Ligue 1

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi suffers Achilles injury just weeks before his final World Cup as PSG star hands Argentina scare

      by

      LIONEL MESSI has suffered an injury scare just two weeks before the World Cup kicks off.Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the Argentine will miss tomorrow’s trip to Lorient with an inflamed Achilles tendon.
      Argentina will be sweating on the fitness of captain Lionel MessiCredit: Reuters
      However, the club insist it is only a minor problem.
      And they expect him to return to full training next week.
      PSG host Auxerre next weekend, their final match before the break for the World Cup.
      Argentina captain Messi is desperate to lead his country to glory on December 18 – and will be hoping he can shake off the issue in time for their opening match against Saudi Arabia on November 22.
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Messi has already confirmed Qatar 2022 will be his last World Cup.
      His country lost the 2014 final to Germany, the closest he has come to lifting the only major trophy that eludes him in his stellar career.
      But the new fitness concern is the latest injury he has had to battle off this season.
      Just weeks ago, Messi missed two games due to a calf strain and then was spotted limping against Maccabi Haifa- leaving fans terrified.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      The forward, who has 12 goals and 14 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, did play the full 90 minutes of PSG’s final Champions League group game away at Juventus on Wednesday.
      But after seeing pals Paulo Dybala and Angel Di Maria suffering injuries just before the tournament, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner is understandably cautious.
      He said last month: “Injuries are a worry.
      “This is a different World Cup which is played at a different time of the year to previous tournaments and it’s so imminent any little thing that happens to you can force you out.
      “With what happened to Dybala and Di Maria, the truth is that personally you worry and you’re more afraid when you see those sort of things.
      “It’s something you think about but I feel going out to play with that in your head can be contradictory as well.
      “The best thing you can do is perform as normal and play your game as you always do.
      “I hope Di Maria and Dybala recover in time. They have enough time to do so and reach the tournament in good shape.”
      Messi has been in fine form this season with 12 goals and 14 assistsCredit: Reuters More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea transfer blow as ‘Presnel Kimpembe opens talks with PSG over new contract with just 18 months to run on deal’

      by

      CHELSEA have been dealt a transfer blow with Presnel Kimpembe reportedly in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a new contract.The French defender, 27, is heading into the final 18 months of his current deal at the Parc des Princes.
      Presnel Kimpembe is in talks over a new contract at PSGCredit: Getty
      In the summer, he was linked with a transfer away from the Ligue 1 champions.
      He angered his club with comments in the summer hinting at a possible exit.
      Chelsea appeared at the front of the queue and hoped to secure a £38million deal ahead of Juventus – although PSG wanted £60m.
      Kimpembe then decided to stay put at the club he joined way back in 2005 aged ten.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      And now L’Equipe report he plays to extend his spell with his boyhood club beyond 2024.
      Kimpembe, who missed six weeks this season due to a hamstring problem, has formed a strong relationship with new PSG boss Christophe Galtier.
      Galtier sees the centre-back as a key player in his defence – with Sergio Ramos and Marquinhos the other options.
      Contract talks resumed following his return from injury.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      However, they are said to be less advanced than the negotiations for PSG team-mates Marquinhos and Marco Verratti and may not be signed until after the World Cup, where Kimpembe is hoping to represent defending champs France in Qatar.
      Chelsea lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in the summer but did sign Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana – while fellow new signing Marc Cucurella can play at left centre-back, too.
      Graham Potter also has Trevoh Chalobah, Cesar Azpilicueta and 38-year-old Thiago Silva at his disposal.
      The Blues also missed out on Jules Kounde before landing Fofana in a £75m deal and have been linked with Inter Milan ace Milan Skriniar, who becomes a free agent next summer. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi ‘ignoring calls from Barcelona’ with old club desperate to seal return despite Inter Miami transfer talks

      by

      LIONEL MESSI is IGNORING calls from Barcelona as he holds talks over a sensational transfer to Inter Miami, reports suggest. The legendary Argentine has been linked with a switch to the MLS side when his current contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires in the summer.
      Lionel Messi is said to be ignoring phone calls from Barcelona’s presidentCredit: Getty
      This is despite the clear desire of former club Barcelona to bring him back – with their season once again threatening to capitulate.
      And according to Spanish outlet Sport, Messi has even been ignoring phone calls from a close negotiator to club president Joan Laporta – which would doubtless come as a huge blow to their ambitions.
      Messi, 35, seems to have finally hit his stride in Paris, with 12 goals and 13 assists in just 17 games this season.
      And while PSG would also like to keep him for longer, most reports on Messi’s future see it pointing elsewhere.
      READ MORE ON LIONEL MESSI
      Inter owner David Beckham hinted at a possible move for Messi months ago.
      With this plan now out in the open the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and PSG star’s MLS franchise is said to be growing “increasingly confident” about securing Messi’s services.
      Miami already plays host to a $9million apartment for Messi, who previously admitted a desire to one day play in America.
      Messi has confirmed that the Qatar World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      And as fate would have it, his 1000th career appearance could well be the final – though he would need to miss a few games between now and then to make that coincidence a reality.
      He “scared millions” earlier this month after going down and appearing to be injured – only for him to tie up his laces instead.
      The former Barca man recently overtook the record of Brazilian great Pele for the most goals and assists ever. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Five players PSG could swoop for to replace Lionel Messi ahead of Inter Miami transfer including Mohamed Salah

      by

      PSG have a number of players on their radar who could replace Lionel Messi if he does depart for America. Reports have emerged that the 35-year-old could be set for a shock move to David Beckham’s Inter Miami after the World Cup.
      Any potential departure of Lionel Messi will leave PSG needing to get in a replacementCredit: Rex
      Now in his sixth season at Anfield, Mo Salah continues to deliver big moments regularlyCredit: Reuters
      Marcus Rashford has managed to rediscover his form this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Argentine is in his final year with Paris Saint-Germain but has been linked with a sensation return to Barcelona.
      If he did depart, it would leave PSG needing to replace one of their superstars with another big name.
      The French club have been linked with the most exciting players in the world and could now be weighing up a big move amid Messi’s potential exit.
      Sunsport has looked at the players who could be of immediate interest to bosses at the Parc des Princes.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      Mohamed Salah
      The Liverpool star has been for many years one of the most consistent and dangerous forwards in Europe.
      While the 30-year-old signed a big money contract extension in the summer to strengthen Liverpool’s position, PSG have financial muscle few can match.
      The Reds also showed with the departure of Sadio Mane last summer that they are willing to listen to offers for even their biggest stars.
      And PSG have been reported as being very interested in the Egyptian forward previously.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Gabriel Martinelli
      Martinelli is enjoying his best spell in an Arsenal shirt since his 2019 move from Brazilian club ItuanoCredit: Getty
      The Arsenal ace has really come to the party this season. The table-topping Gunners have seen the Brazilian become a far more effective and consistent player in this campaign.
      And at 21-years-old, Martinelli still has several years left him to grow even further into a superstar.
      While PSG tend to sign the more established names, a move for Martinelli could help reduce the risk of further destabilising the dressing room.
      The club has been plagued all season with rumours of a rift between Kylian Mbappe and Neymar and signing another big name could potentially contribute to the unease.
      Marcus Rashford
      The return to form of Marcus Rashford could reignite rumours of the forward completing an incredible switch to France.
      The home-grown Manchester United hero has long been of interest to PSG, with reports even indicating that Mbappe was personally keen on Rashford joining.
      With a new manager to keep impressing and his World Cup place in the balance, the 25-year-old has plenty of other things on his plate.
      But whether he could resist a huge January move to play alongside the likes of Mbappe remains to be seen.
      Rafael Leao
      Rafael Leao has been flourishing for AC Milan over the last 18 monthsCredit: Getty
      Rafael Leao is one of the hottest stars in the world at the moment and the fight to land his signature will only intensify.
      The attacker was key in AC Milan’s title triumph last season and has kept that irresistible form up this season.
      Chelsea are known to be well in the hunt for the 23-year-old but reports earlier this month indicate they could have big competition.
      PSG are believed to have identified him as a potential replacement for Messi or Mbappe and are monitoring him.
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
      The 33-year-old striker represents a different option for the Parisian club. While the others on this list are either at the peak of their powers, in great form or over-performing at a young age, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would be more of a safe pair of hands.
      The Gabon striker has moved to Barcelona and Chelsea this year and managed to make an impact with his goalscoring abilities on both occasions.
      Aubameyang could present a short-term option if the others don’t work out and ESPN report that the French club have been eyeing him recently.
      The striker has also previously worked with the PSG boss Christophe Galtier when the pair were at Saint Etienne together 10 years ago. More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘Because you don’t have God’ – Zlatan Ibrahimovic hilariously reveals why he thinks Ligue 1 is no longer interesting

      by

      ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC believes there’s no life after “God” in France.The ever-modest Swedish legend 41, claims Ligue 1 has become boring since his heavenly presence left PSG six years ago.
      Crocked hero Zlatan Ibrahimovic is eyeing a new year return with AC MilanCredit: Getty
      The former Juventus, Barcelona and Manchester United striker hopes to return in the new year after suffering an ACL injury in April.
      And having played in all of Europe’s big leagues, he feels the French top-flight never recovered from him being spirited away from Paris.
      The 121-cap star told the Canalplus TV station: “Since I left France, everything is going down. You have nothing to talk about anymore.
      “France needs me. I don’t need France.
      “Even if you have Mbappe, Neymar and Messi it doesn’t help you.
      “Why? Because you don’t have God.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      Ibrahimovic still reckons he offers fans a religious experience.
      And many might think a miracle was involved with his efforts last season.
      The ex-LA Galaxy hero helped Milan to the Serie A title despite playing for six months with his serious knee problem.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Ibrahimovic ended up with eight goals in 23 appearances and aims to be back by February at the latest this season.
      And although he might think he has other-worldly powers, it’s what he does down here on the pitch that drives him on.
      He told CNN: “I have a big passion for my game. I have a different situation now with my age.
      “But…  I think, when you stop football, you will miss it so much that you don’t want to have any regrets saying I should have kept playing.
      “As long as I can produce results, I will still play. 
      “The day I slow down, I want the people around me to be honest and say he’s slowing down and then I’ll be realistic.
      “I think in my case I have this drive, I want to become better every day.
      “I have a mentality that if I don’t work hard enough, I’m not feeling good.
      “It’s all about challenging yourself. How far can you reach? How far can you take your body?” More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Lionel Messi score 25-yard rocket as PSG twice fight from a goal down to beat Troyes in 4-3 thriller

      by

      LIONEL MESSI scored a screamer as Paris Saint-Germain defeated Troyes in a thriller.The Parisians came from behind twice to win the match 4-3 to extend their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table to five points.

      Lionel Messi inspired PSG to an important win over TroyesCredit: AP
      With PSG behind 1-2 as the hour mark approached Messi received the ball from Sergio Ramos, took two touches to steady himself before firing a shot in from 25-yards.
      Messi, 35, lifted both arms into the air and roared in celebration to the delight of the home support and his teammates.
      Christophe Galtier’s side started the game slowly and found themselves behind when Mama Balde scored after just three minutes.
      Carlos Soler drew the hosts level before Balde netted again leaving fans nervous that their unbeaten run that has lasted all season was going to end.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      But Messi then turned on the magic with his goal levelling the match and the Argentina international then set up Neymar as PSG went ahead for the first time in the game.
      The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner dropped deep to receive the ball and carried it forward before playing an-inch perfect through ball to Neymar and the Brazilian finished calmly.
      Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty to seal the win before Ante Palaversa scored late on for Troyes to set up a tense ending but PSG survived.
      Messi gained the plaudits after the match as fans were once again dazzled by another man of the match display.
      Most read in Football
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      One fan said: “Amazes me how people think [Cristiano] Ronaldo is better than Messi – he’s not even close to him.”
      Another reacted: “He has always been and will forever be the GOAT.”
      Messi’s latest goal and assist takes his tally for the season up to 11 goals and 12 assists in 16 matches in all competitions. More

    • 225 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Neymar avoids two-year jail sentence and £8.6m fine as all fraud and corruption charges regarding 2013 transfer dropped

      by

      NEYMAR has seen all fraud and corruption charges against him dropped by Spanish prosecutors.The Brazilian, 30, was facing a punishment of up to two years in prison and an £8.62million fine.
      Neymar has seen all charges against him droppedCredit: The Mega Agency
      This was in relation to a case which centred around an allegation from Brazilian investment firm DIS – which owned 40 per cent of the rights to Neymar when he was at Brazilian club Santos.
      They were alleging that they lost out on their rightful cut from the transfer because the value of the deal was understated.
      A court document released in July alleged that, in 2011, Barcelona paid Neymar 40 million euros to ensure he moved to the Nou Camp when his Santos contract expired in 2014.
      The offence – which saw Neymar and his family accused – is not punishable in Brazil but a trial was ongoing in Spain until today when the charges were thrown out.
      READ MORE ON NEYMAR
      According to Reuters, Neymar’s legal team will claim costs against the prosecution for “recklessness, acting in poor faith and for abuse of process”, while also reserving the right to claim for damages.
      Speaking during his first testimony earlier this week, Neymar said: “I didn’t participate in the negotiations.
      “My father always took care of it and always will. I sign everything he tells me to sign.
      “Playing for Barcelona was always my dream, a childhood dream.”
      Most read in Football
      And Neymar da Silva Santos, the player’s father, added: “Our intention was to prepare a career plan for him in Europe, in which we had in place already established, could learn the language, etc.
      “And knowing his dream to play for Barcelona, we signed that priority agreement with them.”
      Neymar and his parents had the right not to testify in the case but decided to do so anyway.
      Real Madrid president Florentino Perez appeared as a witness during the trial.
      Read More on The Sun
      He claimed Los Blancos offered Santos 45 million euros for Neymar in 2011 and then 36 million euros in 2013.
      But he decided to join Barcelona instead – where he would spend four years before joining Paris Saint-Germain for a world record £198m in 2017. More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      PSG rubbish claims that Kylian Mbappe is on staggering £547m over three years

      by

      PSG have rubbished reports in the French media claiming Kylian Mbappe’s wages have been leaked.Since the 23-year-old made the shock decision to extend his stay in Paris amid intense interest from Real Madrid terms of the deal have remained under wraps.
      Mbappe is widely seen as one of the best players in the worldCredit: Getty
      But reports emerged in France claiming how lucrative the contract is.
      Le Parisien via Get French Football News, claimed the Frenchman was in line to earn £547m in the three year period since he signed his extension.
      However, PSG have rubbished the claims.
      A club source said: “Following a sensationalist media story published overnight regarding the Club and one of its players, Paris Saint-Germain confirms the story is completely wrong with not a single detail being correct.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “The timing of the spurious publication by this media outlet is also surprising, just days before an important Champions League match.
      “Paris Saint-Germain will not be dignifying this matter with any further comment. Instead of commenting on rumours and gossip, everyone at the Club is positively focused on the important Champions League game tomorrow.
      Had the claim been true, it would have made Mbappe the highest-paid sportsperson of all time.
      Despite only recently signing a new deal, Mbappe has seemed unsettled at PSG this season.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Amid rumours of dressing room divides centred around him and team-mate Neymar, the star was reported as being desperate for a move away from the club.
      Several Premier League clubs have been linked to a sensational January swoop but he would undoubtedly not come cheap.
      The striker will enter the final 12 months of his deal at the end of the season, likely triggering another summer of speculation.
      PSG would need to get him to renew his deal or risk losing one of the best players in Europe on a free.
      The off-pitch drama does not appear to have played well with the French public with several fans booing Mbappe upon his arrival at last week’s Ballon d’Or celebrations.
      Read More on The Sun
      But things remain rosy on the pitch with Christophe Galtier’s side five points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
      And Mbappe already has 14 goals in all competitions, four ahead of Neymar and six ahead of Lionel Messi. More