Germany great Toni Kroos officially bid farewell to football on Sunday, two days after his team’s dramatic loss to Spain in the quarterfinals of the European Championship....Read Full Article

Mikel Merino’s game-winning goal in the last minute of extra time handed Spain a 2-1 victory that knocked out the host nation and ended Kroos’ playing career.

“So that’s it,” Kroos wrote in a post on Instagram on Sunday. “But before I take a break and at least try to realise what happened over the last 17 years I don’t want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone accepting me how and who I am.”

The 2014 World Cup winner went on to thank his fans, clubs, coaches and teammates, as well as his friends and family, adding that there is “nothing better [than] to see your kids being proud of daddy.”
Kroos won a host of titles, mostly with Real Madrid, but also with Bayern Munich — six Champions Leagues, four Spanish leagues, three Bundesligas, three German Cups and one Copa del Rey.

The 34-year-old announced in May that he would retire at the end of Euro 2024.

That meant that his 114th match for Germany turned out to be his last.
Kroos ended his post with the words: “Last but not least: Thank you Football! You beautiful game. And… you’re welcome! Over and out.”

Meanwhile, Spain midfielder Pedri has forgiven Toni Kroos for ending his European Championship.

Pedri was ruled out of the rest of Euro 2024 on Saturday with a left knee injury that he sustained in a hefty challenge from Kroos in the opening stages of Spain’s quarterfinal victory over Germany the previous day.

Kroos publicly apologised to the youngster at the end of an Instagram post and Pedri thanked the 34-year-old.

“Thank you Toni Kroos for your message,” the 21-year-old Pedri wrote in a post on social media.

“This is football and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever.”

National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side, Bay FC have celebrated Asisat Oshoala following her selection by Nigeria for the 2024 Olympic Games....Read Full Article

Oshoala was named in an 18-player squad by Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum last week.

The forward was given a bouquet of flowers by Bay FC alongside her teammates, who will also represent their various countries at the Olympics.

Rachael Kundananji and Lysianne Proulx will also represent Zambia and Canada at the games.

Oshoala is expected to spearhead Super Falcons attack in Paris.

The nine-time African champions are in Group C with Spain, Japan and Brazil.

Manchester Untied are looking to sign Desire Doue from Rennes, SunSport reports....Read Full Article

The Red Devils, however, are set to compete with two other Premier League clubs for Doue’s signature.

The like of Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have been embroiled in a bidding war for the 19-year-old winger.

Doue is also wanted Bundesliga giant Bayern Munich and French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Man United, meanwhile, are keen to bolster their manager Erik ten Hag’s squad this summer transfer window after finishing outside of the Premier League top four last season.

Lewis Hamilton held off Max Verstappen’s late charge to win a thrilling British Grand Prix and secure his first victory since the penultimate race of the 2021 season....Read Full Article

Hamilton became the first F1 driver to win on any track nine times and also extended his F1 record to 104 wins. His last came at the Saudi Arabian GP in December 2021 — the year he lost the title to Red Bull driver Verstappen.

“You’ve got to continue to dig deep even when you are feeling the bottom of the barrel,” Hamilton said. “My fans around the world have been so supportive.”

npr.org reports that it was a fitting way for Hamilton to end his last British GP with Mercedes, before joining Ferrari next year.

“This is my last race here with this team so I wanted to win this so much for them because I love them and I appreciate them so much,” he said. “I was coming round and there’s just no greater feeling than to finish at the front here.”

The seven-time F1 champion beat defending champion Verstappen by 1.5 seconds, with Lando Norris finishing third for McLaren ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.

A tearful-sounding Hamilton thanked his team over radio and was still emotional several minutes later as he struggled to compose himself.

“I’m still crying,” Hamilton said as he addressed the crowd. “There’s definitely been days between 2021 and here when I didn’t feel I was good enough.”

There were high hopes for a home win at Silverstone, with Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell on pole position ahead of Hamilton and with Norris going from third and Verstappen fourth.

Russell’s hopes of a second straight F1 win ended on Lap 34 of 52 with a suspected water system issue on his car. A few laps later, McLaren botched Norris’ tire change.

Manchester United are close to sealing a transfer for Bologna striker, Joshua Zirkzee, ESPN reports....Read Full Article

It is understood that the two clubs have reached a broad agreement over payments.

Zirkzee has a release clause of £34million inserted in his contract which is valid until August.

However, United are looking to negotiate a different deal.

The 23-year-old is currently with the Netherlands national team preparing for their Euro 2024 semi-final against England in Dortmund on Wednesday.

Zirkzee has emerged as United’s preferred striker target after they also considered both Lille’s Jonathan David and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

Manchester United are open to let veteran midfielder, Casemiro leave the club this summer transfer window....Read Full Article

According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Casemiro’s exit from the Red Devils is a ‘concrete possibility’.

Romano, in a tweet on X last night, discussed the Brazilian’s future with United.

He wrote: “Casemiro’s exit from Manchester United remains a concrete possibility for this summer. Saudi Pro League clubs are still in contact with his camp to discuss terms, as reported back in April/May.

“Man United are open to letting him leave in order to bring in a new midfielder.”

Casemiro joined Man United from Real Madrid a few years ago.

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Rangers, will kick-off pre-season training on Tuesday....Read Full Article

The Flying Antelopes have retained 22 players from last season.

The players will be joined by new signings, Garando Tekena, Evans Ogbonda, Anayor Ogbonna, Ekeson Okorie, Chimobi Igwilo and Somtochukwu Nwobodo.

“I am quite sure that our players got the needed rest from the rigors of last season and we expect them back to camp on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, for proper preseason activities to commence,” chairman, Amobi Ezeaku told the club’s media.

“We thank all those who were there for us in the concluded season and expect more from them as we venture into the continent to make a big impact and successfully defend our NPFL title.”

Rangers won the NPFL title for the eighth time last season.

The Coal City club will compete in the CAF Champions League next season.

Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher has insisted that Spain and France would rather play England than the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 final....Read Full Article

All the four countries recently booked their places in the Euro 2024 semi-final stage.

England have failed to hit top gear in Germany so far.

The Three Lions survived another huge scare in their quarter-final clash with Switzerland, winning on penalties to keep their hopes in the competition alive.

“What baffles me is how so little the England team is functioning correctly,” Carraghe told The Daily Telegraph.

“To be positive, we can say they are holding up defensively. Again, the caveat is they are yet to play a side with any world-class forwards.

“The French and Spanish will want to play England in the final because they will be confident they will create the opportunities which others have not taken.”

Inter Miami striker, Luis Suarez, has fired back at former Manchester United player, Andreas Pereira after Uruguay defeated Brazil in the quarter final of the ongoing Copa America 2024 at the weekend....Read Full Article

Pereira had claimed before the quarter-final tie that Brazil had a “team that Uruguay dream of having.”

But when asked about Pereira’s comment after Uruguay knocked Brazil out of the Copa America 2024, Suarez told reporters: “We have the best midfielders in the world, top-level players.

“To talk about Uruguay, you have to have a little more respect, know the history of Uruguay.

“Before I say which players want to be on the Brazilian national team, I have to say that the person who made that comment was [Giorgian] De Arrascaeta’s reserve [at Flamengo], who is the best player in Brazilian football.

“So imagine what it’s like for us to hear that.”

Recall that Uruguay defeated Brazil on penalty shootout, thanks to Manuel Ugarte, who scored Uruguay’s decisive spot-kick after Eder Militao’s attempt was saved and Douglas Luiz hit the post.

Uruguay will now play Colombia in the Copa America semi final on Wednesday.

Arsenal have opened talks with Premier League rivals, Wolves over their goalkeeper, Dan Bentley....Read Full Article

Bentley only signed for the Midlands club 18 months.

But the 30-year-old has been second-choice behind Jose Sa.

Despite his status as No.2, Wolves are not eager to sell Bentley, according to The Athletic.

Wolves would only part with Bentley if they receive a sizeable offer.

This comes days after Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, gave the green light for David Raya’s loan move from Brentford to be made permanent.

However, Aaron Ramsdale, who Raya displaced last season, could be set for a summer exit.