Football

Liverpool's squad will undergo a significant transformation this summer as two key players, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, have announced their departures at the end of the season.Matip, a 32-year-old center-back, joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Schalke in 2016 and has been a reliable presence in the team's defense. Known for his ball-playing abilities, Matip has made 201 appearances for the Reds, contributing to their Champions League and Premier League triumphs.Thiago, a 31-year-old Spanish midfielder, arrived at Anfield in 2020 from Bayern Munich. Despite his immense talent, injuries have limited his impact on the team. In his four years with Liverpool, Thiago has made only 98 appearances, showcasing his technical brilliance but also highlighting his fitness concerns.Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp expressed his gratitude for the contributions of both players. "Joel has been an unsung hero for us," Klopp said. "He's not the most flashy player, but he's been incredibly consistent and reliable."Regarding Thiago, Klopp praised his artistry on the pitch. "He's a true artist of the game," Klopp said. "He can paint the most beautiful pictures with his feet. It's been a privilege to have him in our team."Matip and Thiago's departures will leave significant gaps in Liverpool's squad. Matip has been a key figure in the team's defensive stability, while Thiago's creativity and vision have been instrumental in their attacking play.The Reds will need to find suitable replacements for both players in the summer transfer window. With the club's ambitions to compete for major trophies, they will be looking for players who can match the quality and experience of Matip and Thiago.Other players leaving their clubs at the end of the Premier League season include Manchester United's Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, as well as Chelsea's Thiago Silva. These departures will undoubtedly shake up the landscape of English football and create opportunities for new players to emerge.

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri's decision to retire from international football after the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 has sent shockwaves through the Indian football fraternity. The 39-year-old striker, who has been the face of Indian football for over a decade, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring footballers across the country.Chhetri's decision was driven by a combination of physical and mental factors. While he remains physically fit and capable of playing at the highest level, he admitted that the mental toll of international football had taken its toll. "The retirement decision was not because of physical aspect, I am still fit, running, chasing, defending, the hard work is not difficult, the reason is to do with mental aspect," said Chhetri.The mental aspect that Chhetri referred to is likely related to the immense pressure and expectations that come with being the captain of the Indian national team. India has struggled to achieve significant success on the international stage, and Chhetri has often been the target of criticism and scrutiny. The constant pressure and scrutiny can take a heavy toll on a player's mental health, and it is understandable that Chhetri felt the need to step away from the international spotlight.Chhetri's retirement will leave a huge void in the Indian football team. He is the country's all-time leading goalscorer with 94 goals, and his experience and leadership will be sorely missed. However, Chhetri is confident that the team has the potential to continue to grow and improve without him. "I am sure the team will do well, they have the talent, they have the potential, they have the hunger," said Chhetri.Chhetri's retirement also marks the end of an era in Indian football. He was part of the golden generation of Indian footballers that included Bhaichung Bhutia, IM Vijayan, and Renedy Singh. These players helped to raise the profile of Indian football and inspired a new generation of players. Chhetri's retirement is a reminder that all good things must come to an end, but his legacy will continue to inspire Indian footballers for years to come.

Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, has announced his retirement from international football, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. With a career spanning 19 years, Chhetri has etched his name in the annals of Indian football history as one of its most prolific and decorated players.Chhetri's journey began in 2002 with Mohun Bagan, where he honed his skills and rose to prominence. His exceptional talent and unwavering determination earned him a call-up to the national team in 2005, marking the beginning of an illustrious international career.As the captain of the Indian team, Chhetri led by example, inspiring his teammates and captivating fans with his exceptional skills and unwavering spirit. He guided India to numerous victories, including the 2007, 2009, and 2012 Nehru Cup, as well as the 2011, 2015, 2021, and 2023 SAFF Championship.Chhetri's most significant achievement came in 2008 when he led India to victory in the AFC Challenge Cup, securing the country's first qualification for the AFC Asian Cup in 27 years. His contributions to Indian football were recognized with the Arjuna Award in 2011, the Padma Shri in 2019, and the Khel Ratna Award in 2021, India's highest sporting honor.Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Chhetri is known for his humility, hard work, and dedication. He has always strived to be a role model for aspiring footballers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and sportsmanship.As Chhetri prepares to bid farewell to international football, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come. His unwavering determination, exceptional skills, and infectious enthusiasm have made him a true icon of Indian football.

Virat Kohli Lauds Sunil Chhetri's Retirement Decision, Praises His Modest NatureIndian cricket legend Virat Kohli has expressed his admiration for ace footballer Sunil Chhetri's decision to retire from international football. In an interview on the RCB Insider Show, Kohli revealed that Chhetri had messaged him prior to announcing his retirement."He is a really dear friend. He actually messaged me as well, informing me that he was going to do it. But I would say that he felt like he is at peace with the decision," Kohli said.Kohli praised Chhetri's modest nature and his contentment with his decision to retire. "I have become really close with him over the years and wish him nothing but the best. He is a lovely lovely guy," Kohli added.Chhetri, who has been an inspiration to Indian football, will play his last international match against Kuwait on June 6. The third-highest active international goal scorer, Chhetri has scored 94 goals in 150 matches for India.In his retirement announcement, Chhetri recalled emotional moments with his family. "I told my mom, my dad and my wife, my family first, my dad, he was normal, he was relieved, happy, everything, but my mom and my wife started crying and I told them, you always used to bug me that there are too many games, there is too much of pressure when you watch me and now that I'm telling you that, you know, I'm not going to play for my country anymore after this game," he said.Meanwhile, Kohli has been in impressive form for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the ongoing IPL 2024. The former India captain is the current Orange Cap holder with 661 runs in 13 matches, including one century and five half-centuries.

Brazil has been chosen to host the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, marking a historic moment for women's football in South America. The decision was made at a FIFA congress in Bangkok, where Brazil's bid triumphed over a joint proposal from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany.The tournament will be the first Women's World Cup to be held in South America, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the development of women's football in the region. Brazil, home to legendary player Marta, has a strong footballing tradition and is eager to showcase its passion for the sport.FIFA's evaluation report highlighted Brazil's impressive infrastructure, including 10 stadiums used in the 2014 men's World Cup. The iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host the opening match and the final. However, some work is needed to upgrade certain stadiums, particularly the Amazonia stadium in Manaus.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has faced some challenges in recent years, including legal issues involving its president. However, the country remains committed to hosting a successful tournament.Brazil's women's team has yet to win the World Cup, but they will be hoping to make a strong run on home soil. The 2023 edition of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand saw a record number of fans and a surge in interest in women's football.The 2027 World Cup is expected to continue this trend, with FIFA aiming to further expand the reach of women's football. The tournament will also highlight the growing financial disparity between men's and women's football, with the prize money for the 2023 Women's World Cup being significantly lower than that of the 2022 men's tournament.The FIFA congress also discussed the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) calling for Israel to be suspended from the organization. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the body would take independent legal advice on the matter and make a decision by July 20.

Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning Bundesliga champions, stand on the cusp of history as they aim to become the first team to complete an undefeated season in the league's history. On Saturday, they face Augsburg in a match that could cement their legacy as one of the greatest teams in German football.Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen have been unstoppable this season, setting a European record with a 50-game unbeaten streak that includes runs to the German Cup and Europa League finals. Their relentless form has seen them amass 87 points from 33 games, putting them on the brink of an unprecedented achievement.A victory against Augsburg would give Leverkusen 90 points from 34 games, equaling the second-highest tally in Bundesliga history. Striker Patrik Schick has described the match as "like a final," while captain Lukas Hradecky has spoken of the "immortality" that awaits his team.Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Union Berlin face a desperate battle for survival. The club, which made its Champions League debut this season, must defeat Freiburg and hope for favorable results elsewhere to avoid relegation.Union's rise has been remarkable, from their debut promotion in 2019 to their fourth-place finish last season. However, a disastrous run of nine straight losses this season has left them in danger of falling back to the second division.Even a win against Freiburg may not be enough for Union, as they need Mainz or Bochum to lose their respective matches. Freiburg coach Christian Streich has vowed to "play to win," but Union will be determined to secure their Bundesliga status.In other matches, Borussia Dortmund host last-placed Darmstadt in Marco Reus' final game at the Westfalenstadion. Bayern Munich, already assured of second place, will look to extend their unbeaten run against Hoffenheim. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur needs six goals to break Robert Lewandowski's single-season Bundesliga record of 41.

Barcelona's young midfielder Fermin Lopez emerged as the hero on Thursday, scoring a brace to secure a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Almeria in La Liga. The 21-year-old's goals propelled him to 10 for the season, a remarkable achievement in his breakthrough campaign.Despite Barcelona's struggles throughout the match, Lopez's timely interventions proved decisive. In the 14th minute, he capitalized on Hector Fort's cross to head home the opening goal. Almeria's Leo Baptistao squandered a golden opportunity to equalize, firing wide when well-positioned.Barcelona's dominance continued in the second half, with Lamine Yamal and Sergi Roberto threatening Almeria's defense. Lopez sealed the victory in the 67th minute, finishing off Roberto's cut-back with aplomb.The win keeps Barcelona in contention for second place, four points ahead of Girona. However, the Catalans' performance against the already-relegated Almeria was far from convincing.Prior to the match, Spanish media reported that Barcelona president Joan Laporta had skipped the trip to Almeria due to his dissatisfaction with coach Xavi Hernandez's pre-match comments. Xavi had highlighted the club's financial difficulties in comparison to Real Madrid's strength.Despite the off-field distractions, Barcelona managed to secure the three points. Lopez's goalscoring exploits have been a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Catalans.

Manchester City stand on the cusp of history as they aim to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title on Sunday. Pep Guardiola's side, who have dominated English football in recent years, are two points clear of Arsenal heading into the final round of fixtures.A victory over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium would seal the title for City, while a draw or defeat would leave the door open for Arsenal if they beat Everton. Should City triumph, they would become the first team in English top-flight history to win four successive titles.The achievement would be all the more remarkable considering the dominance of Liverpool in the 1970s and 1980s, Manchester United under Alex Ferguson, and Arsenal's 'Invincibles' team. England forward Phil Foden believes that such a feat may never be repeated."It's history and I don't think I can ever see it being done again," said Foden, who was named Football Writers' Association Player of the Year. "It's something the team knows, the team understands and we're looking forward to trying to get it done."City's quest for a fourth title comes after a remarkable season in which they won the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. They are now chasing the double this term, with the FA Cup final against Manchester United on May 25.Foden, who missed the FWA ceremony to focus on City's preparations, is eager to add to his trophy collection. "If we can win these next two finals, then go into the tournament (Euro 2024) full of confidence," he said."We'll give everything to try and achieve success and try and do the Premier League four times which has never been done before. It would mean a lot to us."City's success has been built on a foundation of attacking football and a relentless pursuit of trophies. Guardiola has instilled a winning mentality in his players, who have consistently performed at the highest level.Should City secure the title on Sunday, they will cement their place as one of the greatest teams in English football history. Their achievement would be a testament to the brilliance of Guardiola and the exceptional talent of his players.

World champion N'Golo Kante will make a surprise return to international football as France coach Didier Deschamps announced Thursday the 25 players that will make up the French squad at Euro 2024. Kante left English side Chelsea last summer to join Saudi club Al Ittihad and has not represented France since June 2022."He played a full season (Kante struggled with injury during his time with Chelsea), albeit not in a European league, as he is in Saudi Arabia," said Deschamps on French TV channel TF1."He's back to full fitness. With his experience, I'm convinced that the French team will be stronger with N'Golo Kante."The 2018 World Cup winner was the big surprise in Deschamps' squad, but the 33-year-old's experience will doubtless be a help to youngsters Warren Zaire-Emery and Bradley Barcola, who also made the squad after fine seasons at Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.Winger Barcola, 21, is the only uncapped player in the squad but forced his way in with a strong finish to the season, impressing particularly with his performances in the knock-out stages of the Champions League against Real Sociedad and Barcelona.Also making a return to the international fold is Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy, who has not played for France since September 2022, but has been a regular this term for his club who are on course to complete a Spanish league-Champions League double.Star attacker Kylian Mbappe was also included in the squad, as were Antoine Griezmann, Olivier Giroud and Arsenal defender William Saliba.Mbappe comes into the tournament in fine form, despite uncertainty about where he will play his football next season after confirming he would leave PSG this summer.The France captain has scored 44 goals so far this season and can add to that tally in his team's remaining Ligue 1 match and the French Cup final.After a stunning breakthrough season at PSG, Zaire-Emery earned his first call-up in November of last year, marking the occasion with a goal in a 14-0 rout of Gibraltar."Very happy to be on the list, it's one of the best competitions to play with France and I'm very happy and proud to represent my country," said Zaire-Emery via video link on TF1.The 18-year-old added that he had been granted a special dispensation to sit his final school exams later in order to perform at his best at the Euro during the summer."I asked to be able to do it in September to be calm and focussed on football," said Zaire-Emery.Aurelien Tchouameni, who is a doubt for June's Champions League final, Mike Maignan and Kingsley Coman all made the squad despite currently carrying injuries.PSG's Lucas Hernandez missed out after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee in May.After defeat in the final at home in 2016 and a disappointing early exit in 2021, France come into Euro 2024 among the pre-tournament favourites to win a third European Championship after victory in 1984 and 2000.France will begin their Euro campaign in Germany on June 17 against Austria, before taking on the Netherlands four days later and completing their group-stage matches against Poland on June 25.