From Nigeria to France, Russia, and England, Nigerian footballer, Osaze Odemwingie’s latest destination is Indonesia. The 35 year-old has joined a first division club in Indonesia, Madura United FC on a one-year deal.
The President of the club, Achsanul Qosasi and the club manager, Haruna Sumitro, presented the former Nigerian international to the club fans ahead of their league opener in an unveiling ceremony in Jakarta on Monday.
“Welcome Peter Osaze Odemwingie!” The club announced on its official twitter handle, @MaduraUnitedFC.
David Moyes apologizes for threatening to slap a female journalist
David Moyes has found himself at the centre of controversy after threatening to slap a female journalist.
After Sunderland’s 0-0 draw with Burnley on March 18, BBC Newcastle and Radio Five Live reporter Vicki Sparks asked Moyes if the presence of owner Ellis Short had put him under some sort of pressure, infuriated by the question, the former Manchester United coach told Sparks “she might get a slap even though you are a woman”. The sexist comment sparked outrage on social media with many calling for his ban or sack.
Video of David Moyes telling a woman reporter she "might get a slap"pic.twitter.com/7ON7vmFJyN
— 101 Great Goals (@101greatgoals) April 3, 2017
When asked to explain the slap remark, Moyes during a press conference on Monday apologized to Sparks acknowledging that the words were deeply regretted.
“In the heat of the moment, I made a mistake in my comment to a BBC reporter which I profoundly regret. I was disappointed with myself for it. I subsequently phoned the reporter and apologized, which she accepted. It’s not my character, it’s not my type, as most people know. Once again, I apologized for it. I think people who know me would say what I’m about. In the heat of the moment, I used the wrong words.”
Meanwhile, the FA are said to be “seeking observations” from both Moyes and the Premier League club before deciding whether to take any further action.
Dortmund's Marc Bartra finally finds Germany's bravest woman.
Borussia Dortmund’s Marc Bartra spotted and launched a search for a mystery female Borussia Dortmund supporter wearing the yellow of BVB ,who sat alone among a sea of fans of fierce rivals Schalke during Saturday’s Revierderby. The former Barca player made a plea via his social media account, promising to gift her his shirt.
I want to meet this woman! Will you help me find her? I wanna gift her my shirt! Help me with RT + hashtag #SheLovesBVB @BVB #EchteLiebe 🙌🏼🐝 pic.twitter.com/ETh6cIJteR
— Marc Bartra (@MarcBartra) April 2, 2017
The search was successful, as the woman now identified as Steffi was found within 24 hours and his promise to have a physical meeting is still intact. He also thanked fans and media for locating the brave supporter.
Yesss!!🔔 🎯💥👏🏼 Thanks to everybody: fans, media… all of you! We've found our brave supporter! A promise is a promise, see you soon Steffi! pic.twitter.com/Cl2aXvWhGJ
— Marc Bartra (@MarcBartra) April 3, 2017
Gary Neville rips into Koscielny, Walcott and Ozil
Former Manchester United player Gary Neville has criticized Arsenal trio Laurent Koscielny, Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil following their performances during Gunners’ 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.
The pundit told Sky Sports News after the game that the trio are not putting in their best for the club.
“I might be being a bit harsh here, but I’m going to say them anyway. Koscielny always goes off. He’s a centre-back. He plays to half-time and then goes off. He might have a bit of a problem with his Achilles and I might be being very harsh, but he went off against Bayern Munich and went off in a big game today.”
“Walcott trudges off the pitch. He hasn’t played well, but his attitude is, ‘I’ve scored a goal, you shouldn’t take me off.’ Yes you should, you were poor and that’s a matter of fact. Mesut Ozil goes through on goal and bottles out of a challenge when his manager’s backside is on the line. Go for a 50-50 or nick in front and win a penalty.
On Ozil, he added that, “I can’t be watching him playing football sometimes, someone who has so much talent. when you watch Messi and Ronaldo give their all in every match, Ozil struts around like a worker in a coal mine.”
There’s three instances today and I’m being harsh, but if you’re talking about throwing the cat among the pigeons, let’s do it. Let’s throw it out there. Arsene Wenger deserved for Koscielny to at least have a go for five minutes in the second half. Go on mate, have a go for us. No, he didn’t.”
“Theo Walcott should sprint off the pitch and shake the manager’s hand and say, ‘Thanks very much for giving me a game today. I’m lucky.’ Mesut Ozil should go for a 50-50 with the goalkeeper. That would help, wouldn’t it?”
Neymar nets 100th goal for Barcelona
Yesterday was a memorable day for Barcelona star, Neymar as he netted his 100th goal for Barcelona during their clash with Granada. He becomes the 3rd Brazilian to score 100 goals for Barcelona in all competitions after Rivaldo (130) & Evaristo (105). he has now joined the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Samuel Eto’o and Rivaldo in #Barcelona‘s 100 club.
Breakdown of his goals,
70 with his right
24 with his left
6 with his head
The 25 year-old dedicated the historic feat to his teammates saying, “My 100 goals with Barcelona are dedicated to my teammates.”
“Neymar is one of the most unbalancing players in the world (for opposition defences) & his signing by this club was a great decision. His stats are those of a beast. He was right to come to Barça. I hope he scores 900 more goals” Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique stated.
Meanwhile, the former Santos player is reportedly considering approaches from Manchester United and Chelsea FC, with Man United willing to pay his £170m release clause.
Our Top 10 reactions to Chelsea's loss to Crystal Palace
So the world saw red after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace today, their fourth loss of the season. Chelsea impressed but, life happened…and people just need to cut the table-toppers some slack. A bad game and the internet is upside down. Common!
Check out our best reactions on social media.
Chelsea lost but I can't even troll them before someone reminds me that Wenger is still my manager and I'm 6th on the table. 😥
— Mazi Olisaemeka C. ™ (@OlisaOsega) April 1, 2017
Chelsea fans calling for Costa's head makes me wish they had Zlatan or Rashford to lead their line so they can properly die of frustration
— sensei. (@sholanextdoor) April 1, 2017
Can't even begin to imagine the amount of money NAIRABET and co would have made off that Chelsea loss. Like, 98% of tickets burnt. 😂😂
— Babanla (@biolakazeem) April 1, 2017
Wife: Honey did Chelsea win???
Husband: pic.twitter.com/pE28roHxt1
— 🧞♂️الإقليم (@___ZillahThis) April 1, 2017
Just came out of work to see Chelsea has lost…. nice April Fools, now where's the real result?
— Thoughts (@EllisJBrice) April 1, 2017
This is just Chelsea's April fools to make rivals think they still have a chance at the title.
— ∞ (@TheFalseNein) April 1, 2017
Has anyone tried eating gala with "Chelsea" dry gin? Walahi you will 1-2 cry 😢
— DandyPamaFanClub™ (@DandyPamaFC) April 1, 2017
https://twitter.com/Asadinho11/status/848271667977703431
#CrystalPalace fans celebrate after beating #Chelsea at #stamfordbridge today pic.twitter.com/gczxzwpjEb
— Martin Dalton Photo (@MartinDaltonPix) April 1, 2017
Benteke should be charged for murder for that Chelsea goal.
He murdered the defense. 😂😂.. #PMFootball
— POOJA… (@PoojaMedia) April 1, 2017
Real Madrid sign the largest advertising deal in Spanish history
Real Madrid have signed a two-year deal with telecommunication giants, Telefonica. The advertising deal worth €15 million is believed to be the largest in Spanish history. as their official digital sponsor. The Spanish telecommunications provider has with the Santiago Bernabeu outfit which will commence now and will last until the end of next season. As per the official statement by Los Blancos, Telefonica are their connecting partner.
Speaking in a press conference attended by club president Florentino Perez along with Telefonica president Jose Alvarez Pallete and members of the first team squad of the football and basketball teams, Perez said: “Telefónica and Real Madrid have sealed an important deal today that is founded on faith and loyalty. Telefónica, one of the most prestigious companies worldwide, will be a great ally and technological partner. Together we will be stronger as we conquer the future. This deal looks to strengthen our ambitions for today and tomorrow.”
https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/847446220549369856
As part of the deal, Telefonica will be granted access to the image rights of the players and the club while the telecommunications giants will install Wi-Fi across the Santiago Bernabeu apart from developing an app for Real Madrid fans.
'Teddy bear' Messi doesn't deserve 4 game-ban – Maradona
Diego Maradona has put up an interesting defence for Lionel Messi who was handed a 4-game ban few days ago for allegedly insulting a match official. The Argentine legend claimed the punishment meted out to the Barcelona talisman was exaggerated adding that his countryman is a teddy bear and a sensational person.
He has however vowed to to lobby FIFA over the four-match ban. He told radio show La Oral Deportivo: ‘I am going to speak with Infantino, I think it’s terrible. Four games is a lot. The seriousness of Messi’s words are also very strong, but I think it [the suspension] can be changed. He is a sensational person and doesn’t do anything except train. He is a teddy bear with his team-mates, with everyone.’
Messi missed Argentina’s clash with Bolivia this week and will miss three more qualifiers.
We won't break the vault to sign Neymar – Mourinho
Jose Mourinho has likened Manchester United’s chances of signing Barcelona’s Neymar to the breaking a vault. The Brazilian has again been linked with Old Trafford, a week after revealing his ambitions for the Premier League and confessing his admiration for 4 clubs in England; Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal. Mourinho insists the move is not feasible as the Catalans will never part ways with one of their huge assets.
The Portuguese told ESPN, ‘I always try to be objective and pragmatic with the clubs and ask the clubs for what can be given to me. Neymar is absurd, A club like Barcelona cannot and will not lose Neymar. Although Messi is still a young player with years to go, he is already 30, and Neymar will be the great player of Barcelona after Messi. I think (trying to sign him is like) going to try to break into a safe, impossible.’