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Ebere Orji has expressed her delight following her fine scoring start for Linkopings after a 3-0 victory over Vaxjo in their Damallsvenskan opening match of the season on Sunday.

The 27-year-old made an impactful Damallsvenskan debut for Olof Unogard's team since arriving from Umea in February and scored a brace to hand her side a winning start this term.

Before the tie, she featured in the triumphs over Eskilstuna United and Orebro and went on to open the scoring in the 14th minute.

The Nigeria international further created a penalty from the spot which was converted by Frida Maanum in the 24th minute before she sealed the victory in the 32nd minute at Linkoping Arena.

Despite being taken off in the 81st minute, she won the Player of the Match as a reward for her fantastic contributions in the victory and is pledging to keep up her good showing in front of goal.

"I appreciate God for the victory and my contributions against Vaxjo," Orji told Goal. 

"As a team, we really performed well and worked hard to get our goals early in the match. It was a team effort and I'm glad to see that we started the season very well.

"I played a very important role in the victory as a striker and I actually did my best to make sure we won the game. I am happy at the club and also felt welcomed and special as well.

"I'm grateful for the [Player of the Match] award and it made me feel proud of my contributions in the match. I give God all the glory for that and also my teammates for the support.

"We are in good shape as a team and I'm very keen to keep giving my best and also hungry to deliver more goals to help the team go far this season.

"To the fans, they should expect more good results and goals from me this season."

The win puts Linkopings in the second position on the Damallsvenskan log with three points and she will hope to continue with her fine form against Vittsjö GIK in Hässleholm on July 5.

Yanga SC head coach Luc Eymael is crossing his fingers hoping star striker David Molinga will be fit for their next game against Biashara United.

The Congolese hitman has been in fine form for the Jangwani based side in the last three games where he has managed to score as many goals. However, the striker was injured in the FA Cup's 2-1 quarter-final win over Kagera Sugar on Tuesday, June 30.

"It is not a serious injury as we had initially thought considering the way he came out of the game [against Kagera]," Eymael told Goal on Thursday.

"I spoke with the team's physiotherapist and he told me it is not that bad but will carry several tests on the player. I hope it is not bad and will not put him out for long.

"We will have a clear picture by the end of the day [Thursday]."

The striker revealed his displeasure from mockery by the fans and stated in an earlier interview that he will be leaving after the current campaign expires.

The Congolese striker has been under immense pressure from the fans who feel he is struggling to lead Wananchi's attacking front.

"I am leaving after the completion of the current campaign, [Yanga] can sign better strikers than me," Molinga said as quoted by Mwanaspoti.

"The fans should also stop shouting to players and giving abusive remarks as they did against me.

"The goals I scored against Namungo were enough to silence those fans who have been mocking me. I was amazed to see them asking for forgiveness from me.

"However, I want to state that I have no problem with them and I have unconditionally forgiven them. But the words they uttered hurt me, they wronged me."

The forward went on to state he has not been given enough time to prove his worth.

"I needed to play consistently, and by doing so I would score 15 or more goals," Molinga continued.

"Others have been given more playing time but they have not matched me in terms of goals. Now imagine, if I was given let us say five matches in a row, how many goals would I have?"

Roberto Firmino would be “the perfect striker” for Manchester United, says Eric Djemba-Djemba, but the Red Devils have been told they will “never get him” and should be favouring a move for the likes of Tottenham frontman Harry Kane over a raid on Aston Villa for Jack Grealish.

Plenty of supposed transfer targets are being mooted for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of the next window.

With United rediscovering their spark in 2020, the expectation is that more funds will be invested in a bid to recapture former glories.

It could be that there is movement from back to front, with all areas of an already star-studded squad set to be assessed.

Djemba-Djemba hopes that the addition of a proven striker will become a top priority for United, with there plenty of useful options on the books of Premier League rivals that could make telling contributions at Old Trafford.

The former Red Devils midfielder told BettingApps.com: “I would love to see one more tinker in the [Ruud] van Nistelrooy mould come in.

“Someone who can score the goals, who can bring everyone into the play and someone who knows the league.

“Unfortunately I think the perfect striker for United is at Liverpool. Roberto Firmino would be the perfect striker for United, but they will never get him.

“If United were willing to spend so much on [Anthony] Martial, they should definitely go and spend £100m on Harry Kane. He would be worth it.”

Djemba-Djemba would also like to see a raid launched on Serie A giants Napoli for a centre-half that is generating plenty of speculation when it comes to a Premier League move.

The ex-Cameroon international added: “I would love to see [Kalidou] Koulibaly come into the defence, I think he would make a really big impact on the team.”

While calling for the back four and attacking unit at the Theatre of Dreams to be strengthened, Djemba-Djemba is not convinced that United need to be splashing out on Villa playmaker Grealish as they already have enough quality options in the middle of the park.

He said: “I think that [Bruno] Fernandes and [Paul] Pogba are both a lot better than him, so he would be joining as a substitute.

“He would struggle to start over [Marcus] Rashford, Martial or [Mason] Greenwood as well, but he would definitely be a good signing.

Former Borussia Dortmund youth coach Benjamin Hoffmann has stated Youssoufa Moukoko has what it takes to keep up physically with the first team.

The 15-year old who holds a Cameroonian and German passport and is dubbed ‘New Eto’o’ in reference to the goalscoring prowess of Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, has done so likewise with BVB at youth level with more than 150 goals to his name including 34 strikes in 20 games for the Under-19s last season.

His consistency put pressure on Dortmund to get him into the first team but age limits restrictions did not allow. However, with the DFB lowering the age to make a senior debut from 17 to 16, Moukoko is set as he turns 16 in November this year.

He is expected to start training with the first team from July.

“I think he can keep up physically and football-wise there,” Hoffman told Goal and SPOX.

“Despite his footballing qualities, he has developed extremely personally under Sebastian Geppert over the past two years and has matured significantly.”

Sports director Michael Zorc is keen to integrate Moukoko into the first team, which keeps up the tradition of raising exceptional talent from their academy that has raised the likes of Marco Reus, Mats Hummels, Mario Gotze, Christian Pulisic, among others.

"The coach and I talked…about the fact that we want to integrate him [Moukoko] into our team, that he immediately learns to train and play with adults," Zorc said in a press briefing prior of Dortmund’s final Bundesliga game of the season at home to Hoffenheim.

“We are very interested in involving the boys from the youth area with us. Of course, we know that we want to be at the top of the Bundesliga, that we want to play a good role in the Champions League. That means it's a big leap from the U19 [division] to the Bundesliga.

“Introducing young players from their own youth to the professional squad will always remain our focus, that's what Borussia Dortmund stands for.”

Dortmund finished the Bundesliga season in second place, 13 points behind eventual champions Bayern Munich, three ahead of RB Leipzig and four ahead of Borussia Monchengladbach to make up the Champions League places for next season.

The unique competition between the Champions League last eight in August is likely to produce a surprise winner, according to Abel Xavier.

Former Portugal international Xavier is thrilled the country's capital city of Lisbon will host one-off matches from the quarter-final stage onwards as the competition ends with a mini-tournament.

Atalanta and RB Leipzig are among the teams already to have secured their place in the last eight, along with Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid.

Lyon and Napoli are hoping to upset Juventus and Barcelona respectively when the last-16 stage is concluded, while Bayern Munich and Manchester City – who lead their own ties – are rated as favourites to win the competition.

But Xavier feels the unique format and environment could benefit the sides who are not used to playing in the final stages.

"Yes, I think from my analysis of what I've seen with surprising results that have been happening in the [domestic] leagues, there is an extra buzz with the top teams because of the fans," Xavier said to Stats Perform News.

"There is a moment where fans give a buzz to the top teams. I think there is going to be a surprise in this last stage. There are teams who are in the group and they can surprise because the teams are more exposed. 

"The teams who aren't used to being in this stage, they are more strong mentally because they play more freely, they play more open and the gap [in quality] will reduce, making games more competitive.

"For that reason, I honestly believe that it is going to be difficult and there will be a surprise in the end."

Xavier hopes the Champions League conclusion will be a fitting reward for those who have worked hardest during the coronavirus pandemic.

The former Liverpool defender added: "It's a completely different environment because of the pandemic situation and everybody readjusts. There is sporting reasons and also economic reasons.

"When you're looking at the leagues and what options they have to play and finish the leagues, there are a few countries that have decided to not continue playing, repeating the health issues.

"They for me are the priority - before football comes health. Of course, everyone must be protected and safe. 

"Portugal is one of the countries that has managed the crisis very well. I think when you look at the impact, now things are becoming better, I think it's a safe place [to play football]. 

"For that reason, I believe that the opportunity to receive the eight best teams and play this kind of format in Lisbon is also a way to appreciate and say thanks for all those who made these events possible. 

"We are talking about people who work in health, hospitals because we are talking about health matters. If you are not safe you cannot have football either. 

"For that reason, I think Portugal, if things keep going the same way [with Covid-19], the teams will come here and it's going to be a great competition in a positive way.

"It's also going to attract a very positive image in Portugal because when you look back, Portugal was able to organise the big events in the best way possible. 

"For that reason, I think the final stages will be possible and I hope we can have a percentage of the public in the stadium, that would also be an upgrade if things stay like this with safety."

Barcelona cannot afford to “depend on Lionel Messi’s magic all the time”, admits Rivaldo, with it becoming increasingly apparent that Antoine Griezmann has been written off as a “bad signing”.

The Blaugrana worked hard to bolster their attacking ranks in the summer of 2019, with a long-running transfer saga bringing the World Cup winner into their squad from domestic rivals Atletico Madrid.

France international Griezmann was expected to star alongside Messi and Luis Suarez, with a prominent role being filled that Brazilian star Neymar once thrived in.

Barca have been trying to bring the South American superstar back onto their books, but turned to alternative options after being frustrated in their bids to do business with Paris Saint-Germain.

Griezmann appeared to be a shrewd addition when arriving in Catalunya, but questions have been asked of his form and working relationship with Messi and co throughout 2019-20.

He now finds himself on the bench, with Quique Setien waiting until the 90th minute to introduce him in a 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid that could prove costly in a title scrap with Clasico foes Real Madrid.

Rivaldo is puzzled as to why a proven performer, who is only 29 years of age, is already being phased out, with Griezmann having contributed 14 goals to the collective cause across what has been a testing campaign.

The Blaugrana legend told Betfair: “Barcelona cannot depend on Lionel Messi's magic all the time. He reached his 700th goal with Barcelona which is absolutely astonishing and only proves how fantastic he is as a player, always delighting his fans - but he can't carry the team.

“Playing behind closed doors harmed Barcelona against Atleti as the visitor didn't face a hostile environment at Camp Nou, but that's not an excuse for Barca's disappointing performances since the return after the lockdown.

“The lack of creativity and unpredictability in attack also comes from a lack of options on the bench for Quique Setien. I can't see a player on the Barca bench entering the game and deciding a match like the one against Atleti.

“Furthermore, if you want to change anything you can't wait for the end of the game and expect that Antoine Griezmann will solve anything by coming on in the 90th minute.

“I can't understand why a world champion for France, former Atletico Madrid star for years and multi-million euro signing from Barcelona can only come on in the final minutes of such an important game as the one against Atleti.

“That shows me that something is not good in the team, because if you don't put Griezmann in a game of such importance you are assuming that he is not at his best and might have been a bad signing. It's a bit concerning, the situation at Barcelona right now, and they could end up losing La Liga.”

Stalemate against Atletico has left Barca stuck in second spot, a point behind Real with Madrid set to play their game in hand when welcoming Getafe to Santiago Bernabeu on Thursday.

Achraf Hakimi has officially moved from Real Madrid to Inter, with reports suggesting the Milanese club have spent around €40 million (£36m/$45m) to secure the services of the youngster until 2025.

It is also said that Madrid have included a buy-back clause in the wing-back's five-year deal.

A statement on Los Blancos' official website reads: "Real Madrid CF and Inter Milan have agreed to transfer Achraf Hakimi. The club wants to thank Achraf for all these years of dedication, professionalism and exemplary behaviour since he came to our academy in 2006 and wishes him good luck in his new phase."

Hakimi had been widely expected to return to Santiago Bernabeu after two stellar seasons at Borussia Dortmund, the 21-year-old announcing himself on the Champions League stage in style with important goals and assists.

Indeed, the player's agent, Alejandro Camano, had said his client was bound for the Spanish capital once his loan deal had been completed, but it seems the prospect of battling Dani Carvajal for a starting spot after being a regular starter at Signal Iduna Park forced the player to consider his options.

In linking up with Antonio Conte's Inter, the youngster is likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet, with Antonio Candreva entering the twilight of his career and Victor Moses only on loan from Chelsea.

In Conte's preferred system, Hakimi would likely line up on the right-hand side of a midfield five in a 3-5-2 formation, operating in his natural right-wing-back role.

Hakimi is a full international for the Morocco national team despite being born in Madrid, already has 28 caps to his name and has scored two goals along the way.

Former Morocco international Houssine Kharja, who also played for Inter before hanging up his boots, claims that his old club have been monitoring Hakimi's development for over two years, with  Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio allegedly asking for his opinion.

“Ausilio has been following him for a long time,” Kharja told Gianluca Di Marzio . “Two and a half years ago, when he was still at Real Madrid and was not playing, he started asking me about him several times. Inter is a major club, and Conte's tactics will be perfect for him.

“He is very strong, in all the years of the national team I have never seen anyone like him. He is very intelligent, he will be able to adapt to Italian football. 

“He may struggle in the defensive phase, perhaps at the beginning, but he will certainly be helped. After all, even Maicon had some difficulties, then he won the treble. Hakimi is ready and will improve. 

“Playing in a stadium like San Siro will be an extra stimulus: he's not afraid of anything, like me. He played in Madrid and Dortmund, also winning a Champions League. The [Giuseppe] Meazza can only charge him up.”

Everton have completed the signing of France Under-19 left-back Niels Nkounkou on a free transfer from Marseille, fending off reported interest from Juventus.

Nkounkou has agreed a three-year deal with the Merseyside club following the expiration of his contract at Marseille.

The 19-year-old played 14 times for Marseille's B team in National 2 in 2018-19, France's fourth tier, while also being named on the bench for the first team twice.

He was a rumoured target for Serie A champions Juve but will now be working under Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park, though Nkounkou will first bolster David Unsworth's Under-23 side.

Everton, who are unbeaten since the resumption of the Premier League, have Lucas Digne – France's first-choice left-back – and Leighton Baines as their options on the left side of their defensive line.

Baines, however, is yet to agree to a contract extension, with the 35-year-old's current deal set to run out at the end of the season. The veteran has been offered a one-year deal by the club's board.

Speaking on the clear potential possessed by the teenager, Everton's director of football, Marcel Brands told the club's official website: “Niels is a young, talented player with good technical and physical skills. We have been following him for months.

“Hopefully he can learn a lot from Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines, as well as Carlo Ancelotti and David Unsworth, and follow the same pathway into the first team the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Mason Holgate have taken in recent years.”

The news is likely to be music to the ears of head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who recently stated that his young squad should be competing for the Premier League title, no matter how long it takes.

“Everton has to be competitive and fight for the first position of the Premier League with Liverpool, with Chelsea, with Tottenham, with Manchester United, with all the big teams,” the Italian told Sky Sports.

“I don't know how long it will take but I hope that soon we are able to compete. We have a young squad with young players with a lot of skills, a lot of ability. I think just the fact that we can improve this skill and this ability can give us more opportunity to stay at the top.”

Cape Town City became the first Premier Soccer League (PSL) team to resume training on Thursday.

Last month, the government announced that PSL teams can return to training pitches amidst the coronavirus pandemic which has led to the suspension of the current season since March 2020.

However, clubs were ordered to fumigate their facilities, while all players and officials are tested for Covid-19 ahead of the resumption of the South African top-flight league.

The Citizens released the following statement.

A club statement read: "The club has received clearance to commence full training, in accordance with [the] return to training directive."

"Congratulations to the management who have worked around the clock to ensure we are one of the first PSL clubs to be fully Covid compliant."

The Citizens were forced to abandon their plans to return to training early last month having began furmigating their facilities and testing players and officials for coronavirus.

This was after the Minister of Sports Nathi Mthethwa announced that both non-contact and contact sport will be allowed to return to training during lockdown level 3.

City then halted their preparations after they were informed that they should wait for official go-ahead from the South African Football Association (Safa) and PSL.

They have since been given permssion to start training after the club met the health and safety requirements.

Last week, City announce that all their players and technical staff tested negative for Covid-19.

The Citizens head coach Jan Olde Riekerink will be looking to ensure that his side is ready when the suspended season resumes in a national camp.

City are placed 10th on the league standings - four points above the 15th spot which is the relegation play-off spot currently occupied by AmaZulu FC.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's ability only has a positive impact on team-mates, according to former Paris Saint-Germain attacker Jeremy Menez.

Ex-France international Menez spent three years at the Parc des Princes, two of those alongside Ibrahimovic, before joining Milan in 2014.

The 33-year-old built up a good connection with Ibrahimovic on the field in his early days at PSG but a change in system saw him lose his place in the side.

Menez, now plying his trade in Serie C after joining Reggina last week, is grateful for the advice given to him by the striker during their time in the French capital

"I always got along well with him and his words motivate you to give your all, train at your best," he told Stats Perform News. "I never had any problem with him. Such a player pushes you to improve all the time. He always wants to win. He goes out every day to train well and win it all. 

"I thank him because playing with players like him makes you grow as a professional and as a man."

Ibrahimovic scored 156 goals in 180 appearances for PSG and referred to himself as "God" in the dressing room. Menez says the Milan striker has more than justified the hype on the field by scoring goals wherever he has played.

"It is a joke because he is like that. I smile at that because this is Ibra. It represents his career," Menez said. 

"He is like that. Despite all the words he can say, he then proves it on the pitch. What can you say against him? He always made his clubs win, wherever he went. What can you say against him? I leave him be and say all he wants."

Menez has spent time in France, Turkey and Mexico since leaving Milan, but insists he is fully motivated after joining Reggina.

"I am the same Jeremy as six years ago, though this Jeremy has slept for two or three years and felt a bit out of phase. But now I am super motivated and the quality is still here," Menez said. "But I know I am not an easy guy to deal with myself, it's not easy to be with me every day, but we grow up, mature and get better day by day."

Chelsea need to sign a defensive leader in the mould of John Terry after being picked apart by West Ham, says Glenn Hoddle.

The Blues suffered their tenth Premier League defeat of the season against the Hammers at the London Stadium on Wednesday.

Willian opened the scoring for Chelsea via the penalty spot, but Tomas Soucek headed a deserved equaliser for the home side just before the interval.

Michail Antonio put West Ham into the lead shortly after the restart, but the game looked to be heading for a draw after Willian fired in an expert free-kick with just under 20 minutes later to play.

However, David Moyes' side were not to be denied, as Andriy Yarmolenko's late strike secured a 3-2 victory for the Hammers, who are now three points clear of the relegation zone.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are now only two points clear of Manchester United and Wolves in the race for the final Champions League spot, and Hoddle thinks Lampard will need to organise his squad in order to turn their fortunes around quickly.

The former Blues boss believes his old club need someone to pick up the mantle of legendary ex-captain Terry, with a lack of leadership costing them all too often in crucial fixtures.

Hoddle told Premier League Daily: "They’ve got a lot of work to do in qualifying for the Champions League and they’ve got the FA Cup to deal with as well. Frank will want to go all the way and win that.

"So he’s got the squad to deal with it but, for me, it’s quite a simple one: if you can’t score and you can’t create you’re worried as a manager - but he’s got loads of them at the moment. I bet he doesn’t know what his best team is and next season he’s going to have even more!

"He’s got to look at, “How do we get a John Terry? – which isn’t easy – or an experienced player in there who needs to defend properly but also organise people.

"They need to be organised when they’re on the attack with the ball. ‘Someone needs to be pulling people around and they’ll cut half the goals their conceding with a player like that but they’re not easy to come by either."

Hoddle went on to single out Antonio Rudiger for criticism after his disastrous display against West Ham, while insisting Chelsea are ill-equipped to beat teams that sit back in numbers.

"I’d be asking Rudiger if he knows that player. Because he knows Yarmolenko is left-footed; have you looked at the videos before the game?" the 62-year-old added. "As he’s going over there it’s got to be running through his head, surely. But it didn’t look like it!

"Chelsea look better when the team are going to come onto them and they know they’re going to be out-possessioned – be it Liverpool, Manchester City and they look nice and tight and compact and everyone knows their job.

"When they try and open teams out they end up losing. Ten games is too many and it’s not against the top teams all the time. They do lack concentration with their defending."

Olympique Lyon have announced the departure of Amine Gouiri who has opted to sign for Nice in a €7 million deal.

The 20-year old began his youth career with Les Gones and signed his first professional contract in 2017.

He made his first-team debut in a 0–0 home Ligue 1 draw against Montpellier on November 19, 2017, coming on after 73 minutes to replace Tanguy Ndombele who is now at Tottenham Hotspur.

Gouiri made a total of 15 senior appearances for Lyon, including five during the 2019-20 season.

He played once in Ligue 1, coming on in the final minute of a 2-0 win at Metz, two matchdays before the league was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and ultimately cancelled.

The 20-year old had more minutes in cup competitions, playing 23 minutes in French Cup first-round and second-round wins over Bourg-en-Bresse and Nantes. His biggest involvement came in the French League Cup, getting action for 79 minutes in a 4-1 win against Toulouse in the round of 16.

Gouriri was clearly not keen to continue with Lyon as competition for places in the forward line are intense with the likes of Memphis Depay, Moussa Dembele, Karl Toko Ekambi and Bertrand Traore on the list.

“Olympique Lyonnais informs of the transfer of Amine Gouiri to OGC Nice for an amount of €7 million to which may be added a profit of 15% on the capital gain of a possible future transfer,” Lyon said in a statement.

“The club thanks Amine for his state of mind, his investment and his professionalism since he joined the Academy at the age of 13 then the professional group in 2017, even if he would have liked him to accept a loan from a year, which he unfortunately refused. Olympique Lyonnais wishes him great success for the rest of his career at OGC Nice.”

Lyon finished in seventh place and were nine points short of European qualification. They are however still involved in the Champions League, with a 1-0 first-leg lead over Juventus in the round of 16.

Nice in their own statement were pleased to have Gouriri whom they described as “promising”.

"OGC Nice is pleased to welcome a promising young striker [Gouiri], very enthusiastic about joining the Nice project,” read the statement.

Nice finished two places above Lyon in fifth, and just a place above Lille for the Europa League qualification berth.

Matthijs de Ligt says he is "feeling much better physically and mentally" after recovering from a slow start to his Juventus career.

The Netherlands international rejected interest from elsewhere to join Juventus in a €75 million (£67.5m/$85m) transfer from Ajax last July and has made 32 appearances for the Serie A giants.

He has come in for heavy criticism at times in his debut campaign in Turin but has started all five of Juve's matches since last month's restart, helping to keep four clean sheets.

"I feel much better physically now and mentally I am in a much, much better place," he told Sky Sport Italia ahead of Saturday's Derby della Mole with Torino.

"In Serie A there are many different strikers. There's [Romelu] Lukaku, for example, who's very strong and quick but also [Ciro] Immobile, who's very good with his back to goal.

"Every team have great forwards, different from one another, and every match is very difficult. The bar is very high. I try to study them thoroughly before each game in order to be prepared for any outcome."

De Ligt scored the only goal of the game when Juve last met rivals Torino eight months ago and believes that match-winning strike was a turning point in his Bianconeri career.

"It's a special game - both teams want to win for the city and their fans," he said. "We must do our best, above all in defence, and not give away any chances.

"Obviously the first derby is a beautiful memory for me because I scored my first goal for the Bianconeri. It also gave us a very important victory.

"It wasn't an easy time for me, I received a lot of criticism and I was under pressure. That goal raised my spirits and made me and my team-mates happy. Thanks to that goal, I became the footballer I am today."

Juve hold a four-point lead over Lazio with nine games of the resumed campaign to play, while Inter are a further four points behind. However, De Ligt is refusing to take anything for granted and insists his side cannot afford to take their eye off the ball in pursuit of a ninth successive Scudetto.

"Lazio and Inter are both still in the running," he said. "Inter are a great team and are not far behind.

"We have to be very careful with these teams, there are still nine games to play and each one will be a final from here until week 38. We must not slow down now."

Mikel Arteta's professional career began at Barcelona and his journey took him to France, Scotland, back to Spain and finally to England, where he wound things down before moving into coaching.

The Basque native lined up for Paris Saint-Germain, Rangers, Real Sociedad, Everton and Arsenal, but despite maturing into one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, international honours eluded him.

A relatively understated character, Arteta quietly went about his business as a footballer before serving a coaching apprenticeship as Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

Goal brings you everything you need to know about Arteta's net worth, how much he earns, the charity work he is involved in and more.

Contents

What is Mikel Arteta's net worth?

Arteta's net worth is estimated at around £15 million ($19m), but it is difficult to put a precise figure on it considering how private the Spaniard is about his business.

Figures online vary, with reports suggesting that Arteta's net worth could be anywhere from $5 million to $20 million (£4m to £16m).

He will have earned a significant amount of money over the course of a 17-year playing career, 12 of which were spent in the lucrative environment of the Premier League with Everton and Arsenal.

Indeed, he was the top earner at Goodison Park on a £75,000-a-week deal and, while he reportedly took a wage cut in order to join the Gunners in 2011, he eventually became captain of the club in 2014.

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How much does Mikel Arteta earn?

Arteta is understood to be earning £5 million ($6.2m) a year as Arsenal head coach, meaning he is set to pocket £20 million ($25m) over the course of the four-year deal, which runs until 2023.

While the Spaniard's salary is certainly impressive, it is some way behind that of other coaches at the Premier League's top clubs.

Arteta's mentor Pep Guardiola earns £15 million ($18.5m) a year at Man City, a fee also commanded by Jose Mourinho at Tottenham, while Jurgen Klopp gets a reported £10 million ($12.5m) a year at Liverpool.

His salary is more comparable to that of Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, who, like Arteta is relatively inexperienced as a manager.

Taking the £5 million as Arteta's annual salary at Arsenal, you can see a breakdown of what he earns per month, week, day, year and minute below.

*Approximates

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What sponsorship deals does Mikel Arteta have?

Arteta had endorsement deals with adidas and Puma during his playing days, sporting adidas in the early part of his career before switching to Puma towards the end.

Since moving into coaching, it looks like the former midfielder is not necessarily tied to a permanent sponsor, having worn Nike boots at Man City and adidas at Arsenal.

While many modern-day stars have a long list of endorsement deals and regularly promote partners on social media, Arteta was never inclined to put his face to much more than the football boots he wore.

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What charity work does Mikel Arteta do?

Arteta has contributed his time to a number of different charities over the years and recently helped to promote the Prince William-backed Heads Up mental health awareness campaign.

Along with his wife Lorena Bernal, Arteta has also been involved with the Global Gift Foundation, a charity which aims to create a positive impact in the lives of women, children and familes.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, the Spaniard was vocal in his support of the charity Save the Children and served as an ambassador for Trans World Soccer.

Arteta has also backed campaigns such as Black Lives Matter and the Rainbow Laces movement.

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How many social media followers does Mikel Arteta have?

Arteta has approximately two million followers across his social media pages on Twitter and Instagram.

His Twitter page has the biggest share of those followers, with 1.4 million people following his channel, and he is certainly more active on that platform. Arteta's Instagram page has over 650,000 followers.

He uses the pages to promote the charity causes he holds dear and occasionally comments on games, either those coming up or those that have just been played.

Unlike most other footballers, Arteta does not share much in terms of behind-the-scenes photos or videos, preferring to keep such images private.

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Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was more deserving of the Best FIFA Men's Player award in 2019 than Barcelona star Lionel Messi, according to France great Alain Giresse.

After guiding Barca to La Liga glory and the semi-finals of the Champions League last season, Messi won the accolade for a sixth time back in September – he was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 and claimed four Ballons d'Or while it was backed by world football's governing body.

Mane finished fifth in the voting, behind Liverpool team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, and Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Giresse, who coached Mane during his time in charge of Senegal between 2013 and 2015, insists the 28-year-old should have finished top after starring for Liverpool on their way to Champions League success.

"I definitely would have put Sadio Mane ahead of Messi, in terms of the season they had last season," he told ESPN .

"When I was head coach of Senegal, Sadio was still young but he had ahead of him an enormous potential, a technical potential, and a moral potential to go on to become a great player, as he has become today."

Giresse, named French Player of the Year three times in the 1980s, was Tunisia head coach until August and should have been eligible to vote.

"I didn't receive the ballot sheet, so it wasn't me who voted [on Tunisia's behalf]. I can't say who did, but it wasn't me," he said. The top pick credited to Giresse was Ronaldo, with Van Dijk second and Messi third.

Former Bordeaux and Marseille midfielder Giresse also managed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at international level with Gabon. 

Aubameyang shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Mane and Salah last season and Giresse believes the Arsenal striker is now among the world's best.

"I launched Pierre-Emerick with the Gabon national team, at the start of his development, his expansion and his progression," he said.

"We can all see his pathway and the level he's reached now. We're talking about [him moving to] Real Madrid, so it shows how this player has reached a world-class level, and you could say the same about Sadio."

Malaysia's first step in the preparations towards the 2020 AFC U19 Championship in Uzbekistan which offfers a place in the 2021 FIFA U20 World Cup that would be held in Indonesia began in earnest today after the list of 35 players that would be part of the first training camp starting 6 July was released today.

It's a massive number of players for this training camp and it includes two overseas-based players in Wan Kuzri Wan Kamal (St Louis Football Academy) and Adam Nadzmi Zamri (BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy) with 33 other players across the Youth Cup, President Cup, Premier League and Super League teams in Malaysia.

Yet the most conspicious absences in the list includes star striker Luqman Hakim and his team mates in the Selangor II side like Mukhairi Ajmal, Ahmad Zikri Khalili, Firdaus Irman and Sikh Izhan Nazrel. All of whom have been kept at the club at the request of Selangor 2.

"We've spoken to the Selangor and they have informed us that they need those players for training to prepare for the league restart. They have plans to give these players game time and that is fair enough. Obviously we will have other training camps before the AFC tournament and we will be looking to get them in then.

"Prior to the league stopping and the lockdown, we had been looking at players and we had been able to identify new faces from the first few rounds of matches. We've decided to invite some of those in to have a closer look and see if they can fit in our playing style and can step up to the kind of level international demands.

"Realistically the most important thing is for football to restart again. For players to build up their core fitness levels again. Particularly for the Youth Cup and President Cup players whom many would not have been able to train anywhere at the moment. This gives all the players an opportunity to restart their training, become active again and focus on football again," Brad Maloney told Goal.

It is understood that the U19 head coach will be keeping close tabs on the crew of players at Selangor and the matches that they will feature in the Premier League, if as expected competitive matches return sometime in August or September.

Alternatively, there were no such requests from Johor Darul Ta'zim II who have given their word on the release of players and it will give Maloney and his coaching staff a chance to get an up close view on one of Johor Darul Ta'zim newest debutant in Arif Aiman.

Malaysia are placed in Group D of the AFC U19 Championship that will begin on 16 October with the clash against Tajikistan before facing Qatar (19 Oct) and Yemen (22 Oct). The four semi-finalists of the tournament will earn themselves a place in the U20 World Cup next year.

Sofapaka Team Manager Hillary Echesa believes poor start to the season has been their main undoing.

Batoto ba Mungu have recently been struggling to match their rivals on the pitch despite announcing their arrival in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) in 2009 with a title-winning campaign.

"The problem has been on our start, it has not been the best and we end up paying the price," Echesa told Goal on Thursday.

"For example, look at the last two seasons; in the 2018/19 season, we had [Melis] Medo. It was a poor start for us and it affected the team. He was dismissed and [John] Baraza came in and the team started performing, but we could not catch-up with the leaders.

"Then we had [Divaldo] Alves who came in at the beginning of the 2019/20 season, but once again, he did not help us get the desired start to the season and he later left.

"Once again, Baraza had to come in and help us, but we did not get to the position we wanted because of the suspension of the league brought about by Covid-19. 

"This time around we believe it will be a different case."

The 38-year-old former Kenya international has also pointed out struggles in the rear department.

"Our goalkeeping area has not been stable as well, we have struggled to get consistency," Echesa revealed.

"However, we believe it has been addressed and the department will be stronger. 

"The club will bring in some new but quality players to strengthen the team and ensure we are competent next season. We do not want to be participants, but competitors."

In an earlier interview, Batoto ba Mungu President Elly Kalekwa claimed they are eyeing the services of Harambee Stars defender Musa Mohammed.

Mohammed is currently a free agent after his two-year contract with Nkana FC of Zambia came to a close at the start of June.

The Batoto ba Mungu boss told Goal they will not mind going for the services of the player, who captained and won the KPL title with Gor Mahia.

"It is not an open secret that Sofapaka have always wanted to sign Musa [Mohammed], since we engaged him last season before he left for Zambia," Kalekwa stated.

"I am informed he is now a free agent after ending his contract with Nkana but we have not reached out or talked to him, we will talk to him when the right time comes, he is a good player, who can fit in well into our squad and give us the leadership quality that we want in the team."  

Mamelodi Sundowns legend Roger Feutmba says former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Maluleka must consider himself fortunate to sign a three-year deal at Chlookop.

Although the former midfield general believes the Tembisa-born midfielder is one of the top quality players in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), he explains age might have been against him when it comes to securing his future.

Amakhosi announced Mido’s shocking move to coach Pitso Mosimane’s men a few months ago but the reigning PSL champions only confirmed the deal this week, and Feutmba has praised the signing.

“I think it’s a good deal, I believe it’s good for the player because when you have a possibility to sign a contract somewhere at that age means he’s a good player,” Feutmba told Goal.

“When you also consider his age, it’s a good deal for him especially for a team like Sundowns. You can say he’s fortunate because at that age, 31, many can write him off and many clubs can possibly offer a one-year deal.

“To afford to get a three-year deal means he has what it takes to play for Sundowns and can still continue playing competitive football for the next five or six years.

“I think the technical team and the management believe in this boy and there's no doubt that he can add value at Sundowns.”

On the former Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United anchorman’s qualities, the ‘General’ is impressed with the 31-year-old’s drive and hunger.

“What I like about him is that he’s not just a quality player but one that possesses a good attitude. When I watch him, I see a player that is committed. He is driven to succeed, ready to give everything and has a competitive or fighting attitude even at that age,” he added.

“You will never say he’s 31 when he plays, I believe Sundowns will definitely benefit from him. I think the technical team has been following him when it comes to taking care of himself off the field of play.

“There’s no doubt about his discipline, he takes care of his body and yeah, he’s going to fit in, and just because Sundowns is involved on many fronts, his experience will benefit the club.”

Although he will play for Sundowns next season, Feutmba explores how the Bafana Bafana international’s presence helps the Tshwane giants in the current season.

“The only thing he can contribute is by bringing lots of experience in motivating the team behind the scenes. He has new teammates now and he will help behind the scenes,” he continued.

“He will have an opportunity to adjust and learn his new teammates but it’s sad because training with teammates is not allowed for now. I think he will also prepare for the next season because he will not get involved in the games.

“His presence will be vital for Sundowns as they look to win the remaining games because he is experienced in the game.”

Manchester United are making progress under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, admits Dimitar Berbatov, but the Red Devils have been urged not to get “carried away” as they are still only aiming for the top four when their ambition used to be “all about being the top one”.

A humbling fall from grace has been endured at Old Trafford since Sir Alex Ferguson headed into retirement back in 2013.

The odd trophy triumph has been taken in over recent years, but the 13-time Premier League champions are far from being the dominant force they once were.

Success for arch-rivals Manchester City and Liverpool has made that regression all the more difficult to stomach, with there a desire on the part of everyone at the Theatre of Dreams to start closing some sizeable gaps.

Solskjaer’s side have shown in 2020 that they could be on the way back, with January signing Bruno Fernandes leading the charge, but Berbatov is eager to point out that United remain a long way short of hitting a target that was once set on an annual basis.

A man who claimed two titles during his time at Old Trafford told Betfair: “If they can keep this level of performance up to the end of the season then it will be great, and it will give everyone at the club a big boost going into the new season.

“Hopefully, a good run will bring them success and get them into the top four. If that is the case then it can really be the start of something, especially with their young squad and what Solskjaer has been building.

“Their performance against Brighton was great, but now it's over and if they lose the next game, their work will count for nothing. I'm pretty sure other teams will be sitting up and paying attention to how well United are doing at the moment, and how improved they are, especially those teams that are fighting with them for top four.

“Now, consistency is key and we must remember that United have had some good games in the past but haven't really built on that, and they dropped points and didn't achieve their goals.

“Now, I think they have their priority in sight, and if they continue to play the way they have shown they can since the restart they will have a really strong finish.

“The United players shouldn't be getting carried away and I don't think they will be. We are talking about Man United getting into the top four here, while not long ago it was all about being the top one.”

United have - on the back of going unbeaten through their last 14 matches in all competitions - moved to within two points of the Premier League’s top four, while also progressing to the semi-finals of the FA Cup and last 16 of the Europa League.