..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

James wants to stay at Bayern Munich after change of perception


James Rodriguez wants to continue his stay at Bayern Munich after his loan from Real Madrid ends and admits the Bundesliga has surpassed his expectations.The Colombia international has impressed at the Allianz Arena since joining on a two-year loan deal last July.Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed last month that they have the option to sign James on a permanent deal for €42 million, although he stressed there was no rush over triggering the clause.

James, who scored his seventh goal and got his 11th assist in the Bundesliga in Saturday's 3-1 win over Cologne, admits he would be delighted to stay in Bavaria for the long term: "I'm doing very well.

"It's a good league here in Germany, the stadiums are full. I came here with a different perception."I'm fine, I hope I stay here. I feel very good." Bayern sit 24 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga heading into their final league game of the season against Stuttgart before they meet Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal final.

 

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Barcelona met Griezmann's agent in October, confirms Bartomeu


Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has confirmed the club held talks with Antoine Griezmann's agent as early as October.The France star has been heavily linked with a move to Barca from Atletico Madrid at the end of the season, with Luis Suarez hinting last week that a deal could already have been agreed.

Although Atleti boss Diego Simeone denied that was the case, Griezmann – who is said to have a €100 million release clause in his contract – is expected to resolve his future before the World Cup begins in June.

Barca's apparent pursuit of Griezmann prompted Atletico to complain to FIFA over improper conduct in December, though the Camp Nou side denied their claims.

But Bartomeu says contact was made with the 27-year-old's entourage early this season, telling RAC 1: "I saw Griezmann one day on holiday. We met with his agent, yes. It was in October."We talk with [Atleti president Enrique] Cerezo about many topics. We have a good relationship with them."

Griezmann was initially linked with Barca last year as a possible replacement for Neymar, who joined Paris Saint-Germain for a world-record fee of €222 million.

The Brazil star has been tipped to return to La Liga with fierce rivals Real Madrid, and Bartomeu sees no reason why the move could not happen.However, he says the Catalan side have no interest in bringing him back as they maintain confidence that big signing Ousmane Dembele will come good despite recent struggles and links to Liverpool.

 

[charitha chandi]

Congratulations Manchester City!

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malli mun CFC 95 record eka kadawi neh..! still 36 games, 94 points

 

[Wolverine GTR]

malli mun CFC 95 record eka kadawi neh..! still 36 games, 94 points

Ow aiya thawa matches 2kak thiyanawane(Brighton / Southampton) so godak durata break karai record eka.
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[Wolverine GTR]

Swansea City 0 Southampton 1: Gabbiadini strikes blow to Swans' survival hopes


Swansea City's relegation fears deepened after Manolo Gabbiadini's second-half goal helped Southampton to a nerve-shredding 1-0 win at the Liberty Stadium.
The win moves Mark Hughes' side into 16th place in the Premier League – ahead of Huddersfield Town on goal difference – and they know they will be safe if they avoid defeat against Manchester City on the final day of the season this Sunday.

It is looking increasingly bleak for the 18th-placed Swans, who need to beat Stoke City at the weekend and hope that Huddersfield fail to pick up any points against Chelsea and Arsenal in their remaining two games or that Saints lose heavily to Pep Guardiola's Premier League champions.Substitute Gabbiadini struck in the 72nd minute after pouncing on a loose ball in the box – a goal that also confirms West Brom's relegation to the Championship.

Chances were at a premium in a hard-fought affair, with the clearest regularly falling to Charlie Austin, who found Lukasz Fabianksi equal to everything he could throw at him.Swansea pushed forward in numbers in the final ten minutes but they were unable to find a leveller that would have made their task on Sunday much less daunting.


In an opening played at breakneck speed, it was Swansea who carved out the first half-chance as Andy King drilled a low effort straight into the hands of Alex McCarthy after eight minutes.
Jordan Ayew then headed over from an inviting position midway through the opening 45 minutes before Austin came close to breaking the deadlock.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg found the striker with an incisive throughball, but his angled drive towards the far corner was too close to Fabianski, who got down well.
The influential King was involved again shortly before the interval when his clipped cross was met by Sam Clucas, whose header flashed past McCarthy's far post.

Austin continued to look the most likely to find a breakthrough for the visitors and he again threatened with an acrobatic effort from Cedric Soares' cross, which was well held by Fabianski.Swansea's intentions after the restart were clear, with Jordan Ayew denied a spectacular opener when McCarthy tipped his whipped long-range effort over the crossbar.

Fabianksi was once again equal to Austin's latest effort on target - this time a dipping strike from just outside the penalty area.Their fascinating duel showed no signs of abating as the Polish goalkeeper kept out Austin's header on the hour, while substitute Tammy Abraham drilled straight at McCarthy after a determined run.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Austin and Fabianski were involved in Gabbiadini's winner. The Swans stopper repelled Austin's strike from a corner, but the ball fell kindly to the Italian who reacted quicker than a host of defenders to stab home.

Carlos Carvalhal's side huffed and puffed in the closing stages, but the Saints backline held firm to hold on for a win that all-but secures another season of Premier League football.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Brom relegated from Premier League


West Brom have been relegated from the Premier League after Southampton's 1-0 win at Swansea City on Tuesday.

Darren Moore's men needed the game at the Liberty Stadium to end in a draw to keep their survival hopes alive, but Manolo Gabbiadini's winner confirmed West Brom's relegation.The Baggies go down despite a 1-0 win over Tottenham on Saturday, a result that extended their unbeaten run to five games.

The club joins Stoke City, who were relegated on Saturday after they lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace , in dropping from the top flight. West Brom will head to the Championship after an eight-year stay in the Premier League, having last played in England's second tier in the 2009-10 campaign.


Relegation is the result of a turbulent season for the Baggies, who started the campaign slowly and sacked manager Tony Pulis in November .

Pulis' replacement Alan Pardew was also sacked after a run of poor results , and caretaker manager Moore took over for Pardew in April.Moore did all he could to guide the Baggies to a miraculous late escape, winning three and drawing two of his five games in charge. However, the club's late surge still was not enough to keep them in the top flight.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Les Herbiers 0 Paris Saint-Germain 2: Lo Celso and Cavani seal PSG treble

Paris Saint-Germain claimed their third domestic treble in four seasons as Giovani Lo Celso and Edinson Cavani sunk gallant minnows Les Herbiers 2-0 in the final of the Coupe de France.The third-tier side stuck gamely to the task of tackling French football's all-conquering force having made it to the Stade de France without facing Ligue 1 opposition.

Argentina midfielder Lo Celso struck the post twice before opening the scoring and, in the second half, Les Herbiers goalkeeper Matthieu Pichot came to the fore with a string of superb saves.But Cavani forced Pichot to give away a 74th-minute penalty and he made no mistake from the spot, ensuring Unai Emery will depart Paris with a clean sweep of France's major trophies to his name.

Les Herbiers and their head coach Stephane Masala must now turn their attentions towards the far less glamourous task of ensuring their Championnat National campaign does not conclude with relegation in Friday's final round of fixtures.


Shortly after chatting with French president Emmanuel Macron during the pre-match pleasantries, Les Herbiers captain Sebastien Flochon had a 20-yard effort deflected behind for a corner inside the opening minute. PSG smothered that adrenaline fuelled start from the underdogs and, when Kylian Mbappe's cutback was scrambled out to the edge of the box, Lo Celso struck the post left footed.

Les Herbiers' commitment to passing out of defence frequently threatened peril and Mbappe guided an eighth-minute volley against the same left upright that denied Lo Celso.Cavani was unable to get on the end of an inviting left-wing delivery from Angel Di Maria before the Argentina international stole in unmarked a head a bouncing ball over at the back post.

Lo Celso floated a curling shot against Pichot's overworked post again but the 21-year-old midfielder finally found the corner he had been aiming for from the edge of the area in the 25th minute.Dani Alves rippled the side netting with a superb 34th-minute free-kick and Mbappe headed wide from Thiago Silva's raking pass, but Les Herbiers avoided any further damage before the break.

A combination of Pichot and the post denied Cavani in the 49th minute following a delightful backheeled one-two from Mbappe.The resulting corner was worked short and Mbappe thought he had PSG's second when he crashed home on the rebound, but a VAR referral showed Marquinhos used his hand from the initial attempt.



Pichot was starting to revel on the big stage, making a stunning reaction save with his left boot to deny Cavani from a Yuri Berchiche pass. A 70th-minute stop from Mbappe at point-blank range was similarly improbable.Les Herbiers' goalkeeper belatedly blotted his night's work by taking down Cavani as the Uruguay striker looked to round him and PSG's record goalscorer put the result beyond doubt, blasting past Pichot's dive.

Roared forward by their still-buoyant supporters, Les Herbiers almost claimed a consolation goal in stoppage time but substitute Clement Couturier could not finish after rounding PSG keeper Kevin Trapp.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

My future will be clear in two weeks, says Conte


Chelsea manager Antonio Conte says he will make his future plans known only at the end of the season.

Speculation over Conte's future has been ongoing all season, as the Chelsea manager has been linked with the exit door due to his strained relationships with the hierarchy at the club. Chelsea are battling for Champions League qualification through a top-four finish in the Premier League, with the gap closed this weekend on both Tottenham and Liverpool.

They also have an FA Cup final against Manchester United, but they first must focus on two more league games against Huddersfield and Newcastle United.Conte says that he isn't interested in speculation, after previously stating he will see out his contract which expires at the end of next season.

However, he admits that there will be a clearer picture after the final ball is kicked, with questions on his future unlikely to stop. "I think and I am sure that I am Chelsea's coach and my focus is only on this," Conte told reporters at Cobham Training Ground. "It is very difficult to comment on any speculation also because there have been speculations around me from the start of the season, after our first game against Burnley."I think you understood that this speculation is not important for me because my focus is only to work in the best possible way with my players. I am doing this from the start, until the end. There are only two weeks and then this season will finish.

"You will then know if there is a different situation, or if you see me again next season, and we start again from the first game speculation about my future."I am very focused on trying to finish the season in the best possible way and I try to transfer my will to my players because the fans deserve this."

"The reality in this moment is that I have a contract, I am committed with Chelsea and in my future. The situation is to be committed with Chelsea for another year."My focus is only to Chelsea. The future? You never know what will happen because our job is very difficult. You have to be ready for everything."

Chelsea remain outsiders to qualify for the Champions League despite a four-game winning run in the league, and they likely need to win both remaining league games to qualify for Europe's elite competition.

Since Roman Abramovich took over the Stamford Bridge in 2003, the club has gained a reputation for the quick hiring and firing of managers. Conte thinks that this could still pose an issue in the summer, as he was asked whether he wants to remain at one club for a long time in his career.

"I think that in this decision there are always two parties to take the decision, not only one side. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know," Conte added."I like to work with my players to build something important, but in our job it is very important the final result. This is very important especially when you are in a great club like Chelsea."

If Conte does leave Chelsea in the summer, the match against Huddersfield on Wednesday will be his last one at Stamford Bridge.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neuer unsure on World Cup status as he waits on Bayern return


Manuel Neuer admits to being uncertain as to whether he will make Germany’s World Cup squad as he waits on a return to action at Bayern Munich.

Having formed part of a squad which swept to global glory in 2014, the 32-year-old is hoping to help defend that crown in Russia.Neuer has, however, been out of action since September, with niggling foot complaints keeping him on the sidelines.

He has been back in training since early April, but is yet to come back into the Bayern side and has just two domestic fixtures remaining in which to get much-needed minutes.

The Bundesliga champions wrap up their league campaign against Stuttgart on Saturday before facing Eintracht Frankfurt in the DFB-Pokal final on May 19.With time running out to force his way into Joachim Low’s squad, Neuer told reporters on his international ambitions at the launch of Bayern’s new home kit for 2018-19: “I cannot say anything right now.

“I feel good with the things I am doing in training right now but there's no forecast. I have to make the right decision for me, for the team and for Germany.“It doesn't help when you're rushing this decision. I want to improve day by day and I try to regain my fitness as fast as possible.

“The steps that I already made were good and positive. I try to continue that way. Then we will see if that is enough.”Defending champions Germany will kick off their 2018 World Cup campaign against Mexico on June 17.

They are also set to face Sweden and South Korea after being placed in Group F.
It remains to be seen whether Neuer will play any part in those fixtures, with a man who was once considered untouchable for club and country suddenly facing fierce competition.

Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen has impressed again this season in the absence of an international rival, while Bayern Leverkusen’s Bernd Leno and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kevin Trapp are also in contention.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal's summer shopping list? Wright calls for centre-half, keeper and midfielder


Arsenal need to back their next manager with more than £50 million, says Ian Wright, with the Gunners requiring a new centre-half, goalkeeper and midfielder.

A new man will be taking charge at Emirates Stadium this summer, with Arsene Wenger preparing to step aside after 22 years at the helm,Whoever is handed the reins – with Goal revealing that Massimiliano Allegri and Mikel Arteta are the favoured options – will be looking to dip into the transfer market almost immediately.

Recruitment is required at a club which has missed out on Champions League football in successive campaigns, with Wright looking for the Arsenal board to make the funds available for a strengthening down the spine of the side.

The former Gunners striker wrote in a column for The Sun: “We know there is no huge war chest for the next boss. Around £50m has been quoted — not in the same league as Chelsea or the Manchester clubs.“By my reckoning, Arsenal need a centre-half, a keeper and possibly another midfielder.

“What the new boss has to do is arrive with the knowledge he must develop what’s already there and turn them into Premier League stars.“I do think there’s the basis to do that, though. I love the look of centre- back Konstantinos Mavropanos, Ainsley Maitland-Niles is a player, and Alex Iwobi continues to improve.

“Young Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson are great prospects, too. So it isn’t a case of starting from scratch.“Arsenal need someone with strength of character, confidence, tactical and coaching ability and an affinity for youth. From the top, it needs patience and nerve, plus the courage to speak up for the manager.”

The Gunners are already being linked with a host of potential fresh faces, but transfer policy will be shaped by whoever steps into Wenger’s shoes.Arsenal do have Sven Mislintat as their head of recruitment, but he will be working alongside the new boss to bolster the ranks.

The general consensus appears to be that at least three additions will be required, with Wenger having echoed the words of Wright when boldly predicting a title tilt in 2018-19.The Frenchman said: “I would say the squad doesn’t need much because there’s huge potential there.“It needs two or three additions and this team will compete for the championship next season.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Arsenal need to spend £250m to compete' - Parlour sounds warning to Wenger successor


Whoever comes in to replace at Arsene Wenger at Arsenal will require a summer transfer kitty of £250 million ($339m) in order to make the club competitive, claims Ray Parlour.

As the Gunners prepare to open a new chapter in north London, with a long-serving manager heading for the exits, much work is required in order to bring about a reversal in fortune.

The club have slipped to sixth in the Premier League and, having failed to secure major silverware, are facing up to another season without Champions League football.

Parlour believes the new man at the helm needs to be backed with considerable funds in order to improve results, with Goal revealing that Massimiliano Allegri and Mikel Arteta are the favoured options of the Arsenal board.The former Gunners midfielder told talkSPORT on summer plans: “If I was the new manager going into the club in the summer, the first thing I would say is: ‘How much have I got to spend?’

“I’d say they would need £200m, but a little bit more if they want to compete – £250m. “A big problem Arsenal are going to have this summer is attracting the big players, because they’re not in the Champions League.

“The challenge for Arsenal’s new manager is to get back into the top four, and to do that you’ve got to have investment – simple.“The board have got to back him. They won’t want to spend a lot of money in the summer, but that’s what they’re going to have to do if they want to compete in the top four.”

Arsenal were famed for their frugal approach to recruitment throughout Wenger’s reign, with the Frenchman reluctant to invest heavily in single additions.That policy was relaxed slightly for deals including the likes of Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but the Gunners have been blown out of the recruitment market by the spending of domestic and European rivals.

Something has to change if a top-four standing is to be reclaimed and title challenges pieced together, but it remains to be seen whether the purse strings will be loosened under a new boss.

 

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Captain Pogba? £89m star 'happy' with Man Utd form as armband comes up for grabs


Paul Pogba claims to be “happy” with his Manchester United form and admits it is “an honour” to captain the club as Michael Carrick prepares to pass the armband on.

The 25-year-old midfielder has faced criticism on a regular basis this season, with a bright start followed by a testing run once he fully recovered from an untimely injury.

Pogba spent two months on the sidelines with a hamstring problem between September and November and has seen his contribution and best position questioned since returning to the fold.

He has, however, raised his game of late and, fresh from being named United’s Player of the Month for April, believes he has improved on a debut campaign that delivered three trophies and nine goals.Pogba told Premier League Productions: "I had a big injury and missed a lot of games, but now I feel much better.

"And I've been proving it with more assists. I'm not hitting the crossbar and the post like last season, so I'm happy. I've been involved in a few goals so I'm pretty happy." Pogba has contributed six goals and 11 assists across Premier League and Champions League competition this season.

He has also skippered United at times, with Jose Mourinho handing him the armband for a European clash with Basel and festive fixtures against Burnley, Southampton, Everton and Derby.

The £89 million man has welcomed that added responsibility and could be a contender to inherit the role on a permanent basis when Michael Carrick slips into retirement this summer.The likes of Antonio Valencia, Nemanja Matic and David de Gea will also be in the mix for that post, but Pogba is delighted to have seen his standing in a star-studded squad recognised.

He added: "It's good that the manager believes in you, and the players."It's an honour to wear the captain's [armband], and just to wear the shirt and play at Old Trafford. I was here in the Academy and for me it was a dream to play for the first-team, and I did it."So yeah, I'm very proud."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juventus yet to make bid for Morata, despite interest in Chelsea striker


Juventus have not made an official bid for Alvaro Morata despite reports in Italy stating a fee had been agreed for Chelsea's record signing, Goal understands.The Serie A side are interested in Morata and the club's general manager, Beppe Marotta, has twice spoken about the player that the champions-elect lost two years ago, as Real Madrid activated their €32 million ($38m) buy-back clause. Chelsea went on to buy Morata for £60m ($81m) the following summer, but he has struggled to make the impact many predicted this season.

In interview with Marca, the 25-year-old revealed that his season has been impacted by a painful back injury.

It is expected that he will start in Chelsea's upcoming match against Huddersfield as he comes back from injury, and manager Antonio Conte hinted ahead of the game that he thinks Morata will stay at Chelsea.


However, Juventus could yet increase their efforts in the summer when the manager situations are resolved at both clubs, with both Conte and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri rumoured to be on their way out.It is very unlikely that Chelsea would let Morata go for any less than what they bought him for in the summer, with a feeling around the club that he will improve next season.

Morata is known to have enjoyed his time in Turin both on and off the pitch, as he met his wife Alice while winning a host of honours with the Italian giants.The 25-year-old has recently lost his place to Olivier Giroud, who has been in good form since joining from Arsenal for £18m ($24m).

This situation may lead to him being dropped from the Spain squad for the World Cup, despite playing a huge role in their qualification campaign.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valverde: Griezmann a great player but not yet a Barcelona one


Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde has professed his admiration for transfer target Antoine Griezmann but called for respect to be shown to Atletico Madrid.

Speaking over the weekend, Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu revealed he had met with the player's agent and also held unspecified talks with Atleti president Enrique Cerezo.The 27-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Liga champions and is expected to clarify his future prior to the World Cup.

Valverde, though, believes the France star should be left to concentrate on the Europa League final against Marseille next week."I don't know how relevant it is that Bartomeu spoke with the Atleti president," the Barca boss said."He's a great player, I have no doubt about that. I'm sorry but I think we have to be cautious about players who don't play for us.

"I think we have to respect what we have here and also our opponents.
"Griezmann has a final coming up and we have to be careful. He's a great player, that's clear. In the future, we'll see what happens."Barca host Villarreal on Wednesday, three days on from a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid, in which Sergio Ramos criticised Lionel Messi for allegedly attempting to influence the officials.

Madrid defender Ramos said Messi was wrong to speak with referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez in the Camp Nou tunnel at half-time, but Valverde countered that suggestion by claiming it was commonplace."Situations come up all the time. I think players speak to referees and referees speak to players," he said.

"I have a lot of experience, I have seen many things from many teams, and in the tunnels as well. Nobody [is alone] in that sense, I guarantee it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Is Bellerin Barcelona-bound? Arsenal defender addresses exit talk


Hector Bellerin claims to be “so happy” at Arsenal that he is paying little attention to reports linking him with Barcelona and Juventus.

Since bursting onto the scene with the Gunners in 2015, the Spain international defender has long been linked with a return to his roots in Catalunya.As a product of the famed La Masia academy system, Bellerin is considered to be a suitable long-term option for Barca’s right-back berth.

Serie A giants Juventus are also said to be keen on the 23-year-old, but a man who remains tied to a long-term contract at Emirates Stadium insists he is giving no thought to a summer switch.

Bellerin told luxury online retailer Mr Porter when quizzed on the exit talk: “I don’t know what to say – football always changes. I’m so happy here. “This has been my home for seven years. I sound like a Londoner, my friends are from London – it’s the place I want to be right now.

“In the future, you never know. Obviously, I grew up in Barcelona, and when I watch them play I want them to win. The team are always going to be in my heart.”
It may be that Bellerin has to prove himself all over again at Arsenal before he can follow his heart back home.His form, much like that of the Gunners, has dipped in recent years to spark criticism of his contribution to the collective cause.

He acknowledges that his standards have dipped of late, with those at Emirates Stadium experiencing a “tough” time in what will be Arsene Wenger’s final campaign after 22 years at the helm.“At the beginning, I was someone who was doing really well,” added Bellerin.

“Then when things started going not that well, everything was just negative, negative, negative.“As a team, if you don’t have the best season, it doesn’t help…It’s been a tough one.

“We were doing well until November. We always have that period where we suffer a little bit. As a team, the most important thing is results. If you can win beautifully like [Manchester] City do – even better.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dua Lipa to perform at Champions League final


British pop star Dua Lipa will perform at this season's Champions League final in Kiev.

Liverpool will take on defending champions Real Madrid at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium on May 26, with sponsors Pepsi presenting a pre-match ceremony.And Dua Lipa will make an appearance, performing songs from her self-titled album, including IDGAF and New Rules.

"I was honoured to be asked by UEFA and Pepsi to perform at the UEFA Champions League final opening ceremony - it's a once in a lifetime opportunity," she said in a statement."I can't wait to get in front of the fans and be part of such an exciting event. I'm planning to put on an unforgettable show."The Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys have performed at the final in recent years.

 

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‘Mbappe is the future Messi’ – Eto’o hails PSG youngster


Kylian Mbappe is the Lionel Messi of the next decade, according to former Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o.

The Cameroon international forward turned out with the Argentine at Camp Nou from 2004 until 2009 and saw at first hand the talents that carried him to five Ballons d’Or.

He believes that Mbappe, who signed for Paris Saint-Germain on loan from Monaco last summer with a clause that will take him permanently to the French capital as of next season, is capable of picking up Messi’s mantle.

“He’s the future Messi if he manages his status, if he understands what is happening around his name,” the Konyaspor forward, who scored over 100 times for the Camp Nou club, said of the 19-year-old to France Football. “There are so many things to take into account to make a great career, which have nothing to do with the qualities of a footballer, especially for someone extraordinary.

“I hope I have the chance to talk to him one day.” Eto’o has revealed the one attribute that makes Messi stand out from his peers.“Kylian can draw inspiration from the superhuman mental strength of Leo Messi, whom I saw growing up in Barca,” he said. “He continues to make matches easy by creating things every second.

“He is unique but remained this little kid that I discovered in 2004, respectful, discreet. Others would have gone crazy in the face of being a worldwide star.”

Mbappe burst onto the scene with Monaco last season, helping them to win Ligue 1 and reach the Champions League semi-finals before making the move to his hometown club in the summer. That deal will soon become permanent for a fee of around €160 million – the second highest ever paid – with the teenager having scored 21 times in his maiden season at Parc des Princes, laying on 16 assists in the process.

Messi, meanwhile, has been at the top of the game for over a decade and has won a glut of individual and team honours, including nine La Liga titles and four European Cups. He has a number of records to his name, including Barcelona’s all-time record scorer.

 

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Wenger: I've had more job offers than I expected!


Arsene Wenger has confirmed he has received a number of offers to continue work after he leaves Arsenal this summer.The club announced in April that Wenger will depart at the end of the season , with the Gunners failing to qualify for the Champions League for the second season in a row.

The Gunners beat Burnley 5-0 in Wenger's final home game at the weekend, with games against Leicester City and Huddersfield Town on the road still to come.

Rumours continue to swirl over the 68-year-old's future, with reports linking him with a role at French giants Paris Saint-Germain, as well as a move to the lucrative Chinese Super League.And he has now confirmed that a number of clubs have been in contact with offers of employment.

The Frenchman said, when asked about the number of calls he has fielded: "Yes.Quite more than I expected. At the moment I haven't analysed or considered anything. I want to work until the last day of my contract." Wenger was in a jovial mood after his side's thumping win over Burnley, joking that he is looking forward to shouting at his successor from the stands.

Goal understands that former midfielder Mikel Arteta, who currently coaches at Manchester City, and Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri are the current frontrunners to replace Wenger.Luis Enrique, formerly of Barcelona, is also on the club's shortlist, along with Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim.

Whoever does replace Wenger, it appears they will be able to call on the services of midfielder Jack Wilshere, with his current manager confident he will sign a new contract at the club.

 

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Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.05.09

Barclays Premier League Fixtures 2018.05.09

Chelsea Vs Huddersfield

Leicester City Vs Arsenal

Manchester City Vs Brighton

Tottenham Vs Newcastle

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LA Liga Fixtures 2018.05.09

LA Liga Fixtures 2018.05.09

Barcelona Vs Villareal

Sevilla Vs Real Madrid
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