Ivory Coast and Manchester City midfielder, Yaya Toure has announced his retirement from international football. The Ivorian, 33, made his debut for the West African country in 2004, and took a break from the side following their Africa Cup of Nations win in February 2015. He returned to the squad in March this year, but on Tuesday confirmed he will no longer put himself in contention for selection. "There are decisions that are difficult to take. But, I have to pass the baton on to the younger [generation]," he said in a statement. "After 14 years at most levels with the Elephants, I [have] come to the end of my adventure with the Ivory Coast. "I thank all the supporters, all my fans." Toure, now an outcast at City has found himself down the … [Read more...]
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois wants move back to Spain
Thibaut Courtois today said he would like to return to Spain one day, adding that he will reconsider his future at Chelsea. The Belgium international has been regularly linked with a move back to La Liga where he spent three years on loan at at Atletico Madrid between 2011-14. Real Madrid emerged as his most likely destination last summer, but Chelsea are determined to keep the 24-year-old. “When I injured my knee they (Real Madrid) sent me a fax wishing me a prompt recovery,” he said. Despite Courtois’ desire to move on from Stamford Bridge, the goalkeeper has praised new Chelsea coach Antonio Conte. “He always thinks about football and tactically he is very strong,” he said. “He knows what he wants from the team and through videos he ensures that … [Read more...]
Guardiola will get a war if he wants one – Yaya Toure’s Agent
Dimitri Seluk, the ever outspoken agent of Ivory Coast international, Yaya Toure, has warned Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola that "he will get a war if he wants one." Seluk had earlier said that Guardiola should apologize to Yaya if Manchester City fails to win the UEFA Champions League this season and accused the spaniard of treating Yaya with disrespect by omitting his name from his UCL group stage squad list. Pep Guardiola got the Russian firing verbally at him when he deliberately omitted the 33-year old midfielder from his champions league squad and also said that Yaya may likely not feature for the citizens unless Seluk tenders an apology to him. In response to Pep, Seluk fired again, in an exclusive interview with Mirror Sport, saying that … [Read more...]
Raneiri expects to make huge selection changes
Premier League champions, Leicester City is likely to name a squad that will include players who have seen little or no game time this season, Claudio Raneiri reveals. Leicester are in the midst of a tight schedule of 7 games in 22 days, which is always evident of big English sides. They still have to face Manchester United in the league and Porto in the champions league after Chelsea's visit to the King Power Stadium tonight in the EFL Cup. He said, “they have to show me their best as they show every training.” “My door is always open and I am very excited how they'll react again. I believe the big Chelsea will arrive. I am expecting a strong team. “It is a fantastic opportunity because they are working so hard in the training session and have an … [Read more...]
Mikel Obi reveals plans to leave Chelsea
Chelsea midfielder, John Mikel Obi, has exclusively revealed to goal.com that he will be willing to hold talks with potential suitors in January 2017, if Chelsea fail to offer him a new contract. Having struggled to get back into the Antonio Conte tutored Chelsea side after an impressive Rio 2016 Olympics outing that saw him captain Nigeria to a bronze medal finish, the Nigerian Skipper understands that he might be inching closer to the end of his Chelsea career. “When you have a year left, in January, you are allowed to talk to other clubs and sign a pre-contract or have an agreement so, yes, I will talk to other clubs because you never know what is going to happen.” “I've been here for a very long time. I've spent 11 years of my life here at Chelsea, it is … [Read more...]
Stoke coach Mark Huges fined £8,000 after accepting misconduct charge
The Football Association have fined Stoke manager Mark Hughes £8,000 after accepting a misconduct charge, following his sending-off against Tottenham. The charge relates to Hughes' conduct in the game against Tottenham on September 10 when the Welshman had reacted angrily to two decisions by referee Anthony Taylor he felt went against his side - a booking for Marko Arnautovic and what he thought was a foul on Jon Walters. An FA statement read: "Mark Hughes has been fined £8,000 after he accepted the standard punishment following his FA misconduct charge. "The Stoke City manager admitted that his behaviour in or around the 34th minute of the game against Tottenham Hotspur on 10 September 2016 amounted to improper conduct." … [Read more...]
Dele Alli agrees new six-year contract to stay at Tottenham until 2022
Tottenham midfielder, Dele Alli has signed a new six-year contract with the club worth nearly £55,000 a week., the Premier League club confirmed. The England international, 22, who arrived at White Hart Lane from MK Dons in February 2015, signed a contract to keep him at Spurs until 2022 and becomes the latest player to commit his future to Spurs. Alli, signed a new five-year contract in January, worth £25,000 a week, and was influenced by coach Mauricio Pochettino who regards the midfielder that Spurs have further extended his deal and significantly increased his wages Alli, who has 13 caps for England, has managed 11 goals and nine assists in 38 Premier League appearances for Tottenham. Tottenham Hotspur @SpursOfficial We're delighted to … [Read more...]