Manchester United have signed Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, in a swap deal with midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan.



Chile forward Sanchez, 29, who almost joined Manchester City last summer, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

City decided earlier this month that they would not pursue their interest in him as they felt making him their best-paid player may affect team morale.

Mkhitaryan, 29, moves in the opposite direction to Sanchez after scoring 13 goals in 63 appearances for United.

The Armenia international moved to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund for £26.3m in July 2016.

He has made only 10 Premier League starts this season and it is understood there was a breakdown in trust with Mourinho, who has made Sanchez his first signing of the January transfer window.

PLAYER PROFILE

Alexis Sanchez began his career as a youth player for Cobreloa at age 17, completing a season at the club before relocating to Italy to play for Udinese in 2006. He won his first trophies in the following seasons, winning consecutive league titles in loans spells to Colo-Colo and River Plate. In 2008, he returned to Udinese, becoming an integral member of the team in his first full season at the club. After three fruitful seasons in Italy, Sanchez moved to Barcelona in a transfer worth €30m (£25m), becoming the most expensive Chilean player of all time.

In his first season at Barcelona, Sanchez starred in an attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and David Villa, helping the club win the Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup.

Source : http://www.ocngist.com/2018/01/official-man-united-sign-alexis-sanchez.html

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved one ahead of Lionel Messi in the race to score 100 goals in the Champions League for the same club side.

The Portugal star netted twice in Real Madrid's 6-0 thrashing of APOEL on Tuesday to move onto 98 in the famous white shirt.

He is one above Messi in this particular scoring stat, with the Barcelona man sitting on 97 ahead of his side's clash with Juventus on Wednesday.

Ronaldo also broke his own record for Champions League goals in a calendar year, moving onto 18 for 2017 with his double in Cyprus to surpass his previous best of 15 two years ago.

98 - Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored more goals for the same club than any other player in #UCL history (Lionel Messi, 97).

Source : http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/ronaldo-overtakes-messi-in-champions.html

Ibrahimovic will start with bench role, says Mourinho

http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/ibrahimovic-will-start-with-bench-role.html

Man Utd v Newcastle preview

http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/man-utd-v-newcastle-preview.html

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho has revealed that Marcos Rojo, Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are all in contention to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.
Speaking exclusively to MUTV at the Aon Training Complex on Friday afternoon, the manager told Helen Evans: “The players that stayed here and [were] recovering from injuries, even the ones that are recovering from big injuries, they are ready to play.” Read more : http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/ibrahimovic-and-pogba-back-in-man.html

Real Betis “believe they are close to pulling off a massive coup”, according to the Mirror. In these days of military takeovers of African quasi-dictatorships you might think that football gossipmongers might have temporarily scaled back on their use of the word “coup”, but no. Here it is in black and white, and being used to describe the future planning of a certain Jack Wilshere. The player, whose contract at Arsenal ends...read more : http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/football-transfer-rumours-marouane.html

According to Don Balon, the Portugal star has ‘dropped the bombshell’ and told president Florentino Perez that he wants to leave Real Madrid.

The report claims that Cristiano no longer feels valued by the club and wants the club to accept his wish and facilitate his exit next summer.

Read more : http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/cristiano-ronaldo-asks-for-shock-prem.html

West Brom pair Nacer Chadli and James Morrison have been ruled out of Saturday's game against Chelsea.

Chadli could be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a hip injury in training on Thursday, while Morrison has had Achilles surgery.

Chelsea are without Michy Batshuayi and Charly Musonda because of respective ankle and knee problems.

Victor Moses remains out but Gary Cahill and Danny Drinkwater are both fit after minor injuries.

David Luiz will travel with the Chelsea squad. The Brazilian was not even a substitute in the Blues' last game, with boss Antonio Conte confirming his omission was tactical.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41951917

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been seeded in Pot 4 of the 2018 FIFA World Cup draw which will hold on Friday, December 1.

With Peru completing the line-up for the 32 teams for the 2018 World Cup, FIFA have unveiled the seeding pots for the Final Draw...

Source : http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/reason-why-nigeria-got-seeded-in-pot-4.html

TOP 10 GOALKEEPER MAGICAL GOALS

Source : http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/top-10-goalkeeper-magical-goals.html

Manchester City publish club statement on Sergio Aguero after collapse

http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/manchester-city-have-released-official.html

Neymar has what it takes to turn out for Real Madrid. But will they accept him?


When Neymar joined FC Barcelona back in 2013, after completing his transfer from Santos, many thought that the Catalans had found the heir to Argentinian star Lionel Messi, and that the rising Brazilian was there to stay, for many years.

However, here we are in 2017, and Neymar has switched forces to French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain. Despite a successful start with the Ligue 1 side, having already scored 11 goals and mustered eight assists in just 12 games, the Spanish press has been increasingly linking the winger with a surprise move to Real Madrid, after the 2018 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in Russia.

Here are five reasons why we believe that Neymar wearing the white jersey one day is far from an impossible scenario.

5 His discontent with the Barcelona board


Many Brazilian reports confirmed that Neymar had been planning a move away from Barcelona for over a year, with his agent Jorge Mendes having reportedly sat with Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser el Khelaifi in Ibiza in summer 2016, to discuss the possibility of a future transfer.

It was clear that Neymar was not happy with the Barça board. In fact, the Brazilian never pledged eternal loyalty to the club whenever he was asked if he would like to experience the English Premier League, or even return to Brazil, one day.

2002 World Cup hero Ronaldo revealed during a recent interview that the reason he left Barcelona for Internazionale in 1997 was down to the awful treatment he had endured at the hands of the Catalan board. Ronaldo went on to confirm that he completely understood Neymar's decision to leave, as he was talking from personal experience.

A bad relationship with Barcelona is enough to remove the suggestion that there is a veto from Neymar's side over joining Real Madrid one day, just because they are eternal rivals of his former club. In fact, the PSG man has taken Barça to court over a bonus close of over 20 million dollars that they have still not paid him.

4 The greatness of Real Madrid can lure any Brazilian


Real Madrid are considered by many to be the greatest club in the world. Some would disagree with this statement, but the stats don't lie - Madrid have won 12 UEFA Champions League titles, at least five more than their closest competitors, AC Milan.

In local Spanish football, no one has won as many La Liga titles as Los Blancos have. Add to that the fact Madrid have had some of the best Brazilian players throughout their history, and it is clear that they are easily one of the greatest sides in the world.

From Didi, Savio, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Robinho, to Ricardo Kaka, Marcelo and Carlos Henrique Casemiro - the Spanish capital-based club have always been an attractive destination for Brazilians.

As a matter of fact, Marcelo and Casemiro are currently considered to be essential elements at the club, and arguably the best in the world at their position, having won back-to-back Champions League titles. What makes this all the more impressive is that Madrid signed the two while they were still youngsters who had not proven themselves at the top level. The club was essential in their development, helping them reach their current status in world football.

With Real Madrid having already secured the services of Flamengo jewel Vinicius Junior who is set to join the club in 2019, Neymar could well be the leader of a large Brazilian contingent by that time.

3 To be Cristiano Ronaldo's heir


Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo might have been club rivals for a couple of seasons, but the two stars have always shared a relationship based on mutual respect. Their names have never been linked with controversy and the two have hardly ever taken digs at each other.

During The Best event organized by FIFA, to crown the number one player in the world in 2017, Neymar stated that Cristiano Ronaldo deserved to be the winner. Moments later, the Brazilian approached the Portuguese, right after he was crowned, and asked him for a selfie. It was a moment that certainly stole the attention of the worldwide press. It was a moment that highlighted the Brazilian's admiration for Cristiano.

Neymar could be tempted by the idea to team-up with Ronaldo in the latter's final few seasons at the club, in order to learn from a player who has been crowned the best in the world on five different occasions. He may also decide to be the Portuguese's successor the moment he leaves.

Ronaldo is almost 33 years old, and it won't be too long before he steps down from the scene. Replacing this legendary player is certainly easier said than done, but if any player can come close to filling his boots, it is Neymar Jr.

2 Real Madrid's captain has asked for Neymar


Earlier this week, Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos surprised the world by adding fuel to rumours emanating from the Spanish press, suggesting that Neymar's agent had already met with Florentino Pérez in order to discuss the possibility of a future transfer.

"I like the best players in the world to be at Real Madrid, and Neymar is certainly one of them. If it was up to me, I would have him at the club starting from January."

Those were the words that Ramos used to describe Neymar in an interview with Spanish media outlet El Larguero, sending a direct invitation to the Brazilian to switch forces and join the Catalans.

If we take a moment to dissect the situation, there are plenty of Real Madrid players who would get along with Neymar on and off the pitch. Marcelo, Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo are considered pivots at the club, and having them by your side would certainly make your integration easier.

Would it really be difficult for a player with Neymar's quality to adapt to life at Real Madrid? The chances are, he would immediately turn into a fan-favorite, slotting into the first team right away, ahead of the likes of Gareth Bale or even Karim Benzema, for that matter, as both of them have been out of form for a while now.

1 Neymar grew up as a Madrid fan, and idolizes Zidane


There are many reasons why a player would be tempted to join a specific team, but is there any better than fulfilling a childhood dream by playing for the club you grew up supporting?

As a matter of fact, in an interview with Spanish media outlet Marca 10 years ago, Neymar was directly asked to pick between Ricardo Kaka and Ronaldinho. The Brazilian's answer was, surprisingly, Zinedine Zidane.

Zidane has achieved enormous success during his ongoing spell in charge of Real Madrid. And despite a dip in form in the last two months, we should not be quick to forget that this team is the first in history to win back-to-back Champions League titles. The French manager has what it takes to bounce back from this current situation, and extend his spell in charge of the reigning champions of Spain. Would playing under the tutelage of his idol be a reason for Neymar to consider joining Madrid? The answer is, most likely yes.

Furthermore, in that very same interview, Neymar was asked about the club that he dreams to play for one day, and guess what his answer was. That's right, Real Madrid.

The Brazilian's departure from Barcelona in the summer was under far from ideal circumstances. His relationship with the board has gone from bad to worse. Real Madrid are arguably the biggest club in the world, with many Brazilians plying their trade at the Santiago Bernabéu. The possibility of seeing Neymar in a Madrid jersey one day is certainly a realistic one.

Source :http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/5-reasons-why-neymar-could-play-for.html

Buffon retires from international football after Italy miss out on World Cup.


Italy captain Gigi Buffon was in tears after the 0-0 draw with Sweden. “It’s a shame my last official game coincided with the failure to qualify for a World Cup.”

The Nazionale were unable to overturn the 1-0 first leg defeat in Solna and will not be going to Russia next summer. Buffon will also not become the first man ever to take...http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/gianluigi-buffon-confirms-his.html

The 39-year-old goalkeeper missed out on becoming the first Italian player to appear in six World Cups after the Azzurri fell to Sweden in a play-off


Gianluigi Buffon was in tears as he confirmed his retirement from international play after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and the football world reacted on Twitter.

The legendary goalkeeper had previously indicated his intention to step away from the Azzurri following the tournament in Russia. But Italy were eliminated from contention for the World Cup with a 0-0 second-leg draw against Sweden on Monday in Milan, as the visitors advanced on aggregate following a 1-0 win in the first leg.

Fans, players, clubs and news outlets reacted on social media as Buffon teared up during a post-match interview.

"I don't want to cry in front of the kids watching at home on TV who dream of playing for Italy," Buffon said in his heartbreaking remarks.

Check out the best Twitter reactions to Buffon hanging up his gloves on the international level:
http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/it-was-hard-not-to-cry-with-buffon.html

The 39-year-old goalkeeper missed out on becoming the first Italian player to appear in six World Cups after the Azzurri fell to Sweden in a play-off


Gianluigi Buffon was in tears as he confirmed his retirement from international play after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and the football world reacted on Twitter.

The legendary goalkeeper had previously indicated his intention to step away from the Azzurri following the tournament in Russia. But Italy were eliminated from contention for the World Cup with a 0-0 second-leg draw against Sweden on Monday in Milan, as the visitors advanced on aggregate following a 1-0 win in the first leg.

Fans, players, clubs and news outlets reacted on social media as Buffon teared up during a post-match interview.

"I don't want to cry in front of the kids watching at home on TV who dream of playing for Italy," Buffon said in his heartbreaking remarks.

Check out the best Twitter reactions to Buffon hanging up his gloves on the international level:
http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/it-was-hard-not-to-cry-with-buffon.html

Realn Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been pictured for the first time since welcoming baby daughter Alana Martina into the world.


The 32-year-old was pictured driving in Madrid just hours after girlfriend Georgina Rodriquez, 22, gave birth to his baby daughter. Ronaldo appeared...http://www.ocnsports.com/2017/11/cristiano-ronaldo-pictured-for-first.html