I will make Jamaican national football team – Usain Bolt

Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt has said that he is serious about starting up a soccer career now he has retired from sprinting.

He also said he could even be good enough to play for Jamaica.

Bolt, eight-time Olympic gold medalist, is currently recovering from a hamstring injury.

He accepted there might be some skepticism, but said it had always been his boyhood dream.

He told reporters at the U.S Formula One Grand Prix, “For me it’s a personal goal. I don’t care what people really think about it. I‘m not going to lie to myself.

“I‘m not going to be stupid. I‘m not trying to embarrass myself.

“But if I go out there and feel I can do this then I will give it a try. It’s a dream and another chapter of my life.

“If you have a dream that you always wanted to do, why not try and see where it will go.

“It’s just my hamstring keeping me back right now. In two weeks I can start training again and get back into some shape.

“Then I can really explore the situation.

“They say the invitation is always open, so it’s all about me getting over my injury and then getting into shape.

“Then I can do the trials and see what level I‘m at.”

A keen Manchester United fan, Bolt doubted manager Jose Mourinho would be on the phone any time soon, but said he had spoken to the club’s former manager, Alex Ferguson about his dream.

“He said ‘Alright, get into shape and I’ll see where that goes’,” said the sprinter.

Jamaica, who failed to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals, are currently 59th in the world rankings, leaving Bolt to also muse, “I think I can make the Jamaica team easily. I wouldn’t say they are that good at this point.”

BREAKING: Everton sacks Ronald Koeman as manager

Everton have sacked manager Ronald Koeman.

Koeman became the third Premier League manager to be shown the exit door this season when he was sacked on Monday.

The 54-year-old Dutchman guided Everton to seventh place in his first season in charge last term.

His sacked a 5-2 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend.

Everton have started the season on a poor note despite having spent £140million in the summer.

Club’s statement reads, “Everton Football Club can confirm that Ronald Koeman has left the Club.”

Mourinho vows to reveal why he didn’t become Barcelona manager

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has said he will reveal why he did not become Barcelona coach.

Mourinho learnt his trade at the Camp Nou, as a translator and assistant coach under Bobby Robson.

He then joined up with Louis van Gaal’s staff in the 1990s.

When Frank Rijkaard was fired in 2008, Mourinho was one of the options to take over Barca.

However, the Portuguese didn’t get the job and instead he went to Inter Milan, where he brought domestic and continental success, while Barca appointed Pep Guardiola.

“These are things about my career that I prefer to keep for myself.

“Maybe I’ll talk about it one day when I’m old, very old.

“The only thing I can say is that I’m still a coach with concerns, ambitions and the desire to do new things,” Mourinho said in an interview with Telefoot.

Nigeria vs Zambia: How Super Eagles players shared their bonus with Ikeme

Players and officials of the Super Eagles, gave a share of the bonus they were paid for beating Zambia 1-0, to goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, who is presently down with acute Leukaemia.

This was revealed by head coach, Gernot Rohr, in an interview with Lagos Talks FM.

Rohr says Ikeme set Nigeria on a sound footing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, with his fine performance in their first game away to Zambia in Ndola which they won 1-0.

“At first don’t forget him, you win you have a bonus everybody gave his part to Carl he was very happy ‎, the next idea I have is to go and see him to say thanks for what you did in the first game against Zambia.

“We can’t forget he brought us on the right way and we are sure he will come out of this great fight he has to fight and come with us to the World Cup,” Rohr said.

Mourinho reveals why he can’t rest Lukaku yet

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has said that he cannot rest goal machine Romelu Lukaku, until Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to the squad.

Ibrahimovic is out until January 2018, as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

Lukaku has hit the ground running at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals in his first nine United matches, since his £75million move from Everton last summer.

Mourinho admits he cannot rotate the 24-year-old yet.

“Without Zlatan we can’t rotate the strikers.

“Also because Marcus Rashford is playing in other postions.

“Until the moment we have Zlatan we can’t think about giving rest to our number nine the same way we give in other positions. We can’t do that,” the Portuguese said.

Chelsea vs Manchester City: De Bruyne seals win over Premier League champions

Kevin De Bruyne netted the winner, as Manchester City beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

City were under pressure going into the fixture, after their city rivals Manchester United crushed

Pep Guardiola’s side dominated their hosts, but failed to open scoring in the first half of the game.

Chelsea lost Alvaro Morata to injury, as they struggled to impose themselves.

In the 67th minute, De Bruyne unleashed a powerful effort past Thibaut Courtois, to take all three points and return City to the summit of the Premier League on goals difference.

Mourinho tells Manchester United players to do better after 4-0 win over Palace

Jose Mourinho has demanded more consistency from his Manchester United side, despite their 4-0 win over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Marouane Fellaini scored twice, while Juan Mata and Romelu Lukaku also got on the scoresheet, as the Red Devils ran riot at Old Trafford.

It wastheir fourth 4-0 triumph of the campaign, but Mourinho was left disappointed by elements of his side’s display.

“Three points were very important,” Mourinho told Sky Sports.

“I told the players we had to respect and play seriously against an opponent in a difficult situation but are better than the results are saying.

“Probably the result is bigger than our performance because I don’t think our performance was consistent. We had good periods, good moments, always control of the game.

“But I think we could do better, but the important thing are the three points, that’s it.”

Guardiola reveals secret to defeating Chelsea

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said they deserved to beat Chelsea, following their 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Former Blues midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, netted the winner in the 67th minute of play to seal victory for the Etihad club and move them back to the top of the Premier League.

It was Chelsea’s second home defeat, after losing 3-2 to Burnley in their opening day fixture.

“There are no words to describe what Chelsea are and what they did last season,” Guardiola said in his post-match interview.

“It is important to win and especially with the way we played. In the first half we didn’t find the right position but in the second we were better. A big congratulations for the victory.

“Chelsea want to play and they are so so dangerous in attack but we kept the ball and when they had it we pressed as high as possible.

“Everyone is talking about Kevin De Bruyne. He makes absolutely everything. He is the most humble guy, I am so happy for him because I know how happy he is.

“The last few games Fabian Delph has played and he had an outstanding performance. He is a guy that doesn’t lose the ball he is aggressive and clever. I am so happy for him after last season and the way he played last season.”

Arsenal vs Brighton: Wenger breaks Ferguson’s Premier League record

Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday, means that Arsene Wenger has beaten old foe Sir Alex Ferguson and set a new Premier League record.

The Gunners eased their way to victory over the Seagulls at Emirates Stadium, with Nacho Monreal and Alex Iwobi on target.

Brighton are the 45th top-flight opponent to suffer defeat against Wenger, with the Frenchman having spent over 20 years at the helm in north London.

It represents a new record, as no other manager has won more. Ferguson defeated 44 clubs during his reign.

Since he took over in 1996, Wenger has won three titles – including their famous ‘Invincibles’ triumph of 2003/2004.

The Frenchman signed a new two-year deal, just before the start of the 2017/2018 season.

La Liga: Barcelona defeat Las Palmas in empty Camp Nou amid Catalonia clashes

Barcelona maintained their perfect start to the new season with a 3-0 win over Las Palmas.

The match was played in an empty Camp Nou, after being initially postponed because of protests over the Catalanian independence referendum going on.

There was tension across Catalonia throughout the morning, as Spanish police attempted to shut down various polling stations as the region held a referendum, which had been deemed illegal by the Spanish government.

Lionel Messi scored twice for Barca, after Segio Busquets had opened scoring for Ernesto Valverde’s men.

The victory is Barca’s seventh from seven games and see them maintain a five-point lead at the top of the Primera Division, while Las Palmas remain in 17th.

Arsenal vs Brighton: Iwobi dedicates goal to Nigeria’s Independence Day

Super Eagles forward, Alex Iwobi, has described his goal for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday, as fitting on the day Nigeria is celebrating its 57th Independence Day.

Iwobi scored his first Premier League goal of the season as the Gunners recorded their fourth home victory of the campaign.

“3 Points, Clean Sheet And A Goal Perfect Way To Celebrate Independence Day #BIG17,” He tweeted on Sunday.

Speaking to the BBC about his goal, Iwobi hailed the brilliance of Alexis Sanchez, who provided him with a backheeled assist.

“It was a great team play. I didn’t think Alexis would find me but it shows the skill he has.

“He (Sanchez) is capable of doing anything. To have eyes in the back of his head and back-heel to me was amazing,” he said.

Wenger speaks on Barcelona joining Premier League

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, has joked that the Premier League will have to let Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers join, before they admit Barcelona to the competition.

The Catalan Sports Minister claimed the Spanish league leaders could join the Premier League, if independence for the region leasd to their expulsion from La Liga.

Wenger said he didn’t think the situation had got “that far,” but admitted it was interesting to see what would happen with such a “political” club.

“I will try to learn Catalan and if Barcelona wants to join the Premier League – it makes it even more difficult for everybody.”

“[But] I don’t think they are as far as that.

“It’s an interesting because development, will have incidents on the sporting side as Barcelona is a highly political club.

“It is interesting to see how they respond in the championship. We have enough clubs here, 20, if you want to go up to 24, but before we have to welcome the Scottish before we go to the Spanish,” Wenger told the media after their 2-0 win over Brighton on Sunday.

Ibrahimovic’s surgeon warns over Manchester United return

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s surgeon, Dr. Freddie Fu, has issued a warning over the striker’s return to action for Manchester United, insisting the Swede must only return when he is fully fit.

Ibrahimovic tore his anterior crutiate ligament against Anderlecht in April, after netting 28 goals for the Red Devils in his debut season.

After being initially released by by the club following the expiration of his contract, the 35-year-old has penned a new one-year deal and is stepping up his comeback.

Amid rumours that he could make his return to training by the end of October, Fu believes his former patient needs as much time as possible.

“I have no worry about his injury as it always takes time to fully recover,” he told the South China Morning Post .

“In fact the EPL has just started and I am sure Manchester United would not need the player urgently for any crucial game either in the league or European competitions.

“He is very strong but soccer is still a combative sport. As a doctor, of course I want to see him return as slow as possible, only when he is fully fit for the game. There have been many cases of a player returning prematurely with bad consequences.”

What I want from Alex Iwobi – Arsene Wenger

Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger revealed what he wants from Nigerian forward, Alex Iwobi.

The Frenchman has challenged Iwobi to provide 10 goals and 10 assists this season.

Iwobi scored his first of the season in Arsenal’s 2-0 home win over Brighton on Sunday.

The 21-year-old made it 2-0 when he drove home a backheel from Alexis Sanchez in the 56th minute.

Addressing his postmatch news conference, Wenger said, “A player like him (Iwobi) must score 10 goals, and he must as well give between six and 10 assists, and that’s what I want from him.

“He is the kind of player who has good availability, helps you a lot to get out of pressure and creates spaces.

“But what you want from him is final balls and goals as well.”

The victory over Brighton was The Gunners fourth straight clean sheet in the league this season.

Okocha more skillful than Pele – George Weah

Football legend George Oppong Weah says Nigeria’s Jay Jay Okocha is more skillful than Ghana’s Abedi.

According to the Liberian, even him, having won the world’s best player during his playing days, is nowhere close to Okocha in terms of being adroit with the leather ball.

“Abedi is a strong player, he’s a creative player but Jay Jay is more skillful.

“Even me, Jay Jay has more techniques than me. All the things that Jay Jay does on the field, we don’t even do one percent of it.

“For me I don’t do tricks, I will score a good goal and when I am squeezed up, I know how to run around.

“But to put the ball around and play with it, I give it to Jay Jay; he is an entertainer.

“So Jay Jay is a legend when it comes to that; he is very creative, he is very smart and he knows how to do tricks,” Oppong Weah told Starr Chat.

Okocha voted Bolton’s best player of last 20 years

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay Jay Okocha, has been voted by Bolton Wanderers fans, as the best player to have ever played at the Reebok Stadium, which has been renamed Macron Stadium.

The Reebok Stadium was built in 1997, but renamed in 2014 after Macron signed a naming rights deal with Bolton Wanderers.

It is in celebration of the ground’s 20th anniversary that the poll was organised.

Okocha beat the likes of former Spain defender, Ivan Campo and French forward, Youri Djorkaeff to emerge winner.

“So good they named him twice, Jay-Jay Okocha’s impact on Bolton Wanderers Football Club has truly never been forgotten,” Bolton wrote on their website while announcing the results.

“Moving to England for the first time with the Whites in 2002, the Nigerian magician’s four seasons spent with Sam Allardyce’s men saw him capture the hearts of not only the Bolton faithful, but football fans across the country for his silky skills and cheeky smile. Figuring for the Trotters on 145 occasions, he played in the Carling Cup Final – where he scored two unforgettable free-kicks in the semi-final first leg – and and also in the UEFA Cup.

“Another captain of the club too, those who were lucky enough to watch him in his prime will never forget the impact that Okocha had during his time at Macron Stadium and with that in mind, he has officially been named as the best ever player to grace our current home.”

Aguero could miss up to 11 matches after car crash

Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero, faces missing up to 11 games for his club and country, after he was involved in a car accident in Amsterdam on Thursday night.

The incident left him with a broken rib.

Aguero, who has since flown back to Manchester, could be out for up to two months.

The 29-year-old is set to miss 11 games during his enforced lay-off, including City’s trip to Chelsea tomorrow, as well as two World Cup qualifiers with Argentina.

His father, Leonel Del Castillo, told TyC Sports: “The taxi was driving very fast, Kun asked him to slow down, put on his seat belt and crashed instantly.

“He was lucky. They put him on painkillers, he was released and taken to Manchester.”

Chelsea vs. Man City: Conte challenges Hazard to repeat performance against Athletico

Antonio Conte has challenged Eden Hazard to repeat his dazzling performance against Atletico Madrid when Chelsea face title rivals Manchester City on Saturday.

Hazard was in fine form, during the week, as Chelsea became the first English team to win at Atletico with a 2-1 success in the Champions League.

The 26-year-old was making only his second start of the season in Madrid following three substitute appearances after surgery on his ankle.

Now Hazard is poised for his first Premier League start of the campaign

With Manchester City looking strong, Chelsea boss Conte wants Hazard to help the champions draw level on points with the leaders at Stamford Bridge.

“If he was able to play one game like the last game against Atletico Madrid it means he’s ready now to play with continuity,” Conte told reporters on Friday.

“For us he’s an important player. Last season he had an important season, he played very well, he performed as a top player. I’m very happy for him.”

Nigeria vs Zambia: Rohr to make final decision on Iwobi this weekend

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, is yet to make a decision over Alex Iwobi’s availability, for next week’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Uyo.

Rohr is waiting to see if Iwobi will make Arsene Wenger’s squad, for Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton, before replacing him with someone from the standby list.

“Coach Rohr is not in a hurry to beckon on any of the standby players for now,” Super Eagles, media officer, Toyin Ibitoye, told Completesportsnigeria.com.

“He said he would like to see if Iwobi will play against Brighton, but may have to invite any if the standby if Alex fails to make the bench.”

Iwobi is struggling with a muscle strain and missed Arsenal’s 4-2 win over Bate Borisov in Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League tie.

Chelsea vs Manchester City: Conte speaks on Aguero’s absence

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, has said he has enough faith in his players, to look after themselves when they have off days.

Conte was reacting on Friday, to news that Manchester City striker, Sergio Aguero, was involved in a car accident on Thursday while coming back from a concert in Amsterdam.

“I was a player and when you have your day off you must take responsibility to try to make the best decision for you, the team and the club,” he explained.

“I like to give responsibility because the players are not kids. They are men, they have families and children and I think that it is important to give them responsibility.

“I’m sorry for the situation and I hope Sergio is feeling good. I think and I hope that he stays well.”

Chelsea welcome City to Stamford Bridge Saturday evening.

Mourinho to appear in court before Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea

Manchester United manager, Jose Mourinho, has been summoned to appear in a Madrid court on November 3, two days before he takes his team to his old club, Chelsea, in the Premier League.

Spanish authorities opened a case against Mourinho in June, for alleged tax evasion during his time as Real Madrid boss.

The 54-year-old allegedly did not declare revenue related to his image rights in 2011 and 2012 and owes the Spanish state nearly £2.9million.

Mourinho’s agent issued a statement at the time denying the allegation and pointed out he paid nearly £23m in taxes during his stint in Spain, at an average tax rate of more than 41%

It also stated that he had reached a settlement agreement with the Spanish taxman in 2013.

Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi have all been convicted of tax evasion in recent years.

Conte blasts Premier League over Manchester City fixture

Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte, has criticised the Premier League, for scheduling their clash with Manchester City on Saturday.

After spending Thursday recovering following their stunning 2-1 win at Atletico Madrid, it leaves Chelsea just one day to prepare.

City played Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday at the Etihad, giving them a 24-hour headstart over the Blues.

“Don’t forget, Manchester City played (on Tuesday) at home,” said Conte.

“To have only one day to prepare for this type of game is not right. I’m very surprised to see that we have to play on Saturday, not on Sunday. I don’t understand why.”

Conte says the international break which follows the City game, means it was less necessary for the game to be played on Saturday.

“There is the international break. It’s very difficult to understand,” Conte added.

The Italian insisted Chelsea would be ready, but he may delay selecting his team until Saturday afternoon.

“Maybe I’ll wait until one hour, two hours before playing.

“This type of game (against Atletico) you use a lot of physical and mental energy. I want to speak with everyone and then to make the best decision.

“(But) to play a big game is better because we can keep the concentration very high,” he added.

Champions League: What Mbappe said after win over Bayern Munich

Paris Saint Germain forward, Kylian Mbappe has boasted that there is more to come from the French giants, after they trounced Bayern Munich 3-0 on Wednesday.

“The story is only just beginning,” Mbappe told Canal+.

The 18-year-old added: “We knew in our hearts that we had to put in a great performance against a great team. We did that.

“Expectations were high, which is normal after a summer transfer window like ours. It was a complete performance and now we move on to the next match on Saturday. We are here to win every game.”

Ronaldo dodges questions on new Real Madrid deal

Real Madrid forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, on Tuesday refused to answer questions about a new contract at the club.

The 32-year-old instead told reports to ask the club’s president, Florentino Perez.

Ronaldo was linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu in June, after he was accused of not paying €14.7million in taxes on image rights income.

He denied the charges but could face a bill, including fines of more than €40million or even time in prison if he is found guilty.

Perez has already dismissed the idea of Madrid’s record goal scorer receiving a pay increase, to help him deal with the situation.

When asked if he expected to extend his deal, Ronaldo speaking after his brace against Borussia Dortmund, said: “That is a good question.

“I am happy, things happen in a natural way. That is a better question maybe for the president – he would know better than me how to answer.”

Nigeria vs Zambia: Full list of Super Eagles players invited by Rohr for Uyo clash

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, has released a list of 23 players, that will take on Zambia next week, in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

Captain John Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo, Alex Iwobi are some of the names included.

Portugal-based goalkeeper Dele Alampasu could not make the list, alongside wing back Tyronne Ebuehi and South Africa-based Daniel Akpeyi.

The list comprises the same set of players who got four points off Cameroon during the last international week.

All invited players are to be in Uyo on Monday, October 2, 2017.

The full list of the invited players:

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ayodele Ajiboye (Plateau United FC)

Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England)

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

STANDBY: Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Afeez Aremu (Akwa United); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United)

Nigeria vs Zambia: Why Rohr dropped Omeruo from Super Eagles’ 23-man squad

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Gernot Rohr, left out Kenneth Omeruo from the 23-man squad , that will take on Zambia in a 2018 World Cup qualifier next week, because of his slow start to the new European season.

According to Complete Sports, Rohr opted for Chidozie Awaziem and Uche Agbo, because of their impressive performances for their clubs.

Awaziem and Agbo have featured consistently for Nantes and Standard Liege respectively, since the new campaign began.

Omeruo, is currently on loan at Kasimpasa from Chelsea. He had to wait three weeks into the new season, before the deal was completed to take him back to Turkey.

The defender only made his first start (second appearance) for Kasimpasa last weekend.