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...]
Former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise retires from football
A fter spending three Serie A seasons with Roma , John Arne Riise has hung up his boots as he has confessed he can’t enjoy playing football anymore. The Norwegian left fond memories in the Italian capital, where he enjoyed a successful stint from 2008 to 2011 and got close to winning the Scudetto twice, as the Giallorossi lost out on both occasions to Inter . The left-back then returned to his youth club Aalesunds in March 2016, concluding his career just three months later, as he realised he wasn’t motivated enough to keep up with … [Read more...]
Ac Milan to sign Yaya Toure and pablo Zabaleta if Pellegrini is made manager
Should AC Milan hire Manuel Pellegrini as their new coach this summer, the Chilean may decide to bring both Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta with him to Serie A . While official talks between the Rossoneri and the ex-Manchester City boss have not taken place, it is suggested that the experienced duo may be keen on reuniting with the tactician if they don’t factor into Pep Guardiola’s plans at the Etihad Stadium for next season. That is according to a report in the Daily Star, who report that the 33-year-old Toure could offer Milan the dynamism … [Read more...]
Chelsea to tempt Dimitri Payet away from West Ham
West Ham have responded to Chelsea’s request to ‘name their price’ for Dimitri Payet by putting a £60million transfer fee on the France playmaker, according to reports on Sunday. Sources claims the Blues have contacted their Premier League rivals to check on the availability of the player, who has enjoyed a stellar first campaign for West Ham, and has since seen his star climb higher following a spectacular winner in France’s Euro 2016 opener against Romania on Friday . The 29-year-old signed for the Hammers last summer from Ligue 1 outfit … [Read more...]