<p>Manchester City will begin their Premier League title defence with a trip to West Ham United, while the season will kick off with a London derby for the second year in a row as Crystal Palace host Arsenal. Liverpool, who finished second last season, will travel to newly-promoted Fulham, and Nottingham Forest will play at Newcastle United to mark their return to the Premier League after 23 years.</p>

<p>Chelsea will kick off their season under the new ownership led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital by playing away to Everton, while Bournemouth will host Aston Villa in their first game in the top flight after earning promotion.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-file-complaints-against-lionel-messi-starrer-psg-epl-champions-manchester-city-to-uefa-488495"><strong>La Liga file complaints against Lionel Messi-starrer PSG, EPL champions Manchester City to UEFA</strong></a></p>

<p>Manchester United, under new manager Erik ten Hag, will begin their campaign at home against Brighton &amp; Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur will host Southampton. The season will begin on Aug. 5 and conclude on May 28. There will be a mid-season break after Nov. 12 to accommodate the World Cup, which runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18 in Qatar. The league will resume on Boxing Day.</p>


Manchester City will begin their Premier League title defence with a trip to West Ham United, while the season will kick off with a London derby for the second year in a row as Crystal Palace host Arsenal.

Manchester City will begin their Premier League title defence with a trip to West Ham United, while the season will kick off with a London derby for the second year in a row as Crystal Palace host Arsenal. Liverpool, who finished second last season, will travel to newly-promoted Fulham, and Nottingham Forest will play at Newcastle United to mark their return to the Premier League after 23 years. Chelsea will kick off their season under the new ownership led by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital by playing away to Everton, while Bournemouth will host Aston Villa in their first game in the top flight after earning promotion. ALSO READ | La Liga file complaints against Lionel Messi-starrer PSG, EPL champions Manchester City to UEFA Manchester United, under new manager Erik ten Hag, will begin their campaign at home against Brighton & Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur will host Southampton. The season will begin on Aug. 5 and conclude on May 28. There will be a mid-season break after Nov. 12 to accommodate the World Cup, which runs from Nov. 21 to Dec. 18 in Qatar. The league will resume on Boxing Day.

Premier League: Manchester City to kickoff title defence at West Ham

Listing world's most lucrative sports leagues after IPL media rights auction

<p>Manchester City have completed the signing of Norway striker Erling Haaland from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract, the Premier League champions said on Monday. City did not provide financial details of the deal but German media reported that the total cost of buying Haaland could exceed 300 million euros ($314.22 million), including his salary, agent fees and bonuses. The 21-year-old striker`s value has skyrocketed thanks to his prolific form at Dortmund after joining them from Austrian side Salzburg two years ago.</p>

<p>"I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons," said Haaland, who scored 86 goals in all competitions for Dortmund since his debut in January, 2020. "You can`t help but admire their style of play, it`s exciting and they create a lot of chances, which is perfect for a player like me.<br />
"I want to score goals, win trophies and improve as a footballer and I am confident I can do that here," added the Norwegian who will join City on July 1.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-need-500-million-euros-to-save-the-club-claims-fc-barcelona-president-as-financial-troubles-mount-486922"><strong>We need 500 million Euros to save the club, claims FC Barcelona president as financial troubles mount</strong></a></p>

<p>Haaland, whose father Alf-Inge played for City from 2000-03, won the German Cup and the Bundesliga Player of the Season award in 2020-21. City have been in the hunt to replace Sergio Aguero after the Argentine striker -- the club`s all-time top scorer with 254 goals -- moved to Barcelona on a free transfer last year.</p>

<p>Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus never earned a regular place in the starting lineup, with manager Pep Guardiola often deploying a midfielder as a "false nine" to lead the attack.</p>


Manchester City have completed the signing of Norway striker Erling Haaland from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract, the Premier League champions said on Monday.

Manchester City have completed the signing of Norway striker Erling Haaland from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a five-year contract, the Premier League champions said on Monday. City did not provide financial details of the deal but German media reported that the total cost of buying Haaland could exceed 300 million euros ($314.22 million), including his salary, agent fees and bonuses. The 21-year-old striker`s value has skyrocketed thanks to his prolific form at Dortmund after joining them from Austrian side Salzburg two years ago. "I have always watched City and have loved doing so in recent seasons," said Haaland, who scored 86 goals in all competitions for Dortmund since his debut in January, 2020. "You can`t help but admire their style of play, it`s exciting and they create a lot of chances, which is perfect for a player like me. "I want to score goals, win trophies and improve as a footballer and I am confident I can do that here," added the Norwegian who will join City on July 1. ALSO READ | We need 500 million Euros to save the club, claims FC Barcelona president as financial troubles mount Haaland, whose father Alf-Inge played for City from 2000-03, won the German Cup and the Bundesliga Player of the Season award in 2020-21. City have been in the hunt to replace Sergio Aguero after the Argentine striker -- the club`s all-time top scorer with 254 goals -- moved to Barcelona on a free transfer last year. Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus never earned a regular place in the starting lineup, with manager Pep Guardiola often deploying a midfielder as a "false nine" to lead the attack.

Manchester City complete signing of Norway striker Erling Haaland

<p>The Premier League has suspended its television broadcast deal with Russia`s Match TV following the country`s invasion of Ukraine, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday.<br />
The league informed the clubs of its decision at Thursday`s annual general meeting, the source added.<br />
Russia calls the invasion of Ukraine "a special military operation".</p>

<p>The league had signed a six-year contract worth 43 million pounds ($53.91 million) with Match TV, which is owned by Russian energy company Gazprom. The deal was due to commence at the start of the 2022-23 season.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ucl-final-chaos-paris-police-chief-admits-possible-error-on-ticket-fakes-486581"><strong>UCL final chaos: Paris Police chief admits possible error on ticket fakes</strong></a></p>

<p>In March, the league suspended its deal with Russian broadcast partner Rambler (Okko Sport) which was due to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season.</p>


The Premier League has suspended its television broadcast deal with Russia`s Match TV following the country`s invasion of Ukraine, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

The Premier League has suspended its television broadcast deal with Russia`s Match TV following the country`s invasion of Ukraine, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Thursday. The league informed the clubs of its decision at Thursday`s annual general meeting, the source added. Russia calls the invasion of Ukraine "a special military operation". The league had signed a six-year contract worth 43 million pounds ($53.91 million) with Match TV, which is owned by Russian energy company Gazprom. The deal was due to commence at the start of the 2022-23 season. ALSO READ | UCL final chaos: Paris Police chief admits possible error on ticket fakes In March, the league suspended its deal with Russian broadcast partner Rambler (Okko Sport) which was due to expire at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Premier League suspends deal with Russia's Match TV following country's Ukraine invasion

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned Manchester United`s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in his first season back at the Premier League club. In his first spell at United, Ronaldo won the coveted award in three campaigns - 2003/04, 2006/07 and 2007/08. After an impressive return to Old Trafford, fans have voted for the Portuguese icon to receive the trophy for a record-equalling fourth time. David De Gea is the only other Red to have claimed a quartet of Sir Matt Busby statuettes.</p>

<p>United`s no.7 has enjoyed a clinical campaign, registering 24 goals in all competitions and defying anyone who doubted whether the 37-year-old could still perform in the cut and thrust of English football after his long stints in Spain and Italy. The majority of Ronaldo`s strikes - 18 - came in the Premier League, a tally that positioned him third behind only Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min who shared the Golden Boot prize. The six-time Ballon d`Or winner is no stranger to individual honours and has produced a number of match-winning displays for the Reds across the season, including his hat-tricks against Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, and his second debut against Newcastle United when he netted twice in front of the ecstatic Old Trafford crowd.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-bale-led-wales-beat-ukraine-1-0-qualify-for-2022-world-cup-485438"><strong>Gareth Bale-led Wales beat Ukraine 1-0, qualify for 2022 World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p>In addition to his domestic goalscoring exploits, the Portuguese striker bagged six Champions League goals, demonstrating once again his ability to deliver at the highest level of club football.De Gea - United`s Players` Player of the Year - was the runner-up to Ronaldo for the Sir Matt Busby award, while resurgent midfielder Fred emerged in third place. Both candidates joined Cristiano in demonstrating impressive consistency across what was a difficult season for the team overall.</p>

<p>Despite their challenges, the legendary no.7 was a convincing victor in the end, adding yet another entry to an already incredibly long list of achievements.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned Manchester United`s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in his first season back at the Premier League club. In his first spell at United, Ronaldo won the coveted award in three campaigns - 2003/04, 2006/07 and 2007/08.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned Manchester United`s Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in his first season back at the Premier League club. In his first spell at United, Ronaldo won the coveted award in three campaigns - 2003/04, 2006/07 and 2007/08. After an impressive return to Old Trafford, fans have voted for the Portuguese icon to receive the trophy for a record-equalling fourth time. David De Gea is the only other Red to have claimed a quartet of Sir Matt Busby statuettes. United`s no.7 has enjoyed a clinical campaign, registering 24 goals in all competitions and defying anyone who doubted whether the 37-year-old could still perform in the cut and thrust of English football after his long stints in Spain and Italy. The majority of Ronaldo`s strikes - 18 - came in the Premier League, a tally that positioned him third behind only Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-min who shared the Golden Boot prize. The six-time Ballon d`Or winner is no stranger to individual honours and has produced a number of match-winning displays for the Reds across the season, including his hat-tricks against Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, and his second debut against Newcastle United when he netted twice in front of the ecstatic Old Trafford crowd. ALSO READ | Gareth Bale-led Wales beat Ukraine 1-0, qualify for 2022 World Cup In addition to his domestic goalscoring exploits, the Portuguese striker bagged six Champions League goals, demonstrating once again his ability to deliver at the highest level of club football.De Gea - United`s Players` Player of the Year - was the runner-up to Ronaldo for the Sir Matt Busby award, while resurgent midfielder Fred emerged in third place. Both candidates joined Cristiano in demonstrating impressive consistency across what was a difficult season for the team overall. Despite their challenges, the legendary no.7 was a convincing victor in the end, adding yet another entry to an already incredibly long list of achievements.

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo bags Manchester United's Player of Year for record-equalling time

<p>Manchester United is going for an overhaul ahead of the next season as Paul Pogba has ended his six-year-long association with the Red Devils. The Frenchman, who is&nbsp;regarded as one of the most versatile players on the field, will be departing from the club as a free agent after talks didn't materialise for a contract extension.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, Poga joined&nbsp;the United academy at the age of sixteen. He played for the club till 2012 before leaving on a free transfer at 19. From thereon, Pogba joined Juventus and rose up the ranks with his scintillating performances on the field. United broke the bank in a bid to bring back Poga, however, this time around his tenure wasn't as fruitful.&nbsp;During his stay, United's best position in the league was when they ended at the second spot under Jose Mourinho. The 29-year-old had a turbulent time at the club due to his terms with Mourinho and&nbsp;to some extent with Ralf Rangnick as well.</p>

<p>The midfielder has once again seen&nbsp;interest from Juventus and Real Madrid. It will be interesting to see if he joins the UEFA Champions League winners or goes back to his former club.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/west-ham-footballer-kurt-zouma-given-180-hours-of-community-service-for-kicking-his-cat-484143"><strong>West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma given 180 hours of community service for kicking his cat</strong></a></p>

<p>A lot of chopping and changes are happening at the Red Devils post their ordinary run in the current season of the EPL. Under the new regime of&nbsp;Erik ten Hag, a lot of many changes are on the cards -- as confirmed by the Dutchman -- as some new faces might get added to the Manchester-based club. Earlier, veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant had also ended his tenure at the club.</p>


Manchester United is going for an overhaul ahead of the next season as Paul Pogba has ended his six-year-long association with the Red Devils. The Frenchman, who is regarded as one of the most versatile players on the field, will be departing from the club as a free agent after talks didn't materialise for a contract extension.

Manchester United is going for an overhaul ahead of the next season as Paul Pogba has ended his six-year-long association with the Red Devils. The Frenchman, who is regarded as one of the most versatile players on the field, will be departing from the club as a free agent after talks didn't materialise for a contract extension. For the unversed, Poga joined the United academy at the age of sixteen. He played for the club till 2012 before leaving on a free transfer at 19. From thereon, Pogba joined Juventus and rose up the ranks with his scintillating performances on the field. United broke the bank in a bid to bring back Poga, however, this time around his tenure wasn't as fruitful. During his stay, United's best position in the league was when they ended at the second spot under Jose Mourinho. The 29-year-old had a turbulent time at the club due to his terms with Mourinho and to some extent with Ralf Rangnick as well. The midfielder has once again seen interest from Juventus and Real Madrid. It will be interesting to see if he joins the UEFA Champions League winners or goes back to his former club. ALSO READ | West Ham footballer Kurt Zouma given 180 hours of community service for kicking his cat A lot of chopping and changes are happening at the Red Devils post their ordinary run in the current season of the EPL. Under the new regime of Erik ten Hag, a lot of many changes are on the cards -- as confirmed by the Dutchman -- as some new faces might get added to the Manchester-based club. Earlier, veteran goalkeeper Lee Grant had also ended his tenure at the club.

France's Paul Pogba ends six-year association with Manchester United, leaves as free agent

<p>Everton secured their Premier League status as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored five minutes from time to snatch a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace after they rallied from two goals down at a rocking Goodison Park on Thursday. Everton needed a win to ensure they continued their 68-year top-flight stay and Calvert-Lewin, who has been a peripheral figure this season due to injury, headed a Demarai Grey free-kick in at the Gwladys Street end to spark a pitch invasion.</p>

<p>Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew, who could have had a red card moments earlier, scored first-half goals for mid-table Palace but Everton responded after the break with goals from Michael Keane and Richarlison before Calvert-Lewin’s winner. Everton move to 39 points from 37 games, four clear of relegation rivals Burnley and Leeds United, which ensures they go into Sunday’s final game of the season at Champions League-chasing Arsenal with the pressure on them since January now off.</p>

<p>"It was unbelievably special," Calvert-Lewin told Sky Sports. "The amount of pressure that we were under, going two goals down and then to get to 2-2, I just felt that another chance would come. "I just had to make sure I was in the right area. It was an incredible experience.</p>

<p>"It’s why we love the game, it’s why the fans love the game. You don’t want to be in the position we were, but then it produces moments like this. "You can go from low to high so quickly. It is the biggest weight in the world that has been lifted!"</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/qatar-2022-in-a-first-women-referees-to-officiate-at-mens-fifa-world-cup-480494"><strong>Qatar 2022: In a first, women referees to officiate at men's FIFA World Cup</strong></a></p>

<p><strong>SET-PIECE WOES</strong></p>

<p>Palace went ahead after 21 minutes when Eberechi Eze’s free-kick was met by Matete with a simple headed finish as Everton`s set-piece woes were on show again. Ayew was fortunate not to receive a red card after a crunching tackle on Anthony Gordan only drew yellow, and then minutes later scored the second goal for the visitors.</p>

<p>It was a setback of Everton’s own making as captain Seamus Coleman lost the ball on the halfway line.<br />
As Palace broke into the box, a mix-up between Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and defender Vitali Mykolenko allowed Wilfred Zaha to fire at goal, the ball ricocheting into the net off Ayew after 36 minutes.<br />
Everton started the second half much brighter and pulled a goal back through Keane. They kept pressing after that and drew level through Richarlison.<br />
The home fans roared Everton forward in search of a vital third and Calvert-Lewin, a player who has drawn some criticism for his perceived poor performances in recent weeks, came up with their magic moment to send Goodison Park wild.</p>

<p>"The way the fans have been supporting us has been unbelievable," Calvert-Lewin added. "I think they`ve made the difference for us. "Some fans have questioned my commitment to the club, but I always give 100% and I hope my goal showed that."</p>


Everton secured their Premier League status as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored five minutes from time to snatch a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace after they rallied from two goals down at a rocking Goodison Park on Thursday.

Everton secured their Premier League status as Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored five minutes from time to snatch a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace after they rallied from two goals down at a rocking Goodison Park on Thursday. Everton needed a win to ensure they continued their 68-year top-flight stay and Calvert-Lewin, who has been a peripheral figure this season due to injury, headed a Demarai Grey free-kick in at the Gwladys Street end to spark a pitch invasion. Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jordan Ayew, who could have had a red card moments earlier, scored first-half goals for mid-table Palace but Everton responded after the break with goals from Michael Keane and Richarlison before Calvert-Lewin’s winner. Everton move to 39 points from 37 games, four clear of relegation rivals Burnley and Leeds United, which ensures they go into Sunday’s final game of the season at Champions League-chasing Arsenal with the pressure on them since January now off. "It was unbelievably special," Calvert-Lewin told Sky Sports. "The amount of pressure that we were under, going two goals down and then to get to 2-2, I just felt that another chance would come. "I just had to make sure I was in the right area. It was an incredible experience. "It’s why we love the game, it’s why the fans love the game. You don’t want to be in the position we were, but then it produces moments like this. "You can go from low to high so quickly. It is the biggest weight in the world that has been lifted!" ALSO READ | Qatar 2022: In a first, women referees to officiate at men's FIFA World Cup SET-PIECE WOES Palace went ahead after 21 minutes when Eberechi Eze’s free-kick was met by Matete with a simple headed finish as Everton`s set-piece woes were on show again. Ayew was fortunate not to receive a red card after a crunching tackle on Anthony Gordan only drew yellow, and then minutes later scored the second goal for the visitors. It was a setback of Everton’s own making as captain Seamus Coleman lost the ball on the halfway line. As Palace broke into the box, a mix-up between Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and defender Vitali Mykolenko allowed Wilfred Zaha to fire at goal, the ball ricocheting into the net off Ayew after 36 minutes. Everton started the second half much brighter and pulled a goal back through Keane. They kept pressing after that and drew level through Richarlison. The home fans roared Everton forward in search of a vital third and Calvert-Lewin, a player who has drawn some criticism for his perceived poor performances in recent weeks, came up with their magic moment to send Goodison Park wild. "The way the fans have been supporting us has been unbelievable," Calvert-Lewin added. "I think they`ve made the difference for us. "Some fans have questioned my commitment to the club, but I always give 100% and I hope my goal showed that."

Calvert-Lewin secures Everton Premier League status in stunning 3-2 win over Crystal Palace

<p>Kevin de Bruyne breathed fire when Manchester City locked horns with&nbsp;Wolverhampton&nbsp;Wolves&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Premier League&nbsp;on Wednesday night (May 11). In a clash where the Cityzens ran through the hapless Wolves, by 5-1, de Bruyne ended with as many as four goals.</p>

<p>During his memorable outing versus the Wolves, the star midfielder dr Bruyne completed his hat-trick in only the 24th minute of the clash, at the&nbsp;Molineux Stadium,&nbsp;Wolverhampton. He scored another in the 60th minute before Raheem Stirling's 84th minute strike completed Man City's dominant win over the opposition (who only managed a single goal). After his hat-trick, the 30-year-old Belgium player&nbsp;also pulled off his soon-to-be-teammate Erling Halaand's trademark celebration.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's the video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Haaland celebration 👀 <a href="https://t.co/04ZgN4yIrv">pic.twitter.com/04ZgN4yIrv</a></p>
— Ninth 🇧🇪 (@kroemecyriel) <a href="https://twitter.com/kroemecyriel/status/1524475782160175106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Despite scoring four goals, de Bruyne reckoned that it actually should've been five. "It’s just [a case of] whenever you get the opportunity, don’t hesitate,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian after the match. “I’m never afraid to shoot with the left; even if it doesn’t go in, it creates a problem for the opposition. If you miss you miss, it doesn’t matter, you make mistakes in the game and you go again. It should have been five, to be honest,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inter-milan-clinch-coppa-italia-to-ensure-juventus-will-end-season-without-a-trophy-478321"><strong>Inter Milan clinch Coppa Italia to ensure Juventus will end season without a trophy</strong></a></p>

<p>When questioned about his&nbsp;celebration, similar to&nbsp;Haaland, Kevin&nbsp;pointed out that he didn't really realise how it happened and it came naturally to him. “I didn’t even know,” he said in reference of the celebration. I just did it because I’d scored three," he asserted.</p>

<p>As for Halaand, it is now officially known that Borussia Dortmund striker&nbsp;is all set to join the Cityzens&nbsp;in the next season. After Man City triggered his release clause of 60 million Euros, all the personal terms between the two parties were agreed upon. Thus, another superstar striker is in line to join the marquee club.</p>


Kevin de Bruyne breathed fire when Manchester City locked horns with Wolverhampton Wolves in the Premier League on Wednesday night (May 11). In a clash where the Cityzens ran through the hapless Wolves, by 5-1, de Bruyne ended with as many as four goals.

Kevin de Bruyne breathed fire when Manchester City locked horns with Wolverhampton Wolves in the Premier League on Wednesday night (May 11). In a clash where the Cityzens ran through the hapless Wolves, by 5-1, de Bruyne ended with as many as four goals. During his memorable outing versus the Wolves, the star midfielder dr Bruyne completed his hat-trick in only the 24th minute of the clash, at the Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton. He scored another in the 60th minute before Raheem Stirling's 84th minute strike completed Man City's dominant win over the opposition (who only managed a single goal). After his hat-trick, the 30-year-old Belgium player also pulled off his soon-to-be-teammate Erling Halaand's trademark celebration. Here's the video: Haaland celebration 👀 pic.twitter.com/04ZgN4yIrv — Ninth 🇧🇪 (@kroemecyriel) May 11, 2022 × Despite scoring four goals, de Bruyne reckoned that it actually should've been five. "It’s just [a case of] whenever you get the opportunity, don’t hesitate,” he was quoted as saying by The Guardian after the match. “I’m never afraid to shoot with the left; even if it doesn’t go in, it creates a problem for the opposition. If you miss you miss, it doesn’t matter, you make mistakes in the game and you go again. It should have been five, to be honest,” he added. ALSO READ | Inter Milan clinch Coppa Italia to ensure Juventus will end season without a trophy When questioned about his celebration, similar to Haaland, Kevin pointed out that he didn't really realise how it happened and it came naturally to him. “I didn’t even know,” he said in reference of the celebration. I just did it because I’d scored three," he asserted. As for Halaand, it is now officially known that Borussia Dortmund striker is all set to join the Cityzens in the next season. After Man City triggered his release clause of 60 million Euros, all the personal terms between the two parties were agreed upon. Thus, another superstar striker is in line to join the marquee club.

Man City's Kevin de Bruyne replicates 'Erling Haaland celebration' after memorable hat-trick vs Wolves - WATCH

<p>Liverpool on Tuesday night kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City after the Reds claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. With this win, Liverpool are now level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Despite going behind early on, Jurgen Klopp`s side triumphed at Villa Park thanks to goals from Joel Matip and Sadio Mane and are now on 86 points having played a match more than City.</p>

<p>All eyes will now be on Man City to see how they respond during their trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night. If they manage to claim a fourth straight league win, they will restore their three-point advantage at the top of the table with both title rivals having two matches left to play.In fact, City will play twice before Liverpool are in league action again, with an away fixture at seventh-placed West Ham United looming for the champions on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/everybody-knows-pep-guardiola-responds-to-reports-of-manchester-city-signing-erling-haaland-477937">'Everybody knows...': Pep Guardiola responds to reports of Manchester City signing Erling Haaland</a></strong></p>

<p>Liverpool take on Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on Saturday before resuming their Premier League programme at Southampton on Tuesday, 17 May. There will be midfield concerns for Klopp for the final matches of the campaign as Fabinho was forced off on the 30-minute mark at Villa Park because of injury.</p>


Liverpool on Tuesday night kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City after the Reds claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. With this win, Liverpool are now level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.

Liverpool on Tuesday night kept the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester City after the Reds claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. With this win, Liverpool are now level with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. Despite going behind early on, Jurgen Klopp`s side triumphed at Villa Park thanks to goals from Joel Matip and Sadio Mane and are now on 86 points having played a match more than City. All eyes will now be on Man City to see how they respond during their trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday night. If they manage to claim a fourth straight league win, they will restore their three-point advantage at the top of the table with both title rivals having two matches left to play.In fact, City will play twice before Liverpool are in league action again, with an away fixture at seventh-placed West Ham United looming for the champions on Sunday. ALSO READ | 'Everybody knows...': Pep Guardiola responds to reports of Manchester City signing Erling Haaland Liverpool take on Chelsea in the FA Cup Final on Saturday before resuming their Premier League programme at Southampton on Tuesday, 17 May. There will be midfield concerns for Klopp for the final matches of the campaign as Fabinho was forced off on the 30-minute mark at Villa Park because of injury.

Premier League: Liverpool maintain pressure on Manchester City after hard-fought win vs Aston Villa

<p>The Premier League has set in motion an action plan to aid the progress of young footballers from South Asian backgrounds into professional soccer. The scheme, launched alongside anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out, is part of the No Room For Racism plan, which aims to improve playing, coaching and executive pathways for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.</p>

<p>It will focus on increasing South Asian representation at the Under-9 to Under-11 level, and will include research into barriers from entry to the sport for young players. According to data released by the Professional Footballers` Association (PFA) in March, there are just 16 professional footballers in the top four tiers of English football with British South Asian heritage.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpool-breeze-past-villarreal-to-close-in-on-uefa-champions-league-final-474548"><strong>Liverpool breeze past Villarreal to close in on UEFA Champions League final</strong></a></p>

<p>"The South Asian Action Plan is a long-term project which will enable us to look at and improve the diversity of everyone within the academy system, both on and off the pitch," Premier League director of football Neil Saunders said. "Representation of South Asians on the pitch in elite football is a statistical anomaly," Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari added.</p>

<p>"Currently, it reflects neither the population nor the popularity of football amongst the British South Asian community. We love the game as fans and want to be seen more on the pitch." English cricket has also been attempting to address a lack of South Asian representation in the sport after a number of players, including former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq, alleged they were victims of institutional racism at their clubs.</p>


The Premier League has set in motion an action plan to aid the progress of young footballers from South Asian backgrounds into professional soccer. The scheme, launched alongside anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out, is part of the No Room For Racism plan, which aims to improve playing, coaching and executive pathways for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.

The Premier League has set in motion an action plan to aid the progress of young footballers from South Asian backgrounds into professional soccer. The scheme, launched alongside anti-discriminatory body Kick It Out, is part of the No Room For Racism plan, which aims to improve playing, coaching and executive pathways for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. It will focus on increasing South Asian representation at the Under-9 to Under-11 level, and will include research into barriers from entry to the sport for young players. According to data released by the Professional Footballers` Association (PFA) in March, there are just 16 professional footballers in the top four tiers of English football with British South Asian heritage. ALSO READ | Liverpool breeze past Villarreal to close in on UEFA Champions League final "The South Asian Action Plan is a long-term project which will enable us to look at and improve the diversity of everyone within the academy system, both on and off the pitch," Premier League director of football Neil Saunders said. "Representation of South Asians on the pitch in elite football is a statistical anomaly," Kick It Out chairman Sanjay Bhandari added. "Currently, it reflects neither the population nor the popularity of football amongst the British South Asian community. We love the game as fans and want to be seen more on the pitch." English cricket has also been attempting to address a lack of South Asian representation in the sport after a number of players, including former Yorkshire spinner Azeem Rafiq, alleged they were victims of institutional racism at their clubs.

Premier League sets up plan for more South Asian players

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the Liverpool fans for their show of compassion towards the Manchester United's striker following the passing away of his newborn son. Ahead of the Red Devils' English Premier League (EPL) face-off versus Liverpool, Ronaldo had taken to his social media handles to share the devastating news of the death of his newborn son.</p>

<p>Thus, the 37-year-old Portuguese captain opted out of Man United's encounter versus Liverpool, on Tuesday night, at Anfield. Despite his absence from the marquee face-off, Ronaldo was remembered by Liverpool and Man United's supporters. The Liverpool fans were singing&nbsp;"You'll Never Walk Alone" while the Red Devils' supporters applauded the moment during the initial phase of the match. Ronaldo was also given a standing ovation in the seventh minute of the game whereas both sets of players wore black armbands to pay respect to the superstar footballer's tragic loss.</p>

<p>Seeing the outpouring of love and compassion, Ronaldo took to his official Instagram handle and lauded the Liverpool and Man United fans. He captioned the post, “One world One sport One global family Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spanish-judge-lifts-protection-for-super-league-clubs-real-madrid-barcelona-and-juventus-472775"><strong>Spanish judge lifts protection for Super League clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcnAKiZjQn8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcnAKiZjQn8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcnAKiZjQn8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CcnAKiZjQn8/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/youll-never-walk-alone-man-utd-and-liverpool-fans-unite-to-show-support-for-grieving-ronaldo-watch-472280"><strong>'You'll Never Walk Alone': Man Utd and Liverpool fans unite to show support for grieving Ronaldo - Watch</strong></a></p>

<p>Before&nbsp;Man United's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool, Ronaldo had shocked the football fraternity by sharing the news of the passing away of his newborn son. Ronaldo and his partner&nbsp;Georgina Rodriguez had announced in October last year that they were expecting twins. However, fate had other things in store.&nbsp;On Monday, the footballer revealed that one of the two babies couldn't survive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.</p>

<p>Ronaldo remains out of action at present and is supporting his family during such a tough time.</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the Liverpool fans for their show of compassion towards the Manchester United's striker following the passing away of his newborn son.

Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the Liverpool fans for their show of compassion towards the Manchester United's striker following the passing away of his newborn son. Ahead of the Red Devils' English Premier League (EPL) face-off versus Liverpool, Ronaldo had taken to his social media handles to share the devastating news of the death of his newborn son. Thus, the 37-year-old Portuguese captain opted out of Man United's encounter versus Liverpool, on Tuesday night, at Anfield. Despite his absence from the marquee face-off, Ronaldo was remembered by Liverpool and Man United's supporters. The Liverpool fans were singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" while the Red Devils' supporters applauded the moment during the initial phase of the match. Ronaldo was also given a standing ovation in the seventh minute of the game whereas both sets of players wore black armbands to pay respect to the superstar footballer's tragic loss. Seeing the outpouring of love and compassion, Ronaldo took to his official Instagram handle and lauded the Liverpool and Man United fans. He captioned the post, “One world One sport One global family Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion.” ALSO READ | Spanish judge lifts protection for Super League clubs Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) × ALSO READ | 'You'll Never Walk Alone': Man Utd and Liverpool fans unite to show support for grieving Ronaldo - Watch Before Man United's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool, Ronaldo had shocked the football fraternity by sharing the news of the passing away of his newborn son. Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodriguez had announced in October last year that they were expecting twins. However, fate had other things in store. On Monday, the footballer revealed that one of the two babies couldn't survive. "It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram. Ronaldo remains out of action at present and is supporting his family during such a tough time.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts as Liverpool fans display compassion for death of his newborn son

<p>Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday following the death of his newborn son. The Portuguese star on Monday evening also revealed the birth of a baby girl with partner Georgina Rodriguez, with the pair previously stating that they had been expecting twins. He further asked for privacy at this very difficult time.</p>

<p>"Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time. As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family`s request for privacy," Manchester United in a statement said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-announces-death-of-baby-son-shares-emotional-post-472015">Cristiano Ronaldo announces death of baby boy, shares emotional post</a></strong></p>

<p>Everybody at Manchester United and indeed the football world is sending love to Cristiano Ronaldo and his family, after the club legend made a heart-breaking announcement. Writing on social media, Cristiano gave this tragic update: "It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness."We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."</p>


Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday following the death of his newborn son. The Portuguese star on Monday evening also revealed the birth of a baby girl with partner Georgina Rodriguez, with the pair previously stating that they had been expecting twins.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will miss the Premier League clash against Liverpool on Tuesday following the death of his newborn son. The Portuguese star on Monday evening also revealed the birth of a baby girl with partner Georgina Rodriguez, with the pair previously stating that they had been expecting twins. He further asked for privacy at this very difficult time. "Family is more important than everything and Ronaldo is supporting his loved ones at this immensely difficult time. As such, we can confirm that he will not feature in the match against Liverpool at Anfield on Tuesday evening and we underline the family`s request for privacy," Manchester United in a statement said. ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo announces death of baby boy, shares emotional post Everybody at Manchester United and indeed the football world is sending love to Cristiano Ronaldo and his family, after the club legend made a heart-breaking announcement. Writing on social media, Cristiano gave this tragic update: "It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel. Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness."We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support. We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time. Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."

EPL: Cristiano Ronaldo to skip Manchester United-Liverpool clash after death of his newborn son

<p>The British government on Thursday announced sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich while freezing his assets. Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several countries across the globe have imposed sanctions on the country while many sporting bodies have also banned Russian teams, athletes and staff from taking part in their tournaments.</p>

<p>Russia has been immense criticism from all corners as Ukraine continues to suffer in the ongoing war. Abramovich was among seven Russian billionaires sanctioned by the UK government in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. Abramovich, who is said to have close ties with Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin, had taken over Chelsea in 2003 and has since made the club a force to reckon with in club football.</p>

<p>Chelsea have won five English Premier League titles and two Champions League titles since&nbsp;Abramovich took over the club, including a European triumph last year. However, the club's future is now uncertain after the UK government's sanctions on its Russian owner.</p>

<p><strong>Can Chelsea continue playing?</strong></p>

<p>The sanctions imposed on Abramovich could have forced Chelsea to stop running as a business and barred the club from continuing in any of the competitions that they are part of, including the English Premier League. However, the UK government has issued a special license to Chelsea to continue operations with several restrictions. So Chelsea will be allowed to play but they will be banned from several marketing activities including ticket sales, merchandise sales and players transfers among others.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uk-govt-right-to-impose-sanctions-on-chelsea-owner-roman-abramovich-says-liverpool-manager-juergen-klopp-461372">UK govt right to impose sanctions on Chelsea owner Abramovich, says Liverpool manager&nbsp;Klopp</a></p>

<p><strong>A look at things Chelsea are&nbsp;allowed to do:</strong></p>

<p>Chelsea are allowed to play matches in all competitions that they are part of. However, there can only spend up to only&nbsp;500,000 pounds ($657,000) on playing each game at Stamford Bridge, including security and catering.</p>

<p>Only season-ticket holders are the ones who will be allowed to attend the club's remaining matches at their home stadium and away from home. The ticket sales have been prohibited.</p>

<p>The club will continue to receive broadcast money from their ongoing deals. However, the money will be frozen in the club's bank account and will be monitored by the UK government.</p>

<p>The club will continue to pay the wages to its staff and players. There are no restrictions on the wages, however, as per reports, Chelsea have laid off several staff members already.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/britain-to-work-with-chelsea-football-club-on-changes-to-its-licence-says-pms-spokesman-461357">Britain to work with Chelsea Football Club on changes to its licence, says PM's spokesman</a></p>

<p><strong>What are things Chelsea are not allowed to do?</strong></p>

<p>No player recruitment or contract renewal of existing players. Chelsea will not be allowed to make any new signings or renew the deals of their existing players under the terms of the government license that runs till May 31 this year. This means the club might lose the services of the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Toni Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who are all in the final year of their respective contracts.</p>

<p>No ticket sales. Chelsea will not be allowed to sell tickets and earn any match day revenue from their fans. Only the season-ticket holders, who have already purchased their tickets will be allowed to attend the matches both at home and in Europe till the sanction is in effect.</p>

<p>No merchandise sale. All Chelsea club stores have been shut down in the UK as the club has been banned from selling any merchandise under the current license. Chelsea won't be able to sell any club shirts, memorabilia or other items.</p>

<p>The sale of the club halted. Abramovich had listed Chelsea up for sale in the wake of outrage in the British parliament over his alleged ties with Putin. However, the British government's sanctions have handed him a huge blow in his aspirations as the club's sale has been stalled.&nbsp;Britain's technology minister Chris Philp on Friday said that any prospective bidders interested in taking over Chelsea should contact the British government directly.</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The British government on Thursday announced sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich while freezing his assets. Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several countries across the globe have imposed sanctions on the country while many sporting bodies have also banned Russian teams, athletes and staff from taking part in their tournaments.

The British government on Thursday announced sanctions on Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich while freezing his assets. Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several countries across the globe have imposed sanctions on the country while many sporting bodies have also banned Russian teams, athletes and staff from taking part in their tournaments. Russia has been immense criticism from all corners as Ukraine continues to suffer in the ongoing war. Abramovich was among seven Russian billionaires sanctioned by the UK government in the wake of the Ukraine invasion. Abramovich, who is said to have close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, had taken over Chelsea in 2003 and has since made the club a force to reckon with in club football. Chelsea have won five English Premier League titles and two Champions League titles since Abramovich took over the club, including a European triumph last year. However, the club's future is now uncertain after the UK government's sanctions on its Russian owner. Can Chelsea continue playing? The sanctions imposed on Abramovich could have forced Chelsea to stop running as a business and barred the club from continuing in any of the competitions that they are part of, including the English Premier League. However, the UK government has issued a special license to Chelsea to continue operations with several restrictions. So Chelsea will be allowed to play but they will be banned from several marketing activities including ticket sales, merchandise sales and players transfers among others. Also Read: UK govt right to impose sanctions on Chelsea owner Abramovich, says Liverpool manager Klopp A look at things Chelsea are allowed to do: Chelsea are allowed to play matches in all competitions that they are part of. However, there can only spend up to only 500,000 pounds ($657,000) on playing each game at Stamford Bridge, including security and catering. Only season-ticket holders are the ones who will be allowed to attend the club's remaining matches at their home stadium and away from home. The ticket sales have been prohibited. The club will continue to receive broadcast money from their ongoing deals. However, the money will be frozen in the club's bank account and will be monitored by the UK government. The club will continue to pay the wages to its staff and players. There are no restrictions on the wages, however, as per reports, Chelsea have laid off several staff members already. Also Read: Britain to work with Chelsea Football Club on changes to its licence, says PM's spokesman What are things Chelsea are not allowed to do? No player recruitment or contract renewal of existing players. Chelsea will not be allowed to make any new signings or renew the deals of their existing players under the terms of the government license that runs till May 31 this year. This means the club might lose the services of the likes of Cesar Azpilicueta, Toni Rudiger and Andreas Christensen, who are all in the final year of their respective contracts. No ticket sales. Chelsea will not be allowed to sell tickets and earn any match day revenue from their fans. Only the season-ticket holders, who have already purchased their tickets will be allowed to attend the matches both at home and in Europe till the sanction is in effect. No merchandise sale. All Chelsea club stores have been shut down in the UK as the club has been banned from selling any merchandise under the current license. Chelsea won't be able to sell any club shirts, memorabilia or other items. The sale of the club halted. Abramovich had listed Chelsea up for sale in the wake of outrage in the British parliament over his alleged ties with Putin. However, the British government's sanctions have handed him a huge blow in his aspirations as the club's sale has been stalled. Britain's technology minister Chris Philp on Friday said that any prospective bidders interested in taking over Chelsea should contact the British government directly.

Explained: What British government's sanctions on Roman Abramovich mean for Chelsea football club

<p>Cristiano Ronaldo remains a big name in world sport. On February 5, the Portuguese captain and Manchester United's striker turned 37. Wishes poured in for the superstar football across the globe whereas his girlfriend Georgiana Rodriguez went a step ahead and gifted him a luxurious and stylish brand new Cadillac Escalade car on Monday (February 07).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing the video on her official Instagram handle, Rodriguez wrote, in Portuguese, "Happy 37th birthday to the love of my life. We love you infinitely. Best father and best life companion that God could have given us. A fighter and deserving of all the good things that happen to you. You are perfection and inspiration."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZozf0_AFZd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZozf0_AFZd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZozf0_AFZd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CZozf0_AFZd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Georgina Rodríguez (@georginagio)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unbelievable-man-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-becomes-first-ever-to-surpass-400m-followers-on-instagram-451207"><strong>UNBELIEVABLE! Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first-ever to surpass 400m followers on Instagram</strong></a></p>

<p>Ronaldo, who remains very active on Instagram, also took to his official handle to thank his fans on his special day. He captioned the post saying, "Life is a roller coaster. Hard work, high speed, urgent goals, demanding expectations… But in the end, it all comes down to family, love, honesty, friendship, values that make it all worth it. Thanks for all the messages! 37 and counting!"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZnOsSxgqoO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZnOsSxgqoO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZnOsSxgqoO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZnOsSxgqoO/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been going strong as a couple and the lovebirds are set to welcome twins into the world in April 2022. The 37-year-old&nbsp;has already revealed that he will tie the knot with Rodriguez&nbsp;very soon. He had earlier stated, "I always tell Georgina that when we get that click, like everything with our life and she knows what I'm talking about. It could be in a year, or it could be in six months or in a month. I'm 1000 percent sure it will happen."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-ronaldo-ibrahimovics-bicycle-kick-to-messis-dribbling-act-relive-some-unforgettable-goals-watch-448442">From Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic's bicycle kick to Messi's dribbling act: Relive some UNFORGETTABLE GOALS - Watch</a></strong></p>

<p>The superstar footballer continues to make the headlines as he recently became the first-ever person to have 400-million followers on Instagram. On the field, the Ronaldo-starrer Man United managed a draw versus Burnley in their Premier League encounter on Tuesday (February 8). The Red Devils have, thus, slipped a position to occupy the fifth spot in the EPL standings.&nbsp;</p>


Cristiano Ronaldo remains a big name in world sport. On February 5, the Portuguese captain and Manchester United's striker turned 37. Wishes poured in for the superstar football across the globe whereas his girlfriend Georgiana Rodriguez went a step ahead and gifted him a luxurious and stylish brand new Cadillac Escalade car on Monday (February 07).

Cristiano Ronaldo remains a big name in world sport. On February 5, the Portuguese captain and Manchester United's striker turned 37. Wishes poured in for the superstar football across the globe whereas his girlfriend Georgiana Rodriguez went a step ahead and gifted him a luxurious and stylish brand new Cadillac Escalade car on Monday (February 07). Sharing the video on her official Instagram handle, Rodriguez wrote, in Portuguese, "Happy 37th birthday to the love of my life. We love you infinitely. Best father and best life companion that God could have given us. A fighter and deserving of all the good things that happen to you. You are perfection and inspiration." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Georgina Rodríguez (@georginagio) × ALSO READ | UNBELIEVABLE! Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first-ever to surpass 400m followers on Instagram Ronaldo, who remains very active on Instagram, also took to his official handle to thank his fans on his special day. He captioned the post saying, "Life is a roller coaster. Hard work, high speed, urgent goals, demanding expectations… But in the end, it all comes down to family, love, honesty, friendship, values that make it all worth it. Thanks for all the messages! 37 and counting!" View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) × Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been going strong as a couple and the lovebirds are set to welcome twins into the world in April 2022. The 37-year-old has already revealed that he will tie the knot with Rodriguez very soon. He had earlier stated, "I always tell Georgina that when we get that click, like everything with our life and she knows what I'm talking about. It could be in a year, or it could be in six months or in a month. I'm 1000 percent sure it will happen." ALSO READ | From Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic's bicycle kick to Messi's dribbling act: Relive some UNFORGETTABLE GOALS - Watch The superstar footballer continues to make the headlines as he recently became the first-ever person to have 400-million followers on Instagram. On the field, the Ronaldo-starrer Man United managed a draw versus Burnley in their Premier League encounter on Tuesday (February 8). The Red Devils have, thus, slipped a position to occupy the fifth spot in the EPL standings.

WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend gifts him luxurious car for WHOPPING price on 37th birthday

<p>Manchester United returned to the top of the table on Monday but not the one they were hoping for as they were named the club with the biggest transfer losses in the last decade, splashing out more than one billion euros ($1.14 billion) on players. A study published by Switzerland-based independent research group CIES Football Observatory revealed United had a net spend of 1.075 billion euros since 2012, spending 1.545 billion on transfers while making 470 million back in player sales.</p>

<p>United broke the Premier League transfer record to sign Paul Pogba in 2016 for 89.5 million pounds ($120.89 million) but are set to make no return on the French midfielder, who has failed to meet expectations and can leave for free at the end of the season when his contract expires.<br />
Other costly yet unsuccessful signings include Anthony Martial, signed for 36 million pounds in 2015, and Donny van de Beek, who cost the club 40 million in 2020. Both players left on loan last month, for Sevilla and Everton, respectively.</p>

<p>Their local rivals Manchester City came second with a net spend of 984 million euros, splashing out more than United with 1.699 billion but bringing in 715 million from sales. Paris St Germain were third with a net spend of 941 million.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unbelievable-man-uniteds-cristiano-ronaldo-becomes-first-ever-to-surpass-400m-followers-on-instagram-451207">UNBELIEVABLE! Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first-ever to surpass 400m followers on Instagram</a></strong></p>

<p>Barcelona were fourth in the list with a far lower net spend of 650 million, although the Catalans have been in financial turmoil in the last year due to an inflated wage bill, which forced them to part with all-time top scorer Lionel Messi. But while PSG, City and Barcelona at least have plenty of silverware to show for their indulgences in the last decade, United have largely underperformed on the pitch, above all since serial-winning manager Alex Ferguson left in 2013.</p>

<p>They have lifted only one league title since 2012, while City have won five, PSG seven and Barcelona five. United`s last trophy came in 2017, the Europa League triumph under Jose Mourinho. They are currently fourth in the Premier League, 19 points behind leaders City and on Friday were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship (second tier) side Middlesbrough.</p>


Manchester United returned to the top of the table on Monday but not the one they were hoping for as they were named the club with the biggest transfer losses in the last decade, splashing out more than one billion euros ($1.

Manchester United returned to the top of the table on Monday but not the one they were hoping for as they were named the club with the biggest transfer losses in the last decade, splashing out more than one billion euros ($1.14 billion) on players. A study published by Switzerland-based independent research group CIES Football Observatory revealed United had a net spend of 1.075 billion euros since 2012, spending 1.545 billion on transfers while making 470 million back in player sales. United broke the Premier League transfer record to sign Paul Pogba in 2016 for 89.5 million pounds ($120.89 million) but are set to make no return on the French midfielder, who has failed to meet expectations and can leave for free at the end of the season when his contract expires. Other costly yet unsuccessful signings include Anthony Martial, signed for 36 million pounds in 2015, and Donny van de Beek, who cost the club 40 million in 2020. Both players left on loan last month, for Sevilla and Everton, respectively. Their local rivals Manchester City came second with a net spend of 984 million euros, splashing out more than United with 1.699 billion but bringing in 715 million from sales. Paris St Germain were third with a net spend of 941 million. ALSO READ | UNBELIEVABLE! Man United's Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first-ever to surpass 400m followers on Instagram Barcelona were fourth in the list with a far lower net spend of 650 million, although the Catalans have been in financial turmoil in the last year due to an inflated wage bill, which forced them to part with all-time top scorer Lionel Messi. But while PSG, City and Barcelona at least have plenty of silverware to show for their indulgences in the last decade, United have largely underperformed on the pitch, above all since serial-winning manager Alex Ferguson left in 2013. They have lifted only one league title since 2012, while City have won five, PSG seven and Barcelona five. United`s last trophy came in 2017, the Europa League triumph under Jose Mourinho. They are currently fourth in the Premier League, 19 points behind leaders City and on Friday were knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship (second tier) side Middlesbrough.

Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Man United top league of transfer losses with 1 billion euro net spend

<p>COVID-19 has led to a massive disruption in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL) as several matches had to be postponed last week and earlier this month due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases across major clubs. A number of top players have been infected by the contagious virus which has once again started to wreak havoc on countries across the globe.</p>

<p>Premier League clubs met on Monday (December 20) to decide if the game week 20 which gets underway from Tuesday (December 28) can be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 chaos in the league. However, the majority of clubs were in favour of continuing with the fixtures despite the recent surge in cases. The games will be played as per schedule, as per a report in&nbsp;the <em>BBC</em>.</p>

<p>The report further states that the clubs have been advised to go ahead with their respective fixtures if they have at least 13 fit players available for the game. A lot of managers including Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp had recently raised concerns over playing next week due to COVID-19 cases in the team.</p>

<p>Ten matches have been postponed so far in the Premier League this month due to COVID-19. Several top clubs including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have been affected as a number of players are down with the virus.</p>

<p>Last week, a total of 42 COVID-19 cases were detected in the Premier League which led to many teams calling for a postponement to break the chain. Liverpool and Chelsea, who played on Sunday were without a number of first-team players for their respective fixtures.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-conference-league-rennes-awarded-3-0-win-after-uefa-fails-to-reschedule-spurs-game-438516">Europa Conference League: Rennes awarded 3-0 win after UEFA fails to reschedule Spurs game</a></p>

<p>Manchester United's game against Brentford had to be postponed as both clubs had several players down with COVID-19 ahead of the fixture. Aston Villa's clash against Burnely was also called off at the last moment due to COVID-19.</p>

<p>It remains to be seen if the competition will come to a standstill at some point amid rising&nbsp;cases or will the teams manage to pull through the difficult and busy festive period.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


COVID-19 has led to a massive disruption in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL) as several matches had to be postponed last week and earlier this month due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases across major clubs.

COVID-19 has led to a massive disruption in the ongoing English Premier League (EPL) as several matches had to be postponed last week and earlier this month due to a sudden spike in COVID-19 cases across major clubs. A number of top players have been infected by the contagious virus which has once again started to wreak havoc on countries across the globe. Premier League clubs met on Monday (December 20) to decide if the game week 20 which gets underway from Tuesday (December 28) can be postponed in the wake of COVID-19 chaos in the league. However, the majority of clubs were in favour of continuing with the fixtures despite the recent surge in cases. The games will be played as per schedule, as per a report in the BBC. The report further states that the clubs have been advised to go ahead with their respective fixtures if they have at least 13 fit players available for the game. A lot of managers including Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp had recently raised concerns over playing next week due to COVID-19 cases in the team. Ten matches have been postponed so far in the Premier League this month due to COVID-19. Several top clubs including the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have been affected as a number of players are down with the virus. Last week, a total of 42 COVID-19 cases were detected in the Premier League which led to many teams calling for a postponement to break the chain. Liverpool and Chelsea, who played on Sunday were without a number of first-team players for their respective fixtures. Also Read: Europa Conference League: Rennes awarded 3-0 win after UEFA fails to reschedule Spurs game Manchester United's game against Brentford had to be postponed as both clubs had several players down with COVID-19 ahead of the fixture. Aston Villa's clash against Burnely was also called off at the last moment due to COVID-19. It remains to be seen if the competition will come to a standstill at some point amid rising cases or will the teams manage to pull through the difficult and busy festive period.

Premier League to continue despite COVID-19 chaos as clubs decide to fulfil fixture list

<p>Tottenham Hotspur have had a second match postponed this week after the Premier League agreed on Thursday to call off Sunday`s game at Brighton &amp; Hove Albion due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the London club. Spurs had their Europa Conference League game at home to Stade Rennais on Thursday called off by UEFA on Wednesday after the club said they had 13 positive coronavirus cases -- eight players and five members of staff.<br />
"The Premier League Board has taken the decision to postpone the game following guidance from medical advisers, with the health of players and staff the priority," the league said in a statement.</p>

<p>"The postponed fixture will be rescheduled in due course and the Premier League wishes a quick recovery to those with COVID-19." Rennes criticised the decision to postpone the Europa League game, saying it was taken unilaterally by Tottenham and that they reserved the right to appeal to UEFA.</p>

<p>"UEFA can confirm that the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match, Tottenham Hotspur v Stade Rennais FC, which was due to be played on 9 December in London, will not be taking place as scheduled," the governing body said in a statement. It is unclear whether other Spurs games will be affected. They are due to play at Leicester City in the league on Dec. 16 and at home to Liverpool on Dec. 19.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-manchester-united-held-by-young-boys-1-1-in-their-last-group-encounter-435397"><strong>Champions League: Manchester United held by Young Boys 1-1 in their last group encounter</strong></a></p>

<p>Vitesse Arnhem, level with Tottenham in Europa Conference League Group G on seven points from five games, were due to host Mura on Thursday at the same time (2000GMT) as the Spurs-Rennes match.<br />
The Dutch side said in a statement that they had asked UEFA to postpone their clash as well as they were concerned about the fairness of the matches taking place separately. Vitesse and Spurs are vying to finish second and secure a spot in a playoff round before the last 16.</p>

<p>Rennes have reached the last 16 as Group G winners on 11 points after five matches. Spurs are above Vitesse on goal difference, with Slovenian side Mura out of contention on three. "Vitesse has not (yet) received an official message from UEFA about the consequences of the cancellation in London for Vitesse vs NS Mura," Vitesse said in a statement.</p>

<p>"If Tottenham Hotspur vs Stade Rennais FC is moved to a later date that will be a significant disadvantage for Vitesse from a sporting point of view because both teams are highly dependent on each other`s result."<br />
UEFA said on Thursday the match would go ahead as scheduled.</p>


Tottenham Hotspur have had a second match postponed this week after the Premier League agreed on Thursday to call off Sunday`s game at Brighton & Hove Albion due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the London club.

Tottenham Hotspur have had a second match postponed this week after the Premier League agreed on Thursday to call off Sunday`s game at Brighton & Hove Albion due to a number of COVID-19 cases at the London club. Spurs had their Europa Conference League game at home to Stade Rennais on Thursday called off by UEFA on Wednesday after the club said they had 13 positive coronavirus cases -- eight players and five members of staff. "The Premier League Board has taken the decision to postpone the game following guidance from medical advisers, with the health of players and staff the priority," the league said in a statement. "The postponed fixture will be rescheduled in due course and the Premier League wishes a quick recovery to those with COVID-19." Rennes criticised the decision to postpone the Europa League game, saying it was taken unilaterally by Tottenham and that they reserved the right to appeal to UEFA. "UEFA can confirm that the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage match, Tottenham Hotspur v Stade Rennais FC, which was due to be played on 9 December in London, will not be taking place as scheduled," the governing body said in a statement. It is unclear whether other Spurs games will be affected. They are due to play at Leicester City in the league on Dec. 16 and at home to Liverpool on Dec. 19. ALSO READ | Champions League: Manchester United held by Young Boys 1-1 in their last group encounter Vitesse Arnhem, level with Tottenham in Europa Conference League Group G on seven points from five games, were due to host Mura on Thursday at the same time (2000GMT) as the Spurs-Rennes match. The Dutch side said in a statement that they had asked UEFA to postpone their clash as well as they were concerned about the fairness of the matches taking place separately. Vitesse and Spurs are vying to finish second and secure a spot in a playoff round before the last 16. Rennes have reached the last 16 as Group G winners on 11 points after five matches. Spurs are above Vitesse on goal difference, with Slovenian side Mura out of contention on three. "Vitesse has not (yet) received an official message from UEFA about the consequences of the cancellation in London for Vitesse vs NS Mura," Vitesse said in a statement. "If Tottenham Hotspur vs Stade Rennais FC is moved to a later date that will be a significant disadvantage for Vitesse from a sporting point of view because both teams are highly dependent on each other`s result." UEFA said on Thursday the match would go ahead as scheduled.

Premier League: Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton match postponed due to Covid-19

<p>Manchester United's players need time to adjust to each other and their playing styles, forward Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;said, encouraging his team to overcome their inconsistent start to the Premier League campaign.</p>

<p>United brought in the likes of&nbsp;Ronaldo, forward Jadon Sancho and centre back Raphael Varane in the close season but have made a stuttering start domestically to sit sixth in the table with 14 points from eight games.</p>

<p>"The adaptation will take time, even the system of the game that we play, but I think step by step we have to put it in our mind that everything is possible,"&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"I don't speak only about my individual stuff, I put the collective in first place. To win things as a collective - it's more easy to win individual stuff - I still think it's possible."</p>

<p>Ronaldo&nbsp;has made a strong start to his second spell at the club, scoring six goals in all competitions so far. The 36-year-old called for "sacrifice" from his colleagues to lift the team.</p>

<p>"Everyone should know their role. I know my role in the team, in the club... My role is to score goals, to help the team with my experience and know-how to understand the game," the Portuguese added.</p>

<p>"If everyone is thinking like that, sacrifice for the team, I think we will be a better team. We have fantastic supporters behind us, fantastic stadium, fantastic team, so we have to carry on like that."</p>

<p>United take on bitter rivals Liverpool in the league on Sunday.</p>


Manchester United's players need time to adjust to each other and their playing styles, forward Cristiano Ronaldo said, encouraging his team to overcome their inconsistent start to the Premier League campaign.

Manchester United's players need time to adjust to each other and their playing styles, forward Cristiano Ronaldo said, encouraging his team to overcome their inconsistent start to the Premier League campaign. United brought in the likes of Ronaldo, forward Jadon Sancho and centre back Raphael Varane in the close season but have made a stuttering start domestically to sit sixth in the table with 14 points from eight games. "The adaptation will take time, even the system of the game that we play, but I think step by step we have to put it in our mind that everything is possible," Ronaldo told Sky Sports. "I don't speak only about my individual stuff, I put the collective in first place. To win things as a collective - it's more easy to win individual stuff - I still think it's possible." Ronaldo has made a strong start to his second spell at the club, scoring six goals in all competitions so far. The 36-year-old called for "sacrifice" from his colleagues to lift the team. "Everyone should know their role. I know my role in the team, in the club... My role is to score goals, to help the team with my experience and know-how to understand the game," the Portuguese added. "If everyone is thinking like that, sacrifice for the team, I think we will be a better team. We have fantastic supporters behind us, fantastic stadium, fantastic team, so we have to carry on like that." United take on bitter rivals Liverpool in the league on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo backs Manchester United to adapt and overcome slow start

Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled off his signature face-off, against Cristiano Ronaldo when he attended Manchester United's Premier League clash against Everton last weekend.

Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov pulled off his signature face-off, against Cristiano Ronaldo when he attended Manchester United's Premier League clash against Everton last weekend. During his visit to iconic Old Trafford, he met and interacted with some of the current and former players of the club like Paul Pogba and Rio Ferdinand, etc. But the video of Nurmagomedov staring off against his close friend Ronaldo is unmissable! The clip was posted by Khabib on his official Instagram handle on Tuesday (October 5) along with other images of him and the Portuguese footballer together. "He is a best ever, keep doing your things Champ, you inspire millions of people around the World," Khabib wrote for Ronaldo. In the video, MMA legend, who retired from the sport last year, can be seen squaring off against Ronaldo, just like the way he used to do in pre-fight UFC press conferences against his opponents. Besides the post with Ronaldo, Khabib shared images with Pogba and legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. ALSO READ | 'A plot involving Bill Gates': Premier League players have bizarre 'conspiracy theories' about Covid and vaccines Watch the video here: 🐐 Face-Off @TeamKhabib 🤝 @Cristiano pic.twitter.com/uZjrw8MPSE — The United Stand (@UnitedStandMUFC) October 5, 2021 × Dying to know what you guys talking about 😭 pic.twitter.com/kEml7hevzp — tanya (@TanyaHaChi) October 5, 2021 × ALSO READ | Ireland's footballer Callum Robinson says he hasn't had COVID-19 jab despite contracting the virus twice Khabib shared an image with Man Utd's iconic jersey, and captioned it as: "It's a great honor to visit this legendary stadium, by invitation of the legendary football club @manchesterunited. "Thanks for warm welcome. I hope @cristiano and @davidbeckham wouldn’t mind that I got number 7," he added. Here are other posts on Khabib's Instagram: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Khabib Nurmagomedov (@khabib_nurmagomedov) × Khabib told MUTV: "We talked a little bit about today's match. They said they were going to be on the bench but in the second half they are going to come in." "Pogba (is) a world champion, Cristiano is a legend, how many times has he won the Champions League (again)? It was an honour to talk with them before the match. It was very interesting for me (to see) like how they are feeling and what energy they are doing before the match, the night before the match. Because I am an athlete too and I have this feeling and it was very interesting to see how football players are feeling, he added. ALSO READ | Watch: Brazilian footballer charged with attempted murder for attacking referee during match In a conversation with former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in the directors' lounge at Old Trafford, United legend Ferguson was filmed saying "you should always start with your best players". In the video, posted on Nurmagomedov's Instagram account on Sunday, Ferguson suggested Everton got a boost "when they saw Ronaldo wasn't playing". During the match, United were held at home by Everton on Saturday after Ronaldo was dropped to the subs bench. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's decision to start Ronaldo on the bench will be questioned as the Red Devils have now won just two of their last six games in all competitions. But the manager defended that call and his side's start to the season as they moved level on points with Liverpool and one ahead of champions Manchester City before those two teams clash at Anfield on Sunday. "You make decisions throughout the season, you've got to manage the players' workload," said Solskjaer. "The decision was, for me, the correct one today." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Khabib Nurmagomedov and Cristiano Ronaldo's epic face-off as UFC icon shares glimpses of his Old Trafford trip

<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp slammed players who are refusing to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as a recent media report revealed that 13 of the 20 clubs in the top division have squads where fewer than 50 per cent of the players are fully vaccinated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The German even said that if players are claiming if it is their 'freedom' not to be jabbed, they might as well argue it is their right to drink and drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's a little bit like drink driving. We probably all had a situation where we had a beer or two and thought 'I could still drive', but under the law we are not allowed to drive. The law is not there to protect me when I've had two beers and want to drive, it is there to protect all the other people because I am drunk and want to drive a car."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-plot-involving-bill-gates-premier-league-players-have-bizarre-conspiracy-theories-about-covid-and-vaccines-417447">'A plot involving Bill Gates': Premier League players have bizarre 'conspiracy theories' about Covid and vaccines</a></strong></p>

<p>"With the vaccination, all the specialists out there tell us the vaccination is the solution for the situation at the moment. It is the same. I don't take the vaccination only to protect myself but to protect all the people around me," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I don't understand how that is a limitation of freedom, because if it is then not being allowed to drink and drive is a limitation of freedom as well, but we accept that," the manager said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, a report by Daily Mail revealed some players are not only refusing to get vaccinated but they are spreading so-called "conspiracy theories" involving Bill Gates, infertility and the power of vitamins about the vaccines.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/klopp-as-bond-liverpool-boss-has-his-say-on-next-007-after-daniel-craig-suggested-he-could-be-a-good-fit-417468">Klopp as Bond? Liverpool boss has his say on next 007 after Daniel Craig suggested he could be a good fit</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking about his squad, Klopp revealed his squad are "99 per cent" vaccinated. "I can say we have 99 per cent vaccinated," said Klopp. "I didn't have to convince the players, it was more a natural decision from the team. I can't remember talking to a player and explaining him why he should because I am not a doctor," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 54-year-old Klopp said he had consulted doctors he trusted before taking the vaccine. "Where did I get the knowledge from that I think it is makes sense to get the vaccination? I called doctors who I have known for years. I took the vaccination obviously because I am in the age group where it is not that easy anymore, otherwise it could be tricky," he added.</p>


Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp slammed players who are refusing to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as a recent media report revealed that 13 of the 20 clubs in the top division have squads where fewer than 50 per cent of the players are fully vaccinated.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp slammed players who are refusing to get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus as a recent media report revealed that 13 of the 20 clubs in the top division have squads where fewer than 50 per cent of the players are fully vaccinated. The German even said that if players are claiming if it is their 'freedom' not to be jabbed, they might as well argue it is their right to drink and drive. "It's a little bit like drink driving. We probably all had a situation where we had a beer or two and thought 'I could still drive', but under the law we are not allowed to drive. The law is not there to protect me when I've had two beers and want to drive, it is there to protect all the other people because I am drunk and want to drive a car." ALSO READ | 'A plot involving Bill Gates': Premier League players have bizarre 'conspiracy theories' about Covid and vaccines "With the vaccination, all the specialists out there tell us the vaccination is the solution for the situation at the moment. It is the same. I don't take the vaccination only to protect myself but to protect all the people around me," he added. "I don't understand how that is a limitation of freedom, because if it is then not being allowed to drink and drive is a limitation of freedom as well, but we accept that," the manager said. Recently, a report by Daily Mail revealed some players are not only refusing to get vaccinated but they are spreading so-called "conspiracy theories" involving Bill Gates, infertility and the power of vitamins about the vaccines. ALSO READ | Klopp as Bond? Liverpool boss has his say on next 007 after Daniel Craig suggested he could be a good fit Talking about his squad, Klopp revealed his squad are "99 per cent" vaccinated. "I can say we have 99 per cent vaccinated," said Klopp. "I didn't have to convince the players, it was more a natural decision from the team. I can't remember talking to a player and explaining him why he should because I am not a doctor," he added. The 54-year-old Klopp said he had consulted doctors he trusted before taking the vaccine. "Where did I get the knowledge from that I think it is makes sense to get the vaccination? I called doctors who I have known for years. I took the vaccination obviously because I am in the age group where it is not that easy anymore, otherwise it could be tricky," he added.

Jurgen Klopp slams unvaccinated players, compares anti-vax movement to drink driving

<p>There's no denying the fact that the spread of coronavirus can be curbed by following&nbsp;appropriate&nbsp;rules and safety measures, i.e. social distancing, using face masks, getting jabbed, etc. But anti-vaxxers continue to come up with bizarre conspiracy theories, falsehoods, misinformation to oppose COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions imposed by governments around the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, a similar incident from the football world grabbed attention when a report showed the magnitude of the English Premier League's vaccination problem as it has been&nbsp;revealed that almost two-thirds of top-flight players are yet to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-premier-league-can-avert-the-covid-19-crisis-as-majority-of-players-not-getting-jabbed-417419">How Premier League can avert the COVID-19 crisis as majority of players not getting jabbed?</a></strong></p>

<p>Now, what's making it worse is another angle of the same report by Daily Mail, that revealed some players are not only refusing to get vaccinated but they are spreading so-called "conspiracy theories" involving Bill Gates, infertility and the power of vitamins about the vaccines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's very frustrating and hard to know what to do, as the conspiracy theories have really taken hold in some dressing rooms," a club doctor told the paper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've got senior players, intelligent men, coming out with all sorts of nonsense and they won't be budged. One of them told me he didn't need the vaccine because he could boost his immunity by taking vitamins," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Some of the stuff they're reading — and believing — on the internet is incredible. Players are saying that it will make them infertile, that it's part of a plot involving Bill Gates, the pandemic is just propaganda. The real problem is that they're also polluting the minds of younger players," he further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-boxing-in-rio-olympics-2016-rigged-independent-probe-reveals-shocking-details-of-bout-manipulation-417377">Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation'</a></strong></p>

<p>The Mail also reported that the Premier League has written to clubs informing them of plans to "reward" teams who have the highest numbers of vaccinated players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The letter, which was sent to clubs last week, highlighted that the league is stepping up its efforts to ensure more players are fully vaccinated due to fears over a slow uptake.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The letter as quoted by the media portal&nbsp;read: "According to the data we have, only seven clubs' squads are more than 50 per cent fully vaccinated, so we have a way to go."</p>

<p>"We are considering if and how best we can 'reward' those squads/players who are most Covid-compliant and who have opted to be vaccinated," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is increasingly clear that full vaccination will be the key criteria for Government and health authorities, in terms of international travel and potential Covid certification at large scale events,'" a part of the letter read.</p>


There's no denying the fact that the spread of coronavirus can be curbed by following appropriate rules and safety measures, i.e. social distancing, using face masks, getting jabbed, etc.

There's no denying the fact that the spread of coronavirus can be curbed by following appropriate rules and safety measures, i.e. social distancing, using face masks, getting jabbed, etc. But anti-vaxxers continue to come up with bizarre conspiracy theories, falsehoods, misinformation to oppose COVID-19 vaccines and restrictions imposed by governments around the world. Recently, a similar incident from the football world grabbed attention when a report showed the magnitude of the English Premier League's vaccination problem as it has been revealed that almost two-thirds of top-flight players are yet to be fully vaccinated against coronavirus. ALSO READ | How Premier League can avert the COVID-19 crisis as majority of players not getting jabbed? Now, what's making it worse is another angle of the same report by Daily Mail, that revealed some players are not only refusing to get vaccinated but they are spreading so-called "conspiracy theories" involving Bill Gates, infertility and the power of vitamins about the vaccines. "It's very frustrating and hard to know what to do, as the conspiracy theories have really taken hold in some dressing rooms," a club doctor told the paper. "We've got senior players, intelligent men, coming out with all sorts of nonsense and they won't be budged. One of them told me he didn't need the vaccine because he could boost his immunity by taking vitamins," he added. "Some of the stuff they're reading — and believing — on the internet is incredible. Players are saying that it will make them infertile, that it's part of a plot involving Bill Gates, the pandemic is just propaganda. The real problem is that they're also polluting the minds of younger players," he further said. ALSO READ | Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation' The Mail also reported that the Premier League has written to clubs informing them of plans to "reward" teams who have the highest numbers of vaccinated players. The letter, which was sent to clubs last week, highlighted that the league is stepping up its efforts to ensure more players are fully vaccinated due to fears over a slow uptake. The letter as quoted by the media portal read: "According to the data we have, only seven clubs' squads are more than 50 per cent fully vaccinated, so we have a way to go." "We are considering if and how best we can 'reward' those squads/players who are most Covid-compliant and who have opted to be vaccinated," it added. "It is increasingly clear that full vaccination will be the key criteria for Government and health authorities, in terms of international travel and potential Covid certification at large scale events,'" a part of the letter read.

'A plot involving Bill Gates': Premier League players have bizarre 'conspiracy theories' about Covid and vaccines

<p>Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante was tested positive for COVID-19 as a result, he missed the Champions League group clash&nbsp;against Juventus, which took place on Wednesday (September 29) that the Blues lost 0-1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Addressing the COVID-19 situation and vaccination process, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel told reporters that he does not know how many of his players are vaccinated. Although he has taken the jab, he will not "force" others to do so.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Analysing the current scenario, it appears that the problem related to the coronavirus vaccine — the hesitancy to take the jab, persist in several Premier League clubs, with players still refusing to take the COVID-19 shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-boxing-in-rio-olympics-2016-rigged-independent-probe-reveals-shocking-details-of-bout-manipulation-417377">Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation'</a></strong></p>

<p>It has been revealed that 13 of the 20 clubs in the top division have squads where fewer than 50 per cent of the players are fully vaccinated against coronavirus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Daily Mail reported that the Premier League has written to clubs informing them of plans to "reward" teams who have the highest numbers of vaccinated players.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The letter, which was sent to clubs last week, highlighted that Premier League is stepping up its efforts to ensure more players are fully vaccinated due to fears over a slow uptake.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/manny-pacquiao-retires-from-boxing-from-street-kid-to-superstar-heres-a-look-at-his-career-416901">Manny Pacquiao retires from boxing: From street kid to superstar, here's a look at his career</a></strong></p>

<p>The letter as quoted by the media portal read: "According to the data we have, only seven clubs' squads are more than 50 per cent fully vaccinated, so we have a way to go."</p>

<p>"We are considering if and how best we can 'reward' those squads/players who are most Covid-compliant and who have opted to be vaccinated," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is increasingly clear that full vaccination will be the key criteria for Government and health authorities, in terms of international travel and potential Covid certification at large scale events,'" a part of the letter read. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Sportsmail revealed last week that at least two Premier League sides have no more than six players vaccinated. On the other hand, Wolves, Brentford and Leeds have reported between 89 and 100 per cent vaccination levels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When we talk about the COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom, the number of daily new infections has risen in the past month, which is reportedly fuelled by the Delta variant and authorities are worried as the winter season is approaching.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Premier League players who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to travel to countries on the UK's red list during the international break and will be allowed to train or play when they quarantine on return, the government said on Friday (October 1).</p>

<p>Many clubs refused to release players to 'red list' countries such as Brazil and Argentina last month and the Premier League is looking to avoid a similar situation which angered national federations.</p>

<p>The strict COVID-19 quarantine rules require those who return to England from a red list country to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days, but players will now be quarantined at "bespoke facilities" and will be allowed to train or play.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante was tested positive for COVID-19 as a result, he missed the Champions League group clash against Juventus, which took place on Wednesday (September 29) that the Blues lost 0-1.

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante was tested positive for COVID-19 as a result, he missed the Champions League group clash against Juventus, which took place on Wednesday (September 29) that the Blues lost 0-1. Addressing the COVID-19 situation and vaccination process, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel told reporters that he does not know how many of his players are vaccinated. Although he has taken the jab, he will not "force" others to do so. Analysing the current scenario, it appears that the problem related to the coronavirus vaccine — the hesitancy to take the jab, persist in several Premier League clubs, with players still refusing to take the COVID-19 shot. ALSO READ | Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation' It has been revealed that 13 of the 20 clubs in the top division have squads where fewer than 50 per cent of the players are fully vaccinated against coronavirus. The Daily Mail reported that the Premier League has written to clubs informing them of plans to "reward" teams who have the highest numbers of vaccinated players. The letter, which was sent to clubs last week, highlighted that Premier League is stepping up its efforts to ensure more players are fully vaccinated due to fears over a slow uptake. ALSO READ | Manny Pacquiao retires from boxing: From street kid to superstar, here's a look at his career The letter as quoted by the media portal read: "According to the data we have, only seven clubs' squads are more than 50 per cent fully vaccinated, so we have a way to go." "We are considering if and how best we can 'reward' those squads/players who are most Covid-compliant and who have opted to be vaccinated," it added. "It is increasingly clear that full vaccination will be the key criteria for Government and health authorities, in terms of international travel and potential Covid certification at large scale events,'" a part of the letter read. Sportsmail revealed last week that at least two Premier League sides have no more than six players vaccinated. On the other hand, Wolves, Brentford and Leeds have reported between 89 and 100 per cent vaccination levels. When we talk about the COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom, the number of daily new infections has risen in the past month, which is reportedly fuelled by the Delta variant and authorities are worried as the winter season is approaching. Now, Premier League players who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to travel to countries on the UK's red list during the international break and will be allowed to train or play when they quarantine on return, the government said on Friday (October 1). Many clubs refused to release players to 'red list' countries such as Brazil and Argentina last month and the Premier League is looking to avoid a similar situation which angered national federations. The strict COVID-19 quarantine rules require those who return to England from a red list country to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days, but players will now be quarantined at "bespoke facilities" and will be allowed to train or play. (With inputs from agencies)

How Premier League can avert the COVID-19 crisis as majority of players not getting jabbed?

<p>Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp is not surprised by the fine starts of their Premier League rivals and said on Friday that dropping points was not an option in another fiercely competitive season.</p>

<p>Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool occupy the top three places in the league after the opening four games, with champions Manchester City in fifth.</p>

<p>"I am not too much in the other teams' situations, but it's a good start for us," Klopp said in the build-up to Liverpool's game against Crystal Palace on Saturday.</p>

<p>"We've played some good football but if you want to be around the really top spots you have to, and you cannot waste points. That's how it is. We just keep going. I'm not surprised by other teams' results."</p>

<p>Liverpool will rotate their squad for what will be their third game in a week, with Klopp saying that his players had done well to come through a gruelling seven days, during which they beat Leeds United in the league and came back from 2-1 down to beat AC Milan in their Champions League opener.</p>

<p>"We spoke about the schedule, this one is normal for us, three games a week... is a tough one so you have to think about this... we'll make changes again, that's clear," the German said.</p>

<p>Klopp confirmed that striker Roberto Firmino remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury but hinted that centre back Virgil van Dijk, who was rested against Milan, could feature against Palace.</p>

<p>"If you like we're still in extended pre-season for (Van Dijk). I don't want to talk about injuries, but Ibou (Ibrahima Konate), Joe (Gomez), Joel (Matip) all have had injuries. Now we just make sure we have a proper pair on the pitch."</p>

<p>Klopp praised Palace's strength up front, saying that new boss Patrick Vieira had made a massive difference and turned them into "a proper football side".</p>

<p>Palace, who beat Tottenham Hotspur last week to give Vieira his first win, are 11th in the league standings.</p>


Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp is not surprised by the fine starts of their Premier League rivals and said on Friday that dropping points was not an option in another fiercely competitive season.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp is not surprised by the fine starts of their Premier League rivals and said on Friday that dropping points was not an option in another fiercely competitive season. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool occupy the top three places in the league after the opening four games, with champions Manchester City in fifth. "I am not too much in the other teams' situations, but it's a good start for us," Klopp said in the build-up to Liverpool's game against Crystal Palace on Saturday. "We've played some good football but if you want to be around the really top spots you have to, and you cannot waste points. That's how it is. We just keep going. I'm not surprised by other teams' results." Liverpool will rotate their squad for what will be their third game in a week, with Klopp saying that his players had done well to come through a gruelling seven days, during which they beat Leeds United in the league and came back from 2-1 down to beat AC Milan in their Champions League opener. "We spoke about the schedule, this one is normal for us, three games a week... is a tough one so you have to think about this... we'll make changes again, that's clear," the German said. Klopp confirmed that striker Roberto Firmino remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury but hinted that centre back Virgil van Dijk, who was rested against Milan, could feature against Palace. "If you like we're still in extended pre-season for (Van Dijk). I don't want to talk about injuries, but Ibou (Ibrahima Konate), Joe (Gomez), Joel (Matip) all have had injuries. Now we just make sure we have a proper pair on the pitch." Klopp praised Palace's strength up front, saying that new boss Patrick Vieira had made a massive difference and turned them into "a proper football side". Palace, who beat Tottenham Hotspur last week to give Vieira his first win, are 11th in the league standings.

Liverpool cannot waste points in another tough season, says Juergen Klopp

<p>Chelsea are not yet playing at their best but are doing enough to ensure they remain a tough side to beat in the Premier League, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday (September 17).</p>

<p>European champions Chelsea are in second place level on 10 points with league leaders Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton but Tuchel acknowledged they had issues to sort out after a draw at Liverpool and home win over Aston Villa.</p>

<p>"I did not expect us to be at our top level in early September and not after this particular preseason. After a long corona period," Tuchel told reporters ahead of Sunday's (September 19) match at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are one point behind.</p>

<p>"For me at the moment, it's more important that we are competitive, we play relentless and have belief to overcome difficult minutes and periods within games... competitions are hard. It's a good thing that we are able to win.</p>

<p>"I'm not saying we're not playing well, we can play better but we are tough to beat. A win helps with atmosphere -- keep calm and also be open to criticism. In the moment, I feel everybody is aware that we can do better."</p>

<p>Tuchel added that it was "always a good time" to play Spurs and looked forward to the clash of the two teams' strikers -- Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Spurs' Harry Kane.</p>

<p>While Lukaku has hit the ground running with three goals in three starts on his Premier League return, Kane has yet to open his league account after winning the Golden Boot last season.</p>

<p>"They score decisive goals and love to score, always score no matter what the competition is," the German manager said.</p>

<p>"That's the similarity but apart from this they are very different players. If Kane plays, we have to focus on how to defend him."</p>

<p>Tuchel said midfielder N'Golo Kante has recovered from a foot injury but Christian Pulisic (ankle) is not in the squad.</p>


Chelsea are not yet playing at their best but are doing enough to ensure they remain a tough side to beat in the Premier League, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday (September 17).

Chelsea are not yet playing at their best but are doing enough to ensure they remain a tough side to beat in the Premier League, manager Thomas Tuchel said on Friday (September 17). European champions Chelsea are in second place level on 10 points with league leaders Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton but Tuchel acknowledged they had issues to sort out after a draw at Liverpool and home win over Aston Villa. "I did not expect us to be at our top level in early September and not after this particular preseason. After a long corona period," Tuchel told reporters ahead of Sunday's (September 19) match at London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are one point behind. "For me at the moment, it's more important that we are competitive, we play relentless and have belief to overcome difficult minutes and periods within games... competitions are hard. It's a good thing that we are able to win. "I'm not saying we're not playing well, we can play better but we are tough to beat. A win helps with atmosphere -- keep calm and also be open to criticism. In the moment, I feel everybody is aware that we can do better." Tuchel added that it was "always a good time" to play Spurs and looked forward to the clash of the two teams' strikers -- Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku and Spurs' Harry Kane. While Lukaku has hit the ground running with three goals in three starts on his Premier League return, Kane has yet to open his league account after winning the Golden Boot last season. "They score decisive goals and love to score, always score no matter what the competition is," the German manager said. "That's the similarity but apart from this they are very different players. If Kane plays, we have to focus on how to defend him." Tuchel said midfielder N'Golo Kante has recovered from a foot injury but Christian Pulisic (ankle) is not in the squad.

Chelsea not at top level but still tough to beat, says Thomas Tuchel

<p>Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo has urged soccer's governing bodies to come up with a solution for players travelling on international duty to other countries to avoid a repeat of the crisis that has engulfed the Premier League.</p>

<p>Many clubs refused to release players to 'red list' countries but Spurs' Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Davinson Sanchez went on international duty and will miss Saturday's game at Crystal Palace due to quarantine protocols.</p>

<p>The trio are returning to England via Croatia -- where they are currently training -- to avoid a 10-day hotel quarantine and Nuno said he could not fault them for deciding to play for their countries despite the club's reluctance to let them go.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-has-no-barcelona-regrets-despite-lionel-messi-exit-412111">Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit</a></strong></p>

<p>"First it's confusing for everybody because we don't have too much news from the governing bodies on what we should do, what to expect in the next international break," Nuno told reporters on Friday.</p>

<p>"It's really difficult to understand because when a player is called up to play for his national team, that's one of the most important things a player has and we need to understand that.</p>

<p>"At the same time, we need to understand that this can happen to any of our players, not only the South American ones -- our European players can suddenly be in the same situation, because it's a pandemic and no one is able to control it."</p>

<p>There are two more international breaks coming up this year in October and November.</p>

<p>Nuno added that Argentine defender Romero and midfielder Lo Celso plus Colombia central defender Sanchez would also miss the midweek Europa Conference League group match at Stade Rennes and would only be available for the Chelsea game next weekend.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-overtakes-pele-with-hat-trick-as-argentina-beat-bolivia-411994">Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia</a></strong></p>

<p>His problems were compounded when South Korea forward Son Heung-min picked up a calf injury, while Steven Bergwijn, Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon face late fitness tests.</p>

<p>"Sonny is not so well, but let's wait for the club to make the proper announcement and explain to you better what kind of injury he has," Nuno said.</p>

<p>"I don't know (if it is a long-term injury). Let's wait and see. The doctors will make the proper diagnostics."</p>


Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo has urged soccer's governing bodies to come up with a solution for players travelling on international duty to other countries to avoid a repeat of the crisis that has engulfed the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Nuno Espirito Santo has urged soccer's governing bodies to come up with a solution for players travelling on international duty to other countries to avoid a repeat of the crisis that has engulfed the Premier League. Many clubs refused to release players to 'red list' countries but Spurs' Cristian Romero, Giovani Lo Celso and Davinson Sanchez went on international duty and will miss Saturday's game at Crystal Palace due to quarantine protocols. The trio are returning to England via Croatia -- where they are currently training -- to avoid a 10-day hotel quarantine and Nuno said he could not fault them for deciding to play for their countries despite the club's reluctance to let them go. ALSO READ | Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit "First it's confusing for everybody because we don't have too much news from the governing bodies on what we should do, what to expect in the next international break," Nuno told reporters on Friday. "It's really difficult to understand because when a player is called up to play for his national team, that's one of the most important things a player has and we need to understand that. "At the same time, we need to understand that this can happen to any of our players, not only the South American ones -- our European players can suddenly be in the same situation, because it's a pandemic and no one is able to control it." There are two more international breaks coming up this year in October and November. Nuno added that Argentine defender Romero and midfielder Lo Celso plus Colombia central defender Sanchez would also miss the midweek Europa Conference League group match at Stade Rennes and would only be available for the Chelsea game next weekend. ALSO READ | Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia His problems were compounded when South Korea forward Son Heung-min picked up a calf injury, while Steven Bergwijn, Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon face late fitness tests. "Sonny is not so well, but let's wait for the club to make the proper announcement and explain to you better what kind of injury he has," Nuno said. "I don't know (if it is a long-term injury). Let's wait and see. The doctors will make the proper diagnostics."

Tottenham's Nuno Espirito Santo seeks clarity on international call-ups before next break

<p>Manchester City are still waiting for a decision from governing body FIFA and the Premier League on whether they can play Brazil internationals Ederson and Gabriel Jesus in Saturday's game against Leicester City, manager Pep Guardiola said.</p>

<p>City are among the English clubs who did not release Brazilian players for the international break as they would have had to quarantine for 10 days on their return.</p>

<p>The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) invoked a five-day ban which stops clubs from picking players who have not been released to play in this weekend's Premier League games.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-has-no-barcelona-regrets-despite-lionel-messi-exit-412111">Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit</a></strong></p>

<p>"Hopefully (Ederson and Jesus) can play, we'll wait and see if there is good news, the club didn't inform me anything. The problem is I don't understand the situation for the fact that I don't know what we have to do," Guardiola told reporters.</p>

<p>"Argentina players can travel and they can't play the game. Brazil asked to ban players who can not travel. They can not play there and they can not play here. It's crazy.</p>

<p>"Right now I think they are going to play because I don't have other instructions... We will wait for FIFA and the Premier League and after tomorrow we are going to decide."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-has-no-barcelona-regrets-despite-lionel-messi-exit-412111">Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit</a></strong></p>

<p>Guardiola cannot pick second-choice goalkeeper Zack Steffen either after the US&nbsp;international tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to isolate in the United States, with Scott Carson in line for a start.</p>

<p>When asked whether all English clubs would go ahead and play their Brazil internationals without clarity from FIFA, Guardiola was unsure if they would take a stand together.</p>

<p>"This kind of situation, I am not a big fan of that, everyone thinks for themselves. From my experience... people go for what is the best for themselves," he added.</p>


Manchester City are still waiting for a decision from governing body FIFA and the Premier League on whether they can play Brazil internationals Ederson and Gabriel Jesus in Saturday's game against Leicester City, manager Pep Guardiola said.

Manchester City are still waiting for a decision from governing body FIFA and the Premier League on whether they can play Brazil internationals Ederson and Gabriel Jesus in Saturday's game against Leicester City, manager Pep Guardiola said. City are among the English clubs who did not release Brazilian players for the international break as they would have had to quarantine for 10 days on their return. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) invoked a five-day ban which stops clubs from picking players who have not been released to play in this weekend's Premier League games. ALSO READ | Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit "Hopefully (Ederson and Jesus) can play, we'll wait and see if there is good news, the club didn't inform me anything. The problem is I don't understand the situation for the fact that I don't know what we have to do," Guardiola told reporters. "Argentina players can travel and they can't play the game. Brazil asked to ban players who can not travel. They can not play there and they can not play here. It's crazy. "Right now I think they are going to play because I don't have other instructions... We will wait for FIFA and the Premier League and after tomorrow we are going to decide." ALSO READ | Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit Guardiola cannot pick second-choice goalkeeper Zack Steffen either after the US international tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to isolate in the United States, with Scott Carson in line for a start. When asked whether all English clubs would go ahead and play their Brazil internationals without clarity from FIFA, Guardiola was unsure if they would take a stand together. "This kind of situation, I am not a big fan of that, everyone thinks for themselves. From my experience... people go for what is the best for themselves," he added.

Pep Guardiola in the dark over availability of Brazilian players

<p>Manchester United's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo said that his return to the elite English Premier League club is not a "vacation" and he wants to win again and feels confident about bringing glory to Old Trafford.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is why I am here. I am not here for a vacation. As I told you, before was good, winning important things and I wore the shirt before many years ago, but I am here to win again," said Ronaldo as quoted by the Man Utd's official website.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am capable, me and my team-mates. I am ready to go, I am ready to go. It is a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am ready and I think I will be a huge thing in the next three or four years," said Ronaldo.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-aguero-has-no-barcelona-regrets-despite-lionel-messi-exit-412111">Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit</a></strong></p>

<p>The 36-year-old Portuguese football star, who left Manchester United for Real Madrid 12 years ago, completed an emotional return from Juventus last month on a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After United confirmed the transfer, Ronaldo dedicated the move to his mentor Alex Ferguson as he wrote, "Sir Alex, this one is for you". He also mentioned that he is "back" where he belongs.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He's 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲.<br />
<br />
❤️ <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HereWeBelong?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HereWeBelong</a> <a href="https://t.co/PyHUw8q9yy">pic.twitter.com/PyHUw8q9yy</a></p>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1435996625865003020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Home sweet home ❤️<br />
<br />
Head to our app and register for more exclusive <a href="https://twitter.com/Cristiano?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Cristiano</a> images 📸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RonaldoReturns?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RonaldoReturns</a></p>
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) <a href="https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1436298793692041217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-overtakes-pele-with-hat-trick-as-argentina-beat-bolivia-411994">Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia</a></strong></p>

<p>Ronaldo spent six seasons at United between 2003-09, winning eight major trophies and could make his second debut for the club when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday (September 11).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Manchester United's Champions League campaign will begin in the Swiss capital of Bern three days later, as they will face Young Boys.</p>


Manchester United's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo said that his return to the elite English Premier League club is not a "vacation" and he wants to win again and feels confident about bringing glory to Old Trafford.

Manchester United's star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo said that his return to the elite English Premier League club is not a "vacation" and he wants to win again and feels confident about bringing glory to Old Trafford. "This is why I am here. I am not here for a vacation. As I told you, before was good, winning important things and I wore the shirt before many years ago, but I am here to win again," said Ronaldo as quoted by the Man Utd's official website. "I am capable, me and my team-mates. I am ready to go, I am ready to go. It is a good chance for me, for the supporters, for the club, to get one step ahead," he added. "I am ready and I think I will be a huge thing in the next three or four years," said Ronaldo. ALSO READ | Sergio Aguero has no Barcelona regrets despite Lionel Messi exit The 36-year-old Portuguese football star, who left Manchester United for Real Madrid 12 years ago, completed an emotional return from Juventus last month on a two-year contract with the option to extend for a further year. After United confirmed the transfer, Ronaldo dedicated the move to his mentor Alex Ferguson as he wrote, "Sir Alex, this one is for you". He also mentioned that he is "back" where he belongs. He's 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲. ❤️ @Cristiano #MUFC | #HereWeBelong pic.twitter.com/PyHUw8q9yy — Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 9, 2021 × Home sweet home ❤️ Head to our app and register for more exclusive @Cristiano images 📸#MUFC | #RonaldoReturns — Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 10, 2021 × ALSO READ | Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia Ronaldo spent six seasons at United between 2003-09, winning eight major trophies and could make his second debut for the club when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Saturday (September 11). Manchester United's Champions League campaign will begin in the Swiss capital of Bern three days later, as they will face Young Boys.

'I am here to win again, it's not a vacation,' says Cristiano Ronaldo on Manchester United return

<p>Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is capable of playing until he is 40 as he has adapted his playing style to extend his career, former captain Wayne Rooney said.</p>

<p>Ronaldo, 36, spent six seasons at Old Trafford between 2003-09, winning eight major trophies, and rejoined United from Juventus last month on a two-year contract.</p>

<p>"The last time he played here, he was more of a runner, a great dribbler, with pace and power," said Rooney, now managing second division Championship side Derby County.</p>

<p>"Whereas now, he's a goalscorer. I think his game has adapted dramatically."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-overtakes-pele-with-hat-trick-as-argentina-beat-bolivia-411994">Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia</a></strong></p>

<p>Rooney, United's all-time top scorer, added that his former team mate is a "completely different player" to the one that left the club 12 years ago but can still keep up with the physical demands of the Premier League.</p>

<p>"His ability is obviously one thing, but then he's also looked after himself massively ... he's still in great condition. It wouldn't surprise me if he's playing until he's 40, like Ryan Giggs did, and still scoring goals.</p>

<p>"His team mates will have to work a little harder. But if it's anything like last time -- towards the last two years of playing with him -- the team allowed him to do that because he scores you goals and goals win you games."</p>

<p>Ronaldo, who scored 118 goals for United during his first spell, is expected to feature when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.</p>


Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is capable of playing until he is 40 as he has adapted his playing style to extend his career, former captain Wayne Rooney said.

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is capable of playing until he is 40 as he has adapted his playing style to extend his career, former captain Wayne Rooney said. Ronaldo, 36, spent six seasons at Old Trafford between 2003-09, winning eight major trophies, and rejoined United from Juventus last month on a two-year contract. "The last time he played here, he was more of a runner, a great dribbler, with pace and power," said Rooney, now managing second division Championship side Derby County. "Whereas now, he's a goalscorer. I think his game has adapted dramatically." ALSO READ | Lionel Messi overtakes Pele with hat-trick as Argentina beat Bolivia Rooney, United's all-time top scorer, added that his former team mate is a "completely different player" to the one that left the club 12 years ago but can still keep up with the physical demands of the Premier League. "His ability is obviously one thing, but then he's also looked after himself massively ... he's still in great condition. It wouldn't surprise me if he's playing until he's 40, like Ryan Giggs did, and still scoring goals. "His team mates will have to work a little harder. But if it's anything like last time -- towards the last two years of playing with him -- the team allowed him to do that because he scores you goals and goals win you games." Ronaldo, who scored 118 goals for United during his first spell, is expected to feature when they take on Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo could play until he's 40, says Wayne Rooney

<p>Arsenal and Mikel Arteta appeared to be the perfect fit but now the Spanish manager is being assailed by fans across the world, including the President of Rwanda, after the Gunners' worst start to a league season in their 118-year history.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old is being targeted by increasingly disenchanted fans who have turned their ire from unpopular American owner Stan Kroenke on to him.</p>

<p>The boos which emanated from the home stands following Chelsea's 2-0 win on Sunday -- Arteta appeared to be the only person not to hear them, declaring afterwards "I see a lot of positives with the crowd and the team today" -- could reach fever pitch by the end of this week.</p>

<p>Arsenal face a tough League Cup clash at in-form Championship side West Brom on Wednesday and then face Premier League champions Manchester City away on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-swiss-winger-xherdan-shaqiri-joins-lyon-407885">Liverpool's Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri joins Lyon</a></strong></p>

<p>Kroenke at least untied the purse strings in the close season despite the Gunners facing a Europe-free campaign after finishing eighth.</p>

<p>Arteta has so far spent £130 million ($177 million) but an early return of no points and no goals in either of their league games has already got the fans concerned that another season of mid-table mediocrity awaits.</p>

<p>Their disappointment with Arteta is all the greater because of his Gunners' pedigree, something that his predecessor fellow Spaniard Unai Emery lacked.</p>

<p>The former midfielder's experience at having played under Arsenal's legendary manager Arsene Wenger from 2011-16 and serving his managerial apprenticeship under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City marked him down as the ideal candidate.</p>

<p>Arsenal were keen to lure him away from City in 2018 when Wenger left but had to wait till December 2019 to secure him after Emery failed to fire up the side.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentina-call-up-lionel-messi-for-world-cup-qualifier-against-neymars-brazil-407874">Argentina call up Lionel Messi for World Cup qualifier against Neymar's Brazil</a></strong></p>

<p>Arteta made a good start, winning the FA Cup in 2020 with victory over Chelsea at Wembley but there has been little to cheer since.</p>

<p>The Spaniard can point to extenuating factors for the disappointing start to this season like losing key players such as Alexandre Lacazette and £50 million signing Ben White due to coronavirus.</p>

<p>He bridled at the scathing assessment last week of the President of Rwanda which is an official sponsor of Arsenal -- "We just must NOT excuse or Accept mediocrity," Paul Kagama tweeted -- but former players believe that is what his team are serving up.</p>

<p><strong>'A cushy life'</strong></p>

<p>Former striker Ian Wright shook his head in bemusement at the latest display against Chelsea -- Arsenal's 20th Premier League defeat in the 60 matches Arteta has taken charge of.</p>

<p>"When you looked at the way that&nbsp;Chelsea&nbsp;played us and the way (Romelu) Lukaku played, either they (the Arsenal players) are not prepared, they are not listening, or they can’t perform what he (Arteta) wants them to do," he said on BBC's Match of the Day.</p>

<p>"I don't know what the tactics were. For me it was quite frightening."</p>

<p>Sol Campbell, who won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups under Wenger, says Arteta is probably safe for the moment because the club spent so much time and energy on getting him.</p>

<p>However, Campbell is worried by the lack of steelinness in either the defence or midfield, which was painfully exposed by Chelsea.</p>

<p>"Arsenal was built on that type of football, skilful and strong," he told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"I want to see more of that and more character.</p>

<p>"With Arteta, they have been chasing him for a long, long time. I think they will look at it and say 'let's see what this guy can do' but there is always a time limit."</p>

<p>Roy Keane, not known for his patience as a player, manager or pundit, lays the blame instead at the feet of the senior players.</p>

<p>"I would give him (Arteta) longer, you have to give the manager longer," said Keane.</p>

<p>"Arsenal have a lot of very good, young potential players but it is just potential.</p>

<p>"I don't think Arsenal have the real, top senior quality players who have good habits that will help the young lads.</p>

<p>"There are players at Arsenal on massive wages and you can't shift them.</p>

<p>"They won't want to leave Arsenal because they are settled in London, they have a cushy life."</p>


Arsenal and Mikel Arteta appeared to be the perfect fit but now the Spanish manager is being assailed by fans across the world, including the President of Rwanda, after the Gunners' worst start to a league season in their 118-year history.

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta appeared to be the perfect fit but now the Spanish manager is being assailed by fans across the world, including the President of Rwanda, after the Gunners' worst start to a league season in their 118-year history. The 39-year-old is being targeted by increasingly disenchanted fans who have turned their ire from unpopular American owner Stan Kroenke on to him. The boos which emanated from the home stands following Chelsea's 2-0 win on Sunday -- Arteta appeared to be the only person not to hear them, declaring afterwards "I see a lot of positives with the crowd and the team today" -- could reach fever pitch by the end of this week. Arsenal face a tough League Cup clash at in-form Championship side West Brom on Wednesday and then face Premier League champions Manchester City away on Saturday. ALSO READ | Liverpool's Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri joins Lyon Kroenke at least untied the purse strings in the close season despite the Gunners facing a Europe-free campaign after finishing eighth. Arteta has so far spent £130 million ($177 million) but an early return of no points and no goals in either of their league games has already got the fans concerned that another season of mid-table mediocrity awaits. Their disappointment with Arteta is all the greater because of his Gunners' pedigree, something that his predecessor fellow Spaniard Unai Emery lacked. The former midfielder's experience at having played under Arsenal's legendary manager Arsene Wenger from 2011-16 and serving his managerial apprenticeship under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City marked him down as the ideal candidate. Arsenal were keen to lure him away from City in 2018 when Wenger left but had to wait till December 2019 to secure him after Emery failed to fire up the side. ALSO READ | Argentina call up Lionel Messi for World Cup qualifier against Neymar's Brazil Arteta made a good start, winning the FA Cup in 2020 with victory over Chelsea at Wembley but there has been little to cheer since. The Spaniard can point to extenuating factors for the disappointing start to this season like losing key players such as Alexandre Lacazette and £50 million signing Ben White due to coronavirus. He bridled at the scathing assessment last week of the President of Rwanda which is an official sponsor of Arsenal -- "We just must NOT excuse or Accept mediocrity," Paul Kagama tweeted -- but former players believe that is what his team are serving up. 'A cushy life' Former striker Ian Wright shook his head in bemusement at the latest display against Chelsea -- Arsenal's 20th Premier League defeat in the 60 matches Arteta has taken charge of. "When you looked at the way that Chelsea played us and the way (Romelu) Lukaku played, either they (the Arsenal players) are not prepared, they are not listening, or they can’t perform what he (Arteta) wants them to do," he said on BBC's Match of the Day. "I don't know what the tactics were. For me it was quite frightening." Sol Campbell, who won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups under Wenger, says Arteta is probably safe for the moment because the club spent so much time and energy on getting him. However, Campbell is worried by the lack of steelinness in either the defence or midfield, which was painfully exposed by Chelsea. "Arsenal was built on that type of football, skilful and strong," he told Sky Sports. "I want to see more of that and more character. "With Arteta, they have been chasing him for a long, long time. I think they will look at it and say 'let's see what this guy can do' but there is always a time limit." Roy Keane, not known for his patience as a player, manager or pundit, lays the blame instead at the feet of the senior players. "I would give him (Arteta) longer, you have to give the manager longer," said Keane. "Arsenal have a lot of very good, young potential players but it is just potential. "I don't think Arsenal have the real, top senior quality players who have good habits that will help the young lads. "There are players at Arsenal on massive wages and you can't shift them. "They won't want to leave Arsenal because they are settled in London, they have a cushy life."

Premier League: Mikel Arteta under pressure to lead Arsenal out of the wilderness

<p>Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's reaction to Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski question is unmissable. If recent rumours are to be believed, City has a possible interest in Bayern's goal merchant after some reports suggested that Lewandowski was keen on a move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a recent media interaction, Guardiola was asked about the same but he said he would be happy if the transfer window ended immediately. It is worth noting that Poland striker Lewandowski was signed by Guardiola when the Spaniard was at Bayern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-tissue-paper-used-by-lionel-messi-during-barcelona-farewell-is-up-for-sale-check-out-the-whopping-price-tag-407226">Tissue paper used by Lionel Messi during Barcelona farewell is up for sale; check out the whopping price tag</a></strong></p>

<p>Dismissing the reports of any interest in Lewandowski, Guardiola told the reporter, "Next question."</p>

<p>"Lewy is such an important player for Bayern Munich and he will stay at Bayern Munich."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am not going to talk, with 11 days left, about the transfer market," he further added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pep Guardiola asked whether Robert Lewandowski is a potential target for Manchester City [🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/footballdaily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@footballdaily</a>]<a href="https://t.co/kE4vnNHZ9X">pic.twitter.com/kE4vnNHZ9X</a></p>
— Bayern &amp; Germany (@iMiaSanMia) <a href="https://twitter.com/iMiaSanMia/status/1428705243647336449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Premier League champions Manchester City are most keen on Tottenham Hotspur's striker Harry Kane, who wants to leave in order to challenge for major trophies.</p>

<p>Asked by reporters if he would be happy to go forward with the squad that he has at the moment, Guardiola replied: "Absolutely. More than happy. It is the same team, except Sergio (Aguero) for Jack Grealish, that we had last season."</p>

<p>Argentine Aguero, the club's all-time top scorer, has moved to Barcelona with Grealish signed from Aston Villa as the Premier League's first 100 million pound ($136.02 million) player.</p>


Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's reaction to Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski question is unmissable. If recent rumours are to be believed, City has a possible interest in Bayern's goal merchant after some reports suggested that Lewandowski was keen on a move.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola's reaction to Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski question is unmissable. If recent rumours are to be believed, City has a possible interest in Bayern's goal merchant after some reports suggested that Lewandowski was keen on a move. In a recent media interaction, Guardiola was asked about the same but he said he would be happy if the transfer window ended immediately. It is worth noting that Poland striker Lewandowski was signed by Guardiola when the Spaniard was at Bayern. ALSO READ | Tissue paper used by Lionel Messi during Barcelona farewell is up for sale; check out the whopping price tag Dismissing the reports of any interest in Lewandowski, Guardiola told the reporter, "Next question." "Lewy is such an important player for Bayern Munich and he will stay at Bayern Munich." "I am not going to talk, with 11 days left, about the transfer market," he further added. Watch the video here: Pep Guardiola asked whether Robert Lewandowski is a potential target for Manchester City [🎥 @footballdaily]pic.twitter.com/kE4vnNHZ9X — Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 20, 2021 × Premier League champions Manchester City are most keen on Tottenham Hotspur's striker Harry Kane, who wants to leave in order to challenge for major trophies. Asked by reporters if he would be happy to go forward with the squad that he has at the moment, Guardiola replied: "Absolutely. More than happy. It is the same team, except Sergio (Aguero) for Jack Grealish, that we had last season." Argentine Aguero, the club's all-time top scorer, has moved to Barcelona with Grealish signed from Aston Villa as the Premier League's first 100 million pound ($136.02 million) player.

Watch: Pep Guardiola's reaction to Robert Lewandowski question, says happy with Manchester City squad

<p>Brentford made a blistering start to their first English top-flight season for 74 years as goals from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard earned a 2-0 win over&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;in front of a first-ever full house at the Brentford Community Stadium on Friday.</p>

<p>The Bees spent the first season at their new home playing behind closed doors, but rose to the occasion as they were roared on by 17,000 fans in the first Premier League match at full capacity since March 2020.</p>

<p>"What an atmosphere," said Brentford manager Thomas Frank. "The first time in the top-flight, we are opening the Premier League season and for our own fans, they can dream. We are top of the league.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are going to celebrate every win, but we want more."</p>

<p>By contrast,&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;boss Mikel Arteta is already under pressure.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">😍 A night that will live long in the memory of <a href="https://twitter.com/BrentfordFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrentfordFC</a> fans<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREARS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREARS</a> <a href="https://t.co/rdPdzHos19">pic.twitter.com/rdPdzHos19</a></p>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1426291763346554886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Gunners have finished eighth in each of his first two seasons in charge and the Spaniard has a daunting task to turn things around before the September international break with title favourites Chelsea and Manchester City to come in&nbsp;Arsenal's next two games.</p>

<p>"I don’t think we deserved anything different," said Arteta in a damming indictment of his side.</p>

<p>Frank whipped up the crowd into a frenzy before kick-off and&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;were soon suffering under the relentless pressing his side became famous for in the Championship.</p>

<p>Bryan Mbuemo drilled a shot off the outside of the post in the first warning shot from the home side before they took the lead on 22 minutes.</p>

<p>Ethan Pinnock fed Canos on the Brentford left and he cut inside to unleash a powerful shot that beat Bernd Leno at his near post.</p>

<p>Mbuemo then dragged another huge chance wide after turning&nbsp;Arsenal's new £50 million signing Ben White with ease.</p>

<p>The Gunners were without both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandra Lacazette due to illness, handing Folarin Balogun his Premier League debut.</p>

<p>Balogun made little impact, but was also unfortunate not to win a penalty as he was caught on the follow through after slicing wide just before half-time.</p>

<p>"A lot of young boys were doing everything they can. For some of them it was the first experience in the league – that says a lot," added Arteta, as he appeared to make a plea for more funds before the end of the transfer window.</p>

<p>"What I can control and help, I'll put all my enthusiasm and work into that."</p>

<p>Arsenal&nbsp;started the second-half with far more purpose as Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith-Rowe finally forced David Raya into action.</p>

<p>Bukayo Saka was then given a standing ovation by both sets of fans when he was introduced on the hour mark after the racial abuse he suffered in the aftermath of missing the decisive penalty in England's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy.</p>

<p>But Brentford's players were in no mood to show any mercy and substitute Norgaard made sure of a famous night 17 minutes from time.</p>

<p>Arsenal&nbsp;somehow let a long throw bounce inside their six-yard box and the Danish international gratefully headed into an unguarded net to double Brentford's advantage.</p>

<p>Smith-Rowe and Tierney were the only sources of comfort for&nbsp;Arsenal&nbsp;as they combined to set up Nicolas Pepe, who was denied by a stunning save by Raya five minutes from time.</p>

<p>But a clean sheet rounded off a famous win for Brentford as they ended their first night in the Premier League on top of the table.</p>


Brentford made a blistering start to their first English top-flight season for 74 years as goals from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard earned a 2-0 win over Arsenal in front of a first-ever full house at the Brentford Community Stadium on Friday.

Brentford made a blistering start to their first English top-flight season for 74 years as goals from Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard earned a 2-0 win over Arsenal in front of a first-ever full house at the Brentford Community Stadium on Friday. The Bees spent the first season at their new home playing behind closed doors, but rose to the occasion as they were roared on by 17,000 fans in the first Premier League match at full capacity since March 2020. "What an atmosphere," said Brentford manager Thomas Frank. "The first time in the top-flight, we are opening the Premier League season and for our own fans, they can dream. We are top of the league. "We are going to celebrate every win, but we want more." By contrast, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is already under pressure. 😍 A night that will live long in the memory of @BrentfordFC fans#BREARS pic.twitter.com/rdPdzHos19 — Premier League (@premierleague) August 13, 2021 × The Gunners have finished eighth in each of his first two seasons in charge and the Spaniard has a daunting task to turn things around before the September international break with title favourites Chelsea and Manchester City to come in Arsenal's next two games. "I don’t think we deserved anything different," said Arteta in a damming indictment of his side. Frank whipped up the crowd into a frenzy before kick-off and Arsenal were soon suffering under the relentless pressing his side became famous for in the Championship. Bryan Mbuemo drilled a shot off the outside of the post in the first warning shot from the home side before they took the lead on 22 minutes. Ethan Pinnock fed Canos on the Brentford left and he cut inside to unleash a powerful shot that beat Bernd Leno at his near post. Mbuemo then dragged another huge chance wide after turning Arsenal's new £50 million signing Ben White with ease. The Gunners were without both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandra Lacazette due to illness, handing Folarin Balogun his Premier League debut. Balogun made little impact, but was also unfortunate not to win a penalty as he was caught on the follow through after slicing wide just before half-time. "A lot of young boys were doing everything they can. For some of them it was the first experience in the league – that says a lot," added Arteta, as he appeared to make a plea for more funds before the end of the transfer window. "What I can control and help, I'll put all my enthusiasm and work into that." Arsenal started the second-half with far more purpose as Kieran Tierney and Emile Smith-Rowe finally forced David Raya into action. Bukayo Saka was then given a standing ovation by both sets of fans when he was introduced on the hour mark after the racial abuse he suffered in the aftermath of missing the decisive penalty in England's Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy. But Brentford's players were in no mood to show any mercy and substitute Norgaard made sure of a famous night 17 minutes from time. Arsenal somehow let a long throw bounce inside their six-yard box and the Danish international gratefully headed into an unguarded net to double Brentford's advantage. Smith-Rowe and Tierney were the only sources of comfort for Arsenal as they combined to set up Nicolas Pepe, who was denied by a stunning save by Raya five minutes from time. But a clean sheet rounded off a famous win for Brentford as they ended their first night in the Premier League on top of the table.

Football: Newcomers Brentford beat Arsenal to make flying Premier League start

Epl, News on Epl, stories on Epl, articles on Epl, Epl stories at Wion, Epl news, Epl latest news