Looking for Soccer News?

Tino Kadewere has expressed his delight after joining his ‘dream club’ Lyon on a four-year deal.

Earlier this year, Ligue 2 club Le Havre announced that they have reached an agreement with Lyon to release he Zimbabwe star who was the top scorer in the 2019-20 Ligue 2 season.

Kadewere scored 20 goals in 24 appearances before the second division was cancelled due to coronavirus as Le Havre finished sixth in the table.

During his presentation in Lyon on Wednesday, the 24-year-old expressed his readiness to fight for his place in Rudi Garcia’s squad.

“I am very happy to have joined OL. It’s a very big club, a club I have dreamed of. I worked a lot to be able to sit in this place,” Kadewere told the club website.

“I would like to thank the president, Juninho and Bruno Cheyrou, who all facilitated my arrival. The players have been very friendly to me and integrated me directly into the squad.

“To be a good player, you have to be a team player. I have my own qualities, but I know how to blend into a squad. I like to hold up the ball.

“Growing up, I always had a ball at my feet. I'm also pretty quick. But again, the most important thing is to be a team player.

“My progress has been very rapid and rather atypical. When I was very young, just after school, I joined my first club, before going to Sweden, then to Le Havre and finally to OL today.

“If you look at my choices, they stem from a personal strategy of development. I'm taking the plunge today because I feel ready. Many great players have come through Lyon, like Juninho, Benzema, Lacazette… It is a club which can help me in my progress and which I can help thanks to my experience at Le Havre. Being top scorer in Ligue 2 gives me confidence on arrival.

“In football, there are starters and substitutes. Everything will depend on my performance and that of my teammates.

“I respect those who are already here. The most important thing is to work, and the coach will make his decision. I am right-footed but I know as well how to use my left foot.

“As a professional footballer, I cannot say that I have one foot better than the other, you have to be able to use both. During the match, one can never decide where the ball will arrive and you have to be able to be ready."

Meanwhile, Lyon owner Jean-Michel Aulas described Kadwere’s arrival as one that will strengthen Les Gones ahead of their Coupe de la Ligue final against PSG and the return leg of their Champions League round of 16 game against Juventus.

“We are very happy that Tino is there. He was a significant transfer signing in January,” Aulas said.

“He stayed with Le Havre for six months and now arrives to strengthen the team as they start preparing for the Champions League and the Coupe de la Ligue final. He has many qualities, on and off the pitch.

“This is part of our recruitment strategy. There was a lot of competition to add to the squad and Tino stood out. He was top scorer in Ligue 2 last season and won a number of best player trophies last season.

“He is an international, which was a very strong element in our decision; we believe in him. He will be qualified to play as soon as the first matches happen."

Atletico Madrid should be rewarded for their victory over Champions League title-holders Liverpool by being handed the trophy if it is not possible to conclude the tournament this season.

That is the view of Atletico president Enrique Cerezo, who suggested the winners of the 2019-20 edition should be the team that knocked out the reigning champions.

His comments, quite probably tongue in cheek, come as UEFA is formulating a plan to finish the competition, with Atletico having progressed past the Reds to reach the quarter-finals.

One possible solution is for a single host city to stage matches for the last eight onwards, with one-off fixtures likely to replace the traditional two-legged contests.

But Cerezo has his own ideas on how things might be settled if the Champions League cannot be finished.

"In the hypothetical case that the Champions League was not played for the coronavirus, then the champion [should be] the one who beat the champion," Cerezo told Mundo Deportivo . 

"There are still a few knockout games left, the quarter-finals, the semis and the final.

"We understand that UEFA tries to centralise all these matches in one city, there was talk of Spain, Portugal... nothing is known yet.

"There are 11 games left, plus the final phase of the Champions League, which can be four games. I imagine that the government is waiting to see how the pandemic evolves and will take the decision it considers."

Atletico have lost two Champions League finals, in 2014 and 2016.

Diego Simeone's side resume their LaLiga campaign at Athletic Bilbao behind closed doors on Sunday.

While there has been no confirmation when the European Cup might be concluded, reports suggest that it could take place throughout August. 

Atleti are one of four sides through to the quarter-finals, with Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta and RB Leipzig having progressed to the last eight.

Call of Duty: Warzone has continued to grow since its launch in March, with more than 60 million players heading to Verdansk to fight it out in the Gulag.

The game was built with battle royale fans in mind, but the game’s Battle Royale mode is only half of the equation. Players can also see how they fare in Warzone’s much more unique Plunder mode where the key to victory lies in becoming a skilled hoarder.

Warzone supports solo, duo, trio, and quad playlists for its mainline battle royale mode, as well as a quad playlist for Plunder on the side.

Download Call Of Duty: Warzone

The game features two main factions of the Operators: the Coalition and the Allegiance. Both factions include a variety of Operators to choose from. The Coalition is a multinational alliance that consists of operators from SAS, Warcom and Demon Dogs, while the Allegiance is made up of the remnants of the Russian Forces in Urzikstan, foreign mercenaries and rogue NATO soldiers.

And while the Operators are getting famous among the gamers, Goal.com has teamed up with Call of Duty to make the "Coalition vs Allegiance" ultimate team. The concept consists on choosing 11 characters from both the Coalition and Allegiance who are featuring in Warzone.

We'll then analyze the specific traits of each character and potential Footballers who fit the mould and resemble well with the character. The audience will be involved by voting for their favorite Operator-Footballer combo to make it feature in the Ultimate team.

For our new poll, we are going to be looking at Talon from the Coalition faction and Bale from the Allegiance one.

Talon - Mahrez : Mahrez is a quick, skilful and smart player. He is a fantastic technician with an abundance of tricks and skills with which he can beat his man and drive into the penalty area. Talon, like Mahrez, is not afraid to take on his man and tends to take the direct route. He is intelligent and his shooting skills are among the best in Call of Duty.

Bale - Dybala : Dybala is not the strongest from a physical point of view but makes up for this with his agility, explosiveness and pace over short to medium distances. He uses his low centre of gravity to elude opponents and dribble his way out of congested areas. Bale, like Paulo Dybala, is a technical operator. All his moves are well-drilled and he is a great long-range shooter, much like Dybala, who is precise from free-kicks.

Who should feature is the Coalition vs Allegiance utlimate team? vote below

Reece James "can compete" with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the coveted right-back spot in Gareth Southgate's England squad, according to Mario Melchiot.

James returned to Chelsea last summer following a successful loan spell at Wigan Athletic, and was quickly promoted into a senior role following Frank Lampard's appointment as head coach.

The 20-year-old made his first-team debut in September, and has since racked up 28 appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals.

The young defender has been tipped to earn a call-up to the England squad if he continues on his current trajectory, having already represented his country at U21 level.

Southgate is already spoilt for choice when it comes to right-backs, with Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold and Manchester United star Wan Bissaka considered to be masters of their craft. Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier is another good option for the England boss, but Melchiot thinks James is already capable of breaking into the team ahead of the trio.

The ex-Chelsea defender told Talksport: “When you talk about Alexander-Arnold I’m excited about him and the way he plays.

“He switches the play really comfortably. Wan-Bissaka is more defensive, but Reece James has the ability, he has the strength, he has the speed to keep up with people, and he knows how to work it.

“There are still a couple of things he needs to add to his game, but if he can become a regular with Chelsea he can compete with those two guys and why wouldn’t he want to do that? That’s why we play football – to compete with the best.”

James' progress at Chelsea was interrupted by the coronavirus outbreak in March, which called a temporary halt to the football calendar across all of Europe's major leagues. However, the Premier League has been cleared to resume from June 17 following a three-month hiatus, and the Blues are now back in full contact training ahead of a meeting with Aston Villa on June 21.

All remaining fixtures will be played behind closed doors due to the continued threat of Covid-19, with Chelsea set to welcome Manchester City to an empty Stamford Bridge four days after their clash with Villa.

Mamelodi Sundowns captain Hlompho Kekana has described coach Pitso Mosimane as being "obsessed with the game" while likening him to former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

It is now eight seasons for Kekana playing under Mosimane at Sundowns in a spell laden with major trophies.

Together they have won the Caf Champions League, Caf Super Cup, four Premier Soccer League (PSL) titles and a Nedbank Cup in a period Mosimane has cemented his status as one of the best coaches in South Africa.

This has seen Kekana likening Mosimane to Ferguson who racked 13 league titles and two Champions League crowns with Manchester United.

“As footballers, we are driven on by our coaches. You look at Sir Alex Ferguson and Coach Pitso, their will to win and desire to fight until the last minute is the same," Kekana told Far Post.

"They emphasise on playing as a unit and fighting for each other. Coach Pitso is passionate, Sir Alex was also passionate about the game – they both hate losing. I see the drive he has. He always wants to improve, he watches lots of matches, he analyses opponents thoroughly – he tells you about all opponents – all the way up to East Africa and West Africa. That shows the amount of work he puts into his coaching career.”

Kekana says it is "refreshing" to play under Mosimane who he also describes as a father figure.

“For me to be working with someone who is obsessed with the game is very refreshing. I always thought I was the crazy one but when I saw Coach Pitso I saw a man who really loves the game," said Kekana.

"I’m not surprised by the number of trophies he has won. It’s humbling to see he keeps going and keeps wanting to achieve a lot more. I’m hoping we continue the winning mentality. I don’t see us stopping. We still have opportunities to win trophies and we need to use them to our full ability.

“We are like father and son. He believes in my abilities. He knows the kind of person I am. He knows my beliefs. Sometimes he will be like ‘no Keke, you pass too much. You must score my boy’. He has taught me a lot.”

With Sundowns in the league title race, Kekana could win a third PSL crown as captain if football resumes and it would be their fifth league triumph together with Mosimane.

Bidvest Wits head coach Gavin Hunt says it's embarrassing to be linked to Ernst Middendorp's job at Kaizer Chiefs.

With speculation rife about the Students being in the process of being sold, Hunt has been rumoured to be on the radar of Amakhosi ahead of next season. 

However, Hunt admits there's nothing in the reports, adding he is still contracted to the Clever Boys.    

"Listen, it's quite embarrassing for me [to be linked with Chiefs] because somebody's got a job‚ and my name's being thrown about here," Hunt told Sowetan LIVE.

"I mean I've got a contract with the club for another year here at Wits. So, it is what it is." 

What disappoints Hunt more is the fact Chiefs have a coach, and the 55-year-old mentor revealed he wouldn't like it if anyone was to suggest another coach would be replacing him at any club. 

"It’s not nice. I wouldn’t want someone to be rumoured about my job all the time. I mean‚ there’s a coach there.

"There is nothing to it. There’s nothing to talk about," he said. 

Hunt further stated the suspension of football in the country may be the reason people are creating stories, adding it's unprofessional because Chiefs have done well under Middendorp this season.   

"I've got another year at Wits‚ so that’s it. People in lockdown are just trying to make stories.

"It’s very unprofessional. They [Chiefs] have got somebody in place. They’re top of the league but it’s not nice from my perspective because there’s nothing in it," added Hunt. 

The former SuperSport United tactician has been with the Clever Boys for seven years. 

And during those years, he won them three major trophies - the league, MTN8 and the Telkom Knockout Cup titles.   

Furthermore, he recently guided the Braamfontein-based outfit to the group stages of the 2019/20 Caf Confederation Cup; a first in the history of the club. 

Hunt revealed not so long ago he once had a meeting with one chairman from one of the PSL 'Big Three' and while he was interested in taking the coaching job presented to him at the time, nothing came out of it because he couldn't be given guarantees that he would be in charge of that particular team without the interference from certain individuals in management. 

Shrewsbury Town chief executive Brian Caldwell has hit out at Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool, accusing the Reds of breaching FA Cup rules while costing the League One club money in the process.

Liverpool and Shrewsbury faced off in the FA Cup in January, with the lower-league side coming from behind to erase a 2-0 deficit to secure a draw and, more importantly, a replay at Anfield.

However, with Liverpool's focus elsewhere, Klopp immediately announced that he and his senior players would not take part in that replay , with under-23 coach Neil Critchley taking charge of a youth-filled squad instead.

Klopp said that he would instead use that time to give his team a proper winter break, with the Premier League having agreed to give clubs a brief respite for the first time.

Critchley's young Reds ended up sealing a 1-0 win in that replay, although Klopp's first team went on to fall to Chelsea in the next round.

Caldwell, though, says that the Reds' decision to play without first-team players cost Shrewsbury dearly, ruining the occasion while impacting the financial gain the club received for sealing that reply.

"You will recall our incredible come back in the FA Cup Fourth Round tie live on BBC with Liverpool to draw 2-2 back in January," Caldwell said. 

"Immediately following the match, the Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp ruined what should have been a wonderful moment for our Club by making public statements that he and all of his first-team would not attend the replay at Anfield, effectively ruining what should have been not just financially but for the players and fans a wonderful achievement and a very special occasion.

"We struggled to believe that his statements had no effect on the replay being televised and we are convinced that LFC broke the FA Cup rules by not ‘fielding their strongest team’ in the return fixture.

"This had a knock-on effect of STFC not getting anywhere near the financial rewards that were to be expected from an FA Cup Fourth Round replay including a potential live TV fee against the World and European Champions and Premier League Champions (elect).

"In February we put a complaint in to the FA about the alleged rule breach but unfortunately and quite unexpectedly we were informed that this was dismissed last week (four months on).

"This without doubt resulted in a much lesser occasion for our players and fans as well as the financial reward that would have been expected from LFC playing their strongest team and abiding by the FA Cup rules."

It is not the only time Klopp and Liverpool have opted to field a weakened side this season, as the Reds' U-23s were also tossed into action in the Carabao Cup as the senior team claimed the Club World Cup in December. That match was much less successful for Liverpool, who were beaten 5-0 by Aston Villa.

SuperSport United have confirmed they are looking to re-sign outgoing Mamelodi Sundowns striker Jeremy Brockie.

This comes after Sundowns decided against extending the New Zealand international's contract which is set to expire at the end of this month.

Brockie had an unsuccessful stint with the Brazilians and he was loaned out to Maritzburg United for the current season which has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic since last March.

SuperSport chief executive officer Stanley Matthews confirmed they are in talks with the player’s management company, ProSport International, about the possible return of Brockie.

“I think if you have a player who is your second-highest goalscorer in your history, he is available, free, and he is not classified as a foreigner anymore, that’s something worth considering," Matthews told IOL.

"We are in discussions with Jeremy’s agent [Mike Makaab, the chief executive officer of ProSport]."

Abram Raselemane holds the record of the highest number of goals at SuperSport with 57, while Brockie netted 54 times for the Tshwane giants between 2015 and 2018.

The 32-year-old was one of the best strikers in the country during his time with Matsatsantsa and he was signed by Sundowns midway through the 2017/18 season.

“Jeremy had our blessings when he left. He was open to a move because he wanted more money and we could not match what he wanted," Matthews said.

“At the end of the day, we had to make a business decision on him.”

SuperSport reportedly received R10 million when they sold Brockie to Sundowns having signed him from New Zealand side Wellington Phoenix in January 2015.

“We sold him for a [club] record fee and if we can bring him back two years down the line for free to come and finish his mission of being the No 1 goalscorer in the history of the club, it would make sense,” Matthews said.

“If we can agree terms, it is something that I will be prepared to take to my board for consideration."

Brockie enjoyed a lot of success at SuperSport as he helped the team clinch two Nedbank Cups and one MTN8 trophy during his three-year spell with the club.

Manchester City will likely learn the fate of their appeal against their Champions League ban in early July, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced.

The Premier League champions are seeking to overturn UEFA's decision to ban the club from European competition for the next two seasons and fine them €30 million (£27m/$34m) after finding them guilty of Financial Fair Play regulations.

City's hearing at CAS began on Monday and concluded on Wednesday afternoon, with proceedings having been conducted by video call. The arbitration panel will now start deliberations before confirming a decision.

In a statement, CAS said: "The decision is expected to be issued during the first half of July 2020. The exact date will be communicated in advance."

City were punished in February after they were found to have committed "serious breaches" of UEFA's club licensing and financial fair play (FFP) regulations.

UEFA's independent Adjudicatory Chamber of its Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) also fined City €30m after finding they had overstated sponsorship revenues in accounts submitted to European football's governing body between 2012 and 2016.

City have persistently denied wrongdoing in relation to the matter, which stemmed from a series of articles published by Der Spiegel in November 2018, drawing on information purportedly obtained by the whistleblower Football Leaks.

"The club has always anticipated the ultimate need to seek out an independent body and process to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence in support of its position," read a statement at the time from City, who UEFA said had "failed to cooperate" with the investigation.

Manager Pep Guardiola is out of contract in June 2021, although the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss reiterated his commitment in the wake of UEFA's sanctions.

"Unless they sack me, which can happen, I will not leave," he said. "Why should I? I love this club, I like to be here, and after we have seen the sentence [appeal] we will focus on what we have to do.

"I want to stay to continue to help the club and maintain this level as long as possible. That's not just because I have a contract, we want to fight to the end for the people who support this club."

In an interview with HLN, star midfielder Kevin De Bruyne suggested he might be happy to stay at City in the event of a reduction to a one-year ban, although a two-year Champions League absence would force him to consider his options.

"I'm just waiting," he said. "The club told us they are going to appeal, and they are almost 100 per cent sure they are right. That's why I'm waiting to see what will happen. I trust my team.

"Once the decision is made, I will review everything. Two years would be long, but in the case of one year I might see."

Kinondoni Municipal Council FC goalkeeper Juma Kaseja has denied claims he has engaged in acts of match-fixing before.

Kaseja is one of the longest-serving Tanzanian goalkeepers having also played for Moro United, Yanga SC, Mbeya City and Kagera Sugar.

The goalkeeper states had he been engaging in match-fixing acts, then it would have been difficult to turn out for so many clubs.

“People have questioned my ability to play football for a longer period. Some say I am a witch and some have claimed I have been giving matches away but the reality is I am still playing up to now,” Kaseja told Mwanaspoti.

“When I left Simba for Yanga and again joined Simba from Yanga, I think no one would have signed me if they thought I was giving away matches.

“So, for me, such rumours only exist in the village and you cannot prevent people from talking. But what I know is that if I had such a habit, I would not be playing football at the moment.

“I have played for many clubs and officials in those clubs have remained my friends.”

The Tanzanian also spoke about the differences between mainland giants Simba and Yanga.

“The only difference between Simba and Yanga are the colours of their jerseys and their traditions. Although I spent a long time with Simba, I can tell there is no difference between them,” explained Kaseja. 

His move from Simba in 2014 to Yanga caught many by surprise and he has said it was one of the most difficult decisions he has ever made.

“It was one of the toughest decisions because many people did not expect it at all but at the end of the day it is life,” he added.

“Yanga's offer was better and Simba could not pay me as much as Yanga promised but, in the end, I got the blessing from Simba but some people were hurt but this is life after all.”

Kaseja fell down the pecking order under coach Marcio Maximo and Ivo Mwapunda was always preferred for Tanzania's engagement. Kaseja reveals how he related to the Brazilian coach then.

“At that time, I was enjoying some good form but he [Maximo] kept giving [Ivo] Mwapunda playtime who I had stiff competition with,” said the 35-year old star.

“Many people wanted to see me play and it is this pressure from outside that led to our break up. But we never quarrelled or got involved in any physical fight at all.”

Kaseja, who launched his career in 2001 for Taifa Stars, tells the upcoming goalkeepers to take advice from every person who dares guide them. 

“The young goalkeepers should work hard and listen to what their teachers tell them to do,” he concluded.

“Let them not choose which people will advise them and who cannot. Even people who are not involved in football can tell them something because everyone can see a thing or two about them.”

Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic has praised the motivational prowess of Jurgen Klopp, the Liverpool manager who was in charge of BVB as the shot-stopper threatened to make inroads in the first team.

Alomerovic signed on with BVB as a teenager in 2006 and spent nine years at the club, and although he would never featured for the first team, he was a regular with the reserves and spent time among the substitutes for the Bundesliga side.

Now 28 years old and on the books of Lechia Gdansk in Poland’s top flight, the Serbian-German has recalled what an inspiration Klopp, who was in charge at Signal Iduna Park from 2008 until 2015, was on his career.

“He is an exceptional trainer and person who can give you incredible self-confidence,” he told Goal and Spox. “From time to time, he would shout and could reprimand you. He is extremely good at saying the right things at the right time - and with that he grabs the players. 

“I can still remember my first friendly game in a training camp. I came on at half-time. He didn't tell me to do this or that, just: 'You are so good, you have a lot of strengths. Go out and show them to people. ' 

“Then I went to the box and thought: ‘I'm the coolest!’”

While the plan was to develop into Dortmund’s second-choice goalkeeper as he signed fresh terms committing him to the club until 2016, he revealed that he was not rated by Thomas Tuchel, the man who replaced Klopp, nearly so highly.

“He immediately made it absolutely clear that he wanted a new goalkeeper,” he recalled. “That was Roman Burki, so it was obvious that two goalkeepers would be leaving. Roman Weidenfeller, Mitch Langerak and I still had a contract. 

“That's why sports director Michael Zorc came up to me and said: ‘We respect your contract, but if an inquiry should come, we would not put any obstacles in your way.’ 

“At that time, I was one of the best goalkeepers in the 3rd league, so the move to Kaiserslautern was actually logical.”

The move to the second tier did not work out and after a year out of the game, Alomerovic found his way to Poland, where he is currently second choice with Lechia Gdansk.

Cameroon international Michaela Abam has explained the reasons Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo could challenge for the African ticket for the 2023 Women's World Cup.

South Africa's debut outing in France last year saw African nations to participate at the global showpiece swell to six after Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and Equatorial Guinea.

Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana at the Africa Women's Cup of Nations in 2018 before they edged the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-2 in the Olympic Qualifiers last October. 

The Real Betis forward believes the Leopards and Black Queens, who have missed out since 2007, have the potential of upsetting the powerhouses to compete at future tournaments.

"It will have to be Ghana (to qualify for the World Cup) for sure," Abam told Goal with LaLiga. 

"Even during the Africa Women's Cup of Nations, we were playing against them and I was watching them. They were a team that has a lot of strength. 

"I feel like it’s a team that is continuing to grow and not getting the notice they should be getting but I believe at the right time it will definitely come.

"I think the Democratic Republic of Congo too. They are a very strong team.

"It is those teams that you have not really watched or had any background sense of how they play, how they are but when you get to the field with them, it is like a whole out there. 

"The tactics behind everything with each team and mental strength as well is not something that is hard for us to grow as Africans in general. 

"That will come naturally but them just getting that experience and appearances on a different level is going to be mind-blowing for those we’ve not seen yet."

Born and raised in the United States of America, Abam was eligible to play for the Central Africans, having being born to Cameroonian parents and made her debut against Zambia in November 2018.

She made the Cameroon squad for the 2018 African Women's Cup of Nations in Ghana and later was part the team for the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, where the team reached the Round of 16.

And US-born Cameroon star believes Africa's potential in women's football is underutilised while calling on national federations to focus on creating and growing their football style and cultures.

"It's something we can do as a whole to grow better," she continued. 

"I feel we’ve come to a far to an extent, though it’s just three years I’ve been in the process with the Cameroon team, coming from a US background going to an environment with so much potential and advantages that haven’t been utilized to its highest extent. 

"I feel there could be the whole difference for the whole continent in general, there are so many talents that people look over too much. 

"I think in the years to come when there is a coaching strategy by the Federations to set out their own style of play, that can be grown from, I think that will set the difference apart from other countries."

Despite missing out of the Olympic Qualifiers, she will aim to return to the Cameroon fold ahead of this year's continental showpiece.

Union Berlin striker Anthony Ujah is still fond of his former club FC Cologne, claiming the North Rhine-Westphalia outfit to be "important".

Die Eisernen will be up against the Billy Goats in this weekend's Bundesliga round of fixtures and the Nigerian clearly relishes the opportunity.

Ujah played 102 times for Cologne, scoring 36 goals and providing 10 assists.

He joined Union Berlin from Mainz in the summer of 2019 and has made 20 appearances, although only eight of them have been starts.

The 29-year-old has scored two goals, which came in a 2-1 home defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt on September 27, 2019 and a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on November 23.

"Always", Ujah told Kicker when asked if a tie against Cologne is special to him.

"In Cologne, I had my best time in football so far. The city is very important to me. I see my future there."

Ujah also likes the German capital asserting "Berlin is a great city".

Though he has clocked just 789 minutes of Bundesliga action this season, Ujah says he is "satisfied" and calls his move from Mainz to Union Berlin "the right decision".

Ujah also weighed in on protests taking place across the world on racial injustice and discrimination which emanated from the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Bundesliga matches last weekend saw players kneel as a mark of solidarity and Ujah thinks it is a "right step".

"There is a lot more to do. The action is great, but it is important that the message goes deep into the world because we can have a good life together if everyone accepts," he continued.

"We're on the right track. I'm sure the future will be better."

Ujah has also been on the books of another German club in Werder Bremen where he scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 37 competitive outings.

He also had a stint with Norwegian side Lillestrom and Liaoning FC in China, netting a combined 37 goals.

Ujah's career began in Nigeria with Abuja FC and Warri Wolves.

He has been capped seven times for Nigeria, last appearing in a goalless draw with Tanzania on September 5, 2015, during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Atletico Madrid have offered Real Madrid the use of the Wanda Metropolitano should crowds return to La Liga before the Santiago Bernabeu renovation is finished.

Los Blancos’ ground is presently in the throes of a facelift, with Zinedine Zidane’s side slated to play their remaining matches of the 2019-20 season at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano – the ground used by the club’s ‘B’ team.

As there will be no spectators present at Spanish top-flight games before the end of the season, which is poised to restart after the coronavirus crisis, this poses no immediate problems for the record Champions League winners, but should crowds be free to return to fixtures prior to the Bernabeu’s renovation is completed, Atleti president Enrique Cerezo has invited the club’s eternal rivals to consider using their facilities.

“Would we rent them the Wanda Metropolitano? I’m going to take my mask off to answer you. Let no-one doubt that we will be at Real Madrid’s disposal,” he explained at an event with the Mayor of Madrid, Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida.

The situation is not without precedent, with a reciprocal arrangement used when Atleti were were upgrading the Vicente Calderon at the beginning of the 1996-97 campaign.

“It wouldn’t be the first time,” Martinez-Almeida, an Atleti fan, pointed out. “On Matchday 1 after we won the double, we played at the Bernabeu because our ground was under construction. It’s already happened and, of course, if the club does not have any problems, the fans will not either.”

There have been reports in Spain that because the coronavirus crisis has eased to such a degree, fans may be allowed back into stadiums, albeit at a reduced capacity.

Marca has reported that Real have turned down their neighbours’ offer, even in this case, and will continue to play at the Di Stefano, where there are no plans to have supporters. 

Madrid have six home matches remaining in a league campaign in which they will attempt to overturn a two-point deficit they face to Barcelona at the top of the standings, and have upgraded their stadium at their Valdebebas training complex in order to be VAR compliant, which is required for top-flight fixtures.

Their first game in over three months will take place on Sunday against Eibar, while Atleti will face Athletic Club the same day as they seek to secure Champions League qualification.

Hearts of Oak chief executive officer (CEO) Frederick Moore believes the club is on course to end their long wait for a major title. 

The former Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup winners have gone 11 straight years without winning a trophy. 

The CEO's comments follow similar remarks by club captain Mohammed Fatawu. 

“We are still the continental club masters,” Moore told Kumasi FM.

"We have been reviewing how we have not won a trophy in a while but some of the big clubs in the world have also gone a long time without a title.

"The most important thing is that we’ve got one of the best board chairman, a good board and good players.

“The continental club masters cannot be taken from us because of what we have done in the past. With the consistency at the top, I think we are now on the road to bigger things.

“I’m very confident Hearts of Oak will start winning trophies soon. We are building one of the best academies that will rival any academy in the world."

Hearts' last title remains the Ghana Premier League trophy in 2009.

The Phobians are the second most successful club in the history of the domestic top-flight, having clinched the league title on 19 occasions.

Hearts have also won the Ghana FA Cup 10 times, the last title coming in 2000.

The outfit has also won the Ghana Super Cup twice. 

On the continental level, Hearts ruled Africa in 2000 when they beat Tunisian side Esperance to win the Caf Champions League. The next year, they lifted the Caf Super Cup. 

Ninth on the Ghana Premier League table this season, the Phobians are eyeing a move up the table to begin a possible renaissance this season.  

The championship, though, is currently suspended as part of the measures to control the spread of the coronavirus disease.

Football has been on hold since March 15 and it is set to remain solely until at least July 31 due to a ban on all contact sports. 

The Ghana Football Association, through the Ghana Ministry of Youth and Sports (MoYS), made a proposal to the national government for a possible prompt return of football under conditions such as the playing of matches behind closed doors.

The request was, however, turned down.

Weston McKennie has become the latest American star to criticize U.S. President Donald Trump, with the Schalke midfielder labelling him a "racist" and "ignorant".

Several U.S. men's national team stars have come out and criticized Trump recently amid ongoing nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd.

Those protests have sparked a new conversation centered around racism and police brutality, with Trump fighting back at complaints regarding the latter by declaring himself the "law and order president".

USMNT veteran Michael Bradley has since said that there "isn't a moral bone in" Trump's body while defender DeAndre Yedlin said that the U.S. is a "sh*t show right now" while calling Trump's election "embarrassing" and "mind-boggling".

Former USMNT forward Terrence Boyd also voiced his opinion, saying that Trump is “one of the worst people on the planet”.

And McKennie has become the latest American star to take a shot at Trump as he's emerged as one of the USMNT's most vocal members in recent weeks.

"In my eyes, he can be called racist," McKennie told Sport Bild. "I don't think Trump is the right man for the job of president.

"I don't think he understands his responsibility to the entire country. I think he's ignorant. I don't support him one bit. I don't think he's a man of his word."

While several USMNT stars have taken aim at the President, longtime U.S. women's national team star Megan Rapinoe has engaged in a highly publicized war of words with Trump.

Most recently, the World Cup winner called Trump a "white nationalist" who produces nothing but hate.

After wearing a captain's armband calling for justice for Floyd's death, McKennie's displays have been joined by the likes of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Thuram and Archaf Hakimi, who sent their own messages with goal celebrations in Bundesliga play.

McKennie, who has earned 19 USMNT caps since making his debut in 2017, has stated that he plans to continue speaking out against racism while using his platform to advocate for change.

"Basically, it's important that we athletes are also committed to the fight against racism, because we have the exposure," he said.

"That's why it's up to all of us."

Shuaibu Amodu’s death will remain a loss for Nigerian football, according to Fifa legend Yakubu Ayegbeni.

Amodu, 58, died in 2016 – three days after the passing of Stephen Keshi who was his assistant at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.

Based on the former Super Eagles’ coach's recommendation, 17-year-old Ayegbeni was handed a Nigeria call-up – and made his bow on April 22, 2000, in the 4-0 decimation of Eritrea in a 2002 Afcon qualification game in Lagos.

The Yak went ahead to feature for the Nigeria U23 team in an ill-fated 2000 Olympics outing where he scored a wonder goal against Honduras.

Apart from the national team connection, both are from Edo state and that fortified their bond on and off the pitch.

Talking about the ex-Orlando Pirates manager since his demise, Ayegbeni describes his relationship with Amodu, his role in his rise to prominence, and how he handled the news about his demise.

“It’s a great loss for everyone and for me as well. He was there for me as a father,” he told Goal.

“When Shuaibu [Amodu] was in the national team, he was the one who invited me to the Super Eagles. I remember when he was technical director of the Nigeria Football Federation; he would come to the Nigeria U23 camp and watch everyone.

“Shuaibu was a great man and we miss him in the football circle. We had a great time in the national team and he helped me a lot. It was great working with him.

“We had great communication and our relationship was like that of father and son because he knew every member of my family.

“I played my first Super Eagles [game] against Namibia under him and Jo Bonfrere.

“We kept in touch for a very long time because we were both from Edo state. I was in Ghana when he died and I felt heartbroken after my wife called me to announce the sad news. He was also close to my wife’s dad [Kadiri Ikhana] and we all miss him.”

After completing his loan spell at Portuguese outfit Gil Vicente, Ayegbeni joined Maccabi Haifa permanently from Nigeria’s Julius Berger.

Now retired, the 37-year also explains how his role aided his move to Israel’s elite division, as well as his motivational role.

He further highlighted his qualities while declaring the country will never have a tactician like him again.

“When I was about to go on trial at Maccabi Haifa, we talked about it and he told me ‘you just have to go there and show. Go there, enjoy the game and the rest will be history’,” the Yak stated.

“Without him, I don’t think I would have played in Israel because he was the brain behind it. He didn’t stop there as he would come to Tel Aviv to see me play and also encourage me.

“His death remains a big loss to Nigeria. He was one of the best indigenous coaches back then. He was very friendly, democratic, accommodating and loved hardworking players.

“There can only be one Shuaibu Amodu, there would never be another one. He did qualify Nigeria for the World Cup twice but never had the chance to lead the Super Eagles there. It’s so sad.

“Not minding that, he was always available to help. Nigeria can never have another man like him. May his soul continue to rest in peace.”

Apart from handling the Super Eagles, Amodu won Federation Cup titles with BBC Lions and El Kanemi Warriors before a short spell with South Africa's Orlando Pirates after leaving Shooting Stars.

Lyon sporting director Juninho has admitted that the club could lose both Houssem Aouar and Moussa Dembele this summer, but he hopes that Memphis Depay can be persuaded to sign a new contract.

Missing out on the Champions League in the 2021-22 season after a disappointing seventh-placed finish in the controversially truncated Ligue 1 campaign has been a blow to OL and is set to shape their actions in the summer.

Aouar and Dembele have been strongly touted with moves away from the Rhone side, with Manchester City and Juventus strongly linked with the former, while Manchester United are one of the sides associated with the latter.

Although not definitive on the future of either, Juninho suggested they could be on their way.

“Moussa and Houssem are among the best players in the squad but their cases are different,” he said at the unveiling of striker Tino Kadewere.

“Houssem came through the academy here and he’s been here a long time. He brings a technical touch in the midfield, but we know that most young players trained at the club with the talent of Houssem will leave at one time or another.

“It’s president Jean-Michel Aulas who will decide. If we receive propositions, we’ll analyse them but he’s an important player.

“Moussa’s had a good season and still has a margin to progress. He’s a pure centre forward who brings us strength and presence in the box. He scores goals.

“If we lose a player of that level, we’ll look for replacements of the same standard.”

Meanwhile, Depay, who has been out since December with serious knee injury, is out of contract next summer, at which time he could potentially leave for nothing. Eager to avoid that, but aware of the player’s talents, Lyon have opened talks on an extension.

“When you lose a big star due to injury a year and a half from the end of his contract, it’s a challenge,” Juninho admitted. “Memphis is really important to us. We hope he’ll stay and we’ve started talks on an extension. 

“He’s enjoyed being here and has taken the captain’s armband. He’s become a true leader. I hope we find a solution.”

Juninho is hopeful that the Netherlands international will be able to play a role in Lyon’s Champions League last-16 second-leg meeting with Juventus, which is yet to be formally rescheduled but is likely to take place in early August.

“We know that after six months out, players need time to regain their form, but in any given match he can help us with his talent and his desire,” the director added. “I think he’ll be ready to play Juve, even if it’s up to Rudi Garcia to decide. 

“Maybe if he helps up win matches like that and he feels there’s a strong project behind him, he might decide to stay.”

Beijing Guoan striker Cedric Bakambu has revealed he has no disappointments about not joining Barcelona during the January transfer window.

With Luis Suarez out injured, the Blaugrana needed a replacement and the Congolese man was a candidate.

A deal never happened with Barca eventually settling for Denmark international Martin Braithwaite from Leganes.

Bakambu, however, found Barcelona's interest in him as "very flattering" and motivating as well.

"About FC Barcelona, ​​who wanted to buy me at the last winter transfer window, there was not even a disappointment," Bakambu told RFI.

"It would have been a nice bonus, I did not expect it, it was the last hours of the transfer window and I had other more concrete tracks, but it happened.

"In addition, being coveted by Barca is very flattering and motivates me for the future, because I always have in the back of my mind this come back in Europe.

"Knowing that such a stable coveted me tenfold my motivation. China is not a retreat, I am only 29 years old!"

Bakambu joined Beijing Guoan from Villarreal in 2018, and has scored 39 goals and provided 14 assists in 55 appearances.

He is yet to play in the Chinese Super League this year which has been halted because of the coronavirus pandemic, which had its origins from the city of Wuhan, before spreading to other parts of the world.

While football leagues in Asia such as South Korea and Vietnam have resumed, there is still no certain date for a return in China, but Bakambu - who is presently outside the Far East country, is eagerly waiting for a return.

"China has its borders closed to foreigners for the moment, I can't go to Beijing, so I'm waiting for news," the 29-year-old continued.

"But I want to go back, since December it's been a long time. I have prepared myself, I am ready. I want to find the competition, I am a high-level sportsman. I miss it, and my club is out there right now."

Bakambu has previously played for Sochaux in France and Bursaspor in Turkey.