Fernando Torres has said he is hopeful that Antoine Griezmann does not leave the club, while president Enrique Cerezo has called for respect from Barcelona after they allegedly tapped up the France international. Speaking recently, Torres said it was known to all that such conversations between players and other clubs took place, however, he would “love” it if Griezmann ended up staying at Atletico for the long-term. “It is not a secret that this always happens.” Torres said. “Although I am not saying it did in this case. Griezmann is with us [at the moment] and we must enjoy him.…
Author: David Folami
Jan Vertonghen has said that the 21-point gap to Manchester City does not show Tottenham Hotspur’s true strength. “There’s a bit of frustration,” Vertonghen said, when asked how it felt to see City so far ahead. “Not just for us — for other teams as well probably. [The gap] reflects the strength of City but I don’t think it reflects our [strength]. We could and should have been closer and I think we can reduce the gap definitely.” “I still think we’re stronger than last year. We just have to get that run going, hopefully around Christmas. “Obviously we lost…
Jose Mourinho has ruled out Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick for the entire Christmas fixtures. The United manager told a news conference on Friday: “Fellaini is not available. Michael Carrick, no. Not for the Christmas period. “Valencia is out as you know, Eric Bailly is having surgery right now, or is just finishing or is still there, who else? Nobody else, everything is OK.” Mourinho was critical of a number of his players following the 2-1 defeat to Bristol City on Wednesday, accusing them of “not turning up to the office.” But he has insisted no one would be shown…
Diego Simeone has said Antoine Griezmann is fully committed to the club despite reports that the forward has discussed a transfer to Barcelona. Simeone told a news conference ahead of Friday evening’s La Liga game at Espanyol that Griezmann had only last weekend proven his will to play for Atletico, and the latest speculation had caused no problems within the squad. “I am very happy with Griezmann,” Simeone said. “I work off what I can see, and I see him wanting to take part and committed to the cause. “The fans want Griezmann to score goals,” he said. “When he…
Ernesto Valverde has said Barcelona are under as much pressure as Real Madrid going into Saturday’s Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu despite having more opportunity to relax. “No, we’re both under pressure for this game,” the coach said in a news conference on Friday. “By pressure, I mean because of what the game means. I don’t think it’s a decisive factor the fact that [Madrid] are further behind and have to win. “There are enough other factors surrounding this game for there to be as much pressure for both sides.” Asked if a victory could prove decisive in the title…
Jurgen Klopp has said he does not plan to enjoy long reigns enjoyed by Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger and could even walk away if he wins a major trophy. “Stay here 20 years? Don’t know, don’t know,” he said ahead of Friday’s game against Arsenal. “So far, after seven years, I’ve felt maybe I should move on. “A few weeks ago, I saw a statistic for the longest-serving coaches in the Bundesliga and I’m the record coach of two clubs — Mainz and Dortmund.” “As long as it works really, really well, I will carry on. That means…
Zinedine Zidane has saod that Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale are both fit to start Saturday’s Clasico against Barcelona, while playing down the “must-win” game with his team 11 points behind the La Liga leaders. “Cristiano is good, at 100 percent,” Zidane said. “He trained today, and that is what interests me. I will not talk about other things, we are only interested in tomorrow’s game, all of us. What Cristiano has done, everything, he deserves total respect from the club, and he gets it. After the holidays there will be more talk about all this.” “I trust completely in…
Lorenzo Insigne has said he “had words” with Gonzalo Higuain after he celebrated scoring the winning goal at the Stadio San Paolo in Juventus’ recent 1-0 win over his former club Napoli. “I had words with him in dialect, but he understood me,” Insigne said. “I was upset. He was here for three years, but I won’t add anything else — it was his choice. When he scored against us in Turin, he didn’t celebrate, and he didn’t either when he first scored in Naples. “But this year, he did. He should have maintained a minimum of respect for us…
Joachim Low is sure Manuel Neuer will be fit to play for Germany as they bid to retain the World Cup and described him as “the best goalkeeper in the world.” “The plan is for him to be back in full training at some stage in February or March,” Low said. Low added that Germany are relying on their No. 1, saying: “We will give Manu every opportunity, he’s definitely still got time. “He is the best goalkeeper in the world, our safety net and captain. We definitely need him and his aura.” Low also said he talked to Sandro…
Ryan Giggs has shared how he tried to get Manchester United to sign Kylian Mbappe and Gabriel Jesus. Giggs said: “I watched Gabriel Jesus play three years ago. I watched Mbappe for a year. I was watching them with the scout and it was a no-brainer. “It was just like, ‘Get them.’ It would have been £5 million or something — get them, loan them back — and that’s where the recruitment could have been better.” Giggs also said he disagreed with Van Gaal’s decision to sell Danny Welbeck, Jonny Evans and Rafael. Evans switched to West Brom in 2015,…
Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has commiserated with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji on the death of his senior wife, Olori Kudirat Adetunji. The governor described the incident as a big loss to the Olubadan and entire people of the ancient city. “I am greatly saddened by the passing away of Olori Kudirat. It is very unfortunate and disheartening. “We were together with Kabiyesi and the royal retinue at the Chief of Army Staff conference, held in Ibadan last week. “Her death is indeed a big loss to our father, the Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland. ‘‘May…
<img src="https://www.theinfostride.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Governor-Ayodele-Fayose-640×377.jpg" alt="Governor Ayodele Fayose" width="640" height="377" class="size-large wp-image-169576" /Ayodele Fayose has asked the Federal Government to focus on the suffering of Ekiti people. Fayose said “Every state has its own peculiarities in terms of security. Ekiti has hunger haram where hunger is catching people everywhere. A lot of people are being kidnapped daily. “They (the FG) either vote money for me from the $1billion or we share the money for everyone to go and solve their problem. “I have challenges and I have to be left to handle my challenges. They should give me Ekiti money. “My state, we…
David Mark has said that the allegations levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) are baseless. Mark was recently questioned by officers of the anti-graft agency, following allegations that he collected over N5b from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki. In his response, David Mark said that the EFCC is wasting their time. He also said “I had the right of first refusal. Even if I did not purchase it, someone else would have. “I am a law-abiding citizen. I did not flout any law. “Curiously, four houses occupied by the then Presiding Officers…
Dr Maikanti Baru, the Group Managing Director(GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has promised Nigerians sufficient supply of petroleum products during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations. He said that the corporation was set to import one billion litres of petroleum at the end of December before going back to the normal 30 days sufficiency. “We have redoubled our supply to the country at the time the rumor of fuel scarcity started, “We have 30 days sufficiency of petroleum and have to put in extra supply over the usual supply to about 700 trucks daily supply.…
Alhaji Lai Mohammed recently urged Nigerians to take possession of the anti-corruption war to ensure its success. “Once Nigerians take possession of the war, there will be no more hiding place for the corrupt. “Those accusing the administration of engaging in a selective anti-corruption fight will be exposed for who they are: apologists for treasury looters!’’ he said. “Those who turned our treasury to their piggy bank are once again presenting themselves as the saviours of the nation. “They say the best time for Nigeria was when the proceeds of their corruption subsidised many and gave the illusion of economic…
Senator Gbenga Ashafa has sent out a joyful message to celebrate with the president of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki. He wished the Senate President happy birthday stating “Happy 55th birthday to your Excellency,the President of the Nigerian Senate @bukolasaraki.” Ashafa also commended the leadership of the Senate President. He stated further that “Under your leadership the @NGRSenate has transformed into a more dynamic and vibrant institution in Service of the Nigerian people. Wishing you more years of Almighty Allah’s grace and kindness.”
The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Service Employees (AUPCTRE) has begged Muhammadu Buhari to stop proposed sale of National Historical Assets to fund the 2018 budget. Mr Yusuf Zambuk made the appeal recently. “Our attention has been drawn to the decision of the Federal Government to sell some National Historical Assets to fund the 2018 budget presently before the National Assembly. If the information is true, it is a strange phenomenon. “When President Buhari came to power in 2015, his government made a statement that historical assets will not be sold for any reason to…
Muhammadu Buhari has said all those found wanting in the Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos, scandal would be made to account for their deeds and appropriately sanctioned. He said: ‘‘all the circumstances surrounding the obtaining, keeping custody and disbursement of the funds have been examined by the Vice President’s committee. “All those found to be culpable will be made to account and appropriately sanctioned. ‘‘However, it must be understood that this cannot be done in a manner that jeopardises national security or exposes the operations of any intelligence agency which must be conducted in secrecy. ‘‘Suffice it for me to assure…
Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has begged for sustainable peace to aid development in Delta state. “By the grace of God, we will be able to fund our budget in 2018. “Not many people realise that for many months back, about 65 per cent of oil and gas that would ordinarily have come from this state was not exploited because of the Forcados Trunkline that was shot down. “But, thank God that since June, 2017, the Trunkline has been operational and we are now benefiting from it. We have now moved to number two in terms of oil production in the…
Yemi Osinbajo has said the collaboration of the Federal and state government is key to achieving development plans of the country. He stated that the business of governing needs innovations to curb complex challenges, adding that the two tiers of government were in a better situation to resolve them through partnership. “But despite the important initiatives and decisions of NEC, we will achieve little if we do not have relevant state government agencies actively working with the federal government to implement them. “So, the role of the SGFs is clearly central to cascading the action points and conclusions to the…