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Granit Xhaka reveals reasons behind Arsenal transfer exit

Published

3 months ago

July 9, 2023

Granit Xhaka reveals reasons behind Arsenal transfer exit

Granit Xhaka, the former Arsenal midfielder, has clarified that his departure from the club to join Bayer Leverkusen was not influenced by his family’s preference to leave London.

Despite being a key performer for the Gunners and playing a crucial role in Mikel Arteta’s side’s surprise Premier League title challenge last season, Xhaka sought a new challenge.

The 30-year-old midfielder emphasized that his decision to join Leverkusen was driven by his personal desire for a fresh opportunity rather than external factors.

He expressed his attraction to the project at Leverkusen, particularly under the guidance of the talented young manager, Xabi Alonso.

Xhaka’s move to Leverkusen marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career, and he is eager to embrace the challenge and contribute to his new team’s success.

“There was speculation everywhere that my wife was no longer happy in England. That is not at all true,” Granit Xhaka told Keystone-SDA (via Sport Witness). “The fact is that as a person I am always interested in new challenges.

“After seven years, the time has come for something completely new. The league is not new, but the club is. During the talks with Simon Rolfes [sporting director] and Xabi Alonso, I felt that the long-term project at Leverkusen was worthwhile and that it was 100% in line with me.”

Xhaka also spoke highly of Mikel Arteta, describing the Spaniard as “A coach I respect immensely.” After a difficult time under Unai Emery, Xhaka was close to leaving Arsenal, but Arteta persuaded him to stay for a few more years.

“[He’s] a coach who understands an incredible amount of football. Someone who sees football with completely different eyes,” Xhaka added. “I had a great relationship with him. Thanks in part to him, we achieved what was missing for years: the Champions League.”

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JUST IN: Man Utd confirm injury to Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Published

1 week ago

September 18, 2023

Williams

JUST IN: Man Utd confirm injury to Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Manchester United has officially announced that Aaron Wan-Bissaka suffered a hamstring injury over the weekend.

In their statement, the club confirmed that:

“Aaron is set for a period on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during Saturday’s game against Brighton.”

Although the club’s statement mentions that the full-back will be sidelined for “several weeks,” The Athletic reports that he might be out for up to two months.

Wan-Bissaka had featured in all five Premier League games this season, and his absence will be felt by the team.

With Wan-Bissaka sidelined, Diogo Dalot is expected to step in as the starting right-back for Manchester United’s upcoming Champions League match against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

BUNDESLIGA

EXPLAINED: How Madrid can afford Mbappe and Davies next summer without having to sell

Published

2 weeks ago

September 15, 2023

Williams

EXPLAINED: How Madrid can afford Mbappe and Davies next summer without having to sell

Real Madrid‘s combined squad salary bill is currently €485 million, while La Liga’s wage limit for the club will be €727 million for the next season, according to COPE.

This surplus in the wage limit provides Real Madrid with the opportunity to spend significantly in the upcoming summer transfer window without the need to sell players.

The €242 million difference between the limit and the actual wage spending opens up possibilities for big signings, including players like Alphonso Davies and Kylian Mbappe.

While this surplus doesn’t guarantee that Real Madrid won’t sell any players or that specific targets like Davies and Mbappe will be signed, it does give the club financial flexibility to pursue top talent in the transfer market.

Ultimately, the decision on signings will depend on the club’s priorities and needs for the next season.

BUNDESLIGA

Victor Osimhen, Lionel Messi leads nominees list for 2023 Best FIFA Football Award

Published

2 weeks ago

September 14, 2023

Williams

Victor Osimhen, Lionel Messi leads nominees list for 2023 Best FIFA Football Award

The nominees for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award include Victor Osimhen, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland, among others.

Manchester City dominates the list with six of their players, including Ederson in the goalkeepers’ category.

Pep Guardiola and Ange Postecoglou are among the nominees for the men’s coach award.

In addition to the men’s awards, there are also nominations for women’s awards.

England’s Lionesses, who reached the final of the Women’s World Cup, have several players nominated, including Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, Keira Walsh, and Mary Earps.

Sarina Wiegman and Emma Hayes are nominated for the women’s coach award.

The awards will be based on performances from December 19, 2022, to August 2023 for the men’s categories and from August 1, 2022, to August 20, 2023, for the women’s categories.

The winners will be decided by an international jury of coaches, captains, journalists, and fans.

The Best FIFA Men’s Player Nominees

Julián Álvarez (Argentina); Marcelo Brozović (Croatia); Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium); İlkay Gündoğan (Germany); Erling Haaland (Norway); Rodri (Spain); Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia); Kylian Mbappé (France); Lionel Messi (Argentina); Victor Osimhen (Nigeria); Declan Rice (England); Bernardo Silva (Portugal).

The Best FIFA Women’s Player Nominees

Aitana Bonmatí (Spain); Linda Caicedo (Colombia); Rachel Daly (England); Kadidiatou Diani (France); Caitlin Foord (Australia); Mary Fowler (Australia); Alex Greenwood (England); Jennifer Hermoso (Spain); Lindsey Horan (USA); Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden); Lauren James (England); Sam Kerr (Australia); Mapi León (Spain); Hinata Miyazawa (Japan); Salma Paralluelo (Spain); Keira Walsh (England).

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Nominees

Peter Gerhardsson (Sweden): Jonatan Giráldez (Spain); Tony Gustavsson (Sweden); Emma Hayes (England); Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands).

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Nominees

Pep Guardiola (Spain); Simone Inzaghi (Italy); Ange Postecoglou (Australia); Luciano Spalletti (Italy); Xavi (Spain).

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Nominees

Mackenzie Arnold (Australia); Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany); Catalina Coll (Spain); Mary Earps (England); Christiane Endler (Chile); Zećira Mušović (Sweden); Sandra Paños García-Villamil (Spain).