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Thiago Silva has announced that he will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season after four years with the team.

Silva joined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020 and has made 151 appearances for the team, winning the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Silva has expressed his gratitude to Chelsea and its fans, saying that he intends to return to the team in a different capacity in the future.

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/04/blog-post_366.html?m=1

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has warned that Chelsea will be a formidable opponent in their upcoming game.

Despite Chelsea's ninth-place position, Arteta believes they deserve a higher standing in the Premier League table.

He praised Chelsea's squad quality and manager Mauricio Pochettino's impressive work.

The game is crucial for Arsenal's title aspirations, and Arteta acknowledges Chelsea's danger, even without their top scorer Cole Palmer.

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/04/blog-post_22.html?m=1

Features: Arsenal – Newcastle United 4-1

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/02/blog-post_25.html?m=1

Features: Arsenal – Newcastle United 4-1

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/02/blog-post_25.html?m=1

Mikel Arteta saluted Arsenal's relentless drive as the Premier League title chasers crushed Burnley 5-0 to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool.

Just hours after Liverpool won 4-1 at Brentford, Arteta's side ran riot at Turf Moor to make it five successive league wins.

The north Londoners are in second place, two points behind Liverpool as they chase a first Premier League crown since 2004.

Arsenal have been in ruthless mood since returning from a winter training camp in Dubai. They thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0, won 2-1 at Nottingham Forest, beat Liverpool 3-1 and demolished West Ham 6-0 before putting lowly Burnley to the sword.

Martin Odegaard opened the scoring after just four minutes, with Bukayo Saka's brace in Arsenal's final over on goal complemented by strikes from Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz. Arteta has been pleased with the hunger of his players who have not been able to fully account for their recent dominance.

I was very pleased with the performance and the result and the individual and collective contribution of each player. It was very, very good," he said.

And the fact that the team looked like that made me want more. This was not satisfactory.

They wanted to score more goals but didn’t want to concede. “I’m really happy to be able to gain this stability,” he said.

Asked whether Arsenal's recent dominance over opposition was much more satisfying than their goal record, Arteta responded: "That's right.

We want to dominate the game and play in the opposition half as much as possible. “I think the players’ threat, purpose, activity and connection are flowing and they really want it. “Now we have momentum and we need to keep it going.”

Arteta admitted Lancashire's defeat was the perfect preparation for Arsenal's return to the Champions League in the first leg of their last-16 tie against Porto on Wednesday.

We are now leaving the Premier League and going to Porto in really difficult conditions, so get ready to play well and be yourself again,” he said.

Arsenal striker Saka has scored in four consecutive games for the first time in his career.

Despite being 22 years old, Arteta said Saka is already one of the most mature members of his team. “Yes. You don’t see that (in soccer). Especially strikers and wingers with that level of consistency and numbers.

It’s really strange to look for him at that age, but if you see him every day, it’s not a coincidence.

How he trains, how he expresses himself, what qualities does he have? And he can do more.

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/02/blog-post_18.html?m=1

Kylian Mbappe sat out Paris St Germain's Ligue 1 game at the weekend, but their top scorer is set to return for the Champions League last 16 tie with Real Sociedad, manager Luis Enrique said on Tuesday.

Mbappe, who has scored 30 goals in 29 games this season, was an unused substitute in Saturday's 3-1 win over Lille, a precaution taken after he took a knock to his ankle three days previously in another 3-1 win, over Brest in the Coup de France.

The French forward has played the full 90 minutes in all six Champions League games this season for PSG and that doesn't look like changing when they host the Spanish side in Wednesday's first leg.

When a team has a player like Kylian Mbappe, of course we know that the more he plays the better, because we all benefit from that, Luis Enrique told a press conference.

There is no doubt about it. He could have played (on Saturday) if it had been a final, but it wasn't, it was not worth the risk. Kylian Mbappe is available, just like the other players.

The manager could afford to rest Mbappe in the league, where PSG now have an 11 point advantage at the top over Nice, and have gone 16 games unbeaten, but in the Champions League it hasn't all been plain sailing.

PSG finished second in their group behind Borussia Dortmund and lost to Newcastle United and AC Milan.

They are also without a win in their last three games in the competition, a sharp contrast to Real Sociedad.

Real may be struggling domestically, seventh in LaLiga, but they topped their Champions League group, which included Inter Milan, and are undefeated in Europe this season.

Real Sociedad have a solid defense in the Champions League and do not give the ball away easily. We have to put pressure on them aggressively,” Luis Enrique said.

They are by far one of the best teams in the tournament, so they qualified for the bracket. They are in the same group as last year's finalists.

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/02/blog-post_697.html?m=1

Tens of thousands of jubilant fans crammed the streets of Abidjan on Monday for the Ivory Coast's victory parade after the hosts' remarkable Africa Cup of Nations triumph the night before.

Just as in 2015 for their last Afcon triumph, the Elephants roamed the streets of the country's economic capital.

Sebastien Haller, who scored the decisive goal in Sunday's 2-1 final win over Nigeria, and the rest of the squad were perched on a truck fitted out for the occasion with a three-star sign to mark the Ivorians' third title.

With Monday declared a special holiday fans massed on bridges and avenues, many ignoring the oppressive heat to run alongside the victors' mechanical chariot.

After a festive four-hour parade the team, under heavy police escort, arrived at the Felix Houphouët-Boigny stadium.

Wearing 'African champions' t-shirts the 2024 Afcon champions did a lap of honour to stands packed with fans - all decked out in orange - the national colour.

Some players were clearly moved by the welcome accorded them. "The overwhelming feeling is one of pride," said Junior Djedjess, one of the fans on hand to soak in the national team's astonishing run after a terrible group stage. "With three stars we have now joined the great African nations," he added with only Egypt (seven titles), Cameroon (5) and Ghana (4) boasting better records in the continental showpiece.

After their lap of honour the players stepped onto the pitch, one by one, with Max-Alain Gradel, the only survivor along with Serge Aurier from the last Ivorian team to win the title in 2015, presenting the trophy to the crowd. “Ivory Coast, the African Cup is here. May God bless Côte d’Ivoire.”

The 36-year-old captain spoke before handing over the trophy to Mamba Prime Minister Robert Begre.

Just three weeks ago, no one, not even the most ardent elephant supporter, could have dreamed of today.

They really should have been knocked out of the group stage after losing 4-0 at home to Equatorial Guinea on January 22, their worst ever defeat.

Performance in the group stage led to the departure of experienced French coach Jean-Louis Gasse, who had been in charge of the team since May 2022.

He was replaced by Emers Fae, a former Ivory Coast international who had never coached before.

But Pay witnessed a major turnaround in his team's fortunes as Ivory Coast pulled off a comeback against Senegal in the last 16 and overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Mali with 10 men in the quarter-finals.

After beating Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in their last four games, they duly completed their match against Nigeria on Sunday night.

Junior Gedges remembers, “We were upset after losing 4-0, but we still played and a new team was born.” Team 's celebrations will continue on Tuesday, when they will be received by President Alassane Ouattara.

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/02/blog-post_165.html?m=1

Manchester United displayed great character and mentality to score a late winner in their 2-1 Premier League victory over Aston Villa despite being fatigued towards the end of the high-intensity match, manager Erik ten Hag said.

Rasmus Hojlund's 17th-minute opener was cancelled out by Douglas Luiz's second-half strike before substitute Scott McTominay scored in the 86th minute to move sixth-placed United up to 41 points after their third consecutive victory. "I liked especially the first 20 minutes.

When we are dictating the game, after I think we are dropping a little bit too much," Ten Hag told reporters on Sunday. "We had our moments in the counter attacks, but yeah, I think then at 1-1, to fight back, we are really happy for today. It seemed like the intensity was really high, and you could see that a lot of the players were really tired at the end. “It was so open you could go both ways.

But I think we've finally found the mentality and character to win this game. And I think the bench players also had an impact,” he said. During the win, United suffered an injury scare when defender Luke Shaw, who had missed most of the season through injury, was substituted at half-time.

Ten Hag said the changes at England left-back were precautionary, adding: “He has mentioned a few complaints and with Luke Shaw in particular he has had too many injuries in the past to take any risks.” “I took it off so it wouldn’t turn into an injury. “We will have to see how the situation develops in the future,” he said.

United visit 17th-placed Luton Town for a league match on Sunday.

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/02/blog-post_12.html?m=1

Arsenal's demolition of West Ham United did not surprise manager Mikel Arteta who said he had a gut feeling his players would right recent wrong against their London rivals.

The Gunners romped to a 6-0 victory on Sunday – their biggest away win in the Premier League – as they reminded Liverpool and Manchester City that they intend to play a big role in the title race.

It was sweet revenge for the 2-0 home defeat by West Ham in December and a League Cup loss to David Moyes's team in November.

Time to beat West Ham; we all knew it, Arteta said when asked about the mood in the squad before the game.

We all had it in our tummies and we knew it would be a tough match and we had to do certain things better in both boxes than we had in the previous match. We certainly did today.

Last week's defeat of leaders Liverpool put Arsenal back in the thick of the title race but a trip to West Ham looked awkward on paper given recent experiences.

But Arsenal were sensational, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice and Declan Rice scoring and having two assists against his old club as the north London side moved back to within two points of Liverpool and level on points with champions City.

Saka missed a penalty last season against West Ham as Arsenal were held to a 2-2 draw, having led 2-0. It was one of a series of results that scuppered Arsenal's title hopes.

This time, Saka converted from the spot to put his team 2-0 ahead after being taken down by West Ham keeper Alphonse Areola. It was the 22-year-old's 50th goal for Arsenal, making him the youngest player to reach the milestone for the club since 1978.

He is proving to everyone that he is wrong and that he can do it. Whether there is a penalty or not, it shows how mature he is and his determination to take the next step," Arteta said.

And what he did today with the penalty shows that he wants to learn from it.

Saka went out for Kiel after his team-mates said they "smelled blood" at West Ham.

Arteta added, “It smells like a team that is trying to get better and better.”

Judging by the way they have trained this week, they are fully focused after Liverpool, this is a big test now and we now need to take it to another level to beat West Ham.
https://www.highsport.com.ng/2024/02/arteta-had-gut-feeling-arsenal-would.html?m=1&utm_medium=social&utm_source=heylink.me

Kylian Mbappe will take over as captain of France after Hugo Lloris stepped down following the World Cup final defeat to Argentina, a source close to the team has told AFP.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Mbappe, 24, accepted the role after discussions with coach Didier Deschamps.

His first game as captain will be Friday's Euro 2024 qualifier against the Netherlands at the Stade de France, Les Bleus' first match since their World Cup final disappointment in Doha on December 18.

Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris, 36, brought an end to his international career in January, in the weeks after Lionel Messi's Argentina side beat the French in a penalty shootout following a thrilling match that ended 3-3 in extra-time. Lloris had been skipper for more than a decade.

Atletico Madrid attacker Antoine Griezmann was named vice-captain after Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane also hung up his boots following the defeat to Argentina in December. Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final defeat, had been heavily linked with the captain's role for weeks.

Michel Platini, who captained France to victory in the 1984 European Championship, said the decision was a very good idea. In giving him the responsibility of the captaincy, it allows Kylian, when necessary, to go still further, higher, stronger, Platini, the ex-head of European football's governing body Uefa, said in a statement to AFP.

Mbappe helped Les Bleus to World Cup glory as a teenager in 2018 and has established himself as arguably the leading forward on the global stage.

The Paris-born former AS Monaco player is PSG's vice-captain after Brazilian defender Marquinhos and led the team during the defender's absence during Sunday's loss to Rennes. Mbappe has scored 19 goals in 24 Ligue 1 games this season and seven goals for PSG as they were knocked out by Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16.

France, along with the Netherlands, Ireland, Greece and Gibraltar, are in a Euro 2024 qualifying group in Germany.

https://www.highsport.com.ng/2023/03/Mbappe%20to%20become%20new%20France%20captain.html?m=1

Crystal Palace won this exact fixture 1-0 on the final day of last season, their first home league win over Manchester United since May 1991 (D4 L9 in between).

Manchester United have lost three of their last six league games against Crystal Palace (W2 D1), as many as they had in their previous 31 (W22 D6).

They lost 1-0 against the Eagles last time out in May but have never lost consecutive league games against them before.

Manchester United have lost three of their last five Premier League games in London (W1 D1), as many as they had in their previous 20 visits to the capital (W11 D6).

However, they did win their last such game 2-1 at Fulham thanks to a 90th minute winner from Alejandro Garnacho.

Crystal Palace have lost their last two Premier League home matches without scoring a single goal and have converted seven of them themselves. They have not lost three consecutive clean sheets at Selhurst Park since September 2017.

Manchester United have won 5 of their last 8 Premier League away matches (D1 L2).

They are looking for a third straight league away win for the first time since a 10-game winning streak from June to December 2020. Crystal Palace lost by more than 3 goals, but failed to score in their last two Premier League home matches (3-0 v Fulham). 0:4 against Tottenham).

Only two teams in Premier League history have done so in three home games in a row within a single season: West Brom (four in a row in 2020-21) and Norwich (three in 2022).

Manchester United have won each of their last nine games in all competitions, their longest such run since January 2017. They last had a longer run between January and February 2009 11 in a row.

Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha has scored three Premier League goals against Manchester United – one more will make him the outright top scorer against them among players to have previously played for the Red Devils in the competition.

Man Utd’s Christian Eriksen has been directly involved in seven goals in 11 Premier League appearances against Crystal Palace, scoring three and assisting four times. Indeed, Eriksen has scored (one goal, two assists) in each of his last three Premier League matches at Selhurst Park.

Marcus Rashford has scored in each of his last 7 Manchester United matches and has a total of 8 goals.

The last Manchester United player to score in 8 consecutive games was Ruud van Nistelrooy in May 2003 10th in a row.

Real Madrid are starting to think that Kylian Mbappe will join next summer.

Players are mad at PSG and want to leave France. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Madrid are ready to pay 1 billion euros for the striker. Florentino Perez is convinced that this is a strategic deal that can unite Madrid in the future.

According to Italian media, Madrid have reviewed the player's contract worth 630 million euros over four seasons and are ready to pay. They will also pay €150 million in transfer fees and signing bonus plus fees. The total amount will be around 1 billion euros over four seasons.

Madrid are worried about 35-year-old Karim Benzema, who has been plagued by injuries this season.

There are several world-class strikers suitable for the Madrid project and Perez is convinced that Mbappe is the only answer to ensure the club's sporting future.

Mbappe wants to talk to PSG after World Cup to sort things out He thinks his upgrade was a mistake and wants to leave.

He stayed in Qatar until the end of the World Cup and now hopes it won't be difficult for him to leave. He will aim to win the Champions League with PSG this season and finish on a high level.

https://www.forgosport.com/2022/12/blog-post_296.html

Cristiano Ronaldo broke social media silence after Lionel Messi and Argentina won the World Cup.

The 37-year-old forward remained silent on all platforms last week as his longtime rivals defeated France 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the tournament in Qatar.

However, when rumors of a transfer to Saudi Arabia circulated, the striker released a photo of himself recovering after a workout in the pool.

Ronaldo posted a picture on social media and shared it with his followers. He smiled by the pool before snapping a selfie and posting it on his Instagram.

Ronaldo crashed out in what was expected to be his final World Cup match as Portugal lost 1-0 to Morocco in the quarterfinals of the tournament in Qatar.

With Portugal trailing 1-0 after Youssef En-Nesiri's first strike, the 37-year-old came off the bench early in the second half to replace Ruben Neves. However, he failed to inspire a comeback.

Ronaldo also blew a late chance with a right-footed kick that hit goalkeeper Jacin Boun's hand, one of Portugal's consecutive failed chances. Ronaldo was clearly upset after the match.

The Portuguese national team captain was captured on camera as he left in tears.

https://www.forgosport.com/2022/12/blog-post_825.html

Juventus are keeping an eye on Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot.

The Portuguese international is set to begin negotiations with United for a new contract.

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has called Dalot his "dream" signing.

The defender has been in excellent form at United this season and has become a key figure in manager Eric ten Haag's plans.

The Reds want to tie him to a new contract.

https://www.forgosport.com/2022/12/blog-post_21.html

Karim Benzema has extinguished any rumours that he could return to the French national side ahead of their crunch World Cup final against Argentina on Sunday.

Sportsmail reported earlier today that the Real Madrid striker had become incensed with how Didier Deschamps' treated him, sending the 34-year-old home before the tournament began, after suffering an injury.

The French forward overcome that problem and many rumours have been circulating that he could be recalled to the squad to help France defeat Lionel Messi's side to become only the third team in history to win back-to-back World Cup titles.

But Benzema has shot down those claims, posting a photo of him on Instagram looking rather unphazed with a caption that reads: 'I'm not interested.

https://www.forgosport.com/2022/12/blog-post_17.html

Fiorentina midfielder Sofia Amrabat's agent wants him to move to Liverpool in January.

Amrabat is still linked with a move to Liverpool after an impressive World Cup match with Morocco.

It has already been reported that Jurgen Klopp has met Amrabat representatives, and a second meeting is planned after the World Cup. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, however, believes Amrabat's agency will now push for a move to Anfield. I think Amrabat's agency, Stella, will try to bring him to Premier League Liverpool, Di Marzio told Soccer News.

Everybody sees something in it. It is a dream for both the agency and the players themselves.
https://www.forgosport.com/2022/12/blog-post.html

RMC Sport reports that Karim Benzema (34) could theoretically join France for the World Cup in Qatar, after the Spanish press reported that the Real Madrid forward has recovered from a seemingly injury. eliminated him from the tournament.

Benzema was left out of Didier Deschamps' squad ahead of Les Bleus' opening game against Australia. The Ballon d'Or winner struggled with his fitness ahead of the tournament but suffered an unrelated injury when he returned to team training.

However, Benzema seems to have recovered faster than expected. According to many Spanish media, including Onda Madrid, the Real Madrid striker could return to training in the middle of the week. Benzema's World Cup dream may still be alive. According to FIFA rules, Benzema could return to the France team and take part in the rest of the tournament as part of the original squad.

In the end, the decision will be up to coach Deschamps. Regardless of whether or not he gets reinstated, Benzema will receive the winner's medal if France defends their World Cup title. FIFA has confirmed to RMC Sport that if Les Bleus win the final on December 18, 26 medals will be awarded, a number befitting the size of the French team prior to Benzema's departure.
https://www.zenosport.co.uk/2022/11/blog-post_28.html

Lisandro Martinez has been reported to be interested in Real Madrid, despite having been a Manchester United player since the summer.

Defensa Central is reporting that Real Madrid are interested in bringing the 25-year-old to La Liga. Madrid already have David Alaba, Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho, but claims are being made that Los Blancos could be interested in Martinez.

The Argentinian has formed a strong partnership with Rafael Varane at the heart of United's defence. Martinez has started all 14 Premier League matches for United this season. Elsewhere, ESPN Netherlands reported that Erik ten Hag had told United to sign Cody Gagpo to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in January.

The 23-year-old has impressed for PSV Eindhoven this season and is currently showing his mettle on the world stage in the World Cup against the Netherlands.

Reports have revealed that one of the alternatives on United's shortlist is Milan's Rafael Leao, who has yet to agree a new contract with the Italian club.

Both Gakpo and Leao have already opened their accounts at this year's World Cup, with the former scoring goals in both of his team's games and Leao scoring a decisive third in Portugal's win over Ghana.
https://www.zenosport.co.uk/2022/11/blog-post_27.html

Cristiano Ronaldo answered just two questions in a brief post-match press conference after Portugal's 3-2 win over Ghana.

Ronaldo said of his 5th World Cup victory and scoring: It's a wonderful moment in the 5th World Cup. We won and started on the right foot. It was a very important victory. Another record, for me as the only player to score in 5 consecutive World Cups. It is also a great pride. A tough but fair winner.

The former Manchester United striker had this to say about his recent controversy with the club. Today we won and I was able to help the team. The rest doesn't matter.
https://www.zenosport.co.uk/2022/11/blog-post_25.html