London (AFP) – Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata hopes Paul Pogba remains at Old Trafford next season and rubbished suggestions the Frenchman could be a disruptive influence if he is not allowed to move. Pogba has publicly stated his wish for a "new challenge," amidst interest from Real Madrid. The World Cup winner's agent Mino […]

New York (AFP) – Alejandro Pozo delivered the late dagger in 10-man Sevilla's 2-1 friendly win over Liverpool in Boston Sunday, a defeat made worse for the European champions when they saw Yasser Larouci stretchered off. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was furious at Joris Gagnon's outrageous kick at an on-rushing Larouci in the 76th minute. […]

Singapore (AFP) – Harry Kane scored a stunning 93rd minute winner from the halfway line as Tottenham Hotspur edged Juventus 3-2 in an entertaining pre-season friendly in Singapore on Sunday. The England captain latched onto Lucas Moura's short pass and launched a first-time shot high over a scrambling substitute Wojciech Szczesny in the Juventus goal […]

London (AFP) – Premier League newcomers Sheffield United broke their club transfer record to sign France Under-21 striker Lys Mousset from Bournemouth on Sunday. Mousset agreed a three-year contract with the newly-promoted Premier League side, who are reported to have paid £10 million to complete the deal. "For the third time this summer, the Blades […]

Madrid (AFP) – Antoine Griezmann admitted on Sunday that he was moved to tears of happiness when his big-money move to Barcelona finally came through after a controversial exit from former club Atletico Madrid. The World Cup winner is in Tokyo with Barca ahead of a clash with Chelsea on Tuesday after the La Liga […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – Gareth Bale's agent has branded Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane a "disgrace" after the Frenchman revealed that the La Liga giants were ready to offload the Wales star in a matter of days. Zidane left Bale out of the Real squad for Saturday's 3-1 exhibition loss to Bayern Munich in Houston, […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane says the La Liga giants are poised to offload Welsh star Gareth Bale in the coming days. Bale was left off Real Madrid's roster for Saturday's 3-1 exhibition loss to Bayern Munich at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. "He wasn't included in the squad because […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – Bayern Munich spoiled Eden Hazard's Real Madrid debut, downing the Spanish giants 3-1 in a friendly in Houston Saturday despite goalkeeper Sven Ulreich's sending off. Corentin Tolisso, Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry had given Bundesliga champions Bayern a comfortable 3-0 lead before recent Real Madrid signing Rodrygo grabbed a consolation goal […]

Washington (AFP) – Youngster Edward Nketiah made it three goals in two matches Saturday with a brace that boosted Arsenal to a 3-0 win over Fiorentina in a pre-season friendly in North Carolina. The 20-year-old striker, who fired the game-winner two minutes from time in a win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, picked up right […]

London (AFP) – Tottenham forward Lucas Moura insists he doesn't hold a grudge against boss Mauricio Pochettino despite being dropped for the Champions League final. "I need to respect the decision of the coach and respect my team-mates, so no problem with this," said Lucas who was left on the bench for the final in […]

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – A Brazilian goalkeeper convicted of the murder of his ex-girlfriend left prison on Saturday to finish the rest of his 22-year sentence under house arrest. Former Flamengo stopper Bruno Fernandes, jailed in 2013 for his role in the slaying of model Eliza Samudio, could be seen on television being rushed […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal's new technical director Edu has challenged the Gunners to find a winning mentality as they bid to erase memories of last season's disappointments. The former Arsenal midfielder, who was a member of Arsene Wenger's 'Invicibles' squad who won the 2004 Premier League title without losing a game, says it is vital for […]

Shanghai (AFP) – Premier League interim chief executive Richard Masters admits VAR is certain to cause "controversy" when the technology makes its English top-flight debut in the forthcoming season. The video referee system will be used for the first time in the Premier League after its introduction was delayed for a year to allow time […]

Cairo (AFP) – Algeria ended a 29-year wait for a second Africa Cup of Nations title on Friday night with a 1-0 victory over Senegal, who again missed out in their quest for a maiden continental crown. AFP Sport takes a look at the standout performers over the past month in Egypt and those who […]

Abuja (AFP) – Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo announced on Saturday his retirement from international football after winning the Golden Boot at the Africa Cup of Nations. The 30-year-old Shanghai Shenhua striker struck five times as the Super Eagles finished third in Egypt, bagging him the top scorer honours with two goals more than Sadio Mane, […]