Sane turns 20 today but has already been capped by Germany and linked with a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool
and Manchester City have both expressed an interest in signing the
attacking midfielder, with Jurgen Klopp hinting that he would be looking
to the Bundesliga for players to improve the Anfield squad.
However, with Real Madrid also said to be interested in the player, reports in Spain are suggesting that Barcelona are taking closer interest in the player.
His
ability to play anywhere across the frontline is particularly
interesting to La Liga’s reigning champions because he could slot in to
replace any one of Lionel Messi, Neymar or Luis Suarez.
Sane has had a spectacular start to his career in Germany.
After
leaving Schalke at the age of 12, he returned three years later and
made his first team debut just a month after signing his first
professional contract aged 18.
Luis Enrique is said to be keen to make an offer for the teenager
Sane
burst onto the European scene in 2015 when he scored one and set up the
winner as Schalke beat Real Madrid 4-3 at the Bernabeu in the Champions
League last 16.
And after that
breakthrough moment, Sane has hardly looked back, providing four goals
and four assists in 17 Bundesliga appearances this season, a record
which has seen the club slap a £40million price tag on their most prized
asset.
Ronaldo reveals the ONE quality he would take from Messi
Both the Real Madrid star and the Barcelona forward
were asked which quality they would take from each other - and Ronaldo
gave an honest response...
EXTRA TIMECristiano Ronaldo has been asked to pick one quality he’d like from Lionel Messi - and he’s given an honest answer.
The
Real Madrid star, along with his Barcelona rivals Messi and Neymar, was
speaking at the Ballon d’Or pre-award show press conference on Monday
where the Argentine is heavily expected to win the trophy for the fifth
time in his career.
Both Messi and Ronaldo were asked which
quality they would take from each other, and the Portugal international
admitted: “Yes, his left foot his really good, I would like to have
that!”
Messi, meanwhile, was a bit more vague.
“What Cristiano has is lots of quality, lots of good things that every player would like as well,” said the Barcelona forward.
“But
I am the way I am, and he is the way he is. We each have individual
personalities and we have both very good things that everybody should
have as footballers.”
The making of Lionel Messi - how it all started for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner
After he claimed the prestigious individual honour
for the fifth time on Monday, Goal examines the forward's journey from
anonymity in Argentina to greatness with Barcelona
SPECIAL REPORT
Argentina
were World Cup holders back in 1987 and Diego Maradona was the planet's
finest footballer but, in a poor part of the country's third-largest
city, Rosario, something very significant also took place: Lionel Andres
Messi was born.
The third son to Jorge, a steel worker, and
Celia, a cleaner, young Lionel weighed in at just three kilos and was a
mere 47 centimetres in height. But he grew to become the greatest of his
generation and perhaps of all time, a peerless player - and the only
one to win the Ballon d'Or on five separate occasions.
Football
was part of Leo's life from day one. Rosario Central were crowned
champions of Argentina two weeks before Messi's birth, but little Lionel
would inherit his father's passion for the city's other club: Newell's
Old Boys.
"When
his mother sent him off to run errands, Leo always took his football
with him," his brother Matias once said. "And if he didn't have one, he
would make one out of plastic bags or socks."
Even from the age of three, Leo and the ball were best
friends. "I got given my first football when I was very young: three,
maybe, or four," Messi said a few years ago. "It was a present and from
then on it was the only present I ever wanted, Christmas, birthday or
whatever: a ball."
Young Leo went along to watch his brothers
play at local club Grandoli, a modest team with no money and a dirt
pitch in the south of the city. Their youth coach back then was Salvador
Aparicio - and one night he found himself a player short.
"I looked up to the stands and saw him playing with a ball," he told Goal in a recording for partofthegametv before
his death in 2008. "But he was so small, so we decided to wait for the
other player to turn up. But he didn't, so I asked Lionel's mother if I
could borrow him.
"She didn't like the idea. She said he had
never played [in a match] before. His grandmother was there too and she
said: 'Come on, let him play'! So they let me borrow him.
"The
first time the ball came to him he just looked at it and let it pass. He
didn't even move. But the next time the ball came to him, it virtually
hit him on the left leg. Then, he controlled it and started running
across the pitch. He dribbled past everyone crossing his path. I was
screaming for him to shoot, but he was too small. Ever since that day,
he was always in my team."
That was at the age of five and, before long, Messi was not only dribbling, but shooting and scoring too.
Later, in the youth teams, he scored six or seven goals in every match,"
Aparicio added. "Instead of waiting for the goalkeeper to kick the
ball, he would take the ball off him and start dribbling all over the
pitch. He was supernatural."
At the age of nine, Messi joined the
club he still supports even today, Newell's, and was part of an
exciting generation which lost just one match in four years. Little Leo,
however, was the shining star of the Maquina de la '87 (the '87 Machine) - so named because all of its players had been born in 1987.
By
the age of 11, however, it emerged that Messi was suffering from a
growth hormone deficiency. Without the necessary treatment, his dreams
of a career in football would be dashed.
Contrary to popular
belief, Newell's did try and pay for treatment for their promising
player, but with the club in crisis and few funds available, Messi's
father grew frustrated. Social security saw to some of the medical
bills, but the family were struggling to make ends meet.
Jorge
Messi considered moving the whole family to Australia, but believed his
son's football skills could help them to overcome their financial
problems. He offered Lionel to River Plate and the young forward
impressed as a 13-year-old against boys three years his senior in a
trial alongside future international team-mate Gonzalo Higuain.
But
Messi's father asked River for a job and a house in Buenos Aires and
River took exception, while Newell's were also playing hard ball. So the
move never materialised.
Instead,
Jorge met with representatives of a scouting firm who called Argentine
lawyer Juan Mateo, and a video of Messi kicking an orange (113 times in a
row) and a tennis ball (120 times) was sent to Barcelona scout Josep
Minguella.
Remarkably, that was enough to secure a trial at Barca
and Messi travelled to the Catalan capital along with his father and
one of the intermediaries, Fabian Soldini.
The forward's first
contract was signed on a napkin by his father, Minguella and former
Barca midfielder Carles Rexach, but his future remained uncertain for
three years. Jorge was out of work and the club went back on several
promises until a €4,000 per month contract allowed the family to breathe
easily in 2004.
Later that year, a much taller and stronger
Messi made his debut for the first team at the age of 17 and also scored
his first Barca goal - with a beautiful lob - against Albacete that
same season. Just over a decade on, he has now not only gone on to
become the greatest goalscorer in the history of Barca and La Liga, but
he has also amassed an amazing 26 team trophies with the Blaugrana and,
after his success in Zurich on Monday, an unprecedented five Ballons
d'Or.
Mother told me to try and marry a woman she love so much; a lady she will always see and take as her own daughter; a woman she will happily correct whenever she flaws; a woman she will joyfully teach motherly ways; a woman she will flaunt and be proud of. A lady she will love even before I marry her. A lady that will accept and love her prior to coming in. As Africans, we all know the jibes and jeers that ensues between mothers in-law and daughters in-law. It's never easy for the both at times. We have heard about the quarrels, agonies, fights and hatreds that occurs. To some ladies, they would prefer to marry a man whose mother has died, to avoid facing what her own mother faced, or, what she heard or saw other women experience. No woman would want to find herself in a lifetime burning furnace. Every woman wants to settle down in a family that promotes peace; where love reigns; where her mother in-law will love her and treat her like her own daughter, not where there will be regrets and face-offs. As a woman, prior to accepting his marriage proposal, you must be able to have read the minds and body languages or attitudes of his people towards you. Not only that of his mother, because, in Africa, a woman is not married to and by her husband alone, but also to and by his relations. Through their attitudes whenever you pay them premarital-visits, you should be able to ascertain whether you're loved and accepted or not. You do not need a soothsayer to reveal this to you. The happenings as you near his family members, will convince or discourage you. Do not knowingly fetch ants infested firewood by yourself. Do not be blindfolded by only the love professed by your man, because as African tenets demands, he's not alone in that journey. Do not force yourself into a family you're not welcomed from the onset/ first day of seeing you. Be bold to ask your man certain questions, especially when you hear some movements and arguments behind the scene. This is to ensure that you're not the reason for their quarrels. Definitely, your man wont tell you immediately. He will pretend. But use your woman 'power' to get the true answer from him, even if not immediately. Possibly when you leave there. Don't assume that all is well, because you could be the reason for their arguments. Nobody should ignorantly or naïvely enter into a hellfire. Marriage should be a peaceful and a joyful ground, not a war front. Not a scene for the display of hatred and immaturity. Do not just jump into marrying him because he is rich, kind, generous, handsome, or, because he is from a rich family. Think about his family too. It's a lifetime engagement, unless you wish to rush out soon. Unless you can endure the fumes forever. The love of a mother in-law is very sweet and important, because it will (amongst all) guarantee your happiness, as well as motherly protection upon any eventuality. The love of a mother in-law to her daughter in-law is almost the same with the love of a mother to her daughter, if it thrives from the onset and lightens the entire family subsequently. The lack of it, is the lack of lots. Many wives are in this bondage because they did not notice this timely, or, because they were blindfolded by only their man's love. Or, because they wanted to 'gold-dig'. In Africa, we appreciate the Doctrine of Extended Family, thus, you can't totally exempt them from your husband's family chart. Therefore, you can't marry only your man, you marry both his family members. It is true that you must face one or two rancour, no matter what. But you have to try your best too, by being able to timely identify the kind of people you're about to dine and wine with forever, so that you will know how to follow them. Do not buy a lawsuit with your beauty, or out of your unwise decision. Be careful, cautious, conscious, discerning and prayerful to avoid dining with beasts. To avoid selling your happiness forever. Charles C. Dennis
Manuel Neuer has been voted Goalkeeper of the Year by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).
The Bayern and Germany sweeper-keeper receives the award for the
third straight year, confirming once again that he remains the very best
in the world in his position.
The IFFHS produces its awards based on pure and cold stats, meaning
no emotion is involved, unlike with the Ballon D’Or, where voters are
often swayed by their bias towards particular players.
And given that only one goalkeeper (Lev Yahsin) has ever won the
Ballon D’Or, an award like this is a big deal for a keeper, and is one
of the few that recognizes the most undervalued position in the game.
Of course, given how Neuer has revolutionized the position with his
sweeper play, cleaning up balls over the top by dashing out of his box
like a renegade, it is probably only logical that he wins the award, as
he covers so much more of the game than his conventional rivals.
For the second day running stories exist over Mario Gotze’s possible move to Liverpool.
The transfer rumour was first tabled on Friday by German daily Bild, as they splashed the story on their front page.
The basis of the story relates to the well known positive working relationship between Gotze and Jurgen Klopp.
The German World Cup winner burst onto the scene at Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund, before he moved to the Allianz Arena in 2013.
So could the two be reunited at Anfield? Yes, it’s possible, claim Bild.
Gotze is under contract at Bayern until 2017, and Bild are unclear
whether the Bavarians will look to extend the deal. If they chose to
offload the attacking midfielder, Liverpool could sign him for around 50
million euros.
Bild have since spoken to the footballer directly to get his take on
the whole story, and the big takeaway is that Gotze has refused to deny
the transfer out of hand. Instead he told Bild: Everything is still open. We will see how things go at
the end of the season. I have a contract until June 2017. But of course,
it is important how the new coach feels about me. The coach’s plans are
decisive in the end. So we will just have to wait and see how things pan out. I
have not really given my future much thought recently because of my
injury, but everything is open as things stand. It all depends on the
plans of the club and the new coach.
Some important notes.
Liverpool are unlikely to sign Gotze in January, regardless of the
credibility of the Bild story. The player is currently on the comeback
trail from a groin injury, and it’s hugely doubtful any deal will be
executed this transfer window.
And yet it’s easy to buy into a narrative that claims Gotze may be interested in leaving Bayern.
Since joining Gotze has failed to lock down a starting place in the
Munich XI, and during his recent injury the German international seems
to have fallen down the pecking order once more. Douglas Costa, Arjen
Robben and Arturo Vidal all seem ahead of him in the midfield slots.
Liverpool currently have 12 first team players out with injury.
Oscar has cooled claims that he and Diego Costa were involved in a heated argument in training this weekGetty
Chelsea
playmaker Oscar has sought to play down speculation that he was
involved in a heated dispute with teammate Diego Costa. Both players
featured on the scoresheet for Guus Hiddink's side during their
comfortable 3-0 Premier League victory over Crystal Palace on 3 January,
yet any notion that the general harmony around Stamford Bridge had
improved since the departure of Jose Mourinho was seemingly challenged
by suggestions of a training ground bust-up.
According to reports from The Telegraph,
Oscar and Costa had to be dragged apart by teammates after producing
reckless knee-high challenges on one another on 8 7 January. It is
claimed the pair were separated before any physical altercation could
ensue but they are believed to have exchanged angry views before
eventually making up.
Oscar
has now taken to social media to deny those rumours, tweeting: "For
those who are talking to me and @diegocosta struggle today in training
he's lying, he's one of my best friends and never fight."
The
English translation of that message, which ended with a winking emoji,
has since disappeared from the Brazil international's Twitter page but
the Portuguese version remains at the time of writing.
Although
Oscar tends to avoid the limelight, Costa has cut something of a
controversial figure since arriving in English football from Atletico
Madrid in July 2014. In addition to several on-pitch controversies, the
27-year-old also attracted negative headlines in
late November 2015 when he appeared to throw his substitutes' bib in
the direction of former manager Mourinho during the latter stages of a
goalless draw at Tottenham Hotspur.
Hiddink, who achieved the
first win of his second spell in charge of the club at Selhurst Park, is
sure to be questioned over the alleged incident between his two players
later on 8 January, as he holds a press conference prior to Chelsea's
FA Cup third-round tie against League One outfit Scunthorpe United at Stamford Bridge on 10 January.
You probably already know that a diet rich in vegetables is good for
your health and your waistline, but did you know certain veggies can
support better sexual health?
Fresh organic vegetables are filled with phytonutrients and high
levels of compounds that work to fight inflammation, like polyphenols
and a host of vitamins – and, these particular veggies can even work to
rev up your sex life.
Arugula
Arugula has long been used as an aid for sexual arousal, dating as
far back as the 1st century. It contains trace minerals and antioxidants
that block absorption of environmental contaminants which are believed
to negatively impact the libido. Asparagus
The French used to practice a time honored tradition of eating
asparagus three times a day just before their wedding night in order to
increase their libido, and research has shown there’s a reason why it
just might work.
This tasty vegetable contains potassium, which can provide a burst of
energy, in addition to cleansing the kidneys and urinary tract. Its
aspartic acid content is said to neutralize ammonia in the body, which
can lead to a lack of sexual desire as well as fatigue. Avocados
As avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, they can help keep the
heart beating strong, which means the blood is flowing to all the right
places. Heart health is essential for a good sex life – men with
underlying heart disease are twice as likely to suffer from erectile
dysfunction (ED). Peppers
Peppers are packed with capsaicin, which is known to trigger the
release of feel-good endorphins that act like natural painkillers. They
also increase the heartbeat along with the flow of blood and oxygen,
helping to make things hotter in the sack. Beets
Beets
are rich in nitrates, and the bacteria on your tongue helps to convert
them to nitrites, which are then converted to nitric oxide in the
stomach. ED medications work by increasing nitric oxide levels, which
increases blood flow to the penis by dilating blood vessels. Studies
have also found that consuming beets can improve endurance levels in
athletes – it’s not a far stretch to think they might help improve
endurance in the bedroom.
Beets may be one of the best veggies for revving up your sex life, and improving your health.
Manchester
United and Chelsea target Douglas Costa has dismissed a move away from
Bayern Munich at the end of the season. The Brazilian attacker joined
the Bavarian giants at the start of the current season and has since
been a revelation for the club.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk attacking midfielder was subject to interest
from the Premier League big guns in the summer, but chose to move to
the Bundesliga to play under Pep Guardiola, but with the former
Barcelona manager leaving the club at the end of the season, it was suggested that Costa could follow suit and jump ship. The Spanish manager has indicated
that his preferred destination for his next managerial position is
England and it is widely believed that he will have his pick of clubs in
the English top-flight next season. Manchester City and Chelsea are
being touted as the most possible destinations. The Brazil
international, however, has made it clear that he does not wish to
follow his manager out of the club despite joining them specifically to
play under the guidance of Guardiola.
"[On leaving Bayern] No chance, I have a lot of goals here," Costa said,
"It's
true, I joined Bayern because of Pep. The first six months with him
have been outstanding; the next sixth months will certainly be
outstanding too. I have learned a lot from Pep," the Brazilian added.
The
25-year-old, who regularly plays on the left wing for Bayern, is
contracted to the club until at least the summer of 2020 and they will
be reluctant to let the player leave after just one season. Moreover,
his tally of 12 assists and two goals in just 12 league appearances is
likely to make him a key member of the squad for the foreseeable future.
Sadio Mane has been linked with a move to Manchester United since last summerGetty
Southampton
manager Ronald Koeman has warned Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama that he
will sit them "in the stands" if they force a January move away from the
club. The duo were linked with exits during the summer transfer window
and the reaction of the Dutch boss comes after reports claimed both
Chelsea and Manchester United are trying to lure Mane away from the
Saints again.
Reports during the summer of 2015 claimed
United launched a £20m ($29m) bid to secure his services after seeing
Pedro Rodriguez move to Chelsea. The Daily Mirror
claimed earlier in January that the Premier League giants made a new
attempt to secure the 23-year-old Senegal international with the hopes
of getting a £30m deal done but Southampton immediately rejected it,
insisting the player is not for sale.
Koeman
appeared to increase speculation after he dropped the forward for the
Premier League defeat at Norwich City on 2 January, after he arrived
late to a team meeting. But the manager said this has not changed the
situation, insisting the player is not for sale while warning him and
Wanyama against trying to force a move away.
"The players
know their position in the club and what we think of the players, I
don't have doubt about that," Koeman said,
"If there is any player who thinks if his behaviour is not good that
makes it easier for him, then I will put the player in the stands until
the end of the contract because that's the not the way you do your job
as a footballer.
"What happened last week, it gave the
press something to write about. Sadio's situation is no different to
last week. He is a Southampton player, he likes to play for Southampton,
he is not for sale."
ADVERTISING
The
manager claimed Mane had already apologised over his behaviour and
therefore will regain his place in the line-up for the FA Cup tie
against Crystal Palace on 9 January.
He said: "We spoke to him. I
punished him because we have rules in the team and he was late, it was a
big mistake. He said sorry to everybody and that's now behind us. The
rest is just internal discussions about how we handle this kind of
situation. He will start Saturday no problem. It's too easy to mention
after the mistake of Sadio or Victor to say they want to move. That's
too easy. It's not like that."
Klopp was forced to field an inexperienced team for the visit to Exeter - and it almost backfired.Getty Images
Liverpool
manager Jurgen Klopp has blamed the St James Park pitch for his side's
struggling in the draw with League two Exeter City in the third round of
the FA Cup. Brad Smith struck a 73rd equaliser to secure a replay after the Grecians had twice taken the lead in the first half.
Tom
Nichols poked home early on before Jerome Sinclair equalised but Paul
Tisdale's side led at the break when Lee Holmes' corner beat an
uncertain Adam Bogdan. Both sides pressed for further goals in the
second half but it was the Reds who grabbed a crucial leveller as Smith slammed home.
Amid
a Liverpool injury list which sees 11 first team players out injured,
seven of whom have hamstring complaints; Klopp was forced to draw on his
youth and reserve sides for the trip to Devon. Tiago Ilori, Ryan Kent
and Kevin Stewart made their full debuts for the Merseyside club but
they were unable to take their opportunity.
Christian Benteke
started as Liverpool captain but failed to make a worthwhile
contributing as Sinclair and later Smth grabbed the crucial goals. The
upcoming replay will be the club's ninth fixture in the month of January
and Klopp has bemoaned his side's fortunes.
"They tried everything but it is obvious what we have to learn in the future," he told BBC Sport.
"We have to be more robust. It was really difficult on the pitch but
Exeter did really well and they had a fee parts where they played
football; maybe they know on which parts of the pitch it is possible to
play football and which parts you can only play long balls.
"We
had a few good moments but it was really difficult for us today. You saw
the players of Exeter and that is surprising that in a few one-on-one
situations they were more robust than our guys so we have to work on
that. There were too many easy flick ons but it is always difficult and
you have to play long and the pitch doesn't get better.
"Both
goals were unlucky for us, the first goal was the first offensive
situation and it woke us up and the second one [shrugs]. We made the
draw but now we have to play again, I can't believe again but if you
want it like this we will be there.
The Liverpool boss added on
his young guns: "How can I mix the team together and then say it is time
to show the future. They can be the future but if I judge after this
game ...it doesn't work like this. They helped us in our situation and
we've got another game."
The newly-appointed French coach does not plan to
allow any players to leave or to make any new signings at Los Blancos
this month
New Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane says he is not planning for any transfer business during the January window.
Spain international Isco has been heavily linked with a move to
Manchester City, although the departure of Rafael Benitez has prompted
talk that the attacking midfielder will opt to remain at the Santiago
Bernabeu.
Speculation has also mounted over the future of Gareth Bale, who has
been touted for a return to the Premier League despite Zidane's
assurances that he is firmly in his plans.
Madrid have also been linked with a bid for Wolfsburg defender
Ricardo Rodriguez, with the Switzerland international forced to deny any
approach from the club earlier this week.
But Zidane says he has no plans to allow anyone to leave this month and is not looking to bolster his squad with new additions.
"I don't want anyone to leave or to come in. I have a great squad," he said on Friday.
"With players like James [Rodriguez] and Isco, you have to give them
affection. That's what I'm going to do, but the most important thing is
the group. It's always the group that wins.
"The team is very focused, they want to do things well.
"We had intensity during training. The players have been great. I hope to have the same intensity for tomorrow's game."
Zidane also dismissed criticism from former France boss Raymond
Domenech this week, who claimed the World Cup-winner was "not a nice
guy".
'Hazard fully focused on Chelsea amid Real Madrid link'
By Kiara Nuellz
The Belgian reportedly wants to leave Stamford Bridge
at the end of the season, with Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris
Saint-Germain the three frontrunners for his signature
Eden Hazard’s father, Thierry, insists his son is “completely focused” on Chelsea amid reports linking the Belgian with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Reports
had claimed that last season’s Premier League Player of the Year has
already decided to quit Chelsea at the end of the season, with Paris
Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all keen on the midfielder.
"Eden is completely focused on Chelsea,” Hazard’s father told Het Nieuwsblad.
“Even with Chelsea he still has ambition. Winning a title might be hard, but finishing in the top three is still possible.”
Hazard Sr. also believes his son is suffering injuries due to Chelsea’s busy schedule over the winter period.
"Eden now has two injuries in quick succession," he said.
“I
am convinced that his current groin injury related to the hip injury he
sustained earlier this season. These injuries happen because he plays a
lot of games.
"Eden plays a kind of football where you have to be one hundred percent.
Therefore I hope that he takes the time to hit top form again. He is at
an age that he must organise his season and his games wisely.”
The
20-year-old joined Dortmund on a season-long loan at the end of August
but made only 12 appearances for the club, including just 160 minutes in
the Bundesliga this season.
Januzaj’s return to Old Trafford was
made official on Thursday and Dortmund’s sporting director admits ended
the Belgian’s deal was in the best interests for everyone concerned.
“It was a wish of Adnan to go back,” said Zorc.
“The loan wasn’t a good deal for both sides all in all."
Manchester
United and Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern have been drawn to the
European papers this afternoon, which state the Premier League duo have
received a huge boost in their transfer plans.Both Premier League sides have held long-term interest in the German
midfielder, with United’s interest stretching back to this time last
year and links with Liverpool intensifying after former Borussia
Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp moved to Anfield.
However, Juventus’ potential stance in the market was a big issue but that problem has been erased, as the Italian side’s chief executive Giuseppe Marotta denied any interest in the midfielder when speaking to Bild:
“Gundogan is a name we have not mentioned in relation to
the winter transfer market.I do not think Borussia Dortmund want to sell
the player. Why should we rely on Gundogan, when we have midfielders
such as Claudio Marchisio?”
That leaves United and Liverpool with a clear run in the market but
they would still have to persuade Dortmund to part ways with the World
Cup winner. Fortunately for them, our landlord believes the Bundesliga
side would accept a sale for the right price.
As is always the way, the Andrea Ranocchia to Liverpool claims
have become far less clean-cut and turned quite murky. It had started
off as a choice between Torino, Liverpool and Norwich, explain Gazzetta
dello Sport in their Friday newspaper edition, and the easy winner there
was Jurgen Klopp's side.
Ranocchia had wanted to stay in Italy but the Torino
opportunity wasn't incredibly exciting and wouldn't have come with
competitive wages, at least relatively. Gazzetta dello Sport have
explained that's all changed, with more clubs now interested, naming the
Spanish pair of Sevilla and Valencia.
However, Seville regional newspaper Estadio Deportivo,
who have good connections to the club, have given up. Taking the word
of an Italian report that Ranocchia will be joining Liverpool 'in the
coming days', they accept defeat.
The 'coming days' claim may well have been the case had it not been for other Italian interest. Tuttomercatoweb on Friday say Sky Italia have reported on a summit between the entourage of Ranocchia and Sampdoria.
Sampdoria may only be just above Torino in Serie A but are
known to pay good wages, and who wouldn't want to live on the Ligurian
coast?
The Spanish press may think he's off to Liverpool, but if
Ranocchia is as keen on an Italy stay as has been suggested, then
Sampdoria provides a reasonable option.
German tabloid BILD has linked the Bayern Munich attacking midfielder with a move to Merseyside.
Mario Götze is a
very talented footballer who used to play for Jürgen Klopp. Can you
guess what's coming next? German tabloid BILD reported that Liverpool's manager wants to secure the services of the injured Bayern Munich attacking midfielder in the summer.
Götze was the first substitute to score a World Cup winning goal and the youngest—aged just 22—to score in a World Cup final. His exploits with Borussia Dortmund
1. The way to a man's heart is no longer his stomach but the quality of your brain. 2. If your man must be tall, dark and handsome then be ready to be the second best, because what you desire others seek too. 3. If you allow your parents' pressure to push you into marriage, you may end up a single mom soon. 4. A man that slaps you before marriage will build a boxing ring after marriage. Guess who is opponent will be?- you! 5. If what attracted him to you are your boobs and sexy legs you flaunted, the contents of your brain had better keep him, else, there are too many well-rounded and bigger boobs waiting to snatch him away. 6. Men love sex, at least 95% that I'm aware of. To him, if you can't continue, don't start! If you start, don't stop! Be careful! 7. If he doesn't discuss future plan with you in the picture, he just want a fling, take note! 8. Even when you trust each other, a little jealousy reminds him that you care. 9. Men love a listener. No matter how you want your oppinion to push through, listen to his details and don't counter it. 10. When you are already having sex with him and living with him before marriage, he won't propose quickly. So, Say no to Sex! 11. Don't waste your years waiting for an unserious man to propose to you just because his parents love you, you are going to be married and live with him, not his parents. 12. When you seek his advice, you make him feel more of a man than he is. 13. Your encouragement or concern about his career or job works faster than listening to a motivational tape. 14. An engagement ring isn't an assurance for marriage, it could possibly make you his regular sex-mate. It has happened to many, you better learn. ☆☆Don't forget to share☆☆ www.kiaranuellz.blogspot.com
Ivan Rakitic said as much in an interview with Marca, via Sport,
with the Croatian explaining that the rest of the team must work
themselves to the bone to create space and opportunities for the stellar
trio up front:
Many people say that it is very easy to play with them. I don't
agree. They are players of a different level and, if we play for them,
it is because they have earned it but that does not mean it's easy - and
if I have to run 5,000 kilometres for one of them to have their best
moment, I will do it. We do it.
Arda Turan discovered that on Wednesday night, when he finally made his Barcelona debut after a six-month freeze-out, thanks to the FIFA transfer ban that stopped both he and Aleix Vidal being registered after they signed for the club last summer. Turan and Vidal were registered on Monday and both featured against Espanyol in Barcelona's 4-1 win in the Copadel Rey last-16 first leg.
Former Sevilla defender Vidal came on for Dani Alves from the bench, while Arda started in place of Rakitic.
Doubtless, he will have to play himself into Luis Enrique's first
team to get regular minutes, but this was a good start for the Turk.
The other 10 players on the field with him had all started the Champions League final in May.
David Ramos/Getty Images
Arda is capable of hard work and graft and he showed it in this match.
One of the reasons Lucho wanted to bring him to Barcelona from Atletico Madrid, for €34 million plus add-ons, is his work ethic.
Under Diego Simeone, Arda added that side to his game, his game for Atletico a combination of sweat and skill; the perfect combination to sit behind Barcelona's trident.
It will take time to bed in, but Arda got off to a good start against Espanyol, a crunching encounter, with the Catalan derby a tricky match in which to make your debut.
He will rue one moment in the second half when he missed a chance to
score, but his overall performance level was good and his substitution
for Rakitic
was not an indictment on his performance levels or fitness, just a nod
by Enrique to show the Croatian he is still a piece of Barcelona's
puzzle.
The longer the game went on, the more comfortable Arda looked,
beginning to come deep into midfield to get the ball before springing
forward.
David Ramos/Getty Images
One such burst saw him lurch ahead of Messi, who rolled the ball forward for him, but Arda's shot was beaten to safety at his near post by Pau Lopez.
Barcelona signed Arda knowing that occasionally his temper can flare up, as seen when he threw his boot at a linesman during a Copadel Rey clash with the Catalan side last season.
And he managed to rile Pau just before half-time, running in too
close to the goalkeeper's head for comfort, while he was on the ground.
Arda scuttled off to safety as Suarez confronted Pau on behalf of the
midfielder. Although at the time it was a moment of high tension,
events in the second half superseded it when two Espanyol players were sent off, and a scuffle broke out in the tunnel, per Sport.
PAU BARRENA/Getty Images
The Turkish star left the field with Barcelona 3-1 up, and Neymar’s
late goal means it’s highly likely the Catalans will go through to the
quarter-finals of the competition, with much less pressure on the second
leg of this tie at Cornella next week.
Arda was quietly confident on his debut, doing what he needed to and
beginning the process of adapting to life at his dream club. He has a
lot further to go, but this was a good base to build from.
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas made a flying visit to Barcelona this week and met up with his former team-mate Lionel Messi as he made the most of some time off between matches.
The
Spaniard, who was in action for Chelsea during their 3-0 win against
Crystal Palace last Sunday, returned to his roots with long-term
partner Daniella Semaan and two daughters Lia and Capri.
While
in Barcelona, Fabregas and Semaan enjoyed an evening dining out with
good friends Messi and his partner Antonella Roccuzzo.
+6
(From left to right) Antonella Roccuzzo, Lionel Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Daniella Semaan pose for a snap
+6
Fabregas and Semaan travel in style as they made a flying visit to Barcelona during the week
+6
Roccuzzo (left) and Semaan pose together in the back of a car during a night out in Barcelona
In the aftermath of a tense 0-0 draw in La Liga on Saturday afternoon, Catalan rivals FC Barcelona
and RCD Espanyol went to battle once again last night, both
figuratively and literally. While the Blaugrana emerged victorious on
the night, earning an emphatic 4-1 victory at the Camp Nou to all but
book their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals, they left the field
battered, bruised and furious with Espanyol's rather "physical" approach.
Espanyol
goalkeeper Pau Lopez was lucky to escape a red card for what appeared
to be an intentional stamp on the leg of Argentine superstar, Lionel Messi,
while his midfield colleague Papakouli Diop was in fact issued with a
red card for abusive language. Tempers flared on numerous occasions
during the night, and reportedly culminated in a showdown in the tunnel
as a select few Barcelona players reportedly took umbrage with the
events that had unfolded over the previous 90 minutes.
The
reports surfaced this morning in Catalan newspaper, Diario Sport as
unnamed sources from the club claimed that Diop's red card was merely
the result of him responding in kind to the slurs directed at him by the
Uruguayan. Of course, Cules across social media have leapt to Suarez'
defense, vehemently denying the accusations on his behalf out of...
what, a bizarre misguided sense of loyalty?
In
the world of Barca fandom, apparently it's OK to laugh off allegations
of racist abuse by our players as pure fiction, usually as part of some
grand-old conspiracy against us by pro-Madrid factions in the media.
This sentiment, a view that's shared by an alarming number of Barcelona
supporters, is quite frankly abhorrent and alarming -- especially in the
wake of the abusive chants directed at Neymar during Saturday's draw.
Neymar
himself didn't hear the offensive chants, yet the reports provoked an
outcry and widespread condemnation -- and rightly so, such behaviour has
no place in modern society or in football. Similarly, it is true that
Papakouli Diop has not come forward to make any allegations or made any
mention of abusive comments made during the game by the Uruguayan, but
something made him react.
Was
it racist abuse? Probably not, but the point is that we as supporters
do not know what was and what wasn't said on the pitch last night -- and
in the absence of proof either way, I personally would be more hesitant
to give a man with Suarez' track record the benefit of the doubt just
because he plays for my favourite football team...
Shaka Hislop's first Power Rankings of 2016 feature a change at the top. 1. Bayern Munich (+1)
Bayern have not played in recent weeks due to the winter break in
Germany but they haven't been far from the news. The runaway Bundesliga
leaders have seen Pep Guardiola declare that he will leave the club at
the end of the season. His successor will be Carlo Ancelotti, which
means that one two-time Champions League-winning manager will replace
another. 2. Atletico Madrid (+3)
Back in 2014, when Atletico won La Liga and almost added the
Champions League, they were lauded for their achievements but also
warned that such feats were unlikely to happen again, given the might of
Barcelona and Real Madrid. Well, Diego Simeone's side are currently two
points clear in Spain and through to the Round of 16 in Europe. Could
it happen again? 3. Barcelona (-2)
Not that many will be betting against Barca retaining any of the
trophies they won last season... After the club's transfer ended, Luis
Enrique's squad has been boosted by the addition of Arda Turan and Aleix
Vidal and they will add some competition for places. That might be no
bad thing, given Barca have drawn three of their last four league games. Barcelona won 4-1 against Espanyol in the Copa del Rey Round of 16 first leg, but have been inconsistent in La Liga.4. Paris Saint-Germain (-1)
At the halfway stage of the Ligue 1 season, leaders PSG are a
remarkable 19 points ahead of second-placed Monaco. They might win the
league by March! The challenge for Laurent Blanc, as it has been in
seasons' past, is how he prepares his players for the challenge of the
Champions League, given how comfortable their games at home appear to
be. 5. Juventus (+3)
Look out, Serie A -- here come Juventus! The defending champions are
up to fourth after an eight-gamer winning run, the latest of which was a
3-0 triumph over Verona on Wednesday as the Italian league restarted.
Juve trail leaders Inter by just three points and appear to have got
over a sluggish start, which saw them lose four of their opening 10
games. 6. Real Madrid (-2)
When Rafa Benitez was appointed boss at the Bermabeu back in June,
plenty of people thought it would end in tears. And so it was earlier
this week that, after just seven months in charge, he was sacked. In his
place steps Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest to ever play the game
but unproven as a manager at the top level. Will he be given time to
learn on the job? 7. Arsenal (no change)
They haven't always convinced -- the 4-0 hammering they took on
Boxing Day was a concerning result -- but the fact is that Arsenal are
currently the team to catch in the Premier League. Anchoring their title
challenge is Petr Cech, who recently set a record for most clean sheets
kept. And for those asking, yes, he went past my 61 a long time ago!
It's been a very Happy New Year thus far for Sporting, who are four
points clear in Portugal after two wins in four days. First, Jorge
Jesus' men beat bitter rivals Porto 2-0 before romping to a 6-0 triumph
at Vitoria Setubal. Sporting's scoring hero was Islam Slimani, the
Algerian striker who netted twice in each game. 9. Napoli (new)
Not since the Diego Maradona-inspired title success of 1989-90 have
Napoli been Italian champions but this season offers a real opportunity
to end that barren run. Maurizio Sarri's side trail Inter by a point and
now have a run of six winnable games ahead a 16-day stretch in February
when they visit Juventus and then host Milan before playing at
Fiorentina. 10. Manchester City (new)
They have been inconsistent at times and desperately need to get
Vincent Kompany 100 percent fit as soon as possible but the fact is that
Man City remain in the running for four trophies. Meanwhile, Manuel
Pellegrini is leading his side on so many fronts despite the daily
speculation that, no matter how much he wins, he will be replaced by Pep
Guardiola in the summer. Dropping out: Leicester, Fiorentina, Borussia Dortmund.
According to the Evening Standard the Blues are ready to splash the cash to help fire them back up the table.
They’re said to be locked in advanced talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over a deal for Alex Teixeira.
The £30m-rated attacking midfielder is one of Europe’s most in-form players and is set for a switch to west London this month.
He could be followed through the Stamford Bridge entrance by Real Madrid’s Isco.
The Spain midfielder is reportedly keen on a move which has put Chelsea, Manchester City and Juventus on alert.
Liverpool today confirmed the signing of Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old put pen to
paper with the Reds to seal a £5.1 million transfer from Red Star
Belgrade, where he will immediately return on loan until the end of the
season.
Grujic becomes Jurgen Klopp’s first signing at the Anfield helm and revealed his delight at the move.
He said: “I’m very excited and so proud to be here and a member of
Liverpool Football Club. I can’t wait to get started, play at Anfield
and train at Melwood.
“I was thinking about my progress in my next period and decided it
was good for me to come here and try to be the best I can. I want to
play in front of one of the loudest set of fans in Europe at Anfield.
“I also like the atmospheres at other stadiums, the crowds are very
good. I like to play under pressure and that’s why I’ve come here –
because it brings out the best in me.”
Grujic’s form in 2015-16 has helped elevate Red Star to the top of
the Serbian Superliga, where they entered the current winter break with a
25-point cushion over second-placed FK Cukaricki.
So far this term, he has netted five goals in 21 league appearances for Red Star after making his debut aged just 17 in 2013.
Klopp has hailed Grujic’s capture, saying: “We’re very pleased because Marko is a big talent and we’ve seen him a lot of times.
“When I came here, our scouts showed me some footage of a very
skilled player from Red Star Belgrade. We watched it, we spoke to him,
we met each other – he’s a good boy, a young boy but plays an important
role at the moment at Red Star, who are the best team in Serbia.
“To describe him, I would say he’s a tall boy, but quick and good at
technical things. He can play passes and can dribble. But he is young,
so he has to develop. He will do this, so everything is okay.”
Jurgen Klopp has secured his second signing as Liverpool manager in one day.
Despite insisting he is happy with the Reds current keepers Simon
Mignolet and Adam Bogdan, Klopp finalised the signing of teenage
goalkeeper Kamil Grabara.
The teenager, who turns 17 on Friday, had trials with Manchester
United and Manchester City after attracting attention from Premier
League clubs. However he has agreed a move from Ruch Chorzow to Anfield
for £250,000.
The younger underwent a medical today at Melwood and is understood to have finalised terms.
Grabara is likely to begin life at Anfield in the ranks of the club’s academy system.
The news of the second signing comes after midfielder Marko Grujic signed a four and half year deal with the club.
He knelt in front of me, looked intently into my eyes and said earnestly, "my darling, would you still be with me, when all I can offer is a cup of Ijebu Garri and cold water?"
I was touched. Tears welled up. My nose sniffed. I held his hands and pulled him up, clasped him in my arms and whispered against his beating heart, "boo boo, I will sieze the cup from your hand, pour the cold water into it, delve into the meal hungrily and bless the day God gave you to me."
Now he goes around lovestruck and puppy eyed, thinking I'm the next thing that dropped from the sky after Manna...
And I am here perplexed. How do I tell him;
That it is Garri that has rendered me almost sightless without the help of spectacles?
That it is the love of Garri that induced that comment and not really my love for him?
That at the mention of Ijebu Garri I lost my senses and gave the 'wrongest' impression?
That I'm not as saintly as he assumes?
That in the true sense of the statement he made, my reply might have been very different?
That my wife material never reach that length wey he dey think so?
That I'm not who he thinks I am?
How do I break it to him this new year? I do not want to marry him for the wrong reasons o. Cos I don't think I can manage with only 'garri' in this time and age o..even if I love him die. I believe we 8117-2148-7400-1043should have things on ground that would prevent this 'garri drinking'. Who wants a planless partner?
How can my new year begins with confusion?!
Should I tell him or just keep quiet and hope that my garri drinking will be voluntary in the future?
I'm sad o. Very sad...and very confused at the same time....Help me please...
This is one of the saddest stories ever told in Holywood. His nme iws Sylvester Stallone. One of the biggest and most famous American movie superstar.
Back in the day Stallone was a struggling actor. At some point, he got so broke that he stole his wife's jewelry piece and sold it. Things got so bad that he became so broke, slept in New York Station for 3 days. He was unable to pay rent or afford food.
His lowest point came when he had to sell his dog at the Liquor store to any stranger. He didn't have the money to feed the dog anymore. He sold the dog at a price of $25 only and walked away crying.
Two weeks later, he saw a boxing match between Mohammed Ali and Chuck Wepner and that match gave him the inspiration to write the script for the famous movie, ROCKY. He spent 20 good hours writing the script.
He tried to sell it and got an offer for $125,000 for the script. But he had just one request. A request to star in the movie as the main actor, Rocky himself. But the studio said no. They wanted a real star.
They said, "he looked funny and talked funny." He left with his script. A few weeks later, the studio offered him $250,000 for the script. He refused. They even offered him $350,000 and he still refused to sell his script. They wanted his movie, but not him, so he said NO. He really wanted to be in the movie as the main actor. After a while, the studio called him and offered him $350,000 and also starred him in the movie. The movie won The Best Picture, Best Directing and Film Editing at the prestigious Oscar Awards. He was even nominated for the best Actor. The movie was also inducted into the American National Film Registry as one of the greatest movies ever! And just after making this history, Stallone went back to the Liquor Store where he sold his dog. He loved the dog so much that he wanted it back. He waited there for 3 days for the man he sold it to. Finally on the third day, he saw the man and explained everything to him. He offered him a $100 and he refused, offered $500, same thing, a $1000, he still refused. Then he offered him $15, 000 and accepted. That was how Stallone got back his dog. The strong desire and persistence made Sylvester Stallone to realise his dream. Being broke could make you do things. Make you sleep on the road, beg food and possibly reduce you to nothing. People will look down at you, degrade your standard, say things that will hurt you. But NEVER let them crush your WILL or destroy your HOPE. As long as you got life within you, you still have your hope. Keep it Alive. Your DREAM is yours alone and you must fight with a great will. No matter what might come your way, always believe in yourself and never settle for less. Always believe that you are worth more than any pain and that you will overcome all your challenges. Keep your Hope Alive, Never Kill Your Dream. Keep Fighting and Keep Pushing On Till You Get There!!!
1. Psychology says, sometimes you just say "I'm fine" because it is difficult to find someone who actually cares. 2. Psychology says, spending a great amount of time with someone can literally cause you to pick up their habits. 3. Psychology says, one of the best way to measure people is to watch the way they behave when something free is offered. 4. Psycholgy says, when you're ignored by someone whose attention means the most to you, the reaction in the brain is similar to physical pain. 5. Psychology says, if your dog gets out, don't chase it. Instead, lie on the ground and pretend that you are hurt. It will come back to see if you're okay. 6. Women with higher IQ's have a harder time finding a mate. Intelligent women would rather remain single than be with the wrong person. 7. Psycholgy says, unexpected message from the person you care about can have a positive effect on your body and instantly improve your mood.
I loved you before we met, I missed before I knew your name, I kissed you before we hugged, Only in my thoughts, I can tell the difference When I think of you, I feel music in your voice, When I close my eyes, I smell you like a bouquet of roses, Now I expect you like dawn, I predict your smile, The most charming conjecture of all my imagination. Real words can't compose what my heart can confess, When I am thinking about you! Von Ditu
I am bleeding, Stop my heart from healing, Let my wound remain fresh, Like heat from an oven. Dusk tilk dawn you reign, Constant agony, Every hour, Wash me again with my tears. Feel my pulse faster than a railway, Merge my thoughts to form a circle, Harden my heart, Crystalize your desire, Aargh!! Von Ditu
![Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze refuses to rule out Liverpool move [Bild]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYNoBKbUwAApP5Z.jpg:large "Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze refuses to rule out Liverpool move [Bild]")
Beets
are rich in nitrates, and the bacteria on your tongue helps to convert
them to nitrites, which are then converted to nitric oxide in the
stomach. ED medications work by increasing nitric oxide levels, which
increases blood flow to the penis by dilating blood vessels. Studies
have also found that consuming beets can improve endurance levels in
athletes – it’s not a far stretch to think they might help improve
endurance in the bedroom.
Manchester
United and Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern have been drawn to the
European papers this afternoon, which state the Premier League duo have
received a huge boost in their transfer plans.Both Premier League sides have held long-term interest in the German
midfielder, with United’s interest stretching back to this time last
year and links with Liverpool intensifying after former Borussia
Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp moved to Anfield.
