#foxz168

[thorsdyke-remade]

'Thank you, King': Brazil lights up in honour of Pelé

Brazil has woken up to its first day without footballing legend Pelé.

"The King", who won three World Cups and was widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, died at the age of 82 in São Paulo on Thursday.

Overnight, Pelé's face shone on buildings across the South American nation and landmarks were lit up in his memory. Fans took to the streets dressed in his iconic number 10 shirt. kingkongxo

Brazil's government has declared three days of national mourning.

The front pages in Brazil were all talking about Pelé on Friday. One read "Pelé died, if indeed Pelé can die", because for Brazilians, he is their eternal King.

The last time national mourning was declared was when Queen Elizabeth II died. Lots of parallels have been drawn between Pelé and royalty - he was the closest Brazil had.

[thick-thigh]

Premier League predictions: Chris Sutton faces Modernlove drummer and Liverpool fan Cian McCluskey

Everton's draw with Manchester City on Saturday surprised pretty much everyone, but can the Toffees follow that up by beating Brighton on Tuesday and end their run of five Premier League games without a win?

"The aggression Everton showed at City worked, and they put in a really solid defensive display and scored a good goal too," BBC Sport football expert Sutton said. scr888

"This is a completely different test for them, though. They are at home and the onus will be on them to break Brighton down, but they are not a team that creates a lot of chances."

Sutton is making predictions for every top-flight game this season, against a variety of guests.

For the latest set of fixtures, from 2 to 5 January, he is up against Cian McCluskey, drummer with Irish indie band Modernlove and a Liverpool fan.

Modernlove tour the United States for the first time in March before playing a series of gigs in the UK later in the spring.

[theyoutubepeople]

Garth Crooks' Team of the Week: Saka, Odegaard, De Gea, Toney, Silva, Shaw, Buendia, Gray

At the end of every Premier League round of fixtures, BBC football pundit Garth Crooks will be on hand to give you his Team of the Week. bigwin

But who has he picked this time? Take a look and then pick your own team below. And, as ever, Garth will have his say on the game's big talking points in the Crooks of the Matter.

[thiscouldhavebeenfrozen]

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola rues dropped points against Everton as Arsenal extend league lead

Everton's Demarai Gray cancelled out an Erling Haaland strike with a stunning equaliser in a feisty clash while later on Saturday, 918kiss Arsenal defeated Brighton 4-2 to establish a seven-point lead at the Premier League summit

[theyoungestwhateleydaughter]

Paul Merson says Arsenal success is no fluke while Alan Smith believes squad is 'older and wiser' for Premier League title challenge

Arsenal were 4-2 winners against Brighton on Saturday Night Football to go seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table; 918kiss Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Martinelli scored at the Amex Stadium

[thors0n]

Newcastle recall keeper Martin Dubravka from Manchester United loan

Newcastle United have recalled goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from his loan spell at Manchester United. kingkongxo

The Slovakia international moved to Old Trafford in September on a season-long deal with an option to make the move permanent.

But the 33-year-old made just two appearances under manager Erik ten Hag, both in the Carabao Cup.

Dubravka joined the Magpies in 2018 and has made 130 appearances and kept 37 Premier League clean sheets.

Newcastle are third in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

[thinkyourhappythoughts]

Hearts v Hibernian: Smashed windows & cult heroes - derby day in Edinburgh

The Edinburgh derby. More blood and sweat than pass and move, but a compelling spectacle all the same. kingkongxo

Hearts will host Hibernian on Monday for the first of two meetings in three weeks, with the sides drawn in the Scottish Cup fourth round later in January. The first derby of the season was a predictable 1-1 draw at Easter Road.

Here, three veterans of the game shed a light on the magnitude, the emotions and the tumult of the battle to be crowned kings of Scotland's capital.

[m-madrigal]

Women's Super League: Will women's football be bigger in 2023?

Last year was a historic one for women's football in England as records tumbled, attendances rose and visibility increased - so can 2023 go one better?

England's success at Euro 2022 was undoubtedly a highlight but it was not just on the international stage that women's football Gxy888 thrived last year.

Women's Super League (WSL) clubs are enjoying a two-week break but when they return, what can they look forward to in the domestic league during 2023?

[lycandorian]

Nottingham Forest to investigate alleged homophobic chanting aimed at Chelsea fans

Nottingham Forest will investigate alleged homophobic chanting heard during Sunday's Premier League match against Chelsea at the City Ground.

Forest are "aware of reports of concerning chants" during the 1-1 draw.

Chelsea's official LGBTQ+ supporters group said "we totally condemn" the chant, adding that it is "time to call this out". Gxy888

In January 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service classed the chant as a homophobic slur.

That means anyone singing it is committing a hate crime and could face prosecution.

[thingysandstuff]

Luis Suarez joins Brazilian side Gremio on free transfer

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has joined Brazilian Serie A side Gremio on a free transfer, signing with the club until the end of 2024.

The former Liverpool, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid player, 35, returned to his first club Nacional in July and stayed for three months. Gxy888

He scored eight goals in 16 games during his second stint with the side, winning the Uruguayan championship.

Gremio's first game of 2023 is against Sao Luiz on 17 January.

The club, based in the city of Porto Alegre, were promoted from Brazil's Serie B in the 2022 season, which ended in November.

[thiggymo]

Rangers v Celtic: No room for error for Michael Beale's men

It remains to be seen if Michael Beale is a champion manager, but there's no question that the Rangers boss is a champion talker. scr888 Eloquent and interesting. Even Beale, though, must have had enough of the chat by now. The time for yapping is over. He'll know that if his team lose to Celtic on Monday then the league is as good as over, too.

[thingsidowheniambored]

Ivan Toney: Brentford striker's knee injury 'not significant', says manager Thomas Frank

Brentford striker Ivan Toney's injury is "not significant" and he could play against Liverpool on Monday, Bees manager Thomas Frank has confirmed.

Toney, 26, was carried off the pitch after jarring his knee in Brentford's 2-0 win at West Ham on Friday. scr888

He had earlier scored the Bees' first goal - his 12th of the season - and set up the second at London Stadium.

"It's good news," said Frank. "There's nothing wrong with his knee. He could potentially be available for tomorrow."

[blancaolmedo]

Sara Gama and Rafaelle Souza: Two trailblazers discuss their journeys to top

Sara Gama and Rafaelle Souza come from very different backgrounds, having grown up on different continents thousands of miles away. bigwin

But both fell in love with football from a young age and their shared passion has taken them on unexpected journeys to the top of the women's game.

Gama, 33, captain of Italy and Juventus, and Souza, 31, who plays as a defender for Brazil and Arsenal, tell BBC World Service's The Conversation about their early careers, the shock of getting paid to play and being an inspiration to the next generation.

[aliendoges]

Tottenham 0-2 Aston Villa: Defensive frailties placing limit on Spurs' ambitions

Douglas Luiz's cute chip over Hugo Lloris at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on New Year's Day condemned the hosts to a 25-year low.

That goal meant Tottenham have conceded at least twice in seven consecutive league matches for the first time since November 1988. bigwin

It is a scarcely believable stat for a side with Premier League title ambitions - or at least finishing in the top four.

[thewritingfan]

PL hits and misses: Erik ten Hag gets Marcus Rashford call right; David Moyes under pressure at West Ham

Plus: Leicester defender Wout Faes suffered the ignominy of scoring two own goals at Anfield to hand Liverpool a 2-1 victory; 918kiss West Ham's dismal season reached new depths after they were booed off following a 2-0 defeat at home to Brentford

[choco-lory]

New Pele who never reached his dream: Freddy Adu

Back in 2003, nearly 20 years ago, soccer fans might be familiar with the name of Freddie Adu, an American wonderkid who signed his first professional contract at just 14 years old. He is on his  บาคาร่า  way to becoming a real star in football in the next few years.

Back then, if you were to ask yourself what Adu would look like on his 33rd anniversary, the answer might be something like: with the normal affairs of famous stars in general

He may be enjoying a downturn at one of the top clubs moving to the team. and is preparing to enter the field in the World Cup to the United States for success

Of course, you would never guess that. He hasn't played in any country's top game for over seven years.

One of the highlights of the career path of a young star player. It was his debut at a major national major tournament at the Under-17 World Cup in 2003, alongside stars such as David Silva, Joao Moutinho and John. Obi Mikel, two years later, featured in the FIFA World Youth Championship, where he faced Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero.

By 2022, he doesn't have a bright career like many others who have emerged in the football industry of his age. And have to pack the bags to move to many countries, including Finland, Brazil, Turkey, including playing at various levels of football in their home country

Back in November 2003, Adu agreed a contract with the Major League Soccer club, which was news big enough to be on the cover of the New York Times at the time that it was a big deal. Although football in the country of Uncle Sam is not as popular as today. but with his age and profile Make a big surprise

"This is the biggest signing in the league's history," said MLS director Don Garber at the time. While the US media hit the big news that “Freddy is one of the top-class youth players in the world. He decided to play in his own country. And it will motivate other young players to look more towards MLS.”

Even at such a young age He also played in professional games, but Adu was a regular starter for his hometown team, D.C. United before the age of 15 and scored his first professional goal in April 2004.

Adu is an important part of the DC team. He was always there and was called up to his first senior team in early 2006, or at just 16. He made his debut for the national team and played alongside stars Landon Donovan and Josh Voll. Foff, who was playing at the Bruce Arena World Cup outfit at the end of the same year, but Adu did not travel to Germany at the time.

In 2006, his prominence led him to travel to test his pace with Manchester United, the world's football team. Most of him practiced with the under-23 team rather than going up to Sir Alex Ferguson to tutor football. But he also had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the stars who turned out to be greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney at the club.

“For me (Ferguson) is more than perfection,” Adu recalled in 2021. You don't look at it the same way you were a kid, but you see, “I'm a good player. I'm ready to go now.” You didn't think about your own development. but the adults Or the coach on the team? is someone who is very important

“I've come across some coaches who don't give many young players many opportunities. I'm not going to the station myself, I'm just developing my pace. And there is no pressure to be the “next Pele” or where it is not properly assisted.

Adu's character He bowed down to admit that he made a mistake in transferring the team as a child that hindered his development. At least one time he thought he was making a mistake was in 2008 when he left DC United for Real Salt Lake, then Benfica. In the end, he chose to join Monaco on loan.

“The biggest mistake I made in my career was moving from Benfica to Monaco on loan,” Adu said. It is one of those decisions that If I have another chance I wouldn't make that decision.”

“At Benfica, I changed three coaches in one year, the club was in an unusual period. which I just wanted to move away from there. Go somewhere else as quickly as possible. But it turned out to be the worst decision ever.”

“I came to the club around the same time as Angel Di Maria, in the first year I was better than him. I play better than him But I decided to move to Monaco on loan and Di Maria stayed at Benfica. Guess what? He had the opportunity to play with the next coach. and become a real team player.”

Monaco is just one of four on-loan transfers. "Falcon Lisbon", which has never been successful at any time. At that time, the fate of the American footballer. start to shake But he regained his chance when moving back to his hometown with the Philadelphia Union.

The move brings him back to manager Peter Novak, who he worked with most of his time in Washington. The ex-Poland international has given Adu some stability in his career, however, when Novak leaves and John Hackworth replaces, his chances have been reversed.

The 173cm striker later moved to Brazil, Serbia and Finland where no league clicked on him. Adu was just 25 when he returned to Lung Sam once again to join Tam. Aunt Bey Rowdy, but the truth is that he wasn't playing in the MLS at the time.

Tampa gave him the opportunity to work with former US national team coach Thomas Rongen. Under-20s, while Adu has spoken of his destiny in several decisions, Ronken, who previously worked with American Samoa, has his own theory.

“I don't think he is prepared for the intense demands of a professional club all the time. which is difficult to fix It is where players compete for positions all the time. It is sad that Americans It is not yet seen as an important nation in football. You have to prove yourself every day. And the physical condition is very brutal.” The coach was born in Holland. ever commented

“Perhaps in the places he used to go, he fell. And kill all of Freddy's gameplay, it has to be understood. The teammates have to understand that we're going to have to work a little harder to help Adu's defensive game. we will be awesome because this kid can play.”

Despite being in his mid-20s, his career and expectations are at the lowest point. Even going down to play at the North American Soccer League level

Before long, a young player like him was replaced by someone else. The person who has played in the country of football all his life is England international Joe Cole. who moved into the team and kicked off the former Wonderkid Let Louie leave the club.

Adu had to travel again to Las Vegas, the club where he scored his last professional goal, but also the first pass for the Las Vegas Lights in the club's history. The goal is as important as two bounces. Because it was the first football club to settle in Nevada City.

Although it can produce some results on the field and is important in the dressing room. But it appears he hasn't met the expectations of the players in his late 20s.

“Played with him but not only that Off the pitch we are friends,” teammate Zach Drake told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Getting a little advice from him because he travels the world. and has a lot of knowledge.”

That's not the end There is still time for another team transfer. And that was in Sweden, where Adu made a brief switch to Osterlane FA, where his time now focuses more on coaching than on the pitch. He signed a one-year contract with a third-tier team without playing a minute.

“We agreed with him that he would have the opportunity to show himself,” said vice president Philip Lindgren. We can hardly see that he will be able to compete. He has innate football skills. But the physical and mental condition It's what's missing.”

“Obviously he was disappointed. He is good in everything. I believe he can be a great player. But he didn't have the physical condition he wanted. We were quite surprised that he didn't prepare anything when he arrived.”

Take a look at Adu's social media. Today we see a man heartbroken from football. But he was still doing some coaching. along with introducing the secrets of success to the children who came to give him training

This might be the role he played in football as a famous ex-player. A person who sets an example for children that if you have enough talent But lacking in physical condition can be difficult, especially in football where there is no room for minor mistakes. both on and off the field

At least during Adu's career It's a reminder for young players to learn, and at 33 he continues to write new chapters…but outside of football.