Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde has issued a powerful and emotional statement addressing recent criticism surrounding his performances and commitment to the club. In a heartfelt message shared officially, Valverde responded to claims questioning his dedication. “I’ve read several articles damaging my reputation… People can say many things about me, but under no circumstances can they say that I refuse to play,” he wrote. The Uruguayan admitted to having bad games but emphasized his unwavering commitment, revealing he has played through fractures and injuries without ever complaining or asking for rest. Federico Valverde says he’ll never give up Valverde also…
Author: Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi
Jurgen Klopp not in talks with Al Ittihad. Despite recent speculation from Saudi sources, there are currently no negotiations between Jurgen Klopp and Al Ittihad regarding a managerial role. The former Liverpool boss, who stepped away from club management, has not shown interest in an immediate return especially not in the Saudi Pro League at this stage. Instead, Al Ittihad are actively exploring other top-tier managerial options, Olt Sports can confirm. Italian coach Luciano Spalletti, currently managing the national team, is on the shortlist, admired for his tactical intelligence and title-winning campaign with Napoli. Also in contention are Sérgio Conceição…
From Julian Alvarez to Pablo Pagis: Best performers in each of Europe top 5 leagues Best performers in each of Europe top 5 leagues English Premier League: Danny Welbeck of Brighton Given the context, Danny Welbeck was the most decisive Premier League player during round six as he came off the bench to bag a brace and help Brighton to their second away win at Chelsea in their history. It’s a fixture where the Seagulls have enjoyed limited success but have recently turned their fortunes around, winning each of their two recent meetings before kickoff on Saturday, which gave them…
William Saliba signs Arsenal extension Arsenal has finalized a major breakthrough, with French defender William Saliba signing a new contract that will keep him at the club until June 2030. All documents have been countersigned and officially approved, with the official announcement set to be made soon. This development marks a significant boost for the Gunners, as Saliba has quickly become a fan favorite due to his commanding presence and consistent performances at the back. With this new deal, Saliba becomes a key long-term asset for Arsenal, further strengthening the club’s commitment to retaining elite talent. William Saliba signs Arsenal…
Former Barcelona presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Sandro Rosell will testify on October 24 in a high-profile corruption case involving alleged financial misconduct during their leadership. The case follows a complaint filed by current president Joan Laporta, accusing the previous board of causing €30 million in damages to the club through mismanagement and irregular transactions. Bartomeu and his administration are alleged to have engaged in accounting fraud, misuse of funds, and suspicious commission payments, particularly during player transfers, including those of Malcom and Antoine Griezmann. Former Barcelona Presidents Face Corruption Charges The charges are also tied to the Negreira case,…
South Africa docked points and fined by FIFA. In a significant disciplinary ruling, FIFA has penalized the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during their World Cup 2026 preliminary match against Lesotho on 21 March 2025. According to FIFA, South Africa’s actions breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and Article 14 of the preliminary competition regulations. As a result, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has awarded a 3-0 forfeit victory to Lesotho, nullifying the original result. In addition to forfeiting the match, SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000 by FIFA. Mokoena himself received…
Chelsea have registered one win in their last five games, and that came in the form of a laboured comeback victory over their tier-side Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup round three fixture, an unacceptable run that raises questions about Enzo Maresca early in the season.Yet, tiny margins have been decisive in their fate since the return from the first international break earlier in the month, but it is unfortunate that unlike their fellow English club Liverpool, Chelsea haven’t had luck on their side.The three losses in this run have been down to individual howlers and very avoidable situations. And…
William Saliba has reportedly signed a new five-year contract at Arsenal, tying him to the club until the summer of 2030, amidst serious interest from Spanish giants Real Madrid. The European giants have been long-term admirers of William Saliba, whose previous Arsenal contract was set to expire in two years, and Madrid were already plotting a Trent Alexander-Arnold-esque approach to land him as a free agent. In recent days, Spanish media outlets have intensified the speculations, with fellow French defender Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool, whose contract ends next summer, also on their wishlist. Madrid also planned to use William Saliba’s…
After scoring to re-establish Liverpool’s lead in a Carabao Cup round three win over Southampton on Tuesday evening, Hugo Ekitike delivered a crazy moment, taking off his shirt in celebration whilst already booked. The result saw him sent off after receiving a second yellow card, although his goal, scored five minutes from time, was enough to see the hosts progress to the next round of the competition. His action divided opinions, as one side believes he may have forgotten he was on a booking, while another suggests he is insecure about fellow summer signing Alexander Isak, who started and scored…
Ousmane Dembele wins Ballon d’Or 2025. For the prospect he was, it’ll be hard to imagine that Ousmane Dembele wouldn’t have dreamed of winning the Ballon d’Or, but he did admit it that it was never his dream. Nevertheless, if a decade ago anyone said he’d win the Ballon d’Or, not many would disagree, as a player with all the good qualities could reach any height. But that was a decade ago. Not even anyone would give him a chance at the start of last season. Ousmane Dembele’s Ballon d’Or win came out of the blue, even though there was…