Football

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.

Manchester City's Phil Foden has been crowned the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season, a testament to his exceptional performances that propelled City to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title.Foden's contributions were pivotal in City's triumph, as he netted 19 goals and provided eight assists, playing a key role in the team's success. His impact was particularly evident in the thrilling title race, where City pipped Arsenal to the crown on the final day of the season."Winning this award is a huge honor and something I'm incredibly proud of," said Foden. "To be recognized by my fellow professionals means the world to me, and I want to express my gratitude to everyone who voted for me."Foden's accolades extend beyond the PFA award, as he also claimed the 2023-24 Premier League Player of the Season and the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards. His achievements highlight his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to excellence.Manchester City's Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, hailed Foden's triumph: "We're thrilled for Phil to receive this award. To be recognized by his peers in this way is a testament to his exceptional abilities and dedication.""Phil embodies everything we stand for at Manchester City. He's a supremely talented player who constantly strives for improvement. He's a humble and popular figure throughout the club, and we're immensely proud of him."Foden's success is not limited to the individual level. He has also played a crucial role in City's dominance in the Premier League, helping the team secure four consecutive titles. His determination to achieve further success is evident in his aspirations for a fifth successive crown."Last season was unforgettable for everyone at the club, but our focus is now on achieving even more this season," said Foden.Foden's PFA Player of the Year award is a fitting recognition of his outstanding contributions to Manchester City's remarkable achievements. His talent, dedication, and unwavering pursuit of excellence make him a true inspiration for aspiring footballers.

Cristiano Ronaldo's recent defeat in the Saudi Super Cup final has reignited speculation about his future, with former Manchester United teammate Luis Saha suggesting a sensational return to Old Trafford.Ronaldo, known for his unwavering determination, was visibly disappointed after Al-Nassr's loss to arch-rivals Al-Hilal. Saha believes that this setback could motivate Ronaldo to consider a return to the club where he first rose to stardom."Cristiano Ronaldo has the passion and dedication to return to Manchester United one day, that could be as a coach or even a manager," Saha told TVSporten. "His second spell didn't end how everyone had hoped and you can see why that frustrated him."Ronaldo's second stint at Manchester United was marred by a lack of success and a perceived disconnect with the club's younger players. Saha believes that Ronaldo's experience and winning mentality would make him a valuable asset to the club in a coaching or managerial role."He will know that he needs to find a new way to communicate when he becomes a coach, which maybe isn't as harsh or direct as it was when he was at the club," Saha said. "He will work out how to be successful and use all his knowledge to do that."Ronaldo's next appearance will be on Thursday when Al-Nassr faces Al-Raed in the Saudi Pro League. While his future remains uncertain, Saha's comments have fueled speculation that a return to Manchester United could be on the cards.

Peruvian Footballer Receives Red Card for Urinating on PitchIn a bizarre incident that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Peruvian third-division player Sebastian Munoz was shown a red card for urinating on the pitch. The incident occurred during a Copa Peru match between Atletico Awajun and Cantorcillo FC on Sunday.With the game tied at 0-0 in the 71st minute, Atletico Awajun was awarded a corner kick. However, the game was halted due to an injury to Cantorcillo goalkeeper Lucho Ruiz. As the delay continued, Munoz, who was waiting to take the corner, decided to relieve himself on the side of the field.Alert Cantorcillo players spotted Munoz's actions and immediately alerted the referee. The referee, after consulting with the assistant referee, promptly issued Munoz a red card. Munoz was left in disbelief at the decision, but had no choice but to leave the field of play.The incident has sparked a debate about the appropriate punishment for such behavior. Some argue that Munoz's actions were disrespectful and unsporting, while others believe that the red card was an excessive punishment.This is not the first time that a player has been caught urinating on the pitch. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann once jumped over advertising hoardings to relieve himself mid-game, while legendary English striker Gary Lineker defecated during a World Cup match in 1990. However, neither Lehmann nor Lineker were sent off for their actions.Munoz's red card has made him an unlikely member of an exclusive club of players who have urinated or defecated on the pitch. While his actions may have been inappropriate, they have certainly provided a moment of amusement in the often-serious world of football.