Euro 2016 team profile: Belgium

Wilmots has named his final squad for the 2016 European tournament.

The team in full.

Goalkeepers

: Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea), Simon Mignolet (Liverpool), Jean-Francois Gillet (Mechelen).

Defenders

: Toby Alderweireld (Tottenham), Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Thomas Vermaelen (Barcelona), Jason Denayer (Galatasaray), Jordan Lukaku (Oostende), Thomas Meunier (Club Brugges), Laurent Ciman (Montreal Impact), Christian Kabasele (Genk).

Midfielders

: Moussa Dembele (Tottenham), Radja Nainggolan (Roma), Marouane Fellaini (Manchester United), Axel Witsel (Zenit St Petersburg), Eden Hazard (Chelsea), Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City), Dries Mertens (Napoli), Yannick Carrasco (Atletico Madrid).

Forwards

: Mitchy Batshuayi (Marseille), Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Christian Benteke (Liverpool), Divock Origi (Liverpool).: Mitchy Batshuayi (Marseille), Romelu Lukaku (Everton), Christian Benteke (Liverpool), Divock Origi (Liverpool).

Chelsea's Eden Hazard - who has endured a frustrating season with his club - was named captain in the absence of Manchester City's Vincent Kompany who remains side-lined by injury.

Meanwhile, injured defender Nicolas Lombaerts was released from the squad with Christian Kabasele called up by coach Marc Wilmots to bolster the weakened defence.

Kevin De Bruyne will add to a strong attacking side for a national team that has not won a major football tournament since the 1920 Olympics.

Belgium were never seriously troubled in Group B, their only points being dropped against Wales – twice – and Bosnia-Herzegovina. It was the Welsh who inflicted their only defeat, having already held them to a goalless draw in Brussels, with Gareth Bale scoring the winner in the return. A 4-1 win in Andorra, coupled with Wales’ defeat in Bosnia, guaranteed them top spot on the penultimate matchday of a campaign in which they scored 24 goals, De Bruyne and Hazard jointly top-scoring with five apiece.

There are some who wonder whether another coach might make more of Belgium’s vast talent pool than Wilmots, but the 47-year-old has done a good job of steadily improving the team’s performance since stepping up from his previous role of assistant in 2012. As a player, he was a national team stalwart for 12 years, earning 70 caps, and featured in Belgium’s last European Championship campaign back in 2000 – when they co-hosted the tournament. Wilmots had a brief political career as a senator for the Reformist Movement after his playing career ended.

This obviously seem to be the Golding generation.

With these array of stars paraded any thing short of the semi finals will be a bad outing

Rami and Umtiti named in France 2016 squad

France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed his final Euro 2016 squad on Tuesday, including defenders Adil Rami and Samuel Umtiti in place of the injured Raphael Varane and Jeremy Mathieu. Liverpool centre back Mamadou Sakho was not included even though his 30-day provisional suspension for failing a drugs test expired last weekend. Hosts France geared up for the finals with a 3-2 victory over Cameroon in Nantes on Monday. They take on Scotland in Metz on Saturday. Les Bleus face Romania in Group A in the opening game of the tournament on June 10 before playing Albania and Switzerland. France squad: Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur), Steve Mandanda (Olympique de Marseille), Benoit Costil (Stade Rennais) Defenders: Samuel Umtiti (Olympique Lyonnais), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Adil Rami (Sevilla), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Lucas Digne (AS Roma), Christophe Jallet (Olympique Lyonnais) Midfielders: Paul Pogba (Juventus), Blaise Matuidi (Paris St Germain), Lassana Diarra (Olympique de Marseille), N'Golo Kante (Leicester City), Yohan Cabaye (Crystal Palace), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle United) Forwards: Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Dimitri Payet (West Ham United), Anthony Martial (Manchester United), Kingsley Coman (Bayern Munich), Olivier Giroud (Arsenal), Andre-Pierre Gignac (UANL Tigres) Source: eurosport.

Vincent Kompany heading to EUROS

By Olatosimi Fadahunsi.

British Broadcasting Company (BBC), have secured the services of Vincent Kompany for the Euro2016 holding in France.

The Manchester city's defender missed out of the EUROS due to injury and has been confirmed as one of BBC's Pundits for the tournament.

"Deal done; BBC have secured the services of Vincent Kompany as he will be joining the punditry team for EURO2016," according to a tweet associated to @BBCMOTD.

The first-choice Belgium captain has endured a frustrating year with injuries, playing in only seven champions league fixture and 14 premier league games.

Kompany last appearance of an injury plagued season was away to Real Madrid in the champions league when he down just nine minutes into the game and was forced off with a thigh injury.

Winger Reus left out of Germany's Euro 2016 squad

Winger Marco Reus was left out of World Cup winners Germany's final Euro 2016 squad on Tuesday over injury concerns, coach Joachim Loew said.
Borussia Dortmund's Reus, who also missed the 2014 World Cup through injury, would struggle to get through a one-month tournament, Loew said.
The coach also cut 20-year-old midfielder Julian Brandt along with his Bayer Leverkusen team mate Karim Bellarabi and Sebastian Rudy.
The Germans, eyeing their fourth continental title and their first since 1996, have been drawn in Group C along with Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland for the tournament in France starting on June 10.
Germany lost 3-1 against Slovakia in a friendly on Sunday. They play Hungary this week in their last warm-up game.
Full squad: Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona) Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Emre Can (Liverpool), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Shkodran Mustafi (Valencia), Antonio Ruediger (Roma) Midfielders: Julian Draxler (VfL Wolfsburg), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Andre Schuerrle (VfL Wolfsburg), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Manchester United), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Besiktas), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Schalke 04)
Source eurosport.

Olypiakos striker Alan Pulido fought off Kidnapper

By Olatosimi Fadahunsi.

The Olympiacos attacker was eventually left one-on-one with a captor and used the opportunity to overpower the individual and facilitate his own rescue
Alan Pulido fought off a captor, wrestling away the man's phone and pistol, state officials said Monday after the Mexico striker was rescued from his kidnapping.

Pulido was abducted by four men Saturday night in Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, setting off an ordeal that ended with Tamaulipas state officials confirming his rescue early Monday morning. The abductors had asked for a ransom but none was paid.

Speaking on Mexico's Imagen Radio, state prosecutor Ismael Quintanilla said Pulido found himself isolated with a kidnapper before taking the man's phone.

"They traded blows. He takes [the phone] and calls [the emergency number] 066. It all happened very quickly," Quintanilla said.

Quintanilla's account lines up with an official summary of three calls from Pulido to an emergency operator that were obtained by the Associated Press.

The summary says Pulido described the house and the cars parked out front during the first call. Having also taken his captor's pistol, he apparently threatened and beat the man while demanding to know the location.

Pulido later told the operator that police had arrived and were beginning to shoot, describing his own clothes so they wouldn't confuse him with his subdued captor. His final call to the operator was made to confirm the police were trustworthy, according to the AP.

The 25-year-old Olympiacos forward was seen Sunday with a bandaged wrist that Quintanilla said was suffered while Pulido was trying to escape through a broken window.

One suspect, a 38-year-old man, has been taken into custody. Three more suspects have been identified, with a search ongoing.

Source:goal.com

BELLERIN TO GO TO THE EUROS.

Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin will go to Euro 2016 with Spain at the expense of Dani Carvajal after Real Madrid confirmed he has suffered a thigh tear.
The Arsenal's right full back whom impressed during the corse of the EPL season was formally snubbed by Del Bosque will now be on the plain to the euros due to injury suffered by Carvajal During the champions league final.

HECTOR BELLERIN COULD BE WITH THE DEFENDING CHAMPIONS (SPAIN) AT THE EUROS.

Hector Bellerin will go to Euro 2016 with defending champions Spain if Dani Carvajal fails to regain fitness in time, Vicente del Bosque has confirmed.
The 21-year-old Arsenal right-back played 90 minutes as La Roja beat Bosnia 3-1 in Switzerland, and head coach Del Bosque was so impressed that he pledged to include Bellerin in his 23-man squad should Real Madrid's Carvajal be ruled out with the muscle injury he suffered in the Champions League final.
After a brace from Nolito and Pedro's late goal rendered Emir Spahic's headed response for Bosnia redundant in St Gallen, Del Bosque told a post-match press conference: "We are waiting for the outcome of several assessments on our injured players. We can only hope the results are good.
"We have two days until I name my list of 23 players. While we are waiting to hear from the medics (about Carvajal), Bellerin stays with us."
Nolito boosted Spain into an early two-goal lead with a pair of stunning strikes, which were both set up by Chelsea's Cesc Fabregas.
The Celta Vigo striker, breaking his duck on his seventh appearance for Spain, curled Fabregas' first pass beyond Asmir Begovic before besting the goalkeeper with a clever lob in the 18th minute.
On the stroke of half-time, Fabregas was confronted by veteran defender Spahic, with the Bosnian seeing red for raising his hands to the midfielder.
After the break Mikel Oyarzabal - the 19-year-old Real Sociedad winger - took many by surprise with his mature performance off the bench, but it was another substitute, Pedro, who rounded off the scoring with a close-range finish in second-half stoppage time.
Nolito said of his second goal: "I saw the goalie coming out and I decided to chip the ball. I'll remember that one.
"The fans should be optimistic about Spain's European Championship campaign. We deserve a lot of credit and I think we'll play a big part over there.
"Bosnia played very well and I think that brought a good level of football out of us."
Next up for the Euro 2012 winners, who bombed out at the World Cup, are South Korea, who tackle La Roja in Salzburg this week.
"We've got another match on Wednesday," added Nolito.
"We all know that while everyone in the current Spain selection is good enough, dreaming is free, and it remains to be seen who will make the final cut."
Source euro sport.

REAL MADRID VS ATLETICO MADRID MATCH REPORT.

It was a game of experience as Madrid came with a direct approach with Bale and Ronaldo running on both flanks.

Not long the set pieces started to treacle in.

Madrid threatened on some occasions, and the wait will not be for long as it took 15 minutes for Sergio Ramos to open scoring.

But Carrasco will not let the sleeping dog lie as he struck in the 79th minutes. All thanks to the intelligent cross by Juanfran 

First half:

The game started with Madrid piling up the pressure on their opponents Atletico.

Jan Oblak produced a stunning close range save from Casemiro after six minutes via Gareth Bale's free-kick delivery

But not so long the dead luck was broken, Bale flicked on Toni Kroos' set piece and Sergio Ramos helped the ball into the net for the opener after 15 minutes

It was a ding dung affair as Madrid bossed the ball possession until Antoine Griezmann was caught offside by the referee after firing his shot at Keylor Navas' goal.

The game continued being cagey as at seemed no one was willing to make mistakes.

The first half wined down seeing Atletico settling in to the game but the clear cut chances was not forth coming.

Griezmann was by far the most dangerous player for Atletico in the first half but Luka Modric and his Real team-mates kept him at bay

Second half:

The second 45 started the way any Atletico fan would have wanted, a penalty was awarded to Atletico.

Pepe fouled Fernando Torres inside the box but Antoine Griezmann slammed penalty against the underside of the bar.

The match continued with a lot of missed chances here and there from both teams.

Ronaldo lets fly with a speculative effort but the Portuguese forward was unable to find a third goal in Champions League finals

As it is often said, if you don't take your chances, you might just be thought how to do it on the other side.

This saying prooved to be the case as Substitute Yannick Carrasco levelled for Atletico after a brilliant cross from Juanfran with 11 minutes remaining.

After regulation time, Mark Clattenburg signaled for the end of the 90.

Extra time commenced with a lot of tired legs, this made Diego Simeone make two forced substitutions.

Then there came the much dreaded penalty shoot out before us.

With tensions rising, it was clear that the one with the calmer nerves will take the day.

After three spot kicks each, it was all about how good the kicks were.

But it went all sour for Atletico in the forth round of kicks.

Sergio Ramos dispatched his with a touch of class, but it wasn't to be for the impressive Juanfran as he saw his kick safed by the bar.

There came the defining moment as it all lied on Ronaldo to hand the title to Madrid.

With a touch of class and assurance, Ronaldo dispatched and handed the title to Madrid.

Some how, he is destined to dominate, even when not at his best. A season which has often been chaotic, haphazard and saw Rafa Benitez dismissed and a rookie coach appointed in Zinedine Zidane, ends in a historic achievement.

As for their cross city rivals, Atletico, it ends desperately again. In 1974 they came within minutes; in 2014, against Real Madrid, they came within seconds. Last night they came within a penalty kick from this trophy.

MATCH FACTS 

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Carvajal (Danilo 51), Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos (Isco 72), Modric; Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema (Lucas 76).

Subs not used: Nacho, Rodriguez, Casilla, Jese

Goal: Ramos 15

Booked: Carvajal, Navas, Casemiro, Ramos, Danilo 

Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Oblak; Juanfran, Savic, Godin, Filipe Luis (Gomez 109); Saul, Gabi, Augusto (Carrasco 46), Koke (Thomas 116); Griezmann, Torres.

Subs not used: Moya, Mendes, Correa, Gimenez

Goal: Carrasco 79 

Booked: Torres, Gabi 

Referee: Mark Clattenburg Ratings FROM PETE JENSON AT THE SAN SIRO

Real Madrid: 4-3-3

Navas 7

Handled shots from distance well and was rarely tested from closer in until Carrasco’s equalizer.

Carvajal 6

Very late challenge on Griezmann early on and poor in possession at times. Went off injured in the second half.

Ramos 7

Another Champions League and another goal. Took a yellow for the team with Atletico's last attack too and buried his penalty.

Pepe 6

Kicked Torres clumsily for what could have been costly penalty. Then some play-acting in the second half that Clattenburg never fell for.

Marcelo 6

A relatively easy first half against an Atletico Madrid side that doesn’t play with wingers. Struggled as soon as Juanfran started over-lapping from full-back.

Kroos 7

Perfect deliver for the free-kick. Taken off in the second half as he slowed but the game’s tempo did not.

Casemiro 7

He tackles everything that moves’ Bale told MailSport this week, and so it was for most of the game.

Modric 8

Skill, speed, precision of passing. Showed class at the end too by walking the length of the pitch to console Gabi.

Bale 8.5

Monstered Atletico from the first minute. Immense going forward and breathless tracking back too. Tired at the end but scored his spot-kick.

Ronaldo 7

Worked as hard as Bale in tracking back every time Real lost possession but over-elaborated too often most tellingly just before Atletico scored. Still ended up the hero.

Benzema 7

Led the line so well pulling Atletico defenders out of position. They missed him when he was replaced

Subs:

Isco 6

Danilo 6

Needed early in the second half after Carvajal pulled up and did not let anyone down.

Vazquez 6 

Lively late on and such a cool spot-kick.

Atletico Madrid:

Oblak 7

Could do nothing to stem the white tide early on. It felt as if he was going to bundled in with the ball every time Real attacked. Great second half save from Benzema.

Juanfran 7

Posed no attacking threat in the first half but that changed in the second 45 minutes – great cross for the goal. So hard on him to be fall-guy in the shoot-out.

Savic 6

The former Manchester City defender suffered in the early Madrid bombardment. Real’s 200m pounds forward line was just too much.

Godin 7

Pushing a piano up a hill in the early stages but kept going and held Atletico together when they were most frail.

Filipe Luis 6

Could not deal with Bale. He’s quick and he’s strong but the Welshman was quicker and stronger.

Saul 7

One second half volley went close. A great talent that Atletico will not want to lose to the Premier League.

Gabi 7

Lost in the early stages as the charge of the white brigade overwhelmed Atletico Madrid but grew into the game as they launched the comeback.

Fernandez 6

Held his head above water with quick feet and intelligent possession early although but then began to give the ball away and was sacrificed at half time.

Koke 7

Like Saul he improved in the second half as Atletico found another gear just as it seemed they were going down without a fight.

Griezmann 8

Did his best to keep Navas’ hands warm in the first period and was superb as they forced the equalizer. Not a terrible penalty but missed all the same then made amends in the shoot-out.

Torres 7

The local boy forced the spot-kick but struggled to impose himself in open play. His head never dropped though. Didn't want to leave the pitch at the end. Tearful.

Subs

Carrasco 8

Gave Atletico another dimension when he came on. Immense and could have won it but was chopped down by Ramos.

Diego Simeone 7

Made the change he needed to at half time. Also called for them to stay calm when it seemed they might lose the game before the break.

Zinedine Zidane 7

Was calm and cool pre-match and yet sent his team out full of fire in the first half. Made his changes too early though. Great first four months in the job however.

Ref: Mark Clattenburg 6 

Too lenient early on but called the penalty correctly. Won’t be on Simeone’s Christmas card list however.

Powerball is finally hear

The highly anticipated powerball hits us today 28th May 2016.
Hear are the features;Unilag         vs  Babcock
FCE.            vs  OOU
Bells            vs  LASU
Babcock     vs  UI
Yabatech    vs  OAU
CHOC City  vs  Aquila

Venue: New Shell Turf, F.C.E, Akoka, Yaba.

Time: 12pm


... #SayNoToDrugs

David Moyes' lead team lost to Team Nigeria as Joseph Yobo bows out in style in his testimonial match yesterday.

David Moyes' lead team lost to team Nigeria as Joseph Yobo bows out in style in his testimonial match yesterday.

African stars, Samuel Eto'o, Sulley Muntari, Stephen Appiah, Aaron, Mokoena, were joined by former Nigerian players Nwanko Kanu, Jay Jay Okocha, Mutiu Adepoju, Austin Eguavon to celebrate the 101-cap of the formal super eagles captain Joseph Yobo.

Emmanuel Emenike snatched a hat-trick as Tam Nigeria defeated Team world 5 goal to 4 in an entertaining hour-long match played in front of a decent crowd at the Adokiye Amiesimaka stadium, port-harcourt.

Muntari, Yobo, and Eto'o all scored for Team world, with the cameroonian making Enyeama grovel which led to a comic chase of the striker.

Eto'o was involved in another funny scene when he asked Okocha to be substituted due to the midfielder's stunning skills which continously prised open his side.

Yobo who started in defence for Team world, switched side at half time as Kanu, comedian, Ayo Makun (AY), and Ike Shorunmu all came on.

Joseph Yobo, who had earlier scored for Team World, also scored from the penalty spot for Team Nigeria to make the score 5-3 but pin-sized actor Osita Iheme (paw-paw), scored d last goal of d match as he fired a shot pass Ike shorunmu to reduce the score line.

Also in attendance yesterday were Rivers state governor Nyesom Wike, NFF 2nd Vice President, Sheu Diko who also played in the match and presented Yobo with a commemorative trophy and a jersey marked '101' before the game, and Super Eagles players Ahmed Musa, Godfrey Obaobona, Efe Ambrose, and Joel Obi.

However, Chelsea duo of Mikel Obi and John Terry were absent after it was earlier reported on Wednesday that they will be available for the game


By Olatosimi Fadahunsi

Nadal withdraws from French open due to wrist injury.

Rafael Nadal has withdrawn from the French open due to wrist injury.
The Spaniard whom has not been favoured by injuries had been hit with another set back
The Spaniard, who reached the third round with an emphatic 6-3 6-0 6-3 victory over Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis, announced the news in a press conference on Friday afternoon.
This news has definitely increased the chances of the top wigs in the tournament.

Busquets pens new five-year Barcelona deal with a £152m buyout clause.

Barcelona have announced a new five-year deal for midfielder Sergio Busquets with a £152m buyout clause.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the most efficient passers in Europe over recent years and will now be with the club through to 2021.
Depending on how many games he plays between now and then, the deal could be extended to 2023.
The Spain international's contract has a buyout clause of £152million.



Busquets has made 384 appearances for the Catalan club, scoring 12 goals.
During his time with Barca he was won 23 major honours, including six Primera Division titles and the Champions League in 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Source euro sport.

CONCACAF names former NBA executive as general secretary.

CONCACAF names former NBA executive as general secretary
CONCACAF named former NBA executive Philippe Moggio as its new general secretary on Thursday as it continued to try to clean up its act after years of turmoil.
Moggio, a former Colombia Davis Cup tennis player, was named two weeks after Canadian football boss Victor Montagliani was elected president of CONCACAF, which governs soccer in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
The Miami-based confederation was at the centre of a corruption scandal that engulfed world soccer last year in which 42 individuals and entities charged in the United States on a variety of graft-related offences.
Three of CONCACAF's most recent presidents, Trinidad and Tobago's Jack Warner, Cayman Islander Jeffrey Webb and Honduran Alfredo Hawit, were among those charged. Webb has since pleaded guilty to offences linked to racketeering, fraud and money- laundering.
"The key appointment of Philippe Moggio as General Secretary adds yet another layer of stability to our business operations," said Montagliani in a CONCACAF statement.
Moggio, who was the NBA's senior vice-president for Latin America, will be responsible for the day-to-day running of CONCACAF and implementing reforms passed in February.
"My focus is to continue implementing the reforms, while leading the front office in strengthening our business performance to further position CONCACAF as a leading sports organization," said Moggio, who also hold French citizenship.
CONCACAF said that during his time at the NBA, Moggio, formerly an investment banker, oversaw "unprecedented commercial and developmental success in Latin America and the Caribbean."
Former CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer, who held the position from 1990 until 2011, secretly pleaded guilty in the United States to bribery and financial offences in 2013.
FIFA later banned him from all football activities for life.
Enrique Sanz, who held the position from July 2012 under Webb's leadership, was provisionally suspended by FIFA's ethics committee last June and then put on indefinite leave in August, although he is not among those indicted.

Copa America to use hawk-eye for goal line technology.

Hawk-eye technology will be employed to decide whether the ball has crossed the line in the Copa America sentenario in the United States the tournament organizing committee says

The system uses seven cameras to track the flight of the ball and indicates to the referee via a vibration device if a goal has been scored. The referee will also have the compliment of the assistant referees.
The British company's camera-based system, utilised widely in tennis and cricket and at the 2014 World Cup final, will be installed in all 10 stadiums hosting soccer's oldest international championship.
Hawk-Eye was also used during the 2015 Women's World Cup, and in several of the world's leading soccer leagues and federations, including UEFA, the English Premier League and Germany's Bundesliga.
The Copa America is a 16-team version of the South American championship that has expanded by four teams and is being staged outside the South American CONMEBOL nations for the first time.
The hosting United States will launch the tournament with a Group A match against Colombia at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on June 3.
The final will be held on June 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Source euro sports.

Arsenal signs Granit Xhaka.

Arsenal have reached an agreement with Granit Xhaka to join the club on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old Swiss midfielder arrives from Borussia Monchengladbach, who he captained to fourth place in the Bundesliga last season and Champions League qualification in the past two seasons.

I’m very proud to be joining Arsenal. I cannot wait to move to London, represent this special club and play inPremier League. I will give everything to help Arsenal win trophies and make the fans happy
Granit Xhaka
Xhaka, who has made 41 international appearances for Switzerland, joined Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012 from his hometown club FC Basel where he spent 10 years, progressing through the youth ranks.

During his time with Basel, Xhaka won two Swiss League titles and the Swiss Cup in a Double-winning season in 2011/12.

Arsène Wenger said: “Granit Xhaka is an exciting young player, already with good Champions League and Bundesliga experience.

"We have been watching him for a long time now and he is a player who will add quality to our squad. We wish Granit a good Euro 2016 with Switzerland and look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal ahead of next season.”


Xhaka has completed his medical and will join up with his new team-mates after Euro 2016.

The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes, with Xhaka’s contract with Arsenal commencing on July 1, 2016.

Everyone at Arsenal looks forward to welcoming Granit to the club in July.

Quick facts about Granit


Born September 27, 1992
Basel, Switzerland
Position: Midfielder
Squad Number:
Previous Club(s) FC Basel, Borussia Monchengladbach



The midfielder has also tasted international success at youth level, winning the 2009 Under-17 World Cup in Nigeria before helping Switzerland finish second in the 2011 European Under-21 Championship.


Granit Xhaka Characteristics
+ Strengths

Passing
Very Strong

Aerial Duels
Strong

Ball interception
Strong
- Weaknesses

Discipline
Very Weak

Granit Xhaka's Style of Play
• 
Likes to play long balls
• 
Likes to shoot from distance
• 
Commits fouls often


* Strengths, weaknesses and styles are calculated from the past season statistics
Age: 23 years old (27-09-1992

Height: 185cm
Weight: 82kg
Nationality: Switzerland

Magnussen gets nod for Renault upgrade

Kevin Magnussen will run Renault's upgraded Formula 1 power unit for this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, Autosport has learned.
The French manufacturer gave the new engine its debut over the two days of last week's Barcelona test.
Feedback from both Magnussen and reserve Esteban Ocon, along with Red Bull pair Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, was extremely positive in terms of performance and driveability.
Renault then made the decision to run the system in Monaco this weekend - one race earlier than originally planned - but due to a shortage of parts it was determined only one driver per team would be able to have the new engine.
Renault has decided Magnussen will have first call over team-mate Jolyon Palmer for F1's blue-riband event around the streets of the principality.
Autosport understands the expected laptime gain for the shortest track on the F1 calendar will be around 0.2 seconds.
For the following race in Canada, where all four drivers will be able to use the system, and for other such power tracks, the improvement is anticipated to be 0.5s.
Red Bull has yet to confirm which of its drivers will have the advantage for this weekend.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic set for a reunion with formal boss.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic may just be Manchester United first signing for the season.
After the special one Jose Morinho agreed personal terms of 3 years worth 20 million British pounds, the Portuguese hasn't wasted any time to identify his transfer target
Jose Morinho will be hoping to establish a great relationship with his formal player at inter Milland.
The deal which according to the daily mail is stipulated to be a one year contract with an option of extension might just be the first big move in the EPL.
United hope Ibrahimovic will have the Cantona factor and put them back on the title trail.



Ibrahimovic's Old Trafford pay-packet will be something to smile about, as well as his reunion with Mourinho

REVEALED: The Shirt Numbers of New Signing Granit Xhaka, Sanchez and Coquelin for Next Season.

Arsenal appear to have officially signed Swiss star Granit Xhaka after a picture of him sporting the north London club's shirt has leaked on twitter.




Rumours surfaced that the Gunners were bidding in the region of £30m for the Borussia Mochengladbach player with hopes the deal could go through before the European Champions take place in France next summer.




Welcome Granit pic.twitter.com/DUisk0qGSQ

Jose Mourinho in shock talks with Paris Saint-Germain.

Manchester United has been heavily linked with the former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho, but the Manchester based club might loose out to the French giant Paris Saint-Germain.

After two woeful season under Louis van Gaal, Manchester United might just be ready to show him the exit door this season.

After series of links to the Portuguese, they may just loose out.

Morinho whom has been unemployed since last year December needs the deal done next week or he might just be considering the enticing job in the French capital.

Laurent Blanc seemed to be comfortable until the ouster from the champions league quarter finals by Manchester City.

Jose Mourinho has managed top clubs all around Europe, but is yet to take a job in France...

2000: Benfica

2001–2002: Uniao de Leiria

2002–2004: Porto

2004–2007: Chelsea

2008–2010: Inter Milan

2010–2013: Real Madrid

2013–2015: Chelsea

2016 onwards: ?????

With the huge transfer policy at PSG Mourinho whom has always been about getting the big players for result might just be heading to the France direction.

In addition, the interest of searching for a new Challenge might just be an added motivation.

Bomb scare at Manchester leads to postponement of final match.

Stands at Old Trafford dramatically evacuated after 'code red' alert because of 'incredibly lifelike explosive device'
Mobile phone attached to wiring said to have been discovered in toilets during Manchester United's final-day clash
Match was postponed for 45 minutes but staff later abandoned game altogether, sending away thousands of fans
Police and sniffer dogs deployed to ground, which has capacity for 76,000, and a controlled explosion carried out
Sportsmail understands the scare was caused by a dummy device left in a toilet by mistake after a training exercise
Greater Manchester Police assistant chief constable John O'Hare later confirmed to Sportsmail's
Manchester United had to abandon Sunday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth because a dummy bomb was left in the stadium by mistake after a training exercise.

Old Trafford was evacuated after a mobile phone was found strapped to piping. The match, which was being broadcast on Sky Sports, was postponed before a bomb disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion.

The results of the explosion showed the device was actually a mock-up, described by police as ‘incredibly lifelike’.

In what appears to be a staggering blunder, the ‘bomb’ was left at the stadium in error by an external training company in the days leading up to the game. A training exercise was held at the venue and the device, designed to look authentic, was not returned at its conclusion.

The match will be replayed at 8pm on Tuesday night and will be shown live on Sky Sports.

One security official, who saw the device, said: ‘It certainly did not look like something you would want to mess with.’

A bomb disposal vehicle arrives at Old Trafford during the evacuation of the 76,000-seater stadium ahead of the Premier League final-day clash between Manchester United and Bournemouth following the discovery of an 'incredibly lifelike explosive device'

Bomb experts were sent to the Manchester stadium to investigate what was later found to be a dummy explosive device

The Sky Sports team which was working inside the ground were also told to evacuate and had to broadcast some of the programme outside. The pundits are seen above reporting from outside Old Trafford while the bomb disposal van arrives at the 76,000-seater stadium

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE CONFIRM to Sportsmail

'I am grateful to the Manchester United and Bournemouth supporters for their support and assistance today.

'Following today’s controlled explosion, we have since found out that the item was a training device which had accidentally been left by a private company following a training exercise involving explosive search dogs.

'Whilst this item did not turn out to be a viable explosive, on appearance this device was as real as could be, and the decision to evacuate the stadium was the right thing to do, until we could be sure that people were not at risk.

'Everyone remained calm, followed instructions, and worked with officers and stewards to ensure that a safe evacuation was quickly completed. Those present today were a credit to the football family and their actions should be recognised.

'I would also like to thank all those involved in the operation today for such a professional response, which includes police officers, stewards, MUFC staff, media representatives and commentators and the Bomb Disposal Team.'

Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable John O'Hare

The Premier League felt abandoning the fixture had been the right course of action after discussions with both clubs and the police.

‘When it comes to matters of security it is obviously right that Manchester United and the Premier League place the safety of supporters and employees foremost,’ the League said in a statement.

‘It is always the last resort to abandon one of our fixtures and while we apologise for the inconvenience caused to fans we are sure, in the circumstances, they will appreciate the need to do so.’

Source dailymail.

World number one (Novak Djokovic) wins at Madrid to cat home his record 29th masters title.

It was another feather to the cap of world number one (Novak Djokovic) in Madrid. Beating British number one Andy Murray.
The Serbian broke in second game of the match before claiming first set 6-2, Murray rallied by winning the second set 6-3 but was unable to push on as Djokovic took final set 6-3 for his first victory in the tournament since 2011
The dominant hold of Novak over Murray continues as he handed him his twelfth defeat in thirteen meetings to claim a record 29th masters title at the Madrid open.
Djokovic thanked Murray later for a notable moment of sportsmanship towards the end of the match. The Serb had been warned for a time violation by umpire Mohamed Lahyani but Murray immediately stepped in, insisting: ‘I made him wait. He was ready five seconds ago.’

London on the verge of hosting a grand pree

London Grand Prix could happen as soon as next year, reveals F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, as he says 'if it can be done, we'd love to do it'

Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that plans are underway for a London Grand Prix, which could take place as early as next year
A formula one route around the capital has been discussed, and would likely take in sections of Hyde Park and go past Buckingham Palace - with a route having been planned back in 2012.

And now F1 supremo Ecclestone says he would 'love' it to come to fruition in the near future.

Disappointment for the x Nigerian goal keeper (Vincent Enyeama.)

the Olimpique De Marsale goaly Mandanda beats the ex Nigerian international to the best keeper award.

It was a hope dashed for the ex Nigerian goaly (Vincent Enyeama) as his impressive fourteen clean shit wasn't enough to earn him the best keeper award.

Enyeama who has been named among the ten best keepers in Europe wasn't able to cut it in the French league.

The fierce striker (Zlatan Ibrahimovic)was named the best player in the league shrugging off competitions from the likes of his team mates Angel  Di Maria. Young player award went to - Ousmane Dembélé (Rennes). From Shawn, it's congrats folks.

PSV wins the title in stile.

Ajax were held to a 1-1 draw at second to bottom De Graafschat  to hand PSV the title.
It was a nervy day in Netherland as the final match of the season meant more than a lot to the top wigs in the country.
Ajax who just needed a win to cat home the title fell to a lowly rated De Graafschap.
The two teams came in with identical record of  25 wins, 81 points out of 33 games.
The PSV match which ended about 2 minutes before Ajax celebrates their second title in a role over their rivals Ajax.
This was PSV's 23rd title to Ajax's 33.
From Shawn it's congratulations PSV.

Man city V arsenal the preview.

The arsenal storms the etihad with an impressive record of eight unbeaten matches,  on the other hand, their opponent has failed to win two straight matches in the course of the season. With injuries to mertesacka, oxlade chamberlain and kalum chambers for the arsenal and zabaleta, company and silver out for the citizens. The match seem to be delicately poised putting into cognizance the revered price of the champions league qualification at stake. A win for arsenal today will cement their third position and with second position in sight. For the citizens, for a woeful canpaign, a forth position will not be bad. Since their hopes of an automatic qualification has been dashed by Madrid, we all should expect an all attacking side. Do u know? Man city has lost 23 times to the arsenal in the premier league more than any other side in the competition, man city victory over arsenal in percentage is 16% less than any other side in the competition. In as much as history favors the arsenal, arsenal can't help but be wary of the inform kelvin de bruyne and the dreaded aguero. The question of all arsenal fans will be, what kind or part of ozil will turn up? As we all know, an inform ozil is an inform and a blistering arsenal. What team has got the day? 90+ minutes shall tell.