..::Football IV::..

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Napoli 4 Inter 1: Spalletti's side crushed as Champions League race goes to the wire

Inter failed to confirm a top-four finish on Sunday as they were crushed 4-1 away to a Fabian Ruiz-inspired Napoli, meaning Serie A's Champions League race will go to the wire.Luciano Spalletti's side would have secured a place in Europe's elite competition for next season, but they were outclassed by Napoli and go into the final game of the season knowing they could be beaten to fourth by bitter rivals AC Milan.

The visitors offered precious little going forward in the first half and it was no surprise Napoli led at the break, with Piotr Zielinski's stunning 16th-minute strike putting them in front.


Inter failed to stir into life and Dries Mertens' header was added to by a Fabian brace to seal a convincing win in the final 30 minutes, meaning a nervous final match awaits for the Nerazzurri despite Mauro Icardi's late penalty.
Napoli were on the front foot right from the start and deservedly went ahead when Zielinski punished a sloppy Kwadwo Asamoah error by drilling an unstoppable strike into the top-left corner from 30 yards.

Spalletti introduced Icardi for Matteo Politano at half-time, but the Argentina international struggled to have an impact and Napoli made it 2-0 in the 61st minute – Mertens nodding Jose Callejon's cross beyond Samir Handanovic.Kalidou Koulibaly incredibly got back in time to head a Lautaro Martinez effort off the line in the 68th minute and Napoli capitalised soon after, Fabian collecting Mertens' cut-back and firing home.

Fabian doubled his tally 12 minutes from the end when surging into the box and blasting in from a tight angle, before Icardi netted a late consolation from the spot after Koulibaly clumsily tripped him.

 

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AC Milan 2 Frosinone 0: Piatek and Suso keep top-four hopes intact

Gianluigi Donnarumma made a crucial penalty save before Krzysztof Piatek and Suso steered AC Milan to a 2-0 win over Frosinone that boosts their Serie A top-four hopes.

After a forgettable opening half at San Siro the game burst into life when Ignazio Abate felled Luca Paganini shortly following the restart.Donnarumma kept out Camillo Ciano's spot-kick, though, and Piatek showed great movement in the area to end a run of six games in all competitions without a goal in the 57th minute.

Suso's exquisite free-kick put the game beyond doubt and the Rossoneri are now level on points with Atalanta, who face a daunting trip to champions Juventus later on Sunday ahead of the decisive final round of fixtures.
Milan's attempts to force the issue yielded few first-half chances.​ Suso's whipped right-wing cross that Fabio Borini just failed to meet preceded a scuffed volley from Tiemoue Bakayoko.

In stark contrast to a poor first half, the second provided a lively start when Borini fired wastefully over from 10 yards with only the goalkeeper to beat.That miss appeared more costly when Abate clumsily went into the back of Paganini, but Donnarumma saved his team-mate by keeping out Ciano's effort low to his left.

Milan made the most of the reprieve when the lively Piatek turned home Borini's miscued shot from six yards.And Suso added a touch of quality to the game with a stunning 20-yard free-kick that hit the crossbar before nestling in the goal.

Donnarumma produced another big save from Luca Valzania's well-struck volley in the closing stages, but Milan were otherwise untroubled.

 

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Eibar 2 Barcelona 2: Two-goal Messi moves four clear of Mbappe in Golden Shoe race



Lionel Messi opened up a four-goal lead over Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Shoe as a brace in a 2-2 draw with Eibar lifted the Barcelona star on to 36 LaLiga goals.Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe – who has one league match still to play – scored a double against Dijon on Saturday to close in on Messi, who provided a fine response as Barca's successful LaLiga campaign drew to a close on Sunday.

Barca-owned Marc Cucurella scored against his parent club and although a Messi double had Eibar trailing by the 32nd minute, a glorious Pablo de Blasis strike saw Jasper Cillessen punished for the second time, making it 2-2 just before half-time.


Although both sides crafted chances, the second half was significantly less dramatic as proceedings petered out, bringing the 2018-19 LaLiga season to an end.An end-to-end start benefitted Eibar and they took the lead 20 minutes in, Cucurella drilling at Cillessen and the ball squirming underneath the Dutchman.Messi turned things around just past the half-hour mark, though, equalising with a clinical finish into the bottom-right corner after racing on to Arturo Vidal's pass.
He then produced a delicate chipped finish a minute later after breaking Eibar's offside trap and running through on goal.But Eibar went into the break level thanks to De Blasis' spectacular effort, pouncing on Cillessen's poor headed clearance and catching him out of his goal with a gorgeous long-range volley.

The hosts looked the more threatening throughout the second period, first going close in the 52nd minute when Sergi Enrich was denied by Cillessen.Cucurella then wasted a glorious chance nine minutes from time when he blasted over from 10 yards, meaning Eibar had to accept a draw.

 

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Real Madrid 0 Real Betis 2: Zidane's men humbled in final-day defeat

Real Madrid ended a difficult campaign with another embarrassing defeat as they lost 2-0 against Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu in Sunday's LaLiga clash.Zinedine Zidane continued with his rotation policy by changing half of his squad from the 3-1 loss at Real Sociedad last week, but his side produced another underwhelming display.

Following a first half that saw them rely on Keylor Navas to keep them level, Madrid fell behind after the hour to a Loren Moron strike and their former player Jese added a second 15 minutes from time.


In what was billed as a possible farewell for a number of players ahead of a period of rebuilding, the home players were heavily jeered as they closed out a season with another new low and Gareth Bale languished as an unused substitute.

The game had a scrappy feel to it and it took 28 minutes for the first serious shot to arrive, with Navas tipping Marc Bartra's curler over the crossbar.Karim Benzema squandered Madrid's best opportunity of the first half as he picked out the post from 14 yards - the sixth time he has hit the woodwork this term.

And that miss almost proved instantly costly as a backpedalling Navas was forced to deal with Giovani Lo Celso's chip.Betis were given a let off just before the hour mark when Vinicius Junior's shot was smothered by Pau Lopez at his near post, but it was the visitors who took the lead four minutes later through Moron.

Andres Guardado was given plenty of space down the left and picked out Moron at the back post for a first-time finish into the roof of the net, before Jese steered home a second after being teed up by Junior.

 

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'We are the guilty ones' - Marcelo calls on Real Madrid players to take blame for miserable season


Long-serving defender Marcelo concedes he and his team-mates must shoulder the blame for Real Madrid's "tough" campaign.Madrid concluded their 2018-19 season with a 2-0 loss at home to Real Betis on Sunday , leaving them with a final points tally of 68 in La Liga - their lowest return since 2001-02.

The Spanish giants also exited the Champions League at the last 16 stage with defeat to Ajax and were beaten by bitter rivals Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey.

And Marcelo, who lost his place in the side to Sergio Reguilon prior to Zinedin Zidane's reappointment, admits the entire squad should accept responsibility for what has happened over the past nine months.

"We are the guilty ones," he told BeIn Sports after the match. "We started the season badly and we've ended the season badly. It has been a tough year, even tougher on a personal level."The next season will soon start and we can't make the same mistakes.

"Real Madrid never left, it is always good, fighting for everything. In seven years we have achieved almost everything, a bad season is not going to change what Real Madrid is. Madrid is very big."Defeat to Betis was Madrid's third in four matches to see out the campaign, and their first on home soil in Zidane's second spell at Santiago Bernabeu.

The outgoing European champions finished the season under their third boss of the campaign, after the catastrophic brief reigns of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari that preceded Zidane's reappointment.

Former Spain boss Lopetegui, appointed as Zidane's replacement in June, lasted in the job until October by which time the team were mired in mid-table in La Liga and all but out of the title race.

The outgoing European champions finished the season under their third boss of the campaign, after the catastrophic brief reigns of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari that preceded Zidane's reappointment.

Former Spain boss Lopetegui, appointed as Zidane's replacement in June, lasted in the job until October by which time the team were mired in mid-table in La Liga and all but out of the title race.

 

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Kompany to become Anderlecht player-manager after Man City departure


Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will become Anderlecht's player-manager following his departure from the Premier League champions, the defender has confirmed.The 33-year-old, who began his professional career with the Belgian club in his home nation, returns to the First Division A side after an absence of 13 years, after he announced his exit from the Citizens.

"For the next three years, I will take up the role of Player-Manager of RSC Anderlecht," the defender wrote in an open letter to supporters. "Belgium’s finest.

"This may come as a surprise to you. It’s the most passionate yet rational decision I’ve ever made."As a footballer, I was born and raised at RSC Anderlecht. Since the age of 6, I have been one with that club. A history of 34 league titles, they are second to none."

The centre-back went on to explain how the decision to return to the side where he made his debut came around, explaining a meeting that he held with chairman and owner Marc Coucke after the latter took over from the Vanden Stock family in December 2017.

"I stopped at their training grounds on my way to international duty last year," Kompany added. "Coucke, the chairman, and Sports Director MichaelVerschueren asked my opinion regarding the difficult situation the club was in."I shared my thoughts and listened to their vision for the future: ambitious, courageous and determined to get back to [number one]. I offered my help, no strings attached, should they need it.

"Later on in the season, newly appointed Technical Director Frank Arnesen joined and we organized some technical sessions on how to build a strong playing identity based on attractive, attacking football. "RSCA has a tradition of having fantastic youth. You could say they have the past and the future, but struggle with the present.

"Not so long ago, I took a call from RSC Anderlecht. Quite unexpectedly, they offered me the position of Player-Manager. Michael and Frank explained to me in detail how they saw it working in practice. They had thought it through.

"Mr. Coucke, the owner, pledged full support: time, budget, framework, staff, facilities... I was left not only impressed, but also intrigued by this sign of confidence in me. It got me thinking."Kompany went on to reiterate his gratitude to City and manager Pep Guardiola, adding: "The end of this season couldn’t be more memorable. I have lived the dream here.

"I have learned so much the last 3 years. From an incredible manager. Pep Guardiola reignited my love for the game. I’ve witnessed, participated, analyzed, absorbed, studied. Man City play the football I want to play. It is the football I want to teach and to see played."

"I have decided to take up the challenge at RSC Anderlecht. Player-Manager. I want to share my knowledge with the next purple generations. "With that, I will also put a bit of Manchester in the heart of Belgium."This is no goodbye. It’s a see you later. Et pour les Mauves, voor alle Anderlecht fans: tot binnenkort, a tres bientot. Love, Vincent."

Kompany departs City having won 10 major titles at the club and having helped them complete a first-ever English domestic treble in his last season.

 

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'We live for the present, not the past' - Zidane drops hint over Bale future


Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale is now part of Real Madrid’s past after he decided against giving forward a potential farewell appearance against Real Betis on Sunday.

Bale is among a number of players who face uncertain futures at Real as Zidane vows to improve upon a dismal season which ended with a 2-0 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu. Sunday's match was billed as a final farewell for a handful of players as Madrid prepare for an end-of-season clear out.

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, one of those players expected to leave, was given the full 90 minutes against Betis, but Bale was an unused substitute on his return to the squad following a two-match absence.And Zidane, who has previously been hesitant to discuss Bale's future , admits he will not hold back when it comes to offloading players, regardless of their status.

“He [Bale] has won a lot here but we live for the present and the future," he said. "We will not forget the past but we have to live for the day today.“I have counted on other players in more in recent weeks. I make these decisions when it is right to do so, and I must act in the best interests of the team at all times.

"I don't know what will happen, I am repeating myself, sorry, but I don't know.Keylor played well today, the fans were happy, that's all. Next year, we will see when we come back here."

Following the disappointing short tenures of Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari, Madrid reappointed Zidane in March just 10 months after he stepped down.But despite the three-time Champions League-winning coach's return to the Santiago Bernabeu, he could not inspire a turnaround in results.

The final-day defeat to Betis leaves Zidane with a record of five wins, two draws and four losses in 11 games in his second spell in charge, and the Frenchman admits he has to accept part of the blame."We have no excuses. After many games we had to apologise as we have responsibility to at least give everything," he added. "It has been difficult from the start of the season, and the end with me, that is the reality.

"The best thing that can happen for us is to have it over now and to think about next year as this will change, for sure."I always say the same - we must accept when things go bad. I am responsible for this. We had 11 games and in the end that is what it is."

Madrid's final tally of 68 points is their lowest in LaLiga since 2001-02 and they also fell short in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.

"It is not the first bad year in the history of this club," Zidane said. "And after the bad, comes the good. But we must not forget this season, we must have it very present to prepare the next one.

"We must think now about next year, and exciting our fans again. We are going to prepare the pre-season very well. We will not say that we will win everything next year, but we will compete from the first moment, and be up there battling with the others."

Second-half goals from Loren Moron and ex-Madrid man Jese were enough for Betis to claim back-to-back wins at the Bernabeu, giving Quique Setien the perfect send-off as his departure was announced after the game.

 

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Dan thiyana condition eka hatiyatanam Bale kohomath yai wage.​

 

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Man Utd target Pepe 'will leave', confirms Lille boss Galtier


Lille manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed that in-demand winger Nicolas Pepe will leave the club this summer, piquing the interest of a clutch of Premier League sides.

The Ivory Coast international has been heavily linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, after a season in which he has starred in Ligue 1, scoring 22 goals to help Lille wrap up second place with a game to spare.

Pepe joined Lille from Angers in the summer of 2017 for a fee of £8.7million, and has made a total of 77 appearances for club, scoring 35 goals and making 17 assists in the process.

The 23-year-old will likely cost around £69m ($87.8m), but that is unlikely to dissuade United as they look to begin their rebuilding job ahead of next season.In an interview with Canal+, Christophe Galtier said: "Nicolas Pepe will leave. Life's like that, football's like that today.

"He is a player of the highest level who will have a big decision to make on the choice of his next club."There will be a battle between the great European teams."I hope that he will take good amount of time to think about it, do his research."

Galtier’s remarks are similar to those made by his president Gerard Lopez earlier in the season.When quizzed on the future of the team’s star, Lopez also suggested that the Ivorian will likely be playing his football away from Ligue 1 next season.

"This summer, I think we will sell four to five players, no more,” Lopez said."All clubs are forced to balance their accounts except perhaps one. I would yes say, it is sure he will leave."He enters a price range that can no longer be paid.“There is a career choice to him make him for him, I think he will have the choice."

His greatest chance of remaining in France now seems to be a touted transfer to champions Paris Saint-Germain, who are known admirers having seen the player up close this season.Pepe scored as Lille hammered PSG 5-1 on the day the team from the capital had been expected to wrap up a second consecutive Ligue 1 crown.

Thomas Tuchel’s side finally clinched their title the following weekend, having suffered a second setback days before when they lost 3-2 away at Nantes.

 

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Lukaku’s agent tips Man Utd to land 'top players' in summer transfer window


Manchester United will “be able to convince top players” to join the club this summer, claims Romelu Lukaku’s agent Federico Pastorello.The Red Devils are expected to spend big once the next opportunity to recruit presents itself.

A sixth-place finish in 2018-19 and failure to qualify for the Champions League has left those at Old Trafford with another rebuild to undertake.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has conceded that he faces a tough task, with United having slipped further behind their Premier League rivals than they would have liked.Their struggles over recent years, and a lack of elite European football, may make it difficult for them to land the calibre of player they require.They remain one of the biggest clubs on the planet, though, and Pastorello believes Solskjaer will be able to make notable additions.

He told Sky Sports: "I think Manchester United will have a lot of success in the summer bringing in players."There will be a lot of work for Mr [Ed] Woodward but they will be able to convince the top players to come because the brand is amazing, one of the best in the world."

Speculation has suggested that Lukaku could form part of the comings and goings at United, with Pastorello having previously revealed that the Belgian striker’s future remains “very open”.

A number of top teams are likely to be busy this summer, with United not the only ones in need of sizeable investment."One of the top movers, in my opinion, will be Real Madrid," added Pastorello.

“For two summers they did not spend much but they have called back [Zinedine] Zidane and there will be a big revolution. The team needs to be younger so there will be a domino effect from that. I expect a very interesting market."

Pastorello believes more eye-watering deals will be pushed through in the next window, as an ongoing consequence of Neymar’s €222 million (£200m/$262m) switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, but believes asking prices will return to normal in time.

He added: "The Neymar case is one I understand more because he is like a cash machine with image rights and sponsors. I was more shocked about the fee paid for [Ousmane] Dembele. This shocked me more than Neymar. Chelsea paid 80 million for a goalkeeper [Kepa Arrizabalaga] who was at Bilbao and not at Madrid!

"I think this is the trend for the next four or five years. After that, if you ask me if it will keep going, I have my personal doubts but there has to be a limit to everything. It's like the stock exchange, like a wave going up and down."

 

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‘Impossible for Bale to remain at Real Madrid’ – Spurs loan switch could happen, says former president


Gareth Bale’s ongoing struggles at Real Madrid have made it “impossible” for him to remain at the club, claims former Blancos president Ramon Calderon.

The Wales international was returned to Zinedine Zidane’s plans for a final day clash with Real Betis on Sunday but was left on the bench despite the Santiago Bernabeu witnessing another forgettable 2-0 defeat.Zidane stated afterwards that he must act in the best interests of the team after Bale was overlooked for a potential Madrid farewell against Betis.

That is considered to be the latest nudge towards a summer exit for a man who has spent six years in the Spanish capital, with Calderon conceding that his position has become untenable.“Zidane is not keen on him; it is a relationship that will come to an end,” Calderon told BBC Sport Wales.“It seems it was his last game for Real Madrid.

“Zidane, last year when he left, he thought it was imperative to keep [Cristiano] Ronaldo and to sell Bale and they decided not to do that.“It seems it is impossible for him to be here because of the coach and the relationship with the fans. They think he is not committed and that is a problem.“The best thing for him is to move. He should take the opportunity if there is one.”

Bale has long been linked with a return to the Premier League.Manchester United have been credited with interest for some time, while talk of a possible retracting of his steps to Tottenham is now building.

It has been suggested that a player tied to a contract through to 2022 could be allowed to head back to north London on an initial loan agreement.Calderon believes such a switch could be possible, adding: “Maybe he will go on loan.

“It is a problem when the coach and player do not get along, you have to look at every option to find a solution.“The problem is the salary, it is a high salary. He has not been lucky at Madrid since the beginning. Fans thought for the money he would be better than Cristiano and that was really impossible.

“It is a divorce that is difficult to solve. They will find a loan or a transfer for perhaps a low amount of money.”

 

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Arsenal identify £25m Saliba as top summer transfer target


Arsenal are eyeing up a summer move for teenage Saint-Etienne centre-back William Saliba, Goal understands.

The 18-year-old defender has enjoyed a breakthrough season in France, making 17 appearances in all competitions.Unai Emery is looking to bolster his defensive options after seeing his side concede 51 goals in the Premier League during his first campaign in north London.

And it is understood Saliba is top target for the Gunners, who have watched him extensively this season in Ligue 1 and have been impressed with the maturity he has shown for such an inexperienced player.

Arsenal are looking to freshen up what they believe is an unbalanced and ageing squad this summer, with a deal having already been agreed for Brazilian teenage forward Gabriel Martinelli .And Saliba, who stands at an imposing 6'4", fits the criteria of the type of player the north London club are looking to recruit.

Arsenal watched the teenage centre-back in action again on Saturday when he played the full 90 minutes as Saint-Etienne earned a comfortable 3-0 home win against Patrick Vieria’s Nice.

Saliba signed a new four-year contract in April, but it is understood that the Ligue 1 outfit are aware that it will be hard to keep hold of the France Under-19s international for another season.

Manchester United have been linked in the past and Jose Mourinho has tipped the young defender to go and achieve good things in his career.The former United boss said: "‘I think he has everything needed to become a good player, much like Kurt Zouma, who I signed [for Chelsea]."

With interest across Europe growing in Saliba, it could take a bid of around £25 million ($31.8m) to prize the teenager away from France.Arsenal are looking to revamp their squad this summer, with the club set to undergo a major clear-out to rein in their crippling wage bill and add some much needed extra cash to the transfer budget.

Having had to operate only in the loan market in January, there will be cash available ahead of next season with the new commercial deals with Emirates and Adidas kicking in.

But if Arsenal lose to Chelsea in the Europa League final and miss out on the Champions League for third successive season, then the budget will be set at around £45m ($59m).

That figure can rise, however, through player sales and Goal understands that the club are looking at moving on a significant number of the first-team squad to help boost the budget and trim the wage bill - which is believed to be running at about £220m ($288m) a year.

That will be reduced in the summer with the departures of Aaron Ramsey, who is moving to Juventus, and Petr Cech - who is retiring. It has also already been announced that Danny Welbeck will also be leaving when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Removing those three players from the wage bill alone will save more than £1m a month, but Arsenal want to reduce costs by far more than that.Stephan Lichtsteiner will leave, with the club having decided not to take up the option in his contract which would have seen the defender stay for another season.

Buyers are also looking to be found for Carl Jenkinson and Mohamed Elneny while offers are being encouraged for Shkodran Mustafi and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, with the latter on around £180,000 a week.Mesut Ozil is the highest earner at the club on £350,000 and Arsenal are keen to move him on, but are aware how difficult that will be given his desire to stay in London and the lack of interest in the German from elsewhere.

Decisions also need to be made on Calum Chambers and Emiliano Martinez, who have been out on loan this season and are due to return in the summer.

 

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De Ligt drops Barcelona hint: It would be nice to play with De Jong


Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt has suggested he could join team-mate Frenkie de Jong in signing for Barcelona.

De Jong's €75 million (£65m/$85m) switch to Barca for 2019-20 was confirmed earlier in the year, with De Ligt reportedly close to following his fellow Netherlands international to the Catalan club.Both players thrived as Ajax thrilled the football world in their run to the Champions League semi-finals, where Erik ten Hag's side were denied a place in the final in by Tottenham despite having led 3-0 on aggregate with 45 minutes to play.

Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are also reportedly interested in the 19-year-old defender, but De Ligt has suggested his future could be at Camp Nou with De Jong.

"I think he had a great season. He deserves to sign for Barcelona," De Ligt told Voetbal Primeur of De Jong."Play with him there? It would be good to play with Frenkie at a club, but in these moments I don't know what will happen."

Ajax have completed the signing of defender Lisandro Martinez from Defensa y Justicia, which could pave the way for De Ligt's sale.The Argentina international signed a four-year deal on Monday, with sporting director Marc Overmars hailing the 21-year-old's potential.

"Martinez is a left-footed player who can handle multiple positions at the back. He is a defender who wants to play football," Overmars told Ajax's website.

"He brings a certain mentality that we can use well here, comparable to what his countryman Nico Tagliafico shows here."And Lisandro is still young, so we expect him to continue in the coming years to be an even better player."

 

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Giroud pens one-year contract extension with Chelsea to end exit talk


Olivier Giroud has committed his immediate future to Chelsea by signing a one-year contract extension.Goal revealed on Monday that the France international had agreed to remain at Stamford Bridge for the 2019-20 campaign.

Questions had been asked of his ongoing presence in west London over recent weeks, with a return to his homeland mooted, but the 32-year-old has opted to stay put.

The World Cup winner has told the Blues’ official website: “I am very happy to sign a new contract.“I really wanted to stay at least one more year - I have felt a part of the team, the family, since the beginning and hopefully there will be more trophies to come.”

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added on seeing fresh terms agreed with an experienced frontman: “We are very pleased that Olivier will be a Chelsea player for another season.“Since joining us 18 months ago, he has at times had to be patient and wait for opportunities, but has still been able to make a positive contribution to the team.

“Whether it is his unselfish link-up play or his 10 Europa League goals this season, he has been a crucial member of the squad and we hope he will be able to pick up a second Chelsea winners’ medal in Baku later this month to accompany last season’s FA Cup win.”

Giroud linked up with Chelsea during the winter transfer window of 2018.He crossed London from Arsenal to sign for the Blues, with there a desire on his part to remain in English football.Antonio Conte was at the Blues helm at the time of his arrival, but the managerial baton has since been passed to Maurizio Sarri.

Neither manager has used Giroud as a regular starter, with the Frenchman forced to be patient in pursuit of minutes.He has, however, managed 17 goals in 62 appearances to date.

The 10 efforts that he has recorded in this season’s Europa League make him the joint-top scorer in the competition.Giroud is also the first Chelsea player to have reached double figures in a single continental campaign for the club.

He will be hoping that he has at least one more left in him when lining up against his former club on May 29 in Baku.

 

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Bale comparisons unfair but ‘special’ James could star for Man Utd, says ex-Wales international


Comparisons to Gareth Bale are unfair on Daniel James, says John Hartson, but the Swansea winger is considered to be “special” and a potentially shrewd addition for Manchester United at £20 million [$25m].

At just 21 years of age, and with only one full season of senior football behind him, the exciting talent is being tipped to take a sizeable jump up the ladder.His potential was quickly noted during the 2018-19 campaign, with Leeds coming close to getting a deal over the line in January.

Their inability to lure James away from South Wales has offered hope to others, with United the latest side said to be keen on acquiring the searing pace and creativity of a player already being likened to his illustrious countryman on the books of Real Madrid.

Former Wales international striker Hartson told the Daily Mirror of the in-demand forward: “If James ends up at a big club, then it’s up to him to make sure he doesn’t simply disappear.“It’s down to his heart and whether he can cope. At 19, I went to ­ Arsenal. I wasn’t sure how it was going to go, but you have to have that bit of ­determination.

“If you have a good desire and work ethic to improve, then, with the top coaches and being surrounded by ­top-class players, you will.“But it’s unfair to start comparing him with ­Gareth Bale, just as it was when Gareth was compared to Ryan Giggs when he first broke into the Wales team.

“Ryan had 13 Premier League winners’ medals, while Gareth was just starting out.
“Now it’s Gareth who has four Champions League winners medals – and Daniel is just in his infancy.“I wouldn’t want to put any added pressure on him. He has a good family around him. He seems a level-headed lad and I think he will thrive.”

Hartson added on the talk of James making a move to Old Trafford: “If they [Swansea] are offered in excess of £20 million for Daniel, then it’s difficult to turn down.“It would also be hard to deny the boy the ­opportunity of playing for a ­Manchester United.

“He was very close to going to Leeds on the final day of the January transfer ­window for £10m. But I believe Swansea pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute because they thought, at that price, it was a steal.

“The transfer was almost over the line. I believe his parents were at Elland Road with the lad, but Swansea then told Leeds the deal was off.

“It wasn’t very nice for Daniel because he had probably pinned his hopes on joining Leeds, who then looked like they were on their way to the Premier League.“The way things have developed could be better for both ­Swansea and the player.

“From the club’s point of view, the transfer fee will at least be doubled – while Daniel could join one of the ­Premier League’s top clubs.“He is a special ­talent and very, very quick. He runs with the ball, can beat a man and can finish – I watched him score for Wales in only his second game, the winning goal against Slovakia.

“Ryan Giggs, the Wales ­manager, obviously believes in him. That was ­fantastic for his confidence.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aubameyang: I want to become an Arsenal legend


Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed that he wants to become a "legend" at Arsenal and etch his name into the club’s history books.The striker has hit 41 goals in 64 appearances across all competitions in a season-and-a-half as a Gunner, with 32 coming in just 49 Premier League appearances.

The Gabon international also picked up the Golden Boot award for the 2018-19 season with 22 league strikes, sharing the title with Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

And, with Aubameyang having reached those astonishing numbers even faster than Arsenal great Thierry Henry, the 29-year-old has sensed an opportunity to leave his mark at the Emirates Stadium long after he departs.“It was challenging for me to come to Arsenal and impose myself,” Aubameyang told RMC Sport. “Now I want my name to become a legend there.”

The forward also opened up on his relationship with fellow striker Alexandre Lacazette, with the pair having struck up a remarkable understanding to form a fearsome strike partnership."[Lacazette and I] share the same view of football," he added. "We joke and like to laugh. On the pitch, all it takes is a look. It’s natural. One will find the other and the other will do the same just as much."

Aubameyang also revealed that one of the inspirations for his success in England was fellow African striker Didier Drogba, who wrote his name into Chelsea history with his scoring prowess.

He continued: “When [Drogba] arrived, he was a little younger than me and he destroyed the Premier League, in a good way.”

Arsenal and Aubameyang will take on Chelsea in the Europa League final in Baku, Azerbaijan, on May 26 with Aubameyang undoubtedly desperate to make his mark.The game holds wider significance for the Gunners than it does their London rivals, however, as their fifth-place Premier League finish means they need to win the Europa League in order to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Prior to their meeting with Maurizio Sarri's side, Arsenal will face LASK Linz in a friendly match on Thursday afternoon as they seek to maintain fitness levels, with their last match having been the Premier League finale on May 12.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale could make the difference for Man Utd, but Spurs move would be amazing – Redknapp


Gareth Bale could “make a difference” at Manchester United, believes Harry Redknapp, but a return to Tottenham for the Real Madrid forward would also be “amazing”.

A man who helped to put the Wales international on a path to Spain is hoping to see him return to the Premier League this summer.Redknapp was in charge of Spurs when Bale’s career ignited and he became a talismanic presence with the ability to tempt Madrid into a record-breaking move.

Now 29 years of age, the fleet-footed frontman has enjoyed plenty of highs at the Santiago Bernabeu, including four Champions League triumphs, but has also suffered a number of lows.Bale has fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane and is expected to be among those moved on by Real in a summer of much change for the Blancos.

Redknapp is looking for an English top-flight side to do a deal, with there an admission on his part that Old Trafford or north London would be suitable landing spots for a world-class performer.

“Whoever signs him will be signing a fantastic player,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.“Any club he can go to he can make a difference - he can turn any club around.

“He would be a great signing for anyone - Man United could do with Gareth Bale.“There's not a club in the country where he wouldn't make a massive impact. I think he's an incredible talent.

“Anybody who gets Gareth Bale is going to lift them. If it's Spurs, Man United, whoever it is, it would be an amazing signing for them.”

Now 29 years of age, the fleet-footed frontman has enjoyed plenty of highs at the Santiago Bernabeu, including four Champions League triumphs, but has also suffered a number of lows.Bale has fallen out of favour under Zinedine Zidane and is expected to be among those moved on by Real in a summer of much change for the Blancos.

Redknapp is looking for an English top-flight side to do a deal, with there an admission on his part that Old Trafford or north London would be suitable landing spots for a world-class performer.“Whoever signs him will be signing a fantastic player,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.

“Any club he can go to he can make a difference - he can turn any club around.
“He would be a great signing for anyone - Man United could do with Gareth Bale.
“There's not a club in the country where he wouldn't make a massive impact. I think he's an incredible talent.

“Anybody who gets Gareth Bale is going to lift them. If it's Spurs, Man United, whoever it is, it would be an amazing signing for them.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pochettino could replace Allegri at Juventus, says Tottenham manager's cousin


Mauricio Pochettino could be tempted to leave Tottenham to join Juventus this summer, his cousin says.The Argentine has been named a candidate to replace Massimiliano Allegri at the helm of the Serie A champions after the latter announced he will leave at the end of the season.

Pochettino had previously been linked with the Manchester United and Real Madrid jobs before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Zinedine Zidane were appointed to the respective roles this season.

Although Pochettino has guided his side to the Champions League final, he has reportedly been frustrated with Tottenham's lack of investment in the first team and said this month that he wants to know the board's long-term plan before he commits his future to the club.And Pochettino's cousin Daniele, who lives in Italy, says he has spoken to the 47-year-old and believes he is open to moving to Italy.

"In my opinion [Pochettino replacing Allegri] could be feasible, because Mauricio is a coach who has shown he knows how to work well and reaching the final with Tottenham is a clear example," he told Tutto Juve.

"If he plays it like he does all games, for me it's the right year to win. I met him a few months ago, I met a very nice and helpful person."The Bianconeri's goal is, of course, the Champions League and my cousin has all the useful qualities to be able to coach this club.

"Mauricio showed he had the right experience to be able to coach in Europe. With Tottenham he was able to forge a group of individuals that was not so well known.
"Everyone in the family would like to see him at Juventus."

He added: "He is certainly attracted to Italy, he told us he would like to come here to find his ancestors. We also talked about Piedmontese cuisine, which he would like to try again."The desire is there, but honestly I don't know if they can convince him. The decision clearly falls to him.

"In the event that he should accept Juve, we will welcome him with open arms."

 

[Arthur Curry]

Arsenal identify £25m Saliba as top summer transfer target

Saliba ahuweth adai

 

[Arthur Curry]

Bale could make the difference for Man Utd, but Spurs move would be amazing – Redknapp

Bale ayi EPL ei wage