Yannick Bolasie joins Everton….

Everton have signed DR Congo international midfielder Yannick Bolasie from Crystal Palace on a five-year deal for £25m. Bolasie, 27, spent four seasons with Palace after joining the London side from Bristol City in 2012. He played 143 times for Palace scoring 13 goals, and came on as a substitute in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by West Brom. Palace manager Alan Pardew said after the 1-0 defeat: “We know his heart and soul may be elsewhere.” Bolasie said the move to Merseyside was a “no-brainer”, adding: “Now that I’ve come to Everton, the job is not done. I’ve got to work hard and feel my way in. I’m ready and up for the challenge. “It’s not about the money for me. It’s about looking at the ambition of the club and where they are trying to get to. I just like to play football.” Everton manager Ronald Koeman said: “Yannick is a player who has been a long time on my radar because he’s the type of winger I like – fast, strong and he can play different positions in the forward line.”

Shaunae Miller dives to Olympic 400m gold….

A dive at the finish line by Shaunae Miller of the Bahamas kept American favorite Allison Felix from gold at the final of women’s 400m race. The fall to the track for Miller was the finish to a personal best of 49.44 seconds in the event, just 0.07 seconds ahead of Felix’s time of 49.51. But the desperate move for gold has come under fire from many who question the fairness of an athlete leaving their feet to surge to the finish line. There’s no question of the legality of Miller’s dive. The rules say a runner can go to the ground across the finish line as long as he or she doesn’t impede another in the process. Even though Miller appeared to slightly cross into the lane to her left, it happened after the finish line and she didn’t impede any other runners.

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Yet again he “Bolted” away and this time in Rio….

The shoes that carried Bolt to glory

Jamaica’s Usain Bolt became the first athlete to win three Olympic 100m titles by beating American Justin Gatlin to gold at Rio 2016. Bolt, 29, ran 9.81 seconds in his final Olympics to replicate his success at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. Twice banned for doping offences, Gatlin was 0.08 seconds behind Bolt, with Canada’s Andre de Grasse in third. “Somebody said I can become immortal,” said Bolt. “Two more medals to go and I can sign off. Immortal.” De Grasse took bronze in a personal best of 9.91, ahead of Bolt’s Jamaican team-mate Yohan Blake.

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Lineker presents Match Of The Day in just shorts….

Gary Lineker kept his promise and introduced the opening Match of the Day of the new season in his underpants. Former England captain Lineker, 55, pledged to “do the first MOTD of next season in just my undies” if former club Leicester won the Premier League. The Foxes went on to win their first top-flight title by 10 points. “It is a one off and a sporting miracle that has landed me in my underwear,” Lineker, who scored 95 goals in 194 appearances for Leicester, said. “When I tweeted that silly bet back in December, I categorically knew there was zero chance of Leicester winning the league. Zero chance. It happened but it was magical, it was great.”

 

Ex Udoji United vs Ex Nigeria Internationals novelty match ended in a draw….

The Ikem “Potential Ayaya” Udeh championed novelty football match between Ex Udoji United FC players and Ex Nigeria Internationals played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu on 30th July, 2016 ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw. The match was organized to raise funds for the families of fallen Udoji United heroes like Herbert “Alibosa” Anijekwu and Charles “Charlie Parker” Nduka. Enugu fans sure had fun as they were treated to great footballing skills of these players of yesteryears. The duo of former Super Eagles midfielders, Mutiu Adepoju and Baldwin Bazuaye were truly at home as their trickery and mastery of game was clearly evident during the novelty game. With the defensive duo of Austin Eguavoen and Emeka Ifejiagwa in the heart of the backline of Ex Internationals, Adepoju showed flashes of his old self as he dug deep to deliver an inch perfect, defence splitting pass to free Bazuaye who teased and tossed Emeka Nwobodo and Danlami Dickson before slotting past a stranded Cajethan Oparaugo in goal for Ex Udoji United to draw the Ex Internationals level after Ekene Ikenwa had shot the Ex-Udoji team into the lead.

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This entry was posted on August 12, 2016. 2 Comments

Arrest warrant issued for Hakan Sukur….

Hakan Sukur

Turkish prosecutors investigating the failed July coup have issued an arrest warrant for one of the country’s best-known footballers, ex-international Hakan Sukur, state media report. Searches were carried out at two houses in western Turkey, as officials said he faced charges of being a member of an “armed terrorist organization”. A former MP for the ruling AK party, Hakan Sukur is a known supporter of the cleric blamed for the botched coup. He moved to the US several months ago.

Ighalo happy with new Watford deal….

Odion Ighalo (left) in action against Lorient in a pre-season friendly

Watford striker Odion Ighalo has revealed he had no hesitation in signing a new five-year contract. The Nigeria international, 27, said: “I feel at home here and once the opportunity to extend was finalised, I signed it straight away. “Playing with this incredible squad and in front of our amazing fans gives me a special excitement and buzz. “I can see the direction the club is going and I feel honoured to be a part of the long-term plan.” The Super Eagle joined the Hornets from Udinese in July 2014 and his 20 goals helped them win promotion to the Premier League in 2014-15 season. He scored 17 goals in 42 games last season as the Vicarage Road side finished 13th in the top flight and reached the FA Cup semi-final. Since arriving at the club Ighalo has scored 37 times in 80 appearances. Ighalo, who has played in Norway, Italy and Spain, has also established himself with his country, scoring three goals in nine international appearances.

Ranieri signs new Leicester deal….

Claudio Ranieri

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League champions. The Italian, 64, led the Foxes to their first top-flight title in his first season with the club. Ranieri joins key players Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan and Jamie Vardy in extending his contract. “The energy that exists here – from the owners and the staff, to the players and supporters – is something very special,” he told the club website. “Last season, that spirit and our hard work helped us to achieve something magical. If we can continue to work hard, maintain our passion and continue to fight with all our hearts, I am sure we can continue to be successful together.” Ranieri’s side won last season’s title at odds of 5,000-1, and will be one of the top seeds in the Champions League draw later this month.

Ashley Williams joins Everton….

Ashley Williams

Everton have signed Wales captain Ashley Williams from Premier League rivals Swansea for an undisclosed fee, thought to be £12m. The 31-year-old defender is new manager Ronald Koeman’s third summer purchase after Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye and goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg. “I believe the club is going in the right direction,” said Williams. The defender, who has agreed a three-year deal with the Merseyside club, said he was keen to work with former Netherlands international Koeman. “He’s been one of the greatest centre-halves to ever play the game, so I look forward to learning from him and seeing what he can teach me,” Williams told the club’s website.

Gernot Rohr is Nigeria’s new Technical Adviser….

Gernot Rohr

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that German Gernot Rohr has signed a two-year deal to work as a technical adviser. The 63-year-old ex-Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso coach will be assisted by Salisu Yusuf, who was appointed as chief coach last month. The NFF’s technical committee recommended Rohr after the federation failed to reach an agreement with Frenchman Paul Le Guen last month. “I am enthusiastic to get to work,” Rohr told the NFF website. “This is a big challenge because Nigeria has big players everywhere and has the ability to do well internationally. “I have a German heart – the heart of a winner. “I have confidence that with the right atmosphere and the right support, the Super Eagles have the capacity not only to qualify for the World Cup, but get to the latter stages of the competition.”

Swansea accepts Everton’s Williams bid….

Ashley Williams

Swansea City have accepted a bid for captain Ashley Williams from Premier League rivals Everton. The fee is believed to be £12m for the Wales skipper, 31, who has spent eight years with the Swans. Fellow centre-half John Stones moved from Everton to Manchester City for £47.5m earlier on Tuesday. Ex-Wales defender Danny Gabbidon, a consultant for Williams’ agent, tweeted: “Believe fee has been agreed. Medical booked and player en route.”

Most expensive defenders ever….

David Luiz

2014 – David Luiz £50m (Chelsea to Paris St-Germain)

2016 – John Stones £47.5m (Everton to Manchester City)

2012 – Thiago Silva £36m (AC Milan to Paris St-Germain)

2014 – Eliaquim Mangala £32m (Porto to Manchester City)

2015 – Nicolas Otamendi £32m (Valencia to Manchester City)

De Boer confirmed as Inter boss….

Frank de Boer

Inter Milan have confirmed Frank de Boer as their new manager this morning. Roberto Mancini left by mutual consent yesterday and the Dutchman – who won four consecutive titles with Ajax – replaces him on a three-year deal. He takes charge of training for the first time today.

John Stones joins Manchester City….

John Stones

Manchester City have signed Everton defender John Stones for £47.5m. The 22-year-old England international has signed a six-year deal with Pep Guardiola’s side. He becomes the second most expensive defender of all time – and the most costly British defender.

New Manchester City defender John Stones: “I’m absolutely delighted to sign for City and now the deal’s done I’m looking forward to the next stage in my career. “I’ve obviously seen what’s going on here at the Etihad, it’s an ambitious club with a great manager so I can’t wait to get stuck in and help achieve the goals. “I know it will be tough getting a place in this team but I’m determined to become the best player I can be and help us to success. “I had a wonderful time with Everton and wish them and their fans all the best but now I’ll give my all for City.”

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on the signing of John Stones: “We want to help John show his quality with us and improve on what he has already achieved. “I like the way he plays the game and I’m looking forward to welcoming him into the squad.”

Olympiakos boss goes after two games….

Victor Sanchez

Former Spain midfielder Victor Sanchez has lost his job as a manager for the second time this summer. The 40-year-old was sacked by Deportivo La Coruna at the end of May. He became manager of Greek champions Olympiakos on 23 June but 47 days later he’s left the club after their Champions League elimination.

Paul Pogba rejoins Manchester United….

Paul Pogba said “the time is right to go back to Old Trafford” after completing his world-record £89m transfer to Manchester United. The 23-year-old midfielder returns after four years away, having left United for Juventus for £1.5m in 2012. Pogba, who signed a five-year deal, added: “This is the right club for me to achieve everything I hope to.” Manager Jose Mourinho said the France international could be “the heart of the club” for the next decade. United will pay the Italian champions 105m euros for Pogba, plus 5m euros (£4.5m) in performance-related bonuses and other costs, including 5m euros if Pogba signs a new contract. It surpasses Wales forward Gareth Bale’s £85m move to Real Madrid from Spurs in 2013 as the biggest transfer deal in history. Speaking to MUTV Pogba said: “I just came back to Carrington. It was like I’d just come back home. I just went for a holiday.”

Andre Ayew joins West Ham….

West Ham United have completed the signing of forward Andre Ayew from Swansea City for £20.5m. Ayew, 26, signed for Swansea on a free transfer from Marseille in June 2015 and scored 12 goals in his first Premier League season. The Ghana international won the BBC African Player of the Year in 2011 and signs a four-year deal to become West Ham’s record signing. “The club have a lot of ambition and have a great manager,” said Ayew. “They want to become a bigger club every year and with the new stadium and a new training ground, you can feel they are moving on to another level and I want to be part of this project.” He is the club’s fifth signing this summer, as they prepare for their first season playing in the London Stadium. Sofiane Feghouli, Havard Nordtveit and Ashley Fletcher signed on free transfers from Valencia, Borussia Monchengladbach and Manchester United respectively.

Manchester United defeats Leicester to win Community Shield….

Jose Mourinho began his reign as Manchester United manager with a trophy as Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a late header to beat Leicester in the FA Community Shield at Wembley. Jesse Lingard, who scored the final goal of the Louis van Gaal era with the winner in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace, put United ahead before half-time when he ran 40 yards and beat four men to slot home. League champions Leicester replied when Marouane Fellaini’s dreadful back-pass let Jamie Vardy in to round David de Gea and score. But summer signing Ibrahimovic, 34, typically had the final word with seven minutes to go, rising to meet Antonio Valencia’s cross and beat Kasper Schmeichel via the post. The outspoken Swede had stated beforehand that the shield would be the first trophy he would be bringing home as a United player, and so it proved for the veteran striker. Leicester had brought Mourinho’s second stint in charge of Chelsea to an end with a 2-1 defeat at King Power Stadium in December on their way to the title but this was a much happier occasion for the Portuguese.

Mancini leaves Inter Milan….

Roberto Mancini and Frank de Boer

Inter Milan have just announced the departure of Roberto Mancini as head coach by “mutual agreement”. The former Manchester City boss will be replaced by Frank de Boer, who is believed to have agreed a three-year contract. Mancini’s position had been in doubt due to his misgivings over Inter’s summer transfer business. De Boer, 46, left Ajax in the summer and had been linked with the Southampton job following Ronald Koeman’s departure for Everton, another role with which the Dutchman had been linked. A club statement read: “FC Internazionale Milano confirms that it has parted company with head coach Roberto Mancini by mutual agreement. “Inter would like to place on record its thanks to Roberto for the work carried out with the team since joining in November 2014. “Last season the club led Serie A until the Christmas break, ending the season in fourth place and qualifying for the UEFA Europa League. “We thank Roberto for the work and commitment he has shown the club over the past 20 months.”