..::Football IV::..

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Ibrahimovic lauds 'cool' Mourinho

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had words of praise for “cool” Jose Mourinho, although the Sweden striker was less complimentary on the subject of his old rival Pep Guardiola.

After confirming his departure from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of 2015-16, rumours abound that Ibrahimovic could be set for a reunion with Mourinho - who he played under at Inter - at Manchester United.

In an interview with the Guardian's fashion section, Ibrahimovic paid tribute to Mourinho but singled out Guardiola, who he clashed with during their time together at Barcelona."I like [Carlo] Ancelotti. Mourinho is cool," he said.

"The older they get, the cooler they get. The grey hair. The serious expression. I have a good relationship with them all. Except one."When asked if “except one” was referring to Manchester City boss Guardiola, Ibrahimovic replied: "Exactly."

Guardiola isn't the only man to feel Ibrahimovic's wrath this week, though, as the 34-year-old also hit back at Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas after he claimed PSG's Qatari owner had ruined Ligue 1.

"If I were him, I would focus on my team, and winning, and not on what other teams are doing," Ibrahimovic told Le Monde in a seperate interview."Since I arrived in France, he was won nothing and I have won everything. He should focus on himself."

 

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Lewandowski and Alaba not for sale, Rummenigge warns Real Madrid

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has warned Real Madrid that Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba are going nowhere.

Lewandowski's agent Cezary Kucharski recently revealed that Madrid have been in touch to discuss a potential move, while the European champions have also been heavily linked with Alaba.

However, Rummenigge is adamant that the duo will stay at the Allianz Arena, as Bayern are under no pressure to sell."We closed the door on them," Rummenigge told Sport Bild when asked about Madrid's interest.

"No player will leave Bayern Munich unless we want him to leave. We have a good relationship with Madrid, just like with Barcelona."But it has been common knowledge in Europe since 2008, when Franck Ribery was linked with a transfer, that we will not sell anyone against our own wish."

Lewandowski has a contract with Bayern until June 2019, with talks over a new and improved deal ongoing.Alaba, 23, recently signed a renewal until 2021 with the Bundesliga champions.

 

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Spain 0-1 Georgia: Euro holders crash to humbling defeat

Spain's Euro 2016 preparations were dealt an unexpected blow as they fell 1-0 at home to Georgia in Getafe's stadium on Tuesday.

Confidence would have been high following comfortable wins over Bosnia-Herzegovina and South Korea in Spain's two prior warm-up fixtures, but Tornike Okriashvili consigned them to an unlikely defeat.Aritz Aduriz failed to stake his claim for a starting spot in France, turning in a disappointing display in response to Alvaro Morata's double against Korea.

Thiago Alcantara rattled the post shortly before the half-hour mark, but Spain found themselves behind when Okriashvili punished some slack defending to tap beyond David de Gea, picked ahead of Iker Casillas with Vicente del Bosque's first-choice goalkeeper still unclear.

It was a rare attack from the visitors, who shut up shop in the second half and managed to see out a first win in seven matches as Spain struggled to forge meaningful openings.

Having suffered his first defeat since the 2-0 loss to Netherlands in March 2015, Del Bosque will be seeking an immediate response when Spain begin their European Championship defence against Group D rivals Czech Republic on Monday.

Having competed in the Champions League final on May 28, Spain's contingent of Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid players were available for selection for the first time in their pre-Euros programme.

Sergio Ramos, a member of that party of players, arrived too late to add a simple finish to Gerard Pique's flick on to the back post, before Cesc Fabregas slammed into the side netting following a slick move in the eighth minute.

Georgia could barely get out of their own half with Spain dominating possession, but they were let off the hook when Aduriz sent a powerful header wide following a cross from debutant Lucas Vazquez.

Thiago saw his low, curling strike come back off the base of the upright with 28 minutes on the clock, but Georgia became more adventurous as the half continued and a rapid break saw them take the lead before half-time.

Jordi Alba's stray pass near the halfway line was seized upon by Valeri Qazaishvili, who quickly initiated the counterattack that ended with Jaba Jigauri squaring from the right for Okriashvili, capitalising on Ramos' lax defending to tap home a simple finish.

The Madrid defender did not return for the second half as he was substituted for Mikel San Jose, while Fabregas' replacement, Andres Iniesta, fired wide within four minutes of the restart.Sergio Busquets played on after a collision with Revishvili left him prone, but the Georgia goalkeeper was withdrawn for Roin Kvaskhvadze.

After scoring doubles against Bosnia and Korea, Nolito was unable to maintain his prolific form when he pulled a 25-yard strike wide in the 64th minute.Spain continued to push and Alba cushioned a diagonal cross from substitute David Silva straight to Kvaskhvadze before Nolito missed the target again.

Pique steered a header beyond the post with three minutes of normal time remaining, with questions sure to be asked of Del Bosque's team following defeat to a team ranked 137th in the world.

 

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Ohomanam baha Spain​

 

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Eva Carneiro agrees settlement with Chelsea

Eva Carneiro has agreed an undisclosed settlement with Chelsea on the second day of her employment tribunal.

The tribunal, which began on Monday, was expected to last between seven to ten days, while Jose Mourinho unexpectedly attended on Tuesday afternoon.

Carneiro has now dropped her claim of constructive dismissal against Chelsea, as well as her separate claim of sex discrimination and harassment against Mourinho.

While the settlement figure has not been revealed, it was confirmed on Monday that Carneiro had already rejected an “open offer” of £1.2 million.

In a statement released by Chelsea on Tuesday, the club offered an apology to the 42-year-old doctor.

Mourinho publicly criticised Carneiro for running on to the pitch to treat Eden Hazard in the closing stages of Chelsea’s draw against Swansea City last August.

Carneiro, who was called "impulsive and naive" by the then Chelsea manager, was subsequently stripped of her first-team duties before she left the club in September.

“Chelsea Football Club is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with Dr Carneiro which brings her employment tribunal proceedings against the club and Jose Mourinho to an end,” said Chelsea’s statement on Tuesday.

“The club regrets the circumstances which led to Dr Carneiro leaving the club and apologises unreservedly to her and her family for the distress caused. We wish to place on record that in running onto the pitch Dr Carneiro was following both the rules of the game and fulfilling her responsibility to the players as a doctor, putting their safety first.
“Dr Carneiro has always put the interests of the club's players first. Dr Carneiro is a highly competent and professional sports doctor. She was a valued member of the club’s medical team and we wish her every success in her future career.

“Jose Mourinho also thanks Dr Carneiro for the excellent and dedicated support she provided as First Team Doctor and he wishes her a successful career.”

 

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Mourinho to offer Carrick new one-year Man Utd deal

Goal understands Michael Carrick is set to prolong his Manchester United career after Jose Mourinho stepped in to offer the out-of-contract midfielder a new one-year deal.

The 34-year-old looked set to leave the Old Trafford club as recently as a couple of weeks ago, with his previous 12-month deal having not been renewed by former manager Louis van Gaal.

Unlike in previous seasons, Carrick was not called in for negotiations in January, and the player himself had received no indication from the club whether they would be willing to keep him on for an 11th season amid interest from clubs in Australia as well as England.

Such was the likelihood of a departure, his family even took part in what appeared to be an emotional goodbye at United’s final Premier League game of the season against Bournemouth with his two children acting as mascots and his wife seen apparently bidding farewell to long-time friends at the club.

However, Mourinho has proven more willing than Van Gaal to offer the former West Ham and Tottenham star a new deal, with an £80,000 weekly package matching his expiring deal having been prepared. There will also be a commitment to begin talks regarding a potential extension in January as part of the agreement.
Carrick has played 421 times for United since arriving from Spurs in 2006, with 41 of those coming under Van Gaal in 2015-16.

 

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OFFICIAL: Totti signs new Roma contract

Francesco Totti has put pen to paper on a new one-year contract at Roma which will see him spend his final season as a professional at Stadio Olimpico.

Doubts surfaced over the former Italy international's future earlier in the season after reports of a row with manager Luciano Spalletti.

However, Roma have moved to retain the services of their captain for another season."I really desired this contract, which is the realisation of my dream," Totti told Roma TV.

"I always hope to end my career having worn a single shirt, that of Roma."After speaking with the president [James Pallotta] I am even more convinced that by remaining united we can achieve great things."

Totti joined Roma as a 12-year-old in 1989 and, since making his debut in 1993, has made 758 appearances in all competitions and scored 304 goals – both of which are club records.

President Pallotta lauded the signing of his contract as a symbolic moment on the club's 89th anniversary."It's quite fitting that on the anniversary of the day AS Roma was founded, Francesco Totti has signed a new playing contract," he added.

"No one has played more games or scored more goals for this football club than Francesco Totti and we're delighted that he will continue for one more season."He's earned this contract and now we want Francesco's final season on the pitch to be the start of a new era of success for Roma."

 

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'Mourinho could build Man Utd team around Wilshere'

New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho could build a team around Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere at Old Trafford, according to former Red Devils defender Gordon McQueen.

Mourinho has replaced Louis van Gaal with the task of returning United to the top of both the English and European game following three relatively barren campaigns at the Theatre of Dreams.

And McQueen - who played over 180 matches for the club in a seven-year spell - believes England international Wilshere would be the perfect signing for Mourinho to form his new-look side around if he can stay injury-free.

"United could build a team around a fit Jack Wilshere, but right now I doubt Arsenal would sell him," he told Goal. "They let Robin van Persie go to United, so you never know.

"United are a huge club and big-name players will always listen to them, but they are not in the Champions League next season and that will work against them."

Mourinho will reportedly be given around £200 million to spend on new signings this summer while a host of new players are set to depart the club as the Portuguese plans a massive overhaul on his playing staff.

But McQueen does not think an influx of new signings will be enough to drastically change the team's fortunes due to the amount of other clubs who are set to spend big this summer.

"I don't think £200m will be anywhere near enough. The money involved nowadays has gone crazy," he argued.

"Mourinho will spend every penny he is given, he has to, but he will also have to look closely at what he has already got before deciding where to strengthen and who he can realistically afford.

"He will have to sell some of his assets - players like Juan Mata will go. He already sold him once when they were at Chelsea together. His most sellable asset is Anthony Martial but that would get him off on the wrong foot with the United fans.

"His budget will be less than Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, who already have a much stronger squad, so there will have to be a lot of wheeling and dealing. Mourinho will have to show his skills in the marketplace to make United competitive."

 

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Man City open Aubameyang talks as United & Madrid fall behind in race for €75m striker

Manchester City are in talks to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Borussia Dortmund, Goal understands.

City have stolen a march on rivals Manchester United, as well as Real Madrid, in the race for the sought-after striker during talks in recent days.

Dortmund, emboldened by the level of interest from Europe's biggest clubs, are holding out for a fee of €75 million, which at around £58.5 milllion would come close to matching the £54m plus £5m in add-ons that City paid Wolfsburg for Kevin De Bruyne last summer.

The Etihad Stadium hierarchy have committed to a significant overhaul of the playing squad ahead of Pep Guardiola's official arrival at the start of July, and have identified Aubameyang, who scored 39 goals in all competitions last season, as a key target and are willing to get a deal over the line.

Although City had coveted Dortmund's Ilkay Gundogan for some time, and a deal was virtually in place long before it was confirmed last week, they have only recently made their move for Aubameyang.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool had also enquired about Aubameyang's availability in the first half of 2016, while United were willing to match any offer for the Gabon international, who recently pulled out of international duty to resolve his future.

Aubameyang himself has talked up a move to Spain, and specifically Real Madrid, but he is also open to playing in the Premier League.

It is thought the striker's head has been turned by the prospect of working with Guardiola and becoming part of a new project at the Etihad Stadium.

City's transfer plans are evolving rapidly. Gundogan became the first signing of the Guardiola era at the beginning of June, and there is still interest in long-term centre-back targets John Stones and Aymeric Laporte, who could cost more than £70m combined.

Interest in Paul Pogba and Toni Kroos has been dropped over the past several weeks, while a move for Jack Wilshere is also thought to be unlikely.
But with City also still in the hunt for speedy Schalke winger Leroy Sane, among a number of other targets, the club are ready to lay down a marker in the summer transfer window.

That would provide a huge confidence boost ahead of the official unveiling of Guardiola, details of which the club revealed on Tuesday.

The doors of the City Football Academy training complex will be thrown open to supporters across the weekend of July 2 and 3, with the new badge design and home kit due to be formally revealed on the Saturday.

Tickets for the second day of the event, when Guardiola will take to the stage to directly address supporters, sold out within a matter of hours.

 

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'Ferguson made Pogba cry at Manchester United'

Sir Alex Ferguson’s treatment of Paul Pogba at Manchester United reduced the midfielder to tears, according to the player’s mother.

Pogba spent three years at Old Trafford but made only seven first-team appearances as he struggled to secure a regular role in Ferguson’s midfield.

The France international subsequently moved to Juventus where he has won four Serie A titles, but his mother has revealed how Ferguson attempted to persuade the midfielder to stay at United in 2012.

“I said: ‘What? Ferguson coming to my house! He came alone’,” Yeo Moriba told AFP.

“We had got together with his brothers and we decided: he won’t re-sign.

“Ferguson punished him, he didn’t play him, Paul was alone. He even cried in Ferguson’s office over the way he was treated.”

 

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SAF karapu lokuma mistake 1ka thamai Pogba sell karapu 1ka​

 

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De Gea unsure who Spain's Euro 2016 goalkeeper will be

David de Gea said Spain's goalkeeping situation remains unclear, with the Manchester United star still in the dark over his position at Euro 2016.

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque admitted he is unsure who will start Monday's Group D opener against Czech Republic, though De Gea got the nod ahead of veteran Iker Casillas in Tuesday's shock 1-0 friendly loss to Georgia.

Despite his appearance at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez, De Gea does not know if he will take to the field for the two-time defending European champions in Toulouse.

"We'll see what happens on [June] 13. I'm here to do what the coach tells me," the 25-year-old said post-match."When I'm on the pitch, I only think about helping the team and doing well. We mustn't dwell on this result.

"I'm here on the back of three good seasons for Manchester United."There's always debate about the goalkeepers, but us three will do our best."De Gea enjoyed another fine Premier League campaign for United, keeping 15 clean sheets.

 

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Del Bosque tanam pissuDe Gea wa danne nathuwa wikara karanawaanyway preparations nisa nam kamak naha.ath Euro16 walath De Gea ta chance 1ka dunne nathnam thamai thittha wenne​

 

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Del Bosque not concerned by shock Georgia reverse


Vicente del Bosque insisted nothing has changed for Spain after the two-time defending European champions crashed to a surprise 1-0 friendly defeat to Georgia.After comfortable wins over Bosnia-Herzegovina and South Korea, Spain's Euro 2016 preparations were dealt a blow following Tuesday's warm-up defeat at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez.

Tornike Okriashvili's goal five minutes before half-time was enough to sink Spain, who had their 11-game unbeaten run ended.But Del Bosque was not too downbeat post-match, as Spain prepare for Group D fixtures against Czech Republic, Turkey and Croatia in France.

"It was a disappointment. We have not played badly, but we have been unable to overcome an orderly defence," Del Bosque told reporters. "We appreciate what they did defensively.

"[But] we have an exciting challenge ahead and this result should not derail us.
"We face the European Championship with all the enthusiasm and without a trace of fear… Nothing changes."

Del Bosque, who opted to rest striker Alvaro Morata heading into Spain's opening Euro 2016 match against the Czechs on June 13, added: "The first half we played with many people behind the ball.

"We reacted in the second half and [Andres] Iniesta was more effective. We better understood the game but lacked finish [in front of goal]."

 

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USA 4-0 Costa Rica: Dempsey scores 50th international goal as USMNT stays alive at Copa America

CHICAGO — The U.S. men's national team stared elimination in the eye Tuesday but put together a masterful performance to beat Costa Rica, 4-0, at the Copa America.

Clint Dempsey got the scoring started in the ninth minute when he drove home a penalty in the right corner after Bobby Wood was thrown to the turf in the penalty box. DeAndre Yedlin set up the play with a great stutter-step and quality cross that Wood was ready to pounce on getting taken out.

The goal, Dempsey's 50th internationally, brought him to within seven of Landon Donovan's USMNT record.

After playing as a striker in the first game, Dempsey slid into an attacking midfield role Tuesday, and looked much more comfortable facilitating for others.Dempsey's keen vision led to the second goal, when he picked out Jermaine Jones while dribbling into the box.

Jones took the slow-rolling ball and laced one into the bottom right corner of the net, then celebrated with the American Outlaws. Jones had just missed an opportunity moments before, but he made sure he got it right the second time.

Costa Rica, normally known for its tight defensive formation, looked completely out of sorts after allowing the second goal. Fabian Johnson, the USMNT's left back, was ready to take advantage.

The marauding runs of Johnson caused Costa Rica havoc all night, especially in the 42nd minute when he found Wood at he top of the penalty box. Wood quickly gained control, spun, then slotted one home in the bottom left corner.The fans, situated right behind the goal, went wild because they knew that goal gave their team a chance to stay in the tournament.

The second half was a little more subdued with the game already out of hand, and Costa Rica opting to sub out Joel Campbell, but Graham Zusi, who came on in the 70th minute, added a fourth goal in the 87th minute after stealing a pass.

After Friday's 2-0 loss against No. 3 ranked Colombia, and then when Costa Rica and Paraguay tied in their game, the USMNT would have been out of the tournament with a game to play with a loss. But Jurgen Klinsmann, who has been under fire lately, got his team to play with more passion and better precision against a beleaguered Costa Rican side.
Now, they just have to keep it>

 

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Copa America Fixtures 2016.06.08

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Brazil Vs Haiti

Ecuador Vs Peru

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'If Giggs leaves Man Utd, he will never return' - McQueen

Former Manchester United defender Gordon McQueen believes Ryan Giggs will never return to Old Trafford if he leaves the club this summer.

Widespread reports claim the former Wales international is set to depart the Red Devils after Jose Mourinho's appointment as manager having spent the past two seasons as Louis van Gaal's assistant.

But McQueen - who represented the club in over 180 matches - feels Giggs will likely go the way of other former United favourites in failing to land the top job at the Theatre of Dreams having left the club.

"I cannot see him leaving to return at a later date. I fear that once he's gone, he's not coming back," he told Goal.

"There have been a lot of former United players who have left to learn their trade elsewhere, but how many come back? Very few.

"Bryan Robson a few years back did a good job at Middlesbrough, and more recently there has been Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes, but they don't get the chance to return to Old Trafford.

"Brucey would have done the job easily, but he has also been overlooked so many times so I think that train has passed.

"They never go for these guys and I don't think they would go for Giggsy, either.

"I would have thought he would be treated like Sir Bobby Charlton and they would never let him out the door.

"Sir Bobby is a club icon, a father figure about the place, and Ryan could have done the same, but he will not get the chance."

Giggs has previously been linked with vacant managerial posts at Swansea City and Everton, but McQueen is of the belief the ex-United winger will have to drop down the Championship to get his next job.

"His best bet is to get a good club with a good chairman in the Championship. I cannot see him stepping into a Premier League job at another club.

"He will be putting his reputation on the line and the Championship is very unforgiving. The amount of time they give managers in that division is shocking.

"As we have seen with Steve Bruce, even if you are ultra-successful at the level, there is little chance of being considered for the top jobs."

 

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James: I'll play for Colombia until I'm crippled

James Rodriguez insists he will represent the Colombian national team until he can no longer walk after fighting through pain to play against Paraguay on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid attacker inspired Colombia to a 2-1 win over Paraguay at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, which saw them advance to the quarter-finals of the Copa America Centenario.Carlos Bacca gave Colombia - ranked third in the world - the lead in the 12th minute, before James made it 2-0 on the half-hour mark.

Victor Ayala pulled one back for Paraguay late on, but a red card to Oscar Romero dented their chances of finding an equaliser, with Colombia holding out for the win.

James overcame a shoulder problem to score the eventual match-winner, and the 24-year-old spoke of the effort he makes to play for the national team. "Here, for Colombia, I will play until I am crippled," he said. "Here I always want to play, and I am happy because I always want to help, and against Paraguay I was able to.

"Paraguay played really well. We put in a good shift, especially when they had the better of the game."Colombia had some good quality and I think we all had an excellent game."

 

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Arsenal legend urges Wenger to not sign Jamie Vardy

Signing Jamie Vardy would be a mistake for Arsenal because the striker does not suit their style of play, according to Paul Merson.

Goal understands that the Gunners are close to securing a deal for the Leicester City star after activating his £20 million release clause.

Vardy scored 24 goals in the Premier League last season but Merson, who made over 400 appearances for Arsenal, has urged Arsene Wenger not to make the signing.

“I’m shocked. I’m absolutely flabbergasted with it,” Merson told talkSPORT.

“Arsenal don’t get the ball forward quickly enough for Jamie Vardy. No disrespect, but he plays at Leicester where everyone goes and has a go at them.

“Twenty of his goals must have been over the top, balls that he is running on to, beat the goalie and great finish. You play for Arsenal, you kick off and the other team sit ten men behind the ball.

“Leicester suits Jamie Vardy, in my opinion. He is perfect for them. They play his way, they get the ball forward very quickly and he will keep on causing havoc. If he goes to Arsenal, I just don’t see it.

“I’m not saying he won’t get goals but I don’t think he will get enough opportunities [at Arsenal]. They take too long to get the ball forward.
“I’m not having a go at Vardy. For what he does, he is different class. But you watch him for England the other night [against Portugal] and if you have got ten players behind the ball… I mean, Ricardo Carvalho looked like Franz Beckenbauer.”

 

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OFFICIAL: Manchester United sign Bailly

Manchester United have signed defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal subject to a work permit, the club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal, with the option for a further two years, and becomes Jose Mourinho's first signing at Old Trafford.Bailly, who was part of the Africa Cup of Nations-winning Ivory Coast team in 2015, arrives for a reported fee of around £30 million.

"It is a dream come true to be joining Manchester United," Bailly told the club's official website. "To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do.

"I want to progress to be the best that I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life."

Mourinho added: "Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.
"We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development."