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Paris Saint-Germain’s contract offer to Lionel Messi is reportedly worth €40m (£34m) a year after tax.

The French giants quickly emerged as the favourites to sign the Argentina international on a free transfer, despite suggestions that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea were all interested.

Messi’s father Jorge Messi and his lawyers are believed to be looking over the final details of the offer placed on the table by PSG before heading to Paris to complete a deal.


According to L’Equipe, Mauricio Pochettino’s side are preparing to hand the South American an initial two-year contract worth €40m (£34m) a year after tax, and there will be the option of extending for another 12 months.


The report claims that PSG are open to Messi leaving after two years, but they want to give the forward the option of staying until the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Barcelona’s financial problems meant that it was impossible for the club to sign the 34-year-old to a new deal, but Thursday’s announcement still sent shockwaves around the world of football.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/messi-set-to-earn-34m-a-year-at-psg/

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has branded Sam Edozie an “incredible young player”, with the attacker impressing for the Citizens during their preparations for the 2021-22 campaign.

The 18-year-old has scored in each of his side’s three pre-season matches this summer against Preston North End, Barnsley and Blackpool.

Edozie was named in the starting XI against Blackpool on Tuesday night and needed just three minutes to find the back of the net.


Guardiola has lavished praise on the winger but has insisted that he will need time to develop into a potential regular first-team player for the Premier League champions.

“As a young talent, having a special quality, a guy who gets to the box with intention to score a goal – it’s so important for wingers,” Guardiola told the club’s official website.

“He’s an incredible young player with good pace. But we have to be patient with him. He had minutes and played good and this is important.”

Edozie joined Man City from Millwall in July 2019 and made the step up from the club’s Under-18s to the Under-23s for the 2020-21 campaign.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/guardiola-lavishes-praise-on-sam-edozie/

Blessing Oborududu and Ese Brume have been rewarded with cash prizes of $10,000 and $7,500 respectively by Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare.

Oborodudu won Silver in in the women’s Wrestling 68kg, while Brume scooped Bronze in the women’s Long Jump at the ongoing 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.



Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister said “There’s no point delaying the reinforcement of these athletes who have made the country proud, that is the reason they were rewarded immediately for their record breaking performance”

Chioma Ajunwa was the first person who won gold medal for Nigeria in the Long at Atlanta 1996, Brume thus follows suit with a bronze, while Oborududu is the first Nigerian Wrestler to win an Olympics medal.

In her reaction, Oborududu said “I am just super excited and I want to say thank you to all my supporters and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the encouragement”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/tokyo-2020-dollar-rain-for-oborududu-brume/

Premier League giants Chelsea have reportedly offered striker Romelu Lukaku £250,000 in wages as they prepare to bid £100million for the Inter Milan striker.

Chelsea have already seen an £86m offer for the 28-year-old Belgian rejected by the Serie A champions.

But they are keen to secure his signature before the start of the new season and are prepared to break the bank to do so.

And according to The Express, the Champions League winners are willing to offer Lukaku £12.8m per year in wages, more than he earned at Manchester United.

And that could well be enough to convince him to return to the Premier League as SunSport reported on Tuesday he feels he has unfinished business at Stamford Bridge.

Lukaku joined Chelsea for £17m in 2011 but played just 15 times across two seasons, failing to score a single goal.

During his time in West London, he was farmed out on loan to West Brom and then Everton where he would end up signing permanently for £28m.

After three 20+ goal seasons at Goodison Park, Lukaku then left for Man Utd in 2017 for a mouthwatering fee of £75m.

And while he did net 42 times in 96 games for the Red Devils, the Belgian moved on just two years later as he sought a new challenge.

That fresh start came in the form of Inter Milan, where he has gone on to enjoy his best two goalscoring campaigns.

In 95 games Lukaku has scored an incredible 64 times for the Italian giants, repaying every bit of the £74m they paid for him.

He also fired them to the Serie A title, Inter’s first scudetto since 2010 when they became champions under Jose Mourinho.

However, since the end of the 2020-21 campaign Inter have parted ways with manager Antonio Conte and sold defender Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain.

As a result, Lukaku may see this as the perfect opportunity to return to Chelsea.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/chelsea-offer-lukaku-250k-a-week-wages-ahead-of-100m-transfer-bid/

Defending champions Brazil have qualified for the final of the Tokyo Olympics football event, after defeating Mexico on penalties in the first semi-final on Tuesday, Completesports.com reports.

After a goalless affair in 120 minutes of football, the Brazilians went on to win 4-1 on penalty shootout.

They have now reached the final of the Olympics in football for the third consecutive tournament: London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo2020.


Also they have now equalled Hungary’s record (1964, 1968, 1972) of appearing in three consecutive Olympic football finals.

Brazil went close to settling the match inside 90 minutes when Everton forward Richarlison struck the post with a glancing header in the 82nd minute.

But when it came to the shootout, they had their keeper Santos to thank for a fine save to keep out Eduardo Aguirre’s spot-kick and after Mexico’s Johan Vasquez hit the post, Brazil just need to keep their cool.

Reiner’s right-footed shot into the bottom corner ensured victory for the team captained by 38-year-old former Barcelona full back Dani Alves.

Brazil will face the winners of Tuesday’s other semi-final between Spain and hosts Japan in Saitama.

The last time Spain played in the final at the Olympics was at Sydney 2000 where they eventually won silver, after losing on penalties to Cameroon in the final.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/tokyo-2020-brazil-beat-mexico-on-penalties-to-reach-final-equals-hungarys-olympic-football-record/

Inter Milan have reportedly rejected Chelsea’s £85m plus Marcos Alonso offer for striker Romelu Lukaku.

With the Blues continuing to be frustrated in their pursuit of Erling Braut Haaland, Lukaku has supposedly moved to the top of their striker wishlist for the current window.

Furthermore, Inter are thought to be determined to secure the signature of Alonso this summer, with the Serie A champions failing to make progress in contract negotiations with Ivan Perisic.


However, Sky Italia claims that Inter have rebuffed an approach from Chelsea which would have included Alonso as part of a deal, with the Blues also offering a hefty cash sum of £85m.

The Nerazzurri are known to want to trim their wage bill given their volatile financial situation, but the report adds that Lukaku is one of the few players deemed ‘untouchable’ by the club.

The Belgium international left Chelsea without netting once in 2014, and he claimed 34 goal contributions from 36 appearances during Inter’s triumphant Serie A campaign last term.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/inter-milan-reject-chelseas-85m-bid-for-lukaku/

Heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua has made a startling reflection about death.

The two-time unified world heavyweight champion took to his Instagram on Thursday to reveal why he always thinks about death.

He noted that understanding that he will die one day gives him life.


According to him, no day passes by without him thinking or talking about dying with either his family or friends.

“My family and friends know that I think about death and talk about it in every conversation we have.

“For me, understanding that one day I won’t be here in the physical form gives me life. It’s weird but that’s exactly how I feel,” he wrote.
[b]
[/b]Source: https://www.completesports.com/why-i-always-think-about-death-anthony-joshua/

PSG striker, Kylian Mbappe has revealed his desire to win the UEFA Champions League.

Mbappe, who was part of the France team that was knocked out of the round of 16 of Euro 2020, made this known in an interview with PSG’s official channels.

Recall that Mbappe has become a major transfer target for Real Madrid this summer but his current deal is due to expire in 2022.


“My biggest dream is to win the Champions League with PSG. It would be amazing,” he said.

He now looks set to remain at the Parc des Princes for at least another year.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/my-desire-is-to-win-uefa-champions-league-mbappe/

Leon Balogun made a late substitute appearance and helped Rangers see out a 2-1 win against Spanish giants Real Madrid, in their final pre-season friendly on Sunday at Ibrox.

With Rangers ahead Balogun was brought on with five minutes left as the Scottish champions emerged victors.

Balogun’s Nigerian teammate Joe Aribo was not included in the squad for the high profile friendly.

Madrid had on parade Marcelo, who was the skipper, Martin Odegaard, Lucas Vazquez, Luka Jovic and Isco.

The Laliga side had taken the lead as early as the eight minutes through Rodrigo.


Rangers would go on to have lots of chances with Ryan Kent smashing the crossbar from a couple of yards out and visiting keeper Andriy Lunin producing some special saves.

Steven Gerard’s men eventually drew level in the 55th minute thanks to their Zambian new signing Fashion Sakala.

Madrid were reduced to 10 men after Nacho was shown a second yellow in the 76th minute.

Rangers capitalized on the numerical advantage and scored on 77 minutes thanks to Cedric Itten after the Madrid defence failed to clear a set-piece.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/balogun-helps-rangers-beat-real-madrid-in-final-pre-season-friendly/

A leaked audio recording has emerged showing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez branding the club’s former stars Iker Casillas and Raul as “great frauds”.

Casillas and Raul became Madrid legends during a combined 43 years in the Spanish capital, helping Los Blancos to win seven La Liga titles between them.

Raul would leave the Bernabeu in 2010, moving to Schalke following an injury-plagued final season with Madrid, having scored more than 300 goals for the Spanish giants.

On his part Casillas meanwhile fell foul of Jose Mourinho and was forced out of the Spanish capital by the Portuguese manager after turning out more than 700 times for the club.

But despite their legendary status among many fans and observers, a secret recording from a 2006 conversation has emerged in which Perez blasted the duo.

The conversation took place six months after he had resigned from his first spell as president amid criticism that he had focused too much on brand appeal rather than footballing success.

“He is not a goalkeeper for Real Madrid. He is not and he never has been. It has been the great failure we have had,” Perez said about Casillas according to El Confidencial.

“What happens is that they [the fans] adore him, they love him, they talk to him. I don’t know why they defend him so much.

“Well, it’s one of the great frauds, the second is Raul. The two great Real Madrid frauds are Raul first and Casillas second.”

Perez then turned his anger towards Raul, who he accused of “destroying” the club, blaming him for his departure as president.

“[Zinedine] Zidane’s a great guy. And [David] Beckham and Ronaldo. … But then there are the others that think that … let’s see. Raul is a bad person,” Perez said.

“He thinks Madrid is his and he uses everything there is in Madrid, developing everything for his own benefit. Him and his agent. They are to blame for Madrid not doing well.

“Look, I left, among other reasons, because of him. He is a negative guy, he is destroying Madrid.”

Perez fired back in a statement, claiming that the recording has only been published to discredit him in the face of the European Super League scandal.

“Given the news broadcast in El Confidencial, in which phrases attributed to me are reported, I think it is necessary to clarify,” the statement read.

“The reproduced phrases are pronounced in conversations clandestinely recorded by Mr. Jose Antonio Abellan, who has been trying to sell them for many years without success.

“It is surprising now that, despite the time that has elapsed, the newspaper El Confidencial reports them today.
“They are single phrases of conversations taken from the broad context in which they occur.

“For them to be reproduced now, after so many years have passed since those conversations took place, is I understand due to my participation as one of the promoters of the Super League.

“I have put the matter in the hands of my lawyers who are studying the possible actions to take.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/madrid-president-perez-casillas-raul-are-frauds/

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini has confessed to putting a curse on Bukayo Saka – before the England youngster’s penalty miss handed the Euro 2020 crown to Italy.

The Three Lions’ heroic campaign ended in heartbreak at Wembley on Sunday as the Azzurri won 3-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Arsenal frontman Saka, 19, saw keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma save his spot-kick to clinch victory for Roberto Mancini’s men.

Italy skipper Chiellini – who slept with the Euro trophy after his team’s win – has now owned up to uttering the curse word ‘Kiricocho!’ as Saka shaped up to shoot.

He was captured on camera apparently mouthing the South American term, shortly before celebrating Donnarumma’s save with his team-mates.

‘Kiricocho’ is a South American term that translates roughly as ‘Jinx’ or ‘Curse you’.


It dates back to 1982, taking its name from a fan of Argentine club Estudiantes whose presence at training coincided with players getting injured.

Superstitious club boss Carlos Bilardo hired Kiricocho to attend games to put a hex on their opponents.

Bilardo’s side lost just once that season, the only time the diehard supporter was unable to attend.

Grizzled veteran Chiellini is known for using every trick in the book to thwart opponents.

He brazenly grabbed hold of Saka’s shirt during extra time to stop the England ace breaking through.

And the 36-year-old Juventus defender owned up when ESPN Argentina asked if he had placed the notorious curse on the teenager.

A grinning Chiellini told ESPN’s reporter: “Ciao Cristiano. I confirm everything to you – Kiricocho!”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/italy-captain-chiellini-claims-he-cursed-saka-before-missed-penalty-in-euro-2020-final/

La Liga has reportedly approved Barcelona’s request for Lionel Messi to pen a new contract at Camp Nou.

Despite the club legend’s previous deal having expired at the end of last month, Barcelona have always insisted that a fresh agreement is only a matter of time.

However, the Catalan giants are under pressure to fulfil La Liga’s financial criteria, leading to officials pushing to get a number of players off the wage bill.


While work is still required on that front, AS suggests that the governing body of Spain’s top flight has given the green light for Messi to be registered for next season.

Barcelona have allegedly promised that they will get themselves within the regulations over the coming weeks.

The report adds that the Argentine, who has just helped his country win the Copa America, has already agreed the details of his contract.

Source: completesports.com/messi-reaches-agreement-with-barcelona-on-new-contract/

England Stars Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho suffered racist online abuse following the Euro 2020 final loss to Italy.

Rashford, Sancho and Saka all failed from the spot on Sunday night as England went down 3-2 on penalties.

The trio’s social media pages were quickly flooded with racist comments, leading the FA to release a statement condemning the “disgusting behaviour”.

A spokesperson said: “The FA strongly condemns all forms of discrimination and is appalled by the online racism that has been aimed at some of our England players on social media.



“We could not be clearer that anyone behind such disgusting behaviour is not welcome in following the team. We will do all we can to support the players affected while urging the toughest punishments possible for anyone responsible.


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“We will continue to do everything we can to stamp discrimination out of the game, but we implore the government to act quickly and bring in the appropriate legislation so this abuse has real life consequences.

“Social media companies need to step up and take accountability and action to ban abusers from their platforms, gather evidence that can lead to prosecution and support making their platforms free from this type of abhorrent abuse.”

The Metropolitan Police also condemned the “unacceptable” abuse, adding it will be investigating the “offensive and racist” social media posts.

The force said in a statement on Twitter: “We are aware of a number of offensive and racist social media comments being directed towards footballers following the #Euro2020 final.

“This abuse is totally unacceptable, it will not be tolerated and it will be investigated.”

The official Twitter account for the England men’s and women’s national teams offered support to the victimised players.

It said in a statement: “We’re disgusted that some of our squad – who have given everything for the shirt this summer – have been subjected to discriminatory abuse online after tonight’s game.

“We stand with our players.”

England missed the chance to end a 55-year wait for a major trophy after Sunday’s defeat to Italy

Source: https://www.completesports.com/euro-2020-saka-sancho-rashford-suffer-racial-abuse-after-englands-defeat-to-italy/

Italy fullback Alessandro Florenzi has dedicated the team’s Euro 2020 trophy to all Italians all over the world.

Sunday night’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over England marked Italy’s first Euros triumph in over 50 years as Gigio Donnarumma emerged the hero for the Azzurri.

The Azzurri had gone behind to Luke Shaw’s goal within two minutes of the Final, but Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci found an equaliser.

It went to extra time and had to be decided on penalties, Gianluigi Donnarumma making two saves.


“We dedicate this to all the Italians all over the world, because we proved once again, if it should’ve been needed, that we are a special people,” grinned Florenzi on RAI Sport.

“It’s coming Rome, they got one letter wrong… There’s no victory without a group, and I think we showed from start to finish that we are a group and people recognise themselves in us too.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/florenzi-dedicates-euro-2020-success-to-all-italians-globally/

Italy emerged winners of Euro 2020 after beating England 3-2 on penalties in a pulsating final at the Wembley Stadium on Sunday night.

The game ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of gruelling football action.

Luke Shaw gave England the lead within three minutes- the the fastest goal ever in a European championship final.


The Manchester United slotted home beautifully following a superb cross from Kevin Trippier.

Leonardo Bonucci equalised for the Itallians in the 67th minute leaving England fans shell-shocked.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford appeared to have made a terrific save before the Italian centre-half rattled in the scrappy follow-up goal off the back of a corner.

Andrea Bellotti and Jorginho missed for Italy in the shootout, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka failed to convert for England.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/breaking-italy-beat-england-on-penalties-to-win-euro-2020/

Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly stepped up their interest in Paul Pogba by reaching out to the Manchester United midfielder’s representatives.

The France international’s future remains a hot topic of debate at Old Trafford with less than 12 months to run on his existing contract.

United may be forced to sell the ex-Juventus star this summer if fresh terms are not agreed, leaving many of Europe’s top clubs on red alert.

PSG are one many sides to have been linked with Pogba and, according to French outlet RMC Sport, the 28-year-old is open to the idea of joining the Ligue 1 giants.

It is claimed that PSG were previously discouraged from moving for Pogba due to United’s £150m valuation, but around a third of that fee may now be enough to land his signature.


Pogba is currently enjoying a rest period after playing four times for France at Euro 2020, with Les Blues’ campaign ending prematurely at the last-16 stage.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/psg-make-contact-with-paul-pogba/

Argentina star Lionel Messi is now officially a free agent after his contract with Barcelona expired.

Twelve months on from his aborted attempted to leave Barcelona, Lionel Messi is now out of contract.

His deal expired at midnight and despite months of rumour and conjecture, he has failed to commit to an extension.

Talks over a new contract are believed to be ongoing, meaning Messi may well decide to stay at the Nou Camp but for now, he is available for absolutely nothing.

Spanish football writer Guillem Balague said earlier this week that Barcelona had “raised the level of urgency” in contract talks, with the hopes of making an announcement of a new two-year deal before the start of July.


“Messi’s contract renewal is new president Joan Laporta’s main priority and he is currently negotiating it directly with Messi’s father and representative, Jorge Messi,” he said.

“To be able to keep the Argentine, the club will have to reduce their wage bill by around 200m euros (£172m) to meet La Liga’s Financial Fair Play requirements.

“Messi knows of the interest from other clubs, but up to now has not negotiated anything with them, waiting first to hear what Barcelona were offering.”

The 34-year-old has been linked with moves to Paris St-Germain and Manchester City, where he would be reunited with his former boss at Barcelona Pep Guardiola, as well as America’s Major League Soccer.

He is currently in Brazil playing for Argentina at the Copa America and became their most-capped player when he made his 148th international appearance against Bolivia on Tuesday, scoring twice and setting up another in a 4-1 win.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/messi-becomes-free-agent-after-expiration-of-barca-contract/

Paul Pogba came was heavily criticised by Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Roy Keane after France were knocked out of Euro 2020 by Switzerland.

Les Bleus were the favourites to go all the way this summer, but ended up being beaten on penalties by the Swiss on Monday in the last-16.

Didier Deschamps men were trailing 1-0 at half-time, but fought back to lead 3-1 with just 10 minutes left to play, before Switzerland fought back to take the game to penalties, which they went on to win.

Karim Benzema scored twice for the French to start their comeback, but Pogba’s screamer and his magnificent passing stole the show among the France ranks.

However, both Neville and Pogba admitted that they were “frustrated” by his display because he can be guilty of being too adventurous in the wrong positions sometimes.

Neville told ITV: “We saw the best and the worst of him in the second half.

“This is the best of him, absolutely world class strike. Brilliant.

“At this point in the game, he’d played a great pass through just before that, he was starting to get into the game, combining, he was running the game.
“When your team is on top, he’s absolutely outstanding.”

Neville also added: “He takes risks on the ball, but you want those risks to be in the final third, not in the defensive third, and they get counter-attacked on.”

Meanwhile, Keane added: “He can be frustrating. This is all a part of Paul’s character, which people love to see, but then I’d be looking at the goal they conceded in injury time, where he was sloppy in midfield. That’s the bit I’d be really critical about.

“It seems harsh because he’s done some brilliant stuff going forward tonight. There’s no doubting Paul’s quality, just the other side, maybe his maturity.

“We’ve mentioned all night, and United have had the same problem, can he play in a two in midfield? He probably can’t, doesn’t have the discipline.

“He was at his best in Juventus when he probably got a bit more freedom and was surrounded by more men, more characters, probably better quality players.

“But even today, he still leaves you frustrated. For all his brilliant quality coming forward, I still think he lacks that discipline defensively [to take hi to the next level].

“That’s the key, the top players manage to do it week in week out and Paul, to me, still doesn’t quite do it.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-united-legends-blame-pogba-for-frances-euro-2020-shock-exit/

According to Catalunya Radio, Ousmane Dembele could be out for “minimum of three months” after suffering a knee injury playing for France at Euro 2020.

The 24-year-old’s latest injury setback is making plenty of headlines already with reports suggesting the France international could be out for some time.

It is believed it could be even longer if his recovery does not go as expected and thinks Dembele may not feature for Barcelona until the end of September.


Meanwhile, French newspaper L’Equipe think that Dembele may have to go under the knife to fix his latest injury and also talk about “several months” on the sidelines.


Over at RAC1 there’s a bit more detail and also a bit more talk about possible surgery with an operation “not ruled out.”

Apparently, Dembele will have more tests on Tuesday which is when a decision on his treatment plan will be made.

And when asked about Dembele’s injury, Barcelona coach said: “I can’t say much about this because it’s bad luck that he got injured. These are things that must be accepted and analyzed but now we are on vacation and thinking about the next season, they are things that must be accepted.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/dembele-to-be-sidelined-for-three-months/

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has reduced former Super Eagles striker Samson Siasia’s life-ban from football for bribery to five years.

Siasia was initially sanctioned in 2019 by world football governing body FIFA for agreeing to “receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches.”

The 53-year-old appealed against the ban with FIFA and CAS as he denied the charges against him.

CAS “determined the imposition of a life ban to be disproportionate for a first offence which was committed passively and which had not had an adverse or immediate effect on football stakeholders, and that a five-year ban would still achieve the envisaged aim of punishing the infringement committed by Mr Siasia.”


The ban has been backdated to start on 16 August 2019 as the court explained the background to the case.

“In 2010, a match fixer tried to involve Mr Siasia as a coach of a club under his strict instructions,” CAS revealed.

“With the promise of employment benefits, Mr Siasia would have had to always field several players under the control of the match fixer.

“The negotiations between the match fixer and Mr Siasia in relation to the conditions of employment were conducted by email over a period of two months.

“Eventually, the club did not accept or could not afford Mr Siasia’s requests and the negotiations ended.”

The court also cancelled a fine of $50,000 that had also been part of the sanctions imposed by FIFA.

“(CAS) acknowledged the need for sanctions to be sufficiently high enough to eradicate bribery and especially match-fixing in football.

“However, the Panel considered in the particular circumstances of this matter that it would be inappropriate and excessive to impose a financial sanction in addition to the five-year ban, since the ban sanction already incorporated a financial punishment in eliminating football as a source of revenue for Mr Siasia.

“And considering that Mr Siasia had not obtained any gain or pecuniary benefit from his unethical behaviour.”

Siasia was a member of the Super Eagles squad that won the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia and also featured at the World Cup that same year.

He led the Flying Eagles to win the 2005 CAF U-20 AFCON and also in the same year led the team to second place finish at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands.

As coach Of the U-23 Eagles, he won the 2015 CAF U-23 AFCON and helped the team win silver and bronze at the Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 Olympics respectively.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/cas-reduces-siasias-life-ban-to-five-years/

Premier League champions Manchester City are reportedly set to launch a £100million ‘take it or leave it’ bid for Kane.

According to Daily Star the offer will be submitted to Daniel Levy and co after the Euro 2020 and the Etihad outfit are keen to avoid their chase dragging over the summer

However, Levy is said to value Kane at an eye-watering £150million, so is likely to rebuff the bid.

Levy recently took a stance by saying: “There is a market out there. What we want, and what other clubs want, is not always possible to achieve. We will do whatever is right for the club.”


The Star’s report states that City are unwilling to go any higher for the striker, who has struggled with persistent ankle injuries in recent years.

Kane is yet to score at the European Championships, struggling to make an impact in either of England’s matches.

Sergio Aguero’s departure from East Manchester has left a goalscoring void and Gabriel Jesus is seemingly not trusted by his manager on the big occasion.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/man-city-to-launch-100m-transfer-bid-for-kane/

Former Germany midfield star Dietmar Hamann has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo “a fool” for his audacious piece of skill in Portugal’s 4-2 loss in Munich on Saturday.

Ronaldo, who opened the scoring with his third goal of the tournament, was clearly in confident mood early on in the game.

He rounded off an excellent counter-attack to put Portugal 1-0 up before things unravelled.

And before the Germans levelled the contest Ronaldo was happy to showboat with a piece of artistry that left Antonio Rudiger bamboozled.


With the ball in the air Ronaldo motioned as if he was going to catch the ball before flicking it to a team-mate with a no look pass.

Social media were split on the moment with some hailing it and others pointing to the fact that Ronaldo’s side were ultimately well beaten.

Hamann certainly sided with the latter insisting that his actions may well have motivated the Germans on.

He told RTE: “I think it’s nonsense. He flicks the ball over, pretends he is going to catch it and back-heels it across, and looks away.

“Of course it is [amazing] and we know he can do that. I think, in a way he’s belittling the opposition.

“This is at 1-0 and I’m sitting here while you all rave about it. Yes, he is the best, with Messi. He looks a fool now. This is 1-0. He does look the fool.

“If you ask the German players, they’ll tell you now what they thought of it. They would have noticed that.

“I tell you now, all of them will say it may have given us an extra bit of whatever to change things.

“What is he trying to achieve? Maybe this [Germany comeback] is where it all started.”

Germany managed to turn the game around before half-time with Portugal twice putting into their own net.

First it was Ruben Dias and then Raphael Guerreiro before Kai Havertz made it 3-1 early in the second-half.

Robin Gosens made it four on the hour mark before Diogo Jota got one back to leave Group F finely poised going into the final games.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ex-german-star-hamann-labels-ronaldo-a-fool/

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala was one of the players who modelled Barcelona’s new home kit ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The new kit was officially launched on Tuesday at the Camp Nou.

The new strip makes the maximum use of the club crest. On the front, at chest height, fans will find the St George Cross, representing the patron saint of Barcelona and the Senyera (the striped Catalan flag).


Two elements that define the club’s identity and its ties to city and country, but reimagined in this particular instance in the famous blaugrana colours, while the traditional vertical stripes feature below, albeit somewhat stylised to give them a more modern look.


Meanwhile, the Barça crest appears on the left of the chest in its usual colours, with a white Nike logo on the right. On the back, just below the neck, there is a Catalan flag, while the players’ names and numbers, and the UNICEF logo, are printed in white this season.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new kit, club president Joan Laporta said:“All the culés are proud of our club, of what it represents and also of the city and the country. 122 years ago, Joan Gamper decided to give the club the name of the city and later adopt the Creu de Sant Jordi and the Senyera.

“It is the pride of belonging to this club, this city and Catalonia. A country that believes in coexistence. All of this makes us grow as a club and as a society, although sometimes this has provoked criticism.

“The culés want us to feel different, starting with our model of ownership. A few months ago we chose who had to be the president. All decisions are voted on by the members of the club.

“We have our own style. We like to attack with the ball, letting our inspiration run. A model that we try to improve, because we are nonconformists. It is a style that Johan Cruyff taught us and it is the one we want to see in the first team. It is non-negotiable.

“We also want this style in the female category and in the lower categories. Marta, Carolina, you have won the treble respecting this style.

“I wanted to thank all the people at the club who have worked with Nike for this effort of imagination so that the Catalans can wear a shirt that is fantastic.

“The shirt is inspired by the club’s crest and by everything that makes us more than a club. I’m looking forward to seeing all the Catalans with this new kit when they go to the Camp Noù, Johan Cruyff Arena and the Palau. I also hope to see all the culés of the world wearing this jersey. Thank you.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/oshoala-models-barcelonas-new-home-kit/

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has disclosed that it took him time to adapt to the Premier League football in his first season with the club.

Partey, who joined the Gunners from Atletico Madrid last summer at a fee worth £45 million, managed 18 Premier League starts last season.

In a chat with Ghana’s TV3, the Ghanain international stated that the Premier League is a different league entirely.

“Well I think everybody has seen it, there’s been ups and downs.


“We’ve had good times and bad times, but this is my first season and I think I had to adapt to how they play, get used to my teammates.

“I think now I’m getting used to them and I know with hard work everything will be okay for the next season.

“Of course, it’s not easy. The Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world and if you want to be there you have to be able to do everything well. So I like this challenge and I’m ready to do everything.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/my-first-season-at-arsenal-was-tough-partey/

Slovakia secured a shock 2-1 win over 10-man Poland in their European Championship Group E opener in St Petersburg.

It was a game former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny would be remembered for all the wrong reasons as he is now the first goalkeeper to make an own goal in the European Championship history.

Slovakia took the lead in the 18th minute when the ball bounced off the post and rebounded in off Szczesny after a fine run and shot from Robert Mak.


Poland were back on level terms in the 46th minute thanks to a lovely one-touch move which was calmly finished by Karol Linetty.


But in the 62nd-minute Poland were reduced to 10 men after midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak got his second caution of the game.

Slovakia made the man advantage count as they went 2-1 up on 69 minutes with a Milan Skriniar’s fine low shot on the turn from the edge of the penalty.

Slovakia reached the last 16 of Euro 2016 and this victory leaves them well placed to reach the knockout stage again.

They stay in St Petersburg and face Sweden on Friday, 18 June, before Poland play against Spain in Seville on Saturday.

The other two nations in Group E, Spain and Sweden, face each other in Seville in the late game on Monday.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/euro-2020-ex-arsenal-keeper-szczesny-makes-history-as-poland-lose-to-slovakia/

Nigeria forward Paul Onuachu is thrilled to win three awards in one season in Belgium, reports Completesports.com.

Onuachu on Monday won the Ebony Shoe award for the best African player In Belgium.

The 27-year-old had already scooped the Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year and the top scorer’s award for the 2020/21 season.

The striker netted 33 times in 38 league appearances for Genk during the campaign.

Read Also: Allegri’s Second Coming Delights Bonucci


The former FC Midtylland forward becomes the first Nigerian to win the award in 25 years following in the footsteps of the likes of Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara and Celestine Babayaro.

“It doesn’t happen to every footballer and I feel proud, honoured and delighted to win this special award as a Nigerian and significantly as a professional from Africa,” Onuachu told BBC Sport Africa.

“To pick up three awards in a season is unbelievable and I thank God, my teammates and all the fans of Genk and Nigeria for the incredible support.

“I thank the organisers of the Ebony shoe award for their consistent and relentless support to African players in Belgium because this prize will continue to motivate us to do more.”

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-elated-to-win-three-awards-in-one-season/

A Nigerian footballer, Kelvin Odenigbo, who played for FC Vitebsk in Belarus, has been found dead after drowning in a lake.

Belarusian topflight club FC Vitebsk confirmed the death of the 20-year-old striker in a statement on its website.

According to the club, Odenigbo drowned and his corpse was found on Saturday by the lake Beloye, a tourist destination in the Vitebsk region.

“We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the football player. The football club Vitebsk reports that on June 5, 2021, on the lake Beloye, in the area of the tourist base Verasy, OSVOD employees found the drowned Kelvin Odenigbo,” the statement read.


The club also promised to release more details about Odenigbo’s death while expressing its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.


They added:”We will publish all official information as it becomes available. We express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the football player, as well as to all the fans of the team.”

Odenigbo recently joined the club on loan from NAF Rockets FC, the Nigerian National League side, at the end of last season before making the switch permanent for the 11-match-old 2021/22 season.

He featured for sixth-placed Vitebsk this season, finding the back of the net once in four appearances.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/20-year-old-nigerian-footballer-drowns-in-belarus/

Carlo Ancelotti has returned to Real Madrid for a second spell as coach, rejoining the Spanish giants from the English side Everton.

The Italian, who was previously in charge of the Madrid-based club between 2013 and 2015, has agreed to a three-year deal at the Bernabeu. He replaces Zinedine Zidane, who left Real last week after the team’s first trophyless season in more than 10 years.

“Carlo Ancelotti will be the new first team coach for the next three seasons,” a brief Real Madrid statement read.

He will sign his contract and be presented to the media on Wednesday.


Ancelotti had been in charge at Goodison Park since December 2019, leading Everton to a 10th place finish in the Premier League last season.

The 61-year-old, who has one of the most decorated CVs in world football, won the Champions League with Real in 2014, helping the Spaniards to their fabled “Decima” (10th) European crown, before being sacked 12 months later.

He is one of the three coaches – along with former Liverpool manager Bob Paisley and Zidane – to have won the European Cup or Champions League on three occasions, having also led AC Milan to glory in 2003 and 2007.

Ancelotti has also coached Juventus, Chelsea, Paris St Germain and Bayern Munich in his 26-year managerial career.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/ancelotti-appointed-new-real-madrid-coach/

Sergio Aguero’s brother Mauricio del Castillo has launched a scathing attack on Pep Guardiola insisting he’s never wanted the Argentine at Manchester City.

Aguero came off the bench in the Champions League final to play his last ever game for City which they lost to Chelsea.

His contract will not be renewed but he leaves the Etihad as City’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Also Read: Wenger: How Tuchel Tactically Outsmarted Guardiola

Initially he struggled to establish himself after Guardiola arrived with Gabriel Jesus preferred, but he quickly became the club’s leading light in attack once more.


Despite that his brother, Del Castillo, believes Guardiola “had never wanted” Aguero at the Etihad.

He made his comment in a tweet he later deleted, writing: “Guardiola never wanted my brother since his arrival at City.”

When quizzed on why he had erased the message he replied: “Many toxic people, too many.”

He then added: “Perfect, I’m glad people have seen it and I’ll write it again if I want.”

Despite his thoughts Guardiola has been particularly emotional regarding Aguero’s departure and was reduced to tears on his final Premier League appearance.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/agueros-brother-del-castillo-launches-attack-on-guardiola-after-ucl-final/

Samuel Chukwueze’s Villarreal have won this season’s UEFA Europa League after defeating Manchester United on penalties in Wednesday’s final.

The Yellow Submarine triumphed 11-10 in the shoot out after 120 minutes of a tension-soaked encounter ended 1-1.

Chukwueze who had been instrumental to Villarreal’s run to the final, did not make Unai Emery’s matchday squad after failing a late fitness test.

He is now the sixth Nigerian after Mikel Obi, Victor Moses, Nwankwo Kanu, Taribo West and Chidi Odiah to win the Europa League.


Villarreal have now won their first ever major trophy while United have now gone four seasons without a trophy.


Also Read: Ex-Super Eagles Striker, Emenike, Wife Celebrate 4 Years Wedding Anniversary

Unai Emery has become the first manager to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League four times (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 & 2020-21) surpassing Giovanni Trapattoni.

Also, Villarreal are the first side to win the #UEL on penalties since Sevilla beat Benfica in 2014.

Gerard Moreno opened scoring for Villarreal on 29 minutes but Edinson Cavani equalised for United 10 minutes into the second half.

Both sides cancelled each other out almost waiting for the dreaded penalty shootout.

If there were any nerves at that stage, neither side showed it as the first 21 penalties were converted.

That was until David de Gea’s penalty was saved, earning Villarreal their very first European crown.
Source: https://www.completesports.com/breaking-chukwuezes-villarreal-beat-man-united-to-emerge-europa-league-champions/

Paul Onuachu is thrilled to be crowned best player of the year in the Belgian Pro League for the 2020/21 season, Completesports.com reports.

The Nigeria international was rewarded for his exemplary performances for Genk who finished in second position behind Club Brugge during the campaign.

Onuachu is the first Nigerian to win the prestigious award.


The 26-year-old beat Club Brugge’s Noa Lang and Beerschot’s Raphael Holzhauser to the individual prize.


The forward also picked up the Golden Bull Award after finishing as top scorer in the league.


He scored 33 goals and provided five assists in 38 league appearances for the Smurfs.

“This prize means a lot to me, because the Belgian league is difficult”, the former FC Midtylland striker told Eleven Sports c.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/onuachu-thrilled-to-scoop-belgian-player-of-the-year-award/

The 2020/2001 Premier League season was concluded on Sunday, and in this piece, Completesports.com appraises the standout players in the entire campaign – in a team of the season format.

AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN x-rays the best Premier League 11 of the season as adjudged by Completesports.com‘s in-house panel. Below are our top eleven.

But the list of players who shone brightly for their respective clubs in the just concluded season is virtually inconclusive. We, therefore, invite you – our teeming readers, to have your say too. Do you want to put forward your own 2020/21 EPL team of the season? Use the Leave A Reply field under this piece and have your say.

GOALKEEPER

Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa)

He could be regarded as Aston Villa’s best player of the season considering how he single-handedly helped the team with some crucial saves this season.

The shot-stopper signed from Arsenal during the January transfer window has quickly become an important part of Dean Smith’s much-improved team.

Martinez recorded 15 clean sheets in the Premier League in the concluded season, just one shy of league leaders Manchester City goalkeeper, Ederson.

DEFENDERS

Thiago Silva (Chelsea)

There is a reason why Silva is regarded as one of the best center-backs of the past decade – his physicality and his prowess in the air are superb. He displayed such prowess for the Blues in the concluded 2920/2021 Premier League season, scoring one goal and making countless timely tackles to protect the backline.

He formed a strong partnership with Antonio Rüdiger and has been of true leadership of the Chelsea team till their last game against Aston Villa, where the team narrowly picked a top four ticket for Europe next season.

Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

Undoubtedly the best signing of this Premier League season, Ruben Dias has had a Van Dijk-like impact on Manchester City’s defense. The Portuguese center-back always seems to be in the right place at the right time and has been an integral part of Manchester City’s strong performances this season.

Arguably the best center-back in the Premier League at the moment, Dias has been extremely solid defensively. Excellent in the air and brilliant on the ball, the 23-year-old star has cemented his place in the Manchester City set-up.

Reece James (Chelsea)

Big, strong, and reliable, James played a key role in ensuring that Chelsea’s backline remains solid. His ability to overlap and make a quick return to his position makes him a perfect choice for Blues manager, Thomas Tuchel.

His work rate can’t be questioned as he has shown his fearless attitude against big-name players in the Premier League and most especially in the Champions League.

Luke Shaw (Manchester United)

The back four is full of redemption stories, with Manchester United’s Luke Shaw capping it off at left-back. Shaw has been one of United’s best players this season and has earned his way back into the England squad as a result.

The 25-year-old has played a direct hand in more goals than any other defender in the Premier League in 2021 and has remarkably created the most goalscoring chances (36) in the division.

MIDFIELDERS

Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City)

The Germany international is another Manchester City star that proved critics wrong after a poor start to the season. However, he has proved doubters wrong as he marshalled the team’s midfield with so much maturity and confidence.

Gundogan is one of the most complete midfielders in the Premier League, capable of breaking play, setting up chances, and even scoring goals.

The 30-year-old midfielder scored 13 goals this season and was extremely consistent with his performances till the team won the Premier League this season.

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester)

It continues to amaze that no big club has taken a serious look at Wilfred Ndidi, as he continues to grow from strength to strength for Leicester City.

Since joining Leicester in 2017, the 24-year-old has gradually established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.


Despite Leicester City narrowly missing a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, the Nigeria international played an integral role in ensuring that they won the FA Cup this season.

No player made more tackles and interceptions combined than Ndidi in the Premier League in 2021 (96), with the defensive midfielder even turning creator of late with four assists.

Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

The man who has almost single-handedly transformed Manchester United into an elite side once again, Bruno Fernandes is arguably the best player in the Premier League at the moment.

An inspirational figure in the Manchester United dressing room, Bruno Fernandes has had another amazing season and has already put up some astonishing numbers.

In 37 Premier League appearances in the 2020/21 season, the Portuguese superstar scored an incredible 18 goals and grabbed 11 assists. Manchester United will be hoping that Fernandes continues his good form as they face Villarreal in Wednesday’s Europa League final.

Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Man City’s Mahrez made this season his own with some self-styled football that ensured the Citizens won the Premier League. After a slow start to his campaign, the Algerian star grabbed the headlines with some fantastic display most especially in the last 10 games that sealed the team’s victory in the domestic scene and also qualifying for the final of the UEFA Champions League.

The Algerian forward/winger/attacking midfield maverick – call him what you will, was the Premier League’s most rampant attacking threat with 9 goals in 27 Premier League games and 6 assists.

Mahrez appears to telegraph what he is going to do before he does it. Yet still has the creative ability to carry out his intentions while defenders are left scratching their heads when they knew what was coming.

STRIKERS

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Liverpool have plenty of concerns at the moment, but one man who has continued to score goals regularly has been Mohamed Salah. Always making intelligent runs behind the opposition’s backline, Mohamed Salah’s hunger to score goals is unmatched.

The 28-year-old superstar has been linked with a move away from Liverpool in recent weeks, but it has not slowed him down in front of the goal.

No doubt, Salah was instrumental in ensuring that the Reds finished the season third on the log and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Harry Kane (Tottenham)

Take Robert Lewandowski and Erling Haaland out of the equation and Kane is the best striker on the planet. Even with the two Bundesliga goal scorers, Kane remains firmly in the conversation each season with his consistent finishing form and ability to help keep Tottenham in the mix.

This season, the 27-year-old has been at his usual prolific best scoring 23 goals in just 35 appearances. A player who is always willing to work hard for his team, Kane’s link-up play with Son Heung-Min has been exemplary.

At 27, the Englishman is at the peak of his powers and has been linked with a high-profile exit.

Source: https://www.completesports.com/complete-sports-2020-21-premier-league-team-of-the-season/