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Messi will inspires US next generation players – Beckham

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham talked to CNN about his latest star signing and revealed that he’s been working to get Lionel Messi on his Major League Soccer (MLS) team since 2019.

“The moment that Leo went on TV and announced … that he was coming to Miami, that was an emotional moment,” Beckham, sitting next to fellow Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas, said in an interview with CNN en Español on Tuesday.

The Argentine’s move to Inter Miami has been one of the hottest topics throughout soccer’s summer transfer window, and on Saturday, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner officially signed for the Florida club. The 2022 World Cup winner is under contract with the club until the end of the 2025 MLS season.

“Our dream with this club was always to bring the greatest players in. As owners, I think the owners of a sports team, you always want to bring in the greatest players,” English football great Beckham explained.

“Does it always happen? No. For us, it’s happened … We always felt that it was possible, but when we started the conversations, obviously, Leo was under contract and playing for another team, so, again, we had to be patient. But I think at the end of the day, patience is what we’ve needed through this whole process.”

Beckham later went on to say, “Someone like Leo, we’re talking about a player who lifted the World Cup last year. We’re talking about one of the greatest players – if not the greatest player – to ever play this game.

Former Real Madrid and Manchester United star Beckham said that it was important to bring a player with “the right values, the right morals” to the Florida club.

“We saw Leo out in Miami. You know, surprise, surprise, Leo goes (out) for dinner. Surprise, surprise, Leo does his own grocery shopping. But that is why people love him. And that is what represents our club.” He added: “On the field, we all know what Leo is going to do on the field. But off the field, he will represent our club in the right way, and that’s what we’ve always dreamed of.”

Beckham later added: “When you see a player who has done everything he has in the game and he continues to be hungry, he continues to want to win. He’s at the stage of his career where he has made a decision to come to the MLS, to come to America, to come to Miami, to come to Inter Miami to win. He’s not come here for a holiday. He’s not come here to do anything other than win and inspire the next generation of soccer players here in this country.”

The 36-year-old Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut on July 21 against LIGA MX side Cruz Azul in the opening match of the Leagues Cup.

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Morocco 2024: Flamingos to begin camping for South Africa’s Bantwana on Sunday

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos

 

 

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will on Sunday at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, kickstart their preparations for their two-leg FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash with the U17 girls of South Africa, known as Bantwana.

 

The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists were drawn bye to the second round of the African qualifiers, while Bantwana fired from all cylinders to steamroll their counterparts from Gabon 21-2 on aggregate, winning 12-1 in Gabon and 9-1 in South Africa.

 

“It is important that the Flamingos start their camping early for this second-round fixture, not just because South Africa won their first-round matches 21-2 on aggregate, but because that is the right thing to do. We are aware that matches between Nigeria and South Africa are always full of heat, huge emotion on the part of players, officials and the fans, and determination to conquer on the part of the players.

 

“The Flamingos remain the best team in Africa and one of the best in the world, and they will be adequately prepared for the challenges ahead,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.

 

On his part, Head Coach of the Bantwana, Ntombifuthi Khumalo has sounded a warning to the South Africa Football Association that his team needs longer preparation-period and reinforcements to be able to withstand the challenge of Nigeria in the games scheduled for the period 7-16 March.

 

“Yes, tactically they (Nigeria) are good, like us, but if you can measure when we play pound-for-pound, our players are not ready for that – but we need to reinforce on that. If we can get support to get (reinforcements) because, as a country, I still believe we have more quality players who deserve to be part of the team.

 

“Also, we need more preparation for the next leg, with a longer camp and friendly games, that will help us to ensure we are ready for the next round.”

 

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup (the competition becomes an annual event from this year) will be hosted by Morocco, 17 October – 8 November, with Africa to present 5 teams (including host nation Morocco) at the finals, which has also been expanded to a 24-nation championship.

 

Coach Bankole Olowookere, who led the team to third-place finish in India in 2022 and to the quarter-finals last year, has called up a total of 30 players to begin the camping on Sunday.

 

The list includes goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma, defenders Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo, midfielders Shakirat Moshood (four-goal heroine at last year’s World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic) and Muinat Rotimi, and forwards Harmony Chidi and Peace Effiong.

 

FLAMINGOS FOR CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO FOR SOUTH AFRICA:

 

Goalkeepers: Christiana Uzoma (Edo Queens); Onyinyechi Opara (Imo Strikers); Maureen Enebeli (Remo Stars Ladies); Stella Emperor (Adamawa Queens)

 

Defenders: Hannah Ibrahim (Remo Stars Ladies); Jumai Adebayo (Naija Ratels); Jennifer Ozoani (Greenfoot FC); Marylyn Edem (Nasarawa Amazons); Amblessed Ogbonnaya (Bayelsa Queens); Ifeoma Ogoegbe (Greenfoot FC); Temilade Fafore (Ahudiyannem Queens); Shavih Istifanus (Jos)

 

Midfielders: Shakirat Moshood (Bayelsa Queens); Muinat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Charles Nwabueze (Abia Angels); Philomena Ochanya (Nasarawa Amazons); Waliat Rotimi (Nakamura Academy); Azeezat Oduntan (FC Robo Queens); Fatima Solaty (Dannaz Ladies); Queen Joseph (Fosla Academy); Shakirat Bashiru (New Generation SC)

 

Forwards: Chisom Nwachukwu (Rivers Angels); Harmony Chidi (Imo Strikers); Seun Fakunle (Ekiti Queens); Peace Effiong (Rivers Angels); Favour Iheagwaram (Abia Angels); Christiana Sunday (Imo Strikers); Grace Saliu (Naija Ratels); Afensimi Omon (Adamawa Queens); Anuoluwapo Awotidoye (Naija Ratels)

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Azpilicueta Names Drogba Among His Toughest Opponents

Azpilicueta

Former Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has revealed his three toughest-ever opponents, naming Didier Drogba, Eden Hazard, and Diego Costa.

Speaking to ESPN, the 35-year-old defender highlighted his experiences facing these formidable players during his illustrious career. Interestingly, Azpilicueta was teammates with all three during his time at Chelsea but also faced them as opponents in different competitions.

“Well, the one that comes out quickly is Eden Hazard because he was my teammate for a long time,” Azpilicueta said. “Also, when I was in Marseille, we played against Lille, and I remember Hazard giving us a tough time.”

He recalled facing Didier Drogba while the Ivorian striker was at Galatasaray:
“You know Didier Drogba, he was a tough striker when I faced him while at Chelsea.”

Azpilicueta also mentioned Diego Costa, reflecting on their encounter during Costa’s time at Atletico Madrid:
“Diego Costa was fierce. I would say he rounds up my top three toughest opponents.”

Azpilicueta’s career spans numerous encounters with top-tier players, solidifying his reputation as one of the most reliable defenders of his generation.

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Tella Nominated for Leverkusen’s January Goal of the Month Award

Tella

Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has been shortlisted for Bayer Leverkusen’s Goal of the Month for January.

Tella’s nomination comes after his impressive strike during Leverkusen’s 3-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park on January 10. The goal marked his first of the season for Die Werkself.

Also competing for the award are Alejandro Grimaldo, Florian Wirtz, and Patrick Schick.

Tella, 25, has made 16 Bundesliga appearances for Xabi Alonso’s side this season, showcasing his growing influence within the team.

Fans are expected to vote for the winner, with Tella hoping to clinch the accolade.

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