London (AFP) – Chelsea coach Frank Lampard is under pressure to deliver a serious Premier League title challenge after a spending spree fuelled by his desire to catch champions Liverpool. Lampard showed promise in his first season by steering the Blues into the Champions League with a fourth place domestic finish. But Arsenal exposed the […]

London (AFP) – Jordan Henderson has urged Liverpool to show their hunger to retain the Premier League title when they face Arsenal in the Community Shield on Saturday. Just five weeks after Liverpool captain Henderson lifted the Premier League trophy, Jurgen Klopp's side kick off the new season in the glamour friendly at Wembley. While […]

Paris (AFP) – Ryan Hedges scored three times as Aberdeen hammered the Faroe Islands' Runavik 6-0 on Thursday to reach the second qualifying round of the Europa League after a tumultuous start to the season. Earlier this month, the Dons fined eight players, including another goal-scorer at Pittodrie Jonny Hayes, who broke coronavirus protocols leading […]

London (AFP) – Manchester United and England defender Harry Maguire said on Thursday he was "scared" for his life and thought he was the victim of a kidnapping when he was arrested on a Greek holiday island. The 27-year-old United captain was given a suspended sentence of 21 months and 10 days after being found […]

Los Angeles (AFP) – Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen said Thursday he felt "disrespected" by his Major League Soccer team's decision not to play over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. Hansen told a Salt Lake City radio station he was upset about the boycott, taking the decision to skip the game as […]

Milan (AFP) – Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo said Thursday that his "spirit and ambition were as high as ever" as he strives to "break records and conquer the world" next season. The Portuguese forward won his second 'Scudetto' with Juventus, but despite his double against Lyon the Italian giants exited the Champions League to the […]

Abidjan (AFP) – Didier Drogba was not surprised by the electoral commission of the Ivory Coast Football Federation's (FIF) rejection of the former Chelsea and international striker's presidency bid, his staff said Thursday. FIF's election has turned into a soap opera marred by incessant infighting, attracting international attention with FIFA telling the body to cancel […]

Soweto (South Africa) (AFP) – Title-holders Mamelodi Sundowns edged leaders Kaizer Chiefs 1-0 in Soweto Thursday to draw level on 53 points at the top of the South African Premiership table. Chiefs remain top on goal difference (plus 21/plus 16), but German coach Ernst Middendorp was dejected at full-time knowing his side once held a […]

Milan (AFP) – Francesco Caputo was one of three newcomers named in Italy coach Roberto Mancini's 37-man squad named on Thursday for next month's Nations League matches against Bosnia and the Netherlands. The Azzurri return after ten months against Bosnia in Florence on September 4 and the Netherlands on September 7 in Amsterdam. Captain Giorgio […]

Abidjan (AFP) – The electoral commission of the Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) rejected former Chelsea and international striker Didier Drogba's presidency bid on Thursday, AFP has learned. FIF's election has turned into a soap opera marred by incessant infighting, attracting international attention with FIFA telling the body to cancel the vote. "The electoral commission […]

Paris (AFP) – Paris Saint-Germain paid a fond tribute to departing captain Thiago Silva on Thursday, calling him "one of the greats" ahead of a reported move to Premier League side Chelsea. "Thiago, thank you for eight years of unforgettable memories, leadership and commitment. You are one of the greats and your legendary status at […]

London (AFP) – Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta said on Thursday he is confident Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will sign a new contract as talks with the Gabon striker drag on. Aubameyang was reportedly close to agreeing a lucrative new deal two weeks ago. But the 31-year-old, who has just one year left on his contract, is yet […]

Berlin (AFP) – Bayern Munich forward Thomas Mueller jokingly conceded Thursday the European champions do not have the financial resources to sign Barcelona star Lionel Messi if he becomes available. "I spoke to our financial director once or twice over the past months. And I don't think there's anything we can do," a jestful Mueller […]

Milan (AFP) – Spain's former World Cup-winning goalkeeper Pepe Reina has signed for Lazio from Serie A rivals AC Milan, the Roman club said Thursday. Reina, 37, had been on loan at Aston Villa from Milan since January as cover for injured first-choice keeper Tom Heaton. "Lazio announces that it has permanently acquired the sports […]

Paris (AFP) – Just over a week since the end of their Champions League adventure in Lisbon, Lyon return to domestic action on Friday at home to Dijon with aspirations of dethroning Paris Saint-Germain for a first Ligue 1 title since 2008. Lyon reached the Champions League semi-finals for only the second time, eliminating Juventus […]