Aston Villa have completed the signing of Chelsea legend, John Terry on a one year free transfer.
The 36 year-old who quit Chelsea at the end of last season following two decades at the club claimed the idea of playing against Chelsea in the Premier League was partly behind his decision to join the club.
Speaking at his unveiling at Villa Park today, the player who has been handed the no 26 jersey at the club said, “The mental side of playing against Chelsea was too much to kind of get over for me. It was 22 years and I am very proud of that, I wish Chelsea well next season but now my thoughts are 100% here. I am delighted to be here as a player. It is obviously a huge club, I had a few conversations with Steve over the summer. I am very hungry to still play at the top with a club and a manager who still has the same ambition as me. I think the club speaks for itself, from being out there in the stadium in the past. They have got great support here, I think it is a club that deserves to be in the Premier League. Steve being Steve has persuaded me to come, and I am delighted because I still wanted to keep my playing, my hunger is still there at 36. The ambition for me to continue playing some people will understand and some people will not. I am in good physical condition. I am ready to play and give it everything this year. I am here, I am ready to fight for the Villa shirt and for this football club.”
Aston Villa manager stated that “He is worth every penny because we know what he brings, It is not often that you get a natural leader of men these days. I have watched him from afar for a long, long time and to get him here is a great coup for all of us.”
The former England international made his senior debut 19 years ago against Aston Villa in a League Cup third round tie on 28th October 1998.
Photos and Videos from Lionel Messi’s lavish wedding ceremony in Argentina
The city of Rosario in Argentina went agog yesterday as prominent footballer, Lionel Messi exchanged vows with Antonella Roccuzzo, his sweetheart and mother of his children. The wedding which was held at the City Center Rosario complex attracted some of the biggest names in football.
Messi looked dapper in a crisp black suit and grey tie, his 29 year-old Roccuzzo, was regal in a dress by Rosa Clara — a Spanish designer who has styled Eva Longoria and Spain’s Queen Letizia. Messi told the guests to make a donation to Techo (a charity organization) instead of giving him gifts.
https://twitter.com/messi10stats/status/880975435068321794
https://twitter.com/messi10stats/status/880944053818404864
Leo Messi has asked the guests to donate to his foundation instead of giving a gift for his marriage..
https://twitter.com/messi10stats/status/880783646743044096
Credit: https://twitter.com/messi10stats
Inside Lionel Messi’s wedding ceremony venue (Photos)
Barcelona/Argentine football star, Lionel Messi will wed his girlfriend of 10 years Antonella Roccuzzo today 30th June, 2017. The couple who are parents to two children, 5 year-old, Thiago and Mateo who was born in 2015 will tie the knot in one of Argentina’s grand venues, the City Center Rosario complex.
The star-studded ceremony is expected to attract 260 guests. Already, football stars have arrived the South American country for the football legend’s big day. Roll call of his colleagues and friends present at the venue include Suarez, Xavi, Samuel Eto’o, Fabregas and others.
29 year-old Roccuzzo will dazzle in a dress by Rosa Clara — a Spanish designer who has styled Eva Longoria and Spain’s Queen Letizia.
“We will always remember Antonella as being around this neighborhood and as being Messi’s girl,” said another friend, Franco Lentini, who grew up in the same modest neighbourhood as the player. They are the love of each other’s lives,” said Vallejos.
Messi moved to Spain aged 13 to join FC Barcelona, but he kept speaking to her through telephone and writing her letters.
She opened a luxury shoe shop there this year along with her friend Sofia Balbi – wife of Messi’s Barcelona strike partner, Uruguay’s Luis Suarez.
Uruguayan pop bands Rombai and Marama plus singer Karina, wife of Argentina footballer Sergio Aguero, will perform at the ceremony.
AITEO group now NFF Federation Cup title sponsor.
Energy solution company, AITEO Group yesterday acquired the naming rights for Nigeria’s oldest football competition, the Nigeria Football Federation Cup for 5 years. The competition is now to be known as Aiteo Cup.
Speaking at the press conference for signing of Aiteo Cup agreement, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick said, “We want to celebrate and thank Aiteo. I promise you, we will not only qualify for AFCON but we will beat SA in SA”.
Ace sports broadcaster and Independent Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Aisha Falode chipped in, “I am very excited that the women (women’s FA Cup) have been taken care of”
With the new deal, men’s winners will now get N25m prize money while runners-up will receive N10m. Women’s winners will be paid N10m and their runners-up N5m.
"He paid too much tax to Spanish authorities – not too little" – Cristiano Ronaldo's lawyers claim
Cristiano Ronaldo’s lawyers have come up with a surprising claim as regards the tax evasion allegations levelled against him. His lawyers, according to Spanish media outlet, Cadena Cope have claimed that the Real Madrid striker paid too much tax to Spanish authorities rather than too little.
The player who has been accused by the Public Prosecutor of defrauding the Spanish Purse of £12.9m by paying insufficient tax over a four-year period has been summoned to court in Madrid on July 31 and he is not likely to feature in the he first ever Clasico in the USA coming up on July 29th.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly ready to pay his tax bill to keep him at the club.
After hearing evidence from both sides the Madrid judge will decide if the case would be in court.
Alexis Sanchez reaches new milestone
Arsenal player, Alexis Sanchez has become Chile all time top scorer.
The former Barcelona forward, not only netted his 38th goal for the Chilean national team, his goal was also the 400th goal in the history of the Confederations Cup. He grabbed an early goal in Chile’s 1-1 draw against Germany at the competition. The 28 year-old who was awarded man of the match after the game is expected to decide his future at Arsenal after the club.
Alexis Sanchez opens the scoring for Chile after a mistake from Mustafi. #afc pic.twitter.com/iKrBKSsqT9
— Arsenal (@AFCvideosHD_) June 22, 2017
Raheem Sterling, Hector Bellerin to donate to the victims of the Grenfell Tower inferno.
Premier League stars, Raheem Sterlin and Hector Bellerin have pledged to donate to the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Grenfell Tower, a 24-storey residential block in North Kensington caught fire, killing more than 25 people. While Hector pledged to donate £50 to the families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire for every minute he plays for Spain at the European Under-21 Championship, Raheem Sterling on Friday stated that he will donate a ‘substantial’ sum to those affected by the conflagration.
For every minute I play in #U21EURO I'll donate £50 to help Grenfell Tower victims. Please support in any way 🙏 https://t.co/CHbqgnlSum pic.twitter.com/TODwIkLwj1
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) June 17, 2017
Photos: Ahmed Musa unveils sports centre in Kano
Super Eagles striker, Ahmed Musa has unveiled a multi-billion naira public sports fitness center in Kano. The Leicester City forward’s centre comprises of two 5-aside pitch, public gallery, administrative block with a two story building that plays host to diverse gymnasium facilities. The centre, according to President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Pinnick Amaju, would contribute to the development and promotion of sports, in Kano and Nigeria in general.
Tax Fraud Allegations: Ronaldo reportedly seeking Madrid exit
A close friend of soccer superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that the Portuguese is seeking Real Madrid exit because he no longer wants to play in Spain anymore. A Portuguese sports daily, A Bola added that the 4-time Ballon d’Or winner is deeply “disenchanted” with the tax fraud allegations against him.
The 32 year-old’s potential destinations have been identified as Man United, PSG and the Chinese Super League. Ronaldo who Real Madrid to their 12th European Cup earlier this month after scoring two goals in a 4-1 victory over Juventus in the Champions League final, has been directly involved in 517 goals in 394 appearances for Real Madrid (406 goals, 111 assists). The news have warmed the hearts of Manchester United fans who are certain that the Old Trafford legend will make a comeback to the club.
Would Real Madrid become a Real Madrid player next season?
Check out the Premier League fixtures for 2017/2018 season.
The 2017/18 Premier League fixtures have been released. Champions, Chelsea FC’s first game at home is against Burnley.
Download the 2017/18 Premier League fixtures directly into your calendar
Saturday, 12 August, 2017
Arsenal v Leicester City
Brighton v Manchester City
Chelsea v Burnley
Crystal Palace v Huddersfield Town
Everton v Stoke City
Manchester United v West Ham United
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Southampton v Swansea City
Watford v Liverpool
West Bromwich Albion v AFC Bournemouth
Saturday, 19 August, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Watford
Burnley v West Bromwich Albion
Huddersfield Town v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Brighton
Liverpool v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Everton
Stoke City v Arsenal
Swansea City v Manchester United
Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea
West Ham United v Southampton
Saturday, 26 August, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester City
Chelsea v Everton
Crystal Palace v Swansea City
Huddersfield Town v Southampton
Liverpool v Arsenal
Manchester United v Leicester City
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
Watford v Brighton
West Bromwich Albion v Stoke City
Saturday, 9 September, 2017
Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth
Brighton v West Bromwich Albion
Burnley v Crystal Palace
Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City v Chelsea
Manchester City v Liverpool
Southampton v Watford
Stoke City v Manchester United
Swansea City v Newcastle United
West Ham United v Huddersfield Town
Saturday, 16 September, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Brighton
Chelsea v Arsenal
Crystal Palace v Southampton
Huddersfield Town v Leicester City
Liverpool v Burnley
Manchester United v Everton
Newcastle United v Stoke City
Tottenham Hotspur v Swansea City
Watford v Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion v West Ham United
Saturday, 23 September, 2017
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion
Brighton v Newcastle United
Burnley v Huddersfield Town
Everton v AFC Bournemouth
Leicester City v Liverpool
Manchester City v Crystal Palace
Southampton v Manchester United
Stoke City v Chelsea
Swansea City v Watford
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
Saturday, 30 September, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Leicester City
Arsenal v Brighton
Chelsea v Manchester City
Everton v Burnley
Huddersfield Town v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Newcastle United v Liverpool
Stoke City v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Watford
West Ham United v Swansea City
Saturday, 14 October, 2017
Brighton v Everton
Burnley v West Ham United
Crystal Palace v Chelsea
Leicester City v West Bromwich Albion
Liverpool v Manchester United
Manchester City v Stoke City
Southampton v Newcastle United
Swansea City v Huddersfield Town
Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Bournemouth
Watford v Arsenal
Saturday, 21 October, 2017
Chelsea v Watford
Everton v Arsenal
Huddersfield Town v Manchester United
Manchester City v Burnley
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
Southampton v West Bromwich Albion
Stoke City v AFC Bournemouth
Swansea City v Leicester City
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool
West Ham United v Brighton
Saturday, 28 October , 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Chelsea
Arsenal v Swansea City
Brighton v Southampton
Burnley v Newcastle United
Crystal Palace v West Ham United
Leicester City v Everton
Liverpool v Huddersfield Town
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
Watford v Stoke City
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester City
Saturday, 4 November, 2017
Chelsea v Manchester United
Everton v Watford
Huddersfield Town v West Bromwich Albion
Manchester City v Arsenal
Newcastle United v AFC Bournemouth
Southampton v Burnley
Stoke City v Leicester City
Swansea City v Brighton
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
West Ham United v Liverpool
Saturday, 18 November, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Huddersfield Town
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Brighton v Stoke City
Burnley v Swansea City
Crystal Palace v Everton
Leicester City v Manchester City
Liverpool v Southampton
Manchester United v Newcastle United
Watford v West Ham United
West Bromwich Albion v Chelsea
Saturday, 25 November, 2017
Burnley v Arsenal
Crystal Palace v Stoke City
Huddersfield Town v Manchester City
Liverpool v Chelsea
Manchester United v Brighton
Newcastle United v Watford
Southampton v Everton
Swansea City v AFC Bournemouth
Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United v Leicester City
Tuesday, 28 November, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Burnley
Arsenal v Huddersfield Town
Brighton v Crystal Palace
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Watford v Manchester United
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United (8pm)
Wednesday, 29 November, 2017
Chelsea v Swansea City
Everton v West Ham United
Manchester City v Southampton (8pm)
Stoke City v Liverpool (8pm)
Saturday, 2 December, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Southampton
Arsenal v Manchester United
Brighton v Liverpool
Chelsea v Newcastle United
Everton v Huddersfield Town
Leicester City v Burnley
Manchester City v West Ham United
Stoke City v Swansea City
Watford v Tottenham Hotspur
West Bromwich Albion v Crystal Palace
Saturday, 9 December, 2017
Burnley v Watford
Crystal Palace v AFC Bournemouth
Huddersfield Town v Brighton
Liverpool v Everton
Manchester United v Manchester City
Newcastle United v Leicester City
Southampton v Arsenal
Swansea City v West Bromwich Albion
Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City
West Ham United v Chelsea
Tuesday, 12 December, 2017
Burnley v Stoke City
Crystal Palace v Watford (8pm)
Huddersfield Town v Chelsea
Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth (8pm)
Swansea City v Manchester City
West Ham United v Arsenal
Wednesday, 13 December, 2017
Liverpool v West Bromwich Albion (8pm)
Newcastle United v Everton
Southampton v Leicester City
Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton (8pm)
Saturday, 16 December, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Liverpool
Arsenal v Newcastle United
Brighton v Burnley
Chelsea v Southampton
Everton v Swansea City
Leicester City v Crystal Palace
Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke City v West Ham United
Watford v Huddersfield Town
West Bromwich Albion v Manchester United
Saturday, 23 December, 2017
Arsenal v Liverpool
Brighton v Watford
Burnley v Tottenham Hotspur
Everton v Chelsea
Leicester City v Manchester United
Manchester City v AFC. Bournemouth
Southampton v Huddersfield Town
Stoke City v West Bromwich Albion
Swansea City v Crystal Palace
West Ham United v Newcastle United
Tuesday, 26 December, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v West Ham United
Chelsea v Brighton
Crystal Palace v Arsenal
Huddersfield Town v Stoke City
Liverpool v Swansea City
Manchester United v Burnley
Newcastle United v Manchester City
Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
Watford v Leicester City
West Bromwich Albion v Everton
Saturday, 30 December, 2017
AFC Bournemouth v Everton
Chelsea v Stoke City
Crystal Palace v Manchester City
Huddersfield Town v Burnley
Liverpool v Leicester City
Manchester United v Southampton
Newcastle United v Brighton
Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United
Watford v Swansea City
West Bromwich Albion v Arsenal
Monday, 1 January, 2018
Arsenal v Chelsea
Brighton v AFC Bournemouth
Burnley v Liverpool
Everton v Manchester United
Leicester City v Huddersfield Town
Manchester City v Watford
Southampton v Crystal Palace
Stoke City v Newcastle United
Swansea City v Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
Saturday, 13 January, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal
Chelsea v Leicester City
Crystal Palace v Burnley
Huddersfield Town v West Ham United
Liverpool v Manchester City
Manchester United v Stoke City
Newcastle United v Swansea City
Tottenham Hotspur v Everton
Watford v Southampton
West Bromwich Albion v Brighton
Saturday, 20 January, 2018
Arsenal v Crystal Palace
Brighton v Chelsea
Burnley v Manchester United
Everton v West Bromwich Albion
Leicester City v Watford
Manchester City v Newcastle United
Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur
Stoke City v Huddersfield Town
Swansea City v Liverpool
West Ham United v AFC Bournemouth
Tuesday, 30 January, 2018
Huddersfield Town v Liverpool
Swansea City v Arsenal
West Ham United v Crystal Palace
Wednesday, 31 January, 2018
Chelsea v AFC Bournemouth
Everton v Leicester City
Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion (8pm)
Newcastle United v Burnley
Southampton v Brighton
Stoke City v Watford (8pm)
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United (8pm)
Saturday, 3 February, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v Stoke City
Arsenal v Everton
Brighton v West Ham United
Burnley v Manchester City
Crystal Palace v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Swansea City
Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester United v Huddersfield Town
Watford v Chelsea
West Bromwich Albion v Southampton
Saturday, 10 February, 2018
Chelsea v West Bromwich Albion
Everton v Crystal Palace
Huddersfield Town v AFC Bournemouth
Manchester City v Leicester City
Newcastle United v Manchester United
Southampton v Liverpool
Stoke City v Brighton
Swansea City v Burnley
Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal
West Ham United v Watford
Saturday, 24 February, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v Newcastle United
Arsenal v Manchester City
Brighton v Swansea City
Burnley v Southampton
Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
Leicester City v Stoke City
Liverpool v West Ham United
Manchester United v Chelsea
Watford v Everton
West Bromwich Albion v Huddersfield Town
Saturday, 3 March, 2018
Brighton v Arsenal
Burnley v Everton
Crystal Palace v Manchester United
Leicester City v AFC Bournemouth
Liverpool v Newcastle United
Manchester City v Chelsea
Southampton v Stoke City
Swansea City v West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur v Huddersfield Town
Watford v West Bromwich Albion
Saturday, 10 March, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur
Arsenal v Watford
Chelsea v Crystal Palace
Everton v Brighton
Huddersfield Town v Swansea City
Manchester United v Liverpool
Newcastle United v Southampton
Stoke City v Manchester City
West Bromwich Albion v Leicester City
West Ham United v Burnley
Saturday, 17 March, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v West Bromwich Albion
Burnley v Chelsea
Huddersfield Town v Crystal Palace
Leicester City v Arsenal
Liverpool v Watford
Manchester City v Brighton
Stoke City v Everton
Swansea City v Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United
West Ham United v Manchester United
Saturday, 31 March, 2018
Arsenal v Stoke City
Brighton v Leicester City
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
Everton v Manchester City
Manchester United v Swansea City
Newcastle United v Huddersfield Town
Southampton v West Ham United
Watford v AFC Bournemouth
West Bromwich Albion v Burnley
Saturday, 7 April, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
Arsenal v Southampton
Brighton v Huddersfield Town
Chelsea v West Ham United
Everton v Liverpool
Leicester City v Newcastle United
Manchester City v Manchester United
Stoke City v Tottenham Hotspur
Watford v Burnley
West Bromwich Albion v Swansea City
Saturday, 14 April, 2018
Burnley v Leicester City
Crystal Palace v Brighton
Huddersfield Town v Watford
Liverpool v AFC Bournemouth
Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion
Newcastle United v Arsenal
Southampton v Chelsea
Swansea City v Everton
Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City
West Ham United v Stoke City
Saturday, 21 April, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United
Arsenal v West Ham United
Brighton v Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea v Huddersfield Town
Everton v Newcastle United
Leicester City v Southampton
Manchester City v Swansea City
Stoke City v Burnley
Watford v Crystal Palace
West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool
Saturday, 28 April, 2018
Burnley v Brighton
Crystal Palace v Leicester City
Huddersfield Town v Everton
Liverpool v Stoke City
Manchester United v Arsenal
Newcastle United v West Bromwich Albion
Southampton v AFC Bournemouth
Swansea City v Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur v Watford
West Ham United v Manchester City
Saturday, 5 May, 2018
AFC Bournemouth v Swansea City
Arsenal v Burnley
Brighton v Manchester United
Chelsea v Liverpool
Everton v Southampton
Leicester City v West Ham United
Manchester City v Huddersfield Town
Stoke City v Crystal Palace
Watford v Newcastle United
West Bromwich Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
Sunday, 13 May, 2018
Burnley v AFC Bournemouth
Crystal Palace v West Bromwich Albion
Huddersfield Town v Arsenal
Liverpool v Brighton
Manchester United v Watford
Newcastle United v Chelsea
Southampton v Manchester City
Swansea City v Stoke City
Tottenham Hotspur v Leicester City
West Ham United v Everton