Jorginho Tipped For Ballon d'Or

Antonio Cassano reveals he told Chelsea midfielder Jorginho it’d be ‘a scandal’ if he won the Ballon d’Or, and the Italy international agreed.

Jorginho has shown interest in the rumours that he’ll be one of the favourites for the trophy, seeing as in 2021 he has won the Champions League, European Super Cup and UEFA EURO 2020.

Nonetheless, that argument did not convince Cassano, who would always give the award to Lionel Messi.

“Remember when I said any journalist who voted for Jorginho as Ballon d’Or should have his licence taken away?” Cassano told Christian Vieri on Bobo TV Twitch channel.

“Well, I was in Formentera with my family and just as I saw down, I felt a touch. ‘Antonio, you’re great!’ the voice says. I turn around to ask who he was, he took off his glasses and mask, and it was Jorginho!

“I told him, Jorgi, can you believe the scandal if they should give you the Ballon d’Or and not to Messi? He replied that he absolutely agreed with me, Messi should always win it.

“Now I admire Jorginho even more. We were talking for a good 90 minutes, he is an exceptional guy, very intelligent, humble and polite

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Messi Sees Lack Of Support At Barcelona - Dani Alves

Former Barcelona right-back Dani Alves believes that Barcelona star  Lionel Messi is growing frustrated with the fact that he consistently has to lift the team.

The Argentine's exasperation came to the fore on Thursday night as he did the post-match interview after Barcelona's 2-1 defeat at home to Osasuna, which came on a night that Real Madrid became LaLiga Santander champions.

"He's a born winner, he doesn't like to lose and it's normal to get angry," Alves told Catalunya Radio.

"He wants to win every time, like me.

"He's been doing it for so long that you can tell when your team is giving [that feeling] and when it's not.

"That's why he said it, he's been at Barcelona for many years and he's aware of what he needs to be able to win and aspire to great things.

"He sees, what I feel, and that's a lack of support.

"Messi was the main course, but we were the perfect ingredients [in the past].

"He always wants to be on top and you need people to build that.

"The feeling now is that he always has to be doing everything for the team and he's only human."

So, does the Brazilian think that Messi could leave?

"No, I don't think so," Alves responded.

"He's the face of this club, of this team and it would be the biggest mistake the club would ever make [if he left].

"It would be a mistake for such a player not to retire there and change the name of Camp Nou to Leo Messi."

Neymar has been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona in the last couple of summers, and Alves admitted to trying to convince his compatriot to join the Catalan side once again.

"The only one I've tried to convince is Neymar to go to Barcelona," he explained.

"He had a very big offer from Real Madrid, and I told him that if he wanted to be happy he should come to Barcelona.

"It's the only time I've ever convinced anyone of anything.

"If I were him, I would come back without thinking about it.

"I never think that people make mistakes when they make a decision.

"Everyone knows that Ney can help Barcelona, Messi and the club to become a giant again in LaLiga, in Europe... and football is becoming more and more balanced.

"The team has 11 and with Messi you have 13.

"The team has 11 and with Neymar you have 13."

The 37-year-old departed in 2016 as he joined Juventus on a free, but he is not happy about the way his exit was handled.

"I'm not a selfish, spiteful person," Alves stated.

"Of course I miss Barcelona, and I always will, because it's my home.

"The other day I said to my people that I was at Barcelona for eight years and I basically left out the back door.

"That bittersweet taste of asking you what else there is to do remains.

"I felt hurt at the time because I was doing so much at Barcelona and they didn't want to give me a new contract.

"I had just had my best season. I did not feel valued.

"Real Madrid, and other teams, offered me double and I decided to go to Barcelona [when I left Sevilla]; I wanted to have the right to make the decision to leave [when the time finally arrived].

"I wanted to go out the front door.

"I was left with this situation that I didn't like.

"I'm not bitter, I'm a pure and clean soul.

"When I left, as I said on another occasion, my thought was to go and prove my worth elsewhere and then come back.

"That's why I dedicated myself double and even triple."

Alves ended up spending just one year at Juventus as he made the move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, again on a free, but there was some talk that he could have returned to Barcelona in the last few years, so was it true?

"Things were being talked about, but nothing ever came of it," Alves confirmed.

"I'm not bitter, but they are anyway [laughs]."

Xavi Hernandez has been strongly tipped to take charge at Barcelona, most likely depending on the results of the presidential elections in 2021, and Alves is excited about the Blaugrana's future is his former teammate takes charge.

"It will be Barcelona's 3.0 version," he noted.

"A team is not just 11, it's not just a coach... it's the conjugation of all those verbs.

"That's how you make a great team invincible: when it's in tune."

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Morgan Recalls How He Adviced Gunners To Appoint Jorgen Klopp Five Years Ago

Under the shrewd managerial competence of Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool lifted their first league title in 30 years after Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea left them trailing by 23 points with seven games still to play.

As a result, Liverpool are crowned champions of England, Europe and the world but Morgan was left in dejection at the thought it could have been Arsenal jubilating if they had listened to his advice five years ago.

Klopp was still in charge of his previous side Borussia Dortmund as at that period but had already announced his intentions to leave the German side at the end of the season, thus effectively becoming a free agent in the summer.

Already at that point Klopp was considered one of the biggest managers in Europe having landed back-to-back Bundesliga titles with Dortmund, including a league and cup double in 2012, against a vastly more resourceful and rich Bayern Munich outfit.

'Arsenal would be perfect for Jurgen Klopp - and he would be perfect for Arsenal. Sign him.

'If we don't sign Klopp, he will go to another top club and win trophies. The guy's a dynamic, driven young winner.

'Two league titles in last five years against one of the greatest Bayern sides ever - and some Arsenal fans don't think Klopp's good enough? Wow.

'Klopp would be our Mourinho. The time has come, Arsenal - act. #KloppIN'.

Despite his predictions over his future success coming true, Arsenal failed to act and stuck with Arsene Wenger for another three seasons.

Although they went on to win two additional FA Cups under the Frenchman, they also dropped out of the Champions League in 2017 and have not returned since.

The Gunners now currently sit ninth in the Premier League table with just half the points of Liverpool under new boss Mikel Arteta following the sacking earlier in the season of Wenger's eventual successor Unai Emery.

Klopp spent five months out of the game after leaving Dortmund, before being appointed Liverpool boss in 2015 following the sacking of Brendan Rodgers. The rest as they say is history.

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OFFICIAL: PL Approve 5 Subs Per Game & 9 Subs On The Bench

For the rest of 2019/20 season up to five substitutions is to be allowed in every match and team benches will increase to nine players, approves Premier League.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT:

Premier League Shareholders today agreed temporary changes to the rules relating to substitute players.

For the remainder of the 2019/20 season, the number of substitutes that can be used during a match will increase from three to five players.

This is in line with the temporary law amendment made by the International Football Association Board last month. 

Shareholders also approved for Clubs to increase the maximum number of substitute players on the bench from seven to nine for the rest of the 2019/20 season. 

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Tottenham Records A Positive Case Of COVID19

The Premier League have announced a positive case of coronavirus after 1,197 samples across the fifth round of testing this week.

With exactly two weeks until the top-flight season resumes, numbers of positive cases have remained very low but climb from the zero recorded in the fourth set of tests.

Tottenham have revealed that the individual to have tested positive for coronavirus is a player/staff member from their club.

The individual's name will not be disclosed.

They are currently asymptomatic and will now self-isolate for seven days.

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Euro 2020 Draw

Draw Result:

Group A

Italy, Switzerland, Turkey, Wales

Group B

Belgium, Russia, Denmark, Finland

Group C

Ukraine, Netherlands, Austria, Winner play-off Path D

Group D

England, Croatia, Czech Republic, Winner play-off Path C

Group E

Spain, Poland, Sweden, Winner play-off Path B

Group F

Germany, France, Portugal, Winner play-off Path A

Teams in Euro 2020 Play-off 

Play-off Path A

Iceland, Belarus, Hungary, Romania

Play-off Path B

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, The Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland

Play-off Path C

Scotland, Norway, Serbia, Israel

Play-off Path D

Georgia, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Belarus

When does Euro 2020 kick off?

Euro 2020 begins on June 12, 2020 in Rome, with the Stadio Olimpico hosting the first game of the tournament.

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Carl Ikeme Calls It Quit

Wolves and Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has announced his retirement from football.

The 32-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2017 but confirmed last month he is in remission.

Following advice from medical experts, Ikeme has now decided to end his playing career.

Ikeme joined Wolves in 2000 as a 14-year-old and made 274 domestic career appearances in all competitions, 200 of which came for the Molineux club.

"Thank you for the support over the years," Ikeme wrote on Twitter.

"My last day as a footballer. But one I am happy and grateful for!!!

"Thanks to everyone to do with Wolves and everyone in football I have met."

Speaking to the club's official website, he went on to say: "I spoke with the doctor and he suggested I should retire, because of the toll the treatment has taken on my body. He thinks it's what is best for me and I can't really risk trying to come back, my health is the priority.

"I want to be here for my children, family and friends. In the grand scheme of things with my life in danger, it's the minimum price I have to pay to spend the rest of my time with my family."

Wolves later tweeted a video of famous goalkeepers paying tribute to Ikeme, including David Seaman, Petr Cech, Joe Hart, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Iker Casillas.

Portugal international Rui Patricio is expected to be the club's number one next season, having joined the club from Sporting CP last month.

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Alex Iwobi Close To New Arsenal Contract - Unai Emery

Alex Iwobi, the Nigerian International is close to agreeing a new contract with Arsenal, head coach Unai Emery has confirmed.

Iwobi, whose contract runs to 2020, made 26 appearances in the Premier League last season.

And the Nigeria international will soon renew his contract to commit his future to Arsenal, Emery told reporters ahead of an International Champions Cup meeting with former club Paris Saint-Germain.

Iwobi played no part in the 3-1 penalty shoot-out defeat to Atletico Madrid, having only just returned from a break following his exertions for Nigeria at the World Cup.

"I have the information – he's near," Emery said. "First, I want to work with every player, and they are coming.

"Mesut [Ozil], Iwobi, [Mohamed] Elneny are starting to work with us, the first week is very good. My information is he is going to sign and continue with us."

Emery's squad has been boosted by five new arrivals, with Lucas Torreira, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Bernd Leno and Matteo Guendouzi joining since last season.

The Gunners have been linked with further signings ahead of August's deadline, but Emery is content with the group at his disposal.

"I believe in these players," Emery added. "Now, I am very happy with the players. On Monday, other players come with us after the World Cup.

"If there is a possibility to sign a player, it isn't very important now, but while the window is open, we can."

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Pope Injury Looks Serious – Sean Dyche

Sean Dyche said he was "really disappointed" to have lost goalkeeper Nick Pope to injury in Burnley's 1-1 Europa League draw against Aberdeen, admitting the problem looks serious.

Pope was withdrawn after just 14 minutes at Pittodrie, receiving a knock to his shoulder and forcing Dyche to send on Anders Lindegaard in his place.

Lindegaard was on the field for just five minutes before Gary Mackay-Steven gave Aberdeen the lead from the penalty spot, but Sam Vokes rescued Burnley with a goal 10 minutes from time to level the tie at 1-1 going into the second leg.

Dyche gave a negative assessment of Pope's injury, saying: "We are waiting to find out more news.

"Nick has gone to hospital with an injury to his shoulder and it certainly looks more serious than not serious at this stage, so we are really disappointed in that.

"It was a bit of a needless challenge when Nick looked like he was just going to catch it, and then [after the ball lands] I think it's the second challenge.

"When he responds to stop the ball going in I think the lad has caught his arm and knocked it back, so we'll just have to wait and see."

The news is a particular blow to Burnley given Tom Heaton is yet to return to action following the dislocated shoulder he suffered last September.

They host Aberdeen at Turf Moor next Thursday and begin their Premier League campaign against Southampton on August 12.

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MO Salah Can Build On Record Breaking Season - James Milner

James Milner insists Mohamed Salah is not a one-season wonder, with the Liverpool veteran confident his star team-mate can enjoy another record-breaking campaign.

Liverpool forward Salah took Anfield by storm last season, scoring 44 goals in all competitions and 32 in the Premier League following his arrival from Roma.

Salah – who suffered a shoulder injury in Liverpool's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid – walked away with the Premier League's Golden Boot and Player of the Year among other individual honours.

After enjoying a goalscoring return in Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Manchester City at the International Champions Cup on Wednesday, Milner believes the Egyptian sensation can build on his 2017-18 exploits.

"The best players in the world aren't known because they just did it in one season, they do it over and over again. He is more than capable of doing that," Milner said.

"I think obviously there is pressure when you've had one good year to deliver again. I think he's a top player, he's shown that and he's going to keep improving.

"We need to keep improving as a side with him as well and make sure that all the pressure is not on his shoulders to deliver goals and get us out of tough situations.

"It's down to all of us to help him be the best player he can and do that as part of a team."

Salah's performances alerted some of Europe's giants, with Champions League holders Madrid linked to the 26-year-old.

However, Salah signed a new five-year contract earlier in July to pledge his future to Liverpool.

"I was never worried, personally," Milner said. "There's always going to be stories when players do well. You saw how well he played last season, improving, and he seems happy so I don't see any reason why he'd want to go.

"That's what happens when you have good players. That's a positive thing for us that when there's speculation about your players it means that they are playing well and performing, and he obviously has."

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I Have Never Been Out Of Shape – Luke Shaw

Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw said he has never been out of shape as he likened his build to former captain Wayne Rooney, while the Englishman has the backing of Jose Mourinho heading into a make-or-break season.

Shaw has struggled to establish himself under the United manager Jose Mourinho since the Portuguese replaced Louis van Gaal in 2016, the former Southampton full-back limited to just eight Premier League starts last season.

Perceived weight issues and a poor diet have emerged as possible reasons behind Shaw's failure to win over Mourinho at Old Trafford, with make-shift full-back Ashley Young preferred in the starting XI.

However, the 23-year-old – who is in the final year of his deal – defended his physique and insisted he is ready to win a new contract following a gruelling personal pre-season training routine in Dubai.

"People think because of the way I'm naturally built I'm bigger than I am," Shaw said. "People can say I'm fat but I know my own body. Of course I always look big because I'm bigger built. You could say a Wayne Rooney type of body.

"But of course I worked hard and not just for them [the critics], I wanted to for myself, get in the best shape and that wasn't my best shape. It was a good shape to start the season off, the preseason, but now I'm working harder than ever and first game of the season I want to look 10 times better than I did in that picture.

"I'm working towards that and with the games and training we're doing here. Obviously we've got a new fitness coach and he's working us all hard and that's what I need."

Shaw, who does not want to sign a contract right now as he fights to prove his worth, added: "I guess you've just got to take it [criticism] because there is always going to be negative criticism and positive but I think both of them can make you stronger. And I think I've been unlucky because I've had a few ups and downs with different managers but I would say I've never been out of shape I've just, I don't know, sometimes people don't think I'm fitter than I am but that's all in the past.

"And, honestly, I feel really good and I'm raring to go. The minutes are only going to help me become fitter. That's what I need: minutes and hard work in training."

Mourinho has been critical of Shaw during his tenure at Old Trafford, but the latter insisted he has the backing of his boss heading into a defining 2018-19 season.

"I spoke with the manager about a week after the holidays. I was in Dubai and he texted me and we had a really good chat, it made me feel really confident about the upcoming season and that's why I worked really hard. I want to prove to him as well that I can be here, as well in this team," Shaw said.

Asked if he doubted his future after he was substituted at half-time of United's FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion last season, Shaw replied: "Not doubts, but there has been emotion. I was very upset but he only does stuff like that because he knows what I can do.

"We've had this conversation. It was literally like two days after. I hadn't spoken to him since. I was very upset. We were training and he spoke with me afterwards and he said: 'It's frustrating to see you like that when I know you can do this.' It's all positive and it's down to me to prove it to him. He said that he knows I can be the best, but he sometimes feels frustrated that I'm not doing that. He knows what I can do. That was one of the texts he sent me in the offseason. 'I know what you can do - you can be the best but you've just got to work on a couple of things.' That's why it pushes me on more.

"He says these things because he knows I can do it. He knows I can be a top player. He knows I can play for Manchester United. It's horrible at times because people only see those things he says [in public]. That's fine because I'm a grown man and I can take stuff like that. I'm used to it. But the stuff inside the training ground, no one sees apart from me. It still gives me confidence."

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Moussa Sissoko Dismisses Tottenham Critics

Moussa Sissoko is unconcerned by criticism from Tottenham supporters and has set his sights on a repeat of last season's success.

Sissoko became Tottenham's record signing when he joined for £31.5million from Newcastle United in August 2016 but he fell out of favour with boss Mauricio Pochettino in his first season at the club.

Reports surfaced linking the former Toulouse player with a move away but Sissoko went on to have a much-improved season in his second campaign for Spurs, making 33 Premier League appearances and scoring one goal.

Sissoko accepts he had a difficult start to life at Tottenham but is not worried about the response from some supporters, who booed the 28-year-old during a draw with Southampton last term.

"I came late, I didn't have pre-season and it was a new challenge for me. But last year I played a lot of games and I did well - like the team. This year is going to be the same.

"I will try to play more and I will try to do better and better. I'm happy with everyone here. The staff are always happy with me so I'll try to keep going."

Despite finding his feet under Pochettino, Sissoko missed out on a place in the France squad for the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps opted to leave the midfielder behind and his side went on to lift the trophy without Sissoko, who remains positive about his chances of adding to 53 Les Bleus caps.

"This is life sometimes," he said. "I wanted to be part of this team but the manager decided to leave me out. This is football.

"I was very happy for them. They deserve it. Now I'm looking forward and we will see what will happen.

"My ambition is the same as always: to try to be better and better, to try to improve, to try to help the team to finish higher up the league, try to go far in the Champions League. Try to perform."

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Russia Extends Cherchesov Stay After World Cup Success

Head coach Russia Stanislav Cherchesov has been rewarded with a contract extension for masterminding an impressive run to the World Cup quarter-finals.

The agreement means the 54-year-old will remain at the helm until Euro 2020 with the Russian Football Union retaining the option of additional two-year extension.

Having entered as the worst-ranked team, the host nation defied expectations to reach the World Cup knockout rounds with comprehensive group stage wins over Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

They then stunned 2010 champions Spain in a tense penalty shootout in the last 16, before losing in the same manner to eventual finalists Croatia.

Cherchesov was congratulated by Russian president Vladimir Putin and is now looking forward to building on the breakthrough showing.

"I am glad that we will continue to work with the Russian team," he said.

"In terms of team results the bar is raised high enough. I would like to continue further in the same spirit.

"We understand the full measure of our responsibility, we will do our work with dignity."

Cherchesov's accomplishments led to his inclusion on an 11-man shortlist for the Best FIFA Men's Coach award for 2018.

A former international goalkeeper, he managed the likes of Spartak Moscow and Legia Warsaw before taking his country's top job in August 2016.

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Pogba Can't Be Happy - Deschamps

France coach Didier Deschamps says that Paul Pogba “can’t be happy” with the current situation at Manchester United.

The 25-year-old, who rejoined United from Juventus for a then-world record £89m in 2016, has struggled under Jose Mourinho this season and has not made the starting lineup in United's last three matches amid rumours he wants to leave Old Trafford.

Deschamp named Pogba in his France squad for upcoming friendly matches against Colombia and Russia, but said he is concerned about the player.

"I don't know what it is. I'm sure I'll hear about it. But of course it's a situation he won't be enjoying," he said.

"As to why or how things came to this point, there may be many reasons. I have a great deal of talks with players at our training camps, to gauge their feelings. It's not just Paul.

“There can be many, varied reasons. He can't be happy with what he's going through with his club."

Pogba was an unused substitute as United beat Brighton 2-0 in the FA Cup at the weekend thanks to goals from Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic.

United’s next game is on March 31 when they host Swansea in the Premier League.

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Ex-Ivorian Star Emmanuel Eboue Is Dead

Former Arsenal and Ivorian International star, Emmanuel Eboue, is dead.

Eboue is reported to have committed suicide in London.

He is believed to be struggling With long-term depression.

He  was found dead in his sister’s North London home according to Police.

The Ex- Galatasaray star did not leave any note behind and was found hanging in the room on a fan hook, Police said in a statement.

Police declined to comment whether it was suicidal or a perpetrated act but assured the public an investigation is ongoing.

Emmanuel Eboue had received offers of legal advice in his bid to overturn a court ruling which was set to leave him homeless in the wake of his bitter divorce.

The ex-Arsenal defender, 34, previously spoke to the Mirror of his fears for the future following his acrimonious split from wife Aurelie.

The former Arsenal star a fortnight ago revealed how he lost all his fortunes, going from a rich football star to a poor man who was contemplating suicide.

Eboue made millions of pounds at Arsenal and then more than £1.5million a year at Turkish side Galatasaray.

However, the football star said he had lost all he had to his wife Aurelie who he claimed also handled his finances, adding that “whatever she told him to sign he signed.

After their divorce, the court awarded all his fortunes to his wife in a divorce settlement and he was ordered to also give up his house in London to the ex-wife.

The 34-year old and his wife lived there before he bought a mansion – which Aurelie has now put on the market.

Eboue had also surrendered his expensive cars to his wife, and before his death, he relied on London public transport. He often slept on a mattress on his living room floor.

As if all these were not enough, Eboue was also said to be suffering from an undisclosed medical problem.

The 34-year-old had served a one-year ban for failing to pay a former agent but got back into football recently, agreeing a deal with Cypriot side Turk Ocagi Limassol.

However, his move to Cyprus was not plain sailing and his agent Tekin Bircini said his client was

facing ‘medical problems’.

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James Rodriguez Happy At Bayern

After struggling to establish himself with Spanish giant Real Madrid, 26-year-old James Rodriguez made the temporary switch to the Allianz Arena as Bayern's marquee signing.

However, since the return of manager Jupp Heynckes as a replacement for the sacked Carlo Ancelotti, James become a key component in attack for the Bavarian giants.

"I'm very pleased with my first six months," the Colombia international told Sport1. "We can go into the holidays with a good feeling after the last few weeks and we hope to be successful next year as well.

"Bayern are like Real Madrid a club at the highest level. They always want to win titles and are used to always having to win.

"Without question, Bayern are a top club. It's a new life for me, but I've settled well. I'm really happy here."

James has scored twice and registered three assists in seven Bundesliga starts this term.

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Europa draw: Arsenal play Ostersunds, Atletico Madrid Tackle Coppenhagen

Arsenal have been drawn against Swedish club Ostersunds FK in the Europa League round of 32, while Atletico Madrid take on Copenhagen.

Arsenal, who secured top spot in their Europa League group, are still seeking their first European trophy under Arsene Wenger and will be confident of progress.

Diego Simeone's Atletico, who reached the Champions League final in both 2014 and 2016, enter the competition after unexpectedly finishing third behind Roma and Chelsea in their Champions League group.

They face Danish club Copenhagen as their first Europa League fixture as they seek a repeat of their successes in the competition in 2010 and 2012.

The official result of the Round of 32 #UELdraw!

Most exciting tie? ???? pic.twitter.com/166NCzW7wq

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 11, 2017

AC Milan, now under coach Gennaro Gattuso, play Bulgarian club Ludogorets Razgrad.

Milan had a disappointing spell after their summer spending spree but the Europa League offers the seven-time European champions a chance to enjoy a successful season.

Borussia Dortmund, who finished third in their Champions League group behind Tottenham and Real Madrid, resume European action under new boss Peter Stoger against Serie A side Atalanta.

Italian side Napoli take on German club RB Leipzig, with both sides having dropped out of the Champions League.

Elsewhere, Celtic play Zenit St Petersburg, Lazio take on Romanian side FCSB and Lyon face Villarreal.

Ties to be played Feb. 15 and 22

Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta

Nice vs. Lokomotiv Moscow

FC Copenhagen vs. Atletico Madrid

Spartak Moscow vs. Athletic Bilbao

AEK Athens vs. Dynamo Kiev

Celtic vs. Zenit St Petersburg

Napoli vs. RB Leipzig

Red Star Belgrade vs. CSKA Moscow

Lyon vs. Villarreal

Real Sociedad vs. Red Bull Salzburg

Partizan Belgrade vs. Viktoria Plzen

FCSB vs. Lazio

Ludogorets Razgrad vs. AC Milan

Astana vs. Sporting Lisbon

Ostersunds FK vs. Arsenal

Marseille vs. Braga

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#UclDraw: Ronaldo v Neymar as Real draw PSG in Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid will continue their bid for a first European Cup treble in 40 years against Neymar’s Paris Saint-Germain after the big-spending duo were on Monday drawn together in a mouth-watering Champions League last 16 clash.

No club has won the European title three years running since Bayern Munich in the mid-1970s, underlining how big an achievement it would be if Madrid — 12 times winners overall — won the trophy again in the final in Kiev in May.

They know exactly what it takes to be European champions, and in Ronaldo have the most prolific goal-scorer in the competition’s history.

Emilio Butragueno, a Real director and former striker, regretted that one of the favourites would be eliminated so soon in the competition.

“For the potential of the two teams, luck has worked out this way and one of the two teams will be out at the last 16 stage, which we think is a bit soon taking into account they are two of the contenders for the title,” Butragueno told BeIN Sports Spain.

PSG made waves in the transfer market in the close season when they signed Brazilian star Neymar for a world-record 222 million euros ($261.5 million), followed closely by great French hope Kylian Mbappe, who will cost 180m euros when his loan deal becomes permanent next summer.

“Every summer they have signed great players, they get stronger all the time and they have had a nearly impeccable group stage,” acknowledged Butragueno.

“With Neymar and Mbappe they have improved a lot up front, they are a very dangerous team who will demand the best of us. We need to face both games like finals and for the fans it will be a thrilling tie.

“Mbappe and Neymar are very dangerous. We need to play at our best, but we can’t forget this team has won the Champions League twice, we hope to have all the injured players back and the key is who has the luck over two games.”

– ‘Big tie of the round’ –
Butragueno added: “Of course it is the big tie of the round. Chelsea-Barca is important too, but I think for the players that will be on show, it is the most attractive of all the ties.”

PSG ambassador Maxwell said the Real tie threw up the chance for the Parisian club to atone for their 6-1 hammering by Barcelona that eliminated them in the last 16 last season.

“It’s a good draw, with two good games to play,” Maxwell said. “Our fans will like it after we were knocked out by Barcelona last season.

“It will be nice. It’s a beautiful challenge for the club. I think we’re ready for that.”

While Real’s La Liga rivals Barcelona were drawn against Chelsea, English Premier League leaders Manchester City play Basel, who have had some fine results against English sides in recent years.

Five-time winners and current Bundesliga table toppers Bayern Munich drew Turkish giants Besiktas, while last year’s beaten finalists Juventus take on Tottenham.

Bayern’s director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic said the Germans would not be underestimating Besiktas, who should enjoy some raucous support from the city’s Turkish community.

“We know how strong they are after we followed their games against Leipzig. It will be a difficult task, but we are looking forward to the unusual atmosphere in their stadium,” he said.

“One always says that it is a disadvantage to play at home in the first-leg, which is right – it certainly won’t be an advantage – but we are strong enough to accept that and we will give our all.”

With a record five English clubs in the draw, three-time champions Manchester United face Sevilla and Liverpool, five-time winners, will be up against two-time former champions Porto.

Unfancied Ukrainian club Shakhtar Donetsk will play Roma.

First legs will be played on February 13/14 and 20/21, with second legs on March 6/7 and 13/14.

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Ryan Sanusi, Eyeing To Represent Nigeria At The World Cup

Ryan Sanusi the highly rated Sparta Rotherham midfielder is eyeing a place in Nigeria's 23-man World Cup roster.

Born in Borgerhout, Belgium twenty five years ago to a Nigerian father and Belgium mother, Sanusi is eligible to represent both nations and has one cap for the Europeans at U20 level.

''It's not something I'm really working on, but it would of course be great,'' voetbalbelgie.beciting Het Algemeen Dagblad quoted Ryan Sanusi as saying.

''After all, every player wants the highest possible, and you can not come higher than a World Cup as a football player, and the Belgian team will be a difficult story for me.

''But who knows, there is a chance for me to represent Nigeria in the  World Cup.

''In Nigeria there are also a lot of good footballers, but it seems to me that I will get a chance there rather than in Belgium, although I do not really take it into account, I focus entirely on Sparta. ''

Ryan Sanusi's cousin, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Mousa Dembélé , is set to represent Belgium at the 2018 World Cup.

Photo Credit : alchetron.com

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Sepp Blatter Grabbed My Ass - Hope Solo

The former head of world football, Sepp Blatter had denied claims by US women’s goalkeeper, Hope Solo, that he had grabbed her backside.

Solo told Portuguese newspaper, Expresso,that then-FIFA president, Blatter, had sexually harassed her at the 2013 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper, who stood out that year, claimed that Sepp Blatter pounced as she was about to present an award to her teammate Abby Wambach.

“Sepp Blatter grabbed my ass, it was a few years ago at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, just before I got on stage,” Solo said.

However, Blatter, 81, told AFP the accusations were “absurd and ridiculous.”

Solo, a World Cup winner and two-time Olympic champion, made the allegations on the sidelines of the Web Summit being held in Lisbon.

She said that sexual harassment at the hands of male officials was a common problem in women’s football.

“I have seen this all of my career and I would like to see more athletes speak about their experiences,” said Solo.

“It’s out of control, not just in Hollywood but everywhere,” she added in reference to the firestorm of sexual harassment allegations in entertainment, politics and sport since the scandal involving Hollywood mogul, Harvey Weinstein, unfolded.

Solo made reference to the fact that female players sometimes married their US college coaches, “which obviously a coach should not be doing, especially with a young player.”

Blatter was president of FIFA from 1998 to 2015 until he was banned for corruption.

The Swiss official ran FIFA with an iron hand and oversaw a period in which football’s premier tournament was hosted in Asia for the first time and he paved the way for it to be held in Qatar in 2022.

After the corruption allegations emerged, FIFA banned Blatter from the sport for eight years, a term later reduced to six years after appeal.

Blatter told AFP last month that he would attend next year’s World Cup finals in Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.

CREDIT  Punchng.com

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