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UCL: UEFA makes revelations about Messi, Ronaldo

The Union of the European Football Association (UEFA) has announced that the Champions League semi-finals will not feature either Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi or Juventus forward, Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since the 2004/2005 season. UEFA said this shortly after Bayern Munich eliminated Barcelona from the Champions League final-8 on Friday night. In a tweet, UEFA wrote on its official Twitter handle: “The UCL semi-finals will not feature either Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo for the first time since 2004/05.” Recall that Barcelona were completely overpowered by a ruthless Bayern side, who scored four times in either halves as the match ended 8-2 in favour of the German club at the Estádio da Luz in Portugal. Goals from Thomas Muller (2), Ivan Perisic, Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski and Phillippe Coutinho (2) ensured the Bundesliga champions qualified for the semi-finals where they will take on the winner between Manchester City and Lyon. Also, Lyon eliminated Juventus in the Champions League last-8 final last week on away goal rule after the match ended 2-2 aggregate, despite Ronaldo’s two goals in Turin. Also read: Angry Barcelona fans attack players at hotel after 8-2 humiliation Read the full article

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Angry Barcelona fans attack players at hotel after 8-2 humiliation

Barcelona players were physically attacked by furious fans when they returned to their Lisbon hotel after 8-2 whitewash against Bayern Munich. The LaLiga giants suffered their worst loss in the Champions League ever, as Bayern Munich ran riot to book their place in the semi-finals. Supporters gathered outside the hotel to vent, with AS reporting some of them shouting "scoundrels" as the players departed from the team bus. The likes of Luis Suarez, Nelson Semedo, Antoine Griezmann and Ivan Rakitic were subjected to boos, while Lionel Messi appeared to hold his hands up in apology. Barca are now expected to take decisive action in the coming days, including sacking manager Quique Setien. It is also believed that Sporting Director, Eric Ebidal, will join Setien in going through the exit doors. Also read: Barcelona fires Quique Setien after 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich Read the full article

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Wonders!! 8-2 As Bayern Munich humiliates Barcelona

Barcelona is out of the Champions League, having undergone a crushing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich on Friday. Thomas Muller set the Bundesliga champions on their way to an emphatic victory with the opening goal in the fourth minute. Barca went level, thanks to a David Alaba own goal. However, Bayern responded in ruthless fashion, scoring three times before the half-time whistle. Ivan Perisic, Serge Muller and Muller got the goals. Luis Suarez pulled one back for the LaLiga side, but again, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski and Philippe Coutinho (twice) restored the Bavarians’ commanding lead. Bayern Munich will now face the winner of Manchester City vs Lyon in the semi-final of the competition. Also read: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich triggers £300m for this summer’s transfer Read the full article

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Wonders!! 8-2 As Bayern Munich humiliates Barcelona

Barcelona is out of the Champions League, having undergone a crushing 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich on Friday. Thomas Muller set the Bundesliga champions on their way to an emphatic victory with the opening goal in the fourth minute. Barca went level, thanks to a David Alaba own goal. However, Bayern responded in ruthless fashion, scoring three times before the half-time whistle. Ivan Perisic, Serge Muller and Muller got the goals. Luis Suarez pulled one back for the LaLiga side, but again, Joshua Kimmich, Robert Lewandowski and Philippe Coutinho (twice) restored the Bavarians’ commanding lead. Bayern Munich will now face the winner of Manchester City vs Lyon in the semi-final of the competition. Also read: Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich triggers £300m for this summer’s transfer Read the full article

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Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich triggers £300m for this summer's transfer

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will be supported in the summer transfer window with Roman Abramovich reportedly ready to invest £300 million -but only if Marina Granovskaia will work her magic to balance books with player sales. The Blues have already spent over £80m signing Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner from Ajax and RB Leipzig, respectively. Those deals were funded by the departure of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid last summer. Lampard wants four more new faces through the door before the new Premier League season gets underway on September 12. Bayer Leverkusen's versatile midfielder Kai Havertz has told his bosses that he wants to move to Stamford Bridge and talks are moving forwards behind the scenes. Defenders Ben Chilwell and Declan Rice, of Leicester and West Ham, are also high on Lampard's wishlist. As is a new goalkeeper as the Chelsea boss has lost faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined from Athletic Bilbao for £71.6m in 2018. If Lampard gets all of his top targets then the net spend will amount to around £300m. And the Athletic claims Roman Abramovich is happy to spend such a sum after UEFA relaxed their Financial Fair Play regulations this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the Russian will not shift from his philosophy that the club should be self-sustainable. That means Lampard will have to decide which players to move on and Granovskaia will be tasked with finding them a new home - which may be difficult in the current climate. Read the full article

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Burna Boy at it again!! As he drops ‘Twice As Tall’ [video]

Burna Boy at it again!! As he drops ‘Twice As Tall’. Burna Boy, convincingly, took his place as one of Nigeria's largest contemporary exports. Amassing a cult following in the UK with viral early releases 'Like To Party' and 'Yawa Dey' in the early '10s, he warmed up after being released back to the country in 2016 (he was barred for suspected crime) with his iconic sold-out Hammersmith Apollo's 'Homecoming' concert. Over the last few years, 29-year-old Damini Ogulu has been focused on global expansion, sailing a sound that incorporates traces of Afrobeat and throws a strong measure of hip-hop, dancehall and afro-fusion. He hypnotised the third album release 'Outside,' received a Grammy award for last year's international success 'African Giant,' and now continues his reign with 'Twice As Tall.' The record was produced by Sean 'Diddy' Combs, but – aside from the moody, operatic 'Alarm Clock' – the mogul largely leaves his charge to blaze his own trail. The track leans on hand-drums and saxophones as the mighty Burna Boy wakes up, ready to signal his arrival and demand attention. "You better set your alarm clock," he says as the song ends. ‘Way Too Big’ finds Burna Boy on self-confident form, as he relays his intention to avoid bad company: “I’m way too smart to be f*cking with you”. Here, Burna Boy understands his roots, hailing his homeland (and its “Nigerian breweries”) as subtle violin runs cushion his vocals. Read the full article

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Mikel Arteta reveals why he signed Willian from Chelsea

Arsenal gaffer, Mikel Arteta, spoke for the first time since Willian was confirmed as his first signing. Willian came as a free agent from Chelsea, London rivals. Brazil's midfielder has put the pen on paper for a three-year, £100,000-a-week deal. Arteta said Willian’s versatility is a key reason for the interest, adding that he has been “really impressed” during talks with the 32-year-old. “We have been monitoring him for the past few months. We had a clear intention to strengthen in the attacking midfield and winger positions. He is a player that gives us a lot of versatility, he can play in three or four different positions. “He has experienced everything in football, but to still have the ambition to come here and contribute to bringing the club where it belongs. “I have been really impressed with all the talks I have had with him and how much he wanted to come,” Mikel Arteta told Arsenal Digital. Also read: Real Madrid, Barcelona battles over Sancho’s signature Read the full article

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Lionel Messi tops Cristiano Ronaldo as world's richest player

Barcelona captain, Lionel Messi, has been labeled as the richest player in world football ahead of rival Cristiano Ronaldo by France Football. Lionel Messi made an eye watering £120million last year, £11m more than Ronaldo. The two were also the first footballers to cross the $100 m mark. The statistics are made up of salaries, rewards, promotions, commercial revenues and other sources. Paris Saint-Germain striker, Neymar, reportedly gained £87m last year, while Real Madrid winger, Gareth Bale, received £35.45m. Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling was the only Premier League player and Englishman to make the list, raking in £30.96m. Andres Iniesta who now plays for Japanese side Vissel Kobe earned £31.14m in 2019. Bayern Munich striker, Robert lewandowski, comes in at ninth with £26.56m. Kylian Mbappe joins PSG team-mate Neymar on the list, having earned £24.73m last year to complete the top 10 list. Also read: Barcelona’s Arturo Vidal names best team in the World Read the full article

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BBNaija: All housemates are "GORGEOUS" in their own right - Denrele Edun

The famous Nigerian media personality, Denrele Edun, maintains that all the Big Brother Naija housemates (BBNaija) both past and present are gorgeous in their own right in the midst of online debate over who the most beautiful female housemate is. Viewers of the hit TV show have been intensively debating on social media in recent days. Then, responding to that, Denrele said the debate wasn’t necessary. He wrote; “The people you love will see you finish, but the people who love you will never finish seeing you! All d housemates are GORGEOUS in their own right! From TBoss, Bisola, EriataEse, Debbie Rise to Bam Bam, CeeC, Alex to Venita, Kimoprah, Diane & nw to Erica & Nengi! Me sef I FINE! "BBNaija” Also read: Davido gets honorary plaque as his album hits 1bn streams Read the full article

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Blaise Matuidi finally leaves Juventus

Juventus announced the departure of France International, Blaise Matuidi. After three years, Matuidi, who joined the club in August 2017, departs Old Lady by mutual consent. The 33-year-old joined the Turin giants from Paris Saint-Germain and is now expected to join David Beckham's Inter Miami MLS team in the United States. The club’s statement said, “Blaise Matuidi and Juventus say goodbye with the consensual termination of the player’s contract. “With our colours on his back, he fought and played his heart out in every single game; placing constant pressure on the opponents, tearing apart the run of play and ever so eloquently relaunching the ball into action.” While in Turin, the box-box midfielder played 33 games in all competitions, winning three Serie A titles, one Italian Cup and the Italian Super Cup. Confirming his departure, Matuidi wrote on Instagram, “To have been a member of the Juventus family is a dream come true, an honour. “I will always remain your number 1 fan, or rather number 14. Thank you Juventus, a very real thank you.” Matuidi was a member of the French team that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Also read: UCL: Neymar warns Barcelona, others after Atalanta win Read the full article

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UEL: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer want revenge against Sevilla

Manchester United boss, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, this time is out for revenge against Sevilla when his team plays the LaLiga side in the Europa League semi-final on Sunday. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suffered a 3-1 aggregate defeat against Sevilla, when he was manager of Molde in 2016. The Norwegian will now face the Spanish club as United boss, but feels he has “something to sort out with them”. Reacting to the semi-final draw, Ole told MUTV: “Yeah, of course. I was the manager of Molde and we lost against them in 2016. “They beat us 3-0 away, we beat them 1-0 in Molde. “So I’ve got something I need to sort out with them.” Also read: Arsenal offer player + cash for Joelson Fernandes Read the full article

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Adoke's money laundering trial to resume on Thursday

The trial of former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Mohammed Adoke, will start on Thursday on charges of suspected money laundering. Yesterday, the defense objected to the competence of the prosecution witness in the trial. This prolonged the conviction of the former minister for money laundering. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja had scheduled trial for August 11, after Adoke and an Abuja-based businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, were re-arraigned on July 4 on a 14-count amended charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). At the mention of the case, the lead prosecuting lawyer, Bala Sanga, called Clement Osagie, a subpoenaed witness from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Shortly after Osagie mounted the witness box, Abubakar’s lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), challenged the witness’ competence. Ojo noted that Osagie was unknown to his client as a witness of the EFCC in the trial. He referred the court to the charge and proof of evidence, saying the prosecution did not list the names of its witnesses and attach summary of their statements, as required by law. Also read: Just in!! Ex – US ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, passes... Read the full article

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Lionel Messi at it again! As he buys Milan apartment

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi is said to have bought a penthouse apartment near Inter's headquarters in Milan. The summer drama continues, as SportMediaset reveals that Lionel Messi has bought an apartment in Milan, close to father Jorge. An exclusive sale in the Porta Nuova district has Italian media boiling over with rumours of a move to Inter, as ‘a well-informed source’ claims that La Pulce invested immediately after his father became a homeowner in Milan. Messi’s father has, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, also obtained residency in Milan, for fiscal reasons. Also read: John Terry sends message to Willian ahead of Arsenal move Read the full article

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UCL: Mbappe set to play a role in PSG clash with Atalanta

Paris Saint-Germain have been boosted ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Atalanta with Thomas Tuchel confirming Kylian Mbappe is set to play a role. Mbappe was expected to miss the game after he sustained a sprained ankle and ligament damage in PSG’s Coupe de France final victory over Saint-Etienne on July 24. The World Cup winner was expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, but Tuchel revealed he will be available for Wednesday’s knockout clash at Estadio da Luz provided he gets through Tuesday’s training session unscathed. However, the PSG boss suggested Mbappe will only be used as a substitute. “If Mbappe trains well today and nothing unusual happens, he will play tomorrow,” Tuchel said at a pre-match news conference. “We are very happy that he is with the group and we have the opportunity to finish the match with him.” Marco Verratti will not feature against Atalanta, however, having sustained a calf injury. The midfielder did not join his team-mates for a training camp in Faro and Tuchel thinks it would be tough for him to return for the semi-finals if PSG progress. “For Marco, it will be very, very tight for the semi-finals. It’s really unlucky. He is going to speed up his work and we will try ,” he said. Also read: Lille signs Jonathan David from Gent in €30million deal Read the full article

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Ahmed Musa & wife, Julie, welcomes a baby boy

Super Eagles player, Ahmed Musa and his wife, Julie, have welcomed their second child together, a boy. This will be Julie’s second child and Ahmed’s fourth child as he already has two children from his first wife, Jemila. Ahmed Musa took to his Instagram page to announce the birth of his son. ”Life is indeed a gift and Allah has decided to give us a gift that can’t be bought with money. He decided to bless my family this morning with a bouncing baby Boy ? Mother, baby are doing well Thank you for all your prayers and support always.” he wrote Also read: UCL: Chelsea’s squad to face Bayern Munich revealed Read the full article

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UCL: Pep Guardiola reveals why he defeated Real Madrid

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has praised his team’s high press for their 2-1 victory over Real Madrid on Friday night. The Etihad club are through to the quarter-finals on a 4-2 aggregate, after they had won 2-1 in Spain before the COVID-19 lockdown. Raheem Sterling opened scoring for City, after Raphael Varane was caught napping at the back. Although Karim Benzema headed Madrid level, another Varane error allowed Gabriel Jesus to score the winner. Guardiola, speaking to BT Sport, said: “We created a lot of chances and scored two goals with mistakes from them. We tried to convince them to go, go and attack but it is not easy against this team. On pressing teams, the former Barcelona manager added: “We try to do it, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. In general we did a good job. “It is important, we beat them twice. Zinedine Zidane never lost knockout games. You see the calm and personality they play with, they are good. We are here to try and win the Champions League. It is one step, if we think that is enough we will show how small we are. If you want to win you have to beat the big clubs.” Also read: Tragic!! Nigerian basketballer, Ojo, slumps, dies in Serbia Read the full article

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Real Madrid's Sergio Reguilon chooses Chelsea

Real Madrid left-back, Sergio Reguilon, has chosen to play for Chelsea. According to ESPN, Reguilon wants to leave Zinedine Zidane’s side this summer transfer window, and Chelsea is his number choice. Reguilon and Chelsea are now in ‘advanced talks’ over a potential deal this summer. Sergio Reguilon had drawn the interest of Chelsea in the past. Chelsea have emerged favourite to sign the 23-year-old ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. Reguilon spent this season on loan at Sevilla from Real Madrid. He broke into the Real Madrid first team in the 2018-19 season with Santiago Solari as a coach, replacing the veteran left-back, Marcelo in the starting XI. However, when coach Zinedine Zidane requested the signing of defender, Ferland Mendy from Lyon in the same position last summer, the decision was taken to send Reguilon to Sevilla on loan. Also read: Lionel Messi reacts to Iker Casillas’ retirement Read the full article