Image
SPORTS

SPORTS

Do you remember the last time Novak Djokovic lost, at the Wimbledon? It is probably now in oblivion, let alone his loss on the iconic Centre Court, which probably has already been erased from tennis history. On Monday evening, even as the dark clouds hovered over London before causing a one hour rain delay, Djokovic remained in absolute jolly mood. There wasn't an ounce of concern on his face as he engaged in wholesome crowd interaction, urging the spectators to join him ton drying the court to resume the match. (Wimbledon Day 1 Live Updates)

 

And there shouldn't have been. Wimbledon, especially the Centre Court to Djokovic is what Roland Garros is to Rafael Nadal. Although, one may never, or rarely see the Spaniard in such a mood whilst a delay in play. Djokovic, despite only an exhibition match to show as his preparation for the Grand Slam post his record win in French Open last last month, cruised his way through the to Round 2 of Wimbledon as he beat Argentina's Pedro Cachin 6-3, 6-3, 7-6(4).

With the win, Djokovic matched Nadal's monumental feat at the Roland Garros, leaving him only behind Roger Federer now. It was the 18th time Djokovic scripted a round-one win at the SW19, same as Nadal did in French Open. Only Federer at the Australian (21) and US Open (19), and Djokovic himself at the RG (19) have appeared in more singles Majors main draws without ever losing in the opening Round than Djokovic in Wimbledon.

It was also his 29th straight win at the Slam, having never lost a match since 2017 when he had retired from his quarterfinal tie with an elbow injury. It is now the fourth-longest winning streak in men's singles at the SW19 in Open Era after Bjorn Borg (41 wins between 1976 and 1981), Federer (40 wins between 2003 and 2008) and Pete Sampras (31 wins between 1997 and 2001). It’s been 2,183 days, to be precise.

The win also added to Djokovic's staggering streak of 40 straight victories at Centre Court, still the most by any player in the Open Era at the venue. The next-best streak belong to Federer and Helen Wills Moody, who had both won 32 matches in a row on Centre Court. Federer's streak was between 2003 and 2008 and Wills Moody's was from 1927 to 1938.

[Hindustan Time]

 

Two grand footballing institutions have forged quite the connection over the years.

Contemporary behemoths Chelsea and the historically significant AC Milan have enjoyed the talents of some of the game's all-time greats, some of whom have suited up in both west London and Italy's fashion capital.

While far from an all-timer, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who promised so much before a serious Achilles injury suffered in 2019 tamed his lofty trajectory, will be the latest to suit up for both clubs after he completed a £15m move to the Rossoneri.

Here's a list of all the players to play for Chelsea and Milan.


Players who have played for both Chelsea and AC Milan

Player

Years at both clubs

Chelsea appearances

Milan appearances

Jimmy Greaves

Chelsea (1957-1961) / Milan (1961)

84

13

Ray Wilkins

Chelsea (1973-1979) / Milan (1984-1987)

179

105

Brian Laudrup

Milan (1993-1994) / Chelsea (1998)

11

18

Marcel Desailly

Milan (1993-1998) / Chelsea (1998-2004)

221

186

Ruud Gullit

Milan (1987-1993,1994) / Chelsea (1995-1998)

58

171

George Weah

Milan (1995-2000) / Chelsea (2000)

15

147

Winston Bogarde

Milan (1997) / Chelsea (2000-2004)

12

4

Christian Panucci

Milan (1993-1996) / Chelsea (2000-2001)

10

134

Carlo Cudicini

Milan (1992-1995) / Chelsea (1999-2009)

216

3

Sam Dalla Bona

Chelsea (1999-2002) / Milan (2002-2006)

73

16

Hernan Crespo

Chelsea (2003-2008) / Milan (2004-2005)

73

40

Andriy Shevchenko

Milan (1999-2006, 2008-2009) / Chelsea (2006-2009)

77

322

Michael Essien

Chelsea (2005-2014) / Milan (2014-2015)

256

22

Fernando Torres

Chelsea (2011-2015) / Milan (2014-2016)

172

10

Alexandre Pato

Milan (2007-2012) / Chelsea (2016)

2

150

Alex

Chelsea (2004-2012) / Milan (2014-2016)

134

48

Marco van Ginkel

Chelsea (2013-2021) / Milan (2014-15)

4

18

Mario Pasalic

Chelsea (2014-2020) / Milan (2016-2017)

0

27

Fabio Borini

Chelsea (2009-2011) / Milan (2017-2020)

8

75

Tiemoue Bakayoko

Chelsea (2017-2023) / Milan (2018-2019, 2021-2023)

43

63

Gonzalo Higuain

Milan (2018-2019) / Chelsea (2019)

18

22

Asmir Begović

Chelsea (2015-2017) / Milan (2020)

33

2

Thiago Silva

Milan (2009-2012) / Chelsea (2020-present)

117

119

Olivier Giroud

Chelsea (2018-2021) / Milan (2021-present)

119

85

Fikayo Tomori

Chelsea (2016-2021) / Milan (2021-present)

27

107

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

Chelsea (2014-2023) / Milan (2023-present)

155

0

[90min]

Al Nassr have completed the signing of Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozovic on a three-year contract.

The 30-year-old is the latest high-profile player to move to the riches of the Middle East, where he'll link up with Cristiano Ronaldo.

A number of Premier League players have already departed for Saudi Arabia - Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and N'Golo Kante headlining a mass exodus from Chelsea - while the league's biggest acquisition is perhaps Karim Benzema - he's joined champions Al Ittihad after opting to end an illustrious trophy-laden stint at Real Madrid.

90min revealed that Brozovic had been courted by Barcelona as they looked to replace Sergio Busquets in the anchor role, but the Croatian has been lured to Saudi Arabia on a big-money contract.

"When it comes to a player, many factors take over," Inter CEO Beppe Marotta told Sky Italia about a potential exit for Brozovic earlier in the week. "Clearly the economic one is the most important one.

"The situation is not closed and is not defined. Who decides is the player himself. We are not obligated to give him up. The biggest problem is the contractual relationship between him and the new club.

"If there is a solution we will close the issue, otherwise we will take him off the market."

Inter had been willing to part ways with Brozovic in a bid to raise money this summer, and further outgoings are expected at San Siro in a bid to balance the club's books.

Lautaro Martinez has been interesting Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United, while goalkeeper Andre Onana is of particular interest to the latter amid continued uncertainty over the future of David de Gea.

The Nerazzurri are at least hopeful of concluding a deal for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, but their outgoings will need to significantly outweigh any incomings in a bid to be compliant with FFP rules.

Al Nassr have also made an attempt to sign Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha, who is now out of contract, in addition to moving for Hakim Ziyech - his move is on hold though after issues arose in his medical, leading the Saudi side to change the terms of their original offer.

[90mins]

According to Corriere dello Sport (via SportWitness), Chelsea are pressing to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the summer transfer window.

The London giants recently confirmed the purchase of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, but they are still keen on pursuing a marquee striker over the coming weeks. As per Corriere dello Sport, Vlahovic is the main target for Chelsea, and they are pushing hard to find an agreement with Juventus.

The Italian outlet add that Juventus are prepared to consider his sale for £69 million. Chelsea are currently front-runners in the pursuit of the Serbian, but it is claimed that they could face competition from other English clubs as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Talented striker

Vlahovic was regarded as one of the best strikers in European football during his time at Fiorentina. He was brilliant during the 2021 calendar year, scoring 37 goals for the Serie A outfit. However, he has failed to replicate the same form since his move to Turin in January 2022.

Vlahovic has accumulated only 23 goals and six assists from 63 games for Juventus thus far. A lot more was expected from him, and it appears the Bianconeri are open to selling him for the right price. A move to a new club could change his fortunes, and it remains to be seen whether Chelsea will win the race.

The London giants have the funds to afford his signature. They recently went on a huge selling spree in the transfer market, and are now expected to spend the funds on the purchase of new signings. Jackson was signed recently, but the club may want someone more experienced to be their first-choice striker.

 

Vlahovic has been identified as the main target, but Chelsea could face competition from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. United are yearning for a top-class striker ahead of next season while Spurs could make a serious move if they lose Harry Kane to Bayern Munich during the summer.

[football-talk]

Navigating the Deal: Clement Lenglet’s Potential Transfer to Tottenham

 

 

In the ever-turbulent world of football transfers, Clement Lenglet, the French defender deemed superfluous at Barcelona, is edging closer to a permanent move to Tottenham Hotspur. The deal, according to Spanish publication Sport, is in its final phase, with a monetary gap of €5 million separating the clubs’ valuation of the player.

A Season of Spurs Experience

Lenglet, who spent the previous season on loan at Tottenham, put up a commendable performance throughout the campaign. Conversations regarding a permanent transfer have been brewing for some time, and negotiations between the two clubs have been gaining momentum.

The Price Standoff: Barcelona and Tottenham

In their effort to facilitate Lenglet’s transfer, Barcelona has set a price tag of €15 million. However, Tottenham has shown a reluctance to meet this valuation. The Spurs have already been stretching their resources to match the defender’s hefty wage bill, making the steep transfer fee a sticking point in the negotiations.

Barcelona’s financial predicament has them seeking to offload Lenglet, whose annual earnings stand at a whopping €16 million. Tottenham, already striving to cover his salary, are reluctant to break the bank for the transfer fee. Subsequently, the London-based club are considering a €10 million bid for the defender.

The Add-ons and Variables: Possible Path to Agreement

Barcelona might consider accepting the proposed €10 million from Tottenham with the inclusion of a few add-ons and variables in the deal. Such a structure could bridge the gap in valuations, bringing the clubs closer to a consensus.

Lenglet’s Preference and Compensation

For Lenglet, the prospect of a permanent move to Tottenham is an attractive one, though not without its complications. A potential financial loss looms if the transfer to London materialises, and he is expected to seek compensation from Barcelona to mitigate this.

Barcelona’s Bid for Financial Equilibrium

Barcelona’s financial imperative to cut down their wage bill could drive them towards a swift resolution with Tottenham and Lenglet. Having recently offloaded Samuel Umtiti by terminating his contract, Barcelona sees Lenglet’s departure as another significant step toward financial stability.

 

It’s a classic transfer triangle with Barcelona, Tottenham, and Lenglet each having their stakes. The final details, it seems, are ready to be ironed out, painting a clearer picture of Lenglet’s future and Barcelona’s financial health.

[eplindex]

Barcelona have been scraping around for cash for much of the last five years, but they could be in line to save €170m on their budgeted spending.

President Joan Laporta believes that the construction of the new Camp Nou will come in under budget, and has stated that things are going well with regard to the project.

 

Barcelona members had approved a €1.5b package for the reform of Espai Barca, including a new basketball stadium and the Camp Nou reforms. The budget for the basketball court has been halved from €400m to €200m, and Laporta feels they could make more savings on Camp Nou too.

“I think we are going to reduce the budget for the stadium and for contingencies, in fact it is already happening. We are very close to being able to cut the €1.1b that was stated. I think we are going to be at €960m and maybe €930m if everything goes well,” he told MD.

However Laporta did warn that tough times were ahead next season, as Barcelona move to the Estadi Lluis Companys.

“Next year will not be easy. We are moving to a stadium that has half the capacity of Camp Nou.”

“Going up to the stadium at Montjuic is uncomfortable. Although to me it doesn’t seem as bad as some make out,” Laporta nuanced.

If it were to be the case, then it would be welcome news for the Blaugrana, as their debt continues to heave and grow. However Cules will not want the current board to cut corners either, with these venues set to serve the club for the next 50 years at least.

[football-espana]

Barcelona Femini of Spain striker, Asisat Oshoala, has said that the Super Falcons of Nigeria are highly motivated ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Oshoala said this while she also expressed her determination and readiness for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in far-away Australia.

The Super Falcons will be travelling from Abuja, Nigeria’s capital to Melbourne, Australia on Sunday.

“Personally, I feel like we have a good team and if everything is being done right, we can go very far at the up-coming World Cup,” Oshoala said.

“This is because regardless of whatever, we are still going to go out there fighting, do our job and see what we can achieve.

“The team is mentally strong as we have been through a lot and even in the hardest moments, we will still go out there to fight.

“The motivation has always been there, although, maybe it has not gone up as expected but we have always been a strong side mentally.”

Also in a video shared on Instagram by Nigerian journalist, Calister Enejele, Oshoala confidently stated her preparedness ahead of the tournament.

“As far as I know, I will be ready before the World Cup kicks off,” Oshoala who has been battling with injury stated.

The Barcelona forward has been out of action since May following a hamstring problem she picked up while in action in Spain.

[Guardian]

Granit Xhaka’s move to Bayer Leverkusen is ‘edging closer’ and it has been reported Arsenal will receive over £20million for the midfielder’s services.

It was reported before the 2022/23 season ended that Xhaka would be leaving the Gunners to return to Germany.

He spent four years there as a Borussia Monchengladbach player, becoming captain in 2015 before agreeing a £34m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2016.

 

Amazingly, Arsenal failed to finish inside the top four during Xhaka’s time at the club, until last term, when they finished second.

And after falling out with the fans on a number of occasions, the Switzerland captain looks like he will leave north London on great terms with everyone associated with the club.

He enjoyed a tremendous 22/23 campaign, scoring seven goals and providing seven assists in 37 Premier League appearances, while only picking up four yellow cards.

 

 

Fabrizio Romano said in May that Xhaka would leave Arsenal in the summer transfer window with a €15million fee being discussed.

The transfer expert says personal terms have been reached over a contract until 2027 and a transfer was expected to be completed before the summer window opened.

It has not happened yet and it has recently emerged that the 30-year-old will be sold after Mikel Arteta brings in a new midfielder, with a deal to sign West Ham’s Declan Rice almost complete.

Although Romano said the fee would be €15m, a fresh report from Football London says Arsenal will receive €25m.

The report states: ‘Reports had previously suggested that the Swiss international was set join Leverkusen for a fee in the region of £13m.

‘Now though, it is thought that the two clubs are thought to have agreed a €25m fee that will see the 30-year-old secure a return to the Bundesliga.’

Xhaka wanted to leave Arsenal at the time of Arteta’s appointment. He fell out with the club’s supporters after throwing his shirt to the ground and telling the Emirates fans where to go.

Arteta convinced the Swiss midfielder to stay and made him a crucial part of his team.

Xhaka stepped up into a box-to-box role in 2022, which suited him very well. Beforehand, he was often used as a defensive midfielder.

The change in position gave the player more freedom to attack and in turn, helped his disciplinary issues.

Xhaka has always been criticised for being a hot-head on the pitch, something that is quite harshly labeled alongside him.

 

As mentioned prior, he only picked up four bookings in the Premier League last season, which was by far his best season for the Gunners in that regard.

[football365]

 

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has offered his first public comments on the impending signing of Lionel Messi, saying that the Argentine superstar joining is a “massive moment” for the club.

Messi announced his intention to join Inter Miami last month, though the club has not officially confirmed the signing yet.

Beckham said that he was caught off guard when the former Barcelona and PSG star made the announcement, though the surprise was more in the timing than the message itself.

“A couple of weeks ago, I woke up to about a million messages on my phone. I was thinking, ‘What’s gone off? I don’t usually get this many messages’. All of a sudden, I hear Leo has come out and announced he’s coming to Miami. Obviously, it wasn’t a surprise to me,” Beckham said at a  “Lessons In Leadership” event for the Lira Winston Fellowships in London.

In terms of its impact on MLS, Messi’s signing has been compared to Beckham joining the LA Galaxy in 2007 — a deal that included an option to purchase a MLS team for just $25 million.

Having taken up that option with Inter Miami, Beckham is relishing the chance to make the club a flagship in MLS.

“I have always said, from the word go, that if I had the opportunity to bring the best players in the game to Miami, at whatever time of their careers, I would do that. I have always made that commitment to our fans,” Beckham added.

“So when I hear that one of the best players — if not the best player — who has won everything in the game, who is still a great player, still young and still doing what he’s doing, wants to play for my team, it’s a massive moment for us.”

[prosoccerwire]

Kanu Nwankwo, a former Super Eagles footballer, and his wife, Amara, celebrating their 19th wedding anniversary today, July 3.

This was posted via his wife, Amara verified Instagram page, celebrating their significant accomplishment.

In the video, the footballer serves her wine while fawning over her as he refers to her as the mother of his beautiful children.

See the video below:

Media

Last modified on Monday, 03 July 2023 16:30