Cristiano Ronaldo equals record no Juventus player has matched for 60 years

Cristiano Ronaldo have equalled John Charles' 60-year old record.
Former Real Madrid forward Ronaldo didn't find the net in his first three Series A matches against Chievo, Lazio and Parma, before finally scoring twice against Sassuolo.
He has since, scored five more in five games to take his total to seven strikes in 10 Serie A matches so far.

The last player to manage seven goals in their first 10 league fixtures for the Bianconeri was Welshman John Charles, who achieved the feat in the 1957-58 campaign.
Charles ended his debut campaign with 28 strikes..

Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez and Filippo Inzaghi each only managed six strikes in their first ten games.
Alessandro Del Piero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and David Trezeguet, meanwhile, all scored five goals in the same number of games.

Chelsea coach Marco Ianni has been fined for celebrating in front of Jose Mourinho.

Chelsea coach Marco Ianni has been fined £6,000 by the Football Association for celebrating in front of Jose Mourinho during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United earlier this month.

Ross Barkley’s injury-time equaliser at Stamford Bridge, was greeted with jubilation and Ianni goaded Mourinho by wildly celebrating in front of the Manchester United manager.
Mourinho reacted angrily to the Italian and needed to be pulled away from the subsequent confrontation by his coaching staff and stewards near the tunnel.
Ianni has now accepted the FA’s improper conduct charge and has been fined for his actions.
A statement from the FA said: ‘Chelsea coach Marco Ianni has been fined £6,000 after he admitted an FA improper conduct charge.
‘It concerned his behaviour in the 96th minute of the game against Manchester United on 20 October 2018.’

A professional footballer found dead in a bush with his genitals chopped off.

A professional footballer has been found dead in a bush almost decapitated and with his genitals chopped off.
Police said Daniel Correa, 24, had been killed in a "very violent situation".
The Sao Paulo midfielder's body was discovered by passersby in the city of Sao Jose dos Pinhais, in the region of Curitiba.

A police officer said: "Since the appearance of the body, it was a very violent situation".
"The man had two deep cuts in the neck, his head was almost decapitated and his genitals were cut."
The midfielder signed for Sao Paulo in 2014, but was recently on loan to Sao Bento in the division below.
A statement from Sao Paulo, with whom he had a contract until December this year, said: The Sao Paulo Football Club deeply regrets the death of midfielder Daniel Correa Freitas.
"The club sympathises and pays condolences to the athlete's family."
Sao Bento also issued a statement, which read: "Sao Bento are mourning the death of midfielder Daniel.
"The management of the club regret the incident and sympathise with the family and friends of the player in this time of deep sadness."

Dele Alli signs new £150,000-a-week Tottenham contract until 2024.

Dele Alli have extended his Spurs' contract.
England star Dele, 22, is now second behind only Harry Kane in the club’s pay league after committing himself to Spurs until 2024 and he's not set to£150,000 every week.
Kane’s deal is worth around £175,000-a-week after add-ons and Dele’s form and loyalty has been similarly rewarded with a similar deal which includes several add-ons and incentives.

It is a huge boost for Tottenham to tie down one of their prized assets especially as his form for both club and country has alerted some of Europe’s top clubs.
Dele who has no agent was able to negotiate his new contract has with the help of his new management set-up - including trusted friend and manager Harry Pickford.

"Would like to say a big thank you to everyone at the club - chairman, manager, all my team-mates and the fans for their constant support," Alli said on Instagram.
"I've loved my time at Spurs so far and I'm very excited to see what the future holds! #COYS".
Alli, joined Spurs from MK Dons in 2015 for £5m and has gone on to score 48 goals in 153 competitive appearances.

Gary Neville reveals what Anthony Martial must do to be in the same level as Hazard and Salah.

Gary Neville is still not convinced about the type of player Anthony Martial actually is.
The Manchester United star has scored three times in his last two games after his stunning strike in Sunday's 2-1 victory over Everton.

Sky Sports pundit Neville was on co-commentary duty for the win over Everton and admits he continues to be confused by Martial.
"I have been watching him very closely and thinking how you would play against him and thinking about what United should do with his contract," he said on Monday Night Football.

"Do United fight for him? Is he worth fighting for? There has never been a player in the last 10 years at United that I have been as confused by.

"What is he? Do I like him? Do I not like him? I can't make my mind up.
"He is either a five or a nine. Some weeks I think he is brilliant and others I'm not sure he is a Man United player."

"What drives me crazy about him is his off-the-ball work and I am not talking about his defending.

"I got the shock of my life when I looked at his physical stats. The best players I played with were better off the ball than they were on it at times.
"He doesn't know where to be and where to run at the right times. He has got no timing in his off-the-ball runs. He doesn't quite understand the game.

"The difference between him scoring 10 and 20-25 goals in a season is that."

Neville has urged the Old Trafford hierarchy to keep faith with the 22-year old as contract negotiations continue.
"Manchester United have to show patience. They have to invest in him and I am sure they are doing," he added.
"That is where the tension has been. Mourinho has wanted a player who is ready now to win the league and he isn't ready.
"They have to persevere with him but he has to improve himself."

Real Madrid legend, Jorge Valdano have blamed one player for the sacking of Coach Julen Lopetegui.

Real Madrid legend Jorge Valdano has blamed Gareth Bale for the club’s El Clasico humiliation and subsequent sacking of Julen Lopetegui.
Real signed the Welsh winger from Tottenham for £86million in 2013.
But Valdano claims the forward have not lived up to the then World-record fee Real paid for his serbmvices.

“We keep looking at Bale because of his price tag and that’s created this illusion he’s some sort of world superstar,” said Valdano, a former Real player and sporting director.

“But the last five years aren’t reflective of what Madrid paid for him.”
Speaking about Barcelona’s opening goal, he added: “Bale was the one in charge of tracking Jordi Alba but after seven minutes his concentration was gone. Alba was on his own down that flank.
“At the start of the game, the players respected the system and instructions.
"But then they do what comes naturally to them, as Bale did, and think they have the authority to do whatever they like.’’

Cristiano Ronaldo finally opens up on how Real Madrid 'forced him out'.

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he quit Real Madrid in the summer because he felt unwanted by president Florentino Perez.

Portuguese superstar Ronaldo completed a stunning £105million move from Real to Juventus in July after a trophy-laden nine years at the Bernabeu.

“I felt it inside the club, especially from the president, that they no longer considered me the same way that they did in the start,” Ronaldo told France Football .

“In the first four or five years there, I had the feeling of being ‘Cristiano Ronaldo’. Less afterwards. The president looked at me through eyes that didn’t want to say the same thing, as if I was no longer indispensable to them, if you know what I mean.
“That’s what made me think about leaving. Sometimes I’d look at the news, where they were saying I was asking to leave. There was a bit of that, but the truth is that I always had the impression that the president would not hold me back.
"If it had all been about money, I’d have moved to China, where I would have earned five times as much than here [at Juventus] or at Real. I did not come to Juve for the money. I earned the same in Madrid, if not more.
"The difference is that, at Juve, they really wanted me. They told me that and made it clear. They showed me that.”
"The truth is that the president wanted me but, at the same time, he made it known to me that my departure would not constitute a problem.”

REAL MADRID HAVE SACKED COACH JULEN LOPETEGUI.

Real Madrid have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui after their El Clasico defeat by

Barcelona.

The Spanish giants sit ninth in La Liga following their sixth league game without a win and their third successive defeat.

Barcelona ran out 5-1 winners thanks to a hat-trick from Luis Suarez and goals from Phillipe Coutinho and Arturo Vidal on Sunday afternoon.

Santiago Solari has been placed in interim charge after Antonio Conte reportedly ended talks over taking the role.

A club statement read: "The Board of Directors of Real Madrid CF, meeting today October 29, 2018, has agreed to terminate the contract of coach Julen Lopetegui.

"This decision, adopted from the highest level of responsibility, aims to change the dynamics of the first team, when all the objectives of this season are still achievable.

"The Board of Directors understands that there is a great disproportion between the quality of the staff of Real Madrid, which has 8 players nominated for the next Golden Ball, something unprecedented in the history of the club, and the results obtained to date.

"The club thanks Julen Lopetegui and all his technical team for their effort and work and wishes them the best in their professional career.

"He will be provisionally replaced by Santiago Solari, who will lead the first team starting on Tuesday."

Before Sunday's clash, Lopetegui had insisted he was not concerned about his future.

"We have a game that is sufficiently attractive without having to think about these types of stories, which don't help me to prepare for the game," he said.

"I'm focused on my work as a coach which is trying to help the team improve. What the press say doesn't help me to win or improve my team, we're trying to prepare for a game which will be very demanding for us."

Leicester City FC have released an official statement following the death of Club Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

Leicester City have released a statment, confirming that club Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was among the five people that died following Saturday's helicopter crash outside King Power Stadium.

The statement in full:
"It is with the deepest regret and a collective broken heart that we confirm our chairman, Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, was among those to have tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a helicopter carrying him and four other people crashed outside King Power Stadium.
"None of the five people on-board survived.

“The primary thoughts of everyone at the Club are with the Srivaddhanaprabha family and the families of all those on-board at this time of unspeakable loss.

“In Khun Vichai, the world has lost a great man. A man of kindness, of generosity and a man whose life was defined by the love he devoted to his family and those he so successfully led.

"Leicester City was a family under his leadership. It is a family that will grieve his passing and maintain the pursuit of a vision for the Club that is now his legacy.

“A book of condolence, which will be shared with the Srivaddhanaprabha family, will be opened at King Power Stadium from 8am on Tuesday 30 October for supporters wishing to pay their respects.

“Supporters unable to visit King Power Stadium that wish to leave a message can do so, through an online book of condolence, which will be made available via lcfc.com in due course.

“Both Tuesday’s First Team fixture against Southampton in the EFL Cup and the Development Squad fixture against Feyenoord in the Premier League International Cup have been postponed.

“Everyone at the Club has been truly touched by the remarkable response of the football family, whose thoughtful messages of support and solidarity have been deeply appreciated at this difficult time."

The aircraft came down in a car park near the stadium shortly after 8.30pm with Leicestershire Police, East Midlands Ambulance Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service all responding to the incident.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is leading the investigation into the accident and a cordon remains in place at the scene while enquiries continue.

Superintendent Steve Potter said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident in which five people are understood to have lost their lives.
“Emergency services were immediately on scene when the crash happened, working to put out the fire and gain access to the helicopter in attempts to reach those inside. Despite those efforts, there were no survivors.

“The AAIB is now leading an investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the crash and investigators will remain at the scene to complete their initial enquiries.

It is likely to take several days to fully complete the necessary work and to safely deal with the scene of this tragic accident, during that time we ask that both the media and public resist speculating around the cause of the crash.

“We appreciate that both the public and media were keen to be updated on the circumstances and to confirm if those on board the helicopter had survived, but before any detail could be issued publicly, it was vital that all immediate next of kin were informed of the tragic outcome.

As our communities will understand, this was a matter that needed to be handled sensitively and with dignity, with the families of the deceased being at the heart of our response, which involved other agencies.

“Our thoughts today are with the families of those who have sadly died, with Leicester City Football Club, and with both football supporters and the wider local community who have all been impacted by the events of last night and the news that those on board the aircraft have not survived.”

The AAIB and Leicestershire Police are asking that anyone who witnessed the crash to call 101 quoting incident number 546 of 28 October 2018.

CRISTIANO RONALDO’S WONDERGOAL IS A JOKE; THE WORLD REACTS!

Ronaldo became the first player to score in 10 successive Champions League games following his brace on Tuesday night. It was the Portuguese 119th Champions League goal.
In Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash, Cristiano Ronaldo scored one of the greatest goals of all time. An audacious bicycle kick which has already been immortalised on YouTube.
With Los Blancos leading, Dani Carvajal played a cross into the box looking for Lucas Vazquez, who was making his way into the area.
But Ronaldo plucked it out of the air, catching it on the volley and smashing an unstoppable bicycle kick past the on-looking Gianluigi Buffon.
The world has been reacting following the outrageous strike.
Here are some of the reactions:
After the game his boss, Zinedine ZIdane said:
“You can say he’s one of the most beautiful players in the history of football.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is different.
“He’s a different player to everyone else and he always has this desire to do something extraordinary in the Champions League. He never rests on his laurels.
“His overhead kick was remarkable, yet he missed two much easier chances. That’s football.”
“Cristiano is in good form at the moment. His team-mates are very happy with him. We need to enjoy tonight, but then think about the hard work ahead of next week because Juve won’t give up.”
Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon who had earlier lauded Ronaldo’s brilliance was not surprised by the wonder-goal. He sure knows that the Portuguese is capable of the extraordinary. Buffon added: “At his best? No, I think he was the usual Ronaldo. Messi and he can be compared to Maradona and Pele for what they have been doing season after season,” he said.
“We made a few mistakes, but it can happen when you face the best.
“We feel a real sense of disappointment because we probably won’t qualify. That’s a real shame, but against some teams you have to be calm and congratulate them, because objectively they’re a stronger side.”
While Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri added: “I don’t know if Cristiano’s goal is the best in the history of football, but it’s certainly an extraordinary goal. You can only congratulate him for what he’s doing at present.”
Frank Lampard added: “The cross doesn’t need to have too much on it. The greatness is, that will be on his mind.”
Former teammate, Rio Ferdinand thinks the goal was a joke.
Ferdinand said: “In his relentless pursuit of greatness, he produces an absolute moment of brilliance.”
“The athleticism, look how high he is off the floor, it is a joke.”
Now, read Twitter reactions:
Peter Crouch who himself scored great goals, wrote;
There is only a few of us who can do that.
— Peter Crouch (@petercrouch) April 3, 2018
Tancredi Palmeri wrote;
I screamed MAMMA MIA holding my head, stood up, started to clap and invited all the press box around to do so.
Tancredi was at the Juventus Stadium the day Cristiano Ronaldo scored THAT goal
— Tancredi Palmeri (@tancredipalmeri)
April 3, 2018
Ronaldo. What a magnificent footballer. And what a sporting reaction from the Juventus fans. Appreciating greatness.
— Phil McNulty (@philmcnulty) April 3, 2018.
England’s record goalscorer in FIFA World Cup finals (10), Gary Lineker gave his own testimony: Seen a lot of great goals in my time but that is absolutely breathtaking from Ronaldo.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) April 3, 2018.
Former Real Madrid teammate Alvaro Arbeloa added:
Translated: Cristiano Ronaldo can now leave Earth and play against the martians. He’s done everything here.
— Álvaro Arbeloa (@aarbeloa17) April 3, 2018.
Omg @Cristiano what a goal
— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) April 3, 2018.
And a certain kid who watched the Portuguese develop into a global star at Old Trafford added;
Cristiano Ronaldo is a joke what a player!
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford)
April 3, 2018.
Former Europe’s best, Michael Owen gave an instruction;
OMG. Please, if you do one thing tonight make sure you see Ronaldo’s second goal. His first was awesome. I’ve no words to describe his second.
— michael owen (@themichaelowen)
April 3, 2018.

MESSI HOPING TO REPLICATE RONALDO'S EXPLOITS.

Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde is hoping the combination of Lionel Messi's expected return and a passionate Nou Camp crowd will be enough to overpower Roma in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Barca host the first leg of the last-eight tie on Wednesday and are likely to have their star man back in the starting XI following hamstring trouble.
Messi suffered a niggle on international duty with Argentina and began on the bench for Saturday's visit to Sevilla.
Even that could not stop him locating the spotlight, grabbing an 89th-minute equaliser after stepping off the bench at 2-0 down.
"Messi is unique in the world. Unique in the history of football," Valverde told a press conference.
Defender Jordi Alba offered his own assessment on the 30-year-old's influence, adding: "Leo Messi is such a footballer that he makes all his team-mates play better when he's on the pitch."
Valverde also made sure to send out an appeal to the club's followers to turn out and create a cacophonous atmosphere as they bid to reach the semi-finals for the first time in three years.
The crowd was in fine voice during a 3-0 victory over Chelsea in the previous round and more of the same is expected against opponents he expects to be pushed hard by.
"I really hope the Camp Nou fans turn out in huge numbers to back us against Roma and roar us on like they did against Chelsea," he said.
"Being favourites doesn't mean anything as far as I'm concerned. It's not the reality of the game. Everything's up for grabs. We'll have to play extraordinarily to beat them."
Barca could well be at peak strength, with Messi likely to be joined in the side by fit-again screening midfielder Sergio Busquets.
The Spain international is back in training and ready to take over from Paulinho if required.
Roma are making their first appearance at this stage of the tournament in a decade but would expect to do significantly better than their previous visit to the Catalan giants - a 6-1 group stage defeat in 2015.
Coach Eusebio Di Francesco said at his pre-match press conference in quotes reported by the Italian club: "We come here with the desire to do something extraordinary, but equally with great respect for our opponents - perhaps the best side in the world. We want to continue to dream..."
The Roma boss is without Cengiz Under and said midfielder Radja Nainggolan only has a 50 per cent chance of playing after picking up an injury early on in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Bologna.
Di Francesco added: "Nainngolan is an important player for us. Between today and tomorrow he will go through some tests so that we can know for sure if he'll be able to play or not: he has about a 50 per cent chance right now.
"In my opinion Barcelona are a good enough team on their own without getting the added help of any hints on who we might play, not that I think that they would base their whole plan around which line-up we put out anyway.
"No-one is guaranteed to play. I wanted to keep everyone on their toes because each of them can look to make the difference for us. Tomorrow, more than ever, we have to stick together as a team."

Source: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football.

FOOTBALLERS UNDER PROBE FOR 'PORN SYMBOL' GOAL CELEBRATIONS.

The Football Association is to probe a popular goal celebration amid claims it's promoting a blog that features 'degrading' porn videos, according to the mirror sport.

Swansea City' Sam Clucas was the latest star to put his fingers to his eye in a 'spying' celebration following his two goals in their 3-1 win over Arsenal on Tuesday night.

The gesture is said to be mimicking the symbol of the Simply LoveLeh Brotherhood, a blog which has 50k Twitter followers and 10k Facebook likes.

The same gesture was made by Southampton's Charlie Austin, 28, and teammate Jack Stevens, 24, in December.

The adults-only SLB videos feature hardcore porn clips with a humorous Yorkshire narrator and are preceded by an owl making the 'spying' gesture.

The website is said to have been set up by two men from the Merseyside area and the clips have gained a cult following on social media and WhatsApp.

Nuneaton Town's Ashley Chambers, 27, has also been photographed performing the sign as has the boxer Kell Brook.

Maria Caulfield MP, the Tory vice-chairman for women, said performing the gesture on the field "fuels the increasing image that male footballers have little respect for women".

Swansea City have said they will speak to Clucas 'to establish the full facts' behind his celebration and told WalesOnline the player has apologised for any offence caused.

The clubs says Clucas was not 'fully aware' of the group's 'pornographic sections'.
"As a club we were unaware of any links to the Internet group in question and disappointed to learn of the association as it does not reflect the values of Swansea City nor our strong commitment to equality," said a Swansea City spokesman.

“We wholeheartedly condemn the degradation of women and believe everyone’s rights, dignity and individual worth is to be respected.
“Having spoken to Sam, he was not fully aware of the pornographic sections of this Internet group and at no time intended to cause offence which he apologises for.

“The club will speak to Sam again internally to establish the full facts, while also taking the opportunity to remind everyone of their responsibilities.”

HARRY KANE IS BY FAR BETTER THAN LUKAKU; SAYS UNITED'S LEGEND.

Rio Ferdinand slammed the performance of Romelu Lukaku in the aftermath of Manchester United‘s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.

United's Legend - Ferdinand, however hailed the super qualities of Spurs' superstar, Harry Kane; tagging him 'a real No 9'.

Manchester United were stunned at Wembley after Christian Eriksen's 11th second opener.

Phil Jones summed up United’s atrocious defending by scoring a comical own goal in the 28th minute but it was Lukaku’s display which most concerned Ferdinand following the match.

The Belgian has 11 league goals to his name this season, but was largely anonymous at Wembley on the night. Meanwhile, Tottenham centre-forward Harry Kane put on a masterclass in front of his home fans. He didn't score, but he already has 21 league goals this season, and former Reds defender was clear on his assessment.

Asked about Kane’s performance at Wembley, BT Sport pundit Ferdinand said: ‘I think Harry Kane showed why he’s the best striker in the league and one of the most potent in Europe, because he bullied Manchester United’s two centre-halves.’

‘He dominated them physically, winning the ball, bringing other people into play.’

"The contrast between him and Lukaku was so evident. That's a real No.9."

He added: ‘The contrast between him and Lukaku was so evident, it was unbelievable.

‘The ball going into him, sticking, holding centre-halves off, bringing others into the game.

‘That’s a real number nine, that’s how you want to see a number nine play.’

Former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp added: "There's no comparison. He's on a different level to Lukaku."

MESUT OZIL HAS AGREED A NEW £350,000-A-WEEK DEAL WITH ARSENAL.

Mesut Ozi is set to sign a new three year contract at Arsenal.
Ozil, 29, has agreed a new £350,000-a-week deal after months of negotiations between Arsenal and the Germany midfielder's representatives.

The German international whose Gunners' contract was supposed to expire in the summer will sign the contract which will make him Arsenal's best paid player within the next few days.

Arsenal are confident that Jack Wilshere will follow suit after being offered a new deal to stay at the Emirates.

MAN UNITED EXTENDS JUAN MATA'S CONTRACT.

Manchester United have triggered a clause to extend Juan Mata’s contract by one year, tying the Spaniard to the club until June 2019.

Jose Mourinho has spoken of Mata’s importance on multiple occasions during recent weeks and did so again on Monday, in a press conference ahead of the match against Tottenham Hotspur.

After confirming that the club had extended the midfielder’s contract, Mourinho said:
 “Mata is very important. When I arrived one-and-a-half years ago, [they said], ‘Mata is in trouble, in trouble, in trouble’, and now he's getting an extension of one more year.
An important player for me; important player for the club; important player for the other players."

In an exclusive interview with MUTV on Tuesday afternoon, Mata then revealed he is delighted to be staying on and hopes there are “many more years to come”.

“I still feel very happy and very proud to be part of this club," said the Reds' no.8.

"I think everyone that belongs to Manchester United should feel privileged, and that’s how I feel.

“I’m happy with everyone at the club and, obviously, with the manager and my team-mates.
Once you are part of this club, your football career is not the same; it changes, because this is one of the biggest clubs in football history.

Every day I try to tell myself how lucky and how privileged I am, try to take advantage of every single training session, and try to see how important it is to be a Manchester United player.”

Mata joined United from Chelsea in January 2014, and has thus far made 172 appearances for the Reds, scoring 39 goals. A firm fan favourite, the diminutive Spanish international has won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his time at Old Trafford, and is fondly remembered for two superb, match-winning goals in a 2-1 win over Liverpool in March 2015.

“At eight, ten, twelve years old, I never imagined that I would play for such a club," Juan told us on Tuesday. "I remember the big players – Scholes, Giggs, Beckham, Van Nistelrooy, Ferdinand, Vidic – and it felt so far from where I was playing, but now I’m here it’s a special feeling.

“We have had so many new players during my four years, but now we know each other and understand each other better.

We are creating a kind of stability that I believe is needed to build and to create a positive consistency in terms of getting results and getting trophies.”

Next for Mata and his team-mates is a trip to Wembley to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, as United look for a sixth straight win in all competitions.

ARSENAL FINALLY SIGN PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG.

Arsenal have completed their £56million move for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a long-term deal.
It paves the way for Olivier Giroud's move to Chelsea and Michy Batshuayi's to Dortmund, which have both been agreed.....

ANTONIO CONTE HAS REVEALED HIS 'WORRIES' OVER ROSS BARKLEY.

Antonio Conte has revealed he is worried about Ross Barkley despite having signed the midfielder just three weeks ago.

The former Everton ace sealed a £15million transfer to Chelsea earlier this month, putting pen to paper on a five-and-a-half year deal.

Barkley made his Blues debut in Chelsea's 2-1 Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal a week ago.

Barkley arrived at the club injured, but speaking prior to Chelsea's home clash against Bournemouth, Conte revealed it's not Barkley's physical state that concerns him.

"I thought I’d find a player who was not in good physical condition," said the Chelsea boss. "Instead, I was surprised to find a player in good physical condition.

"My worry is not about his physical condition, but only to go into our idea of football, to understand the movement without the ball and with the ball.
"For this, he needs a bit of period to go into our idea of football. To understand this. My worry is not about his physical condition, but to get into our idea of football."

"In every game when you decide to play for a great team, in every game you are in contention with other players.
"You have to try and exploit every chance you have to play and show you deserve to play.

"The time is right to find a place in the World Cup (squad), but for sure it won’t be easy because, in the England squad, they are very strong."

BATSHUAYI AGREES TO JOIN BORUSSIA DORTMUND ON LOAN.

Michy Batshuayi has agreed his loan move to Borussia Dortmund.

The striker was involved in a transfer merry-go-round involving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Olivier Giroud.

Dortmund wanted to be certain of replacing the Gabonese before sanctioninfinite his £60m move to Arsenal. 

And now Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi is the man heading to Dortmund to replace Aubameyang. 

His departure has paved the way for Chelsea to move for Arsenal's Olivier Giroud in an £18m deal.

The Belgian striker joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2016 and scored the crucial goal to secure the Premier League title last term.

But he has largely played second fiddle, first to Diego Costa and this term Alvaro Morata.

And as the World Cup looms large this summer, he will try to use this move to boost his chances of being named in Roberto Martinez's squad to Russia. 

NEYMAR BLASTS PSG FOR 'SELLING' TOTTENHAM-BOUND LUCAS MOURA.

Neymar has hit out at Lucas Moura's impending move to Tottenham - claiming his compatriot hasn't been given a chance at Paris Saint-Germain.

According to Mirror sport, Moura arrived London via Eurostar on Monday and had his medical at Tottenham's training base on Tuesday ahead of a £25m deal to join Mauricio Pochettinho's Spurs.

"I’m sad, because he’s a good friend, he’s a quality player who was rarely used. I think it’s very unfair," declared Neymar, speaking after the win over Rennes on Tuesday.
"He is my brother in football. I wish him the best. Whatever the destination, I hope he will score a lot and he will return to the Brazilian national team.

"He’s not just a friend, he’s a very good guy. Here he could have been used a lot more but I’m not the owner of the team, not the owner of Paris.

"For me, he should never be leaving Paris."

Moura made six appearances for PSG this term, playing just 79 minutes.

ARSENE WENGER PAYS TRIBUTE TO 'DEPARTING' OLIVIER GIROUD.

Olivier Giroud is set to complete his £15million move to Chelsea today.
The France striker apparently played his last game for the Gunners when he came on as a late substitute last night in their 3-1 defeat at Swansea.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger paid a glowing tribute to Giroud and said it was a tribute to his professionalism that the striker could be called on despite knowing he may leave.

Wenger said: “It’s a tribute to Olivier because he’s a guy who gave great service to the club, never let us down on the commitment front and saved us many times.

"I have absolutely no doubt, when I ask him if he is ready to commit and he says yes.

“I have no problem with that and put him on because it was needed.

Unfortunately he couldn’t help us. It was a difficult situation for him but he always had his heart 100 per cent in the team and was committed.

“He’s an Arsenal man, after that he needs to play as well because he has not played many games in the Premier League since the start of the season. He’s a regular player in the French national team.

"He has a World Cup where France will go; places of course are difficult to get.”

WENGER 'CONFIRMS' THE SIGNING OF AUBAMEYANG; "IT'S A GOOD NEWS."

Arsene Wenger appeared to confirm Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as an Arsenal player following his side's defeat to Swansea.

The Gabon striker was at Arsenal's training ground on Tuesday to thrash out terms on a £180,000-a-week deal ahead of his £60m move from Borussia Dortmund.
But Dortmund will only let the deal go through once they have brought in a replacement.

Chelsea's striker - Michy Batshuayi is reportedly the man to replace the Gabonese at Dortmund which will see Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud take the Belgian's place at Chelsea.

After Arsenal's 3-1 defeat at Swansea on Tuesday, a post-match clip which has since been deleted emerged on social media from the apparent interview with the club's official website.

The reporter asks: "Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an Arsenal player, you must be delighted to get the deal done?"
Wenger replies: "Yes, it is good news. We need people who can give us more offensive power.

"At the moment, we aren't enough going forward and I am convinced he will give us that.

"He has a big challenge in front of him. He wants to do well in the Premier League.

"It is absolutely good news for us.
"His pace, his finishing. The quality of his runs. His huge physical capacity, that will be important in the Premier League."

CHELSEA HAVE SEEMINGLY COMPLETED THE DEAL FOR EMERSON.

Mirror sport reports that Chelsea appear to have completed the £25m signing of Emerson Palmieri from Roma after an image of the Brazilian being presented with the Blues shirt was leaked.

The 23-year-old can be seen in leaked images holding up the No.33 shirt with his entourage and Blues chief Marina Granovskaia.

CHELSEA HAVE AGREED AN £18m DEAL TO SIGN OLIVIER GIROUD.

Chelsea have agreed an £18m deal to sign Olivier Giroud.

That deal will pave the way for Arsenal to complete their record breaking £58m deal for Pierre Emerick Aubameyang on deadline day.

Aubameyang, 28, flew into London today and will have a medical tomorrow to complete his switch to Arsenal having agreed a £180,000–week contract.

Chelsea are expecting the Giroud deal to go through tomorrow with Michy Batshuayi set to join Borussia Dortmund on loan to replace Aubameyang.

Dortmund have until February 2 to complete a deal for Aubameyang's replacement with the German window open until Friday.

MAN CITY SIGNS ATHLETIC BILBAO'S DEFENDER, AYMERIC LAPORTE FOR A CLUB RECORD FEE.

Pep Guardiola claims Aymeric Laporte is ready to make an immediate impact in the Premier League with Manchester City.

Laporte has completed his club record £57million switch to City from Athletic Bilbao, signing a five-year deal, and Guardiola believes he can pitch him straight into action.

“Yeah,” said the City boss. “He’s fit. He played in the last period. Of course, he has to adapt.

“The Premier League is special in many senses. I think he’s intelligent. Always for the young players, it is a little bit tough, but he doesn’t come for three months, he comes for four or five years.

“He is a young player at 23, 24 years old. He is a left-footed centre-back and since a young age, he has played in La Liga on the biggest stages.

“He’s strong in the air, fast, quality with the pass. I’m so delighted and happy that the club have done it.”

City tried but failed to sign Laporte last summer, but Guardiola insists that the defender has come at the right time.

“At that time it was possible,” said Guardiola. “He decided to remain in Bilbao. We spoke with the club.

“We needed a centre-back in summer time, but we still have a lot of games to play and decided to try and bring him right now. Our summer window will be easier because it is done."

"I am very happy to be here. City are a club with a lot of ambition and they are one of the best teams in Europe," Laporte told City's official website.

"I am looking forward to working under Pep Guardiola and trying to help the club to achieve success.
"It means a lot that the club have shown faith in me and I am excited to get started."

"ALEXIS SANCHEZ WON'T MAKE ANY DIFFERENCE"; SPURS' STAR WARNS.

Tottenham star Eric Dier believes the inclusion of Alexis Sanchez won't make a difference to Manchester United in Wednesday's Premier League clash.

Former Arsenal man Sanchez is set to make his Premier League debut for his new club.

The Chilean started and made two assists during Friday night's 4-0 victory over Yeovil Town in the FA Cup, and he's sure to be in for a lively reception at Wembley as a former Gunner.


Spurs midfielder, Dier doesn't believe Sanchez's presence makes much of a difference to United's quality.

"The game as a whole won’t change because of one player," he said, via ESPN , after Spurs drew 1-1 at Newport in the FA Cup. "I don’t think (Sanchez's debut) is going to make a difference.

“We all know the quality he has as a player but he’s going to add to a Man United squad that is already full of quality.

“It’s going to be a great game, a difficult game, but I don’t think one player changes a football match."

Spurs go into the match at Wembley eight points behind United, desperate for a win to improve their top four chances.

DAVID BECKHAM HAS UNVEILED HIS MLS TEAM

After four years of hard work, David Beckham has realised his American dream of owning a Major League Soccer team.

The former England on Monday unveiled his Miami club, which is set to enter the US top flight in 2020 despite continued wrangling over a site for its controversial home ground.

Locals feel the location proposed for his 25,000-seater Overtown stadium is a nightmare. And 60 days ago, all parties were on the verge of quitting – but continued after finding local investors.

But despite ongoing problems, Beckham described his new club as a “dream come true”.

“This is a city built on dreams and today you’ve made my dreams come true,” he said to thunderous applause.

Welling up, he told fans of the struggles he and his team had faced in the past four years, adding: “I promised my son I wouldn’t get emotional. This is something that has been dream for many, many years.”

Turning to the city’s Mayor and his financial backers, he said: “Thank you for believing in me, in us and for all your support.

“I was drawn to the city because of its diversity. It has been difficult at times but we never gave up.”

Beckham, 42, vowed to build a youth academy in a clear nod to the Manchester United class of ’92 that produced him, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

He would not be drawn on players he has in mind but said he had been contacted by several big names who told him: “I’m in.” He added: “I can’t say their names. There are many. Of course, we want to reach for the stars.”

Asked about potential managers, Beckham ruled out his best pal Gary Neville, saying: “He talks too much.
“On management, all the owners have made it clear, that is my area and that is where my experience will come in.

“We will look for the right manager. It doesn’t have to be a big name. We have to focus on the philosophy of the club.”
During the launch, Beckham’s showbiz pull was evident as A-list stars from Hollywood and sport backed the club in a video. They included Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith, Serena Williams and Usain Bolt.

Beckham’s four kids also appeared, wishing him luck along with wife Victoria.

But despite the fanfare launch, not everyone here shares his excitement.
Protests are expected and flyers have been left around the proposed site urging people to “Stop the stadium”, paid for by Overtown Spring Garden Community Collective.
The group has held rallies where speakers promise to detail a “lack of infrastructure” and “diminished quality of life”.

Local Gustavo Alfonzo, 33, said: “They didn’t choose the best spot. Everyone is against anything that changes the neighbourhood.”

Manchester United idol Beckham knows the MLS well after five seasons at LA Galaxy. When he signed there in 2007, he got an option from league bosses to set up a franchise at a knockdown £17.7million rather than the usual £106.5million.

Former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller joined him in the deal, as well as mobile phone firm Sprint’s chief Marcelo Claure and South Florida tycoon Jorge Mas. But since revealing his plans in February 2014, he has had countless kicks in the Golden Balls.

City officials rejected three previous locations. Before yesterday’s news, questions remained as to why the ex-Real Madrid star refused to give up on owning an MLS franchise in Miami.
Undoubtedly, for a stadium that could only be used 25 times a year, it would appear a financial gamble along with the high costs of funding a team.

But with lucrative TV rights and sponsorship, financial experts believe ownership could boost Beckham’s £336.7million estimated fortune.

“We will generate more money than any other MLS team can dream of,” Fuller said at the original launch.
“The marketing power of a sports franchise is immense.”
Beckham revealed plans to build a waterfront stadium on Miami’s Dodge Island, paying for it himself. However, it required the city to hand over public land just east of downtown at PortMiami, which it refused to do.

His next plan was for his team, known as Miami Beckham United, to take over a site near the Miami Heat’s basketball arena, north of downtown Miami – a spot set to be a new park.
Museum Park would give way to a stadium on Biscayne Bay. In return, the Beckham group would fill in a water basin and build a new park on top of it.

Miami had paid £12.1million to improve the basin and Beckham’s group would not pay them back but offered to pay £14.2million to fill it.

Unfortunately, drawings failed to include what a 120ft-high stadium would look like from street level, blocking out most park and water views. City bosses again rejected the plans.

But sensing his determination to stay in Miami, officials offered land in Little Havana, near Marlins Park – a detested, poorly attended white elephant that cost local taxpayers £176million.
It was clear from Fuller branding the site “spiritually tainted” that it was not their first choice. Yet again, the two parties could not agree on a deal.
Then, in December 2015, MBU purchased a six-acre site in Overtown.
The proposed spot, in a downtrodden area of downtown Miami, continues to fuel anger among residents who would prefer affordable housing. A new stadium, home to millionaire stars, is not on their wish-list.
And any hope the ground would bring jobs to the area also appear ill-founded, with MBU having only promised around 50 positions so far.
Despite yesterday’s fanfare, most locals have opposed the deal. After an agreement to sell the remaining plot last year Bruce Matheson, a local landowner, took legal action. His bid was rejected, although he is appealing and the result is expected in June.

Asked about the stumbling blocks with the stadium, Beckham said yesterday: “I am coming into this wanting to learn, I want to be a good neighbour. I want to make people happy, this is a global city.”

But not everyone is against his club and fan groups are already running.
One fan, Clarence Ruiz, who was at the launch, said: “Soccer cannot come soon enough to this area. It will create a huge buzz, especially among the Latino population. We have to thank David Beckham for choosing Miami and refusing to give up.”

MLS commissioner Don Garber said he was “confident” Beckham’s club would overcome legal challenges.
He said the team has of yet not been officially named and it would be a process that involves the fans, a branding company and Beckham.

Source: www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football

WEST BROM HAVE CONFIRMED THE SIGNING OF DANIEL STURRIDGE.

West Brom have confirmed the signing of Daniel Sturridge on loan from Liverpool for the rest of the season.

Sturridge 28, arrives at the Hawthorns having netted 74 Premier League goals in his career so far.

The striker has made 15 appearances for the Reds this season and scored three goals, but injuries mean he slipped right down the pecking order at Anfield, below both Dominic Solanke and Danny Ings as back up to first choice, Firmino.

FA CUP FIFTH ROUND DRAW

Sheffield Wednesday vs Swansea or Notts County

West Brom vs Southampton

Chelsea vs Hull

Leicester vs Sheffield United

Huddersfield or Birmingham vs Manchester United

Millwall or Rochdale vs Newport or Tottenham

Brighton vs Coventry

Wigan vs Manchester City

MICHY BATSHUAYI'S MOVE TO BORUSSIA DORTMUND LOOMS LARGE.

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi is set to make a loan move to Borussia Dortmund - paving the way for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Arsenal.

Mirror sport reports, that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with the Dortmund striker and are set to trash out the deal with the Bundesliga club soon.

Borussia Dortmund, however wanted to bring in a replacement before giving the deal the green light, and Chelsea forward  Michy Batshuayi could join them until the end of the season.

Antonio Conte is willing to let the Belgian striker go as long as Chelsea can bring in another striker before Wednesday's deadline.

Batshuayi scored twice in the FA Cup victory over Newcastle on Sunday and has a decent record although his opportunities have been few and far between.

After the win, Conte said: "There is a World Cup this summer and every player wants to play to try to push for the competition. This is another situation.

"If the club decides to add another player, I don't know if Michy wants to stay or go on loan. This is a player decision, not mine. I want to continue to work with my players.

"I don't know what will happen but when you have to play in the Champions League and FA Cup, three strikers is the minimum. Then we have to see what will happen in the transfer market."

Meanwhile, Roma chief Umberto Gandini has hinted that Edin Dzeko's agent is to blame for the hold up in the striker's potential move to Chelsea.

The Blues have already had at least one bid turned down for Dezko, but now it seems as though it's the player's agent that could be delaying a transfer.

Gandini told Sky Italy : "Dzeko? There are offers, we are in talks. Sometimes three people must agree a deal: the club, the player and somebody else who is close to the player."

The Bosnian moved to Roma from Manchester City in 2015 and has scored 62 goals in 118 appearances.

If a deal for Dzeko does not happen, Arsenal's Oliver Giroud could be heading to Stamford Bridge as Aubameyang's arrival could pave the way for the French striker's exit.

DONALD TRUMP SUPPORTS A PREMIER LEAGUE CLUB; BUT NOT ARSENAL.

Piers Morgan was left red-faced when the President of the United States of America - Donald Trump threw away the Arsenal shirt he presented to him.

'Wenger Out' flag waver - Morgan couldn't help himself in the cosy chat when he had a dig at Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in his closing exchange during an interview last week.

"We need a strong leader, who believes in a strong defensive wall, who believes in winning at all costs,"
"Who only wants big trophie"; the Good morning Britain presenter said.

Morgan jokingly asked Trump to take over as manager of the Gunners as he handed a replica home kit to the leader with the No.45 denoting the number he falls in the presidential order.

Trump said: "That's beautiful, I have a son who does love this sport."

Morgan persisted: "And he loves Arsenal right?"

Trump points out that football is a fast growing sport in the States, when Morgan asks: "Are you an Arsenal fan too?"

Trump's response: "Not particularly, no.
As Morgan asks him not to "kill the dream", Trump explains: "I have a friend who owns Manchester United."

I BELIEVE IN GOD! I AM A CHRISTIAN! FRANK LAMPARD CLAIMS!

Chelsea Legend Frank Lampard spoke exclusively to the Guardian on a number of issues.
The former England international who also played in the MLS league, revealed how his faith in God helped him at his most difficult period.

Here are excerpts from Chelsea’s record goalscorer’s interview with The Guardian.

I WASN’T BORN GREAT
I wasn’t born with the talent of Lionel Messi, but I made the most of what I have. I work hard because I am scared of failure. I had it as a footballer at Chelsea and I have it today as a father. It can be positive if you channel it in the right way.

LIVING IN THE WORLD OF MY CHILDREN
I now have an 11-year-old watching make-up tutorials on YouTube and a nine-year-old talking about social media. I just try to have fun and get into their world.

SEEING THE WORLD DIFFERENTLY NOW
It is easy to be cynical or worry, but my girls’ carefree attitude makes me view the world through a different lens. I am separated from their mother [Elen Rivas] so I have them half the week and those days remind me what matters in life.

I HAVE TWO SIDES TO MY LIFE
My dad is tough and keeps his emotions inside. My wife Christine [Bleakley, the presenter] criticises me for doing that. But my mum was sensitive and I definitely have that side, too.

HOW I PROPOSED TO MY WIFE
Romance takes some planning. I proposed to Christine on Santa Monica beach in LA. I even designed the ring myself. But to keep it under wraps I got a friend to fly out and secretly pass it to me at the hotel. I then phoned Christine’s dad to ask permission – I ended up speaking to her mum but she insisted he’d be happy – and all went to plan.

HOW I NEARLY DIED
I swallowed the mouthpiece of a trumpet as a kid. It nearly killed me. I had to go to hospital to have it taken out.

HOW I STARTED WRITING
I started writing children’s books on the way to matches. I scribbled ideas in a little notebook. I often read extracts to my daughters to test out ideas.

MY HARDEST MOMENT
My hardest moment was losing my mother three days before the 2008 Champions League semi-final. The manager didn’t want to play me, but I asked to be included, I scored a penalty and we won.

I AM A CHRISTIAN
I believe in God and I am a Christian. My faith was tested when I lost my mum, but I found small pieces to hold on to. My faith helped me through.

WHEN I MET WILL FERRELL
I was completely star-struck when I met Will Ferrell . He is a closet Chelsea fan and when I met him in Seattle he knew who I was, which I found incredible. I had to ask for a photo.

MY LOVE FOR AMERICA
American positivity is something I admire.
When I moved to New York City FC [in 2015-16] everyone said: “Good morning” and “Have a nice day.” At the start I was that British guy, not talking, head down. By the end I was chatting in the lift.

SECRET TO A GOOD RELATIONSHIP
The secret to a good relationship is to keep fancying each other. Christine and I make each other laugh and have fun, but I am sure we fancy each other more and more as time goes on.

TURNING 40 IN JUNE
I have no fear of turning 40. I have experience and a settled home life, and that’s a lovely mixture.

Source: www.clubgist.com