Category: Sports

Former Liverpool star, Danny Murphy has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo for going on strike at Al-Nassr.

He thinks the Portuguese superstar is not considering the club and is focusing on himself.

Ronaldo refused to make himself available for Al-Nassr’s 1-0 win over neighbours Al Riyadh in the Saudi Super League on Monday night.

Journalist Ben Jacobs discussed on talkSPORT the reasons behind the club captain’s strike, mentioning that the captain was dissatisfied with the special treatment given to Al Hilal, which is also managed by the Al-Nassr owners’ PIF.

He stated that Cristiano Ronaldo is dissatisfied with the PIF strategy specifically. It also made a statement by not being available for Al Nassr’s win over Al Riyadh earlier.

Some in Saudi Arabia allege that Ronaldo did not want former teammate Karim Benzema to join Al Hilal. Instead, he felt it would be better for Saudi football for him to stay at Al Ittihad, or even join Al Nassr.

Others mention that this is an issue related to central funding and how it is specifically distributed.

So, Ronaldo’s argument, and Al Nassr’s fans have also been protesting, its about why Al Hilal received a large amount of money to spend before the Club World Cup, while Al Nassr’s share was a bit smaller.

The question is, is it this Benzema-specific or is there a broader disagreement over strategy and ultimately funding, as Ronaldo hasn’t been backed. He is expected to be fined and is likely to face punishment for not making himself available for selection.

Murphy was furious after hearing the explanation and criticized Ronaldo for his behavior.

He encouraged the club’s captain to donate part of his salary to support the club and stated, “Perhaps Ronaldo could give some of his earnings to the club so they can hire more players.

“I have never heard of something so ridiculous in my life, it’s self-indulgent nonsense.”

Ronaldo’s attempt to block Karim Benzema’s transfer to Al Hilal failed, as the French player joined the Saudi Pro League leaders on an 18-month contract.

Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract with Al-Nassr in 2025, which extends his time at the club until 2027. He joined them in 2022 following the contract termination at Manchester United, and has been their star player since.

The Portuguese superstar is yet to help his side win a major trophy. Since Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Ittihad have won the league titles.

Reports in Portugal today indicated that Cristiano Ronaldo was dissatisfied and might think about his future this summer.

SPL: ‘Never heard of something so ridiculous in my life’ – Murphy slams Cristiano Ronaldo

Former England striker, Michael Owen, has insisted that Arsenal will not win the Quadruple this season.

The Gunners remain in four competitons, following their 4-2 aggregate win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final.

Mikel Arteta’s men are six points ahead at the top of the Premier League and finished first in their Champions League group with a perfect record.

They will also play Wigan Athletic in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

“The league is obviously nearly wrapped up. And yes, they could win the Carabao Cup,” Owen said on talkSPORT.

“And then the two others are going to be absolutely tough.

“All the other clubs are going to be focused on the FA Cup to salvage their seasons. And they will put out strong teams.

“The Champions League could be anybody’s.”

Carabao Cup: Why Arsenal will not win the Quadruple – Michael Owen

Al-Ittihad have confirmed that N’Golo Kante’s contract with the club has been terminated.

Kante will now leave the Saudi Pro League side to join Fenerbahce.

This comes after FIFA gave its approval for the midfielder to make the switch, following an initial administrative blunder.

Kante will now put pen to paper on a deal until 2028 with Fenerbahce.

In a terse statement, Al-Ittihad announced Kante’s exit, posting on social media: “The club agrees to sell the remaining period of N’Golo Kanté’s contract.”

This brings to an end to the uncertainty that had clouded the player’s future over the last 48 hours.

Transfer: N’Golo Kante’s contract terminated

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson has slammed Chelsea manager, Liam Rosenior after the Gunners defeated the Blues in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg tie on Tuesday.

Recall that Kai Havertz’s second half late goal ensured Arsenal defeated Chelsea to qualify for the Carabao Cup final.

Following the 1-0 loss, Rosenior emphasized the need for Chelsea to focus on “improvement” after the match.

However, Merson was critical of Rosenior’s remarks, suggesting that the 41-year-old spoke as if he inherited a team languishing at the bottom of the Premier League.

“I would love to talk to Arsenal players and ask, ‘Are you shocked what happened tonight? Did you think Chelsea would come here and have a right go?’ Merson told Sky Sports.

“Liam is talking like he came into Chelsea like they were fifth bottom in the league, they were not fifth bottom, they were still flying along, he is talking about improvement, Chelsea fans won’t be happy with that, I am sorry.”

EPL: You’re talking like Chelsea were fifth bottom position – Paul Merson slams Rosenior

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has expressed his joy for Kai Havertz following the German’s decisive goal against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on Tuesday.

Havertz came off the bench and scored the game’s only goal as Arsenal won 1-0 against their Premier League London rivals to qualify for the Carabao Cup final.

However, Arteta believes that the former Chelsea star deserves the best after scoring against his old club at the Emirates Stadium.

“Everyone who knows Kai is genuinely happy for him because he deserves the best,” Arteta said.

“His work and the way he behaves to people every day. I just hope he enjoyed the moment because he deserves it.”

Havertz will hope to feature and also lead Arteta’s men to triumph when they clash with  Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday.

Carabao Cup: What Arteta said about Kai Havertz after Arsenal knocked out Chelsea

Karim Benzema’s move from Al-Ittihad to Al-Hilal has now been confirmed, in what is a big blow to Al-Nassr’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo boycotted Monday’s Saudi Pro League clash at Al-Riyadh, as a protest over their lack of spending on transfers.

The 40-year-old is not happy that Al-Nassr is not getting as much support as the other clubs controlled by the Saudi Public Investment Fund, PIF.

Ronaldo has reportedly been aggrieved that Al-Hilal have a net spend £180 million higher than that of his own team since the 2022-23 season, when he arrived.

However, Al-Hilal have been allowed to sign Benzema, to boost their title ambitions.

They currently top the table by a single point ahead of Al-Nassr.

They are on course to hoover up a second league title in three years while Ronaldo remains without a major trophy in the Middle East.

Transfer: Ronaldo loses battle to stop Benzema’s move

Ademola Lookman has expressed his excitement after completing a move to La Liga giants, Atletico Madrid, DAILY POST reports.

Lookman’s permanent transfer from Atalanta to the Red and Whites was made official on Monday.

The Nigeria international ended his four-and-a-half year stint with Atalanta to pitch tent with Diego Simeone’s side.

Atletico Madrid beat Turkish Super Lig club, Fenerbahce to his signature.

The 28-year-old penned a contract until June 2030.

Lookman said joining Atletico Madrid is a big blessing for him.

“It’s special to be here, it’s an amazing club. It’s a blessing to be here, like I said, I’m happy to be here,” Lookman told Atletico Madrid’s official website.

“I have played in three of the top leagues before. I’m coming to another top league, to a big country also. A new language as well, is a new challenge for me, but I’m excited about it and looking forward to it.”

Transfer: Lookman delighted to join ‘amazing club’ Atletico Madrid 

Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher has named Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo as the two best midfielders in the Premier League.

Carragher said this while hailing Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as one of the best players in the Premier League.

This comes after Fernandez recently scored the winning goal in Chelsea’s Premier League dramatic 3-2 win over West Ham at the weekend.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “Enzo Fernandez gets the winning goal.

“A lot is spoken about the top midfield players in the Premier League, and we speak about his midfield partners [Moises] Caicedo and [Declan] Rice: who is the best out of the two of them?

“There is no doubt they are two of the best midfielders in the Premier League, but he is right up there with the best players in the Premier League.”

EPL: Carragher names two best midfielders, hails Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez

Barau FC head coach, Eugene Agagbe, has boasted about the team’s recent impressive performance in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The Maliya Boys are currently on a five- game unbeaten run in the NPFL.

Barau FC have moved out of the relegation zone following their recent impressive display in the league.

Agagbe said the team’s focus is now on the remaining fixtures as they continue to push for a stronger finish to the season.

“As I told you before, Barau FC will escape relegation within seven matches. Now we have just two match remaining from what I earlier stated,” Agagbe told Barau FC media.

“Being unbeaten in five matches is not easy. Our management, players, and fans have done well in supporting us at this moment, and I must commend them.”

NPFL: Agagbe reacts as Barau FC’s maintain unbeaten run

Plateau United technical adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote has highlighted the importance of his team’s 2-1 over Remo Stars.

Johnathan Okechukwu and Harrison Ebah netted for Plateau United, while Albert Korvah was on target for Remo Stars.

It was the Jos club’s first away win of the season.

Ogunbote’s side moved out of the relegation zone following that win.

“I’m happy with the victory because the points garnered helped the club move away from the relegation zone,” Ogunbote told Plateau United’s media.

“We have been struggling to get the away win but finally, we managed to do it.

“We were careless in the game, we could not take advantage of the one man advantage. May be it’s due to nervousness but the players were aware of the importance of the win.”

NPFL: Ogunbote reveals importance of Plateau United’s win over Remo Stars