Madrid (AFP) – Diego Costa killed Arsene Wenger's last hope of a glorious Arsenal farewell as his goal sent Atletico Madrid through to the Europa League final on Thursday. Wenger's 250th European fixture with Arsenal also to proved to be his last, decided by a typically ruthless finish from Costa, who delivered the sort of […]

Istanbul (AFP) – The resumption of an abandoned Turkish Cup match between top sides Fenerbahce and Besiktas of Istanbul was called off Thursday when Besiktas failed to show up in protest against Turkey's football federation. The April 19 semi-final second leg at Fenerbahce's ground was abandoned in the 57th minute with the scores level after […]

Rome (AFP) – Roma president James Pallotta joined calls for the introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR) to the Champions League after the club crashed out to Liverpool in the semi-finals. The 7-6 aggregate defeat ended Italian hopes in this year's competition after Juventus fell to defending champions Real Madrid amid controversy in the […]

Moscow (AFP) – FIFA boss Gianni Infantino said Thursday Russia was "absolutely ready" to host the World Cup and thanked President Vladimir Putin for his commitment to the football showpiece. Infantino met Putin in the Black Sea resort of Sochi as Russia races against the clock to put the finishing touches on preparations for the […]

Madrid (AFP) – Arsene Wenger's glorious farewell will be on the line on Thursday as Arsenal visit Atletico Madrid in the Europa League semi-final second leg. Atletico held on for a 1-1 draw in the opening game in London last week and Diego Simeone's side are heavy favourites to make the final in Lyon later […]

Milan (AFP) – Captain Marek Hamsik insists Napoli still believe in their title dream as he bid farewell on Thursday to Spanish international goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who leaves the club this month. The 35-year-old former Liverpool 'keeper's contract expires at the end of the season and he has reportedly signed a three-year deal to move […]

Madrid (AFP) – Arsene Wenger wants a happy ending to his Arsenal love story and admits their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid on Thursday will affect the future of the club. Arsenal, adrift of the Premier League's top four, will have to win the tournament to qualify for the Champions League while defeat would […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho has acknowledged that Marouane Fellaini holds the balance of power in his Manchester United contract negotiations, but believes the midfielder wants to stay. Fellaini’s contract at Old Trafford expires in June, and he has so far refused to agree an extension despite offers from the club. The Belgium […]

Rome (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp warned Liverpool they need to improve to match holders Real Madrid after riding their luck to advance to the Champions League final 7-6 on aggregate despite losing 4-2 in Rome. Even goalscorer Sadio Mane and stars Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino were told they weren't at their best as Liverpool […]

Paris (AFP) – Italy and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti underwent surgery on a troublesome groin on Thursday in a bid to start next season in top condition, his Ligue 1 club said. "The surgery went perfectly well," said a statement by PSG. "The date was scheduled to allow Marco Verratti to begin the 2018-2019 […]

Paris (AFP) – An almost fit again Neymar will fly from Rio to Paris on Friday some 40 days ahead of the World Cup finals in Russia, French daily L'Equipe has reported. While his return is too late to have any impact for his club, Brazil fans are desperate for their iconic star to lead […]

London (AFP) – Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand said Thursday he was "disappointed" after being refused a professional licence by British boxing authorities. Ferdinand, coached by former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall, was being backed by betting company Betfair as part of the "Defender to Contender" challenge. "Having been training four to […]

Saint Petersburg (AFP) – Zenit Saint Petersburg on Thursday refused to comment on reports that manager Roberto Mancini could leave the club at the end of the season. Former Manchester City and Inter Milan coach Mancini has been linked with the Italy manager's job. "We're not going to comment on the situation right now," Zenit […]

London (AFP) – Classic table-top football game Subbuteo now features an all-female set in the colours of Women's FA Cup finalists Arsenal and Chelsea, reflecting the major strides taken on the pitch in recent years. The Football Association and the game's maker, Hasbro, revealed the limited-edition version ahead of the Wembley showpiece on Saturday. The […]

London (AFP) – Fuelled by Mohamed Salah's astonishing feats and inspired by Jurgen Klopp's tactical mastery, Liverpool are ready to launch a new golden era after sealing their return to the Champions League final. For the first time in 11 years, Liverpool have reached the showpiece of Europe's elite club competition as a dramatic 4-2 […]