But within just seven minutes, Hossein Zamani scored the equalising goal to restore parity in the match and seal a point for his team.

By finishing third in Group E, Igor Stimac's side now directly progress to the 2023 Asian Cup qualifying third round.

India end their campaign with four draws, three losses and one win from their eight matches. They have scored six goals and conceded only seven. 

They had a very good opportunity to finish the group stage with a positive goal difference - which has been achieved only twice in history - had they won the tie but Zamani's late goal spoiled India's party.

How does the Group E look like?

How did India do in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers?

India started their World Cup qualification run with a narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Oman at home, followed by a historic goalless draw against Asian champions Qatar in Doha. In their third and fourth matches, the Blue Tigers managed 1-1 draws against both Bangladesh and Afghanistan and then they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Oman away from home.

They resumed their campaign against Qatar on June 3 and lost 1-0 but followed it up with a 2-0 win over Bangladesh. In their final match they managed a 1-1 draw against Afghanistan.

Ghana U24 ended their Asian tour with a 2-1 defeat to South Korea U24 in a friendly fixture on Tuesday. 

Goals from Woo-Yeong Jeong and Dong-Jun Lee for the hosts on either side of Joselpho Barnes' consolation for the West Africans ensured the win for The Asians in Seogwipo. 

The match was a second between the two sides, the Taegeuk Warriors registering a 3-1 victory in the first game on Saturday. 

It brings an end to what has been a streak of defeats for Samuel Paa Kwasi Fabin's outfit in four matches played against Japan and South Korea. 

A preparatory game for Ghana ahead of the 2023 Africa Games, the fixture served as a test for Korea ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games in Japan. 

Fabin made one change to the side which started in the first match, bringing on Legon Cities ace Jonah Attuquaye for Samuel Abbey-Ashie Quaye. 

In attack, Colchester United winger Kwame Afriyie Adubofour Poku and Schalke 04 forward Joselpho Barnes maintain their places in attack alongside captain Osman Bukari. 

Jeong broke the deadlock for the hosts, firing a rebound into the net after goalkeeper William Essu and the upright combined to deny Cho-Young Wook the first time. 

Six minutes after recess, the Black Meteors hit back as captain Bukari worked hard to put it on a plate for Barnes to tap into the net. 

In the 66th minute, Lee restored Korea's lead, capitalising on a through-ball to hit a shot into the right bottom corner of the net. It was to be the last goal of the game. 

In all, Ghana conceded 15 goals and scored twice in reply in four matches played on the tour. 

The Meteors began the campaign with a humiliating 6-0 loss to Japan before falling to a 4-0 defeat in a second game against the same side. 

Fabin's fold then moved on to Korea where they initially lost 3-1 to the Taegeuk Warriors before Tuesday's 2-1 reversal. 

Ghana are set to host the Africa Games in 2023.

Tusker blew away one of their best chances to stretch their lead at the top of the FKF Premier League table after going down 1-0 against Posta Rangers at Ruaraka grounds on Tuesday.

The Brewers knew ahead of the fixture they needed to win to move five points clear ahead of second-placed KCB, but despite dominating the home clash they failed to take their chances. They were punished in the 79th minute when Josephat Lopaga scored for the Mailmen.

Tusker coach Robert Matano made two changes to his starting squad bringing onboard skipper Hashim Sempala who partnered Faraj Odenyi while Brian Marita was also given a chance to start alongside Humphrey Mieno.

It was the Brewers, who started the match on a high note as their top scorer Henry Meja attempted a shot from close range after combining well with Marita but his effort did not trouble Rangers keeper Kelvin Opiyo.

Five minutes later, Boniface Muchiri exchanged passes with Mieno, and after the latter received a brilliant pass, he unleashed another feeble shot which was saved by Opiyo.

The Brewers kept the pressure to take the lead and in the 19th minute, Meja got another good chance to open the scores, a free-kick was started quickly on the right and saw Marita pass the ball to Muchiri, who sliced in a low cross but Meja’s touch at the near post went wide.

It was all Tusker in the first half as Marita once again was fouled outside the 25-yard area in the 33rd minute and Rodgers Aloro stepped up to take the free-kick, his right-footed effort coming off the crossbar for a goal-kick.

The teams went into the break tied at 0-0 but Rangers under coach Stanley Okumbi should be the happiest side for keeping a clean sheet, as they had not even forced an attempt on Tusker’s goal.

In the 58th minute, veteran Matano made three changes for Tusker, pulling out Marita, Odenyi, and Sempala for Erick Zakayo, Jackson Macharia, and Apollo Otieno in a bid to search for the opener.

In the 65th minute, the Brewers raided Rangers’ danger zone once again, a good sweeping move from Zakayo, setting up Mieno, but the latter’s effort was punched out to a fruitless corner by keeper Opiyo.

Five minutes later, Rangers made their first threat at the Tusker goal, former Gor Mahia player Benard Ondiek combined well with Joshua Nyatini but striker Georson Linokoh fumbled with the ball with only keeper Michael Wanjala to beat.

After all the missed chances, the Brewers were punished in the 79th minute after sloppy defending saw Lopaga make a good solo run with the ball and fire it into the bottom left corner for maximum points.

Tusker: Michael Wanjala, Kevin Monyi, Sammy Miseh, Rodgers Aloro, Eugine Asike, Hashim Sempala, Brian Marita, Faraj Odenyi, Henry Meja, Humphrey Mieno, and Boniface Muchiri.

Subs: Emery Mvuyeruke (GK), Christopher Oruchum, Erick Ambunya, Otieno Apollo, Jackson Macharia, Michael Madoya, Chrispinus Onyango, George Ogutu, and Erick Zakayo.

Posta Rangers: Kelvin Opiyo, Elvis Osok, Evans Maliachi, Suleiman Osman, Kevin Ouma, Michael Apudo, Jackson Dwang, Benard Ondiek, Amos Kigadi, Joshua Nyatini and Georson Likonoh.

Subs: Jairus Adira (GK), Faina Jacob, Simon Mbugua, Joseph MbuMbugi, Musasia Steiner, Peter Nganga, Josephat Lopaga, Samuel Kapen, and Francis Nambute.

On African Football HQ this week, we meet Baba Sule, a former player who has truly experienced the highs and the lows of the sport, to hear his remarkable story.

While the ex-midfielder’s playing career is a story of heartbreak and anguish, since retirement, he has enjoyed a new lease of life as a former driver to Spain goalkeeper David De Gea.

The 42-year-old was a youth sensational in the mid-90s when he won the 1995 U-17 World Cup with Ghana, defeating a Brazil team containing Juan and Julio Cesar 3-2 in a memorable final.

Baba Sule capped off an impressive campaign—that ended with Ghana’s second title—by opening the scoring in that final, beating Cesar—who would go on to win 87 caps for Brazil’s senior side—in the 39th minute.

His performances in Ecuador took him to Spain, where he signed for Real Mallorca from Cornerstones in 1996, although it’s here that his career took an unfortunate twist.

Baba Sule’s time at Mallorca was beset by illness—he was diagnosed with hepatitis—and endured long spells on the sidelines as he made his recovery.

While his returning fitness allowed him to progress to Ghana’s U-20 side in 1997, his club career never truly took off.

He returned to consistent action with Spanish lower league side Ourense, but then embarked on an eight-year odyssey across a swathe of Spanish minnows before returning to African football in 2008.

He ended his career with three years in the NPFL—with Kwara United and Niger Tornadoes—but returned to Spain after retirement, having acquired a Spanish passport during his playing career.

Since returning to Europe, the veteran player has enjoyed a second career, finding work as an electrician before receiving an intriguing proposition to become the driver for De Gea—then a stalwart with Atletico Madrid.

“After hanging up my boots, I had the same manager as De Gea, and one day he called me and asked me if I was interested in working with De Gea who was then playing for the second team of Atletico Madrid,” Sule told AFHQ.

“He asked me if I was interested in being his driver – because De Gea was then 17 –and as he was living near me, and I wasn’t doing anything, I decided to take that opportunity.”

Sule discussed how he shared some precious moments with the goalkeeping wonderkid, although he denied the suggestion that his English lessons have left the Manchester United keeper with a Ghanaian accent!

Wilfried Zaha will be available to his many suitors this summer, but Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has warned the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham that a deal for the talented winger will only be done at the "right" price.

A highly-rated 28-year-old has made no secret of that fact that, having previously struggled to make an impact at Manchester United, the time has come for him to make another high-profile move.

Palace can, after seeing an academy graduate take in almost 400 appearances for the club, appreciate why Zaha wants out, but no discounts will be offered to those planning to put formal bids on the table.

What has been said?

Parish has told BBC Sport : "We understand his position.

"It's no secret that he would like to challenge himself.

"But it has to be right for the football club. He understands that as well.

"If those two things collide then we will have to look at it. But right now, we are two days into the transfer window so it's a bit early to talk about it."

The bigger picture

It is shaping up to be a busy summer for Palace as they have a number of players out of contract.

They are also having to contend with the Zaha speculation, while a new manager is required to succeed the departed Roy Hodgson.

Former Wolves boss Nuno appears set to head for Everton over south London, but Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche continue to see moves to the capital mooted.

Parish is hoping to fill a sizeable void in the Selhurst Park dugout soon, but he will not be rushed into making an important decision regarding future leadership.

He added: "It's challenging obviously, there's not a lack of people who would like to come and manage Crystal Palace football club in the Premier League. We're very fortunate with that.

"You have to try and get it right. Outside pressures - I see all sorts of stuff that's written - the really important thing is we block that out because the only thing that matters in the end is that we win football matches.

"We have to find the right person to help us do that. Not only immediately but will also help us with the young players we want to bring through.

"So, it's a big decision, these things take longer than you would like them to."

Further reading

Ruben Dias is "the best centre-back in the world now", says Jose Mourinho, with the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss ranking a Manchester City star above the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Marquinhos.

It has become difficult to argue against that assessment, with a commanding Portugal international making an immediate impact at the Etihad Stadium on the back of a big-money move from Benfica in the summer of 2020.

Dias is a Premier League title winner and FWA Footballer of the Year, with the 24-year-old now preparing to go in search of international glory alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Co at Euro 2020.

What has been said?

Mourinho has told talkSPORT of fellow countrymen that he holds in the highest regard: "I think Ruben Dias is the best centre-back in the world now, maybe.

"I would say that Ruben with this step to the Premier League is getting a different knowledge and experience of competitiveness.

"I think he’s a fantastic centre-back. Lots of fantastic players in attack, Cristiano is not a kid anymore. 

"I believe it is his last Euros and after being European Champion, he will try everything to succeed for the last time."

The bigger picture

Portugal are the current holders of a European Championship crown, having prevailed back in 2016, and will open the defence of that title when facing Hungary on Tuesday.

Mourinho expects a star-studded squad to be among the leading contenders once again, with Fernando Santos the right man to guide them towards further glory.

He added: "The manager Fernando is the right guy for the right place.

"The transition keeping Cristiano, Pepe, Rui Patricio, keeping (Joao) Moutinho and that structure of experienced boys, I think he’s the right guy in the right place.

"Very stable and knows the players very well. He knows what he wants and it’s such a group that if you told me Portugal would go out at the group stage, I wouldn’t be surprised as we play France in France, Germany in Germany and Hungary in Hungary.

"For Portugal, it’s such an incredible situation in the group stage. If you go through it again, we are a team capable of going to the end."

Further reading

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has revealed Wilfried Zaha’s suitors must meet the club’s conditions before he would be allowed to depart the Selhurst Park

The Ivory Coast international has previously spoken of his desire to leave the Eagles to join top European clubs in an effort to boost his chances of winning more trophies before his retirement.

Zaha has been the driving force behind Palace's success over the years, helping them to maintain their Premier League status.

Last season, the forward scored 11 goals and provided two assists in 30 league games, amid other dazzling displays.

Zaha has been linked to a number of Premier League clubs and last season he was close to joining Everton but a deal failed to materialize.

Parish is aware of the desire of the 28-year-old to leave Palace but has insisted the transfer must favour his side.

"We understand his position. It's no secret that he would like to challenge himself,” Parish told BBC Sport.

"If those two things collide then we will have to look at it. But right now, we are two days into the transfer window so it's a bit early to talk about it."

Parish also recollected the winger’s impressive showings for the club and praised him for his consistency.

"He scored the first goal in the first game when we bought the club. He's continued to excel for us - best season ever with goals and assist tally last season,” he continued.

"He continues to be an incredible talisman for the team. Obviously, there is lots of talk about transfers and all that kind of thing.

"All I know is that when he crosses the white line for Crystal Palace he gives 100%. Everything else, what will be will be. There's a lot of love around the club for Wilfried and everything he has done for us as a football club."

Zaha has played more than 400 games for Crystal Palace since joining the side’s academy in 2004 and he is currently enjoying his second spell with the Eagles after returning to the club from Manchester United in 2015, where he endured a torrid time.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota admits the exploits of Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United made a fellow Portuguese his "idol", with the Reds star using a five-time Ballon d'Or winner as "an example to follow".

Jota is hoping to figure alongside an illustrious countryman when the defending champions kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against Hungary on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old, who impressed during an injury-hit debut campaign at Anfield in 2020-21, has the perfect role model when it comes to forging a memorable career of his own, with Ronaldo continuing to set the standard for those around him despite now being 36 years of age.

What has been said?

Jota has told FourFourTwo: "Cristiano was my idol – I saw him playing at the highest level at Manchester United, winning the Ballon d’Or and other awards.

"Being Portuguese, I’ve always looked up to him as an example to follow. 

"When I made my international debut against Lithuania in November 2019, I came on as a substitute for him, which made the moment more special for me. I can only be grateful to have the opportunity to share a dressing room with him."

The bigger picture

While Jota has the chance to work with an iconic player at international level, he is also learning from one of the best coaches in the business with his club side.

Jurgen Klopp has established a reputation as one of the finest tactical brains in world football, with the German delivering Champions League and Premier League glory to Liverpool.

"He’s exactly the manager that he appears to be – very communicative, and he enjoys being close to the players," Jota said of his domestic boss.

"He will send you a text out of nowhere when you’re relaxing on the sofa at home. It’s the sort of thing that had never happened to me, and that surprised me in the most positive way. It’s just one of his great assets.

"Before signing the papers, I had a video call with him. I don’t think he was expecting to convince me, because I was already convinced. 

"He’s a coach who I admire and had been following for a long time, so this was a unique opportunity in my career and I couldn’t afford to lose it. 

"We usually say that we don’t have to think twice. In this case, I didn’t think once – it was a no-brainer.

"I was very well received by everyone at the club, which certainly helped me. 

"I’m close to the Brazilians, especially Fabinho because of the language, but I also have a good relationship with Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. 

"Liverpool play offensive football, which gives me more chances to score. It’s up to me to take advantage of that."

Further reading

Frenkie de Jong has admitted that he was an "ordinary player" in his debut season at Barcelona while outlining his ambition to reach new heights in 2021-22.

Barca paid €75 million (£65m/$91m) to bring De Jong to Camp Nou from Ajax in the summer of 2019, bringing to an end his impressive three-year spell at Johan Cruyff ArenA.

However, the Dutchman was unable to live up to expectations in his first season with the Blaugrana as they failed to win a trophy for the first time in 12 years.

What's been said?

De Jong concedes that he failed to maximise his time on the pitch for Barca, whose miserable campaign was compounded by an 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The 24-year-old, who is currently away with the Netherlands at Euro 2020, told Voetbal International : "My first year at Barça was fine, I played a lot of minutes, but in my opinion, I was just an ordinary player.

"This year I've been able to show myself better and played better in a lot of games, although I still think I can take steps forward and keep growing.

"I hope we still see a better De Jong."

De Jong's second season at Camp Nou

De Jong continued to hold down a regular place in Barca's starting XI after Ronald Koeman was drafted in to replace Quique Setien in the managerial hot seat last summer.

The talented midfielder helped the Blaugrana fight for La Liga and earned his first piece of silverware in the form of the Copa del Rey, recording seven goals and eight assists in 51 appearances across all competitions.

Club president Joan Laporta recently confirmed that Koeman will remain Barca's head coach for at least one more year, which left De Jong delighted.

"Obviously it's not necessary for me to even say how happy I am that Koeman's staying on," he said of his compatriot.

De Jong on his preferred position

De Jong has been deployed in several different positions during his time at Barca, including in the defence.

The former Ajax star prefers playing in a more natural central midfield role, but says he will always give his all regardless of where the manager decides to put him on the pitch.

"I don't mind where the coach puts me," De Jong added. "I prefer midfield but if I have to play at the back, I do. It's all a question of confidence at the end of the day.

"I notice that confidence from my coaches, my team-mates, the media... it's a nice feeling, so I don't mind where I play, wherever the team needs me."

Further reading

Rio Ferdinand admits that Declan Rice may not be an "absolute need right now" for Manchester United, but he can appreciate why the Red Devils would be keen on a midfielder that could spend the next 10 years at Old Trafford.

Talk of interest in the versatile England international plying his trade at West Ham is nothing new, with impressive progress for club and country seeing the talented 22-year-old register on a number of recruitment radars.

United are said to form part of that pack, as they mull over additions for another window, and Ferdinand would be in favour of a raid on the London Stadium if other boxes can be ticked along the way.

What has been said?

Former United defender Ferdinand was asked during a Q&A session on Twitter who he would like to fill a number six role at Old Trafford and responded by saying: "Welcome @_DeclanRice."

He has gone on to tell his FIVE YouTube channel: "With a position like Declan’s, it’s more: do Man Utd feel he’s an absolute need right now? Are there other areas in the team where they have a bigger desire to recruit for?

"I think centre-back, 100 per cent, and I think right wing, 100%. 

"West Ham fans are going mad on social media by the way, they’re hammering me like, ‘Why you saying Man Utd should by him?!’ I was asked a question and I answered the question honestly. If Man Utd act on my information and my say-so, then so be it.

"I think whoever buys Declan Rice buys someone who’s going to be there and committed for 10 years, giving you top-quality service, and someone who will be a driver of the right culture at your football club. 

"That’s what you’re buying. And obviously a player who’s still got levels to grow in his game, and who’s hungry."

The bigger picture

Rice has spoken in the recent past of his desire to take another step up in his career by gracing a Champions League stage in the not too distant future.

West Ham are still hoping to deliver on that ambition, having added Europa League football to their schedule for 2021-22, and they have a prized asset tied to a contract through to 2024.

They are under no pressure to sell, but interest from afar is building and the Hammers may see their resolve tested as big-money bids from domestic rivals are mulled over.

Further reading

Aaron Ramsey no longer figures in Juventus' long-term plans, with Goal learning that the Serie A giants are seeking talks with the midfielder's representatives as they look to find a buyer.

The Wales international has spent the last two season's in Turin, with a move to Italy made as a free agent in the summer of 2019 after reaching the end of his contract at Arsenal.

Injury problems have remained an all too familiar theme for the 30-year-old at the Allianz Stadium, with Juve now looking to put a summer transfer in place that allows them to free up space in Massimiliano Allegri's squad.

Where could Ramsey end up?

A retracing of steps to the Premier League remains the most likely option for Ramsey.

No potential landing spot has been found as yet, though, and Juve are eager to discuss matters with the Welshman's representatives in the coming days.

Ramsey is currently on Euro 2020 duty with his country, but the Bianconeri are looking to get a transfer ball rolling as soon as possible.

A return to Emirates Stadium has been mooted, with 11 years previously spent in north London, but that is not an option at this stage, with no contact having been made.

The bigger picture

Ramsey remains in the shop window while on European Championship duty and could entice a Premier League suitor into making a move.

He has already hinted that a new challenge will be sought, telling La Repubblica when discussing his time in Italy: "The last two seasons at Juve have been very difficult, frustrating, not only from a physical point of view.

"There have been factors and changes that I was not used to.

"In the national team, on the other hand, I am happy to have a team that follows me step by step. They understand me, they know what I need and also what my body needs.

"Unfortunately, sometimes the teams always continue to work in a certain way, too.

"When a player would need more attention… at least now I have the right people around me and then I'll do everything to get back to a place where I can feel good again, and have confidence."

Juve are hoping to see Ramsey catch the eye over the coming weeks, having already seen him figure in Wales' 1-1 draw with Switzerland, and an exit door is now very much open.

Further reading

Liverpool have received official planning permission for their proposed £60m ($85m) redevelopment of Anfield.

The move, which would see the famous stadium’s capacity increased to around 61,000, was given the green light on Tuesday after a meeting of Liverpool City Council’s planning committee.

The Reds will now look to begin work on the expansion, with an earliest completion date of summer 2023.

What is set to happen?

The proposed redevelopment, which was postponed for 12 months last April due to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, will see around 7,000 new seats added to an upgraded Anfield Road stand.

The club released the first images of their proposal in November 2019 before undergoing two rounds of public consultation, from which they said feedback was “very positive.”

They scrapped their initial plan, which was to close a section of Anfield Road entirely, instead seeking to re-route the road around the new stand. The road would be closed during construction and on matchdays, but would otherwise allow access for residents and businesses. 

The proposed new road would not, the club stresses, impinge on Stanley Park, which is located to the north of the Anfield Road stand, though it would mean that the current Anfield Road fanzone will need to be relocated. 

There will be no reduction in capacity during the construction process, with the majority of work continuing to the rear of the Anfield Road stand during the regular season, before more intrusive work is carried out within the stadium during the close-season.

As part of the planning permission, Liverpool will also be allowed to host up to six non-sporting events a year at Anfield over the next five years. The club have also advised that other sporting events, such as American football, rugby league and Gaelic football, could be held at the ground.

There was opposition to the plans, with Tom Crone, leader of the Liverpool Green Party, and Liberal Party leader Steve Radford, among those to object. The conservation group the Friends of Stanley Park also objected, only for the planning committee to vote 6-2 in favour of the scheme.

What has been said?

Andy Hughes, Liverpool’s managing director, said: “This is a huge milestone in our journey towards bringing more supporters into Anfield. We underwent a rigorous two-stage public consultation period during the planning process for this project and I would like to thank everyone who has offered a contribution to that.

“We have been clear from the beginning that this expansion would be based on our ability to successfully navigate the complex planning landscape; our ability to gain co-operation of local residents and the community; and our ability to ensure the project is financially viable.

“In what has been a very unpredictable year, we are seeking certainty in order to progress with this project and there are still some steps we need to take to get there.”

Further reading