European Leagues

Man City move close to history – thanks to unlikely hero Romero

Manchester City saw an unlikely hero emerge from their galaxy of superstars to make a potentially defining contribution in their pursuit of an unprecedented fourth successive Premier League title.

Pep Guardiola rightly acted with caution when he removed keeper Ederson, with City leading 1-0, after he suffered a nasty blow to the head in a heavy collision at the foot of his post with Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.

Ederson, who had a problem with his eye, did not look happy with the decision – taken upon advice from the club doctor – but his manager was perfectly justified, not just acting in the best interests of the Brazilian keeper but also because he has complete trust in his replacement Stefan Ortega.

And in a 21-minute cameo of the highest quality, Ortega – who has performed with distinction every time he has deputised for Ederson this season – may well have rubber-stamped City’s sixth title in seven seasons.

When the final whistle sounded and the club stood one win away from being champions again, Guardiola headed straight for Ortega and greeted the German with a kiss on the cheek for his crucial contribution. It was richly deserved.

Guardiola did not hold back with the praise as he said: “Ortega is a world-class goalkeeper. An exceptional, exceptional goalkeeper. Ederson did not have concussion, he had a problem with his eye. He could not see properly so the doctor said I should change.”

Spurs made a complete mockery of the cynics who suggested they may ease off because any sort of positive result could potentially give rivals Arsenal their first Premier League title in 20 years.

Ange Postecoglou’s fifth-placed side were fully committed in chasing a goal of their own as they went after a place in the Champions League and it was not for any lack of effort as they came so close to upsetting City’s traditional title charge. They were left disappointed in the end as defeat confirmed Aston Villa’s fourth-placed finish and they will now join European football’s top table.

Ortega’s impact was instant, denying Spurs substitute Dejan Kulusevski with a good save and then the same player shortly afterwards as City almost paid the price for a performance that was not one of their best.

The biggest moment came in the closing minutes, with City clinging on to a one-goal lead, when Son Heung-min collected the ball and raced clear with only Ortega to beat. It was the sort of opportunity the South Korean has taken with aplomb so many times in his Spurs career.

BBC

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Serie A

Napoli Forgoes Nunez For Lucca Deal

Napoli didn’t find a way to sign Darwin Nunez at somewhat manageable figures, so they accelerated for Lorenzo Lucca and shook hands with Udinese on Tuesday. The striker will take the medicals later this week and leave for the first summer retreat in Dimaro with the rest of the team, Fabrizio Romano reports (via SOSFanta).

The Partenopei and the Bianconeri agreed to a €35M price tag. The transfer will technically go down as a loan with a €9M initial fee and a €26M obligation to buy plus add-ons. The 24-year-old broke out at Palermo and Pisa in the lower leagues between 2020 and 2021 but didn’t live up to expectations at Ajax. He headed back to the Peninsula and has recorded 23 goals and 6 assists in 75 matches in Friuli. He has five caps with Italy.

Napoli have formally informed the Darwin Nunez camp that they won’t proceed with the negotiation after sealing the Lucca deal. President Aurelio De Laurentiis deemed the operation too pricey. They would have had to spend north of €50M for the Liverpool outcast, plus much richer wages. He could go to Saudi Arabia now.

Per Tuttomercatoweb, the newcomer will make €1.5M/2M annually. The savings will be directed toward Dan Ndoye, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, and Juanlu Sanchez.

Our Take on Napoli Adding Lucca Over Darwin Nunez
Things might have been different had they solved the Victor Osimhen saga in a timely fashion, but they were exposed them to other sides jumping in, like Atalanta, Milan, and Juventus. The investment might be larger than initially thought, but they got a favorable formula, which comes at a cost. It’s a perfectly fine choice for what they need, especially if it helps them reach their transfer market other goals.

Cultofcalcio.com

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LaLiga

“Real Madrid Never Leaves Me,” Says Vazquez On Exit Talk

While Luka Modric’s departure from Real Madrid was made public even before his final game at the Santiago Bernabeu, Lucas Vazquez’s exit from the club was kept an open secret.

Neither Real Madrid nor the player officially confirmed the news of his departure up until today, but it always appeared relatively clear that the veteran was in his final season at the club.

The arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold, in many ways, all but confirmed the development especially given how the new signing not only arrived as a direct competitor but a bona fide starter in the same position.

Vazquez pens his farewell note
Taking to his official Instagram account earlier today, the Real Madrid captain officially sent out his farewell message to the club and fans across the globe.

He began by recalling how it was close to 20 years since he first arrived at the club and how life has moved fast to bring him to this stage already.

“Dear Madridistas, it has been nearly two decades since I arrived at Valdebebas as a 16-year-old full of dreams and excitement to wear this shirt.”

“Every step along the way has been a gift, and over time, Madrid became my home,” he added.

Fondly rekindling the memories of all the exhilarating moments he has lived as a Real Madrid player, the unforgettable nights and the UCL comebacks, he wrote,

“We have lived unforgettable nights together, celebrated 23 titles and created memories that will stay with me forever. “

“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the President, board, staff, coaches, teammates and above all, to the fans. You pushed me to always give that little bit more,” he added, thanking every individual who has been a part of the journey with him.

Vazquez then dropped the bomb officially and revealed that he will be leaving the club of his dreams and that he has already played his final game for Real Madrid.

“Today, after more than 400 matches, it is time to say goodbye to the club of my life. But I leave with peace of mind knowing I gave it my all.”

“I have always been aware of the responsibility and privilege that comes with wearing this badge,” he added.

Writing on all the joys being a Galactico gave him as a football player and as a lifelong Real Madrid fan himself, the veteran defender wrote,

“I have enjoyed every match, training session, trip, and if there is one thing this journey has taught me, it is that no one should ever tell you that you can’t achieve something.”

“I may be leaving Real Madrid, but Real Madrid will never leave me,” he emotionally added.

Finally, the club captain penned out how he would always be proud to be a part of the incredible and almighty Real Madrid.

“Wherever I go, I will proudly say that I had the honour of playing for the greatest club in the world.”

“Thank you for being part of the most beautiful journey of my life. Hala Madrid, y Nada mas!” he concluded.

Madriduniversal.com

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Premier League

Ighalo: Money Was The Real Reason I Left Watford For China

Former Super Eagles and Manchester United striker, Jude Odion Ighalo, has revealed the reason he left Watford for Chinese Super League side, Changchun Yatai, according to Soccernet.ng.

The 36-year-old achieved his lifelong dream of playing in the English Premier League in 2014 when he joined Watford from Granada.

Ighalo helped the Hornets gain promotion to the English top-flight after scoring 20 goals and providing three assists in 35 EFL Championship games.

The following season, he scored 15 Premier League goals, which saw him earn a move to Changchun Yatai.

Speaking on the Echo Podcast, the 2019 AFCON Golden Boot winner revealed he went to China for the money since he had already accomplished his dream of playing in the English Premier League.

“I was 27 at the time. I’d fulfilled my personal dream of playing in the English Premier League. When I was growing up in Ajegunle, I didn’t even know I’d get to the level I got to.

“I just wanted to make a few bucks to change my family and make them proud, alongside a dream to play in the Premier League because I watched the league a lot. It’s the most viewed in the World.

“Back then, we used to pay to sit at the viewing centre, lapping each other to watch the television.”

“The dream already came true for me, so when the offer from China came, I said it was an opportunity to make money, and I decided to grab it.

“The club already accepted the offer without my consent because it was good money for them. They accepted £20m, because no team would pay that.

“I signed a four-year contract with Changchun Yatai, but I played two years there before moving to Shanghai Shenhua, with even more money because I did so well, scoring 36 goals in 53 or 54 games for the initial two years.

“I played one year at Shanghai before going on loan to Manchester United,” the Al-Wehda striker concluded.

Ighalo eventually returned to the English Premier League in 2020 when Manchester United came calling. The Red Devils were ravaged by injuries at the time and decided to make a loan move for the Nigerian forward.
Without hesitation, the former Udinese striker jumped at the chance to play for his dream club, even taking a wage cut.

In his time at Old Trafford, he scored five goals in nineteen outings for the Record English Premier League Champions.

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