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Barcelona midfielder Arturo Vidal breaks the silence and claims he’s ‘happy and comfortable’ in Catalonia: “I want to continue here.”

The Chilean centre-midfielder has been linked with a move to Serie A this winter and both Inter and Juventus have been mentioned as possible suitors.

Despite the strong links with . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/barca-star-reveals-preferred-club-amid-inter-milan-links/

Super Eagles head coach, Gernot Rohr has reportedly extended his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for another two and a half years.

The German renewed his contract on Thursday to put to an end to the delay. He will be with the team till after Qatar 2022 World Cup.

In an interview with Radio France, Rohr said the crop of players in the team made him extend his contract despite the . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/rohr-signs-new-two-and-half-year-contract/

Mike Tyson is giving fans the unique chance of joining him in a training session ahead of his sensational boxing comeback.

The 53-year-old recently announced he'd be stepping into the ring again for a string of exhibition bouts for charity.

One charity he's already helping is the Harold & Carole Pump Foundation, with 'Iron Mike' auctioning off a three hour event titled 'Have Lunch & Train with Mike Tyson in LA' on Charitybuzz.

The auction is sat at . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/tyson-offers-fans-chance-to-train-with-him-ahead-of-comeback/

Roberto Martinez has extended his contract as Belgium coach until 2022 to take him up to the World Cup in Qatar, the Belgian football federation announced Wednesday.

Roberto Martinez led Belgium to third place at the 2018 World Cup finals

The 46-year-old former Everton manager took over as head coach of the Belgian national side in 2016, leading them to third in the 2018 World Cup.

The Spaniard’s initial contract ran until . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/belgium-coach-martinez-extends-contract-until-2022/

Marca have counted an amazing 30 players between the two sides who are on the market, with both sides of the Clasico divide looking to strengthen their first XI by sacrificing unwanted depth players who rarely feature.

From the Madrid side, there are big questions of Hakim Achraf, who they would love to keep but may not find room for. Then there’s Dani Ceballos, who doesn’t seem to fit either. Sergio Reguilon wants to stay at Sevilla. Jesus Vallejo, Kubo and . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/30-players-real-madrid-barcelona-could-sell-this-summer/

With no actual action in La Liga, the potential transfer activity of the big teams has been a focus for a lot of attention.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid have massive bloated squads now after several seasons of bad signings, and both are hoping to afford a couple of stars by shifting serious dead-weight.

When it comes to the Blaugrana, their transfer activity is so much in the public domain that even ex-Inter president Massimo Moratti is piping up about what he thinks they will do.

He addressed the rumours of a potentially unhappy . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/ex-inter-president-predicts-what-barca-will-do-with-messi-martinez/

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was confused by the idea that the Premier League season could have just been cancelled, claiming it would have been 'unfair' on his team.

It's still not 100% certain that the Premier League will be finished but it won't just be cancelled and made null and void at this point.

That was one of the suggestions when the league was first put on pause in March, with West Ham's Karen Brady the first to suggest it, but not allowing Liverpool to be crowned champions would have been 'unfair' according to their manager.

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/klopp-it-would-be-unfair-for-liverpool-not-to-win-premier-league/

Former Super Eagles forward Victor Moses has praised the influence of Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte on his career.

Victor Moses has praised the influence of Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte on his career

The pair first worked together at Chelsea in 2016 where Moses played a key role in the Blues' title-winning campaign during the Italian coach's debut Premier League season.

While Conte was sacked by the west London club in 2018 following a fifth-placed finish in the English top-flight, the Italian was hired as . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/victor-moses-reveals-most-important-manager-of-his-career/

Former Super Eagles forward Victor Moses has praised the influence of Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte on his career.

Victor Moses has praised the influence of Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte on his career

The pair first worked together at Chelsea in 2016 where Moses played a key role in the Blues' title-winning campaign during the Italian coach's debut Premier League season.

While Conte was sacked by the west London club in 2018 following a fifth-placed finish in the English top-flight, the Italian was hired as . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/victor-moses-reveals-most-important-manager-of-his-career/

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis has allegedly given Dries Mertens one week to either extend his contract with the Partenopei or decide to move on.

Inter have reportedly been trying to lure the Belgium international away from the San Paolo and coach Antonio Conte would welcome Napoli’s joint all-time leading goalscorer to San Siro and pair him with international teammate Romelu Lukaku.

But the 33-year-old is yet to make his mind up and has received a contract offer from the Azzurri, who are losing patience with the veteran.

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/napoli-owner-hands-mertens-one-week-to-sign-extension-report/

The Bundesliga returned 66 days after the last fixture was played with football behind closed doors in Germany which gave fans no choice but to watch on television.

The games which took place with a 15:30 kick off on Saturday were followed by 3.68 million viewers on Sky's paid platforms (27.4 percent of all TV viewers) and 2.45 million viewers on the free-to-view channel (18.2 percent of all viewers).

The free-to-air option will be available for the first two matchdays of the Bundesliga's return.

The 18:30 kick off between Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Monchengladbach returned to more usual viewing figures with 740,000 spectators.

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/bundesliga-smashes-viewing-figure-records/

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has warned La Liga not to separate players from their families in order to get Spanish football back underway.

Football across the nation has been indefinitely suspended since the middle of March since the coronavirus pandemic but players returned to individualised training sessions a week ago after widespread testing for the virus was carried out.

There have been concerns that it may prove impossible to complete the 2019/20 campaign – which has 11 outstanding rounds of action across La Liga.

However, the league’s authorities have continued to insist they are confident that the fixtures can be staged over the summer months and there is hope that football can return by the middle of June.

There have been suggestions that players will have to be quarantined – away from friends and families – for weeks at a time in order to . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/messi-warns-la-liga-not-to-separate-players-from-families/

Edinson Cavani's PSG contract ends this summer. But he could still renew it. According to 'L'Equipe', the Uruguayan has all the support of the Parisian fans and Thomas Tuchel would apparently delighted to keep him on.

Despite the fact many are saying Edinson Cavani will leave PSG, the truth is that the player could continue. That is at least what the French press are saying.

'L'Equipe' are reporting that Edinson Cavani is still waiting for an offer from the Parisian club. If it comes along, he will listen to it carefully.

Because, although he was very close to joining Atletico in January, the player is happy at PSG. He feels the support of the fans . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/edinson-cavanis-psg-contract-ends-this-summer-but-he-could-still-renew-it-according-to-lequipe-the-uruguayan-has-all-the-support-of-the-parisian-fans-and-thomas-tuchel-would-apparently-deli/

Talks between Manchester United and striker, Odion Ighalo, about an extension to his loan deal have reached an “impasse”, according to a report.

Ighalo signed for United from Shanghai Greenland Shenhua on deadline day in January, in a short-term deal that it was initially hoped would tie the Red Devils over until the end of the season, following Marcus Rashford’s back injury.

The Nigeria international had played above expectations before the season was halted, scoring four goals in three starts, and United boss Solskjaer admitted that he was considering offering the striker a permanent deal.

Ighalo’s loan deal expires on May 31 and, unlike players contracted on a longer-term basis to Premier League clubs, the 30-year-old will not have his terms automatically extended to allow him to finish the season at Old Trafford.

As such, United have been in talks to extend the loan deal for that purpose but the Evening Standard claims that progress on the matter has ground to a stop.

Shanghai Shenhua are reportedly “demanding” that Ighalo returns for the start of the new Chinese Super League season, pencilled in for July.

Ighalo’s deal did not . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/man-utd-in-serious-ighalo-dilemma-after-stern-shanghai-shenhua-demand/

Arsenal have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Chelsea winger Willian.

The Gunners were hoping to sign the Brazilian right-winger on a free transfer in the summer.

But the move may be scuppered by the veteran's wage demands, according to Metro.

Willian is hoping to sign a two year or three year deal with a club in London as Chelsea are only offering him a 12-month extension. . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/arsenal-shocked-by-chelsea-wingers-wage-demands/

In a new suggestion from FIFA’s Medical Committee chairman Michel D’Hooghe, measures might have to be taken both on and off the pitch in order to keep those involved as safe as possible.
League bosses remain adamant that football will return despite Eredivisie and Ligue 1 ending their seasons prematurely, with Arsenal the first club to
Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/players-face-spitting-ban-ahead-resumption-of-epl/

Manchester United forward, Alexis Sanchez, has reportedly bought a beachside apartment near Miami.

South Florida real estate website The Real Deal has claimed that the Inter Milan loanee has forked out nearly £2million for a luxury apartment in a condominium at Sunny Isles Beach.

His property is said to be just a 30-minute drive away from Miami, with records showing proof of the Chilean international's purchase at the Ritz-Carlton Residences.

View photos here: https://sportinglife.ng/inside-alexis-sanchez-new-2m-florida-apartment/

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has announced that all sport in the country is banned until September 1.

As a consequence, this would mean the immediate suspension of the football season, among other events.

The Netherlands, as such, is the first country to decree such a drastic measure at a governmental level.

The country's stadiums will remain closed until September 1, so the 2019/20 season can be considered to be closed.

"It's tough, but we will have to make that sacrifice," Rutte said.

As it is a government ruling, we must now wait for the reaction of the Dutch Football Federation (KNVB), who in principle could give the Eredivisie title to Ajax, the current leader and reigning champions.

However, there are a . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/dutch-government-shut-down-football-until-september/

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is one of the rising stars of La Liga outside the top 3 teams, and his development at Villareal has been attracting attention from abroad for some time now.

Still quite raw, the winger is maturing season by season and it won’t be long before someone decides to take the plunge and pay the Yellow Submarine what they want for the Nigeria international.

His clause is set at €65m, which reduces the number of teams who can even consider buying him, and of those sides Chelsea have to be considered favourites after his latest quotes as featured on Goal.com:

“My favourite team in England is Chelsea,” the 20 year old said in an Instagram Live filmed in isolation.

“I was supporting Chelsea when I was . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/chukwueze-names-chelsea-as-favourite-team-amid-epl-interest/

Jose Mourinho has now been the Tottenham head coach for almost five months, as he looks to progress from the Pochettino era to a new trophy-winning period.

The Special One still has more than three years remaining on his current Spurs deal, although he has only ever managed four seasons in charge of a club once in his career.

Mourinho managed two seasons at Porto, followed by four at Chelsea, two at Inter Milan, three at Real Madrid, three more at Chelsea, and three at Manchester United (Wikipedia).

However, in that time, the Portuguese head coach has won silverware wherever he has gone, including Champions Leagues, league titles, and cups.

Spurs fans will be . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/jose-mourinho-talks-future-plans-after-turning-57/

Nigeria legend, Yakubu Ayegbeni feels bad over Victor Anichebe’s inability to prove his worth owing to injuries.

Considered as one of the most promising young players of his generation after breaking in Everton’s first team from the club’s youth academy, Anichebe’s promising career faded into thin air following a string of ill-starred injuries.

After seven seasons at Goodison Park where he recorded 18 goals in 131 appearances, the 31-year-old was shipped out to West Bromwich Albion before heading to Sunderland after three seasons at the Hawthorns.

Relegation for the Black Cats . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/ayegbeni-how-injuries-destroyed-anichebes-career/

Manchester United star Paul Pogba showed "no mercy" as he nutmegged his mum while out for a walk.

The French midfielder showed how much he is missing the Beautiful Game by taking a football outside with him.

And he decided to have a bit of fun with his mother Yeo Moriba on exercise from coronavirus lockdown.

Pogba kept close control of the ball as Yeo advanced towards him.

The footballer spots the opening and makes his move

In truth . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/paul-pogba-nutmegs-mum-during-playful-kickabout/

Unified Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua, appeared on Boxing with Chris Mannix where he spoke about his rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr and shared when he thinks his next title defence will be.

‘AJ’ who is one of the leanest Heavyweights will need to stay in shape even amidst the Coronavirus pandemic as he has to be ready to go as soon as the world returns to normal. Mannix probed ‘AJ’ about his not having a gym. He was asked if he ever thinks about staying in shape for when bouts resume.

‘AJ’ engages in regular day-to-day exercises that common people do.

“So you know with boxing, why I chose . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/anthony-joshua-reveals-his-lockdown-fitness-routine/

After years battling his own demons, All Black legend John Kirwan is attempting to help fellow Kiwis struggling through COVID-19 lockdown by releasing a mobile phone app he calls "a mental wellbeing coach in your pocket".

The World Cup winning winger broke one of sport's great taboos after a stellar international career when he revealed his struggles with depression, helping explode the myth that on-field glory equates to happiness off the pitch.

Former All Black John Kirwan has been candid about his struggles with depression

"I had medical depression, I was on anti-depressants -- I wanted to jump out of a window one night," Kirwan told AFP in a telephone interview.

"I've got learned experience in this space."

Such is Kirwan's passion for speaking out about mental health that when he was knighted in 2012 it was his pioneering advocacy, not his exploits in a black jersey, that earned him the award.

After writing two memoirs on the topic, Kirwan has in recent years devoted himself to a more hi-tech means of communication, a mobile phone app called Mentemia.

The app uses personality tests and cognitive games to build up a picture of the user and provide tips for reducing stress.

These include breathing techniques, mood tracking, action plans for boosting mental wellbeing or simple reminders to take some time out during a busy day.

While . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/rugby-legend-tackles-covid-19-mental-health/

Valencia are considering bringing David Silva back to Mestalla in the next transfer window.

The 34-year-old's contract at Manchester City draws to a close at the end of the season and he is set to leave.

According to ESPN, Valencia have approached Silva to monitor his future plans and offer him the opportunity to become part of their new project.

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/valencia-plot-move-for-man-citys-playmaker/

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has appointed former Nigeria International and retired Director-General of the defunct National Sports Commission (NSC), Dr Patrick Ekeji, as his Deputy Chief of Staff.

Ekeji's latest appointment was coming barely a month after he successfully carried out a previous assignment given to him by the state government as the chairman of a seven-man Imo Sports Commission Review Committee.

As the head of Imo Sports Commission Review Committee, Dr Ekeji used his wealth of experience to save the state government from what would have degenerated into a public embarrassment when he resolved an agitation by aggrieved athletes preparing to represent the state at the now postponed 2020 National Sports Festival.

The athletes were protesting over unpaid camping allowances ahead of the National Sports Festival earlier billed for Benin City, Edo State before Ekeji stepped in to pacify them amid allegation that they were paid pittance for their three weeks camping.

Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/gov-uzodinma-appoints-ex-nsc-dg-ekeji-as-deputy-chief-of-staff/

Will Gabon international and Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang say bye to the Gunners after the lockdown or stay put amidst pressure from some quarters that he leaves for good to win laurels?

That is one naughty issue that is still on the table even as the covid-19 lockdown continues.

However Arsenal appear to be avoiding being taken unawares as plans are reportedly on to seek a possible replacement for the striker who has so far netted 49 goals for the Emirates landlords in 75 appearances.

Arsenal are reportedly considering a £50m swoop for Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno this summer, should captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leave the club.
Continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/arsenal-chase-possible-aubameyang-replacement-with-50m/

Manchester City midfielder, Fernandinho, has admitted that a future move to MLS could be on.

Although the 34-year-old has admitted he is happy at City, he hasn't ruled out making the move to the US in the future.

“I've thought about [MLS]," he said when asked if he would make the move to Major League Soccer.

“It's some offer I would consider for the future for sure. Me and my family are settled [in Manchester].

“It's the nicest city - everyone has their passion for the game, they love football.

“Since I . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/fernandinho-open-to-mls-move/

Kingsley Coman has refused to rule out a move away from Bayern Munich before hailing Pep Guardiola as his favourite manager.

The French winger joined the Bundesliga champions on an initial loan when Manchester City boss Pep was in charge at the Allianz Arena in 2015.

The 23-year-old, who made the deal permanent after the Spaniard left the club, has already been part of title-winning sides at Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

And despite great success in Bavaria, Coman has not ruled out adding to his 16 medals elsewhere.

He told Eurosport: . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/man-city-on-alert-as-bayern-star-wont-rule-out-exit-hails-guardiola/

Neymar has spoken out over his injury hell in a revealing shoot for fashion magazine Vogue.

The Brazilian took to the front page of the iconic publication to show off his pink hair in a series of striking suits.

Neymar, 28, stunned his fans in February by pulling off the controversial choice of hair colour before later shaving his head.

Neymar maintained the pink theme in his shoot for Vogue

But he was quizzed on more serious topics during an exclusive interview with the famous fashion mag.

Read more @ https://sportinglife.ng/neymar-shows-off-pink-hair-matching-suit-in-fashion-shoot/

Ligue 1 bosses are planning for the restart of the French league with things getting back on track by June 17 and coming to a close a few weeks later on July 25.

According to French media outlet L'Equipe, clubs may have to resort to playing fixtures every three days in order to squeeze in the amount of games need for the season to finish.

UEFA have also proposed playing both Europa League and Champions leagues games in August, meaning the speedy remaining of the French season would allow for those to be wrapped up.

Ligue 1 ground to a halt on 16 March and now a statement provided to L'Equipe on Monday, says . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/ligue-1-set-restart-date-with-plans-to-end-season-in-a-month/

Real Sociedad have confirmed a change to their original decision to resume first team training on April 14 in an official statement.

The Basque club announced this weekend they were preparing to be the first La Liga club to return to training, following the league suspension due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Real Sociedad players celebrate the 1-0 lead during the King's Cup first leg soccer match between Real Sociedad and CD Mirandes at Reale Arena stadium in San Sebastian, Basque Country, Spain, 13 February 2020.

However, following consultations with health and sport authorities, La Real have now opted to postpone their return date.

“After conversations with the . . . continue reading @ https://sportinglife.ng/la-liga-real-sociedad-confirm-u-turn-on-training-return/