Nigel Pearson sacked

Leicester City  have sacked first team manager Nigel Pearson.

The club released a statement saying; "the board of directors recognises the success Nigel has helped to bring to Leicester City during his two spells in charge of the club, particularly during the last three and a half years,"

"However, it has become clear to the club that fundamental differences in perspective exist between us."

Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh will take charge of the first-team while the club looks for a replacement.

Miranda signs for Inter

Brazilian defender Jao Miranda has completed his move from Atletico Madrid to Inter Milan.

The defender makes it Inter fourth signing after the arrivals of Kondogbia from Monaco,Davide Santon and Xherdan Shaqiri's whose loans deals were turned into a permanent deal.

Premier League new ball Nike Ordem 3

Nike have released the football which will be used during the new Premier League season. The sportswear giants claim the ball is "the most advanced" ball that it has ever released.

It will first be used at the Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore which gets underway next month.

The tournament, which involves Arsenal, Everton and Stoke, will kick off on 15 July when Everton and Stoke face off in Singapore.

The most striking thing about the ball is the colour of it. As opposed to balls from previous seasons which have been mainly white, a large section of the ball is entirely red.

According to Nike, the Ordem 3 "delivers accurate flight, consistent touch and maximum visibility".

The ball will go on sale at Nike stories and on nike.com from July 1.

Source: Daily Mirror

Muntari contract terminated by Milan

Ghanian midfielder, Sulley Muntari is now clubless after his contract with AC Milan was terminated by the club this morning.

A post on their website reads;

"Sulley Muntari and AC Milan announce that they have mutually resolved to terminate the sporting contract that bound them,” the Italian club stated on Tuesday.

“AC Milan would like to thank Muntari for the commitment, devotion and professionalism he demonstrated when wearing the Milan shirt.

“We wish him every success for the rest of his playing career.” 

Hiddink part ways with Netherlands

Guus Hiddink has stepped down as the head coach of the Dutch side.

He replaced Louis Van Gaal to take charge of the Oranje to lead them to Euro 2016 in France. But as a result of poor result his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

A statement from Dutch football's governing body read:"Guus Hiddink and the KNVB have decided to terminate the contract of national coach on 1 July".

Hiddink also apologised for a bad run in form. He said:

"I'm sorry it went this way," he said. "It was an honour to be coach of the Netherlands again.

"I wish my successor, the staff and squad the best of luck on their way to the European Championships in France."

"Thank you for an incredible 11 years'' - Petr Cech to Chelsea fan

After completing is £11 million pounds move from Chelsea to Arsenal, Petr Cech has decided to write an open letter to Chelsea fans.

He writes;

"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea. The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will.

"Since 2004 it has been an incredible journey with so many highs and not many lows. We have managed to win every single English trophy as well as the Europa League and the biggest of all - Champions League. Looking back at all the achievements, including our first-ever league double in 2010, back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, and multiple EPL and FA Cup wins, I couldn't be more proud! As a team we made history together!

"Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the first-choice keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go. During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career when I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges.

"The limited playing time gave me the chacne to refesh and rest mentally as well as make me realise just how much I enjoy playing football at the highest level, because I missed it badly every game day I was not involved. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career and I love the challenges brought by the top-quality players you face while playing the Premier League - simply the best and the most challenging league in the world.

"That's why I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League and I'd like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in this matter. It means so much to me because without him Chelsea would not be where it is now. He deserves huge credit for what he has done for the club and for all of us.

"I would like to personally thank everybody involved with Chelsea for their support - all the players, staff, managers and all the coaching staff I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Without them it would have been impossible for us to have achieved such success.

"But most important of all - a huge thank-you goes to all the Chelsea fans. I did everything for you and you gave me your love back. I'll never forget it. It will stay with me forever. We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal - I hope you will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new adventure.

"I wish everybody at Chelsea all the best for the new season and for the future. Thank you for an incredible 11 years."

I wish you all the best Cech, you will always be a blue. Good luck with your new adventure.

Cech signs for Arsenal

Petr Cech has completed his move from Chelsea to Arsenal.

Czech football legend dies

Czech football great Josef Masopust, who led the national side to the final of the 1962 World Cup, has died aged 84.

The Club of Josef Masopust's Friends, the organisation which takes care of his legacy, said he died in his Prague home this morning. No cause of death was given although Czech public television said he had been battling a serious, long-term illness.
                  
"It's an irreplaceable loss," said Miroslav Pelta, the head of the Czech Football Federation. "He was a unique personality on and off the field."

Masopust, who was a creative playmaker with brilliant skill and technique, is best remembered for the opening goal in the 1962 World Cup final in Chile against Brazil, who ran out 3-1 winners.

"Masopust was one of the greatest players I ever saw," Brazilian football great Pele later said. "But it is not possible that he was born in Europe. With those explosive dribbles, he had to be Brazilian!"

Underdogs Czechoslovakia reached the knockout stage after drawing 0-0 against Brazil in one of their group matches before eliminating Hungary and Yugoslavia on the way to the final.

Pele sustained an injury in the group stage encounter but at that time, substitutes were not allowed. When he received the ball in the final Masopust refused to challenge him, allowing him to pass to a colleague.

"It was a gesture I will never forget," Pele said.

The same year, Masopust became the first Czech player to be named European Footballer of the Year. 

Source: Sky Sports

Ronaldo lands lucrative deal

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a lucrative, six-year image rights deal with Mint Media , owned by Singapore businessman Peter Lim.

Lim is the majority shareholder at La Liga club Valencia, and also agreed a deal to purchase a 50 per cent stake in Class of 92 owned Salford City FC last year.

On announcing the deal on Facebook, the Real Madrid star commented: "I am very excited to announce my latest deal with Mint Media, owned by my good friend, businessman Peter Lim from Singapore, to acquire my image rights.

"This is a very strategic move for me and my management team to take the Cristiano Ronaldo brand to the next level, especially in Asia."

Lim also hailed the deal, saying he will provide 'good value-add' for his growing brand.

He said: “Ronaldo is not just a great soccer player, he is also a very popular personality. I am confident that the Cristiano Ronaldo brand will continue to grow.”

Ronaldo added: “Peter has valuable and extensive business network and I have always admired Peter’s entrepreneurial savvy and his ability to grow businesses.

“He is also a good friend whom I have known for a while. I believe he will be a good partner and good value-add for my brand.”

Under the deal, Mint Media will own all the image rights for Ronaldo, except those relating directly to Real Madrid.

Adama Traore on United radar

Manchester United have joined the transfer race to sign Lille midfielder Adama Traore. The Red Devils were impressed with the Malian midfielder’s performances during the Fifa Under-20’s World Cup.

Traore was crowned as the best player of the tournament and his displays have not gone unnoticed.

Lille are attempting to convince the African star to stay and his current contract runs until 2019 but, United are confident that they can lure Traore away this summer, according to Inside Futbol.

Messi's name saved kidnapped Argentine

On the 24th June, Argentine scientist Santiago Lopez Menendez was kidnapped in Nigeria by a group of armed men.

His story has been all over Argentine newspapers over the past couple of days after he revealed that Leo Messi was the reason his captors went easy on him.

After a ransom was paid, Menendez was released on the 27th June and had Barcelona superstar Leo Messi to thank for the improved treatment from the bandits.

The Nigerian kidnappers thought he was American, which he believes was the reason that they were particularly violent towards him.

Unable to communicate with his kidnappers who spoke no English, Menendez resorted to simply shouting “Messi! Messi! Messi!” until they understood that he was Argentine.

The scientist said his treatment improved massively from that point on… Because who doesn’t appreciate the genius of Leo Messi?

“Tell them to thank Messi, his name is what saved my brother’s life“, said Santiago’s brother Jorge to Clarin.

Bertolacci undergoes ACMilan medical

The 24-year-old who scored six goals in 35 Serie A appearances for Genoa last campaign is undergoing his medical  and already has his sights set on silverware.

"I have always said to CEO Adriano Galliani that I wanted to come here and it's a great feeling to see it happen," he told the club's official website. "I'm ready to prove myself.

"It was always my first choice to come here. Galliani showed great enthusiasm to sign me. Now it will be up to us on the pitch to show we can win the Scudetto.

"I spoke on the phone with new coach Sinisa Mihajlovic and he has a great desire to bring back a Milan side of true greatness.

"I have excellent confidence after last season and at Milan I already have great friends, it's really good to be here."

Following the completion of his medical, Bertolacci is expected to sign a long-term deal with the club.

Barcelona legend Xavi backs Qatar to host a successful World Cup in 2022

35 year old former Barcelona player Xavi recently joined Qatari club Al Sadd and recently spoke very positively about the controversial 2022 World Cup.

Choosing to ignore the countless migrant deaths and despicable working conditions, Xavi backed the 2022 World Cup to be a “great success”.

The legendary midfielder confirmed his role as an ambassador (£££$$$$€€€) for the Qatar World Cup – “To be an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is something that is very exciting”.

Xavi went on to defend the main concerns surrounding the tournament, speaking about the benefits of air conditioning, timing and size of the country.

“Previously we had to travel to matches the day before,” Xavi told the official 2022 World Cup website. 

“Here the fact that you don’t have to travel long distances is an advantage.”

“I also think that playing in November and December will allow players to reach the tournament in the best possible conditions.”

“There are also stadiums already employing air-conditioning, so I think the conditions are here to make this World Cup a great success. It will be a benefit for the football players.”

Asked if the teams would play “possession-style” football, Xavi said: “I think so — that is the idea of Qatari football. They are looking to immerse themselves in the culture of Barcelona and Spain, which has had so many successes on the world stage in recent years.”

“They want to compete well and to reach the World Cup in 2022 with the most competitive team possible.”

It is a mighty shame to see someone we all respect as a footballer completely lose our respect off the pitch.

There is so much wrong with the upcoming 2022 World Cup but Xavi joins the likes of Richard Keys as staunch defenders of the tournament.

  

Chilean playmate reveals she had an affair with Cristiano Ronaldo while he dated Irina Shayk

Russian model Shayk and Real Madrid star Ronaldo dated for several years, however their relationship broke down around the turn of the year, at the same time that Cristiano’s form dipped for Los Blancos.

Irina Shayk has since got together with Hollywood A-lister Bradley Cooper and, seemingly in the comfort of a new man, the beauty has now decided to spill the beans on what went wrong with Ronaldo.

According to the tabloid, Cristiano Ronaldo cheated on Irina Shayk with “dozens” on women.

One of those women, Daniella Chavez, has now spoken to Reforma about her affair with CR7. The paper published quotes from Daniella Chavez saying:

''I met Cristiano in November 2014, in the United States. We had already talked by email and Skype; I had to travel for work, and he told me to go for a couple of days.

Cristiano was very shy at first, but when he built up his confidence was quite a man, though still a bit fearful. He loved me, but the idea was not to show it.

I just wanted to fulfill a dream and have sex with him. I love his body.

Cristiano likedmy face, my breasts and the fact that he had never slept with a Playmate''.

Simone Pepe reveals late night Juventus WhatsApp chat after Champions League defeat

The 31-year-old Italian attacker has revealed that he had a sleepless night after Barcelona secured a Spanish treble with a 3-1 win in Berlin.

When he went to check out if anyone was online on WhatsApp, he found that the rest of the squad were wide awake and chatting in the aftermath of the bitter defeat.

While speaking to Tuttosport he said: “Nothing can ever make up for losing the Champions League final. In Berlin after the game I told my team-mates that the day after we’d feel even worse and I was not wrong.

“I couldn’t sleep that night and I wasn’t the only one. I logged on to the Whatsapp chat we have between us players at 6.45am and everyone else was on there too. The bitterness of coming so close to the Champions League trophy was too much to bear.

“We formed such a solid bond between us, but I am sure another will be created with the new players. That is the true strength of Juventus: players and coaches come and go, but the jersey and the club’s winning mentality remain.”

Stirring stuff. Pepe is right, Juventus showed plenty of heart and spirit in that final. At one stage it even looked as though they could turn the tie around.

But a Luis Suarez goal  effectively against the run of play –was enough to give Barcelona the edge with Neymar sealing it with the last kick of the game.

Pepe joined Juventus in 2010 from Udinese, going on to score 13 goals in 90 games for the club. During that time he won four titles and one Coppa Italia.

We will see who the better Hazard is - Thorgan Hazard

A third place finish in the Bundesliga for Borussia Monchegladbach means Thorgan Hazard could face his brother Eden Hazard in the Champions League next term. 

The 22-year-old told Bild;"My desire is for Chelsea to be among Gladbach's Champions League opponents this campaign," . "I've never played against my brother Eden competitively, that would be a great thing for our whole family.

He added, chuckling: "Then we can see who the better Hazard is!"

Thorgan also insisted he would be endeavouring to demonstrate why he deserves the No.10 jersey in his second campaign in German football.

"The No.10 position is my best position, but I do not know how the coach plans to play me," Hazard added. 

"I have shown that I can also play on the wing.

"I learned a lot last season, I think I became a better player. I was able to play in one of the strongest leagues 

in the world.

"Of course, I hope that next season I will play a bit more, but I know that the competition for places is huge. This is normal at a big club. I will work hard and have to play well to assert myself."

West Ham interested in World Cup and Champions League winner.

The hammers are reportedly interested in completing the transfer of Real Madrid star Alvaro Arbeloa. West Ham are in the marked for a new right-back as it is unclear if Carl Jenkinson will return.

The Spanish World Cup Winner is set for a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Madrid have signed Danilo and with Dani Carvajal already at the club, Arbeloa’s days look numbered.

The 32-year-old Champions League winner will be allowed to leave and he could be tempted by a move to Upton Park.

Meet the Rooneys!

Wayne Rooney is clearly enjoying his holidays ahead of the new Premier League season and on Sunday showed off his softer side, posing for an Instagram selfie with his two sons and wife.

Rooney's son Klay, who is two years old, wife Coleen, and eldest son Kai, five, all stuck their tongues out while the Manchester United and England captain smiled.

Villa targets Chery.

The Villans are in the market to improve all areas of their squad and have identified the Dutchman as a target.

Chery has just been called up to the Dutch first team after scoring an impressive 15 goals last season. The 27-year-old used to be a winger but was converted into a central goal-scoring midfielder.

Villa will have to fight off interest from Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli who will offer him more money. But Tim Sherwood hopes that the Prestige of the Premier League will land him.