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According to Madrid newspaper ‘AS’, Egyptian wonderboy Mohamed Salah is reportedly being targeted as an alternative choice to Atletico’s Antoine Griezmann by Barcelona.

The news could mean a radical change in the transfer market, and it could become one of the best stories this sumer. ‘AS’ reports that the process started when Salah’s inner circle began holding meetings with Barca club hierarchy.

In this sense, the Catalan giants are suggesting the possibility of bringing the Egyptian and not Griezmann particularly as in recent weeks, the Frenchman’s interest in forcing through a move has waned.

The feeling of stepping out onto the pitch for your country in a World Cup final is something truly special. Luis Monti was lucky enough to experience that feeling twice during his career, though curiously, he did so with two different countries: first with Argentina and then Italy.

Plenty of countries have played in back-to-back World Cup finals, Italy did it in 1934 and 1938, Brazil in 1958 and 62 and again in 1998 and 2002, Holland did it in 1974 and 1978 and Argentina managed it in 1986 and 1990.

As a result, there are a handful of players who have played in two World Cup finals, but none quite like

Monti was a losing finalist with Argentina during the inaugural World Cup in Uruguay in 1930, only to go one better four years later with Italy.

Born in Buenos Aires in 1901, Monti was a native Argentine, starting his career with Huracán, before moving on to Boca Juniors and San Lorenzo.

A talented defensive midfielder, Monti was considered one of the best players in South America by the time the first ever World Cup was held in 1930.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/06/the-only-player-to-have-played-in-two-world-cup-finals-for-two-different-countries/#ixzz5HbJHRYfa

Manchester United have completed the signing of Porto right-back Diogo Dalot for a fee of £19m.

The 19-year-old has made just seven senior appearances for Porto since making his debut in October, however, is considered by Jose Mourinho to be “the best young full-back in Europe.”

The Portugal U21 international has signed a five-year deal at Old Trafford.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/06/official-manchester-united-sign-portos-dalot-for-19m/#ixzz5Hb8l9LOj

Reports in England claim that Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini could follow in the footsteps of former tea-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan this summer by joining Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Fellaini contract with the ‘Red Devils’ is due to expire this month and he is currently weighing up his options, with a new deal at Old Trafford among them.

Fallen Italian giants AC Milan are one of the sides to have been heavily linked with Fellaini as they look to build a side capable of restoring them to their former glory.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/05/fellaini-is-reportedly-on-arsenals-radar/#ixzz5HabfxKD8

Midfielder Yaya Toure accused Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola of having “issues with Africans” in an interview to be published on Tuesday by France Football magazine.

“He insists he has no problems with black players because he’s too clever to be caught out,” Toure mentioned. “However when you realise that he has problems with Africans, wherever he goes, I ask myself questions.”

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/04/toure-guardiola-has-problems-with-black-players/#ixzz5HTtJs2BN

Shkodran Mustafi has waded into the eternal Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo debate, siding with the Barcelona star.

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi has explained why he thinks Lionel Messi is a tougher opponent than Cristiano Ronaldo.

Barcelona superstar Messi enjoyed another scintillating season, plundering 45 goals in all competitions in 2017-18, and geared up for the World Cup with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 4-0 win over Haiti on Wednesday.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/04/messi-was-my-hardest-opponent/#ixzz5HPpPizxG

Jurgen Klopp received the highest share of votes from Real Madrid supporters in a poll about who they need to replace Zinedine Zidane at the helm of the club.

Klopp was the clear favourite amongst ‘Los Blancos’ faithful, winning the poll with 29 percent of the vote, regardless of his Liverpool side losing to Real in last week’s Champions League final.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/03/klopp-emerges-as-madrids-supporters-favourite-candidate/#ixzz5HP0AeJF0

After months of speculation, Barcelona confirmed on Sunday that defender Samuel Umtiti has agreed on a new five-year contract with the club.



The news will come as a terrific boost to manager Ernesto Valverde as he looks to build on his facet‘s domestic double win this season.

The French international has been a revelation at the Camp Nou since joining the club type Lyon in 2016, although the presence of a release clause in his contract had led to reports of interest from Manchester United.

Nevertheless, Barca fans can now rest easy, with the man from Yaoundé having agreed fresh terms that can see him prolong his stay in Catalonia through until 2023.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/03/breaking-news-umtiti-has-signed-a-new-deal-until-2023/#ixzz5HOgqA4nS

Neymar made his return to competitive action on Sunday as he came off the bench for Brazil at half-time of their friendly against Croatia and he wasted little time in getting back on the scoresheet.



The PSG star had been out of action for 3 months following foot surgey, with Tite using the game to give him some much-needed game time ahead of the World Cup.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/03/neymar-marked-his-return-with-a-fine-individual-goal/#ixzz5HOZS345R

Chelsea have spoken to Slavisa Jokanovic about taking over from Antonio Conte as manager, according to Rumours in Italy.

Maurizio Sarri was the favourite to succeed Conte at Stamford Bridge however negotiations have broken down with Napoli as a result of concerns around his past behaviour.

Chelsea are yet to resolve Conte’s awkward situation at the club, with the Italian set for a £9million compensation payout should he get the sack.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/03/abramovich-holds-meeting-with-ex-chelsea-player-over-replacing-conte/#ixzz5HNrTAz8O

Germany captain Manuel Neuer’s comeback led to defeat by Austria in a friendly delayed by 105 minutes due to heavy rain in Klagenfurt.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/06/03/austria-have-won-against-germany-for-the-first-time-in-32-years/#ixzz5HK07OA35

Former Arsenal manager without a club but has made it clear he would be interested in taking on another job



ARSENE WENGER is the favourite with bookies to become the next Real Madrid manager after Zinedine Zidane’s shock departure.

Wenger left Arsenal after 22 years at the club at the end of the season but despite Zidane winning a third consecutive Champions League on Saturday, has just announced his resignation.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/31/arsene-wenger-favourite-to-be-named-next-real-madrid-manager-as-zinedine-zidane-announces-shock-resignation/#ixzz5H3N5NO2K

The Frenchman has grown bored since his departure from England and is eyeing a move to a different club to satisfy his hunger for football

Arsene Wenger has revealed he’s already bored of being out of work and wants to be tested at a top club.

The Frenchman left Arsenal at the end of the season after 22 years in charge, being replaced by Unai Emery.

Wenger maintained he was not planning on retiring when he left north London, and his need to return to the game has returned a lot quicker than anticipated.

The 68-year-old says he feels addicted to soccer and is already ready to take on another coaching role as a result of he has grown bored since leaving the Gunners.

“It is thrilling now because I can be tested again. That’s what I need in my life,” he informed beIN SPORTS. “I am a competitor who needs to be tested.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/31/wenger-ready-to-feed-football-addiction-with-ambitious-club/#ixzz5H2v1KNx7

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Brazilian Fred, based on reports.



The Red Devils are assured of completing the deal within the coming days and believe they are going to be able to sign the midfielder at a lowered price.

Shakhtar Donetsk want Fred’s full £52.5million release clause up front, however United are hopeful they will negotiate a fee that will rise to that figure

The Manchester Night News claim Fred’s representatives traveled to London ahead of player and there are only a few more details to iron out.

Fred is on international obligation with Brazil ahead of the World Cup next month and is presently in London.

Brazil have been training at Tottenham’s grounds ahead of a friendly against Croatia at Anfield on Saturday.
Deal close: Man Utd planning unveiling of £52.5m signing at multiple locations

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Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/30/manchester-united-are-closing-in-on-the-signing-of-52-5million-transfer-of-fred/#ixzz5H1y71zVn

Former Chelsea and England star John Terry is leaving Aston Villa after the club failed to earn promotion to the Premier League.

John Terry will leave Aston Villa after just one season after they were unable to gain promotion from the Championship, the club has confirmed.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/30/john-terry-leaves-aston-villa/#ixzz5H1ZODgDm

Based on the ‘Daily Mail’, Porto right-back Diogo Dalot is near completing a transfer to Manchester United after the club met the buy-out clause in his contract.



The ‘Red Devils’ seem to have secured their first signing of the summer for £17.4million as they appear to find a replacement for 33-year-old captain Antonio Valencia.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/29/manchester-united-meet-buy-out-clause-for-porto-right-back/#ixzz5Gk3VrxWG

Julen Lopetegui has reportedly made it very clear: if Spain is awarded a penalty throughout the World Cup, David Silva shall be in charge of taking it.



That is what has been reported by Spanish newspaper ‘AS’, who claims that Silva has been chosen ahead of fellow skilled players such as Sergio Ramos, ‘La Roja’s captain.

Although yet to be made official, Lopetegui has allegedly informed his team so that there may be “order” during play.

In addition, Silva is not going to only take penalties however the midfielder will be in charge of taking all set-pieces awarded to Spain except he decides otherwise.

Silva will also be Spain’s third captain, behind Ramos and Andres Iniesta.

Silva

This choice solely confirms Lopetegui’s confidence in Silva, who featured in all of Spain’s qualification games for the upcoming summer event.

With 35 goals, Silva the highest scorer in the squad going to be Russia and his experience will undoubtedly be invaluable.

The 2010 World Cup winners will start their warm-up friendlies on Sunday, against Switzerland, before taking on Tunisia on June 9.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/29/lopetegui-selects-spains-world-cup-penalty-taker/#ixzz5GjqtzMIM

From the peaks of the Andes to the jungles of the Amazon, Peru is alive with anticipation for the World Cup, despite the absence of star player Paolo Guerrero.



Even without their captain, who is serving a controversial doping suspension, coach and former Argentine international Ricardo Gareca are confident they can make an impact after qualifying for the finals for the first time in 36 years.

“All the obstacles that we face — we are going to resolve them on and off the pitch,” said the manager, who has become a hero to Peruvians.

They open their campaign against Denmark on June 16 in Saransk, followed by a clash against powerhouse France on June 21 in Yekaterinburg. Rounding out their Group C fixtures is a meeting with Australia in Sochi on June 26.

Guerrero, 34, tested positive for traces of cocaine after a World Cup qualifier between Peru and Argentina on October 5.

Initially banned for a year, it was later reduced to six months on appeal last December. That ban ended on May 3, making Guerrero eligible to play at the June 14-July 15 World Cup in Russia.

But the emblematic Peru captain wanted the ban annulled and arrived at the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing two weeks ago flanked by lawyers.

The World Anti Doping Body (WADA) retaliated, appealing to CAS to uphold their original sanction, and sport’s top arbitration court responded by increasing Guerrero’s ban.

The player and the Peruvian Football Federation President Edwin Oviedo then met FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Zurich, but afterwards, a statement from world football’s ruling body said it was virtually powerless to change final decisions by the Swiss-based CAS.

His last hope now lies with the Swiss Federal Court, the country’s highest court, where he lodged an appeal on May 25.

Nevertheless, Peru’s qualification for football’s elite competition has been a welcome boost for a nation long resigned to watching the action from the sidelines.

The last time Peru participated in a World Cup was the 1982 tournament held in Spain. Eight finals have come and gone since.

Peru was held to a goalless draw with Cameroon, drew 1-1 with Italy, and then lost 5-1 to Poland as they bowed out in the group stage.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/29/peru-excited-for-first-world-cup-in-36-years/#ixzz5GjmmPzis

Lionel Messi is so desperate to win the World Cup with Argentina that he would trade success with Barcelona to triumph in Russia this summer.

Messi, 30, has been on the losing side in four finals with Argentina, including the World Cup final in 2014 against Germany in Brazil.

Titles with Barca have not been so hard to come by — Messi has won 32 trophies since making his first-team debut, including a domestic double this season.

However, he says he would be willing to forgo another title with the Catalan club if it meant he could finally get his hands on the World Cup trophy.

“Winning the World Cup is a huge personal challenge for me, for the group [of players Argentina have] and for the country, who have the same dreams as us,” he told El Trece. “It’s a nice responsibility to represent a whole country at a World Cup.

“I would swap a title with Barcelona for one with the national team. While I want to win things again with my club, I want to win something with the national team.

“I know it would be special for what it means, to be [world] champions with Argentina would be different to everything, it would be something unique.”

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/29/lionel-messi-i-would-swap-barcelona-title-for-argentina-world-cup-success/#ixzz5Gjkd1xff

3. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

44 goals in 44 games. the Egyptian enjoyed a simply stunning debut campaign with the ‘Reds’, brekaing all manner of records as he announced his arrival among Europe’s elite forwards.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

44 goals in 44 games. A disappointing first half of the season was put to bed in fine fashion as the Portuguese plundered goals left, right and centre following the turn of the year. His 15 goals in the Champions League were key in helping his side claim their third straight European crown.

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

45 goals in 54 games. Messi claimed yet another Golden Boot following another topscoring season in La Liga. His performances as Barca claimed a League and Cup double led to may calling Barca a ‘one-man team’.


Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/28/the-10-top-goalscorers-of-2017-18-in-all-competitions/#ixzz5GiV3RSPo

Sergio Ramos’ challenge on Mohamed Salah was similar to wrestling, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp compared Sergio Ramos’ challenge on Mohamed Salah in the Champions League final to wrestling.

Salah came off in tears half an hour into Liverpool’s 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in Kiev on Saturday after hurting his shoulder under a challenge from Ramos.

Klopp was unhappy with the tangle, which the Egyptian Football Association said had left Salah with ligament damage in his shoulder.

“Congratulations to Real Madrid, [it’s] not to forget they won the Champions League. Of course it was a big moment in the game,” the German told a news conference.

“I know if you say something like that after a game you lost, it sounds like you are a little bit a bad loser but it was, for me, kind of a harsh challenge.

“It’s like wrestling a little bit and it’s unlucky then that Mo fell on his shoulder.”

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/27/sergio-ramos-challenge-on-mohamed-salah-was-similar-to-wrestling-klopp/#ixzz5Gi2vrR9X

Based on Egyptian newspaper ‘Al Ahram’, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has reassured his family that he’ll take part in this summer‘s World Cup in Russia.



In an alleged phone conversation together with his family in Nigrig, his hometown located 150 kilometres north of Cairo, Salah confirmed that he will be at the World Cup, which kicks off in less than three weeks.

He reportedly explained to his household that the first X-rays do not show a left shoulder fracture or any critical damage. Though he’ll conduct further tests on Monday to find out the extent of the damage.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/27/salah-tells-family-i-am-going-to-the-world-cup/#ixzz5GhKzskSK

Cristiano Ronaldo gave no guarantees over his Real Madrid future, although the star mentioned his comments were mistimed.



Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo accepted casting doubt over his future was mistimed, however, he gave no assurance after his side‘s Champions League success.

Ronaldo, 33, became the first player to win 5 Champions League titles after Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool in Kiev on Saturday.

However the Portugal international threatened to overshadow that success by hinting at a shock exit in the post-match.

Ronaldo mentioned his comments were mistimed after his team‘s win, which was inspired by a Gareth Bale brace.

“I spoke and I shouldn’t have said it, however, something is going to happen,” he told reporters.

“It’s not the right time yet, however, I was sincere. I’ll say something in a week as a result of the fans have always supported me and they’re in my heart.”

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/27/i-shouldnt-have-done-it-ronaldo-accepts-future-comments-mistimed/#ixzz5GhHDZy1E

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted that he could leave Real Madrid this summer following his side’s victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final.

Zinedine Zidane’s side have won the trophy for the third consecutive season after Karim Benzema’s goal and Gareth Bale’s double sealed a 3-1 win over Jurgen Klopp’s men in Kiev.

For Ronaldo, it was the fifth Champions League victory of his career but after the game, the 33-year-old indicated that his future at Madrid is not certain.

‘It was very nice to be in Madrid,’ he told beIN Sports.

‘In the next few days I will give an answer to the fans, who have always been by my side.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/27/cristiano-ronaldo-hints-he-could-quit-real-madrid-after-champions-league-final-win/#ixzz5GfitqASk

Sergio Ramos has been criticised after he was seen laughing and smiling as Mohamed Salah walked out of the Champions League final with a shoulder injury.

Liverpool’s talisman was forced off within the 31st minute after being hauled to the ground by the Real Madrid captain.

Ramos hooked Salah by the arm and the Egyptian landed awkwardly as he fell.

Salah was in tears as he left the pitch and his hopes of playing for Egypt at the World Cup this summer at the moment are in jeopardy.

In the meantime, subsequent television footage caught Ramos laughing and smiling with the assistant referee on the same time Salah was walking off the pitch.

Damn Ramos laughs to cause Salah to exit the game �� Dirty game of Madrid � pic.twitter.com/tiWx3qqr5o

— خالد المرباطي (@ayoobifm) May 26, 2018


Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/27/sergio-ramos-slammed-for-laughing-as-mohamed-salah-left-pitch-with-injury/#ixzz5GfZ9P8gP

Real madrid third consecutive win means that champion league is now alittle thing to win for zidane....Sportblitzz.com

Vissel Kobe has announced a news conference for Thursday and Barcelona icon Andres Iniesta has confirmed he’s on his way to Japan – his ‘new home.’



Andres Iniesta seems to have confirmed he will be joining Vissel Kobe by announcing he’s en path to Japan.

The Barcelona icon revealed at the end of last month he would be leaving Camp Nou after 16 seasons on the club, throughout which he won 9 LaLiga titles and the Champions League 4 times.

After reports of a switch to Chongqing Lifan were denied by the Chinese Super League side, Kobe emerged as the surprise frontrunners for Iniesta’s signature.

And on Wednesday the Spain midfielder posted a photograph of himself on board an aircraft with Japanese billionaire Hiroshi Mikitani, the owner of the J-League club.







“Heading to my new home, with my friend,” Iniesta wrote, mentioning Mikitani in his tweet.

Mikitani is the chief executive of Rakuten, the electronics company that is the shirt sponsor of Barca.

The businessman also posted a photograph to social media, posing with Iniesta outside the aircraft with the message: “Going back to Tokyo with my friend.”

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/24/barcelona-icon-andres-iniesta-has-confirmed-he-is-on-his-way-to-japan/#ixzz5GNmLiQ6M

Reigns spoke to the Daily Express during the recent WWE European tour. I thank Wrestling Inc. for the quote.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/18/roman-reigns-speaks-his-mind-about-brock-lesnars-potential-ufc-return/#ixzz5FplCPkQ9

According to Rumours in Brazil, Dani Alves has been ruled out of selection for the World Cup because of the injury he picked up whereas playing for PSG.

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/11/dani-alves-ruled-out-of-world-cup/#ixzz5FEXJC8v8

If you take a look into the stats, it quickly becomes evident that Lionel Messi has had a much better season than Cristiano Ronaldo in La Liga. Is this the reason for the gulf between the two sides?

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/04/la-liga-17-18-messi-miles-ahead-cristiano/#ixzz5EXfnHmSZ

Atletico Madrid with a deserved victory after a fine display
90+4′
That’s it! The referee blows the final whistle

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/03/live-atletico-madrid-0-0-arsenal/#ixzz5ETUoH0n9

Antoine Griezmann provided the assist for the goal.
45+2′
G O O O A A A L – Diego Costa with the goal!

Read more: https://sportblitzz.com/2018/05/03/live-atletico-madrid-0-0-arsenal/#ixzz5ENawyc97