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football

Ronaldinho Breaks Silence After His Release From Paraguay Jail

by AnaedoOnline April 27, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 3 minutes read

Few weeks after his release, Former Barcelona and AC Milan star, Ronaldinho, has said he was “totally surprised” to have been arrested and charged with using a fake passport in Paraguay.

Ronaldinho Before he was released. Photo credit: Daily Post

In his first interview after being released from prison, Ronaldinho claimed he and his brother came to the country to attend the launch of an online casino.

Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto Assis were arrested in Paraguay in early March, for allegedly using fake documents to enter the country.

The Brazilian and his brother left prison after 32 days, when Judge Gustavo Amarilla decided that the brothers can live in a hotel in Asuncion, while they await trial on their charges.

The 40 years old football legend while speaking to journalists said “We were totally surprised to learn that the documents were not legal. Since then, our intention has been to collaborate with the justice system to clarify the facts.

“From that moment until today, we have explained everything and facilitated everything that has been requested of us,” Ronaldinho told ABC Color.

On the moment he knew he would go to jail, the formal Barcelona star added: “It was a hard blow. I never imagined that I would go through such a situation. All my life, I have sought to reach the highest professional level and bring joy to people with my football.”

Anaedoonline.com reported that the Brazil legend, Ronaldinho, was put in jail, for allegedly trying to enter the South American country with a fake passport.

However, Ronaldinho was allowed to leave prison, on the condition he stays within the boundaries of Hotel Palmaroga.

It is claimed they were both released after paying a £1.3million bond.

Ronaldinho’s lawyers previously argued that their client had been given the Paraguayan passport as a gift from a local sponsor, and was unaware he was doing anything wrong by using it.

The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner had already seen his Brazilian and Spanish passports seized by Brazil’s authorities in 2019 because of separate legal issues.

April 27, 2020

Sports

Chelsea Striker Extends Contract Until June 2021

by AnaedoOnline April 27, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 3 minutes read

France and Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud’s stay at Stamford bridge has been extend till 2021.

Chelsea striker, Olivier Giroud: photo credit: Wikipedia

Chelsea have triggered the option to extend France striker Olivier Giroud’s contract by a year until June 2021, a source said Saturday.

Giroud, 33, signed for Chelsea in winter 2018 from cross-city rivals Arsenal.

The 33-year-old has scored 39 goals in 97 appearances for France, making him his country’s third-highest goalscorer behind Michel Platini (41) and Thierry Henry (51), and the striker will be vying for a spot at next year’s European Championship.

Giroud won the FA Cup with Arsenal in 2014, 2015 and 2017, and totalled 105 goals in 253 games for the club. In January 2018, he transferred to Chelsea where, in his first full season, he became the first player from the club to score 10+ goals in a single European campaign. (AFP)

Anaedoonline.com reported that With the current season yet to resume due to the novel virus, coronavirus, European clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Juventus, are gearing up for next season and that involves transfers.

This years transfers will be decided by few details, not by clubs with deep pockets but clubs with players to exchange with.

The latest rumour has it that, Chelsea are interested in signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and believe Arsenal will be forced to sell the striker this summer, according to reports.

Aubameyang will have just a year remaining on his contract in June and he has not yet agreed on a new deal with the Gunners.

The Gabonese international has attracted interest from Chelsea, Barcelona and Inter, who are reportedly confident that Arsenal are now in a position where they will be forced to offload the 30-year-old in the next transfer window.

One of Frank Lampard’s priorities is to improve his attacking options after failing to sign a striker in the January transfer window and Aubameyang is on Chelsea’s shortlist.

Meanwhile, Barcelona attempted to sign Aubameyang in January but refused to meet Arsenal’s asking price, which was in excess of £50 million.

The Spanish champions are still interested in Aubameyang but are now understood to favour a move for Inter’s Lautaro Martinez.

The Telegraph report that Arsenal are ‘reluctant’ to offer Aubameyang a significant rise on his existing £200,000-a-week deal as they are wary of the situation they found themselves in after offering Mesut Ozil a contract worth £350,000 a week.

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April 27, 2020

Sports

Plateau Utd Goal Poacher Talks About His Football Career

by AnaedoOnline April 27, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 2 minutes read

Plateau United’s leading goalscorer and CHAN Eagles striker, Mustapha Ibrahim has sensationally disclosed that when he was growing up, his dream was to be an officer in the Nigerian Police Force.

Plateau United Players. Photo Credit: Daily Trust

The former El-Kanemi Warriors and Enyimba FC striker told reporters that his love for the Nigerian Police uniform was one of the reasons he wanted join the force.

Mustpaha who admitted it is already too late for him to join the Nigerian Police said he was also desirous of an opportunity to help in maintaining law and order. “Honestly, when I was small, I dreamt of being a Policeman.

I want to join the Nigerian Police. As a kid, I admired the uniform so much. I never missed the opportunity to look keenly at any policeman who passed close to me. “Apart from that, right from childhood I liked discipline so I wanted to have the opportunity to enforce the law.

“It is late for me to join the force but I still try in my own little way to correct people whenever I feel they are wrong,” he stated.

Mustapha who has scored 11 goals and is among the leading goal scorers in the suspended Nigeria Professional league also named four talents in the NPFL he believes are good enough to play in the Super Eagles. He said talents abound but since it is not possible to give opportunities to everyone at the same, he had to settle for quartet for now.

“Since they say charity begins at home, I will name myself first as one of the players who can play in the Super Eagles. I also believe players like Nasiru Sani (Kano Pillars defender), Abba Umar (Plateau United), Abdulrahman Bashir (Enyimba) and Buhari Ibrahim have the quality to play for the Super Eagles.

“I don’t mean to say these are the only players we have who can play in the Super Eagles. There are so many good players who can fit in there, if a given the chance. Mustapha was a member of the home-based Eagles who won emerged runners up at the 2018 CHAN in Morocco.

Source: Daily Trust

April 27, 2020

Sports

8 Footballers Who Were Really Good At A Specific Skill

by AnaedoOnline April 27, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 12 minutes read

Football is a difficult sport to play. Even if we don’t like to admit it ourselves, only a minuscule percentile of the population possesses the traits needed to become an elite athlete, despite all of your mates claiming they would have made it if it weren’t for their dodgy knees.

To become a professional footballer, it takes hours and hours of practice, chiselling your craft to perfection, whilst giving up on some of life’s true pleasures as a youngster. But most of all, you have to be truly gifted. Like, blessed by the gods.

Some of the stars we watch week-in, week-out on our television screens are so talented and versatile that they could perform a number of roles in any team, and they could do so with such conviction that they would never look out of place.

But there are some who weren’t naturally gifted with quick feet, 20:20 vision or an ability to do just about anything thats comes to their mind. There are those who had to scrap, fight and claw their way to the top of our beautiful game, focusing on the strengths they possessed and using them to their advantage.

And these are no less commendable than the James Milners of the world, who can play in every position on the planet.

To celebrate those footballer who specialised in honing a specific trait throughout their career, Anaedoonline.com takes a look back at some of the stars who are best remembered for one peculiar talent.

Rory Delap – Throw-in Specialist

Rory Delap injury may deny Stoke City use of their not so secret ...

If you speak to the psychiatrist for Arsenal’s backline from the end of the noughties, then they’ll probably tell you that the most repeated name in their office was Rory Delap.

The midfielder proved that he was a great Footballer and tortured the Premier League upon Stoke City’s arrival to the top flight in 2008, flinging the ball into the box with the flattest, fastest, and most venomous throw-in that football has ever seen.

Defences cowered as the missile was launched directly towards them, and an army of six foot plus warriors threw themselves into the ball’s path. Delap was Stoke’s not-so-secret weapon, but no one found a cure for his throw-ins.

The only antidote to his poison was time and the ageing process. Cue a huge sigh of relief from every Premier League defender when the human rocket launcher left the Potters in 2013.

Jean-Marc Bosman – Lawyer

Jean-Marc Bosman: 'I think I did something good – I gave players ...

Who? Well, the clue is in the surname. Although Jean-Marc Bosman enjoyed a rather average career, making few more than 100 professional appearances, he was certainly very good at one thing: the law.

Bosman was blocked from leaving RFC Liège in 1988, despite his contract expiring, and the club demanded that potential suitors Dunkerque paid a fee of £500,000 to sign him.

The Belgium Under-21 international challenged this legislation, and in 1995 it was decided that any player whose contract had expired was free to leave their current employer, under the new ‘Bosman ruling’.

Javier Hernandez – Poacher

Javier Hernandez,Juan Mata

When you think of a fox in the box, who comes to mind? They may be a dying breed in football nowadays, but one man who was born to poach is Javier Hernandez.

Chicharito managed 53 Premier League goals during his spells with Manchester United and West Ham, and the Mexican scored every single one from inside the opposition’s penalty area.

The clinical striker was ruthless when in on goal, and although he didn’t contribute too much outside of the 18-yard box, Hernandez was reliable enough to pop up and snatch a late goal for whichever team he played for.

Nikola Zigic – Being Big

Birmingham City’s hero from the 2011 League Cup final Nikola Zigic was good for one thing and one thing only: being a big b*****d and a general nuisance. What the Serbian lacked in skill and co-ordination, he made up for in…bigness?

But there’s no question that he was a great Footballer and a menace on his day, and his shadow looming over the touchline as a second-half substitute was a harrowing sight for any defender. Basically, a giant head on a 6’8 stick. Imagine him linking up with Delap. Terrifying.

Morten Gamst Pedersen – Hitting Bangers

Morten Gamst Pedersen (Footballer)

Morten Gamst Pedersen is a Premier League legend. The winger made his name with Blackburn Rovers, where he would spend nine glorious years hammering home volleys and screamers. The 38-year-old had a wicked left foot, and he put it to good use during his time in the top flight, scoring a series of absolute bangers from long rage.

Whether it was from a dead ball or simply from open play, Pedersen could thwack or curl a shot with a level of accuracy that us mere mortals couldn’t achieve even if we positioned the ball where we wanted with our hands. He deserves a goal of the season highlight reel all of his own.

Luka Milivojevic – Scoring Penalties

Luka Milivojevic (Footballer)

This may be harsh for a Premier League midfielder who can hold his own against the very best, but we can file this one under ‘FPL’s Luka Milivojevic.’ The commanding midfielder has impressed for Crystal Palace since his arrival in 2017, and he has particularly caught the eye of Fantasy Premier League players up and down the country.

Milivojevic is a lethal penalty taker and a great Footballer. A specialist. Give him the ball 12 yards from goal, and the Serb will deliver. Just don’t make him take one against Manchester City.

Manuel Almunia – Saving Penalties

Manuel Almunia (Footballer)

These were dark days for Arsenal supporters. It seems a distant nightmare, but at one point, Manuel Almunia was the Gunners’ number one goalkeeper. And as time would tell, he really wasn’t up to the task.

But, the Spanish shot-stopper did possess one secret weapon. He was a pretty handy penalty-saver. Of the 14 spot-kicks Almunia faced, he saved six, giving him a save ratio of 42.9% – the second best in the league for any goalkeeper who has faced ten or more penalties. The original Tim Krul.

Jesus Navas – Running

Jesus Navas (Footballer)

Apart from having the most piercing eyes in football, Jesus Navas is a great Footballer who demonstrated only one other talent in the Premier League – running very fast. Okay, so it’s not really a talent, but we didn’t see a lot else from the Spaniard during his time at Man City.

The winger would pick up the ball and charge down the right flank at lightning speed before crashing a cross across his full-back’s shins, or retreating to the safety of his own supporting defender. One of the most frustrating and one-dimensional players in Premier League history.

Source: Daily Independent

April 27, 2020

Sports

Diego Costa & Antonio Conte Beef Takes Another Turn

by AnaedoOnline April 27, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 5 minutes read

The revelry between Diego Costa and former Chelsea coach Antonio Conte has taken another turn as the Spanish striker has yet again taken another swipe at his former manager.

Costa and Conte. Photo credit: Daily Independent

The pair fell out at Stamford Bridge after they won the Premier League in 2017, with Conte famously text messaging him to suggest he wanted the Spain striker to leave.

Costa then went absent without permission and it resulted in the now Atletico Madrid forward being tossed out of the club.

He has now admitted he had ‘problems’ with the now-Inter Milan manager, although praised elements of his style.

‘[Conte and I] had problems off the pitch, but I think he is a really good manager,’ Costa told ESPN.

‘I have no hard feelings towards Conte, but to be a top, top manager, he needs to change the human side of his management.

‘He is very suspicious. At a team like, say, Real Madrid, he would never last a season.’

After helping Chelsea to the Premier League title by scoring 20 goals in manager Conte’s first season at the club, Costa disappeared to Brazil and was 5,000 miles from Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the new campaign.

Costa’s summer began with a text message from Conte, informing him his Chelsea career was over.

He accused Chelsea of treating him ‘like a criminal’ and refused to rule out legal action when Sportsmail spoke to him in Brazil.

He said he would always keep Conte’s text message on his phone and claimed the Chelsea manager ‘lacked charisma’.

Costa also accused Conte of blocking his contract negotiations in January 2017.

The striker said he has been fined several weeks’ wages as he defied demands to return to train with the reserves.

Earlier in the campaign, Costa had a bust-up in training with Conte as the forward wanted to join Chinese Super League side Tianjin Quanjian – who were offering large sums of cash.

The 31-year-old scored 52 goals across three Premier League campaigns at Stamford Bridge and was a part of two title-winning squads but by the end was allegedly deemed surplus to requirements by the Italian.

Speaking in 2018 to Spanish outlet Marca, Costa explained his version of events.

The striker said: ‘It was a very bad moment but it wasn’t my fault. People said things, but time puts everything in its place.

‘Look where the coach is, look at Conte. I was wrong going to Chelsea because of their way of dealing with things.

‘Cholo [Diego Simeone] is a direct coach, and when he doesn’t love you, it’s clear and he facilitates it. At Chelsea it was the opposite.’

He agreed a move back to Atletico in September 2017 but could not play for them until January because of the club’s embargo on registering new players.

In the current season that is yet to finish due to the coronavirus pandemic, Costa has scored twice in 19 appearances having struggled with a herniated disc.

Conte’s Inter Milan are nine points off leaders Juventus in Serie A with the league also suspended.

April 27, 2020

Sports

Transfer Rumour: Chelsea Set To Sign Aubameyang From Arsenal

by AnaedoOnline April 26, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 2 minutes read

With the current season yet to resume due to the novel virus, coronavirus, European clubs like Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona, Juventus, are gearing up for next season and that involves transfers. This years transfers will be decided by few details, not by clubs with deep pockets but clubs with players to exchange with.

The latest rumour has it that, Chelsea are interested in signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and believe Arsenal will be forced to sell the striker this summer, according to reports.

Aubameyang will have just a year remaining on his contract in June and he has not yet agreed on a new deal with the Gunners.

One of Frank Lampard’s priorities is to improve his attacking options after failing to sign a striker in the January transfer window and Aubameyang is on Chelsea’s shortlist.

Meanwhile, Barcelona attempted to sign Aubameyang in January but refused to meet Arsenal’s asking price, which was in excess of £50 million.

The Spanish champions are still interested in Aubameyang but are now understood to favour a move for Inter’s Lautaro Martinez.

Mikel Arteta has said that he will do ‘as much as he can’ to convince Aubameyang to stay at Arsenal. Since joining Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in a £56m deal in January 2018, Aubameyang has scored 61 goals in 97 games for the Gunners.

April 26, 2020

Sports

COVID-19: Arsenal Set To Resume Training Nextweek

by AnaedoOnline April 26, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 3 minutes read

As the date for the resumption of the English Premier League (EPL) draws near each passing day, Arsenal will re-open their London Colney training ground to their players next week for individual training but the Premier League club will continue to observe social distancing rules amid the coronavirus outbreak, they said on Saturday.

English Premier League was suspended indefinitely last month due to the virus and no clubs have been in training.

According to a statement released yesterday, it reads “Players will be permitted access to the Colney grounds next week,” Arsenal said in a statement.

Arsenal players. Photo Credit: Gallo Images

“Access will be limited, carefully managed and social distancing will be maintained at all times. All Colney buildings remain closed.

“Players will travel alone, do their individual workout and return home,” the club added.

Anaedoonline.com reported that Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus on March 12, which led to the Premier League postponing the next round of matches and none have been played since.

Arsenal spoke to all their players after Alexandre Lacazette, David Luiz, Nicolas Pepe and Granit Xhaka were pictured allegedly breaking social distancing guidelines.

Premier League clubs have been working on the basis that the earliest they may be allowed to resume training would be in early May. The British government is expected to review current lockdown restrictions on May 7.

Should teams be allowed to train, it is expected they would need two to three weeks to get prepared to play competitive matches, making the earliest possible return in June.

But with the ban on mass public gatherings likely to be one of the last restrictions to be lifted, rescheduled games will almost certainly be held behind closed doors.

The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has been liaising with a number of sports bodies, led by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on how things might work should the green light be given by the medical experts for sport to resume safely.

The Football League (EFL) which organises the three divisions below the Premier League, on Saturday highlighted testing of players and others involved in games as the key issue.

“Clearly, before any return to football can take place, suitable testing arrangements for participants must be in place and this is core to our current planning, as is ensuring there is absolutely no negative impact on the country’s front-line workers, the Emergency services, League and Club staff members,” the league said in a statement.

April 26, 2020

Sports

Transfer: Pogba’s Future At Man United Still In Doubt

by AnaedoOnline April 25, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 3 minutes read

Manchester united and France midfielder Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford is still in doubt as executive vice-chairman of the club, Ed Woodward, has decided against triggering a 12-month option for the play maker.

Manchester United player, Pogba. Photo credit: Goal.com

According to reports, Woodward has placed a £70 million asking price on the France World Cup winner whose current deal at Old Trafford will expire at the end of next season.

Pogba has drawn the interest of Real Madrid and Juventus in the past and United are still willing to sale the talented player this summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are happy to negotiate with interested parties for the 27-year-old but will not openly invite bids.

Pogba is currently recovering from ankle surgery and has been out of action for several months.

It will be recalled that Former Manchester United defender, Mikael Silvestre, has claimed that Pogba’s head is not at the club anymore.

According to Silvester “We have to wait and see, but it doesn’t look like the world cup winner’s head is at United anymore,” Silvestre said.

“I saw Pogba before the lockdown, and he looked happy. Everyone is behaving like normal with him.”

“He is part of United, so if he were to stay there wouldn’t be an issue, I hope we see the best out of him.

The former united defender also disclosed that he would like to see the 27-year-old team up with January signing, Bruno Fernandes, in the Red Devils’ midfield.

“He should be at his peak right now with his age and his experience with United and France. It would be nice to see him in midfield with Bruno Fernandes.”

Anaedoonline.com recalls that Pogba is widely expected to leave Man United at the end of this season considering the fact that his current deal at Old Trafford will expire soon.

Meanwhile, the Premier League is currently suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 across the globe but is expected to resume in few weeks time.

Recently, Mino Raiola, Pogba’s agent, admitted the player “would not mind” returning to Juventus after this season.

Pogba rejoined United from Juve in 2016 for a then world-record transfer fee of £89m, but has endured a topsy-turvy time at Old Trafford.

Pogba’s current deal expires at the end of next season, but he could be back in Turin before then.

“Italy is like home for Paul. He would not mind going back to Juve but we will see what will happen after the Euros.

“Paul wants to play at the best level but he can’t escape by Manchester United if they are in a difficult situation,” Raiola told reporters after Juventus drew 1-1 with AC Milan.

April 25, 2020

Sports

Transfer: ‘Bonucci Is Not For Sale’ – Juventus Tells Man City

by AnaedoOnline April 25, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 3 minutes read

Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola will likely have to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements, as City continue to make do without Aymeric Laporte, who has missed the majority of the 2019-20 season through injury.

Guardiola is eager to lure Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci to Etihad Stadium this summer, but Anaedoonline.com learned that Juventus have no intention of selling one of their prized assets.

leonardo bonucci, Juventus Player photo credit: Goal.com

The Premier League champions hope of securing a deal for the Italian centre-back when the transfer market reopens, is in doubt.

It is understood that Guardiola is a keen admirer of Bonucci, who he sees as the ideal man to succeed Vincent Kompany as the main leader in City’s starting XI.

Bonucci has spent the majority of his 13 years as a professional on Juve’s books, racking up 372 appearances in total while getting his hands on 14 major trophies.

The 32-year-old took the surprise decision to join Milan 2017 after spending the previous seven seasons at the Juventus Stadium, but returned a year later after admitting he missed his home in Turin.

He has since slotted straight back into the heart of the Juve defence, and was rewarded for his performances with a bumper new contract extension last November.

The Bianconeri managed to tie Bonucci down to fresh terms set to run until 2024, with the centre-back now expected to see out the rest of his career with the reigning Serie A champions.

City are looking to bring in two extra central defenders when the transfer window reopens, as John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi continue to be linked with moves away from the club.

Daniele Rugani is the only defender set to leave Juve this year, and they are currently working on a new contract for club captain Giorgio Chiellini, who is due to become a free agent at the end of June.

April 25, 2020

Sports

FIFA To Assist 211 Football Associations With $150 Million Each

by AnaedoOnline April 25, 2020

written by AnaedoOnline 4 minutes read

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino has assured Football community that the sum of $150 million will be given to 211 of its members to assist them tackle the COVID-19 pandemic and its challenge.

FIFA.com

Infantino made this known yesterday in a statement which reads.

“The pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for the entire football community and, as the world governing body, it is FIFA’s duty to be there and support the ones that are facing acute needs,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“This starts by providing immediate financial assistance to our member associations, many of which are experiencing severe financial distress.

“This is the first step of a far-reaching financial relief plan we are developing to respond to the emergency across the whole football community. Together with our stakeholders, we are assessing the losses and we are working on the most appropriate and effective tools to implement the other stages of this relief plan.

FIFA.com

“I would like to thank the chairpersons of the FIFA Development Committee, Shaikh Salman Bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, and the FIFA Finance Committee, Alejandro Domínguez, for their commitment and urgent approval of these measures by their committees.”

As part of the measure, all remaining entitlements of member associations to operational costs under the Forward 2.0 Programme will be released in full for the years 2019 and 2020. In particular, the release of the second instalment of operational costs for 2020, which was originally due in July, will be paid immediately.

Under normal circumstances, FIFA’s member associations would have only received the full amount of the contribution upon fulfillment of specific criteria. Instead, FIFA is now transferring this amount as an active support to help safeguard football across all member associations.

Concretely, this means that FIFA will release USD 500,000 to each member association in the coming days as well as any remaining entitlement for 2019 and 2020.

This immediate financial assistance should be used to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19 on football in member associations, namely to meet financial or operational obligations that they may have towards staff and other third parties.

The standard obligations and responsibilities in relation to the use of these funds as outlined in the Forward 2.0 Regulations remain fully applicable and will be subject to the standard audit and reporting process.

This financial relief plan is possible thanks to the strong financial position that FIFA has been able to consolidate over the past four years. The next stages of the plan are currently being finalised and will be communicated in due course.

April 25, 2020

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football

​Rory Delap – Throw-in Specialist

​​Jean-Marc Bosman – Lawyer

Javier Hernandez – Poacher

Nikola Zigic – Being Big

Morten Gamst Pedersen – Hitting Bangers

Luka Milivojevic – Scoring Penalties

Manuel Almunia – Saving Penalties

Jesus Navas – Running

Rory Delap – Throw-in Specialist

Jean-Marc Bosman – Lawyer