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Sergio Aguero says he has wanted to join Barcelona since he was a child and did not hesitate to accept their offer.

The Argentina international had been linked with a move to Camp Nou for months before signing a contract with the club on Monday after leaving Manchester City.

The striker says it has been his dream since the age of 14 to join Barca and is delighted to make the return to Spain.

What has been said?

"I am very happy, I will try to do my best for the club, help the team win important things. It is an immense joy," he said at a press conference following his unveiling as a Barcelona player.

"For me, Barca has always been the best team in the world and Leo [Messi] is also there.

"I told [president Joan] Laporta before that as a boy I said: 'One day they will surely notice me.' And here I am. I didn't imagine it, but anyone runs to sign for Barca."

He added: "When Barca asked about me, I didn't even hesitate. I told my agent that I didn't want him to talk to another team, only Barca.

"It was an immense joy when they contacted my agent. I've been interested since I was 14 years old."

Will Aguero play with Messi?

The 32-year-old's arrival at Camp Nou could see him play alongside his national team-mate Messi.

But the six-time Ballons d'Or winner could still leave the club this summer when his contract expires.

But Aguero hopes Messi decides to stay and is optimistic about the chances of that happening.

"We hope to play together, of course. But we have been negotiating for a long time, these are decisions that Leo will make with the club. It will be a pleasure and pride to play together.

"I have known him for a long time and I think he will stay."

He continued: "I speak [to Messi] every day, in the last message he congratulated me. We have known each other for a long time and for me playing now and training with him every day is going to be much easier."

How long has Aguero signed on for at Barca?

The former Atletico Madrid star has signed a contract that runs until summer 2023.

The club have set his release clause at €100 million (£86m/$122m).

Further reading

Edouard Mendy is among the players named in the 2020-21 Champions League Squad of the Season, with Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez excluded from the 23-man team.

Seven of Chelsea’s players made the cut following a campaign that saw the Londoners win the tournament for the second time in their history.

Mendy is joined by Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and the Citizens’ Ederson in the goalkeeping department.

He was signed from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes in a £22m ($31m) deal as the six-time English top-flight kings sought to find greater stability between the sticks as costly errors had crept into Kepa Arrizabalaga’s game.

His contribution to the Blues’ Champions League success cannot be underplayed as he featured in 12 games that he featured in; not conceding a goal on nine occasions – a feat that saw him equal the tournament’s clean sheet record.

Only Santiago Canizares (Valencia in 2000-01) and Keylor Navas (Real Madrid in 2015-16) have ever reached that number in a single campaign, meaning the African star joins an extremely exclusive club. 

Veteran African tactician Henry Abiodun had stated that the Senegalese is capable of reaching the very highest level of the game in the coming years.

“He has been one of the major differences. Even before Frank Lampard was shown the way out. He has been able to make an impressive impact since he came in,” he told Goal.

“As a Nigerian, I am very happy for him – that an African player is mounting the goal for such a top team like Chelsea and also doing very well.

“Now that he has a very solid back three, he’s going to continue doing better. With the defensive formation right now, he [Mendy] cannot do much wrong. So far so good, I am impressed with his performance and I think, he will continue to build his confidence.

“He is on his way to writing his name in gold in world football and also becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

“I don’t think in recent times we have seen any African player mounting the goal at that level and he is doing very well.

“So, Mendy is a pride to Africa as a continent. I think what the future holds for him is great and hopefully, he doesn’t suffer any injury.”

Spain, Portugal, Netherlands and Germany will contest the semi-finals of the U21 European Championship in Slovenia and Hungary.

Spain sealed their place in the last four with a win against Croatia, while Portugal edged past Italy. Meanwhile, Netherlands got the better of France and Germany beat Denmark in a penalty shootout.

The semi-finals will be played on Thursday June 3.

Spain 2-1 (AET) Croatia

La Roja needed extra time to get eliminate Croatia in Slovenia.

Javier Puado was the star of the show, netting both goals to cancel out Luka Ivanusec's late penalty for Croatia.

Puado came off the bench just before the hour mark and opened the scoring just eight minutes later.

Bryan Gil's cross found the Espanyol player in the box and he finished from close range.

Spain looked set to have the tie wrapped up in normal time but Croatia were awarded a penalty in stoppage time when Hugo Guillamon brought down Stipe Biuk in the box.

Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Ivanusec converted to give his side a chance, but Puado popped up in the second half of extra time to seal the tie, firing into the roof of the net after taking on a pass from Marc Cucurella.

Netherlands 2-1 France

Netherlands came from behind to eliminate France thanks to two goals from AZ striker Myron Boadu.

Les Bleus took the lead through a header from centre-back Dayot Upamecano midway through the first half.

Netherlands came back strong in the second half, though, with Boadu finding the equaliser just six minutes after the restart.

It took until the third minute of stoppage time for Oranje to net the winner as they hit France with speed.

Justin Kluivert found Boadu with a square ball and the 20-year-old tucked it into the net.

Portugal 5-3 (AET) Italy

Portugal always had the advantage in their quarter-final, but Italy refused to give up and were rewarded for their efforts.

Dany Mota scored first just six minutes into the match before reacting quickly to bring down a header from Daniel Braganca and blast into the net.

Tomasso Pobega pulled one back for the Azzurri just before half-time when he knocked past goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

Portugal were ahead just 13 minutes into the second half through Goncalo Ramos but Gianluca Scamacca kept Italy in it with a goal two minutes later.

Just as Portugal looked set to hold on to the lead, Patrick Cutrone found the net in the 89th minute with a goal to take it into extra time.

The job became much more difficult for Italy right at the start of extra time, however, as Matteo Lovato was sent off with his second yellow card for a foul on Mota.

Portugal eventually restored their lead thanks to a goal from Real Valladolid attacker Jota but they did not stop there as Francisco Conceicao followed up with a goal just before the final whistle. 

Denmark 2-2 (5-6 on pens) Germany

It took just three minutes for Wahidullah Faghir to make an impact for Denmark.

The 17-year-old came off the bench and struck in the 69th minute when Carlo Holse crossed to him in the box and he blasted into the net.

Germany tried to get back into the game by bringing on forward Karim Adeyemi for Ridle Baku but it was Lukas Nmecha who got the equaliser.

Jonathan Burkardt chested down a cross and queued up a shot to give Germany the lead 10 minutes into extra time. 

Their advantage was short-lived, however, as Denmark were awarded a penalty after the break, which was convected by Victor Nelsson, sending the game into a shootout.

Goalscorers Burkardt and Fagir both missed their penalties as the shootout went into sudden death.

It was Victor Kristansen who missed the crucial spot kick as Paul Jaeckel scored the next one for Germany to send his side through.

Further reading

Sergio Aguero’s move to Barcelona will help ‘pacify’ Lionel Messi following the abrupt exit of Luis Suarez from the Camp Nou giants, according to Samuel Olatunji-Okuku.

After a trophy-laden spell at Manchester City – where he starred for over 10 years – the Argentina international joined the La Liga side as a free agent.

The 32-year-old’s arrival at the Catalan side could see him play alongside national teammate Messi whose contract expired this summer.

Voicing his opinion on Aguero’s Spanish elite division, the well-respected African football administrator says the move is a good one, and claims that would help console the six-time Ballon d'Or winner after the unceremonious departure of his friend Suarez.

“They [Barcelona] have been making some bad decisions lately. But of course, getting Aguero on a free is not a very bad deal for sure,” Olatunji-Okuku told Goal.

“Aguero going to a club like Barcelona too at the age of 32 is not a very bad move either.

“Joining Messi there is nothing but just a reunion of two very good friends who have played at all levels together except at club level which they’re finally going to be able to do.

“And for me, it’s going to be a way of pacifying him to stay after they left a bittersweet taste in his mouth after ejecting his very good friend unceremoniously last summer. Talking about Luis Suarez.”

Suarez, who won 13 trophies at Barca, joined Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in a €6 million move after he was shipped out of Camp Nou.

Known for his predatory instinct in front of goal, the Citizens legend has been backed to re-enact his goalscoring feat at Barcelona baring any injury.

“I expect Aguero to score at least 20 goals a season for the next two years,” he continued.

“He’s just 32. And the older these strikers get the better for them. Also, looking at the Spanish league that doesn’t require a lot of physicality unlike England, he will surely bang in a lot of goals.

“Of course, his injury record of late is not very encouraging, however, I expect that to change due to the difference in the style of play of both leagues.

“The most important thing for him is to stay fit as much as possible. If Aguero is fit and on the field, you’re almost guaranteed he would score.”

Fiorentina star Christian Kouame has denied speculation about a likely move to Premier League outfit, stating he is happy at the Italian elite division side.

The Cote d’Ivoire international endured a tough 2020-21 Italian elite division campaign – scoring once in 33 league outings for the Stadio Artemio Franchi outfit.

Despite a below-par season, the 23-year-old has been linked with a move to Wolves. In a chat with BBC Sport , the striker claimed he is not aware of the rumours in the Italian media.

"I have heard of it too, but my agent didn't say anything to me really," Kouame said.

"I have just put a strange year behind me, I know I could have done more and I am very happy in Florence.

"Everyone welcomed me with open arms; the city is beautiful and my wife and son are here with me. The club will have to tell me they don't need me anymore, otherwise, I am happy to stay.

"One day in the future I would like to play in another country though."

On the international scene, the former Genoa player will be aiming to impress national team selectors in a bid to make the squad for the Tokyo Olympics in June.

"When I injured my knee and returned to Italy and underwent surgery, I was so sad to leave my teammates behind," he continued.

"We all want to take part in the tournament. The Olympics are a unique event and an opportunity which normally comes up once in a lifetime."

"We have been drawn in a group with Brazil, Germany and Saudi Arabia, we know it won't be easy but we want to prove ourselves.

"I have spoken to Junior Traore from (Italian club) Sassuolo, we are good friends.

"We will meet at the training camp and hope together for a call-up for Tokyo. I also know (Manchester United's) Amad Diallo, he's also a very good player; any good player is welcome because we need everyone's help!"

Reactions to Sergio Aguero’s move from Manchester City to Barcelona have been mixed.

After 10 years with the English side, the Argentina international has crossed carpet to Spain where he will play with the Blaugrana for the next two years.

The move, announced by Barcelona on Monday, comes only two days after he featured for City in their 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League final.

While some have hailed the 32-year-old’s signing as a coup for Ronald Koeman’s side, others have questioned his acquisition due to his age, as it is famously believed that Barcelona let go of club legend Luis Suarez because he was “old”, after he left Camp Nou at the age of 33 last summer.

With 260 goals in 390 matches across all competitions for City, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer in the process, Aguero left Manchester City with five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six League Cups.

Below are the best reactions on social media to his move:

Kenya international Jesse Were has declared his search is over after scoring 100 goals for Zesco United in a Super League match against Kitwe United on Sunday.

Timu ya Ziko's all-time scorer netted a hat-trick to help him achieve the milestone as the Ndola club earned points that took them closer to Premier League glory. The former Mathare United striker has had to deal with stiff competition under coach Mumba Munamba but the latest exploit might help him stamp his authority as a first-teamer again.

"I would like to thank God for this opportunity and for giving me an opportunity to play for Zesco United. It is a massive milestone in my career. Getting a century of goals for the club makes me feel very happy and motivated, especially when I look at the way the team is playing," Were told the club's portal.

"When you leave home, you usually go searching and I thank God that the searching is over, especially that I have put in 100 goals for the team. I am positive there will be a lot to come.

"This gives me a lot of appetite to do more for the club and motivates me to work hard. Working behind the scenes is very tough for a player, especially when you are required to translate that on the pitch on matchday. I am happy and at ease that all my efforts haven’t been in vain.

"I wish to thank my teammates and the technical bench for their support and for encouraging me in good and bad times. It hasn’t been an easy season for me, but with everyone’s support, I have kept on pushing. I am very happy I have managed to achieve this milestone. I am motivated to work even harder."

The club praised the Harambee Star as one of the best players they have signed in the last 10 years, saying, "Were has joined a list of a growing number of foreign players who have made Zambia their best destination to develop their careers in the game.

"A naturally gifted striker with a razor-sharp eye for goals, Were has been one of the best foreign acquisitions to grace the Zambian game. He is also one of the best players Zesco United have signed in the last decade, helping Zesco United to win several titles in the process.

"The tall, lanky striker has been a menace to defenders in both the domestic league and continental football."

Timu ya Ziko only need two points to win the Premier League title.

Simba SC have come out to deny reports they are interested to sign winger Carlos Carlinhos who left rivals Yanga SC on Monday.

The Angolan star was allowed to leave the Jangwani giants after demanding the same and immediately reports went around that their rivals Simba were interested in his services.

Simba information Officer Haji Manara has dismissed the reports as baseless explaining the young player cannot play for them.

“Carlinhos playing in the Caf Champions League is impossible, that can’t happen,” Manara is quoted as saying by Sokalabongo.

Goal exclusively reported on Monday the Angolan player, who signed for the Jangwani giants from Angola Premier League side Interclube, had already handed in a request to the club’s management wishing to terminate the deal he signed when he joined on September 6, 2020.

Yanga later confirmed in a signed statement they have released the player and wished him well in his next move.

“The management of Yanga wishes to confirm they have reached a mutual agreement to terminate the contract of Carlos [Carlinhos] from Angola with immediate effect,” read part of the statement from the club and obtained by Goal.

“The decision has been reached after the player approached the club’s management and requested to be released and after holding talks between the two parties involved, they have agreed to end the deal on mutual ways.

“Yanga will like to thank Carlinhos for his dedication towards the club while he was with us and also wish him well in his next move outside Yanga.”

Carlinhos started his season well in the Mainland Premier League but was later plagued by injuries that kept him out of action for some time.

He leaves the club after managing three assists to his name and had also scored the same number of goals, and was involved in a total of six goals scored by Yanga in this campaign.

Carlinhos made history by being greeted by a large crowd as he arrived in Tanzania to sign the deal and was carried in an open car accompanied by a convoy of vehicles that drove him from Julius Nyerere Airport to Yanga Headquarters, Jangwani Street and he later burst into tears saying he had never been received like that before.

Dutch coach Patrick Greveraars has been appointed Ghana’s new assistant coach, the Football Association has announced.

According to a publication on the GFA’s official website, the 45-year-old has been brought on board to the Black Stars' technical team on the request of head coach CK Akonnor.

His appointment takes Akonnor’s assistants to two, with David Duncam already in.

“The Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association has agreed to the request of CK Akonnor for the appointment of a second assistant coach to further strengthen the technical team of the Black Stars,” says the football governing body.

“The new coach, Patrick Greveraars is a Uefa A-License holder with over 25 years of worldwide top football experience.

“The 45-year-old previously worked with PSV Eindhoven, FC Porto, Vitesse Arnhem, Feyenoord Rotterdam, Anorthosis Famagusta and Al Shabab Dubai.

“Patrick Greveraars is one of two coaches who were recommended by CK Akonnor in his quest to strengthen the technical team ahead of the 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Ghana are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and win the delayed 2020 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon next year.

As part of preparations, the Black Stars, currently in camp, are set to take on Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire in friendly matches next month.

“He [Graveraars] is expected to bring his experience, worldwide contacts and football methodology on board if he signs the deal,” the GFA statement added.

“Greveraars is currently in Ghana to assist the team with the upcoming international friendly matches and also to finalize talks ahead of his appointment.

“He will team up with coach CK Akonnor and David Duncan in Cape Coast to prepare for the friendly matches.

“The Black Stars are currently camping in Cape Coast to prepare for the two matches against Morocco on Tuesday, June 8 and Ivory Coast in Cape Coast on Saturday, June 12, 2021.”

After the June set of friendlies, Ghana return to action in September when they take on Ethiopia and South Africa in their first two games of the World Cup qualifiers.

Victor Moses has been honoured with the Spartak Moscow Player of the Month award for May.

The Chelsea loanee played a vital role in helping Domenico Tedesco's side finish second in the Russian Premier League table with his contribution of two assists and a goal in the month under review.

On May 3, the 30-year-old helped Spartak Moscow secure a 2-1 victory over Arsenal Tula with his assists for Alexander Sobolev and Jordan Larsson in the 21st and 76th minutes respectively.

Two weeks later, he followed it up with a crucial goal that earned the People's Team a 2-2 draw against Akhmat Grozny which secured their ticket for next season's Champions League qualification round.

The point earned at Grozny helped Spartak finish the league campaign with 57 points after 30 matches, one above their city rivals Lokomotiv Moscow.

In addition to his defensive contributions, Moses scored four goals with two assists in 20 Premier League games this season.

Regarding his future, Goal understands Moses will now complete a permanent move from Chelsea to Spartak Moscow after meeting a series of clauses in his loan contract.

The permanent move is set to be around £4 million ($5.6m) and it will end Moses' nine-year stay at Stamford Bridge where he has enjoyed several successes in the Premier League, FA Cup and the Europa League.

Safa has stated they have no qualms with Stuart Baxter returning to South Africa despite the Englishman’s widely-condemned comments in February.

Baxter has been heavily linked with a second stint at Kaizer Chiefs, to replace Gavin Hunt who was fired last Friday following a string of poor results. 

In India, Baxter got in trouble for making the following statement about his former Indian Premier League players at Odisha FC. 

“You need decisions to go your way and we needed a penalty. I think one of my players would have to rape someone or get raped himself if he was going to get a penalty,” Baxter said in February after Odisha lost to Jamshedpur FC. 

Together with Odisha’s poor results, the remarks contributed to Baxter’s sacking as the club moved in to “unreservedly” apologise for what the Englishman had said. 

But Safa chief executive officer Tebogo Motlanthe said they have no reservations about Baxter’s utterances and will not object to him coaching in South Africa. 

“That [Baxter] matter was put to rest a long time ago when Stuart Baxter apologised and said it was out of context,” said Motlanthe as per Phakaaathi.

“And the Indian association closed that matter. From an official standpoint, we do not have any issue. Remember that even with Luc we acted because Tanzania reported it directly to us. They said this is what has happened, this is what Luc has said and they sent us all the evidence. India has not sent us anything.”

At the time Baxter was fired by Odisha, the team was anchoring the standings, having won just once in 14 league matches, all under the former Bafana Bafana coach, who joined them in June 2020.

Since then, they never recovered from the basement until football was suspended in India in March due to the coronavirus.

With Argentina and Colombia unable to fulfil their commitments as hosts of the 2021 Copa America due to civil unrest and Covid-19 concerns, Brazil has stepped in to stage elite continental competition.

With the coronavirus pandemic continuing to cause havoc in South America, and Colombia dealing with anti-government protests, there was a very real threat at one stage that an event which has already been pushed back once would need to be rescheduled again.

CONMEBOL has, however, taken decisive action and announced that the hosts of the 2019 tournament will be stepping up again in an hour of need.

What has been said? 

An official statement reads: "The CONMEBOL Copa America 2021 will be played in Brazil! 

"Tournament start and end dates are confirmed.

"The venues and the fixture list will be informed by CONMEBOL in the next few hours. 

"The oldest national team tournament in the world will thrill the entire continent!"

When will the 2021 Copa America take place?

The competition was initially due to take place in June 2020 but was delayed by 12 months due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdowns that were put in place.

Argentina and Colombia were prepared to be patient, but they have ended up missing out regardless.

Brazil will now stage the 47th Copa America between June 13 and July 10.

They are also holders of a prestigious international prize, having seen off Peru 3-1 to claim a memorable home soil success two years ago.

Who is taking part?

Brazil will be joined by the national sides of Argentine and Colombia despite their respective nations being unable to stage fixtures.

Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Venezuela, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay complete the 10-team competition.

Australia and Qatar had initially been invited to make guest appearances, but they have had to withdraw due to the rescheduling of 2022 World Cup qualification fixtures in Asia.

Further reading

Sergio Aguero will join Barcelona on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester City.

The 32-year-old underwent a medical at Camp Nou on Monday before signing a two-year contract with the Blaugrana.

Barca moved for Aguero after City's decision to let the striker go at the end of his contract, bringing to an end his trophy-laden ten-year spell in Manchester.

What's been said about the transfer?

Barca have said in a statement on their official website: "FC Barcelona and Sergio ‘Kun’ Aguero have reached an agreement for the player to join the Club from 1 July when his contract with Manchester City expires. 

"The player will sign a contract until the end of the 2022-23 season and his buy out clause is set at 100 million euros."

What will Sergio Aguero bring to Barca?

Barca took the decision to sell star striker Luis Suarez to Atletico Madrid last summer without signing a replacement, which left Lionel Messi shouldering the main goalscoring burden for the team in 2020-21.

Ronald Koeman's men were able to achieve success in the Copa del Rey, but fell short in the Champions League and La Liga, with Atletico ultimately clinching their first title since 2013-14 thanks to Suarez's prolific form in the final third.

Barca will hope that Aguero can have a similar impact next season, despite the fact that the Argentine struggled for form and fitness during his final campaign at Etihad Stadium.

Aguero is set to link up with his international team-mate and close friend Messi at Camp Nou, and they will be expected to strike up a strong partnership as the Blaugrana aim to return to elite level on both domestic and European fronts.

Sergio Aguero's record at City

Aguero leaves Man City with his status as a club legend firmly intact, having helped the Manchester outfit win five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six League Cups during his time in English football.

The experienced frontman, who initially moved to the Etihad for £35 million ($50m) from Atletico in 2011, hit 260 goals in 390 matches across all competitions for City - becoming their all-time record scorer in the process.

Aguero signed off in the Premier League with a trademark double in a 5-0 thrashing of Everton on the last day of the season, but suffered heartbreak in his final outing for Pep Guardiola's side as they lost 1-0 to Chelsea in their first-ever Champions League final appearance.

Further reading

It was no surprise that South America's showpiece continental tournament Copa America, initially due to be played in summer 2020, was postponed following the outbreak of Covid-19.

However, few could have imagined that the tournament would again be in doubt a year later.

Having been delayed for 12 months, there were concerns over where it would actually be played, with both host nations - Colombia and Argentina - having their duties suspended by CONMEBOL.

So what is the situation with the Copa America and where will the competition take place? Goal takes a look.

When will Copa America 2021 take place?

Copa America 2021 is set to take place from June 13 and conclude on July 10, 2021.

The 47th edition of the tournament was postponed from its original dates of June 12 to July 12, 2020.

The rescheduled dates follows in the footsteps of Euro 2020, which UEFA postponed for a year.

The Olympics, which were also scheduled to take place summer of 2020, had also been pushed back for a year.

Where will Copa America 2021 take place?

Brazil will now host Copa America 2021 following CONMEBOL's decision to strip Colombia and later Argentina of hosting duties.

The competition was initially set to be held across nine venues in nine cities in Colombia and Argentina.

However, following ongoing anti-government protests, Colombia was stripped of Copa America hosting rights, while Argentina's hosting rights were suspended after a surge in Covid-19 cases in the country.

Chile was touted as a potential alternative host country and seems the most likely destination if the tournament is not delayed. The United States was also suggested as a possible venue.

This summer's Copa America tournament will only see 10 CONMEBOL nations competing against one another, as guest nations Australia and Qatar withdrew. The sides are split into two groups of five, with the top four qualifying for the quarter-final stage.

Will Copa America 2021 be cancelled?

CONMEBOL will not cancel Copa America 2021, with Brazil being selected as a replacement host nation.

The decision to drop Argentina as a host nation came on May 30, two weeks before the competition is set to begin on June 13, so CONMEBOL had a short window to find a replacement.

Who won Copa America 2019?

Brazil are defending South American champions, the Selecao beating Peru 3-1 in the final held on home turf.

Everton, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison all scored for the home side, while Guerrero equalised in the 44th minute through a penalty.

Everton was top scorer of the tournament, with Brazil lifting their ninth Copa America.

AC Milan are preparing to submit an offer for exit-bound Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud, Goal can confirm.

Giroud is a month away from his contract expiry date at Stamford Bridge, with little sign of a renewal on the horizon as Thomas Tuchel looks ahead to his first full season in charge of the Blues.

The 34-year-old, who helped Chelsea secure a top-four finish and win their second Champions League crown in 2020-21, is now attracting interest from Milan, who are hoping to lure him to San Siro on a free transfer.

Could Giroud be off to Italy?

Goal has learned that Milan officials are due to meet with Giroud's representatives later this week to thrash out a deal.

Rossoneri head coach Stefano Pioli wants to add greater experience to his forward ranks as he prepares to take the club back into the Champions League following a seven-year absence.

Giroud has been identified as a priority target, with Milan confident that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level despite seeing him reduced to a bit-part role at Chelsea over the past two seasons.

What has Tuchel said about Giroud?

Tuchel spoke out on Giroud's situation back in February, insisting a final decision on his future had yet to be made while also talking up his impact on the squad.

"He is one of the top strikers in the box, he’s physically strong, he has an incredible first touch when he takes balls directly," said the Blues boss.

"He is a key figure, he has a huge impact in a most positive way that we can wish, and this is what I can say. So I am very happy that he is here, and from there, we will arrive at decisions, but it is too soon.”

Giroud's record for Chelsea

Giroud has scored 39 goals in 119 games for the Blues in all competitions since moving to the Bridge from Arsenal in January 2018.

11 of those efforts were recorded in Chelsea's latest campaign, but he only started 12 games and was an unused substitute during their 1-0 Champions League final victory over Manchester City on Saturday.

Further reading

Al Ahly head coach Pitso Mosimane has revealed his long-standing desire to solve the contractual issue with Mamelodi Sundowns amicably.
 
Mosimane, through his agency, Moira Tlhagale Sports Marketing and Management, has stated they have been trying to get in touch with the club's hierarchy to solve the dispute around his contract with his former club, but "have been met with silence".

"It is with a deep measure of shock and disappointment that MT Sports Marketing and Management has received a summons from Mamelodi Sundowns F.C demanding to be paid back commission fees in lieu of coach Pilso Mosimane," a statement by Mosimane's agency read on Monday.

"We have received communication from Mamelodi Sundowns and have attempted to reach an amicable solution to this matter. However, they have not responded to our request to meet with us.

"We attempted to speak to then club president Dr Patrice Motsepe in January this year, and we were refused and also last week with chairman Tlhopane Motsepe, we were met with silence."
 
The agency further revealed their displeasure at how the summons found its way to the media and added Mosimane's move to Egypt had the blessing of Sundowns owner Patrice Motsepe.

"The summons and the media leaks put into disrepute Dr Motsepe’s blessings on the termination of the contracts, and well-wishes on coach Pitso joining Al Ahly S.C last year," added the statement.

"In his own words, Dr Motsepe said: "I have on several occasions, over the past few years, expressed my support for Pitso Mosimane leaving Sundowns to coach in North Africa or Europe or Bafana Bafana.

"I have received a warm and emotional note from Pitso and am very proud of his achievements at MamelodiSundowns. Pitso has been the most successful coach in the history of Sundowns and will always be a member of the Mamelodi Sundowns family."

In the court papers, the Brazilians have demanded the coach to pay them a severance package amounting to R7,912,905, claiming the coach served only four months of the 48 signed.

"The second defendant was therefore employed by the plaintiff for four of the 48 months contemplated by the head coach agreement. As a result of the termination of the second defendant’s employment on 30 September 2020, the plaintiff is owed R7,912,905 of the commission for the 44 months that the second defendant will not be in the employ of the plaintiff," the club's demands read.

Mosimane served Sundowns for eight years and won a total of 11 trophies with the Brazilians.

Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns have moved to a Johannesburg court to seek orders to force Pitso Mosimane to pay them nearly R8-million after he left the club four months into a four-year contract.
 
Sundowns - through their lawyer Bowman Gilfillan - have listed Moira Tlhagale Sports Marketing and Management - an agency owned by the coach's wife Moira - and Mosimane as the respondents in the case.

The PSL giants feel they are owed the amount since Mosimane signed a 48-month contract and the coach only served four months before he left and joined African champions Al Ahly late last year.

"The second defendant was therefore employed by the plaintiff for four of the 48 months contemplated by the head coach agreement. As a result of the termination of the second defendant’s employment on 30 September 2020, the plaintiff is owed R7,912,905 of the commission for the 44 months that the second defendant will not be in the employ of the plaintiff," court papers, as reported by Sunday World, read.

"Notwithstanding the passage of six months since 30 September 2020, and notwithstanding demand, the first and second defendants have failed and/or refused to pay the plaintiff the amount of R7,912,905.

"The defendants are accordingly jointly and severally indebted to the plaintiff in the amount of R7,912,905, which amount is due and payable."

The publication continues to report that the relationship between Sundowns and the celebrated coach deteriorated further after the tactician failed to apologise to the club and the fans over remarks made earlier.

The said remarks were uttered after Mosimane received a hostile reception around the Lucas Moripe Stadium when he led Al Ahly against Sundowns in a Champions League quarter-final match.

"I had a lot of pressure inside and outside, people doubting me but these boys made it possible for me to look back at those people to say what are you saying now? Look at me now. But it’s not about being vindictive. It’s a message, it’s a football message," Mosimane said at the time.

"I was a little bit emotional only when I saw the placards outside. They stopped the bus and all these people [were] swearing at me, swearing at my mother. I said to myself, what else I should have done for this team to get the respect?"

"Just bitter because I left. I had to move on with my life. I don’t want to talk about the things that I’ve received before my match, if I show you my phone – correspondence, e-mails – they just won’t let me go."

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus have "paralysed themselves" with their "strange" approach to the Super League, according to UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

A controversial proposal for a new competition to rival the Champions League was met with universal condemnation in April, leading to the withdrawal of nine of the original 12 founding clubs.

The Super League plans were subsequently put on hold, but Barca, Real and Juve have vowed to continue pushing for change despite being threatened with serious sanctions by UEFA, who are in the process of investigating their involvement in the breakaway.

What's been said?

The three remaining clubs released a statement criticising European football's main governing body last week, which read: "FC Barcelona, Juventus FC and Real Madrid CF wish to express their absolute rejection of the insistent coercion that UEFA has been maintaining towards three of the most relevant institutions in the history of football.

"The opening of disciplinary proceedings by UEFA is incomprehensible and is a direct attack against the rule of law that we, the citizens of the European Union, have democratically built up, while constituting a lack of respect toward the authority of the courts of justice themselves.

"Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid, all of them more than a century old, will not accept any form of coercion or intolerable pressure, while they remain strong in their willingness to debate, respectfully and through dialogue, the urgent solutions that football currently needs.

"Either we reform football or we will have to watch its inevitable downfall."

Ceferin's response

Ceferin has been outspoken in his opposition towards the Super League right from the very beginning, and he cannot understand why Barca, Juve and Real continue to ignore the public outcry while risking their current status in the European game.

"They paralysed themselves with the approach they took," the UEFA chief told Sky Italia.

"It's strange to read press releases that the three clubs out of thousands of clubs think their idea will save football and nobody else likes it."

What punishment could three clubs face?

Ceferin has previously stated that players from the three remaining clubs could be banned from international competition if they do not pull out of the Super League, while Juve have been threatened with expulsion from Serie A by the head of the Italian Football Association, Gabriele Gravina.

It has also been suggested that they will not be able to participate in the Champions League, but Ceferin insists UEFA's investigation must run its course before any formal punishment can be given out.

"Our disciplinary committee is independent so the moment they start to work on a case, I don't have a reach or information there," the Slovenian added.

"I don't know when, if or how the sanctions would be. For me what is strange is that you publish you are still part of the Super League and then you send a letter applying to play in the Champions League.

"So you are in Super League but play Champions League. It's quite hard to understand what they mean. They should call us, send us a letter, ask for a meeting.

"They just sent some press releases saying they want to have a dialogue. It's quite a strange approach."

Further reading

Former Kaizer Chiefs head coach Gavin Hunt believes nothing much is going to change with the team in the short term, despite his sacking.

The 56-year-old was fired on Friday after the Glamour Boys succumbed to a 2-1 defeat to a struggling Black Leopards side in a PSL encounter at Thohoyandou Stadium on Wednesday.  

The defeat left Amakhosi in 11th place on the league standings - five points above the relegation zone with two matches left in the current campaign.

When reached for comment, the former Bidvest Wits coach did not wish to say much on his sacking.

"I can’t say anything; It is right at the end of the season, so not much is going to happen now," Hunt said on Monday.

Meanwhile, Former Orlando Pirates striker Phumudzo Manenzhe believes Chiefs were right in firing Hunt since he had failed with a performing squad.

"A lot of people might be surprised, but I, for one, am not surprised," Manenzhe said in a recent interview.

"Hunt inherited a squad that came second in the league in the previous season, barring the exclusion of George Maluleka who had left, [for Mamelodi Sundowns], the rest of the team was basically the same.

"So for me, in a football sense, how can a team that finished second struggle to finish outside the top eight the following season? I find that hard to understand."

Since Chiefs are serving a Fifa transfer ban, Hunt could not strengthen the team. He further had to deal with the absence of top scorer Samir Nurkovic, who missed the first half of the season owing to injuries.

But Manenzhe believes that is not enough of an excuse for the 56-year-old to finish in the bottom half of the table.

"Play the players to their strengths so that they can get to second place again," the former attacker continued.

"Are you telling me Hunt was not playing these players to their best to finish outside the top 10? Hunt has been in [South African] football for a long time so you cannot tell me what he needs to understand." 

The tactician has, however, taken Amakhosi to the Caf Champions League semi-finals, where they will play Wydad Casablanca.