Moscow (AFP) – CSKA Moscow's Brazilian right-back Mario Fernandes will be able to play for Russia after he was just the latest foreign player to be granted citizenship, a presidential decree published Wednesday said. The 25-year-old defender, who has won three Russian Premier League titles, is the third foreign-born football player to receive Russian citizenship over […]

Madrid (AFP) – Atletico Madrid on Wednesday unveiled their latest big summer "signing" — the Hollywood star Matt Damon. The actor, in the Spanish capital to promote his new film "Jason Bourne", was presented with a shirt of the Champions League finalists by club president Enrique Cerezo, a respected film producer, complete with Damon's name […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Italian striker Mario Balotelli's unhappy spell at English Premier League side Liverpool is over, with manager Jurgen Klopp saying Wednesday he should find a new team. Balotelli, 25, has scored only four times for Liverpool since Klopp's predecessor Brendan Rodgers bought him from Manchester City in 2014. He was loaned out to […]

Liverpool (AFP) – Mamadou Sakho's tale of woe continues with the revelation by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp the French international defender is set to miss the beginning of the Premier League campaign. The 26-year-old — who missed the Europa League final and Euro 2016 over a failed drugs test which he learnt last week UEFA […]

Paris (AFP) – France international defender Lucas Digne has joined Barcelona on a five-year deal from Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint Germain, the Catalan club said on Wednesday. The 22-year-old left back spent last season on a successful loan deal at Serie A's Roma and had been expected to move there permanently. But Barcelona have […]

New Delhi (AFP) – Welsh football legend Ryan Giggs will return to the pitch as a player in the inaugural Premier Futsal starting in India this week, the organisers announced Wednesday. Brazilian star Ronaldinho and former AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo have also signed up for the event beginning in Chennai on Friday. Giggs, 42, […]

London (AFP) – Sam Allardyce looks to be in pole position to become the next England manager after his club Sunderland revealed Wednesday they granted at his request permission to speak to the Football Association. The 61-year-old Englishman, who was interviewed for the England job 10 years ago but lost out to Steve McClaren, spoke […]

London (AFP) – Celtic gave Scotland their proudest moment in European football by winning the 1967 European Cup, but the 2016 side has now handed the country their most embarrassing in losing to Gibraltar part-timers Lincoln Red Imps on Tuesday. "Shock of Gibraltar" will be a headline the humiliated players and their manager Brendan Rodgers, […]

Paris (AFP) – Scottish giants Celtic crashed to a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Lincoln Red Imps on Tuesday with the goal scored by Lee Casciaro, a policeman in his day job. Manager Brendan Rodgers' first competitive match in charge was a humiliating affair, with 34-year-old Casciaro inflicting the hammer blow in the 48th minute. […]

Paris (AFP) – Scottish giants Celtic crashed to a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Lincoln Red Imps on Tuesday with the goal scored by Lee Casciaro, a policeman in his day job. Manager Brendan Rodgers' first competitive match in charge was a humiliating affair, with 34-year-old Casciaro inflicting the hammer blow in the 48th minute. […]

Rio de Janeiro (AFP) – Brazil named star playmaker Marta, known as "Pele in skirts," and veteran defender Formiga to its Olympic women's team Tuesday. Marta, 30, is a key figure not just in Brazil but women's football in general. She was selected five times (2006-2010) as world player of the year. Formiga, 38, is […]

Lisbon (AFP) – Portuguese tourism officials on Tuesday invited the France supporter who was consoled by a young Portugal fan following the hosts' narrow Euro 2016 defeat in images that have taken the internet by storm. Video footage of the heartwarming moment when the boy offered kind words, a shoulder to cry on and a […]

London (AFP) – France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry ended his association with the English Premier League club on Tuesday preferring to focus on his burgeoning media career. The 38-year-old former striker — part of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 winning teams — could have coached the Gunners' under-18 side but declined the […]

Bordeaux (AFP) – An ill-judged selfie of Andre Poko smoking a shisha and wearing a Marseille shirt has cost the Bordeaux midfielder the wrath of his club. The Gabon international was summoned on Tuesday for a dressing down by Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud and club director Alain Deveseleer. The 23-year-old was "reminded of his duties […]

London (AFP) – Chelsea rewarded their player of the year, Brazilian international midfielder Willian, with a new four-year contract on Tuesday, the Premier League club announced. The 27-year-old — who Chelsea beat off London rivals Spurs to buy for £32million three years ago from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala — professed himself delighted to be continuing […]