Berlin (AFP) – Germany's World Cup winner Mario Goetze has started a sideline career as an author after releasing his illustrated children's book "Mario's Big Dream" on Tuesday to raise money for charity. "I have so much to thank football for and it is my wish to give something back to others and share something […]

Berlin (AFP) – Hoffenheim's backer has assured fans the club will keep star coach Julian Nagelsmann, 30, for at least another 18 months amidst reports Borussia Dortmund want him for 2018/19. "The club have done their homework, Julian has a binding contract with us until June 30, 2019," Hoffenheim's billionaire backer Dietmar Hopp told supporters […]

London (AFP) – Jurgen Klopp admitted on Tuesday that he got caught up in the heat of the moment after Liverpool conceded a late penalty to draw at home with Everton. The Liverpool boss is known for his animated reactions but his behaviour came under extra scrutiny after a tetchy television interview minutes after Everton […]

London (AFP) – Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino confirmed on Tuesday that Belgium international defender Toby Alderweireld's hamstring problem will keep him out of action until February. Alderweireld, 28, sustained the injury against Real Madrid on November 1 and the Belgian is expected to miss another eight weeks of competitive action. "We cannot change the reality. […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Pep Guardiola has defended Manchester City's celebrations after the Premier League leaders beat fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, saying they were "definitely not" over the top. United boss Jose Mourinho was unhappy with City's reaction after their 2-1 win on Sunday and made his feelings known outside the visitors' […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Jose Mourinho has accused Manchester City players of a lack of "education" over their celebrations at Old Trafford following Sunday's derby win. The Manchester United manager was reluctant to speak about the confrontation outside the dressing rooms that followed City's 2-1 victory at Old Trafford. Mourinho reportedly had milk thrown in […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery briefly appeared in court in Germany on Tuesday over claims he owes 3.5 million euros ($4.1m) to his ex-agent before the case was adjourned until January. The 34-year-old is contesting claims over unpaid commission from his 2007 transfer from Marseille to Bayern, which cost 25 million euros. […]

Tokyo (AFP) – North Korea fell to a 1-0 defeat by South Korea on the football pitch Tuesday in a full-blooded international given added spice by simmering political tensions between the two countries. A freak own goal by defender Ri Yong-Chol 25 minutes from time in Tokyo proved the difference in a tempestuous East Asian championship […]

Moscow (AFP) – Russia's security service on Tuesday said it was on alert for the possible return of jihadists from Syria ahead of the World Cup and the presidential election in 2018. The FSB's warning came after the Russian military last week declared Syria "liberated" from the Islamic State group, and after a visit on […]

Shanghai (AFP) – Vitor Pereira wants to go one better than predecessor Andre Villas-Boas by winning a title after being named coach of big-spending Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG on Tuesday. The 49-year-old, who was once assistant to Villas-Boas at Porto, has been out of football since leaving 1860 Munich following relegation to the […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester City look unstoppable in their relentless surge towards the Premier League title, and only have lowly Swansea standing in the way of Pep Guardiola's men setting a new record of consecutive wins on Wednesday. City are 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League and the managers […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has urged his team-mates to bounce back from the draw in the Merseyside derby when they host West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday. The Reds were held 1-1 by Everton at Anfield despite having the bulk of possession in the match after Wayne Rooney's penalty cancelled out Mohamed Salah's […]

Madrid (AFP) – Real Madrid can round off the most successful year in the club's already glorious history by claiming a fifth trophy in 2017 at the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi this week. They won La Liga, the Champions League, UEFA and Spanish Super Cup in a thrilling fashion after hitting top form […]

Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Manchester United players will have to motivate themselves at home to Bournemouth on Wednesday after manager Jose Mourinho suggested their Premier League title challenge was probably over. The 2-1 defeat at home to Manchester City on Sunday leaves United second in the table but a daunting 11 points behind their […]

London (AFP) – Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane hopes the 5-1 victory over Stoke on Saturday is proof his side are back to their best after going four matches without a league win. Kane, whose brace on Saturday took his tally to 50 goals for the calendar year, will get a quick response as Spurs […]