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Football Kenya Federation Premier League sides KCB and Sofapaka have shown interest to sign AFC Leopards defender Robinson Kamura.
 
The two top-tier sides have joined Gor Mahia in the race to secure Kamura's services, who has publicly shown an interest in leaving AFC Leopards due to a bad relationship with head coach Patrick Aussems.

"KCB and Sofapaka are the latest teams to have shown interest in Kamura," a source close to the player has told Goal.

"Although Kamura is yet to decide which team he will sign for, he has shown that he is no longer willing to play for AFC Leopards despite the fact that he signed a contract extension in 2020."
 
"The entry of KCB and Sofapaka means three local clubs have shown an interest to have him in their ranks after Gor Mahia had made their interest known to Kamura before.

"There is still time to make up his mind as many more teams might show interest within the current transfer window."
 
Kamura saw himself go down the pecking order since the Belgian coach was appointed and the captain's armband was also taken away from him and given to Isaac Kipyegon, as Elvis Rupia took the assistant captain's position.
 
KCB, who finished second to Tusker in the just-concluded season, are expected to beef up their squad with fairly experienced players as they hope to remain a competitive side going forward, and Kamura fits the bill. 

After the fourth round of testing in the Bafana Bafana camp on Tuesday, it was not a clean bill of health for the national South African team departing for Zimbabwe, to participate in the Fifa 2022 World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday.

While every precaution was taken to ensure the safety of the team in the ‘bio bubble’ bad news struck on Wednesday morning.

Thibang Phete, who plays for Portuguese club Belenenses SAD, was missing from training, after his PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test came back positive for Covid-19, and was isolated immediately.

Later it was flagged that another positive test returned for Thabiso Kutumela, as the team's results became available throughout the morning. Kutumela was also isolated.

“We have tried our level best to ensure that the national team remains safe while in camp. It is always daunting to try and pin-point as to where and when the infection happened. Every measure is taken to ensure the safety of everyone in the camp,” Team Doctor Tshepo Molobi said in the statement.

Dr. Molobi added that all other tests for players and staff have returned negative results and it will only be Phete and Kutumela who will not be travelling with the team when they depart later on Wednesday.

The next round of Covid-19 tests will be done on arrival in Zimbabwe on Wednesday night.

Transfer Deadline Day was an absolute thriller, as an engrossing window—which threw up some remarkable deals—came to a fitting conclusion.

In this week’s African Football HQ transfer review special show, the AFHQ team review the window as a whole, and pick out some of the biggest and best deals.

You can follow the transfer Deadline Day review show on Goal Africa's Facebook page here.

Of course Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi stole the headlines.

Messi’s Barcelona exit, and his arrival at Paris Saint-Germain, was the big talking point of the window, at least until deadline day, when CR7 decided to call time on his Juventus tenure.

He ultimately completed a fairytale return to Manchester United, who must now surely be eyeing a push for the Premier League title.

The Red Devils’ acquisition of Raphael Varane could also prove decisive as they look to unsettle bitter rivals Manchester City, although could Chelsea’s move for Romelu Lukaku prove to be the best deal of the window?

The Belgium star knows the club well, has a point to prove both to Chelsea and the Premier League, and he’s going to surely guarantee goals at Stamford Bridge this term.

Harry Kane could have guaranteed goals for City, but ultimately, they had to ‘settle’ for Jack Grealish—for an eye-watering £100 million—while the England striker remains at Tottenham Hotspur.

They parted ways with Serge Aurier on Deadline Day—one of a swathe of high-profile departures from the New White Hart Lane this summer—although is yet to commit to a new club.

Various other African stars secured big moves on the final day of the window, with Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho even sealing a move on the day after the deadline passed, when he put pen to paper with Omonia.

Wonderkids Ilaix Moriba, Mo Ihattaren and Aballah Sima all secured moves on Deadline Day, while Cyriel Dessers is another Super Eagle who sealed a late move, when he swapped Genk for Feyenoord.

Andre Frank Zambo-Anguissa again left Fulham, when he agreed a loan deal with Napoli, and the Cameroon powerhouse has the potential to establish himself as one of the finest midfielders in the Italian top flight.

Join the AFHQ team as we discuss all of this, and more.

Ilaix Moriba has explained that RB Leipzig's attacking style helped convince him to join the Bundesliga outfit from Barcelona.

The 18-year-old moved to Leipzig on deadline day in a deal worth an initial €16 million (£13m/$19m), but which could rise to €22m (£19m/$26m) with bonuses.

Moriba was subject to reported interest from Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham but instead opted to continue his career in the Bundesliga.

What was said?

“I’m very happy to be able to join RB Leipzig," Moriba told the club's official website. "It’s a very exciting club, one that has always preferred to play attacking football, which fits perfectly to me. 

"I’m confident that Leipzig is the right place for me to take the next step in my career and continue my development, which is what informed my decision. 

"Now, my full focus is on settling in at the club, within the team and the city in order to be able to play to my best as quickly as possible. We have big goals this season and I can’t wait to take on this challenge at Leipzig.” 

Moriba's time at Barca

Moriba came through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, becoming one of the club's best prospects before making his senior debut last season in January.

He would go on to make 18 total appearances in a breakout campaign, scoring two goals.

But Moriba's time at Barca was cut short after negotiations over a new contract stalled. 

With the Guinea-born midfielder’s deal set to expire next year, Barca opted to cash in on their youth product rather than risk losing him for free next summer.

Further reading

In 2019, Goal visited La Liga's head offices in Madrid. One of the key discussions at the time focused on the project team which runs camps and initiatives in Spain and around the world.

Visiting the IberCup La Liga camps held at St Stithians College allowed Goal to see firsthand how these initiatives come together.

Featuring 160 boys and girls aged between 10-18 years old from across Gauteng, the camps were led by Uefa Pro Licensed coaches Tony Alvarez and Luis Martinez.

Martinez and Alvarez have worked in youth football, with Martinez (26) working at Leganes. Alvarez (38) has served as R.D Mallorca’s Under 19 Head Coach in addition to serving as a coach for La Liga initiatives in England, Nigeria, Thailand, China, and Indonesia.

Both coaches, who grew up as Real Madrid supporters, were "very impressed" with the South African talent at the camps.

Alvarez said: "We saw some great talent. First of all, about the passion for the game and for the clinic and well, it's difficult for us to take big conclusions in only five days, but we see it, some kids with great football skills, technical skills, technical knowledge, and good decision making, which is something that we weren’t expecting to find."

When asked about the challenges, Alvarez admitted that it was a bit overwhelming to coach 160 children, and yet they all made it work because of their enthusiasm.

"Normally you can find is a lack of motivation in the kids, this is not a challenge here because they are so motivated, and there is a lot of hope to improve and to be better in this sport," Alvarez added.

Like many other coaches worldwide, both Martinez and Alvarez played football. Alvarez quit playing after an injury.

"I had a serious injury of my knee, some surgeries after that. And then it wasn't the same. So since I love the sport, I like it to be my life," Alvarez continued.

"I started to do my coaching and licenses and started from the bottom and coaching kids. And since I like it, well, passion is the most powerful motivation that you can find."

Martinez, though, had a different story.

"Football is hard at the same time you're growing up. You find more difficulties and less time to practice and you less time to dedicate to it," Martinez said.

"So you keep that passion, then you are able to become a coach. So you have a different perspective of the sport. And then when I'm done, eh, I started coaching when I was 15 years just for like a hobby to earn some money when you are younger.

"Then  I liked it, liking it is the most important thing. I also see that the players, that I've been coaching also like how I coach. So I say, okay, why not?

"I want to dedicate my life to bring my knowledge to every kid I am able to. I started working then more professionally. I stayed in some clubs. And then I started working with La Liga here and I'm hoping to go for more clinics like this also in South Africa because I'm really glad to be here because of the warmth of the people, they are looking after us since the day we arrive here."

To understand where the coaches come from, the conversation moved to football style.

Martinez credits his teammates for giving him the 'Beckenbauer' title. ‘Since our defender or defensive my teammates used to call me Beckenbauer. I like to play like, I'm an offensive player, but I play a defender," he added.

An amused Alvarez prefers the Spanish style: "We like it personally. I like it. I associate play with some vertical. And some changes in the attack movements. We're very proud of the style we established a few years back with this generation with Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa. And now we are shaping it to the new times."

As Goal had learned in a meeting with the La Liga Project team in 2019, Spanish football requires some qualification that facilitates teaching in a speciality as well as a Uefa Pro License. La Liga itself has no one that has less than a masters degree in their project team.

Alvarez has a degree in sports science, another in physical education and teaching, along with a certification in Higher Education in football management and coaching, a masters in education, training and development, and his Uefa A, B and Pro Licences.  

Martinez has a degree in science and physical education and a masters in direction of football in addition to his Uefa A, B and Pro licenses.

"I think now the academic background is important. Maybe10 years ago there was not too much focus on academic background,"  Martinez claimed.

"The experience as a player is like an oath, but now it's taking importance. So academia is about the university and also about the specific relationships we have with La Liga and the Federation is very cool."

The camps, which ran for a week covered tactical, technical, physical, and psychological aspects of being a top professional footballer, and the Iber Cup in South Africa has been six years in the making.

After taking part in a tournament in Spain, Michael Bender the CEO of the Iber Cup found that "the way the Spanish football adopted evaluated methodology system was how we believed we needed to bring and get out boys to start adopting in South Africa."

"We have kids coming from all over the townships in South Africa, and we are due to now move the cup and the La Liga camps to Cape town in November, and then moving to Durban," La Liga’s Marcos Pelegrin said.

"This is only the start and we will expand the project to reach all corners of the country to identify talent and give players and coaches the opportunity to participate in international football projects.

"We are confident that with the inclusion of Safa, Gauteng Provincial Government Sports, Arts & Culture and Special Olympics, we will deliver sustainable international football projects which will assist in developing our youth through football for the next five years. Giving children hope and dignity. That is the biggest priority.”

“For La Liga, of course, our objective is to grow the Spanish league on the African continent and to grow the fan base of lovers of LaLiga. But equally importantly, it is to roll up our sleeves and tangibly and constructively contribute to the growth and development of football in this region.

"These La Liga Camps are another important step in sharing LaLiga’s knowledge and expertise for the benefit and development of South African football.

"The camps have helped teach youngsters the philosophy of Spanish football, while also sharing the sport’s intrinsic values that will lead them to become better footballers and better people as well."

Senegal host Togo in their first World Cup qualifier as the Teranga Lions look to start their campaign with a win.

The West African heavyweights head into the qualifying series as one of Africa’s strongest sides, having reached the final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

They’re also aiming to qualify for back-to-back World Cups for the first time.

In 2002, they became only the second African country to reach the quarter-finals—and the first since Cameroon in 1990—when they defeated Sweden in the Round of 16.

That marvellous generation, containing the likes of El Hadji Diouf, Salif Diao, Tony Sylva and the late Papa Bouba Diop, defeated reigning world champions France in the tournament opener, a result which remains one of the World Cup’s most shocking moments.

However, Senegal were subsequently made to wait for their second World Cup appearance, as they failed to qualify for either the 2006 or 2010 events.

This was a bitter disappointment for the country’s golden generation, as they departed the scene one by one, without ever truly building on that glorious summer in Korea and Japan in 2002.

However, the arrival of Sadio Mane prompted an upturn in fortunes.

The Teranga Lions were unfortunate to fall in the quarter-finals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations—on penalties—but did reach the 2018 World Cup by eclipsing Burkina Faso, Cape Verde and South Africa in qualification.

Their group in Russia was favourable, and they defeated Poland in their opener to take one step towards the knockout stages.

However, in their second fixture, they twice let a lead slip to draw 2-2 with Japan, and a 1-0 defeat by Colombia in Samara in their final group game ultimately cost them a place in the knockouts, as they were pipped by the Blue Samurai on the Fair Play ruling.

Now, and in light of their near miss at the 2019 Nations Cup, they’re battling to return to the world’s grandest stage once again.

A group containing Togo, Namibia and the Republic of Congo shouldn’t pose too many problems for the Teranga Lions, particularly considering they won’t be affected by the UK ban on Premier League players travelling to Africa.

Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane, Ismaila Sarr of Watford, Cheikhou Kouyate of Crystal Palace and Leicester City’s Nampalys Mendy are just some of the players who will be present for the Lions during this international break.

Eintracht Frankfurt have accused Lazio of forgetting the letter 'K' in their transfer offer for Filip Kostic, while also denying sending a fake email address during negotiations between the two clubs.

Goal reported back in June that Lazio had joined Inter and Roma in the race to sign Kostic, who had been made available for a permanent transfer at a price of €25 million (£21m/$30m).

Lazio continued pushing for the Serbia international's signature right up until the August 31 deadline, but it has been reported that their final bid was never received by Eintracht.

What's the situation?

It has been suggested that the Bundesliga outfit gave Lazio a false address to make sure that the deal couldn't go ahead, but Goal can now can confirm that a language-based error led to the collapse of the proposed transfer.

Eintracht have rubbished the reports circulating in the media while claiming that Lazio forgot to include the letter 'K' in their written proposal, leaving them unable to officially accept.

When Lazio originally emailed their offer last week, it was sent to eintrachtfranfurt.de instead of eintrachtfrankfurt.de

However, the letter 'K' in question does not exist in the Italian alphabet, and Lazio sent another mail explaining that they were having problems drawing up the correct offer only for the transfer window to close before a compromise could be reached amid reports the Serie A side were not ready to meet the asking price for Kostic.

Lazio chief Tare addresses the failed move

Lazio sporting director has Igli Tare has confirmed that Kostic was a target for the club, but he is now eager to put the whole saga behind him.

Asked how he reacted to the breakdown in negotiations, the Stadio Olimpico chief told Goal: "I don't want to say anything about that. There is no point in talking about it anymore. We would have liked to sign Filip Kostic."

Pressed on whether Lazio will return for Kostic when the winter market opens, Tare added: "I don't think so."

Where does this leave Kostic?

Kostic risked the wrath of Eintracht officials by going on strike last week in order to try and force a transfer, but Goal has learned that he has already been forgiven by his team-mates and head coach Oliver Glasner. 

The 28-year-old still has two years remaining on his current contract at Deutsche Bank Park, and supporters will hope that a man who has recorded 26 goals and 48 assists in 129 appearances for the club to date can refocus on his duties in Frankfurt and help the team enjoy a successful 2021-22 campaign.

Further reading

Granit Xhaka says he was "brutally surprised" when he was sent off in the first half of Arsenal's defeat to Manchester City.

Xhaka was shown red for a two-footed challenge on Joao Cancelo 10 minutes before half-time while his side were trailing 2-0.

The midfielder was heavily criticised for the challenge, which saw a bad period for his team get even worse as City went on to score again minutes later and struck twice in the second half to win 5-0.

What has been said?

But Xhaka insists he should not have been sent off for the tackle, insisting English football is famous for harsh tackles.

"After such a false start, you get criticised. That is normal and part of it. Every player has to accept that," he said to Swiss news agency Keystone-SDA.

"Regarding the red card: brutally surprising! In connection with the Premier League, people often speak about English toughness.

"I got the ball 100 per cent and got a red card. The pictures were not checked by the VAR. I've seen tougher tackles that weren't even rated as fouls.

"Do I get prejudged? I don't know - I don't even want to judge that. I won't let myself be driven crazy about it. I can't undo anything anyway. All I can do is look ahead."

Xhaka happy at Arsenal despite rough start

Xhaka looked set to leave the Gunners during the summer, but instead signed a contract extension with the club, which was announced by owner Stan Kroenke in August.

The 28-year-old says he is happy to stay in north London despite reports he was close to joining Roma during the transfer window. 

"I returned to the club from vacation in excellent shape. The renewal of the contract gave me another push," he said.

"I consider myself happy with it - besides, I am healthy, which is the most important thing in the end."

What next for Arsenal?

Mikel Arteta's team are bottom of the table with three defeats.

After the international fixtures, Arsenal will hope to pick up their first Premier League points of the season when they host Norwich on September 11.

A week later they will visit Burnley.

Further reading

Harambee Stars coach Jacob ‘Ghost’ Mulee has reiterated his stance his main desire is to make sure Kenya qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup to be held in Qatar.

When the 53-year-old tactician took the mantle of handling the team from fired Francis Kimanzi on October 21, 2020, he categorically stated that his main task is to help the country to reach their first-ever World Cup.

And on Wednesday, after taking the team through their last training session ahead of their first group match, Mulee maintained nothing has changed from what he said during his unveiling, maintaining his burning desire is to see Kenya in Qatar in 2022.

Kenya have been drawn in Group E of the qualifiers and they will open their campaign with a home game against neighbours Uganda on Thursday before they travel to tackle Rwanda in Kigali on September 5.

What did Mulee say?

“I think God gave me this job with a purpose and I am also here with a purpose, I have been with this team to Africa Cup of Nations before, and I also have that huge desire to reach Qatar, so I will do all I can to make sure, I succeed with this team and we play in Qatar,” Mulee told Goal at Nyayo Stadium.

“I know it will not be an easy task, looking at the group we are pooled in but if God will give us passage past the group stage [maybe by topping the group], because that is our desire and target [to top the group], then we will get ready for the knockout stage where only ten teams will remain from Africa.”

On whether he is feeling pressure heading into the ‘Migingo derby, Mulee said: “It is a huge responsibility for sure handling the national team, 50million Kenyans behind your back and we know what is ahead of us, we respect Uganda a lot and we know head to head they have an advantage over Kenya.

“But that is history for now, and tomorrow [Thursday] we will also have an opportunity for us to start rewriting our own history and we will do everything possible to make sure we get a good result and if we start by getting a win, then it will give us a head start.”

Mulee continued: “It is an opening game and we are all fighting to qualify and we have the hunger to reach Qatar and our opponents have always been on top of Kenya for a long time but it will be a new dawn for us and we will strive to bag three points.

“We must make sure we make good use of playing the first match at home because if you win your home matches, it gives you a good start and puts you in a good position to qualify and also the advantage to do well because after Uganda we end to Rwanda.”

Mulee reveals Covid-19 challenges

On whether Covid-19 pandemic has affected any of his plans for the Cranes game, Mulee explained: “Yes, Covid-19 has affected us, for example when I plan my team you are not sure if they will end up playing the way you want because when the results come, and you find some players are positive, then you have to start from point zero to make up your squad.

“We went to Togo and missed some players because of Covid-19 during the Afcon qualifiers and it also happened when we played against Comoros, but when the players came back home and were tested, they were negative, so it is shocking sometimes to see the results we get.

“It also gives us coaches difficult times, because you are not sure if the squad you have planned to use for a match will be available on matchday, it gives us tough times to plan but I also think not Kenya alone, other nations maybe are also having the same problems like us and we don’t have anything to stop it.”

Kenya’s other opponents in the group’s qualifier are Mali, who will play Rwanda in their opener at Stade Adrar Stadium on Wednesday.

Further reading 

Eden Hazard is determined to prove his worth to Real Madrid as he hit back at claims that he is always injured.

The Belgium star has been plagued by injuries since he arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Chelsea in a €100 million deal (£88m/$112m) in the summer of 2019.

Due to his lack of playing time and Madrid's desire to sign Kylian Mbappe, Hazard was deemed a sellable asset by the Spanish giants in the summer transfer window and was linked to Juventus as a possible replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

What has been said?

Hazard has stayed put, however, and hopes to live up to the expectation in Madrid.

"I signed with Real Madrid for five seasons. The first two have not been good, the injuries have not helped me, but I still have three more to prove my worth," he said to HLN.

"I hope it works, I hope to get up one morning and feel great on the training ground. If I feel pain there, I drag it to the games and I will continue to have it. I am waiting for that moment when I can show my worth again.

"Real Madrid have already spent a lot of money on me. I want to give something back to them."

Hazard's battle with injury

The 30-year-old has gained a reputation as a player who is constantly injured because of his repeated issues at Madrid.

He has been limited to just 46 appearances in all competitions since his arrival in 2019, featuring just 14 times in La Liga last season.

But he pointed out that the fitness problems are a new phenomenon for him, as he had barely missed a game in his seven years at Chelsea.

"People think that I am always injured. That is the truth. But if you review my career there is not a player who, for a period of 10 years, has played as many games as I have," he said.

"I do what I have to do. I work daily with the physio. That's what I do. Since the beginning of the season we have done a great job with the physical trainer.

"At the moment it is going well, I am feeling better, but I am not completely 100% still. I hope we continue like this."

He added: "Sometimes it has been difficult to be injured. You want to play and you are in the club trying, but you still have that pain. Those are the worst moments.

"Sometimes it is difficult to understand, you do everything you need to do and not even that helps... so suddenly you don't want to do anything else."

Further reading

Chelsea have been charged by the Football Association (FA) for the conduct of their players during the 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Saturday.

The charge relates to the way the Blues players reacted after Reece James was shown a red card late in the first half of the Premier League match at Anfield.

James was sent off for a handball on Chelsea's goal line and Liverpool were awarded a penalty after a VAR check.

What has been said?

The home side were upset about the decision to send the defender off and protested to referee Anthony Taylor after the red card and after the half-time whistle went.

Their reaction crossed the line, according to English football's governing body and the club may be sanctioned over the incident.

A statement from the FA read: "Chelsea FC has been charged with two breaches of FA Rule E20.1 following their Premier League fixture against Liverpool FC on Saturday [28/08/21].

"It is alleged that Chelsea FC failed to ensure its players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion during the 48th minute of the first half and following the half-time whistle.

"Chelsea FC has until Friday [03/09/21] to provide a response to this charge."

What happened?

James seemed to block Sadio Mane's shot from close range with his leg but then touched the ball with his arm, prompting referee Taylor to award a penalty, which was subsequently scored by Mohamed Salah.

The referee did not take long to look at the incident when he checked the monitor beside the pitch and immediately sent James off.

But Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel believes the official should have watched the full video instead of just looking at one frame.

"The red card - I'm not even sure anymore if it's the rules or not the rules," he said.

"You have to accept the decision. He maybe would have changed his mind with moving pictures."

Further reading

Kolkata giants ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal have abstained from participating in the 2021/22 season of the Calcutta Football League (CFL). As expected, Bagan did not turn up for their CFL opener against George Telegraph on Sunday at the Kalyani Stadium in West Bengal. 

The opposition waited for the Mariners to turn up for 15 minutes as per the regulations but even after the stipulated time when Bagan did not turn up, it was treated as a walkover and three points was awarded to George Telegraph. 

It is unlikely that both East Bengal and Bagan will play a single match in the competition. However, IFA (Indian Football Association) secretary Joydeep Mukherjee has stated that the league will continue as scheduled and no other alteration will be made. 

What did Joydeep Mukherjee say?

"The league will continue as it is. The 12 other clubs have agreed that they will continue to play in the competition. If East Bengal and Mohun Bagan want to join midway then they can as their fixtures are already chalked out. Otherwise, it will be treated as walkovers," he confirmed to Goal. 

Will East Bengal and Mohun Bagan be relegated from CFL's Premier Division?

IFA had formulated a shorter version of the CFL due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, it was decided that there will be no relegation for this edition of the competition.

"All the 14 clubs had previously decided that there will be no relegation. Hence the neither Mohun Bagan nor East Bengal will be relegated. However, both the clubs have mentioned that they do not have youth teams and a reserve team. I do not understand how this works. Nevertheless, it seems to me that the club officials want to play but other stakeholders of the club are not willing to participate," Mukherjee stated. 

The IFA might sanction some kind of punishment on both the clubs for non-participation. 

"The matter will be taken up for discussion in the Governing Body meeting which is slated to take place on September 2. We will also form the various IFA committees in that meeting and the matter might be sent to the respective committee as well to decide on the quantum of punishment," the administrator said. 

Ex-Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has joined Lyon on a free transfer.

Boateng had been without a club since leaving Bayern at the end of his final contract on June 30, with the German champions having ultimately decided against tying him down to fresh terms.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs in the subsequent months, and a potential return to the Premier League was also mooted for the centre-back, but Lyon have ultimately won the race for his signature.

What's been said?

The Ligue 1 outfit have confirmed Boateng's arrival in an official statement, which reads: "Olympique Lyonnais is very happy to announce the arrival of German international defender Jerome Boateng. 

"Free from any contract since July 1 after 10 years with Bayern Munich, the 2014 World champion and two-time Champions League winner has signed up with OL for the next two seasons, i.e. until June 30. 2023."

More to folllow.

Harry Maguire says Cristiano Ronaldo is the “greatest player” in football history and expects him to have a “huge impact” at Manchester United.

The 36-year-old returned to Old Trafford in a £20 million ($27m) move from Juventus, signing a two-year contract with an option for a third.

The Red Devils jumped into action to sign him when it appeared he was close to joining Premier League champions Manchester City instead and Maguire is delighted to welcome him back to the team.

What has been said?

The United captain hopes to learn from the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and expects his presence to lift the team.

"Yeah, of course, it's amazing," Maguire said at a press conference ahead of England's World Cup qualifying match against Hungary.

“Obviously, I'm away with England at the moment so my focus is on the game tomorrow but for him to sign back for the club and, for me, he is the greatest player to play the game.

“It's amazing to have him at the club and I'm sure he's gonna have a huge impact on and off the field, and many players can look and learn and improve, and then, obviously, it's going to improve our team as well with his goalscoring record, so it's amazing to have him in the club and I'm looking forward to meeting him in a few days."

When will Ronaldo play for United?

The former Real Madrid and Juventus star can make his first appearance for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's team on September 11 when they host Newcastle. 

Ronaldo, who helped fire the club to three consecutive Premier League titles and Champions League success in his first spell at the club, said on Wednesday that he hopes to help bring success back to the English club. 

He said: "It’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things."

But first the attacker will try to make history with Portugal as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign with a game against Republic of Ireland on Wednesday.

If Ronaldo scores, he will become the leading men's international goalscorer of all time, breaking the record of 109 first set by Iran great Ali Daei.

Further reading

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that Sir Alex Ferguson played a key role in his return to Manchester United while describing his old mentor as "an unbelievable person".

Ronaldo inspired United to three Premier League titles and the Champions League in his first spell at the club between 2003 and 2009 under Ferguson, scoring 118 goals in 292 games.

The Portuguese went on to enjoy even greater success at Real Madrid before joining Juventus in 2018, and after three years in Turin he has decided to head back to Old Trafford, with his former manager giving him a slight nudge in the Red Devils' direction.

What's been said?

Ronaldo has opened up on his relationship with Ferguson, revealing that they have kept in regular contact throughout the last decade.

“As everybody knows, since I signed for Manchester [United] at 18, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key," the 36-year-old told MUTV . "I remember when we played against Manchester when I was at Sporting Lisbon.

"For me, Sir Alex Ferguson is like a father in football for me. He helped me a lot, he taught me many things, and in my opinion, of course, he had a big role because of the relationship that we had, we keep in touch all the time, and he’s an unbelievable person.

"I really like him a lot and he was the main key for me to be in the position that I am, that I signed for Manchester United.”

Ronaldo on Solskjaer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the man who will be coaching Ronaldo in Manchester this time around, and the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is looking forward to working with his ex-team-mate again as they bid to usher in a new era of success at the club.

Asked if he has had a chance to speak to Solskjaer yet, the Portugal international replied: “Well, we had a chat, but of course I’m going to have time to speak with him face to face, to know what he expects. As you know, I played with him for two or three years at Manchester United so I have a good relationship with him but now with a different role, I’m a player and he’s a coach.

"But it doesn’t matter, my relationship with him is great and as I say before, I’m there in Manchester to help the team achieve his results and the coach can count on me for whatever he wants. So I’m available for everything.”

Ronaldo ready to open a new chapter

Ronaldo went on to insist that now was the right time for him to cut short his stint with Juventus and retrace his steps, with the veteran striker now eager to deliver more silverware to an expectant fanbase at the Theatre of Dreams.

“I think it’s the best decision now that I have made it. It’s right on point in my opinion," he added. "I moved from Juve now to Manchester, it’s a new chapter, I’m so happy and glad, and I want to carry on again, to make history, to try to help Manchester achieve great results, to win trophies and number one of them, to win great things.

"I have a fantastic history with this amazing club. I was there at 18 years old and of course, I’m so happy to be back home after 12 years. So I’m really glad and looking forward to start my first game."

Further reading

Al Ahly striker Percy Tau has revealed the moments he misses as Bafana Bafana prepare to face Zimbabwe and Ghana in their 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

The former Brighton striker was recently appointed as Bafana Bafana assistant captain and has stated he misses those moments when he is out representing the country. Bafana Bafana will take on Zimbabwe on September 2 before facing the Black Stars three days later.

"I am happy everything is going my way. It is like playing a game for 90 minutes, getting your minutes, scoring or getting an assist, helping the team not lose and keeping that feeling. I miss that feeling," Tau said during an interview with Bafana Bafana media officer Romy Titus.

"It is always an honour to represent South Africa and then we always give our best even though sometimes we do not get the results that we deserve. If you look at Afcon, for example, in the last game we did not get the result. From the first game, we did extremely well, but we did not get results in the last one to qualify.

"We try to give our best but sometimes results do not go our way, but we are always optimistic and I believe the younger group from Cosafa can come and get the experience. 

"They have got room to learn."

Acknowledging how difficult the two World Cup qualifying rivals are, Tau explained the role of fans and how they can help them in the course.

"Zimbabwe and Ghana are difficult opponents, but we are confident. The fans should get behind us and give us all the support they can, but South Africa is a footballing nation and understands that things sometimes do not go our way. Every day we take our time and are proud to represent the country," added the former Mamelodi Sundowns star.

"So, let them be there to support us and, yes, we want to get it right and we will do our best again."

Tau also stated he is happy, especially with the recent move that saw him leave the Premier League to sign for Al Ahly, which is under veteran South African coach Pitso Mosimane.

"When a player moves, people speak about it and that was the case with me too. I am extremely happy with everything [re-uniting with Pitso and the national team call-up]," he concluded.

"I am happy to be part of the team looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers and, of course, we hope to do better than the last time I was there in the qualifiers. It is the first time I am meeting the coach and the new team. It is an exciting time for everyone.

"I am also happy with Al Ahly and I feel good about myself and I am in a good place."