Paris 2024: Makinde, NFF Pump Olympic Eagles Spirit With $55,000, N10m

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have changed the narratives ahead of Saturday’s Africa U23 Cup of Nations cracker between Nigeria and Tanzania, by swelling the money pot of the Olympic Eagles with the sums of $55,000 and N10 million.Makinde, who hosted the Nigeria U23 boys to a dinner at the Government House, Agodi handed over the sum of N10 million to the players and officials there and then, and pledged a further sum of $25,000 should the team earn the minimum win against Tanzania that will shoot them into the final round of the qualifiers against the winner of the fixture between Uganda and Guinea.

Just before him, Chairman of the NFF Task Foce on Youth Competitions, Alhaji Aminu Balele Kurfi had presented the team, through Head Coach Salisu Yusuf, the of $10,000, being half of the amount he promised them for a win ahead of the first leg against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. The 1-1 draw netted the sum of $10,000.

Balele also pledged the sum of $20,000 for the team should they defeat Tanzania in Ibadan on Saturday, prompting Makinde to also make a pledge of $25,000.“I am coming to the stadium with the cash; so, it is not a go-and-come-back promise. I will give you the money once you achieve victory,” Makinde said as players and officials, and members of the Oyo State Executive Council, Board Members and Management of the NFF and NFF congressmen cheered.

Also at the occasion were the Deputy Governor of Oyo State; Speaker of the House of Assembly; Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi and Alhaji Babagana Kalli (NFF Board Members); Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Seun Fakorede; Otunba Tade Azeez (President of NRA); NFF Congressmen; Kabiyesi James Odeniran (Chairman, Oyo State Football Association), and management staff of the Federation.

It would be recalled that earlier on Friday, Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa had promised the Olympic Eagles the sum of N500,000 for every goal in Saturday’s cliff-hanger at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

Ondomind

FIFA Threatens To Ban African Country From 2022 World Cup

FIFA, the international governing body of association football, has threatened to ban Tunisia from the 2022 World Cup.FIFA is threatening to ban the country after comments from the country’s sports minister.

Tunisia’s participation in next month’s tournament is under threat after the youth and sports minister, Kamel Deguiche, spoke about the possibility of “dissolving federal offices of different disciplines”.

FIFA seemingly took that to mean the Tunisian Football Association (FTF). In a leaked letter, which was published by radio station Mosaique FM, the world football governing body has asked for clarification of these comments.

The letter noted “State authorities’ attempts to interfere in the Tunisian Federation’s internal affairs and its threats to dissolve FTF’s office”.

FIFA warned that its members “are legally obligated to conduct their affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties.” It added that failure to comply “may result in the imposition of penalties under the FIFA laws, including suspension of the relevant association.”

Ondomind 

Football Is Politics: An Allegory - The Players and The Fans

 

I'm not a fan of football, but I think I do know a few things about it. I'm just one of those rare guys who do not like football.

Football is funny, it could be comedy at times; a game where players shake hands after play, and fans fight one another after play. That is the fun in it. I have noticed that to the players, it's a game and they've been paid(cool dough obviously) and; to the fans, they've paid and one must take the blame.

So players find no pain switching membership while supporters sense infidelity for cross-carpetting, thus the fans usually stick to one club while the players switch clubs often for the love of the game. If players are loyal to the game than their clubs, then supporters should be loyal to the game than their clubs; in that way, they will need not fight or kill one another for the game.

Another funny thing is that neither the players nor the game requires that they fight! Probably the fight comes up because most people are not just fans but fanatics. Be a fan not a fanatic.

That's football. I do not intend to derail from my sporty post with my socio- political analogy. But far from it is the political scene of Nigeria. My observation holds but sadly true in the polity and political game "Nigeria" that while our evil politicians and rulers who in this context are the players, short change the entire populace and people in the course of the game. leaving them high and dry; the populace who are the fans in the political arena rather than hold the politician i.e the players accountable, would rather turn against themselves whilst unleashing hell and sorrow and further impoverish themselves. All the while the politician players after every hot battle or game as put, after whipping the people into killer frenzy, vide the intoxicants' and toxins called religion and ethnicity and simply retire backstage to loot and dine together unbridled whilst the supporters or fans called Nigerians waste themselves.

Literally, soccer fans should hold players accountable when they play badly, rather than fight one another; concrete evidence suggests financial profligacy from most soccer stars, little wonder they feel sad when retirement calls. The major difference between this literal story and my allegory is that unlike the soccer fans who spend hard earned money to watch their favourite team, the electorates do not spend, rather they depend on the politicians who invest massively and brainwash the masses to stay in power.

People should see the light and realise that fellow citizens are not always the catalyst of their woes.

Ex-Real Madrid Striker Becomes First-ever Footballer Bought with Bitcoin

Former Real Madrid B striker, David Barral has become the first-ever player to be bought using cryptocurrency.

The 37-year-old striker officially signed for Spanish third division side, DUX Internacional de Madrid in a deal that was entirely funded with Bitcoin.

The club did not disclose the total value of the deal but revealed that the milestone was made possible by their new sponsor, Criptan, a local cryptocurrency exchange.

"David Barral new player of DUX Internacional de Madrid, welcome to the infinite club! He becomes the first signing in history in cryptocurrencies. Thanks to Criptan, our new sponsor, for making it possible."

Internacional shared on its social media pages.

Although Internacional is the first-ever football club to fund a transfer entirely through the use of Bitcoin, it is not the first time cryptocurrency has been used in professional sports.

In December 2020, Carolina Panthers offensive tackle, Russell Okung signed a deal to have exactly half of his NFL salary paid in Bitcoin. He was the first high-profile athlete in the United States to be paid with the cryptocurrency.

According to Okung, getting paid in Bitcoin is the first step of opting out of the corrupt, manipulated economy. He has also encouraged other professional sports stars to do the same.

Similarly, Internacional new signing, David Barral has expressed excitement over the transfer and without reservation for the fact that Bitcoin was used.

"I am happy to join this project, with desire, ambition and responsibility to continue competing and achieve important challenges in my sports career."

Before joining Internacional, Barral made more than 50 appearances for Real Madrid's reserve side. He later enjoyed spells with the likes of Sporting Gijon, Levante and most recently, Racing Santander.

According to tech experts, the purchase of Barral by Internacional marks the unique beginning of the use of Bitcoin in football. There are claims that given the recent rise and investor confidence in the cryptocurrency, it wouldn't be surprising if more football teams follow in their steps.

RUNNING AND YOU

Do you ever watch American movies, where the start of the movie sees a character putting on headphones and jogging/running in exercise gear. Subconsciously you deduce that its early in the morning and the character is beginning his day. These movies tell us without meaning to, that beginning your day with jogging is the right and healthy way to live.

So what if you are not sporty and you have no affinity for rigorous exercises like weight lifting and gyming, you can always run, jog or even walk. As long as you are in motion, you are keeping healthy.

BENEFITS OF RUNNING.

Running is good for a healthy heart.

It is good for the joint.

Helps in loosing weight.

Aids the thinking process.

It is a great leg exercise

Dictargh

Ancelotti thinks the Chinese can bring Milan back to the top

Carlo Ancelotti says he hopes the Chinese can bring Milan back to the top as he underlines the importance former players have at the management of Bayern. By the end of 2016, Milan will be owned by Chinese investors and it will mark the end of President Silvio Berlusconi’s 30-year reign of the red and […]

Roberto Firmino is emerging as one Premier League best player

Somehow, Roberto Firmino's ongoing emergence as arguably Liverpool's best and most influential player has been largely overlooked over the last 12 months, but after his stunning performance against Leicester City at the weekend the secret is finally starting to get out. While most of the attention is drawn to

Philippe Coutinho or Daniel Sturridge, Firmino has made the most of others hogging the limelight by quietly going about the business of being effective and productive.

Aside from Sturridge, he is Liverpool's best finisher. Aside from Coutinho, he is Liverpool's most creative player. Even before he had opened the scoring on Saturday, the Brazilian had already dazzled Anfield with the kind of touch play for which Mesut Ozil is renowned.From taking dropping balls out of the sky with his instep with maximum ease and minimum fuss, to threading short passes through gaps to open up spaces in and around the penalty area, Firmino's technique means his lack of searing pace does not hinder him as it does others who operate in a similar role.

On this very day last year, Firmino's troubled start to his Liverpool career was laid bare when he failed to make any impact whatsoever in a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United. Taken off after 65 minutes having been deployed in an orthodox winger's role that did not suit him, Firmino's struggle to both establish himself in English football and to convince Brendan Rodgers of his quality was there for all to see. What has changed since then? The most obvious difference is Jurgen Klopp, who knew him from the Bundesliga and rated him highly enough to make him a focal point of the Liverpool team. The turning point came when Firmino was used as a false number nine against Chelsea in Klopp's third game in charge, a 3-1 win over Chelsea, and his manager continues to find a place for him in Liverpool's biggest games, even at Sturridge's expense on occasion.

Another more recent improvement has been prompted by the arrival of Sadio Mane whose pace, directness and constant involvement frees up the kind of space that Firmino thrives in. That was clear once again as Liverpool ran amok against Leicester, with Firmino providing further evidence in support of his manager's theory that the club's transfer committee had produced an outstanding piece of business when they signed the 24-year-old from Hoffenheim in June 2015. There is still room for improvement, though, as there are periods in games when Firmino can be detached from the action but such passages are becoming less frequent as Klopp continues to get much more out of him than his predecessor had been able to.

Suarez Beat Cristiano Ronaldo's record in his first 100 games

Luis Suarez has a higher combined total of goals and assists in his first 100 appearances for Barcelona than Cristiano Ronaldo managed in his first 100 games for Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international came off the bench to
make his 100th appearance for the Catalan giants against Alaves on Saturday, and while he was unable to prevent their shock 2-1 defeat at the Nou Camp, he reached the milestone with an unrivalled record.

Since his £75m transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona in the summer of 2014, Suarez has netted 88 goals and claimed 43 assists for the Catalan giants in all competitions. He has only tasted defeat 12 times, with 80 of his 100 appearances ending in victories.

Suarez is overshadowed by superstar duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in La Liga, but he scored more goals than either in all competitions last season (59) and the stats suggest he deserves to be considered on a similar level.

Messi's relatively modest record of 41 goals and 14 assists in his first 100 appearances can be explained by the fact that he was just an emerging teenager when he burst onto the scene at Barcelona, but the same can't be said of Ronaldo.

The Portuguese superstar was aged 24 and already established as one of the world's best players when he joined Real Madrid from Manchester United in a record-breaking £80m deal in 2009. But while he scored more goals than Suarez in his first 100 appearances (95), his combined total of 124 goals and assists falls short of Suarez's 131, and he only won 76 of those games compares to Suarez's 80.

Suarez turns 30 in January, but he's showing no signs of slowing down. Barcelona will be confident that the world's best striker's next 100 appearances will be similarly successful.

Giroud feels PSG will be favoured against Arsenal

The Gunners open their Group A campaign with a trip to Paris on Tuesday to face the Ligue 1 champions.

Arsenal come into the game off the back of a 2-1 victory over Southampton in the Premier League, yet Giroud feels PSG will be the
favourites when they meet at the Parc des Princes.

"We knew this victory over Southampton would require character even if everything was not easy. The Champions League is a different competition," Giroud told Telefoot.

"Paris will regroup [from Friday's 1-1 draw with Saint-Etienne] and are the favourites and leader of this group. It is up to us to put doubt into them."

Following the exit of Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the summer, PSG opted to put their faith in Edinson Cavani to start up front rather than bring in a direct replacement.

Giroud feels Cavani can succeed the former Sweden international and also cause trouble for Arsenal on Tuesday.

"Ibrahimovic had a very good season and it is important to them that someone takes over," Giroud said.

"Cavani, if he is having a good night, can hurt us, especially with his shooting."

Pogba's agent reveal that it took more than a year to complete Pogba signing

Pogba's agent Mino Raiola has revealed the transfer took such a long time to come to fruition due to the difficulty of getting agreement with multiple parties.

United and Jose Mourinho finally landed their man last
month , four years after he left Manchester for Juventus.

Pogba was linked with a sensational Old Trafford return as early as last summer and Raiola has admitted that he has been working since then to get his client what he wanted.

He said: "Pogba was a deal that we were working on already for a year – maybe longer.

"It was a complex deal as it involves a lot of parties and involves a lot of high stakes rights and it is difficult to get them all aligned.

"I work for the player, that is always very clear, so try to do what is in the interests of the player, what is his wishes, and I try to keep that always in mind."

Five issue Mourinho have to consider before picking his team against Manchester city

Even in early September, the stakes are high. It is Mourinho’s first derby as Manchester United manager, his first meeting with Pep Guardiola in England and a clash between two of the Premier League’s top three.

Injury concerns

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has got a thigh injury while Luke Shaw withdrew from the England squad because

he ‘wasn’t feeling right’ - although the FA insist he is fit. Shaw, if he is available, will start and it is to Mourinho’s advantage that he did not play against Slovakia. Mkhitaryan was pushing to start against City after his impact off the bench against Hull but he will have to prove his fitness first.

Valencia’s jet-lag

Valencia is not expected back at Carrington until Friday, 24 hours before the derby. He has started the season well, in particular in getting forward to create chances for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. If Mourinho decides he is not ready he has got other options in Matteo Darmian, Phil Jones or Timothy Fosu-Mensah. The only problem is none of the three has played a single minute so far this season.

Rashford on the right

Rashford may be able to do some damage on the right. Guardiola likes his full-backs to push into midfield when City have the ball, with Fernandinho dropping between the centre-backs to cover. If United can break quickly, there should be a chance for fast, direct wide players to get around the outside of City’s defence. And Anthony Martial on the left and Rashford on the right would give Mourinho more pace in his front four.

Eric Bailly

Bailly has shown already in his short United career that he is quick and strong – two ideal qualities for a centre-back. But a derby also needs a cool head. Bailly is still very inexperienced and, at times, has a tendency to dive in. He will almost certainly start at Old Trafford and it is a chance for the 22-year-old to show a more mature side to his game.

Carrick’s calmness

Despite Mourinho’s concerns, it is likely Marouane Fellaini will recover from a back injury to be available to play City. But the United manager could decide to go a different way. Guardiola’s team try to win the ball back quickly with relentless pressing and Michael Carrick has the technical ability to thrive under that amount of pressure.

Marcus Rashford intend to celebrate all his goals with the United traveling fans

Rashford was superb on his first Premier League performance of the season at the KC Stadium, where he increased United's tempo and tapped in the belated winner to spark euphoric scenes in the away section.

The 18-year-old boyhood Red was delighted to
celebrate with United's vociferous away support, which was housed in the nearby corner.

"Being one of them, of course when I score a goal it's important I celebrate with the fans and they're always with us and we're always with them," Rashford told MUTV.

"It's amazing to score in a last minute like that but the whole team grafted for 90 minutes and it's what we deserved."

Rashford was also grateful for Wayne Rooney's assist. The United captain, who generated plenty of criticism during the game, bypassed David Meyler to cross for Rashford's winner.

"Definitely," Rashford replied when asked if Rooney deserved credit. "As I've seen it developing it was an amazing run, so I had to get myself in the box and all his hard work paid off."

Chelsea rise to the top of the Premier League table after defeating Burnley 3-0

Eden Hazard sent the home side into a ninth-minute lead with a curling effort from distance, before Willian and Victor Moses added a second and third during what was a comfortable afternoon for Antonio Conte's side.

Chelsea were the more forward-thinking outfit in the early exchanges and had the lead in the ninth minute of play when Hazard drove to the edge of the Burnley box before
curling his effort into the bottom corner past Tom Heaton. Hazard had a golden chance to score a second just six minutes later when the Belgian once again found space inside the Burnley box, but Ben Mee was on hand to clear off the line, before Gary Cahill just missed the target with a volley.

The visitors just could not get into the match as Chelsea dominated and Burnley stopper Heaton had to keep out a John Terry header just before the 30-minute mark as the one-way traffic continued at Stamford Bridge. Seven minutes before the break, the home side had another golden chance when Hazard collected a pass from Willian before setting up Diego Costa inside a crowded Burnley box, but the Spaniard could only fire straight at Heaton.

Chelsea had their second in the 42nd minute, however, when Costa found Willian in a wide position and the Brazilian took a touch outside his full-back before drilling the ball across Heaton into the corner of the net. Burnley's only real chance of the first half came two minutes before the break when Scott Arfield found space down the right before drilling the ball towards the far corner, but his effort just missed the post.

Burnley also had the first chance of the second period as George Boyd set up Dean Marney outside the Chelsea box, but the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder fired into the stands. Willian stood over a 25-yard free kick in the 51st minute as Chelsea had the opportunity to score a third, but the Brazilian just missed the crossbar, before Heaton did well to keep out another close-range effort from Costa.

Chelsea had two more opportunities just before the hour as Heaton was forced down low to keep out a brilliant volley from Hazard and the rebound fell to Terry, who somehow fired over the crossbar from close range. Heaton continued to impress between the sticks for Burnley as the goalkeeper, who travelled with the England squad for Euro 2016, made a super save to keep out Hazard with little under 30 minutes of football to play in the capital.

Burnley had more ambition in the final 15 minutes as they looked to set up a grandstand finish, but Chelsea were always comfortable as they eased their way to another three points, which took them to the top of the division. There was time for one more goal, meanwhile, as the three substitutes - Michy Batshuayi, Pedro and Moses - all combined and it was Moses that converted at the far post to make it 3-0 on the afternoon.

Chelsea Manager admits he does not expect the club to be able to secure his first-choice Transfer targets before Wednesday's deadline

Chelsea have signed only two players since Conte’s arrival – Michy Batshuayi from Marseille and N’Golo Kante from Leicester City – despite the hierarchy having indicated this summer they expected to bring up to six significant signings into the club in the wake of last season’s 10th place finish.

Those efforts have been frustrated to date as time ticks down towards the cut-off. “I must be

honest, I think we’ll have a problem to reach our [transfer] targets” said Conte. “I still hope with this transfer market to improve the squad and the team with some new players, but we understand our targets are very difficult to reach. But we have a game against Burnley for now which is more important than the transfer market. Then, after that, I hope [moves are made to secure] some more players than now before the deadline.”

Chelsea cannot offer European football to prospective targets this season and, with only six days of the transfer window remaining, are chasing a number of alternative targets having missed out on Conte’s preferred choices. Bids for both Kalidou Koulibaly and Alessio Romagnoli were rejected by Napoli and Milan respectively this week with Conte, forced to improvise, having surprisingly turned his attention since to Alonso.

The 25-year-old boasts previous Premier League experience with Bolton – for whom he signed at 19 – and Sunderland during a loan spell in 2014. He would provide further cover for Cesar Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic at full-back, allowing the latter to shift into central defence should he be needed.

Conte’s desire for a further defensive additions could see two new recruits at Chelsea before Wednesday’s deadline. The knock sustained by the youngster Ola Aina in the midweek win over Bristol Rovers has potentially left the Italian with only four fully fit defenders for Saturday’s visit of Burnley, with Kurt Zouma still recovering from the knee ligament injury sustained this year.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche backs his side to bounce back against Chelsea after EFC cup loss

Burnley’s shock EFL Cup defeat at Accrington Stanley on Wednesday night stretched their run without a win in the competition to three years. The 1-0 defeat in extra-time came just four days after the Clarets had been beaten Liverpool to collect their first Premier League win of the season.

Dyche’s men now face a trip to Stamford Bridge with four of the players
involved against Accrington - Sam Vokes, Andre Gray, Scott Arfield and George Boyd - set to start against Antonio Conte’s in-form Blues. Dyche says the defeat to League Two opposition, when he made 10 changes to his starting line-up, won’t dent confidence.

The Burnley boss said: “That's just football. We delivered two different performances, one very dominant, one less dominant. We got a win against the odds, and then lost against the odds.

“That's sometimes the way it is. It doesn't change the mood. We know the main target this year. It doesn't mean we're diminishing the thought of a cup but the main goal is what we're trying to achieve in the Premier League, we know that.

“We know the challenge that's ahead of us and we know there's a group that we'd more be hoping to get points against and we know there's a group that's more difficult to get points against, particularly away from home, and Chelsea come into that.

“It is the beauty of football, that's why we all love it, when you can go away to these places with a bit of freedom, take on the game and see what comes your way.”

Despite problems getting the players he wants on a limited budget, Dyche is adamant the Clarets will give everything to follow up their landmark win over Liverpool and compete against the big boys.

He added: “It's obvious we're not leading the market with finance and depth of squad, but what will become apparent, and it already has, is we are willing for the challenge and we'll give every inch of ourselves to achieve what we want.”

Manchester United legend talks about Paul pogba

Manchester United legend Andy Cole spoke exclusively to ManUtd.com after the announcement that France international Paul Pogba has joined the club from Juventus…

How excited are you about Paul Pogba signing for Manchester United?

Well, judging by his Juventus performances, then I would say I am very excited! He is a top player and everyone is delighted to have
him back.

Specifically, which of Pogba's attributes do you like?

I love his energy - he has great energy in midfield. Watching him as a youngster at United and more so at Juventus, you can see he gets up and down the football pitch. He creates goals and he got himself a few goals last season. He always wants to be involved and on the ball.

Is he exactly the type of player we have lacked in midfield?

Yes because he has energy from box to box. Of course you are going to miss that! However you look at the modern day game, there aren't many players who can do that and he definitely can. It will be good to see how he fits into the team. It has been well documented in recent seasons that United have lacked legs in midfield, a player to get up and down with that power through the middle. It will be nice to have it.

The fee is reportedly a world record and that has apparently beaten off competition from Real Madrid. What does that say about United's intent this summer?

It sounds like Madrid didn't have the money to fund it, reading the reports, so you could say we have beaten them in that respect. If Pogba has chosen Manchester United over Real Madrid for football reasons as well then that is a massive coup, especially knowing that he will miss out on Champions League football for a year because that is a big factor. He got to the quarter-finals last season and the final the year before, so missing out this season is a massive factor. He must be convinced by the future at United.

The reported fee has been a continued talking point – what are your thoughts? 

Wow, the fee, well that is how football is nowadays. If you want to get a top individual at a football club then you have to pay fees.  Football grosses so much money. If you want to buy a player and they say they want £80million or £90million then you have to pay it.  I’m just glad we have a top class player at the club, and one who is young enough to play through his best years at Old Trafford.

You mentioned Paul’s time in the Academy - do you remember the first time you saw him and what was your impression?

Yeah, I remember watching him and he was a very leggy individual. He was obviously growing and his legs seemed to be doing a lot more than his body wanted them to do! But he refined his skill. He played in Italy for four years and he did so well at such a young, tender age. Everyone spoke in Italy about how good he is and that is a testament to how well he did over there.

Jose Mourinho has now acquired all four of the targets he had highlighted. Are you impressed by that ruthless business?

Yeah I have been impressed, you have got to be. Some of the signings over the last few years... I don't know if it was a numbers thing, to get bodies in at a certain time. But Mourinho has come in and specified the four players he wanted and the club has got them all. That reminds me of my time with Sir Alex Ferguson. He identified a player and, nine times out of 10, got the player. 

Paul Pogba is set for Man Utd medical

Manchester United are on the brink of re-signing Paul Pogba from Juventus in a deal worth over £100m ($131m).

United will pay a world record £89m (105m euros) transfer fee, with other costs such as agents fees to be added.

Pogba will have a medical in the next few
days with the deal due to be completed in midweek.

The 23-year-old, who left United for £1.5m in 2012, is set to return for a fee that surpasses Gareth Bale's £85m move to Real Madrid in 2013.

The Old Trafford club still have to agree personal terms with the France midfielder, although that is expected to be a formality.

United boss Jose Mourinho said on Friday he wanted the deal done by the time his side play their opening Premier League game at Bournemouth on 14 August.

In four seasons in Turin Pogba, who helped France reach the Euro 2016 final, won four league titles.

He is Jose Mourinho's fourth signing at United, after Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

It is the first time in 20 years an English club will have paid a world record fee.
Newcastle United were the last to do so when they spent £15m signing England striker Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers.

Pogba joined United from French club Le Havre in 2009 as a 16-year-old, but made just a handful of appearances before his contract expired in July 2012.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils' manager at the time, said: "I don't think he showed us any respect at all so, to be honest, I'm quite happy [he is leaving]."

Pogba has made 178 appearances for Juventus, scoring 34 goals, and helped the club reach the 2015 Champions League final. The Serie A side had offered him a new contract, while Real Madrid were also interested in signing him.

Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, also represents striker Ibrahimovic, who signed for United on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain, and midfielder Mkhitaryan, who joined from Borussia Dortmund.

Paul Pogba is set for Man Utd medical

Manchester United are on the brink of re-signing Paul Pogba from Juventus in a deal worth over £100m ($131m).

United will pay a world record £89m (105m euros) transfer fee, with other costs such as agents fees to be added.

Pogba will have a medical in the next few
days with the deal due to be completed in midweek.

The 23-year-old, who left United for £1.5m in 2012, is set to return for a fee that surpasses Gareth Bale's £85m move to Real Madrid in 2013.

The Old Trafford club still have to agree personal terms with the France midfielder, although that is expected to be a formality.

United boss Jose Mourinho said on Friday he wanted the deal done by the time his side play their opening Premier League game at Bournemouth on 14 August.

In four seasons in Turin Pogba, who helped France reach the Euro 2016 final, won four league titles.

He is Jose Mourinho's fourth signing at United, after Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

It is the first time in 20 years an English club will have paid a world record fee.
Newcastle United were the last to do so when they spent £15m signing England striker Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers.

Pogba joined United from French club Le Havre in 2009 as a 16-year-old, but made just a handful of appearances before his contract expired in July 2012.

Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils' manager at the time, said: "I don't think he showed us any respect at all so, to be honest, I'm quite happy [he is leaving]."

Pogba has made 178 appearances for Juventus, scoring 34 goals, and helped the club reach the 2015 Champions League final. The Serie A side had offered him a new contract, while Real Madrid were also interested in signing him.

Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, also represents striker Ibrahimovic, who signed for United on a free transfer from Paris St-Germain, and midfielder Mkhitaryan, who joined from Borussia Dortmund.

Athletic Bilbae midfielder Mikel Sam Jose claims cesar Azpilicueta is not leaving Chelsea

The Bilbao man, who spent some time with the Chelsea fullback during the Euros, said his mate shouldn’t be leaving England so soon.

In an interview with Marca, San Jose said: “I keep
seeing Azpilicueta at Chelsea.

“With the Euro, it seemed that everyone wanted him. We talked at lot. I know him, and however, I see him wearing blue.”

This will go as a blow for the Athletic Bilbao fans who hope of seeing Azpilicueta at the club next season. The rumours regarding a move were dragged for a few months, in a deal which would cost the Spanish side around €15m, according to the Spanish media.

There was also speculation saying Azpilicueta would join Jose Mourinho at Manchester United, which never seemed too likely after all.

Mourinho is taking a risk ditching Schweinsteiger

Even the best have to accept that, eventually, someone younger and better will arrive to take your place. But it is debatable whether Mourinho has either at United, argues MEN's Rob Dawson.

You can make a strong argument for Mourinho’s decision to
cut Schweinsteiger from his United squad. The German midfielder is the wrong side of 30, his injury record is poor and he takes home a bigger wage than almost anyone else at Old Trafford. Mourinho has inherited a bloated squad from Louis van Gaal and the axe has to fall somewhere. The Portuguese coach wants to work with a tight, competitive group, ideally with two players in every position. And Mourinho has decided Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin are his two holding midfielders.

Schweinsteiger’s situation is as much to do with the differences between Mourinho and Van Gaal as anything else. Van Gaal wanted to play with two deep midfielders last season so needed three in his squad. Mourinho only wants to play with one with another, more energetic, midfielder alongside him, so only needs two. Schweinsteiger is the odd man out. It has been billed as a personal snub for a man who, just two years ago, was named the best player in the World Cup final. But it is also an endorsement of Carrick and Schneiderlin. And, because of that, it’s also a risk.

Carrick has just turned 35 and is well into the stage of his career where niggling injuries become bigger issues. Schneiderlin was relatively injury-free last season but his form was erratic in his first year following his move from Southampton. United’s pre-season has highlighted Mourinho’s problem. Schneiderlin started in the 5-2 win over Galatasaray in Gothenburg. But that United went in at the break 2-1 down owed much to the Frenchman failing to get a grip of Wesley Sneijder. He went off at half-time and was replaced with Carrick. It was Carrick’s turn to start against Everton on Wednesday but Ross Barkley won their individual battle.

Neither Schneiderlin or Carrick have done enough to be sure they will start against Bournemouth next weekend. And even while he trains with the reserves, Schweinsteiger could be forgiven for thinking he has still got a chance. Mourinho, however, has all but confirmed his time at Old Trafford is over. Great players don’t stay great forever. Age catches up with them all and it has taken its toll on Schweinsteiger – on his body if not his mind. Even the best have to accept that, eventually, someone younger and better will arrive to take your place. But it is debatable whether Mourinho has either at United.