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☆ Barcelona sign Portuguese defender Cancelo from Man City
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 1 (Reuters) - Barcelona have signed Portuguese full back Joao Cancelo from Premier League champions Manchester City on loan until June 2024, both clubs said on Friday. "The Club wishes to thank the player publicly for the financial effort made and his desire to wear the Barca shirt," the LaLiga club said in a statement. The 29-year-old joined City from Juventus in 2019 and made a total of 154 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing 22 assists, before going on loan in January to Bayern Munich. Cancelo will now be reunited with former City captain Ilkay Gundogan, who also joined the Spanish club on a free transfer following his departure from the treble winners. Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; editing by Martyn HermanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Joao Cancelo, Cancelo, Pep Guardiola's, Ilkay Gundogan, Angelica Medina, Martyn Herman Our Organizations: Premier League, Manchester City, City, Juventus, Bayern Munich, Portugal, UEFA Nations League, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Portuguese, Mexico City

☆ Wolves' Nunes set for Man City move, says O'Neil
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FILE PHOTO-Soccer Football - Premier League - Aston Villa v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Villa Park, Birmingham, Britain - January 4, 2023 Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Nunes during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Molly Darlington/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsAug 31 (Reuters) - Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portugal midfielder Matheus Nunes will be signing for Premier League champions Manchester City, the Midlands club's manager Gary O'Neil said on Thursday. According to reports in British media, the two clubs have reached an agreement on a fee of 53 million pounds ($67.07 million) for the 25-year-old. "The situation is resolved, he (Nunes) is signing for Manchester City," O'Neil told reporters ahead of Wolves' trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday. Nunes, who has 11 caps, moved to Wolves from Sporting last August for a club-record fee reported to be around 45 million euros ($48.78 million). Then a big club came calling and players want to play for Manchester City.

Persons: Matheus Nunes, Molly Darlington, Gary O'Neil, Kevin De Bruyne, Nunes, O'Neil, Aadi Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, Premier League, Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Villa, Portugal, Manchester City, Midlands, Belgium, Wolves, Sporting, City, Thomson Locations: Birmingham, Britain, Bengaluru

☆ Champions League draw: Paris Saint-Germain in ‘group of death’ and Harry Kane to return to England
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —It’s time for Europe’s biggest soccer clubs to go head-to-head again and the draw for this season’s Champions League group stages didn’t disappoint in producing some mouthwatering fixtures. Jurij Kodrun/Getty ImagesIndividual awardsFollowing the Champions League draw, individual awards were handed out for the 2022-23 season. The Spaniard led Manchester City to a historic treble as the club picked up silverware in the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Champions League. Bonmatí also had a brilliant season for club team Barcelona, where she was influential as it won a league and Champions League double. Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland were awarded for their part in helping Manchester City to a historic treble of trophies.

Persons: CNN —, Germain, Mbappé, Charly Triballeau, Harry Kane, Jurij Kodrun, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland, Haaland, Sarina Wiegman, Wiegman, Aitana Bonmatí, Bonmatí, Franck Fife Organizations: CNN, Europe’s, Champions League, Paris Saint, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle, PSG, Getty, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Galatasaray, League, Manchester City, G, Arsenal, Gunners, Real, Napoli, Braga, Union Berlin, UEFA, Spaniard, Premier League, FA, Manchester, England, Barcelona, Galatasaray Group B – Sevilla, PSV Eindhoven, Lens, Real Madrid, Union Berlin Group, Benfica, Inter Milan, RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad Group E – Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Celtic, Saint, RB Leipzig, Crvena zvezda, Star, Young Boys, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Locations: Paris, Newcastle, AFP, England, Copenhagen, Europe, Real Madrid, Spain, Manchester, Braga, Lazio, Barcelona, Porto, Royal Antwerp

☆ Haaland wins UEFA award, Wiegman dedicates prize to Spain
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Wiegman dedicated her award to the Spain women's team after the kiss incident involving federation president Luis Rubiales took the spotlight when Spain secured their first Women's World Cup title. "I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team - the tam that played in a World Cup such great football that everyone enjoys. World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati, who helped Barcelona to Women's Champions League and Spanish league title, won the women's player of the year award. The 25-year-old registered a competition-high 13 goal contributions in the Champions League with five goals and eight assists. "We have just won the World Cup, but they are talking about other things."

Persons: Manchester City's Erling Braut Haaland, Massimo Pinca, Erling Haaland, Pep Guardiola, Aitana Bonmati, Sarina Wiegman, Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi, Guardiola, Luciano Spalletti, Napoli, Simone Inzaghi, Wiegman, Luis Rubiales, there's, Sarina, Bonmati, Anita Kobylinska, Ed Osmond Organizations: Soccer Football, Monaco, FC Barcelona's Aitana, Rights, Manchester City, UEFA, City, Champions League, English Premier League, FA, Association, Serie, Inter, SPAIN England, Brazil, Wembley, Spain women's, Spanish, Women's Champions League, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Spanish, Norwegian, Monaco, Inter Milan, SPAIN, Spain, Barcelona, Gdansk

☆ PSG, Dortmund, Milan, Newcastle in tough Champions League group
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MONACO, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Paris St Germain will kick off their quest for a maiden Champions League trophy in a strong Group F featuring Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Newcastle United following the draw on Thursday. PSG, AC Milan and Dortmund have crossed paths on multiple occasions in Europe's elite competition, but it is a tough welcome back to the Champions League for Newcastle, who will be playing in the tournament for the first time in 20 years. Record 14-times winners Real Madrid will play Serie A champions Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin in Group C."It will be difficult. Braga and Union Berlin will be two very competitive teams," Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno told Spanish media. The Champions League group stage will begin on Sept. 19 and conclude on Dec. 13.

Persons: Paris St Germain, Hans, Joachim Watzke, Pep, Emilio Butragueno, Harry Kane, Aadi Nair, Ed Osmond Organizations: MONACO, Paris St, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle United, PSG, Newcastle, Dortmund, Manchester, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys, G, City, Real Madrid, Serie, Napoli, Braga, Union Berlin, Spanish, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, FC Copenhagen, Galatasaray, United, Bayern, England, Bundesliga, Inter Milan, Benfica, RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad, Europa League winners Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, RC Lens, Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal, H, Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Celtic, Dutch, London's Wembley, Thomson Locations: Paris, Dortmund, Leipzig, Napoli, Union Berlin, Royal Antwerp, Lazio, Bengaluru

☆ Man City will adapt in Guardiola's absence, says midfielder Silva
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 27 (Reuters) - Midfielder Bernardo Silva is confident Manchester City will adapt in the absence of manager Pep Guardiola, who will miss the treble winner's Premier League clashes against Sheffield United and Fulham after undergoing back surgery. Guardiola, 52, is recovering from the surgery in Barcelona, and assistant coach Juanma Lillo will replace the Spaniard on the touchline. But we know perfectly well what he wants from us and what the rest of the staff want from us. Champions City are fifth in the standings with six points from two games. They travel to promoted Sheffield United on Saturday before hosting Marco Silva's Fulham on Sept. 2.

Persons: Bernardo Silva, Pep Guardiola, Guardiola, Juanma Lillo, Silva, they'll, Lillo, Marco Silva's, Pearl Josephine Nazare, William Mallard Organizations: League, Sheffield United, Fulham, Manchester United's, Marco, Marco Silva's Fulham, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Barcelona, City, Bengaluru

☆ Late Rodri winner fires Man City to top of table
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SHEFFIELD, England, Aug 27 (Reuters) - Manchester City moved to the top of the Premier League table with a 2-1 win at Sheffield United on Sunday after Rodri scored an 88th-minute winner to secure their third win of the season. Champions City continued their perfect start as they moved on to nine points, two ahead of West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. City striker Erling Haaland missed a first-half penalty given for handball as his spot-kick hit the post. Just as United looked to have gained their first point on their return to the top flight, Paul Heckingbottom's side were left heartbroken when Rodri fired home the winner. Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Rodri, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker's, Jayden Bogle, Ederson, Paul Heckingbottom's, Pep Guardiola, Bramall Lane, Rohith Nair, Ed Osmond Organizations: SHEFFIELD, Manchester City, Premier League, Sheffield United, City, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, United, Thomson Locations: England, Manchester, Norwegian, Bengaluru

☆ No complacency for Man City after Super Cup win, says Newcastle's Howe
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Newcastle United - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - May 8, 2022 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola after the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsAug 18 (Reuters) - Pep Guardiola's Manchester City will not get complacent after winning the UEFA Super Cup as they return to Premier League action over the weekend against Newcastle United, manager Eddie Howe said on Friday. City beat Sevilla on penalties to win the Super Cup and add to last season's treble success. Howe said Guardiola's side will not rest on their laurels against a team looking to establish themselves as regular top four contenders. "They (City) went into a tough game and were desperate to win, you could see their reactions afterwards. "We want to become a top team consistently in the Premier League and to do that we have to have a clear identity and try to implement that on other teams."

Persons: Eddie Howe, Pep Guardiola, Jason Cairnduff, Pep, Howe, Guardiola, I've, We've, Lewis Hall, Rohith Nair, Toby Davis Organizations: Soccer Football, Premier League, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Etihad, UEFA, City, Sevilla, Newcastle, Chelsea, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Britain, Athens, Bengaluru

☆ Timing could be right for Newcastle in big test at Man City
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Alan Baldwin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

LONDON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Newcastle United face the first big test of their Premier League title aspirations on Saturday but the trip to champions Manchester City could be coming at the right time for the table-topping Magpies. "Thank you so much to the Premier League for letting us play on Saturday, and not on Sunday and Monday," Guardiola said sarcastically of the 72-hour turnaround from Wednesday's game. Newcastle have yet to win a Premier League match at The Etihad but the arrival of Italy's Sandro Tonali has boosted an already strong midfield featuring Brazil internationals Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton. Guimaraes explained on a Brazilian podcast last month how much he has hated playing City in the past, so good were their players. Liverpool are overwhelming favourites to win their first home league game of the season against Bournemouth on Saturday, a side they thumped 9-0 at Anfield last August to equal the Premier League record.

Persons: Pep, Kevin de Bruyne, Guardiola, Abu, Italy's Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Guimaraes, Erling Haaland, KANE, Harry Kane, Ange Postecoglou, Cristian Romero, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Arteta, Luton's, Vincent Kompany, Alan Baldwin, Ken Ferris Organizations: Newcastle United, Premier League, Manchester City, Magpies, Etihad, UEFA Super, Sevilla, Burnley, Aston Villa, Saudi, St James, City, Newcastle, Brazil, City's, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Spurs, Bayern Munich, Brentford, Arsenal, Crystal, London, Chelsea, West Ham United, Sunday, Fulham, Jurrien, Bournemouth, Anfield, Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton & Hove Albion, Everton, Kenilworth, Thomson Locations: Athens, Belgium, Abu Dhabi, Joelinton, Argentina, Liverpool

☆ UEFA Super Cup: Manchester City wins title for first time in its history after penalty shootout victory over Sevilla
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Manchester City struggled but ultimately won the UEFA Super Cup for first time in its history on Wednesday night after a penalty shootout victory over Spanish club Sevilla. The win continues the club’s remarkable success over the past 18 months, having won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League last season. Manchester City players celebrate on the podium after winning the UEFA Super League. However, City was made to work for the Super Cup victory, struggling to break down a stout Sevilla defense. The manager made it so clear to us before the game how much he wants this trophy,” City midfielder Grealish said.

Persons: –, Youssef En, Nesyri, Cole Palmer, Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj, I’ve, Pep Guardiola, Palmer, Claudio Villa, Erling Haaland, Julian Álvarez, Mateo Kovačić, Jack Grealish, Kyle Walker, Grealish, “, They’ve, We’ve, ” City’s Organizations: CNN, Manchester City, UEFA, Spanish, Sevilla, The Premier League, League, Europa League, City, Premier League, FA, Arsenal, FIFA Club, UEFA Super League, Aris Messinis, Getty, Croatia, ”, Premier Leagues, Newcastle United, La Liga, Alavés Locations: Athens, Greece, Saudi Arabia, AFP, City, Sevilla, Rodri, ” City

☆ De Bruyne sidelined for up to four months - Guardiola
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

We have to decide surgery or no surgery but he will be out for a few months," Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday. GUARDIOLA WARY OF 'DANGEROUS' SEVILLACity will play Europa League winners Sevilla in Athens in their first-ever appearance in the UEFA Super Cup. The Premier League champions qualified for the Super Cup after clinching their maiden Champions League title in June following years of heartbreak on Europe's biggest stage. Asked how he felt about finally winning the Champions League with the Manchester club, Guardiola said: "It is a relief for the club. "You cannot imagine how happy that we are to play the Super Cup because we won the Champions League.

Persons: Kevin De Bruyne, Pep Guardiola, De Bruyne, Guardiola, De, GUARDIOLA, It's, Aadi Nair, Ed Osmond, Pritha Organizations: Premier League, UEFA Super, Sevilla, Belgium international, Burnley, Champions League, SEVILLA City, Europa League winners Sevilla, UEFA, League, Manchester, Europa League, Thomson Locations: SEVILLA, Athens, Spanish, Bengaluru

☆ Haaland back in the groove with double as Man City win at Burnley
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Haaland, who bagged a Premier League season-record 36 goals and a total of 52 in all competitions for treble winners City last season, slotted his side in front after four minutes. POACHER'S GOALHaaland's opening goal was a typical poacher's effort, pouncing to jab a shot past goalkeeper James Trafford after Rodri headed a De Bruyne cross back into the area. Burnley recovered from that early setback quite well and almost punished City for some sloppiness when Lyle Foster curled a shot past the far post. The second half was a lessen in game management by City who were content to run the legs out of Burnley. Haaland was substituted late on while City also offered a late cameo to new defensive signing Josko Gvardiol.

Persons: Erling Haaland, Haaland, Kevin de Bruyne, Rodri, Vincent Kompany, Anass Zaroury, Kyle Walker, Craig Pawson, Guardiola, James Trafford, Lyle Foster, De Bruyne, Mateo Kovacic, Julian Alvarez teeing, Josko Gvardiol, City's Rico Lewis, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: City Rodri, Turf Moor City, Premier League, BURNLEY, Manchester City, Burnley, Turf, City, Champions League, Thomson Locations: England, Norwegian, Burnley, City's

☆ Man Utd's Varane says players ignored by football authorities over added time rules
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

As part of the new regulations, referees will add the exact time lost in goal celebrations, substitutions or injuries to the stoppage time. "Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. "We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that's for sure," Guardiola told reporters on Sunday. "I just said 'listen, I cannot change my behaviour in three days'," Arteta told reporters of his yellow card.

Persons: Manchester United's Raphael Varane, Andrew Boyers, Raphael Varane, Varane, Pep Guardiola, Guardiola, Mikel Arteta, Arteta, Aadi Nair, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, Premier League, Manchester United, Fulham, Manchester United's, Manchester City, Arsenal, Thomson Locations: Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, Bengaluru

☆ Arsenal down Man City in shootout to win Community Shield
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Aug 6 (Reuters) - Arsenal beat Manchester City 4-1 in a penalty shootout to win the Community Shield on Sunday and strike the first blow in this season's rivalry between the two clubs. It's a marker to know we can go and beat Man City in a big game when it matters," Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale told ITV. The win extended City's run of defeats in Community Shield matches, following losses to Liverpool last season and Leicester City in 2021. "We have to pick ourselves up and go again," City goalscorer Palmer told ITV. "Hopefully we can win the treble again but it will be a difficult ask.

Persons: Fabio Vieira, it's, Aaron Ramsdale, I'm, Kai Havertz, Stefan Ortega, Pep Guardiola's, John Stones, Striker Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer, Palmer, Ramsdale, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard, Kevin de Bruyne, Vieira, Pep, Aadi Nair, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Arsenal, Manchester City, Premier League, Wembley, City, Man City, ITV, Arsenal's, Manchester United, Community, Liverpool, Leicester City, Thomson Locations: Man, Bengaluru

☆ Man City are the 'team to beat' in Community Shield, says Arteta
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Arsenal enjoyed an eight-point lead over City until mid-March but lost it at the end of April and will now look to seek revenge in Sunday's traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season at Wembley. Since then, he has helped Arsenal qualify for the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 campaign. Arteta said he wants his team to build on the momentum from last season and elevate it to new heights. "Very excited to play a final to win a trophy, we are playing against the team to beat," Arteta told reporters. What we did last year was not enough to win the big trophy, and we have to be better.

Persons: Mikel Arteta, Peter Cziborra, Pep Guardiola, Arteta, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, David Raya, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Soccer Football, Arsenal, AS Monaco, Emirates, Premier League, Manchester City, Champions League, City, Wembley, FA, Brentford, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Arteta, Bengaluru

☆ Arsenal in better position than City, says Guardiola ahead of Community Shield
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

City, who won their first Champions League title in June, will kick off their 2023-24 season against runners-up Arsenal on Sunday in the traditional curtain-raiser to the Premier League season. "The situation that we are in, we finished (last season) two weeks later than Arsenal and we start (this season) two weeks later. Arsenal have bought a really good player," Guardiola said. Guardiola reiterated his desire to keep England defender Kyle Walker, who has a year left on his City contract, amid interest from German giants Bayern Munich. Guardiola said Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol, who is set to join City from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, is undergoing his medical test.

Persons: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish, Kim Kyung, Mikel Arteta's, Guardiola, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Rice, Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva, Kyle, Bernardo, Silva, Josko Gvardiol, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Soccer Football, Yokohama F Marinos, Manchester City, Japan, Manchester, Arsenal, Community, City, Champions League, FA, Premier League, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, West Ham United, Chelsea, Ajax Amsterdam, England, Bayern Munich, LaLiga, Barcelona, Croatia, Bundesliga, RB Leipzig, Thomson Locations: Tokyo, Japan, London, West, Portuguese, Bengaluru

☆ Relentless Man City seek record four titles in a row
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

However, such is the nature of the Premier League that City will certainly not have everything their own way. Juergen Klopp's side's failure to qualify for the Champions League would have stung, especially with Manchester United finishing eight points above them. Newcastle United, who finished fourth last term, will be determined to prove it was no flash in the pan, although they will need to juggle the demands of battling for a top-four finish with the Champions League this time. The additions of winger Harvey Barnes from Leicester City and Sandro Tonali from Milan will certainly help. Postecoglou is the first Australian to manage in the Premier League and faces a big challenge at the north London club who endured a toxic 2022-23 campaign under Antonio Conte.

Persons: Phil Foden, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Dias, Pep Guardiola, Guardiola, pacesetters, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic, Declan Rice, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Juergen, Erik ten Hag, Harvey Barnes, Sandro Tonali, Ange Postecoglou, Antonio Conte, Harry Kane, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, Manchester, Victory, Champions League, FA, Premier League, Manchester United's, League, Inter Milan, pacesetters Arsenal, City, Arsenal, Etihad, LIVERPOOL Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, Luton Town's, Luton, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Britain, Manchester City, Abu Dhabi, Spanish, Istanbul, Barcelona, Al, Ahli, Saudi Arabia, City, Milan, Postecoglou, London, Fulham

☆ Joan Laporta: Barcelona president says there are ‘no sporting reasons’ for soccer stars to join Saudi Pro League
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Don Riddell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

“Fortunately, most of the players like Football Club Barcelona,” Laporta told CNN Sport’s Don Riddell from Los Angeles during the Spanish team’s pre-season tour of the U.S., which wrapped up on Tuesday against AC Milan in Las Vegas. “And when a player, and with all respect, prefers to go to Saudi Arabia, basically there are no sporting reasons. Last week, Al-Hilal, which is one of four Saudi clubs owned by the PIF, made a world-record bid of over $332 million (300 million euros) for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) striker Kylian Mbappé. “My view is that it’s more important to have the assistance of the clubs, the traditional clubs, specifically the European clubs,” added Laporta. “The priority of last season was the Spanish league and this new season, for us, the league is the priority as well,” said Laporta.

Persons: Joan Laporta, “, ” Laporta, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell, Germain, Kylian Mbappé, Ballon d’Or, Karim Benzema, N’Golo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Roberto Firmino, Jordan Henderson, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo, Hussein Malla, ”, Laporta, Xavi, – Pep Guardiola, Johan Cruyff, Pep, Lionel Messi’s, Jorge Messi, Messi, Cruz Azul, Sam Navarro Organizations: CNN, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Football Club Barcelona, AC Milan, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Saudi, Paris Saint, PSG, Saudi Arabian football, SPL, Al, Gulf state’s, ”, Barcelona, La Liga, Champions League, Spanish League, Liga, Barca, MLS, Inter Miami, Cruz, USA, Sports, Reuters, Camp, Good Locations: Saudi Arabia, Barcelona, Gulf, Los Angeles, Spanish, U.S, Las Vegas, Al, Hilal, Paris, Fabinho, Saudi, Xavi

☆ Man City will fight Bayern to keep 'irreplaceable' Walker, says Guardiola
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 26 (Reuters) - Manchester City will fight to keep Kyle Walker as Bayern Munich circle to lure him away, the Premier League champions' manager Pep Guardiola said. England international Walker, who has a year left on his City contract, has been one of Guardiola's key players. "He's an incredibly important player for us... His specific qualities are irreplaceable," Guardiola told reporters before Wednesday's pre-season friendly between the two clubs. We will fight for him like I'm sure Bayern will... Asked if Walker would feature against German champions Bayern in Tokyo, Guardiola said: "We need our best players out there against Bayern and we hope he is going to stay with us next season, so why should he not play?"

Persons: Kyle Walker, Pep Guardiola, Walker, Guardiola, Wednesday's, Rohith Nair, John Stonestreet Organizations: Manchester City, Bayern, Premier League, England, City, German, Arsenal, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Bayern Munich, Tokyo, Bengaluru

There have been 195 ACL injuries across women soccer’s top leagues, according to the ACL Women Football Club. “It’s not a coincidence I think that you get Leah and Beth injured after the Euros last summer,” said Arsenal star Miedema. Miedema believes this was an issue that world soccer’s governing body FIFA must address. A British Journal of Sports Medicine study found women to be three to six times more likely to experience an ACL injury than men. European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, referenced to CNN the Women’s Health Expert Panel it established, which has a “high priority” researching ACL injuries.

Persons: Vivianne, –, Miedema, we’ve, It’s, ” Miedema, CNN’s Christina Macfarlane, – Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Laura Wienroither, Canada’s Janine Beckie, Catarina Macario, France’s Delphine Cascarino, Ryan Pierse, ”, Pep, “, “ You’ll, Williamson –, “ It’s, Leah, Beth, “ They’ve, they’re, Leah Williamson, Clive Rose, Jonas Eidevall, Miedema’s Organizations: CNN, Arsenal, Women Football Club, United States Women’s National, League, English Premier League, FA, Champions League, England, ”, FIFA, of Sports Medicine, UEFA, Women’s, English Football Association, Super League, Barclays Women’s, Nottingham Trent University Locations: Netherlands, Man, Switzerland

☆ Barcelona sign Gundogan on free transfer after Man City exit
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

June 26 (Reuters) - Barcelona have signed Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer after his departure from treble winners Manchester City with the German midfielder signing a two-year contract, the LaLiga club said on Monday. "For me it has been a total privilege and pleasure to be part of Manchester City for the last seven years," Gundogan said in a statement. "Manchester has been my home and I have felt part of a very special family at City. Gundogan leaves City having made over 300 appearances, scoring 60 goals and grabbing 40 assists in all competitions. "Ilkay has truly cemented his place in the history of Manchester City and we all wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

Persons: Gundogan, Pep Guardiola's, Txiki Begiristain, Ilkay, Xavi, Sergio Busquets, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Manchester City, City, Premier League, FA, League, Borussia Dortmund, Barca, Barcelona, Champions League, Copa del Rey, Thomson Locations: Barcelona, Spanish, England, Manchester, City, Bengaluru

☆ Inter Miami to sign Barca midfielder Busquets as free agent
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 23 (Reuters) - Barcelona's former Spain midfielder Sergio Busquets is joining Inter Miami as a free agent, the Major League Soccer club announced on Friday. Miami made the news official by posting a video on social media showing quotes from the likes of Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric and Messi praising Busquets. loadingThe former Barcelona captain, who retired from international duty last year, played over 700 games for the Spanish champions, winning nine LaLiga crowns, seven Copa del Rey titles, three Champions League trophies and three Club World Cups. Busquets was also linked with moves to the Saudi Arabian league as Al Hilal and Al Nassar made bids for his services. Miami are reportedly looking to sign a third former Barca player as they are keen on left-back Jordi Alba, who is also leaving the Spanish club after the end of the season.

Persons: Sergio Busquets, Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi Hernandez, Luka Modric, Messi, Busquets, Al Nassar, Jordi Alba, Janina Nuno Rios, Ken Ferris Organizations: Inter Miami, Major League Soccer, Barca, Copa del Rey, League, Saudi, Al, Spanish, Thomson Locations: Spain, Nou, Miami, Barcelona, Al Hilal, Mexico City

☆ Summer transfer window: The biggest moves so far as Saudi Arabia becomes major factor
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —European soccer’s summer transfer window is in full swing, with several household names already moving to pastures new. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Al-IttihadIn the first major coup of the summer for the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema has agreed to join Al-Ittihad once his contract expires with Real Madrid. After a disappointing season, Real Madrid will be hopeful that Bellingham will be a star midfielder for years to come once the ageing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos depart. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a contract worth around £86 million ($109.8 million) a year, according to UK media. Rice, who was in the youth ranks at Chelsea and then West Ham, was voted Conference League player of the season.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema –, Karim Benzema, Ittihad, Benzema, Frenchman, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid Jude Bellingham, Florencia Tan Jun, Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, N’Golo Kanté, Ittihad N'Golo Kanté, Justin Tallis, Kanté, Christopher Nkunku –, Chelsea Christopher Nkunku, Annegret Hilse, Germain, Chrisopher Nkunku, Nkunku, Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz, Germany's, Maja Hitij, Kai Kavertz, Mikel Arteta, Havertz, Boehly, Declan Rice –, Declan Rice, Richard Heathcote, Rice, West Ham’s, Mateo Kovačić –, Mateo Kovačić, Pep Guardiola’s, İlkay Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva, Alexis Mac Allister, Alex Pantling, Lionel Messi, Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp, Mac, Roberto Firmino’s, Rúben Neves, Al Hilal Rúben Neves, Naomi Baker, Al Hilal, Neves Organizations: CNN, Super League, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Al, Real Madrid, League, La Liga, Real, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City, English, Ittihad N'Golo, France, Getty, Benzema, Chelsea, Premier League, FA, Europa League, UEFA Super, Leicester, Leipzig, RB Leipzig, Bundesliga, Reuters, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Ukraine, Gunners, Manchester City, football’s, Europa Conference League, Gent, Manchester United, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester, Argentina, Brighton, Liverpool, Anfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves, Everton, Molineux, Portugal Locations: England, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Portuguese, Saudi Arabian, Karim Benzema – Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Bellingham, Dortmund, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Leicester, Paris, Leipzig, Bremen, Germany, Declan Rice – West Ham, West Ham, Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea, Madrid, Spain, Croatian, Brighton, Argentina, Qatar, Barcelona

☆ 'In principle, I'm done', Messi unlikely to play at 2026 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BEIJING, June 14 (Reuters) - Argentina skipper Lionel Messi has said that "in principle" last year's World Cup would be his fifth and final appearance at global soccer's showpiece event. The 35-year-old forward led his country to a third World Cup triumph in Qatar last December, saying throughout the tournament that he would not be playing at another edition. This was my last World Cup," Messi told Titan Sports ahead of Argentina's friendly against Australia in Beijing. "I'll see how things go but in principle, I won't go to the next World Cup." I am very happy about his achievement, winning the recent UEFA Champions League," Messi told the Chinese sports paper in an interview.

Persons: Lionel Messi, Messi, Ballon, Pep Guardiola, Guardiola, Pep, Nick Mulvenney, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Titan Sports, Australia, Paris St Germain, Inter Miami, Barcelona, League, football's, Manchester City, UEFA Champions League, Socceroos, Workers, Thomson Locations: BEIJING, Argentina, Qatar, United States, Canada, Mexico, Beijing, Paris, Sydney

☆ Manchester City dance in the rain to celebrate treble
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/5] Soccer Football - Manchester City Victory Parade - Manchester, Britain - June 12, 2023 Manchester City's John Stones is pictured holding the Champions League trophy alongside Erling Braut Haaland and teammates during the parade REUTERS/Phil NobleJune 12 (Reuters) - Even a thunderstorm could not dent Manchester City's rousing victory parade on Monday as the players and manager Pep Guardiola celebrated completing the long-awaited treble after winning the Champions League trophy over the weekend. The blue side of Manchester were all euphoric as the team and fans also celebrated becoming only the second English club to win the treble, equalling the 1999 milestone of their fierce rivals Manchester United. "What a parade, what an afternoon, it had to be the best parade with this rain, otherwise is not Manchester. We don't want sunshine," said Premier League manager of the year Guardiola in front of thousands of fans. As the players left the stage, the celebrations seemed far from over for the City fans who were ready to party on long into the night.

Persons: John Stones, Erling Braut Haaland, Phil Noble, Pep Guardiola, Guardiola, Kyle Walker, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, I've, Kalvin Phillips, Janina Nuno Rios Organizations: Soccer Football, Manchester, Victory, Champions League, League, City, FA Cup, Premier League, Inter Milan, European, Manchester United, United, Thomson Locations: Manchester, Britain, Mexico City

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