Eden Hazard has said he still dreams of playing for Real Madrid despite Zinedine Zidane having left his position as coach but added that “for the moment nobody has made me an offer.” Despite Zidane having been replaced by Julen Lopetegui, Hazard told beIN SPORTS his thinking had not really changed. “Does Real make me dream less without Zidane? Zidane is someone special, it’s true, but I think Real is everyone’s dream,” he said. “Zidane or no Zidane, the white jersey is special but the blue jersey [of Chelsea] suits me well so it does not bother me if I…
Author: David Folami
The chairman of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Aiman Mazyek, has said that German FA (DFB) president Reinhard Grindel and Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff should resign after their statements on Mesut Ozil after the team’s shock World Cup elimination. Ozil was embroiled in controversy ahead of the tournament when he and Germany teammate Ilkay Gundogan, both of Turkish origin, had their picture taken with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. While the DFB said in the buildup to the World Cup that the situation was not a problem, Grindel has since urged Ozil to explain his meeting with…
Rio Ferdinand has said Lukaku is making World Cup competition look like playground football with his power and pace Romelu Lukaku “shouldn’t be allowed to play”, says Rio Ferdinand, with the Manchester United striker making World Cup competition with Belgium look like playground football. The burly frontman headed to Russia this summer on the back of a debut campaign at Old Trafford which delivered 27 goals. With his confidence high, the 25-year-old has proved to be an inspirational presence for the other Red Devils that he represents. Lukaku has netted four goals so far, while it was his surging run…
Willian does not know if Barcelona want to sign him this summer but says now is not the time to talk about his future as he prepares for Brazil’s World Cup quarterfinal against Belgium on Friday. However, there are unlikely to be any developments until Brazil’s participation in the World Cup is over. “People speculate a lot and we see a lot of things on the Internet but this is not the time to talk about this,” Willian said in a news conference. “I’ve not received any information about whether [Barca’s interest] is true. I’m trying to focus on the…
Luka Modric moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2008 England had endured a summer without tournament football, having missed out on the European Championships. The Croatia midfielder would spend four seasons at White Hart Lane and it was a period in which he had a close-up view of the travails of the England team; the angst, anger and division that characterised the feel of it. England would qualify for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 but there was little to write home about from either. They flopped at the former, with one of the low points being Wayne Rooney’s on-camera…
Victor Lindelof has dismissed claims of him experiencing a turbulent season and insisted he learnt a lot from Jose Mourinho. The Swede didn’t have the best debut campaign in comparison to some of his teammates such as Romelu Lukaku or Nemanja Matic but wasn’t as poor as others either. Despite the excitement of United fans when Lindelof was signed, it quickly became clear that he would need a year to adjust to his new surroundings. However, the centre-back grew in stature as the season went on and has impressed with his nation so far at the World Cup, gaining plaudits…
Fabinho has said that he was “never close” to joining Manchester United as the Brazilian revealed his keenness to move to Liverpool once their firm interest was known. “I was never close to signing for Manchester United, no,” Fabinho said. “I heard things said about it, but the truth is it was never a strong possibility. “I won’t deny there were a few conversations about my situation with Monaco, but there was never an official offer from United.” He continued: “I was sad to leave Monaco, a club that gave me a lot of great moments, but in football sometimes…
Antonio Conte took charge of Chelsea’s preseason preparations with a double session at Cobham on Monday, sources have said. The Blues players not involved in the World Cup reported to the club’s training base on Saturday and Sunday for fitness tests overseen by one of the club’s sports scientists, but sources said that Conte intended to begin working with those present on Monday unless he was sacked before then. Chelsea’s coaching situation remains uncertain. They have been attempting to extricate Maurizio Sarri from his contractual obligation to Napoli for more than a month without success, while Conte is refusing to…
Joe Hart was among a handful of big names back at Manchester City for their first day of preseason training on Monday. City boss Pep Guardiola returned to the Etihad Campus without the vast majority of his senior players due to their World Cup commitments. Hart, who has spent the last two seasons on loan, firstly at Italian side Torino and last year with West Ham, was back at City after being left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad. The 31-year-old has 12 months remaining on his contract and sources have said that he is seeking a permanent move away…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hailed Sweden’s World Cup campaign, writing on Twitter that “every player should get a Golden Ball in Sweden.” Sweden’s run ended when they were beaten 2-0 by England in the quarterfinals on Saturday, but former captain Ibrahimovic said Janne Andersson’s side had enjoyed a memorable tournament. “Every player should get a Golden Ball in Sweden,” he wrote.”What they did will be remembered forever. Thank you for the show.” Sweden’s defeat meant Ibrahimovic lost a bet with David Beckham, meaning he must watch an England game at Wembley with him. Beckham had said he would buy Ibrahimovic whatever…
Among the many Manchester United players to have enjoyed a fine World Cup, happiest must be Romelu Lukaku and Paul Pogba, who will be in opposition Tuesday when Belgium and France meet in St. Petersburg in the first semifinal. For England, Ashley Young, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford have all starred. Among the others, while we should pass on David De Gea’s displays for Spain, Victor Lindelof was exceptional for Sweden, Marcos Rojo’s round-of-16-place clinching winner vs. Nigeria was the high point of Argentina’s troubled tournament and Belgium’s Marouane Fellaini has showed why managers like him, even if so many…
A Brazil elimination in a World Cup is never an ordinary event. With a Selecao exit comes an avalanche of grief, soul-searching and copious amounts of drama. Few other top footballing nations would have a famous commentator ranting on about the political and economical situation of the country — like TV Globo’s Galvao Bueno did after Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to Belgium on Friday night — in the process of analysing what went wrong on the pitch. “Our country is going through serious problems, and a World Cup victory wouldn’t make it better. It’s a sad moment, but no 7-1.” Ah,…
Yul Edochie is now the Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Anambra state on creative and entertainment media. The actor made this known on his Instagram page on Friday, July 6, 2018, According to the former governorship candidate in Anambra state, he is full of thanks to Gov Willie Obiano of Anambra state for trusting in him and he won’t let his people down. “I thank His Excellency Chief Dr. Willie Obiano(Akpokue Dike) Executive Governor of Anambra State for appointing me SSA to the Governor on Creative & Entertainment Media. Thank you, sir, for seeing the zeal in me…
Several Nigerian celebrities assembled on Sunday Night for the premiere of “Lara and the Beat.” The star-studded premiere held on Sunday, July 8, 2018, at Intercontinental Hotel, Lagos, Nigeria. The event was attended by the cast and crew including Seyi Shay, Vector, Somkele Idhalama, Chioma Akpotha, Biola Alabi, Lala Akindoju, Saidi Balogun, Folu Storms and Deyemi Okanlawon. Others at the event were Joke Silva, Bisola Aiyeola, Wale Ojo, Tope Tedela, Beverly Naya, Bolanle Olukanni , Sound Sultan, Lagos State Commissioner for information, Steve Ayorinde, Ufuoma McDermott, Toyin Aimakhu, Tosin Odunfa among others. “Lara and the Beat” is a coming of…
Davido literally dedicated his performance at the 2017 Wireless performance to his official disc jockey, DJ Olu. The pop star is yet to get over the death of his DJ, Olu Abiodun aka DJ Olu, one year after the disc jockey passed away. On Saturday, July 7, 2018, Davido wore a red shirt with the inscription, Long Live Olu on it before his performance at the Wireless festival. On May 17, Davido announced to the world that he was missing the late disc jockey on his Instagram account. He posted the picture of the late disc jockey with the caption,…
Ifan Ifeanyi Micheal Productions has unveiled Toke Makinwa as the latest addition to the star-studded cast of “Foreigner’s God.” Makinwa joins talented actors such as Pete Edochie, Onyeka Onwenu, Ini Dima-Okojie, Sharon Ooja, Sam Dede, Linda Osifo, Annie Idibia, Toyin Abraham, Lala Akindoju and Kunle Idowu. Speaking recently about her character ‘Go-Go,’ the OAP said she went through series of emotions when she was informed of the role. “When I was informed of the role by the producer, I went through a series of emotions; fear, doubt compassion. Rape is a huge issue, millions of women out there suffer in…
Fuji musician, Pasuma has promised to do anything just to put a smile on the face of his daughter, Aliyah Niniola Odetola, who turned 16 on Sunday, July 8, 2018. The singer took to his Instagram account to say a prayer for the teenager as she turns a year older in far away Chicago, United States of America. Pasuma wrote: “Happy Sweet 16th Birthday to my Daughter Aliyah Niniola Odetola, May you be surrounded and all-encompassed in a massive sea of joy, love, happiness, family, & friendship. Continue to prosper & flourish in all parts of ur life. Amen. U…
Davido’s manager, Asa Asika was spotted with female disc jockey, DJ Cuppy at the 2017 Wireless festival in London. Asika and Cuppy were both spotted behind the stage just before Davido’s performance at the music festival on Saturday, July 7, 2018. The pair spotted a neck chain with a ‘The Plug’ pendant while they watched Davido perform to a multitude of fans at the music festival. On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, DJ Cuppy took to her Twitter page and posted a cute photo showing herself and Asika all loved up. The two have been a pair since their romance became…
Justin Bieber is the latest male celebrity about to live the bachelorhood life as he now engaged to Hailey Baldwin. According to reports, the singer popped the question at a Bahamas resort where family and friends were told to put down their photos so he could propose. CNN and E! News confirmed reports of the engagement, which Bieber’s parents also appeared to celebrate online. Justin Bieber’s dad took to his Instagram page to announce the good news, saying he was happy about the latest move by his son. “@justinbieber Proud is an understatement! Excited for the next chapter!” he wrote.…
Jim Iyke is not that celebrity you can throw jabs at and go scot-free then have a rethink because the actor said he would not relent to call you out. The talented actor made this known while granting an exclusive interview with PULSE. He was asked why he fights back dirty when people throw jabs at him online and the actor gave a calculative analysis (Lol) of why he does that. “I am not in competition with anybody and I can’t remember last time I looked left or right and that is why I’ extremely disagreeable if you come into…