Kurt Zouma has confirmed that he will not be fit for the start of Chelsea's season as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury, but says he is relishing the prospect of learning from new boss Antonio Conte. The 21-year-old has not featured for Chelsea since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during a Premier League clash with Manchester United in February, ruling him out of the rest of the season and France's Euro 2016 campaign. Prior to the injury, Zouma had become a regular starter in the heart of … [Read more...]
Joao Teixeira joins Porto after four years withat Anfield
After over four years at Liverpool, Joao Teixeira will return to his homeland after signing a four-year deal with Porto. Joao Teixeira will join Porto from Liverpool on a free transfer, the Portuguese club announced on Monday. Teixeira, 23, has struggled for first-team opportunities since making the switch from Sporting CP in 2012. The midfielder played just three minutes of Premier League football in 2015-16, making six other senior appearances. He will return to his homeland after over four years at Anfield as Porto look to break … [Read more...]
Jose Mourinho plans showdown talks with Phil Jones
Jose Mourinho is set to give Phil Jones assurances about his future at Manchester United, according to a report. Mourinho has reportedly requested a meeting Phil Jones to clear up the defender’s future at Old Trafford with Goal claiming the Portuguese boss is intent on keeping the versatile player at the club. Jones, 24, signed a new four-year contract at Old Trafford in June 2015, but numerous ankle problems and a blood clot in his calf meant he made only six Premier League starts last season. Dutch utility player Daley Blind … [Read more...]
Manchester City’s target Aymeric Laporte signs contract renewal with Bilbao
Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte has signed a new contract that sees his buyout clause rise to an initial €65 million. France under-21 international Laporte, who has been regularly linked with Manchester City in recent months, is now tied to Athletic until 2020. A statement on the Basque club's official website read: "Athletic Club and Aymeric Laporte have signed the renewal contract by which the player will remain in the rojiblanca discipline until 30 June 2020. "His cancellation clause is 65 million Euros, and the following … [Read more...]
Erik Harmren happy with Ibrahimovic despite score draw
Sweden boss Erik Hamren said his side will "have to give 300 percent" against Italy and Belgium if they are to progress following Monday's 1-1 draw with Republic of Ireland. Ireland had much the better of the first half at the Stade de France, with Derby midfielder Jeff Hendrick going closest when he struck the crossbar with just over half an hour played, but it remained goalless at the break. Wes Hoolahan's fine goal gave Ireland the advantage on 48 minutes but Sweden then improved and salvaged a draw when Ciaran Clark headed a Zlatan … [Read more...]
Euro 2016:Italy were the better side- Courtois
The Belgium goalkeeper was helpless to prevent his side falling to a 2-0 defeat to Italy in their opening Euro 2016 match in Group E B elgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted that his side were no match for Italy , as the Azzurri romped to a 2-0 win in their Euro 2016 opener on Monday evening. Despite going into the match as favourites, Belgium could only muster a single shot on target and fell to strikes from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle, as Antonio Conte’s team went top of the group. Following the defeat, the Belgian … [Read more...]
Blood and sweat as Conte’s Italy dismissed Belgium
Italy boss Antonio Conte said his side "can do great things" after they defeated Belgium 2-0 in their Euro 2016 opener in Group E on Monday. Italy took the lead through Emanuele Giaccherini in the 32nd minute and held firm until injury time, when Graziano Pelle smashed the ball home following a counter-attack to make victory certain. There have been doubts as to the quality of the current Italy squad going into the tournament but Conte felt the win over Belgium -- currently the top-placed European side in the FIFA World Ranking -- showed the … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: Petr Cech’s heroics unable to save Czech Republic from narrow defeat
Petr Cech, nearly stole the spotlight, producing a string of superb saves that kept the Czech Republic in the match, as the Arsenal goalkeeper showed against Spain why he has been so important for his country. The veteran goalkeeper recently set a record of most international appearances for his country and now has 122. His form will be essential if the Czech Republic has any chance of advancing at Euro 2016. He pushed away, punched and caught dangerous shots, giving hope to the Czech fans that the team could produce a result against the … [Read more...]
Euro 2016: David De Gea not distracted as he helps Spain secure win
Spain goalkeeper David De Gea finally put a bad week behind him, displacing his compatriot Iker Casillas and making a vital save at the end of his team's 1-0 win over the Czech Republic on Monday in their European Championship opener. De Gea helped Spain extend its tournament record of not conceding a goal for 600 minutes, three days after facing allegations involving a pornography filmmaker. Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque waited until the last minute to name De Gea as the starter in goal ahead of Casillas after a police investigation … [Read more...]
jack Wilshere full of praise for Wayne Rooney and teammates
Jack Wilshere believes Wayne Rooney remains England’s best player and praised the captain for helping the midfield produce an “almost faultless” display in their Euro 2016 opener. Saturday’s Group B clash against Russia ended in frustration as Eric Dier’s thunderous free-kick was cancelled out by a last-gasp Vasili Berezutsky header, robbing Roy Hodgson’s men of a deserved three points. It ratchets up the pressure ahead of Thursday’s mouth-watering encounter with neighbours Wales, but there remains an air of confidence around the squad … [Read more...]
Philippe Coutinho happy to work under Jurgen Klopp
Philippe Coutinho has underlined his happiness at Liverpool and insisted once again he has no intention of leaving the club this summer. The Brazilian playmaker has been linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks, though it seems unlikely the La Liga champions would spend £40million on a player who would not command a regular first-team place. Liverpool have repeatedly insisted that Coutinho is not for sale, and the Brazilian has now responded in kind, saying that he does not want to leave. “I am grateful for everything Liverpool has … [Read more...]