Champions League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Our dad won the Champions League and dominated Africa Cup of Nations – now we’re both Premier League cult heroes

      by

      EVERY Premier League fan will have likely heard of the name Ayew.Brothers Jordan and Andre have been playing in England for years.
      Abedi Ayew is regarded as one of the best African players of all timeCredit: AP:Associated Press
      But their dad was a legend in his own right.
      Abedi Ayew made 73 appearances for the Ghana national team during his career, also captaining the side.
      He led the Black Stars to the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1982 and is considered one of the best players in the country’s history.
      Abedi has won the African Footballer of the Year award three times, Ghana Footballer of the Year once and was named in the top 10 of the FIFA Best World Rankings in 1991.
      Read More on Football
      He also won the Champions League with Marseille in 1993.
      Now, his sons are all established on the international scene.
      Andre has made 114 appearances for the national team, while Jordan has made 90.
      Their brother, Ibrahim, has also played for the Black Stars.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      Andre Ayew left Nottingham Forest in MayCredit: Getty
      Jordan Ayew currently plays for Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
      The 35-year-old, who plays for Gibraltar Football League club Lincoln Red Imps, has made just six international appearances.
      Andre currently plays for Ligue 1 side Le Havre having moved from Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
      He previously played for Swansea and West Ham and has made 102 Premier League appearances.
      Meanwhile, Jordan is still starring in England’s top tier.
      The 32-year-old joined Crystal Palace in 2018 and has since made 191 appearances.
      He has made 17 appearances so far this season, scoring once and providing four assists.
      The striker previously played for Aston Villa and Swansea in the Premier League.
      Ibrahim Ayew (L) made six appearances for GhanaCredit: Reuters More

    • 213 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra spots major hint ‘something is wrong’ for Raphael Varane at Old Trafford

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Patrice Evra insists “something is wrong” regarding Raphael Varane.Varane missed United’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea at Old Trafford with manager Erik ten Hag claiming he is dealing with a sore back.
      Manchester United star Raphael Varane hasn’t been seen in the starting line-up for a whileCredit: Getty
      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra claims ‘something is wrong’ with VaraneCredit: Getty
      The centre-back hasn’t started for the Red Devils since October’s Champions League win against Copenhagen.
      The former France international was on the bench during Saturday’s loss at Newcastle with left-back Luke Shaw filling in for him at the back next to Harry Maguire.
      However, Ten Hag reinstated Shaw in his natural position against Chelsea and had Victor Lindelof team up with Maguire at centre-back.
      Evra believes the recent team selections make no sense when it comes to his fellow Frenchman.
      Read More on Man Utd
      The former full-back insists the Dutch tactician can’t just omit a four-time Champions League winner like Varane unless there is a serious reason.
      Evra told Amazon Prime: “Something is wrong.
      “Luke Shaw, no matter if he plays good or bad, I don’t want to see him at centre-back.
      “He’s a left-back. when you play for a club like Manchester United and have defenders like Lindelof, Maguire, Varane, and you still have to use Luke Shaw at centre-back, there’s something wrong.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      “I played centre-back in some games for United but because of an emergency. I played centre-back for Juventus because I was old.
      “Luke Shaw is still young, the movements are completely different so you can get injured really easily.
      “I’m really happy that Luke Shaw is back in his real position, we’ll get more balance.
      “I don’t take away any credit when he plays centre-back because he was fantastic against Newcastle.
      “But you have a four-time Champions League winner and he’s not in the team.” More

    • 163 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Pep Guardiola promises to retire if Man City win Treble again this season

      by

      PEP GUARDIOLA has vowed to “RETIRE” if Manchester City repeat their Treble antics this season.City scooped the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies last season in a historic campaign for the club.
      Manchester City won a historic treble last seasonCredit: REX
      The Citizens will be hard-pressed to repeat the stunning featCredit: GETTY
      Manager Pep Guardiola has vowed to retire if City retain all three trophies this seasonCredit: GETTY
      The defending English champions are currently six points behind table toppers Arsenal, a gap which has led many to wonder if they can repeat their incredible feat of the 2022/23 campaign.
      Guardiola, however, is confident of finishing first in the Prem title race and has sensationally claimed he’ll walk away from the club if they do so.
      Ahead of City’s Prem clash with Aston Villa, he told Amazon Prime: “If we win the treble this season, I’ll retire.
      “That’s for sure.
      “I know it is extremely difficult, how many incredible teams have been in England.
      “And just one with Sir Alex Ferguson has done it and ourselves last season.
      “When we spoke, prepare well for the first game and how we try to do it and then the second and now the third.
      “We will see our level and the competition itself dictates your level, the opponent dictates, the challenge is higher but in September, October, November, thinking about the title, forget about it.”
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFER
      City have struggled for consistency this season without star midfielder Kevin de Bruyne pulling the strings.
      But Guardiola is adamant his troops will find form when required to and win an unprecedented fourth straight Prem title.
      He said: “My feeling today is we’re going to win the Premier League.
      “If we play at the levels that we showed against Liverpool and Tottenham, we’re going to win it again.
      “People don’t believe it already after three draws but we feel we’re going to do it again, knowing that it is not easy because no team has done it yet (won four in a row).
      “The difficulty is there and was last season but, if you ask me today what I’m feeling, we’re going to do it again.”
      Pep Guardiola is confident of getting his hands on the Premier League title againCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Best XI of transfers on cards for January including Toney to Arsenal, Osimhen to Chelsea and Todibo to Man Utd

      by

      WITH injury crises hitting multiple clubs and teams beginning to take a look at the business end of the season, the rumour mill is in full effect.We’re expecting a busy period of transfer spending in the Premier League with several top clubs unafraid to splash the cash in January.
      Ivan Toney could move for £100million in JanuaryCredit: PA
      Victor Osimhen would cost even moreCredit: Reuters
      Here’s a look at the best players being lined up for moves…
      David de Gea
      De Gea has resisted offers from Saudi Arabia and the MLS as he bides his time on choosing his next club.
      The former-Manchester United stopper became a free agent in the summer after United were unwilling to extend his £350,000-a-week contract and has remained without a club ever since.
      Newcastle and Barcelona are now set to battle it out to sign De Gea in January with both teams experiencing long term injuries to their first-choice goalkeepers.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      David de Gea has been linked with a move to Newcastle and BarcelonaCredit: AFP
      Denzel Dumfries
      Dumfries starred for Inter as they battled their way to last year’s Champions League final.
      Calciomercato have reported that Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are set to battle it out for the £43.5m rated right-back this January – with Spurs prepared to offer Emerson Royal to Inter as part of a deal.
      Dumfries has been linked with a move to several Premier League clubsCredit: AFP
      Jean-Clair Todibo
      Todibo is one of the French national team’s most highly-rated defenders and is hotly tipped for a move in January.
      The centre-back is rated at £39million with United the favourites to sign him due to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS owning Nice.
      Most read in Football
      Spurs and Liverpool also reportedly hold an interest in the 23-year-old.
      Manchester United and Spurs are set to battle it out for Jean-Clair TodiboCredit: Alamy
      Antonio Silva
      Antonio Silva has become a stalwart at the heart of Benfica’s defence despite only being 20 years old.
      The centre-back has an £85million release clause in his contract that Manchester United are reportedly willing to meet.
      Silva has become a rock at the back for Benfica despite being 20-years-oldCredit: AFP
      Alphonso Davies
      The Canadian is arguably the best left-back in the world and tearing it up for Bayern this season but could leave Bavaria soon.
      The defender is unhappy with Bayern’s latest contract offer according to Bild and has Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester City willing to better their offer.
      Alphonso Davies is one of the best left-backs in the worldCredit: Getty
      Jota
      Al-Ittihad’s Jota has experienced a difficult time in the Saudi League after being left out of the first team squad by Nuno Esperito Santo.
      The ex-Celtic winger reportedly fancies a reunion with former manager Ange Postecoglou at Spurs but the Aussie is still weighing up a move.
      Jota and Postecoglou could reunite in JanuaryCredit: PA
      Douglas Luiz
      Douglas Luiz has starred for Aston Villa this season with the Villans currently sitting in fourth.
      Arsenal are long-term admirers of the midfielder and are keen to pair him with Declan Rice in their midfield.
      Arsenal are long-term admirers of Douglas LuizCredit: Getty
      Joao Palhinha
      Another midfielder Arsenal are looking at pairing Declan Rice with is Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
      The Portuguese midfielder narrowly missed out on a move to Bayern Munich on September’s deadline day and the Germans are likely to reignite their interest.
      The midfielder could reignite his move to BayernCredit: AP
      Pedro Neto
      Pedro Neto was electric for Wolves this season prior to his injury, bagging one goal and eight assists in his ten Premier League appearances.
      Arsenal are long-term admirers of the winger and could look to bring them in as they look to win the Premier League title this year.
      Arsenal have tracked Pedro Neto since before his move to WolvesCredit: Getty
      Ivan Toney
      With Ivan Toney’s gambling ban set to end on January 17 a number of Premier League teams are falling over themselves to sign the £100million-rated forward.
      Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs are the current front-runners for the 27-year-old’s signature.
      Read more on The Sun
      Ivan Toney is nearing his return from a gambling banCredit: PA
      Victor Osimhen
      Victor Osimhen was Serie A’s top scorer last season with 26 goals as Napoli romped to the league title.
      Chelsea are prepared to break the £115million transfer record that they paid for Moises Caicedo in the summer to sign Osimhen.
      Osimhen hasn’t quite replicated last season’s formCredit: Getty
      The best XI of players linked with a moveCredit: The Sun More

    • 88 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Who is Kate Abdo’s husband Ramtin Abdo?

      by

      KATE Abdo is one of the most recognised football presenters in the world.Therefore, it comes as no surprise that fans of the sports broadcaster are keen to know more about her life off camera – including her marriage to husband Ramtin Abdo.
      Kate Abdo pictured in May 2023Credit: Getty
      Who is Kate Abdo’s husband Ramtin Abdo?
      English sports broadcaster, Kate Abdo, is married to businessman and investor Ramtin Abdo.
      Born in Manchester under the maiden name Giles, she took her husband Ramtin Abdolmajid’s surname – shortened to Abdo – when they wed.
      Aside from this, not much is known about the couple’s relationship, with the pair keeping their romance private from the public eye.
      When did Kate Abdo and Ramtin Abdo get married?
      In October 2023, fans were left in hysterics at Thierry Henry’s reaction after Kate Abdo joked that she was getting engaged.
      Read More on Kate Abdo
      The CBS Sports host and the Arsenal legend were joined by Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards as usual on Champions League nights, when the presenter revealed at the start of the show that she had a big announcement.
      There were audible gasps from Carragher before he quipped: “Are you getting engaged?”
      Abdo responded: “Yes, I am getting engaged, he doesn’t know yet.”
      However, it was only a joke as glamorous Kate is already married, having tied the knot to her husband Ramtin in 2010.
      Most read in Football
      But as she made the gag, the cameras quickly cut to Henry – and some fans were convinced that he looked gutted.
      One said: “He almost threw up on the table,” while a second added: “He looks mortified.”
      What does Ramtin Abdo do for a living?
      As mentioned above, Ramtin Abdo is a businessman and investor.
      According to various reports, Ramtin has an estimated net worth of £10million.
      Kate on the other hand has also managed to amass an impressive fortune thanks to her successful career.
      The sports broadcaster is reported to have an estimated net worth of £2million – thanks to a job that has taken her all over the world.
      Kate began her broadcasting career in Germany covering the Bundesliga as a production assistant and has since worked in the UK, Spain, France, and the United States.
      Because of this, she speaks fluent French, German and Spanish.
      So, including English, multilingual Kate speaks an impressive FOUR languages – and she’s previously impressed fans with her skills live on air.
      During a show in November 2022, Kate and her ex-football star co-hosts were shown Champions League interviews by PSG star Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde of Real Madrid, and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose.
      Kate then effortlessly translated the questions and answers from all three for the English-speaking viewers – earning the star a fist-bump from Thierry Henry.
      Read More on The Sun
      Meanwhile, Micah Richards said: “Wow, Kate! Three interviews, three languages!
      “The first one French, second one Spanish, third German. Das ist gut, Ja!” More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal legend Paul Merson predicts exact date when Erik ten Hag will be sacked by Man Utd

      by

      ERIK TEN HAG will be sacked if Manchester United lose their next three games, according to Paul Merson.The Red Devils currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with 24 points from 14 games.
      Erik ten Hag could be sacked by Christmas, according to MersonCredit: Reuters
      Paul Merson believes Ten Hag will be sacked if Man Utd lose their next three gamesCredit: Getty
      They are also at risk of crashing out of the Champions League in the group stages.
      And amid the club’s poor run of form Ten Hag has allegedly lost half of the dressing room, with several players losing faith in him.
      As United continue to struggle both on and off the pitch, Arsenal icon Merson believes Ten Hag could be dismissed within a number of DAYS depending on results.
      In fact, Merson reckons Ten Hag could be sacked on December 12, 2023 after the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
      Read More on Man Utd
      In his column for Sportskeeda, the ex-midfielder wrote: “I’m not exaggerating when I say that Manchester United’s game against Newcastle was one of the most one-sided matches I’ve ever seen in the Premier League.
      “I thought it was embarrassing. I was shocked by the way United played and the lack of effort they put in.
      “Chelsea, on the other hand, got a great result [against Brighton]. I didn’t see them winning the game after they went down to ten men, but they held their own, and fair play to them.
      “Chelsea have the players to have a go at United, and I think this is going to be an exciting game.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      “Chelsea are a more settled team now – you know their starting eleven, and if you take away that bad half against Newcastle, they’ve been good recently.
      “They have a few defensive problems, but they did very well against Brighton with ten men.
      “Manchester United are one of those teams that turn up in these games.
      “They’ve had two bad games on the trot, but they do have a knack for keeping their head just above the water.
      “If they lose to Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Bayern, I don’t see how Ten Hag keeps his job. I do think they’ll beat Bournemouth, however, and they could do well against a Bayern Munich side that has already qualified for the Round of 16.”
      Man Utd host Chelsea in a huge Premier League match on Wednesday.
      Merson believes the Red Devils will be able to hold Mauricio Pochettino’s side to a 3-3 draw.
      He added: “I’m going to go in swinging with my prediction for this game – I expect a high-scoring draw.” More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Man Utd star and Champions League winner unrecognisable with long hair gone in favour of clean-shaven look

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S last Champions League-winning No8 is now sporting a very different look to when he lifted European football’s biggest prize 15 years ago.The Brazilian came up clutch for the Red Devils against Chelsea in Moscow, scoring in the penalty shootout after being thrown on by Sir Alex Ferguson.
      The former Man Utd star now has significantly shorter hairCredit: De Boa Bet
      The former Prem ace is also clean shaven in retirementCredit: Instagram
      He hung up his boots in 2019Credit: Instagram
      His first season at Old Trafford ended in a Premier League and Champions League double.
      And later in 2008 he was even awarded the prestigious European Golden Boy gong, won in the past by the likes of Wayne Rooney, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.
      The midfielder didn’t quite reach the heights that were expected of him after his impressive debut campaign at United.
      But he did go on to play 181 times for the Red Devils between 2007 and 2015, eventually leaving to return to Brazil with Internacional.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      In total he won four Premier League titles with United, in addition to the Champions League, Club World Cup and a League Cup.
      And he also earned eight caps for Brazil.
      During his playing career he sported his hair in distinctive long braids.
      His penultimate Man Utd appearance came in the infamous 4-0 League Cup drubbing at MK Dons, and by this point he’d chopped his braids off.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      Anderson now wears his barnet even shorter in retirement.
      Now 35, he hung up his boots four years ago.
      In snaps taken since his retirement he can be seen with virtually a buzz-cut.
      He is also now clean-shaven as part of his new look.
      Following the humiliation at the hands of MK Dons he played just 20 more minutes for United the following Saturday before never appearing in their matchday squad again.
      In February 2015 he ended his Old Trafford first team exile by signing for Internacional in Brazil.
      He went on to play 55 times for them during a three-year stint, also spending time on loan at Coritiba.
      Anderson finished his playing career with a two-year stint in Turkey with Adana Demirspor, only playing 15 times before retiring.
      Since hanging up his boots he has coached at Adana Demirspor, who are managed by Patrick Kluivert.
      Earlier this year he was described as a “lazy party animal” by former Man Utd Power Development Trainer Mick Clegg.
      Read More on The Sun
      The ex-United coach said: “Anderson was more than capable of being an absolute stormer of a player. He just needed his head knocking. He didn’t keep fit.
      “He chose not to put in the work, so it’s hard to have too much sympathy for him. He was a party animal.”
      Anderson poses with his European Golden Boy awardCredit: Getty
      The Brazilian hoists the Champions League trophy with Carlos tevezCredit: Getty
      The midfielder starred for the Red Devils alongside Wayne RooneyCredit: PA:Press Association
      Anderson sported a shorter haircut during his latter United daysCredit: PA:Empics Sport More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Gareth Southgate admits England face nightmare build-up to Euro 2024 with host of big names missing

      by

      GARETH SOUTHGATE has admitted England may face a nightmare build-up to Euro 2024 with a host of big names set to be missing.With the Champions League final just a fortnight before the first Three Lions match in Germany, players could snub England’s final warm-up friendlies.
      Gareth Southgate admitted some of the England stars could miss warm-up friendlies before Euro 2024Credit: Rex
      Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham, plus Manchester City’s English contingent, are hoping to go all the way in the Champions League.
      It means if Pep Guardiola’s side want to retain their title Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, John Stones and Phil Foden could play in the final at Wembley on Saturday, June 1st.
      That is just two weeks before England begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16th.
      Southgate has organised two pre-Euro friendlies, the first at Newcastle’s St James’s Park on Monday June 3rd and another at Wembley.‌
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But with the Three Lions stars playing for the top sides in Europe, there could be a few absences during these fixtures.
      This could cause major disruption as seen before the previous Euros when Chelsea beat City in the Champions League final in 2021.
      And the England boss has confirmed players will not be getting a break after the Premier League term finishes on May 19th.
      He said: “We had that, in the Euros, we had that, Chelsea-Man City last time around, so again we’re used to dealing with that.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      ‌“You’d love to have all of the players for all of the prep camps, but that’s not our reality.
      “We’ve dealt with that in the past, so we know what it needs to look like.
      “It’s important they get some sort of psychological break in between but, of course, the longer they play, the less you can give them is the reality.”
      England have landed a relatively comfortable draw on Saturday, facing Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in Group C of Euro 2024. More