Football

Lucknow to Host Historic Mohun Bagan-East Bengal Derby, Boosting Football in Uttar PradeshLucknow, the vibrant city of Nawabs, is set to witness a historic football clash on September 2nd as traditional rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal face off at the K.D. Singh Babu Stadium. This highly anticipated derby marks a significant step in promoting football in Uttar Pradesh and is expected to draw a massive crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators.The preparations for this high-voltage match are in full swing, with the testing of the recently installed floodlights underway. The dressing rooms and other facilities for the players are also being meticulously arranged. State Sports Director R.P. Singh has confirmed that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is likely to grace the occasion.The decision to host the derby in Lucknow stems from a meeting between All India Football Federation (AIFF) President Kalyan Chaubey and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Chaubey expressed the need to promote football in Uttar Pradesh, and the state government enthusiastically embraced the proposal.Both Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, renowned for their passionate fan base, will arrive in Lucknow on September 1st. The derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the immense talent and rivalry that defines Indian football.The hosting of this prestigious match in Lucknow is a testament to the growing popularity of football in Uttar Pradesh. The state government's commitment to promoting the sport is evident in its support for this event. The derby is expected to inspire young footballers and further ignite the passion for the beautiful game in the region.

Juventus Bolster Defense with Pierre Kalulu Loan from AC MilanItalian giants Juventus have secured the services of French defender Pierre Kalulu on a season-long loan from AC Milan. The 24-year-old joins the Turin club with an option to buy permanently for 14 million euros ($15.6 million) at the end of his loan spell.Kalulu has been a consistent performer for Milan since joining from Lyon in 2020, making 112 appearances for the Rossoneri. His versatility and ability to play both as a center-back and a right-back make him a valuable addition to Juventus' squad.The move to Juventus represents a significant step up for Kalulu, who will now compete for trophies at the highest level. Juventus are aiming to reclaim the Serie A title they last won in 2020, and Kalulu's experience and defensive prowess will be crucial in their quest.Kalulu's arrival is a boost for Juventus manager Thiago Motta, who is looking to build a competitive team capable of challenging for major honors. The Bianconeri made a winning start to their Serie A campaign with a 3-0 victory over Como, and Kalulu's addition will further strengthen their defensive options.With his pace, physicality, and technical ability, Kalulu is expected to play a key role in Juventus' backline. His partnership with fellow French defender Matthijs de Ligt could prove to be formidable, providing Juventus with a solid foundation on which to build their success.

The upcoming 2024-25 Bundesliga season promises to be an exciting one, with several new faces set to make their mark on the German top flight. Here's a closer look at five players to watch:Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)Bayern Munich's most expensive signing this summer, Olise is a speedy winger with a knack for scoring goals. The 22-year-old impressed at Crystal Palace last season, contributing 10 goals and 6 assists in just 19 Premier League appearances. His arrival adds depth and attacking threat to Bayern's already formidable squad.Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund)Despite his age, Gross brings experience and creativity to Dortmund's midfield. The 33-year-old German international has spent the last seven years at Brighton, where he was twice named the club's player of the season. His ability to create chances and score goals could be crucial for Dortmund's title aspirations.Aleix Garcia (Bayer Leverkusen)Garcia was a key figure in Girona's surprise third-place finish in La Liga last season. The 27-year-old Spanish midfielder provides Leverkusen with additional midfield security and creativity. His ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute defensively will be invaluable to coach Xabi Alonso.Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)Undav was one of the standout performers in Stuttgart's impressive second-place finish last season. The German forward scored 13 goals in 31 Bundesliga appearances, helping the club secure a return to the Champions League. With several key players departing, Undav will be even more crucial to Stuttgart's success this season.Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)Leipzig have a reputation for developing young talent, and Nusa is the latest addition to their impressive roster. The 19-year-old Norwegian winger arrived from Club Brugge for a reported fee of 22 million euros. He scored on his debut for Leipzig and is expected to play a significant role in replacing Dani Olmo, who departed for Barcelona.These five new faces are just a few of the players to watch in the upcoming Bundesliga season. With a mix of experience, talent, and potential, they are sure to make an impact on the German top flight.

Chelsea have bolstered their attacking options with the signing of Portuguese forward Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a seven-year deal. The Premier League club confirmed the transfer on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.Financial details were not disclosed, but English media reported that Chelsea paid around 46 million pounds ($59.95 million) to secure the 24-year-old's return to Stamford Bridge. Felix had previously spent a six-month loan spell at Chelsea in the 2022-23 season, scoring four goals in 20 appearances. He also had a loan stint at Barcelona last campaign, where he netted 10 goals in 44 games.Atletico Madrid had signed Felix from Benfica in 2019 for a club-record fee of 126 million euros ($140 million). He scored 34 goals in 131 matches for the Spanish club and helped them win the LaLiga title in 2021."It's a chance for me to find a home," Felix told Chelsea's website. "After two loans, Chelsea and Barca, I needed to stay permanently in one place. There's no better place for me to be than Chelsea. I see a perfect place to shine.""I felt really good when I was here, despite the results we had. I'm really happy to be back," he added.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca praised Felix's versatility. "The good thing about Joao is that he can play in different positions. He can play inside, he can play as a (number) nine, he can play outside," Maresca told reporters.Chelsea will face Swiss side Servette in the Europa Conference League playoff stage on Thursday before visiting Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Sunday.

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) and Shillong Lajong FC have secured their spots in the semi-finals of the Durand Cup 2024 after overcoming valiant efforts from Indian Army FT and East Bengal FC, respectively.In the first quarter-final at the SAI Stadium in Kokrajhar, NEUFC's Nestor Albiach and Guillermo Fernandez scored in the second half to seal a 2-0 victory over Indian Army FT. The Highlanders dominated the early exchanges, but the Army men absorbed the pressure and threatened on set pieces. However, Albiach broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute, finishing off a long ball from Samte. Fernandez doubled the lead in the 73rd minute with a spectacular 'scorpion kick' finish.In the second quarter-final at Shillong's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong Lajong FC stunned East Bengal FC 2-1. Marcos Rudwere gave the hosts an early lead, but Nandhakumar Sekar equalized for East Bengal in the 77th minute. However, Figo Syndai scored the winning goal in the dying moments, capitalizing on an opening created by East Bengal's aggressive push for a winner.NEUFC will now face Shillong Lajong FC in the semi-finals, while the other semi-final will feature Gokulam Kerala FC and Sudeva Delhi FC. The Durand Cup is one of the oldest football tournaments in Asia, and this year's edition has witnessed some exciting matches and impressive performances.

Manuel Neuer, the legendary German goalkeeper who lifted the 2014 World Cup trophy, has bid farewell to international football at the age of 38. With 124 caps and 61 appearances as captain, Neuer leaves an indelible mark on the German national team.His final international outing came in the heartbreaking quarter-final defeat to Spain at Euro 2024. Despite the disappointment, Neuer's legacy remains untarnished. He was the undisputed star of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, earning the Golden Glove award as Germany triumphed for the fourth time.Neuer's decision to retire was not made lightly. After consulting with his family and holding extensive discussions with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, he concluded that the time was right to step away from international duty."I was tempted to play until the 2026 World Cup, but I am convinced that now is the right time to take this step," Neuer wrote on social media. "I want to concentrate fully on playing for Bayern Munich."Neuer's Bayern career has been equally illustrious. He has won two Champions League titles and 11 Bundesliga crowns with the Bavarian giants. This season's Champions League final will be played at Munich's Allianz Arena, providing Neuer with a fitting stage to showcase his brilliance.Despite a serious leg injury sustained in a skiing accident in December 2022, Neuer returned to the Germany squad in time for Euro 2024. He reclaimed his starting spot and played a pivotal role in the team's run to the quarter-finals."It was a great time which shaped me and of which I am very proud," Neuer said. "Winning the World Cup title in 2014 and the special atmosphere during the European Championship at home this year are highlights for which I am extremely grateful."Neuer's retirement follows in the footsteps of fellow 2014 World Cup winners Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, who both announced their international retirements after Euro 2024. Current Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan has also stepped down from international duty.Neuer's departure leaves a void in the German goalkeeping ranks. Marc Andre ter Stegen of Barcelona is expected to take over as the number one goalkeeper, having served as Neuer's long-time backup.

Indian football is set to witness a new era under head coach Manolo Marquez, as he has named his 26-member provisional squad for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup. The tournament, scheduled from September 3-9 in Hyderabad, will serve as a preparatory camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches.Among the notable inclusions is Chennaiyin FC forward Kiyan Nassiri, son of East Bengal legend Jamshid Nassiri. The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for his club and is now on the cusp of his maiden India call-up.Also receiving their first call-ups are Mohun Bagan SG right-back Ashish Rai and East Bengal goalkeeper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. Both players have yet to feature for the senior India team but have shown promise at the club level.However, the squad is missing a key figure in Sandesh Jhingan. The influential centre-back is still recovering from a right knee injury sustained during India's Asian Cup group match against Syria in January. Jhingan also missed out on selection for the team's camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary joint qualification round 2 matches against Kuwait and Qatar in May.The Intercontinental Cup will feature three teams: India, Syria, and Mauritius. India will face Mauritius on September 3 and Syria on September 9. Syria, ranked 93rd in the latest FIFA rankings, will be a formidable opponent, while Mauritius, ranked 179th, will provide a different challenge.Marquez, who was appointed India head coach last month, is excited about his first assignment. "We are very excited about our first preparatory camp and I know it will be the same for the players," he said. "We face two different teams and the rankings are not very important. We need to work all together in the same direction to find the correct group of players and their predisposition will be very good, something I am completely sure about."The Intercontinental Cup will be the first full tournament for India after the retirement of legendary captain Sunil Chhetri. It will also be a chance for Marquez to assess his squad and prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Bayer Leverkusen's talismanic midfielder, Granit Xhaka, has set his sights on another Bundesliga title challenge in the upcoming season, following the club's historic undefeated triumph last year.Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen from Arsenal at the start of last season, played a pivotal role in the club's remarkable campaign. Despite being a rookie coach, Xabi Alonso led Leverkusen to an unprecedented Bundesliga title, becoming the first German team to achieve the feat without a single defeat. They also lifted the German Cup, losing only one of their 53 matches in all competitions.Speaking to AFP at the club's pre-season training camp, Xhaka expressed his belief that last season was just the beginning. "We know people are hoping to beat us, they will try and they will do everything," he said. "But we still have the hunger to be where we were last season."Xhaka's resurgence at Leverkusen has been remarkable, especially considering the criticism he faced during his time at Arsenal. He believes that the criticism has been instrumental in his growth as a player. "I'm a fan of criticism, because criticism makes you stronger," he said. "I don't drop my head, but I look at what they are criticizing, and maybe I need to do something more, or change some things."Xhaka's leadership qualities have also been evident at Leverkusen, where he has quickly become Alonso's on-field voice. He is eager to guide the club's younger players, many of whom are yet to experience the Champions League. "Maybe they're nervous. You can go to them, talk to them and explain it to them, but this feeling, you need to feel it," he said. "You need to see the music, the atmosphere (and) what it is in these games."With his contract at Leverkusen set to expire in four years, Xhaka is already looking ahead to the future. He has started his FA coaching badges and is also an assistant coach at fifth-tier Union Nettetal. "The traineeship helped me a lot, because a coach maybe thinks more far ahead than a player (does)," he said.Xhaka's unwavering belief in himself and his team is a testament to his determination to succeed. As Leverkusen embark on a new season, they will undoubtedly look to Xhaka for inspiration and guidance as they aim to defend their Bundesliga title and make a mark in the Champions League.

Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival in Saudi Arabia has sparked a surge of excitement in the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Nassr aiming to dethrone reigning champions Al-Hilal. Ronaldo, who joined Al-Nassr in December 2022, has yet to lift a domestic trophy with the club.Al-Hilal dominated last season, winning the title with an impressive record of 31 wins and three draws, finishing 14 points clear of Al-Nassr. The Riyadh rivals faced off in the Saudi Super Cup final last weekend, with Al-Hilal emerging victorious 4-1.Despite the setback, Ronaldo remains determined to help Al-Nassr end Al-Hilal's dominance. "New season, same goal," he wrote in a social media post.Al-Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly acknowledges the challenge ahead. "This season is going to be very difficult," he said. "Last year, it was a tough championship, but we managed to come out on top. This year, all the teams will be gunning to beat Al Hilal."Last summer, Saudi Arabia witnessed an influx of high-profile players from Europe's top leagues, including Ronaldo. This summer has been quieter, but the transfer window remains open until September 2.For Al-Hilal, the return of Neymar from injury will be a major boost. The Brazilian superstar made only five appearances before sustaining a knee injury in October. "Neymar's return is highly anticipated by our players," said Koulibaly. "He still has this motivation when we see him in training."Al-Nassr has also made significant signings, including Brazilian goalkeeper Bento and Senegalese star Sadio Mane. Other challengers include Al-Ahli, led by Riyad Mahrez, and Al-Ittihad, which has acquired French winger Moussa Diaby.The Saudi Pro League kicks off on Thursday, with all four clubs aiming to improve the average attendance of just over 8,000 per game last season. Al-Hilal also has international ambitions, representing Asia in the FIFA Club World Cup in June.