Football

The Premier League season reaches its thrilling conclusion on Sunday, with Manchester City poised to make history and Jurgen Klopp bidding farewell to Liverpool.Title Race:Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, is on the cusp of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. A victory over West Ham United will secure the trophy, a feat not achieved in England's top division since 1888. Arsenal, two points behind City, can snatch the title with a win over Everton and a City draw. However, City's impressive form, with 34 matches unbeaten, makes Arsenal's chances seem slim.Klopp's Farewell:Jurgen Klopp's nine-year reign at Liverpool comes to an end at Anfield. The charismatic German has transformed the club, winning eight trophies and restoring its European dominance. Liverpool will aim to give Klopp a fitting sendoff with a victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.European Qualification:Tottenham Hotspur is set to secure fifth place and a Europa League berth with a point against Sheffield United. Chelsea, Newcastle, and Manchester United are vying for the remaining European spots. Chelsea is in sixth place, followed by Newcastle and United, separated by three points. The sixth-place finisher will likely qualify for the Europa League, while seventh place earns a Europa Conference League spot.Relegation:Luton Town is on the brink of relegation to the Championship. The Hatters need an improbable set of results to avoid the drop, including a home win over Fulham and a Nottingham Forest loss at Burnley, coupled with a significant swing in goal difference.

Sunil Chhetri's journey to becoming India's leading scorer began with a humble contract worth Rs 6500 at a Delhi-based club. His childhood coach, Mohammad Sajid, recalls the moment he handed Chhetri a token amount of Rs 1000, which filled the young player with immense joy.Sajid, who is now the CEO of City Football Club, spotted Chhetri at Mamta Modern Senior Secondary School in Vikaspuri. He recognized Chhetri's potential and offered him his first club contract. In his debut season, Chhetri made an immediate impact by winning the emerging player of the year award.Sajid played a pivotal role in Chhetri's early career. He facilitated a meeting between Chhetri and Nageshwar Rao, a player from City Football Club, which led to Chhetri's move to Mohun Bagan in 1999. Sajid advised Chhetri to remain focused and pursue a professional career outside Delhi, believing that it would be beneficial for his growth.Chhetri's hard work and dedication paid off as he went on to become India's leading scorer with 94 goals in 150 matches. Sajid expressed his pride in Chhetri's achievements, stating that he has played at the highest level for an extended period, which is a testament to his talent and determination.Sajid believes that India currently lacks a player who can replace Chhetri's caliber. He hopes that Chhetri will continue to inspire young players and contribute to Indian football in the future, possibly by joining the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and working towards the development of the sport in the country.

Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, unveiled his initial 27-man squad for the upcoming European Championship in a unique and inclusive manner. The announcement was made through a video message featuring a diverse group of individuals from various walks of life, reflecting the multicultural fabric of German society.Nagelsmann expressed his satisfaction with the squad, stating that it could have been his own selection. He emphasized the importance of involving the public in the announcement, as it showcased the team's connection to the nation and its aspirations for success in the home tournament.The squad largely maintains the core group that Nagelsmann has been developing since March. Despite strong performances in the season's latter stages, Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels and Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka were not included. However, Hummels' teammate Nico Schlotterbeck returns to the fold after an absence since September.Schlotterbeck and Dortmund teammate Niclas Füllkrug will join the squad later due to their involvement in the Champions League final. Real Madrid's Toni Kroos and Antonio Rüdiger, also named in the squad, will also join the team after the final.Nagelsmann acknowledged that the late arrival of these players will pose some challenges in training, but he expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to the team's success.The squad announcement was preceded by leaks in the media, but the official confirmations through the video message added an element of excitement and anticipation. Thomas Müller, Germany's most experienced player with 128 caps, was among those who hinted at his inclusion on social media before the official announcement.Germany will host Euro 2024 from June 14 to July 14. Nagelsmann's team will begin its preparations in Blankenhain from May 26-31 before moving to Herzogenaurach on June 1. The team will play friendlies against Ukraine, Greece, and Scotland before opening the tournament against Scotland in Munich.Nagelsmann expressed optimism about Germany's chances in the tournament, stating that he believes the team can win it. He emphasized the importance of building confidence and momentum in the lead-up to the tournament.

The Indian football team has long relied on the prolific goalscoring prowess of Sunil Chhetri, who has been the undisputed number nine since 2005. However, with Chhetri's retirement looming, the question of who will inherit his mantle has become paramount.The Indian football landscape has become accustomed to Chhetri's presence, leading to a dearth of out-and-out strikers. Most ISL teams rely on foreign center forwards to compensate for the lack of domestic goal scorers.Chhetri himself has acknowledged the need for a successor, stating, "It's time for our country to see the next number 9. It is time we build on it."Two players who immediately come to mind are Mumbai City FC's Lallianzuala Chhangte and Vikram Partap Singh. Chhangte, 26, has been a revelation this season, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. His pace, skill, and technical ability make him a potential false nine.Singh, 22, has also impressed with his work ethic and relentless pressing. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in Mumbai City's title-winning campaign. His potential as a center forward is undeniable.Another contender is Chennaiyin FC's Rahim Ali, who has occasionally replaced Chhetri as a substitute. He is the only Indian player who has consistently played as a center forward for his club.The search for India's next number nine will continue until a viable option emerges. Igor Stimac will have a difficult decision to make when India faces Qatar in their final qualifier on June 11 without their star striker. A change in formation, such as a false nine, could be a possibility.

Antoine Griezmann's hat-trick propelled Atletico Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Getafe, securing their place in the Champions League for the 12th consecutive season. The triumph at Getafe's Coliseum Alfonso Perez ensured Diego Simeone's side will finish in the top four of La Liga.Griezmann, inspired by his recent performances for France, led the Rojiblancos to a dominant victory in the Madrid suburbs. The 33-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 27th minute, running onto Rodrigo De Paul's pass and beating Getafe goalkeeper David Soria with a low effort.Before halftime, Griezmann converted his second goal from Angel Correa's low pass across the area, which was confirmed after a VAR review. The former Real Sociedad striker completed his hat-trick after the break, finishing a sharp Atletico move with a prodded effort at the near post.Griezmann's goalscoring exploits have been a welcome sight for Atletico, who have endured a challenging season. Despite a strong start and becoming the only side in Spain to defeat Real Madrid this season, their campaign began to unravel with exits in the Copa del Rey and Champions League.However, the victory over Getafe has guaranteed their return to Europe's top competition next season. "It's been a lot of years getting into the Champions League, which is something to value," Griezmann said. "But with the team we have and the talent we have, and the coach we have, it's something we have to do."Celta Vigo's 2-1 comeback win over Athletic Bilbao has left Cadiz's hopes of survival hanging by a thread. Williot Swedberg and Hugo Alvarez's goals helped Celta triumph at Balaidos, moving them five points clear of the drop zone. Sergio Guardiola's 96th-minute winner for Cadiz means they are four points from safety with two matches remaining.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured a 2-1 victory over Nice in Ligue 1 on Wednesday, despite the absence of star forward Kylian Mbappe. The win effectively ended Nice's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.Mbappe, who is set to leave PSG at the end of the season, missed the match due to discomfort in his left hamstring. Other notable absentees for PSG included Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, and Randal Kolo Muani.PSG took the lead in the 18th minute through Bradley Barcola. Defender Yoram Zague doubled their advantage in the 29th minute, marking his 18th birthday with his first goal for the French champions.Nice responded with a goal from Mohamed-Ali Cho just past the half-hour mark. However, their hopes of a comeback were dashed when Melvin Bard was sent off with 15 minutes remaining for a challenge on Barcola.The defeat leaves Nice four points behind Lille and Brest, who are battling for the third automatic Champions League qualifying spot. Nice are now guaranteed to finish fifth and will participate in the Europa League group stage next season.Meanwhile, Marseille's hopes of European qualification suffered a blow with a 1-0 loss at managerless Reims. Chancel Mbemba's own goal in the first half condemned Marseille to defeat, leaving them three points behind Lens and Lyon in the race for a Europa Conference League place.

Sunil Chhetri, the legendary Indian footballer, has bid farewell to international football after a remarkable career spanning two decades. The 39-year-old forward announced his retirement through a heartfelt video on social media, stating that India's upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Kuwait on June 6 will be his final match.Chhetri's journey began in 2002 with Mohun Bagan, and his exceptional talent quickly propelled him to international recognition. He has represented India in 150 matches, scoring an astonishing 94 goals, making him the third-highest active international goal-scorer behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Chhetri's international exploits include victories in the Nehru Cup (2007, 2009, 2012) and the SAFF Championship (2011, 2015, 2021). His contribution to India's 2008 AFC Challenge Cup win secured their first AFC Asian Cup appearance in 27 years.Beyond his international success, Chhetri has also left an indelible mark on Indian club football. He has lifted trophies with prestigious clubs like East Bengal, Dempo, Mumbai City FC, and Bengaluru FC, where he truly flourished, winning the I-League (2014, 2016), ISL (2019), and Super Cup (2018).Chhetri's retirement marks the end of an era for Indian football. His dedication, passion, and unwavering spirit have inspired generations of players and fans alike. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and motivate aspiring footballers for years to come.

Juventus emerged victorious in the Italian Cup final, defeating Atalanta 1-0 thanks to a fourth-minute strike from Dusan Vlahovic. The win marked Juventus' 15th Italian Cup triumph, ending a three-year trophy drought for the Turin giants.Vlahovic's early goal proved decisive as Juventus' resolute defense held firm against Atalanta's attacking prowess. The Serbian striker, who also had a goal disallowed for offside in the second half, was a constant threat to Atalanta's backline.Atalanta, who were seeking their first major trophy since 1963, struggled to break down Juventus' organized defense. Despite fielding an attack-minded lineup, Gian Piero Gasperini's team failed to register a single shot on target.The closest Atalanta came to equalizing was when Ademola Lookman's shot cannoned off the base of the post with 10 minutes remaining. However, Juventus held on to secure the victory and lift the trophy.Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, who was sent off late in the game, hinted that his second spell as Juve coach could be coming to an end. "If I'm gone next season, because I've already been sacked in the media, we're in the Champions League and have won a trophy," Allegri said.Atalanta now turn their attention to securing Champions League football through Serie A and next week's Europa League final. The Bergamo club, who are fifth in Italy's top flight, face Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin in their first-ever European final.

Real Madrid's relentless march towards the Champions League final continued with a resounding 5-0 victory over Alaves at the Santiago Bernabeu. Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior were the stars of the show, inspiring Carlo Ancelotti's side to a comprehensive demolition of their Basque visitors.Bellingham opened the scoring with a fortunate goal, directing Toni Kroos' cross towards the far post where Dani Carvajal was running in, but the ball sank directly into the net. The England international then played a pivotal role in Madrid's next three goals, threading a pass through for Eduardo Camavinga to set up Vinicius for a tap-in.Fede Valverde rattled home the third in first-half stoppage time after Bellingham played him in, hammering a strike into the top corner at the near post. Vinicius extended Madrid's lead after Bellingham played him in, lashing home his second of the night with a fine finish.Turkish teenager Arda Guler added a late fifth to put the cherry on Madrid's cake, moving them 17 points clear of second-place Barcelona. The victory was Madrid's 30th consecutive league game unbeaten, a testament to their defensive solidity."We've had just one defeat in the league and I think that a big part of the success is because of (the defence)," Ancelotti said after the match.Despite celebrating their title with an open-top bus parade on Sunday, Madrid remain focused on the Champions League final against Liverpool on May 28. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made a fine double save from Samu Omorodion in the opening minutes, is hoping for a start in the final and boasts three clean sheets in three matches since his return from injury."I knew I'd come back strongly -- I'm the same Courtois, or even better," said the goalkeeper.Alaves, who have enjoyed a strong season and are safely ensconced in mid-table, were dismantled with consummate ease by Madrid. Coach Luis Garcia Plaza lamented, "Every time a small team comes here, it's a torment."