Premier League return?
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are leaving the MLS.
Lampard who joined NYCFC from Manchester City in 2015 and netted 15 goals in 31 appearances made the confirmation on his instagram account.
“As my time at NYCFC comes to an end I would like to thank so many people for the kindness and support that they have shown me over the last two years,” Lampard wrote in a statement on his instagram account. My teammates have been a pleasure to play alongside. The amazing fans have given me incredible support and backing. All the people that work behind the scenes at NYCFC have made it so easy for me to work and settle here. I have very much enjoyed my time, and I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to play for such a great club and in such an incredible city. I leave with many great memories as I embark on the next stage of my career and I’ll be making an announcement very soon.” He wrote
Gerrard’s spell might also be over at the US club. The Liverpool legend who signed an 18-month deal with the MLS side in January 2015 gave a hint on his instagram page. He captioned a picture on his instagram account: “Special place incredible view I will miss you LA.”
Both Lampard and Gerrard scored 20 goals in 67 games between them.
Reports: Messi will not renew his contract with Barcelona
According to spanish media outfit, Marca, Lionel Messi won’t renew with Barcelona mainly due to tax problems in Spain and will see out current his deal before deciding his future. The newspaper claimed the 29 year-old whose current contract with the Catalans ends on June 30, 2018 made the decision in July 2016 during a family vacation in Ibiza. Messi’s representatives and Barcelona have reportedly not made any official contacts since July.
Mikel denies being punished by Chelsea
Nigerian midfielder, John Mikel Obi has rubbished comments credited to the Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr claiming he was being punished at Chelsea for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in August. Mikel maintained that the national team manager’s remark was taken out of context by the Nigerian media adding that he got the club’s backing to attend the event. The 29 year-old has however released a statement to that effect.
“I’d like to clarify that the recent media claim that I’ve been punish the Suoeed by Chelsea for participating at the Rio 2016 Olympics are completely inaccurate.
“Unfortunately, comments made by Gernot Rohr before yesterday’s 3-1 win over Algeria were both mistranslated and taken out of context by the Nigerian media as English isn’t Mr Rohr’s or much of the Nigerian media’s first language.
“To be absolute clear, Mr Conte and Chelsea were always in support of my captaincy of the Nigerian team in Rio.
“The manager gave me his full blessing to participate at the Olympics and even encouraged me to bring back the gold medal- something I spoke to the media about that time.
“It goes without saying that there’s nothing but absolute respect between myself, the Nigerian national team and Chelsea FC, something that was demonstrated by Mr Rohr’s recent visit to Cobhams.
“My only focus now is on winning more silverware with Chelsea and getting Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup. Two challenges I can’t wait to face.”
World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles beat Algeria
Two goals from Victor Moses and one from John Obi Mikel gave Nigeria the expected win over Algeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Moses who is in top form for both country and club opened the scoring for the Eagles in the 24th minute before sealing the victory with another goal in added minutes and that earned him the man of the match honour.
Mikel who scored his 5th goal in 76 appearances for the Eagles also put up a very impressive display.
Nigeria has now secured 6 points from 2 games and are now in firm control of group B
Cristiano Ronaldo wins 2016 Goal50 award.
Cristiano Ronaldo has had a very momentous week.
The Portuguese signed a new Real Madrid contract worth £19m-a-year, a whooping new Nike life-time deal worth £21m-a-year and he’s just picked the #Goal50 prize for best player in the world for 2015/16 season. He dethroned arch rival, Lionel Messi to win the prize.
From firing home the penalty that handed his side the 2015/2016 UEFA Champions league trophy to inspiring Portugal to Euro 2016 glory, the Real Madrid star has enjoyed a wonderful 2015/2016 campaign and is in a pole position to win the next FIFA Ballon d’Or award.
“It is an honour to receive this recognition again”. Said Ronaldo who has now won the award for the 4th time. It’s for all my teammates at Real Madrid and in the national team. I feel very happy and proud. Nothing is achieved without ambition, personal effort and without a team of colleagues and workers who support you day in day out. That day-day is the most important thing.”
The 31 year-old said while receiving the award in Madrid.
Gernot Rohr reckons Mikel is being punished by Chelsea
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr reckons Chelsea are punishing Mikel Obi for participating in the RIO 2016 Olympics. The Blues midfielder hasn’t laced his boot for the premier league outfit this season and Nigeria’s chief technical adviser claims he is being snubbed for missing out on pre-season preparations.
Speaking at a press conference in Uyo, the German said,
“I can never punish a player because he played for his country, and I am not happy with what is happening to Mikel at his club because he is my captain. The only thing that has not made Mikel to play for Chelsea this season is because he went with the U23 team that won bronze at the 2016 Olympics games, and that is why he is being punished. He has not featured under the new coach, Conte, since then. But I will still build the team playing against Algeria around him because he is in a good shape and fit for the match. Besides, Mikel is committed to the national team and he is a source of motivation to the other players.”
Neymar reaches goalscoring landmark for Brazil
Neymar reached a goalscoring landmark in the colours of Brazil yesterday as his side romped Argentina 3-0 in their 2018 World Cup Qualifier. At 24, the former Santos player has become the youngest South American or European player to net 50 international goals. He’s 27 away from legend, Pele’s record for Brazil. He also recorded 30 assists in 74 caps. Neymar is now fourth on Brazil’s list of all-time top goalscorers
Brazil’s top scorers
77 – Pele
62 – Ronaldo
55 – Romario
50 – Neymar
Hector Bellerin signs new 6-year contract to join top earners at Arsenal
Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin has put pen to paper a new 6-year deal which has seen him become one of the club’s top earners on over £100,000 per week.
The Spanish right back’s contract worth about £30million was also to fence off interests from other clubs; specifically Barcelona and Manchester City.
Gareth Bale named 2016 Wales Player Of The Year
Real Madrid star, Gareth Bale has for the sixth time in 7 years emerged Wales´ Player Of The Year. The Welsh star who has been in a scintillating form in the year received the honour at a ceremony at the Football Association of Wales (FAW) awards on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old who had an impressive outing at the Euro 2016 semi-finals is also on course to become the country’s all-time leading goalscorer.
“Massive honour to be named @FAWales Player of the Year! Big thank you to all the Boys, Staff and Fans #TogetherStronger ” He wrote.
NFF unable to pay clearing costs of new Nike kit
We heard about NFF’s financial crisis but when did things go this bad?
According to reports, Nigeria are yet to pay the clearing costs of the new Nike kit which was unveiled few months ago.
The solid green kit with white ribbing around the back of the modern crewneck collar is made with breathable, mesh fabric for optimal ventilation and sweat-wicking for lightweight comfort.
Albeit the team would don the shirt against Algeria this weekend the bulk of the consignment is still at the ports.
“They have been there for weeks and we have been unable to pay the clearing costs because the federation has no money,” a top official told KweséSports.
Credit: kwesesports.com