Chelsea are facing a transfer ban but new manager <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/frank-lampard-begins-chelsea-charge-with-draw-against-bohemians-234872&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ_pGixrnjAhVs8XMBHfp6DzAQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3OvAuxsCTOwPn7ekb3ujJ_">Frank Lampard</a> is confident the Premier League club do not need to bring in new players to taste success.

Lampard, who is the club's record goalscorer from his time as a player, was appointed Chelsea's new manager this month.

With Chelsea unable to add new players to their squad following a FIFA ban, Lampard has been tasked with improving the players he inherited from predecessor Mauricio Sarri and promoting young players from the club's academy.

Speaking shortly after arriving in Yokohama on Tuesday for the Japan leg of the club's pre-season tour, Lampard said he was impressed with the attitude of his new charges.

"I think I have inherited very good players," Lampard said ahead of Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Japanese champions Kawasaki Frontale on Friday.

"We can't bring in any new players, we know that this year. But I don't need new players. I am very happy with the squad and determined for us to be successful.''

"I have my own way that I want to work with the players and I have to say, in the one week we have been training, I have been very happy with the attitude and the qualities of the players," <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/leeds-vs-derby-frank-lampards-post-win-celebration-bill-goes-viral-219483&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ_pGixrnjAhVs8XMBHfp6DzAQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw33ZJwIsQ01Uuf3xIkwDOMz">Lampard </a>said.

Friday's clash with Kawasaki will be the third game of Lampard's tenure, with Chelsea having secured a win and a draw during two pre-season matches in Ireland last week.

Lampard will be assisted at Stamford Bridge by former academy coach Jody Morris and the pair are expected to utilise many of the players who have flourished in Chelsea's youth teams and are on loan to other clubs.

Lampard worked with midfielder Mason Mount while he was on loan at Derby County last season and the 20-year-old signed a new five-year contract on Monday.

Mount, along with striker Tammy Abraham and midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi, have Chelsea fans salivating at the prospect of a young, English core prospering under Lampard.

However, Lampard, who made 648 appearances for <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/chelse-lift-the-europa-league-cup-as-hazard-scores-twice-as-parting-gift-222736&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwii_bm2xrnjAhXl4XMBHbCHDEIQFjABegQIAxAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw2_K81K6_IGDbXUkHoRYZrd">Chelsea </a>and scored a club record 211 goals between 2001-2014, warned his young players that the hard work has just started.

"Now we have a batch of them that are fighting to get into the first team," Lampard said of his young players.

"But, to be clear, they now have to make the difference. It is a road, a pathway, that is given to them and now they have to be the ones that play well enough to get into the team.

"I don't care about age, I just care about performance and how people train and play. Now it is up to those young players to show what they can do," said Lampard.

Lampard will also rely on World Cup-winning French midfielder N'Golo Kante to bring energy and experience to his <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-appoint-former-goalkeeper-petr-cech-as-technical-advisor-229235&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwii_bm2xrnjAhXl4XMBHbCHDEIQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2UXb2jbjslWXcEMHB6F2AK">Chelsea </a>side.

Kante picked up an injury towards the end of last season but Lampard was confident the 28-year-old will be fit for Chelsea's league opener against Manchester United on August&nbsp;11.

Chelsea are facing a transfer ban but new manager Frank Lampard is confident the Premier League club do not need to bring in new players to taste success. Lampard, who is the club's record goalscorer from his time as a player, was appointed Chelsea's new manager this month.

Chelsea are facing a transfer ban but new manager Frank Lampard is confident the Premier League club do not need to bring in new players to taste success. Lampard, who is the club's record goalscorer from his time as a player, was appointed Chelsea's new manager this month. With Chelsea unable to add new players to their squad following a FIFA ban, Lampard has been tasked with improving the players he inherited from predecessor Mauricio Sarri and promoting young players from the club's academy. Speaking shortly after arriving in Yokohama on Tuesday for the Japan leg of the club's pre-season tour, Lampard said he was impressed with the attitude of his new charges. "I think I have inherited very good players," Lampard said ahead of Chelsea's pre-season friendly against Japanese champions Kawasaki Frontale on Friday. "We can't bring in any new players, we know that this year. But I don't need new players. I am very happy with the squad and determined for us to be successful.'' "I have my own way that I want to work with the players and I have to say, in the one week we have been training, I have been very happy with the attitude and the qualities of the players," Lampard said. Friday's clash with Kawasaki will be the third game of Lampard's tenure, with Chelsea having secured a win and a draw during two pre-season matches in Ireland last week. Lampard will be assisted at Stamford Bridge by former academy coach Jody Morris and the pair are expected to utilise many of the players who have flourished in Chelsea's youth teams and are on loan to other clubs. Lampard worked with midfielder Mason Mount while he was on loan at Derby County last season and the 20-year-old signed a new five-year contract on Monday. Mount, along with striker Tammy Abraham and midfielders Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi, have Chelsea fans salivating at the prospect of a young, English core prospering under Lampard. However, Lampard, who made 648 appearances for Chelsea and scored a club record 211 goals between 2001-2014, warned his young players that the hard work has just started. "Now we have a batch of them that are fighting to get into the first team," Lampard said of his young players. "But, to be clear, they now have to make the difference. It is a road, a pathway, that is given to them and now they have to be the ones that play well enough to get into the team. "I don't care about age, I just care about performance and how people train and play. Now it is up to those young players to show what they can do," said Lampard. Lampard will also rely on World Cup-winning French midfielder N'Golo Kante to bring energy and experience to his Chelsea side. Kante picked up an injury towards the end of last season but Lampard was confident the 28-year-old will be fit for Chelsea's league opener against Manchester United on August 11.

Chelsea do not need new players to be successful: Frank Lampard

Paul Pogba has been included in Manchester United's squad for their pre-season tour despite the France star's apparent desire to leave the Premier League club.

It had been claimed Pogba might refuse to make the trip amid reports the midfielder is keen to force a move away from Old Trafford.

Real Madrid and Pogba's former club Juventus are both said to be interested in signing him and in June he said "now could be a good time to find a new challenge".

Pogba had missed United's training sessions this week with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permission.

But he was back at the training ground on Sunday and a squad announcement on United's website confirmed he will travel with the rest of Solskjaer's team as they head to Australia.

Pogba has struggled since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus in a club-record deal in 2016.

He was included in the PFA Team of the Year last season but his often-lethargic performances split opinion among supporters, while he reportedly had a major falling-out with former United boss Jose Mourinho.

Talking to The Times last week, Pogba's agent Mino Raiola said he had made the club aware he was looking to move the player on and offered no assurances that the 26-year-old would travel for the tour.

"Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that. Everyone knows what the feelings of Paul are," Raiola said.

Romelu Lukaku, another United player linked with a summer departure to Inter Milan, is included among the 28-man party, as are new signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.

Solskjaer's side will take on Perth Glory and Leeds in Australia before continuing on for pre-season games in Singapore and China.

Alexis Sanchez, who limped out of Chile's Copa America third-place play-off defeat by Argentina on Saturday, is missing but would not have been included at this stage due to his international exertions.

Paul Pogba has been included in Manchester United's squad for their pre-season tour despite the France star's apparent desire to leave the Premier League club. It had been claimed Pogba might refuse to make the trip amid reports the midfielder is keen to force a move away from Old Trafford.

Paul Pogba has been included in Manchester United's squad for their pre-season tour despite the France star's apparent desire to leave the Premier League club. It had been claimed Pogba might refuse to make the trip amid reports the midfielder is keen to force a move away from Old Trafford. Real Madrid and Pogba's former club Juventus are both said to be interested in signing him and in June he said "now could be a good time to find a new challenge". Pogba had missed United's training sessions this week with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permission. But he was back at the training ground on Sunday and a squad announcement on United's website confirmed he will travel with the rest of Solskjaer's team as they head to Australia. Pogba has struggled since returning to Old Trafford from Juventus in a club-record deal in 2016. He was included in the PFA Team of the Year last season but his often-lethargic performances split opinion among supporters, while he reportedly had a major falling-out with former United boss Jose Mourinho. Talking to The Times last week, Pogba's agent Mino Raiola said he had made the club aware he was looking to move the player on and offered no assurances that the 26-year-old would travel for the tour. "Everyone knows the willingness of Paul to move on. We are in the process of that. Everyone knows what the feelings of Paul are," Raiola said. Romelu Lukaku, another United player linked with a summer departure to Inter Milan, is included among the 28-man party, as are new signings Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James. Solskjaer's side will take on Perth Glory and Leeds in Australia before continuing on for pre-season games in Singapore and China. Alexis Sanchez, who limped out of Chile's Copa America third-place play-off defeat by Argentina on Saturday, is missing but would not have been included at this stage due to his international exertions.

Pogba included in Manchester United squad for pre-season tour amid transfer talk

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will join <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-accuse-barcelona-antoine-griezmann-for-showing-disrespect-233489&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjBgsSFpKDjAhXkjuYKHX8-DAgQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw247nCqPjlAPX0G5bEHbEFf">Atletico Madrid</a> on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019/20 season, the Premier League club announced on Saturday.

The 26-year-old is in the middle of a two-year loan spell with the La Liga side and will remain in the Spanish capital when it is completed.

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Thank you and good luck, <a href="https://twitter.com/AlvaroMorata?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlvaroMorata</a>. 👊
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The Spain international scored 24 goals in 72 appearances for the Blues after joining from Real Madrid in 2017.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019/20 season, the Premier League club announced on Saturday. The 26-year-old is in the middle of a two-year loan spell with the La Liga side and will remain in the Spanish capital when it is completed.

Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata will join Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal at the end of the 2019/20 season, the Premier League club announced on Saturday. The 26-year-old is in the middle of a two-year loan spell with the La Liga side and will remain in the Spanish capital when it is completed. Thank you and good luck, @AlvaroMorata. 👊 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 6, 2019 × The Spain international scored 24 goals in 72 appearances for the Blues after joining from Real Madrid in 2017.

Chelsea's Alvaro Morata to join Atletico Madrid at end of next season

Leicester City have signed striker <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ayoze-perez-hat-trick-ends-newcastle-relegation-fears-212233&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjyvPzpr5vjAhVj7XMBHbHYCAoQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw09qDrtBH_sTWJVqXnXIDSb">Ayoze Perez </a>from Newcastle United on a four-year contract, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported that Leicester would pay Newcastle 30 million pounds ($37.7 million) for the 25-year-old Spaniard.

Perez, who joined Newcastle from his hometown club Tenerife in 2014, was the Premier League club's top scorer last season with 12 league goals.

"Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Spanish forward Ayoze Perez for an undisclosed fee, subject to Premier League and international clearance," Leicester said in a statement.

"Perez is one of the Premier League's most exciting talents, with pace, trickery and an eye for goal that will add plenty to City's attacking ranks ahead of their top-flight opener at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, August 11," it said.

The forward is <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/leicester-citys-hamza-choudhury-charged-with-misconduct-over-social-media-comments-215600&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiclO7_r5vjAhV06nMBHQPXCgoQFjAIegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0rtJWpCeKgIUUsKH6S1sXI">Leicester </a>manager Brendan Rodgers' second signing of the close season following the arrival of defender James Justin from Luton Town.

Leicester City have signed striker Ayoze Perez from Newcastle United on a four-year contract, the Premier League club said on Thursday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported that Leicester would pay Newcastle 30 million pounds ($37.

Leicester City have signed striker Ayoze Perez from Newcastle United on a four-year contract, the Premier League club said on Thursday. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported that Leicester would pay Newcastle 30 million pounds ($37.7 million) for the 25-year-old Spaniard. Perez, who joined Newcastle from his hometown club Tenerife in 2014, was the Premier League club's top scorer last season with 12 league goals. "Leicester City Football Club is delighted to confirm the signing of Spanish forward Ayoze Perez for an undisclosed fee, subject to Premier League and international clearance," Leicester said in a statement. "Perez is one of the Premier League's most exciting talents, with pace, trickery and an eye for goal that will add plenty to City's attacking ranks ahead of their top-flight opener at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, August 11," it said. The forward is Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers' second signing of the close season following the arrival of defender James Justin from Luton Town.

Leicester City sign striker Ayoze Perez from Newcastle United

Chelsea have appointed Frank Lampard as head coach on a three-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

Lampard, a former Chelsea player who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in a 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, managed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/derby-give-chelsea-nod-to-open-managerial-talks-with-frank-lampard-230383&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj2z-LP6prjAhUH5o8KHS3iD1cQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Kw9YSSzqcwKz1VkBXBrbG">Derby County</a> last season and led them to the Championship (second-tier) playoff final.

"I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach," Lampard said in a statement.

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Over to you, boss! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeHomeFrank?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WelcomeHomeFrank</a> <a href="https://t.co/vPGpCUSsMX">pic.twitter.com/vPGpCUSsMX</a>
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"Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead."

Lampard, adored by Chelsea fans as the heart and soul of the club's midfield during a trophy-laden 13 years at Stamford Bridge thanked his fans on Twitter as he left&nbsp;second tier Derby County. 
 
"Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead," he said on the club's official Twitter account. 
 
"I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started." 
 
A relative rookie as a manager, the 41-year-old Lampard earned plaudits for taking Derby into the Championship playoff final in his first year in the dugout&nbsp; - even if they just missed out on promotion to Aston Villa. 
 
He faces no small task in returning Chelsea to the status of Premier League title contenders following Sarri's departure to Juventus and Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid. 
 
His rebuilding efforts at Chelsea will also be hampered by a FIFA transfer ban. 
 
Sarri, who departed after one season at Stamford Bridge, guided Chelsea to the Europa League title and third place in the Premier League but was never loved by Chelsea fans. 
 
"Lamps" will have no such problems. 
 
The former England midfielder played a key role in Chelsea's golden era, making 648 appearances and scoring a club record 211 goals between 2001-2014. In that time, he won three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League. 
 
"After 13 years with us as a player, where he became a club legend and our record goalscorer, we believe this is the perfect time for him to return and are delighted he has done so," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said. 
 
"We will do everything we can to ensure he has all the support required to be a huge success."

Lampard's former Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech joined the club as a technical and performance advisor last month, and the pair will play a key role in the overhaul of the playing squad.

Chelsea have appointed Frank Lampard as head coach on a three-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday. Lampard, a former Chelsea player who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in a 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, managed Derby County last season and led them to the Championship (second-tier) playoff final.

Chelsea have appointed Frank Lampard as head coach on a three-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Thursday. Lampard, a former Chelsea player who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League in a 13-year spell at Stamford Bridge, managed Derby County last season and led them to the Championship (second-tier) playoff final. "I am immensely proud to be returning to Chelsea as head coach," Lampard said in a statement. Over to you, boss! #WelcomeHomeFrank pic.twitter.com/vPGpCUSsMX — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2019 × "Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead." Lampard, adored by Chelsea fans as the heart and soul of the club's midfield during a trophy-laden 13 years at Stamford Bridge thanked his fans on Twitter as he left second tier Derby County. "Everyone knows my love for this club and the history we have shared, however, my sole focus is on the job in hand and preparing for the season ahead," he said on the club's official Twitter account. "I am here to work hard, bring further success to the club and I cannot wait to get started." A relative rookie as a manager, the 41-year-old Lampard earned plaudits for taking Derby into the Championship playoff final in his first year in the dugout - even if they just missed out on promotion to Aston Villa. He faces no small task in returning Chelsea to the status of Premier League title contenders following Sarri's departure to Juventus and Eden Hazard's move to Real Madrid. His rebuilding efforts at Chelsea will also be hampered by a FIFA transfer ban. Sarri, who departed after one season at Stamford Bridge, guided Chelsea to the Europa League title and third place in the Premier League but was never loved by Chelsea fans. "Lamps" will have no such problems. The former England midfielder played a key role in Chelsea's golden era, making 648 appearances and scoring a club record 211 goals between 2001-2014. In that time, he won three Premier League titles as well as the Champions League. "After 13 years with us as a player, where he became a club legend and our record goalscorer, we believe this is the perfect time for him to return and are delighted he has done so," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said. "We will do everything we can to ensure he has all the support required to be a huge success." Lampard's former Chelsea team-mate Petr Cech joined the club as a technical and performance advisor last month, and the pair will play a key role in the overhaul of the playing squad.

Frank Lampard appointed as Chelsea head coach on three-year deal

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has signed a new four-year contract with the option to extend a further year, the Premier League club said on Monday.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported the new contract could see Rashford earn around £250,000&nbsp;($316,550) per week as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to build his attack around the academy graduate.

"Manchester United has been everything in my life since I arrived here at the age of seven," the 21-year-old Rashford told the club website.

"This club has shaped me, both as a player and as a person, so it is such a privilege every time I get the opportunity to wear the shirt.

"I want to thank Ole and his staff for everything they have done for me; they are the perfect group of coaches to learn from as I continue my development and look to push on to the next level."

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A new <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MUFC</a> contract for <a href="https://twitter.com/MarcusRashford?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarcusRashford</a> ✍️
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England international Rashford was Solskjaer's preferred centre forward ahead of Romelu Lukaku last season as he finished with 13 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions.

"Despite being only 21-years-old, Marcus already has great experience. He has a fantastic future ahead of him with the club and I am delighted that he has signed a new contract," Solskjaer said.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has signed a new four-year contract with the option to extend a further year, the Premier League club said on Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported the new contract could see Rashford earn around £250,000 ($316,550) per week as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to build his attack around the academy graduate.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has signed a new four-year contract with the option to extend a further year, the Premier League club said on Monday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but British media reported the new contract could see Rashford earn around £250,000 ($316,550) per week as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans to build his attack around the academy graduate. "Manchester United has been everything in my life since I arrived here at the age of seven," the 21-year-old Rashford told the club website. "This club has shaped me, both as a player and as a person, so it is such a privilege every time I get the opportunity to wear the shirt. "I want to thank Ole and his staff for everything they have done for me; they are the perfect group of coaches to learn from as I continue my development and look to push on to the next level." A new #MUFC contract for @MarcusRashford ✍️ — Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 1, 2019 × England international Rashford was Solskjaer's preferred centre forward ahead of Romelu Lukaku last season as he finished with 13 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions. "Despite being only 21-years-old, Marcus already has great experience. He has a fantastic future ahead of him with the club and I am delighted that he has signed a new contract," Solskjaer said.

Marcus Rashford extends Manchester United stay with new four-year deal

AC Milan have been banned from the 2019-20 Europa League competition for breaching UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, sport's highest court CAS said on Friday.

The seven-times European champions finished fifth in Serie A last season to qualify for Europe's second-tier competition.

Milan's ban means AS Roma, who came sixth in the standings, move up to the Europa League group stage while their place in the qualifying rounds is taken by seventh-placed Torino.

"CAS has issued a consent award embodying the agreement reached between AC Milan and UEFA concerning breaches of the FFP regulations by the Italian club," the Court of Arbitration for Sport said in a statement.

"AC Milan is excluded from participating in the UEFA club competitions of the sporting season 2019/2020 as a consequence of the breach of its FFP break-even obligations during the 2015/2016/2017 and the 2016/2017/2018 monitoring periods."

Under UEFA regulations any club spending more than the revenue they generate may face sanctions, including a possible ban from the competitions run by the European governing body.

In April, Milan were reported by UEFA investigators over an alleged new breach of the break-even rule in its most recent monitoring period and the case was passed to its financial adjudicators.

UEFA said the referral was not connected to a previous case against Milan which saw the club banned and reprieved on appeal.

Milan were given a one-season suspension from European football in June last year after UEFA ruled that the club had not complied with FFP rules for the previous monitoring period.

Milan appealed to CAS which overturned the ban the following month, accepting the club's argument that its finances had improved after an ownership change.

Milan were then able to take part in last season's Europa League, which they exited in the group stage, while UEFA was ordered by CAS to find an alternative punishment.

In its revised decision in December, UEFA gave Milan until June 2021 to comply with rules or face a one-season ban from European competition.

AC Milan have been banned from the 2019-20 Europa League competition for breaching UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, sport's highest court CAS said on Friday.

AC Milan have been banned from the 2019-20 Europa League competition for breaching UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, sport's highest court CAS said on Friday. The seven-times European champions finished fifth in Serie A last season to qualify for Europe's second-tier competition. Milan's ban means AS Roma, who came sixth in the standings, move up to the Europa League group stage while their place in the qualifying rounds is taken by seventh-placed Torino. "CAS has issued a consent award embodying the agreement reached between AC Milan and UEFA concerning breaches of the FFP regulations by the Italian club," the Court of Arbitration for Sport said in a statement. "AC Milan is excluded from participating in the UEFA club competitions of the sporting season 2019/2020 as a consequence of the breach of its FFP break-even obligations during the 2015/2016/2017 and the 2016/2017/2018 monitoring periods." Under UEFA regulations any club spending more than the revenue they generate may face sanctions, including a possible ban from the competitions run by the European governing body. In April, Milan were reported by UEFA investigators over an alleged new breach of the break-even rule in its most recent monitoring period and the case was passed to its financial adjudicators. UEFA said the referral was not connected to a previous case against Milan which saw the club banned and reprieved on appeal. Milan were given a one-season suspension from European football in June last year after UEFA ruled that the club had not complied with FFP rules for the previous monitoring period. Milan appealed to CAS which overturned the ban the following month, accepting the club's argument that its finances had improved after an ownership change. Milan were then able to take part in last season's Europa League, which they exited in the group stage, while UEFA was ordered by CAS to find an alternative punishment. In its revised decision in December, UEFA gave Milan until June 2021 to comply with rules or face a one-season ban from European competition.

AC Milan banned from 2019-20 Europa League for Financial Fair Play breach: CAS

Derby Country have given Chelsea permission to speak to their current manager Frank Lampard about the possibility of taking over at Stamford Bridge, the Championship club said on Tuesday.

Lampard has emerged as the favourite to replace Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, after the Italian joined Serie A champions Juventus earlier this month.

"With pre-season fast approaching for both clubs it is hoped this will allow Chelsea to swiftly conclude their discussions," Derby said in a statement, adding they would not comment further until it was appropriate to do so.

Lampard, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League as a player at Chelsea, led Derby to the Championship playoff final last season in his first year in management.

Derby Country have given Chelsea permission to speak to their current manager Frank Lampard about the possibility of taking over at Stamford Bridge, the Championship club said on Tuesday.

Derby Country have given Chelsea permission to speak to their current manager Frank Lampard about the possibility of taking over at Stamford Bridge, the Championship club said on Tuesday. Lampard has emerged as the favourite to replace Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea, after the Italian joined Serie A champions Juventus earlier this month. "With pre-season fast approaching for both clubs it is hoped this will allow Chelsea to swiftly conclude their discussions," Derby said in a statement, adding they would not comment further until it was appropriate to do so. Lampard, who won three Premier League titles and the Champions League as a player at Chelsea, led Derby to the Championship playoff final last season in his first year in management.

Derby give Chelsea nod to open managerial talks with Frank Lampard

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has urged coaches and managers to accept their players will use social media but said players should take stock of whether their videos will create a positive impression.

United midfielder Jesse Lingard has recently been criticised for videos filmed in his hotel bedroom and posted on Instagram while on holiday in Miami Beach with teammate Marcus Rashford.

Neville, who won eight Premier League titles with United under Alex Ferguson's management and is now a pundit for Sky Sports television, said there was little point in coaches opposing social media use.

Speaking to a conference of coaches and sports scientists in Manchester, Neville said there was a danger of older people in the game appearing out of touch.

"I found myself challenging myself as a pundit in these last two or three years, around the changing type of players, the changing type of media… it’s a dilemma for all traditional based coaches," he said.

"The idea of a guy dressing up, dancing, on social media, what we would say looking a 'bit of a prat' and not winning football matches, not playing that well, is a really bad cocktail.

"But then on the other side of it you think – he is giving his all, he is a young lad, social media now is the modern form of media, so us old bastards – get over it, get over it."

Neville said that with the decline of traditional newspapers, players were inevitably going to be drawn to online and social media.

"The way in which players communicate with fans is through their social media accounts, it's never going to change, don’t try to stop it, maybe create some frameworks, some perimeters to work within.

"If you are a coach – move with the times, embrace it, accept it... it is not going to change, it is 2019 and not 2001 or 1996," he added.

But Neville said that players such as Lingard needed to consider carefully what kind of content they put out to their followers.

"I would like to think that someone is ringing him up this morning and explaining to him that that isn’t really going to help him," he said.

"He looks like he works really hard in every single game I have seen him. Why would you do something that is potentially going to bring you criticism?

"We all make mistakes, I have made loads, just be sensible, just make the right calls. Is it going to help me? Is it going to make me a better player? Is it going to make people feel better about me? Is it going to actually earn me money? Is it going to make my coach like me more or less?

"Ask yourself a few questions before you do things. If the answers come up negative then it’s probably best not doing it.&nbsp;It is just having that sort of mindset," he added.

Neville said social media antics of the modern player were "absolutely a lesser evil" than players who in the past drank heavily during the close-season and returned to pre-season training out of shape.

“These players today run faster, they eat better, they drink less alcohol. They’re all running 13, 14km a match, some of them are running 1500m at high intensity and 20 years ago Gary Neville and his team mates weren’t doing that."

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has urged coaches and managers to accept their players will use social media but said players should take stock of whether their videos will create a positive impression.

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has urged coaches and managers to accept their players will use social media but said players should take stock of whether their videos will create a positive impression. United midfielder Jesse Lingard has recently been criticised for videos filmed in his hotel bedroom and posted on Instagram while on holiday in Miami Beach with teammate Marcus Rashford. Neville, who won eight Premier League titles with United under Alex Ferguson's management and is now a pundit for Sky Sports television, said there was little point in coaches opposing social media use. Speaking to a conference of coaches and sports scientists in Manchester, Neville said there was a danger of older people in the game appearing out of touch. "I found myself challenging myself as a pundit in these last two or three years, around the changing type of players, the changing type of media… it’s a dilemma for all traditional based coaches," he said. "The idea of a guy dressing up, dancing, on social media, what we would say looking a 'bit of a prat' and not winning football matches, not playing that well, is a really bad cocktail. "But then on the other side of it you think – he is giving his all, he is a young lad, social media now is the modern form of media, so us old bastards – get over it, get over it." Neville said that with the decline of traditional newspapers, players were inevitably going to be drawn to online and social media. "The way in which players communicate with fans is through their social media accounts, it's never going to change, don’t try to stop it, maybe create some frameworks, some perimeters to work within. "If you are a coach – move with the times, embrace it, accept it... it is not going to change, it is 2019 and not 2001 or 1996," he added. But Neville said that players such as Lingard needed to consider carefully what kind of content they put out to their followers. "I would like to think that someone is ringing him up this morning and explaining to him that that isn’t really going to help him," he said. "He looks like he works really hard in every single game I have seen him. Why would you do something that is potentially going to bring you criticism? "We all make mistakes, I have made loads, just be sensible, just make the right calls. Is it going to help me? Is it going to make me a better player? Is it going to make people feel better about me? Is it going to actually earn me money? Is it going to make my coach like me more or less? "Ask yourself a few questions before you do things. If the answers come up negative then it’s probably best not doing it. It is just having that sort of mindset," he added. Neville said social media antics of the modern player were "absolutely a lesser evil" than players who in the past drank heavily during the close-season and returned to pre-season training out of shape. “These players today run faster, they eat better, they drink less alcohol. They’re all running 13, 14km a match, some of them are running 1500m at high intensity and 20 years ago Gary Neville and his team mates weren’t doing that."

Gary Neville says managers have to adjust to social media age

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of Argentine footballer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/factbox-cardiff-city-striker-emiliano-sala-192054">Emiliano Sala</a>, British police confirmed on Wednesday.

The forward, 28, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-can-now-mourn-footballer-emiliano-salas-family-after-body-identification-196091">died when a plane carrying him and pilot David Ibbotson came down</a> in the Channel on January 21, just days after he had joined Cardiff City from Nantes.

"As a result of our enquiries we have today, Wednesday 19 June 2019, arrested a 64-year-old man from the North Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act," Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police said in a statement.

"He is assisting with our enquiries and has been released from custody under investigation."

Huxter urged media and members of the public to not speculate over the identity of the arrested individual to avoid prejudicing the investigation.

Sala had been Cardiff's record signing after a fee of £15 million ($19 million) was agreed with Nantes during the January transfer window.

After travelling to Cardiff to complete the deal, Sala returned to northern France to collect belongings and bid farewell to his teammates.

It was on his return to the Welsh capital to take part in his first training session that the tragedy occurred.

Initial search operations for the player and pilot were suspended in the days after the plane went missing.

However, a crowdfunding effort supported by thousands of donations, including from football stars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, helped launch a private search.

That specialised search saw Sala's body recovered from the wreckage in February but Ibbotson's body has not been found.

Two months after Sala's body was discovered, his father Horacio Sala died of a heart attack in Argentina.

Moving tributes were paid to Sala from across the football world with Nantes retiring the number nine jersey he wore for the Ligue 1 side.

However, the two clubs have been involved in a legal wrangle over the transfer fee.

Nantes reported Cardiff to FIFA after the first instalment of the fee, believed to be £5 million, was not paid on time.

Cardiff previously stated they were "shocked" at reports that Ibbotson did not have a licence to fly at night.

"The club remains deeply concerned that the pilot, and those who arranged the flight, seemingly completely disregarded the rules of flying and put Mr Sala's life in such danger," Cardiff said in a statement in March.&nbsp;

"We believe those who are responsible should be held fully accountable for their actions."

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cardiff were relegated from the Premier League after just one season back in the top flight.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala, British police confirmed on Wednesday. The forward, 28, died when a plane carrying him and pilot David Ibbotson came down in the Channel on January 21, just days after he had joined Cardiff City from Nantes.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of Argentine footballer Emiliano Sala, British police confirmed on Wednesday. The forward, 28, died when a plane carrying him and pilot David Ibbotson came down in the Channel on January 21, just days after he had joined Cardiff City from Nantes. "As a result of our enquiries we have today, Wednesday 19 June 2019, arrested a 64-year-old man from the North Yorkshire area on suspicion of manslaughter by an unlawful act," Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police said in a statement. "He is assisting with our enquiries and has been released from custody under investigation." Huxter urged media and members of the public to not speculate over the identity of the arrested individual to avoid prejudicing the investigation. Sala had been Cardiff's record signing after a fee of £15 million ($19 million) was agreed with Nantes during the January transfer window. After travelling to Cardiff to complete the deal, Sala returned to northern France to collect belongings and bid farewell to his teammates. It was on his return to the Welsh capital to take part in his first training session that the tragedy occurred. Initial search operations for the player and pilot were suspended in the days after the plane went missing. However, a crowdfunding effort supported by thousands of donations, including from football stars such as Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, helped launch a private search. That specialised search saw Sala's body recovered from the wreckage in February but Ibbotson's body has not been found. Two months after Sala's body was discovered, his father Horacio Sala died of a heart attack in Argentina. Moving tributes were paid to Sala from across the football world with Nantes retiring the number nine jersey he wore for the Ligue 1 side. However, the two clubs have been involved in a legal wrangle over the transfer fee. Nantes reported Cardiff to FIFA after the first instalment of the fee, believed to be £5 million, was not paid on time. Cardiff previously stated they were "shocked" at reports that Ibbotson did not have a licence to fly at night. "The club remains deeply concerned that the pilot, and those who arranged the flight, seemingly completely disregarded the rules of flying and put Mr Sala's life in such danger," Cardiff said in a statement in March. "We believe those who are responsible should be held fully accountable for their actions." In the aftermath of the tragedy, Cardiff were relegated from the Premier League after just one season back in the top flight.

Man arrested on suspicion over plane crash death of footballer Emiliano Sala

Serie A champions Juventus appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new coach on Sunday, hoping that his ambitious possession-based game would extend their dominance of Italian football and bring them European silverware.

British media reported Juventus agreed to a compensation fee with Chelsea in excess of $6.30 million&nbsp;for Sarri, who joins the Italian giants on a three-year contract.

Sarri was at Chelsea for just one season, where he won the Europa League -- the first major trophy of his career -- and led them to a third-place finish in the Premier League.

On paper it was a commendable feat, but it was a rocky campaign for the former Napoli boss whose team never seemed to fully adapt to his so-called "Sarri-ball" system.

"In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said in a statement.

"He also believed it important to be nearer his family, and for the well-being of his elderly parents he felt he needed to live closer to them at this point."

The chain-smoking 60-year-old coach replaced the phlegmatic Massimiliano Allegri who won five successive Serie A titles in as many seasons in charge -- extending Juve's run to eight in a row -- plus the Coppa Italia four times. He also led them to two Champions League finals.

The move is likely to infuriate supporters at Napoli, where Sarri spent three seasons and turned them into the team most likely to threaten Juve's dominance.

Napoli finished as runners-up twice and third place once under Sarri's leadership and achieved a club record 91 points in the 2017-18 when they came agonisingly close to snatching the title -- even beating Juve 1-0 in Turin towards the end of the season.

Juventus seemed to lack a recognisable playing style under Allegri, a pragmatic coach who last season fielded 38 different lineups in 38 league matches.

That will not be the case under Sarri, who turned Napoli into the most eye-catching Serie A side with their complex passing movements.

His style, however, makes huge demands of the players and Sarri was also criticised at Napoli over his failure to rest players, something which could prove a problem at Juventus who have more strength-in-depth and will be battling on two fronts.

He will also have to find a way of incorporating Cristiano Ronaldo into his team. The 34-year-old, with two years of his Juventus contract still to run, is still lethal in small bursts but not able to maintain such a high tempo over 90 minutes.

A former bank employee, Sarri never played football professionally and made his Serie A coaching debut at the age of 55 with Empoli after winning promotion with them in 2014.

Known as “Mr 33”, because he reputedly thought up 33 different plans for setpieces, Sarri quickly innovated at Napoli by using a drone to film training sessions from above.

Sarri began coaching amateur teams back in the 1990s, managing to combine his hobby with a banking career that took him to the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

He coached 16 different sides in the lower division of the Italian league before finally reaching Serie A with Empoli.

Serie A champions Juventus appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new coach on Sunday, hoping that his ambitious possession-based game would extend their dominance of Italian football and bring them European silverware.

Serie A champions Juventus appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new coach on Sunday, hoping that his ambitious possession-based game would extend their dominance of Italian football and bring them European silverware. British media reported Juventus agreed to a compensation fee with Chelsea in excess of $6.30 million for Sarri, who joins the Italian giants on a three-year contract. Sarri was at Chelsea for just one season, where he won the Europa League -- the first major trophy of his career -- and led them to a third-place finish in the Premier League. On paper it was a commendable feat, but it was a rocky campaign for the former Napoli boss whose team never seemed to fully adapt to his so-called "Sarri-ball" system. "In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant," Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said in a statement. "He also believed it important to be nearer his family, and for the well-being of his elderly parents he felt he needed to live closer to them at this point." The chain-smoking 60-year-old coach replaced the phlegmatic Massimiliano Allegri who won five successive Serie A titles in as many seasons in charge -- extending Juve's run to eight in a row -- plus the Coppa Italia four times. He also led them to two Champions League finals. The move is likely to infuriate supporters at Napoli, where Sarri spent three seasons and turned them into the team most likely to threaten Juve's dominance. Napoli finished as runners-up twice and third place once under Sarri's leadership and achieved a club record 91 points in the 2017-18 when they came agonisingly close to snatching the title -- even beating Juve 1-0 in Turin towards the end of the season. Juventus seemed to lack a recognisable playing style under Allegri, a pragmatic coach who last season fielded 38 different lineups in 38 league matches. That will not be the case under Sarri, who turned Napoli into the most eye-catching Serie A side with their complex passing movements. His style, however, makes huge demands of the players and Sarri was also criticised at Napoli over his failure to rest players, something which could prove a problem at Juventus who have more strength-in-depth and will be battling on two fronts. He will also have to find a way of incorporating Cristiano Ronaldo into his team. The 34-year-old, with two years of his Juventus contract still to run, is still lethal in small bursts but not able to maintain such a high tempo over 90 minutes. A former bank employee, Sarri never played football professionally and made his Serie A coaching debut at the age of 55 with Empoli after winning promotion with them in 2014. Known as “Mr 33”, because he reputedly thought up 33 different plans for setpieces, Sarri quickly innovated at Napoli by using a drone to film training sessions from above. Sarri began coaching amateur teams back in the 1990s, managing to combine his hobby with a banking career that took him to the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg. He coached 16 different sides in the lower division of the Italian league before finally reaching Serie A with Empoli.

Maurizio Sarri returns to Italy to coach Juventus

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba suggested on Sunday that he could be open to a move away from the Premier League side, telling reporters in Tokyo that now "could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else".&nbsp;

The Frenchman has been linked in the British media with a move to Real Madrid to work with coach Zinedine Zidane, or with a return to his former club Juventus.&nbsp;

Pogba's time at Manchester United has coincided with some insipid performances on the pitch and organisational turmoil at the club.&nbsp;

"Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well," Pogba, 26, told reporters in Tokyo.&nbsp;

"For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great; some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.&nbsp;

"After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else."&nbsp;

"I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else."&nbsp;

Pogba, who moved to Old Trafford from Juventus for a then-world record transfer free of&nbsp;$112.43 million in August 2016, has seen Jose Mourinho replaced as coach by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time at the club.&nbsp;

Although inconsistent, the World Cup winner has scored 24 goals in 92 appearances for United and was named in last season's PFA Premier League Team of the Year.&nbsp;

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba suggested on Sunday that he could be open to a move away from the Premier League side, telling reporters in Tokyo that now "could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else".

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba suggested on Sunday that he could be open to a move away from the Premier League side, telling reporters in Tokyo that now "could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else". The Frenchman has been linked in the British media with a move to Real Madrid to work with coach Zinedine Zidane, or with a return to his former club Juventus. Pogba's time at Manchester United has coincided with some insipid performances on the pitch and organisational turmoil at the club. "Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well," Pogba, 26, told reporters in Tokyo. "For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great; some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else. "After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else." "I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else." Pogba, who moved to Old Trafford from Juventus for a then-world record transfer free of $112.43 million in August 2016, has seen Jose Mourinho replaced as coach by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during his time at the club. Although inconsistent, the World Cup winner has scored 24 goals in 92 appearances for United and was named in last season's PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

Paul Pogba hints at move away from Manchester United

Chelsea forward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Eden+Hazard">Eden Hazard</a> is set to join Real Madrid after a deal worth €100 million&nbsp;($112.65 million) plus add-ons was agreed between the two clubs on Thursday, British and Spanish media reported.

There was no official word from Madrid or London.

Spain's AS sports daily, citing unnamed sources, said on its website that the Premier League side had accepted Real's offer for the 28-year-old.&nbsp;

It said Hazard, who is training with Belgium ahead of a weekend Euro 2020 qualifier against Kazakhstan, had been informed and the deal could be announced later.

Sky Sports television said Chelsea had wanted in the region of 130 million pounds ($165.20 million), a fee that could ultimately be reached through performance-related clauses.

Hazard, who was set to become a free agent in June 2020, guided Chelsea to the Europa League title in Baku last month with two goals in a 4-1 win over London rivals Arsenal.

"My dream was to play in the Premier League and I did it for seven years. I think it's a goodbye," he said after that game.

He joined Chelsea from Lille in 2012 for 32 million pounds and won the Europa League in his first season.

He later won the Premier League title in 2015 and 2017 as well as one League Cup and FA Cup.

He scored 16 goals and created another 15 in the Premier League last season as Chelsea finished third in the table.

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard is set to join Real Madrid after a deal worth €100 million ($112.65 million) plus add-ons was agreed between the two clubs on Thursday, British and Spanish media reported.

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard is set to join Real Madrid after a deal worth €100 million ($112.65 million) plus add-ons was agreed between the two clubs on Thursday, British and Spanish media reported. There was no official word from Madrid or London. Spain's AS sports daily, citing unnamed sources, said on its website that the Premier League side had accepted Real's offer for the 28-year-old. It said Hazard, who is training with Belgium ahead of a weekend Euro 2020 qualifier against Kazakhstan, had been informed and the deal could be announced later. Sky Sports television said Chelsea had wanted in the region of 130 million pounds ($165.20 million), a fee that could ultimately be reached through performance-related clauses. Hazard, who was set to become a free agent in June 2020, guided Chelsea to the Europa League title in Baku last month with two goals in a 4-1 win over London rivals Arsenal. "My dream was to play in the Premier League and I did it for seven years. I think it's a goodbye," he said after that game. He joined Chelsea from Lille in 2012 for 32 million pounds and won the Europa League in his first season. He later won the Premier League title in 2015 and 2017 as well as one League Cup and FA Cup. He scored 16 goals and created another 15 in the Premier League last season as Chelsea finished third in the table.

Real Madrid agree fee for Chelsea's Eden Hazard: Reports

Liverpool's Champions League goal hero Divock Origi is hoping he will get to stay at the club but conceded on Wednesday he has an uncertain future at Anfield.

The Belgian striker scored the second goal in last Saturday's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Madrid and is now preparing for his country's Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kazakhstan on Saturday and Scotland next week.

"I don't know if I'm going to stay (at Liverpool) but I'm concentrating now on the two games with the Red Devils and after that I'll think about my future and make a decision," he told a news conference.

"I don't want to talk too much about my future right now, but Liverpool know my qualities and the club have recently made an offer of a contract extension. That's the first step."

Origi has one more year left on his current deal, meaning there is also the temptation to sell him now before he is able to leave for free at the end of next season.

"I am feeling comfortable at Liverpool and I think that's important. On top of that we have in Juergen Klopp an absolutely top coach.

"Obviously I have personal goals in my mind but I put the team first."

Origi has struggled to command a regular place both at club and country level but pointed out he was still only 24.

"I have experienced a lot more than most players my age and it has made me much more mature. I focus just on the important issues and I know I can make a lot more progress.

"But I've learnt to enjoy the experience that I am going through," he added.

Liverpool's Champions League goal hero Divock Origi is hoping he will get to stay at the club but conceded on Wednesday he has an uncertain future at Anfield. The Belgian striker scored the second goal in last Saturday's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Madrid and is now preparing for his country's Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kazakhstan on Saturday and Scotland next week.

Liverpool's Champions League goal hero Divock Origi is hoping he will get to stay at the club but conceded on Wednesday he has an uncertain future at Anfield. The Belgian striker scored the second goal in last Saturday's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the final in Madrid and is now preparing for his country's Euro 2020 qualifiers against Kazakhstan on Saturday and Scotland next week. "I don't know if I'm going to stay (at Liverpool) but I'm concentrating now on the two games with the Red Devils and after that I'll think about my future and make a decision," he told a news conference. "I don't want to talk too much about my future right now, but Liverpool know my qualities and the club have recently made an offer of a contract extension. That's the first step." Origi has one more year left on his current deal, meaning there is also the temptation to sell him now before he is able to leave for free at the end of next season. "I am feeling comfortable at Liverpool and I think that's important. On top of that we have in Juergen Klopp an absolutely top coach. "Obviously I have personal goals in my mind but I put the team first." Origi has struggled to command a regular place both at club and country level but pointed out he was still only 24. "I have experienced a lot more than most players my age and it has made me much more mature. I focus just on the important issues and I know I can make a lot more progress. "But I've learnt to enjoy the experience that I am going through," he added.

Champions League hero uncertain of Liverpool future

Chelsea manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Maurizio+Sarri">Maurizio Sarri</a> has told the club he wants to leave after a single season to join Italian champions Juventus, according to reports on Saturday.

Sarri has been an uncomfortable fit with fans at Stamford Bridge and despite winning the Europa League this week and finishing third in the Premier League, there is a perception the chain-smoking coach is unwilling to adapt tactics when things go wrong.

Sarri has been widely linked with Juventus, who are seeking a successor to Massimiliano Allegri, although sports daily Gazzetta reported Saturday that Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was also on their radar.

Sarri held talks with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia on Friday and informed her that he wanted to return to his homeland, the reports in Britain and Italy said.

Granovskaia, it is said, has promised to talk to club owner Roman Abramovich about his future, but it would seem Chelsea will seek compensation from any suitor.

Sarri succeeded Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager last summer after spending three years at Napoli.

The 60-year-old enjoyed a tremendous start at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea went unbeaten in 18 games.

But Sarri endured consistent criticism from a significant portion of the club's supporters throughout the campaign and suffered heavy 4-0 and 6-0 defeats at Bournemouth and Manchester City.

Chelsea, however, reached the Carabao&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;final, which they lost on penalties to Manchester City, before finishing the season strongly.

Sarri claimed the first major trophy of his career when Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in Baku on Wednesday to win the Europa League final, but refused to commit his future to the club, saying: "You know very well that I love the Premier League, the level of the competition, and I am lucky because I am at Chelsea, one of the best teams in the best championship in the&nbsp;world.

"So at the moment I am happy, but of course I want to know if the club is happy, if we can improve.

"It's normal I think; I have a discussion with the owner after every season with every club."

Chelsea are facing a transfer ban next season which could restrict their ability to attract a big name coach.

The club have been linked with their former midfielder Frank Lampard, now the manager of Championship side Derby, should Sarri leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has told the club he wants to leave after a single season to join Italian champions Juventus, according to reports on Saturday. Sarri has been an uncomfortable fit with fans at Stamford Bridge and despite winning the Europa League this week and finishing third in the Premier League, there is a perception the chain-smoking coach is unwilling to adapt tactics when things go wrong.

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has told the club he wants to leave after a single season to join Italian champions Juventus, according to reports on Saturday. Sarri has been an uncomfortable fit with fans at Stamford Bridge and despite winning the Europa League this week and finishing third in the Premier League, there is a perception the chain-smoking coach is unwilling to adapt tactics when things go wrong. Sarri has been widely linked with Juventus, who are seeking a successor to Massimiliano Allegri, although sports daily Gazzetta reported Saturday that Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was also on their radar. Sarri held talks with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia on Friday and informed her that he wanted to return to his homeland, the reports in Britain and Italy said. Granovskaia, it is said, has promised to talk to club owner Roman Abramovich about his future, but it would seem Chelsea will seek compensation from any suitor. Sarri succeeded Antonio Conte as Chelsea manager last summer after spending three years at Napoli. The 60-year-old enjoyed a tremendous start at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea went unbeaten in 18 games. But Sarri endured consistent criticism from a significant portion of the club's supporters throughout the campaign and suffered heavy 4-0 and 6-0 defeats at Bournemouth and Manchester City. Chelsea, however, reached the Carabao Cup final, which they lost on penalties to Manchester City, before finishing the season strongly. Sarri claimed the first major trophy of his career when Chelsea beat Arsenal 4-1 in Baku on Wednesday to win the Europa League final, but refused to commit his future to the club, saying: "You know very well that I love the Premier League, the level of the competition, and I am lucky because I am at Chelsea, one of the best teams in the best championship in the world. "So at the moment I am happy, but of course I want to know if the club is happy, if we can improve. "It's normal I think; I have a discussion with the owner after every season with every club." Chelsea are facing a transfer ban next season which could restrict their ability to attract a big name coach. The club have been linked with their former midfielder Frank Lampard, now the manager of Championship side Derby, should Sarri leave Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea head coach Maurizio Sarri close to Juventus switch

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has said Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino should be fit to face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's Champions League final in Madrid. Firmino missed Liverpool's memorable semi-final win over Barcelona and the final game of the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers with a muscle strain but he has responded well to his return to training said, Klopp.

Robert Firmino 'will be fine' for final says Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp

American football players have a higher risk of mortality than baseball players of the same age, particularly from neurodegenerative and heart diseases, says a new study published Friday.&nbsp;

The study's authors at Harvard University cautioned that the research was not designed to find the reasons for the elevated risk experienced by players in the National Football League (NFL) nor the mechanisms that fueled disease development.&nbsp;

But, they said, the findings raised questions about sport-specific differences in disease development and warranted further study.&nbsp;

As such, it was useful to compare football players with baseball players, since both groups are professional athletes in comparable physical condition but one sport involves frequent, violent contact and the other does not.&nbsp;

The findings, which were published in JAMA Network Open, are based on a retrospective analysis of death rates and causes of death in 3,419 NFL and 2,708 Major League Baseball (MLB) players over a period spanning more than 30 years.&nbsp;

After adjusting for a decade of birth and race, they found a 26 per cent higher mortality among football players compared with baseball players.&nbsp;

The risk of dying from neuro-degenerative diseases was three times greater among NFL players, who also faced a 2.5 times higher risk of dying from heart disease.

But these risks, even when multiplied by a factor of two or three, remain low when extrapolated into absolute numbers.

NFL players would see one additional death from a neurodegenerative disease per 1,000 NFL players by age 55, rising to 11 additional neurodegenerative deaths by age 75, compared with MLB players.

Heart disease would account for 16 additional deaths per 1,000 NFL players by age 55 and 77 additional deaths by age 75, when comparing NFL to MLB players.

The authors did caution, however, that this may be linked to the higher body-mass index of NFL players compared to MLB, while cardiovascular disease is in any case the leading cause of death in the United States.

"Even a single preventable or premature death is one too many, so it is critical for scientists and clinicians to pursue further research into teasing out the reasons behind this increased mortality," said lead author Marc Weisskopf, a professor of environmental epidemiology and physiology at Harvard.&nbsp;

American football players have a higher risk of mortality than baseball players of the same age, particularly from neurodegenerative and heart diseases, says a new study published Friday.

American football players have a higher risk of mortality than baseball players of the same age, particularly from neurodegenerative and heart diseases, says a new study published Friday. The study's authors at Harvard University cautioned that the research was not designed to find the reasons for the elevated risk experienced by players in the National Football League (NFL) nor the mechanisms that fueled disease development. But, they said, the findings raised questions about sport-specific differences in disease development and warranted further study. As such, it was useful to compare football players with baseball players, since both groups are professional athletes in comparable physical condition but one sport involves frequent, violent contact and the other does not. The findings, which were published in JAMA Network Open, are based on a retrospective analysis of death rates and causes of death in 3,419 NFL and 2,708 Major League Baseball (MLB) players over a period spanning more than 30 years. After adjusting for a decade of birth and race, they found a 26 per cent higher mortality among football players compared with baseball players. The risk of dying from neuro-degenerative diseases was three times greater among NFL players, who also faced a 2.5 times higher risk of dying from heart disease. But these risks, even when multiplied by a factor of two or three, remain low when extrapolated into absolute numbers. NFL players would see one additional death from a neurodegenerative disease per 1,000 NFL players by age 55, rising to 11 additional neurodegenerative deaths by age 75, compared with MLB players. Heart disease would account for 16 additional deaths per 1,000 NFL players by age 55 and 77 additional deaths by age 75, when comparing NFL to MLB players. The authors did caution, however, that this may be linked to the higher body-mass index of NFL players compared to MLB, while cardiovascular disease is in any case the leading cause of death in the United States. "Even a single preventable or premature death is one too many, so it is critical for scientists and clinicians to pursue further research into teasing out the reasons behind this increased mortality," said lead author Marc Weisskopf, a professor of environmental epidemiology and physiology at Harvard.

Football players at greater risk of premature death than baseball players: Study

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to return to football soon but says he is at a crossroads and is not sure if he should take up another role as manager.&nbsp;

Wenger left Arsenal at the end of the 2017-18 season after 22 years in charge of the London club where he won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old has kept himself busy as a television pundit and conference speaker since leaving the Gunners and said in October that he had received offers to return to football from all over the world.

"You will see me again in football. As a manager... I don't know," Wenger told reporters on Thursday. "I thought I would come back into management very quickly but I enjoyed taking a little distance. Now I'm at a crossroads.

"Football is still my passion. I'll come back soon, but I cannot tell you exactly in what capacity."

The Frenchman also described the nearly 6,000-mile round trip fans would have to make from London to Baku for next week's Europa League final as a "nightmare".

Arsenal face London rivals Chelsea in the Azerbaijan capital on Wednesday with victory guaranteeing Wenger's former club a spot in the Champions League, but European soccer governing body UEFA has been roundly criticised for its choice of venue.

"It's a little bit of a nightmare (for supporters)," Wenger said. "The teams have no problem. They live in ideal conditions, they have their private jets."

Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not travel with the team after the Armenian national decided to skip the final amid concerns over his safety due to political tensions between Azerbaijan and his native country.

"(Mkhitaryan's situation) is something that should not happen in football," Wenger added. "I feel it's not normal that in 2019 -- inside Europe with very sophisticated democracies -- that you cannot play for political reasons."

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to return to football soon but says he is at a crossroads and is not sure if he should take up another role as manager. Wenger left Arsenal at the end of the 2017-18 season after 22 years in charge of the London club where he won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups.

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger wants to return to football soon but says he is at a crossroads and is not sure if he should take up another role as manager. Wenger left Arsenal at the end of the 2017-18 season after 22 years in charge of the London club where he won three Premier League titles and a record seven FA Cups. The 69-year-old has kept himself busy as a television pundit and conference speaker since leaving the Gunners and said in October that he had received offers to return to football from all over the world. "You will see me again in football. As a manager... I don't know," Wenger told reporters on Thursday. "I thought I would come back into management very quickly but I enjoyed taking a little distance. Now I'm at a crossroads. "Football is still my passion. I'll come back soon, but I cannot tell you exactly in what capacity." The Frenchman also described the nearly 6,000-mile round trip fans would have to make from London to Baku for next week's Europa League final as a "nightmare". Arsenal face London rivals Chelsea in the Azerbaijan capital on Wednesday with victory guaranteeing Wenger's former club a spot in the Champions League, but European soccer governing body UEFA has been roundly criticised for its choice of venue. "It's a little bit of a nightmare (for supporters)," Wenger said. "The teams have no problem. They live in ideal conditions, they have their private jets." Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not travel with the team after the Armenian national decided to skip the final amid concerns over his safety due to political tensions between Azerbaijan and his native country. "(Mkhitaryan's situation) is something that should not happen in football," Wenger added. "I feel it's not normal that in 2019 -- inside Europe with very sophisticated democracies -- that you cannot play for political reasons."

You will see me again in football, may not be as manager, says Arsene Wenger

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-crush-watford-6-0-in-fa-cup-final-219717&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmtuPZ5rDiAhUc6nMBHTn-B4gQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2btHVha8mXSltZ0Dvh0ss-">Manchester City</a> forward Raheem Sterling, who is leading the fight against racism in soccer, said on Tuesday he hoped to talk to officials at England's Football Association and the Premier League about combating the menace.

Sterling told a conference in New York that the hectic nature of a footballer's schedule was the only thing that had kept him from meeting them already.

"In football, you can get caught up with training every day and games every two, three days so you don't really have a lot of time to be out and speaking to people," Sterling said during a moderated discussion at the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything conference.

"But for sure on my off time and holidays if I can get around and speak to the FA and the people in the Premier League and see how we can go about doing things better in the future for sure I'll be there in person to try and do that", Sterling added.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/football%3Fpage%3D4&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmtuPZ5rDiAhUc6nMBHTn-B4gQFjAJegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1C9E2bO0UlLhGoTKtIW6Dx">Sterling, named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association</a> last month, scored two goals on Saturday as City crushed Watford 6-0 to become the first team to win the English domestic treble of the league championship and both domestic cups on Saturday.

He reiterated his hope to see clubs slapped with automatic nine-point deductions if their supporters indulged in racist behaviour.

"If I go to a football game and I support Manchester United, for example, I don't want to be the person that lets my team down by saying silly remarks in a stadium," said Sterling.

"If you know your team is going to get deducted nine points from them winning the league you are not going to say these racist remarks even though you shouldn't have it in your head", he added.

Last season, Sterling accused sections of the British media of fuelling racism with negative portrayals of young black players.

Sterling also encountered racist abuse during England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro in March, while there have been many other cases in European soccer in recent months.

Despite that, Sterling felt there had been some encouraging signs with regard to fan behaviour.

"Ten years ago it was a lot, lot worse than it is now. It's starting to get better and people are understanding that they can't say certain things," he said.

"But I think it's partly English culture on a Saturday to go out early and get ready for the game and start drinking. So a lot of these people are kind of drunk by the time they get (to the stadium). But it's getting a lot better than it used to be", Sterling said.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, who is leading the fight against racism in soccer, said on Tuesday he hoped to talk to officials at England's Football Association and the Premier League about combating the menace.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling, who is leading the fight against racism in soccer, said on Tuesday he hoped to talk to officials at England's Football Association and the Premier League about combating the menace. Sterling told a conference in New York that the hectic nature of a footballer's schedule was the only thing that had kept him from meeting them already. "In football, you can get caught up with training every day and games every two, three days so you don't really have a lot of time to be out and speaking to people," Sterling said during a moderated discussion at the Wall Street Journal's Future of Everything conference. "But for sure on my off time and holidays if I can get around and speak to the FA and the people in the Premier League and see how we can go about doing things better in the future for sure I'll be there in person to try and do that", Sterling added. Sterling, named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers' Association last month, scored two goals on Saturday as City crushed Watford 6-0 to become the first team to win the English domestic treble of the league championship and both domestic cups on Saturday. He reiterated his hope to see clubs slapped with automatic nine-point deductions if their supporters indulged in racist behaviour. "If I go to a football game and I support Manchester United, for example, I don't want to be the person that lets my team down by saying silly remarks in a stadium," said Sterling. "If you know your team is going to get deducted nine points from them winning the league you are not going to say these racist remarks even though you shouldn't have it in your head", he added. Last season, Sterling accused sections of the British media of fuelling racism with negative portrayals of young black players. Sterling also encountered racist abuse during England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro in March, while there have been many other cases in European soccer in recent months. Despite that, Sterling felt there had been some encouraging signs with regard to fan behaviour. "Ten years ago it was a lot, lot worse than it is now. It's starting to get better and people are understanding that they can't say certain things," he said. "But I think it's partly English culture on a Saturday to go out early and get ready for the game and start drinking. So a lot of these people are kind of drunk by the time they get (to the stadium). But it's getting a lot better than it used to be", Sterling said.

Manchester City's Raheem Sterling wants to meet officials at FA and Premier League about racism

Chelsea's new forward Christian Pulisic believes he can reach the same level as Stamford Bridge talisman Eden Hazard and is hoping to team up with the Belgium playmaker next season.

The 20-year-old US international Pulisic joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in January for a reported fee of 58 million pounds ($73.40 million) but was immediately loaned back to the German club for the rest of the season.

With Hazard, 28, linked by British and Spanish media with a move to Real Madrid in the close season, Pulisic could be asked to fill the void and feels he is ready for the challenge.

Hazard has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, league Cup and Europa League crown in seven years at the club.

Asked if he could be as good as Hazard, Pulisic told Sky Sports: "Of course, I want to believe that I can be the best player I can possibly be.

"That's why I work so hard every day and why I thought it was necessary for me to take this next step in my career and to come here. I have so much more to learn as a player and am excited to see what the future holds.

"It's a great compliment (to be compared to Hazard), he's obviously much further along in his career than I am. He is an unbelievable player."

Pulisic, the most expensive American soccer player of all time, could be Chelsea's only new signing ahead of the 2019-20 campaign as they face a two-window transfer ban.

He has mostly played on the right wing for Dortmund this season but could be asked to move to the left flank or take up the number 10 role depending on Hazard's future at the club.

"I guess I have a similar style with an attacking and creative mindset like he does, he's very quick and shifty," Pulisic added.

"There's a lot to learn from him. It would be a great goal to do what he does. Everyone can see he is an unbelievable player and I would be honoured to play alongside him."

Chelsea's new forward Christian Pulisic believes he can reach the same level as Stamford Bridge talisman Eden Hazard and is hoping to team up with the Belgium playmaker next season.

Chelsea's new forward Christian Pulisic believes he can reach the same level as Stamford Bridge talisman Eden Hazard and is hoping to team up with the Belgium playmaker next season. The 20-year-old US international Pulisic joined Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund in January for a reported fee of 58 million pounds ($73.40 million) but was immediately loaned back to the German club for the rest of the season. With Hazard, 28, linked by British and Spanish media with a move to Real Madrid in the close season, Pulisic could be asked to fill the void and feels he is ready for the challenge. Hazard has won two Premier League titles, the FA Cup, league Cup and Europa League crown in seven years at the club. Asked if he could be as good as Hazard, Pulisic told Sky Sports: "Of course, I want to believe that I can be the best player I can possibly be. "That's why I work so hard every day and why I thought it was necessary for me to take this next step in my career and to come here. I have so much more to learn as a player and am excited to see what the future holds. "It's a great compliment (to be compared to Hazard), he's obviously much further along in his career than I am. He is an unbelievable player." Pulisic, the most expensive American soccer player of all time, could be Chelsea's only new signing ahead of the 2019-20 campaign as they face a two-window transfer ban. He has mostly played on the right wing for Dortmund this season but could be asked to move to the left flank or take up the number 10 role depending on Hazard's future at the club. "I guess I have a similar style with an attacking and creative mindset like he does, he's very quick and shifty," Pulisic added. "There's a lot to learn from him. It would be a great goal to do what he does. Everyone can see he is an unbelievable player and I would be honoured to play alongside him."

Chelsea's new forward Pulisic wants to emulate Hazard's success at club

Olivier Giroud has signed a new one-year contract with Chelsea to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of next season, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old French striker has scored 17 goals in 62 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Arsenal in January, 2018.

"I am very happy to sign a new contract," Giroud told the club's website.

"I really wanted to stay at least one more year - I have felt a part of the team, the family, since the beginning and hopefully there will be more trophies to come."

France international Giroud is the Europa League's joint top scorer this season with 10 goals. He is the first Chelsea player to hit double figures for goals in a single season of European football.

Chelsea face Giroud's former club Arsenal in an all-English final on May 29.

Olivier Giroud has signed a new one-year contract with Chelsea to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of next season, the Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Olivier Giroud has signed a new one-year contract with Chelsea to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge until the end of next season, the Premier League club said on Tuesday. The 32-year-old French striker has scored 17 goals in 62 appearances for Chelsea since joining from Arsenal in January, 2018. "I am very happy to sign a new contract," Giroud told the club's website. "I really wanted to stay at least one more year - I have felt a part of the team, the family, since the beginning and hopefully there will be more trophies to come." France international Giroud is the Europa League's joint top scorer this season with 10 goals. He is the first Chelsea player to hit double figures for goals in a single season of European football. Chelsea face Giroud's former club Arsenal in an all-English final on May 29.

Chelsea's Olivier Giroud signs one-year contract extension

Vincent Kompany said he knew he "was done" at Manchester City as soon as he fired in the spectacular winner against Leicester City in their penultimate Premier League game of the season on May 6.

The Belgian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vincent-kompany-announces-to-leave-manchester-city-219825">called time on his 11-year stay at City</a> on Sunday to become player-manager at Anderlecht - the club where he started his career almost two decades ago.

"The moment that ball against Leicester went 'top bins', I knew I was done. I couldn't do anything better," the City captain said during a parade to celebrate the club's domestic treble.

City beat Watford 6-0 in Saturday's FA Cup final to become the first club to complete an English domestic treble.

The FA Cup triumph also ended up being 33-year-old Kompany's final game for City, with whom he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups.

"I've given everything I could for this club. I can't tell you how proud of that I am. I have nothing left. I have given everything," he added, sporting a t-shirt referencing striker Sergio Aguero's 'don't shoot' reaction to the Leicester goal.

Manager Pep Guardiola added,&nbsp;"We're going to miss him a lot. I'm going to miss him but he is going to see us in the future because he is coming back sooner or later.

"It's the best way to say goodbye after an incredible season together. He was a real captain, he helped us a lot. We're going to show him how we love him."

Vincent Kompany said he knew he "was done" at Manchester City as soon as he fired in the spectacular winner against Leicester City in their penultimate Premier League game of the season on May 6.

Vincent Kompany said he knew he "was done" at Manchester City as soon as he fired in the spectacular winner against Leicester City in their penultimate Premier League game of the season on May 6. The Belgian called time on his 11-year stay at City on Sunday to become player-manager at Anderlecht - the club where he started his career almost two decades ago. "The moment that ball against Leicester went 'top bins', I knew I was done. I couldn't do anything better," the City captain said during a parade to celebrate the club's domestic treble. City beat Watford 6-0 in Saturday's FA Cup final to become the first club to complete an English domestic treble. The FA Cup triumph also ended up being 33-year-old Kompany's final game for City, with whom he won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups. "I've given everything I could for this club. I can't tell you how proud of that I am. I have nothing left. I have given everything," he added, sporting a t-shirt referencing striker Sergio Aguero's 'don't shoot' reaction to the Leicester goal. Manager Pep Guardiola added, "We're going to miss him a lot. I'm going to miss him but he is going to see us in the future because he is coming back sooner or later. "It's the best way to say goodbye after an incredible season together. He was a real captain, he helped us a lot. We're going to show him how we love him."

Vincent Kompany knew his Manchester City time was up after Leicester goal

Club captain Vincent Kompany announced Sunday that he is to leave Manchester City after 11 trophy-laden years.

The 33-year-old Belgian defender joined the club in the summer of 2008 and has made 360 appearances, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields.

He <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-crush-watford-6-0-in-fa-cup-final-219717">signed off with victory in the FA Cup final</a> on Saturday, where City thrashed Watford 6-0 to complete a domestic treble.

"As overwhelming as it is, the time has come for me to go. And what a season to bow out," said Kompany, who joined City from Hamburg.

"I feel nothing but gratefulness. I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club."

Kompany added: "I will never forget how all Man City supporters remained loyal to me in good times and especially bad times. Against the odds you have always backed me and inspired me to never give up.

"(Club owner) Sheikh Mansour changed my life and that of all the City fans around the world, for that I am forever grateful. A blue nation has arisen and challenged the established order of things, I find that awesome."

Kompany also paid tribute to his team-mates and manager Pep Guardiola.

"It's cliche to say it but it's also so true: without my team-mates, I would have never been here today," he said.

"We fought many battles together. Side by side. In good times and in bad. So to all of you, from the 2008-2009 squad to today's domestic treble winners: I owe you guys!

"A special word also to Pep and the backroom staff: you've been superb. You've followed me through so much hardship. You made me come back stronger every time. Thank you so much."

Club captain Vincent Kompany announced Sunday that he is to leave Manchester City after 11 trophy-laden years. The 33-year-old Belgian defender joined the club in the summer of 2008 and has made 360 appearances, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields.

Club captain Vincent Kompany announced Sunday that he is to leave Manchester City after 11 trophy-laden years. The 33-year-old Belgian defender joined the club in the summer of 2008 and has made 360 appearances, winning four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups and two Community Shields. He signed off with victory in the FA Cup final on Saturday, where City thrashed Watford 6-0 to complete a domestic treble. "As overwhelming as it is, the time has come for me to go. And what a season to bow out," said Kompany, who joined City from Hamburg. "I feel nothing but gratefulness. I am grateful to all those who supported me on a special journey, at a very special club." Kompany added: "I will never forget how all Man City supporters remained loyal to me in good times and especially bad times. Against the odds you have always backed me and inspired me to never give up. "(Club owner) Sheikh Mansour changed my life and that of all the City fans around the world, for that I am forever grateful. A blue nation has arisen and challenged the established order of things, I find that awesome." Kompany also paid tribute to his team-mates and manager Pep Guardiola. "It's cliche to say it but it's also so true: without my team-mates, I would have never been here today," he said. "We fought many battles together. Side by side. In good times and in bad. So to all of you, from the 2008-2009 squad to today's domestic treble winners: I owe you guys! "A special word also to Pep and the backroom staff: you've been superb. You've followed me through so much hardship. You made me come back stronger every time. Thank you so much."

Vincent Kompany to leave Manchester City after 11 trophy-laden years

'An incredible year': Guardiola hails Manchester City's history boys

Manchester City star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Kevin+De+Bruyne">Kevin De Bruyne</a> understands Liverpool players being disappointed at falling just short of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/five-key-players-that-led-manchester-city-to-english-premier-league-glory-218210">winning the Premier League title</a> but he does not have any sympathy for them.

The 27-year-old Belgian midfielder says simply his side were better than Liverpool.

City, who face Watford in the FA Cup final on Saturday chasing a historic domestic treble, retained their title by a point from Liverpool.

De Bruyne says no one would have felt sorry for City when they lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League quarter-final.

"No," he said this week when asked did he have sympathy for Liverpool.

"It's a remarkable effort but it means that we were just better than them in the end.

"I don't feel sorry for them because I don't think they'd feel sorry for us.

"I don't think anybody felt sorry about the way we went out of the Champions League."

He played a less influential role than in City's 2017/18 title triumph, starting just 11 league matches with bit parts in eight others due to two serious knee injuries and then a hamstring problem.

De Bruyne, who had a superb 2018 being named City's player of the 2017/18 season and then sparkled for Belgium as they finished a best ever third in the World Cup, says Liverpool feeling sore is understandable.

"I know how they feel because you’re going to feel disappointed," said De Bruyne, who is fit for selection for the Cup final.

"We'd feel the same if it happened to us. But we're still competitors. We want to win as much as they do but I can understand the feelings they have."

De Bruyne, whose high point in what he admits has "not been the most fun season" has come off the pitch with his second son being born, is a great believer in football being played through emotions.

However, he says the introduction of VAR -- it was that which cost City victory over Spurs in the Champions League as Raheem Sterling's late goal was ruled out for offside -- is removing that ingredient from the game.

"For me football is still a game of emotions," he said.

"I don't like how people try to take emotions out of the game, because what it's about is having fun, enjoying.

"If you win you're happy, if you lose you are sad. And that's what it's all about.

"That's why I also don't like the new things like VAR because it takes, for me, all the passion out and it becomes more –- you need be more like a robot these days."&nbsp;

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne understands Liverpool players being disappointed at falling just short of winning the Premier League title but he does not have any sympathy for them.

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne understands Liverpool players being disappointed at falling just short of winning the Premier League title but he does not have any sympathy for them. The 27-year-old Belgian midfielder says simply his side were better than Liverpool. City, who face Watford in the FA Cup final on Saturday chasing a historic domestic treble, retained their title by a point from Liverpool. De Bruyne says no one would have felt sorry for City when they lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League quarter-final. "No," he said this week when asked did he have sympathy for Liverpool. "It's a remarkable effort but it means that we were just better than them in the end. "I don't feel sorry for them because I don't think they'd feel sorry for us. "I don't think anybody felt sorry about the way we went out of the Champions League." He played a less influential role than in City's 2017/18 title triumph, starting just 11 league matches with bit parts in eight others due to two serious knee injuries and then a hamstring problem. De Bruyne, who had a superb 2018 being named City's player of the 2017/18 season and then sparkled for Belgium as they finished a best ever third in the World Cup, says Liverpool feeling sore is understandable. "I know how they feel because you’re going to feel disappointed," said De Bruyne, who is fit for selection for the Cup final. "We'd feel the same if it happened to us. But we're still competitors. We want to win as much as they do but I can understand the feelings they have." De Bruyne, whose high point in what he admits has "not been the most fun season" has come off the pitch with his second son being born, is a great believer in football being played through emotions. However, he says the introduction of VAR -- it was that which cost City victory over Spurs in the Champions League as Raheem Sterling's late goal was ruled out for offside -- is removing that ingredient from the game. "For me football is still a game of emotions," he said. "I don't like how people try to take emotions out of the game, because what it's about is having fun, enjoying. "If you win you're happy, if you lose you are sad. And that's what it's all about. "That's why I also don't like the new things like VAR because it takes, for me, all the passion out and it becomes more –- you need be more like a robot these days."

'Don't feel sorry,' says Kevin De Bruyne on Liverpool's narrow title miss

Manchester City boss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Pep+Guardiola">Pep Guardiola</a> talked about the exit rumours of winger Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich.&nbsp;

While addressing the media, Guardiola said, "We are one year, one and a half years, eight months, then trying to extend his contract."

He added, "Why we want to extend the contract is because we want him, we are not going to extend the contract because we don't want him."&nbsp;

Leroy Sane, who has just two years to run on his current contract, played a crucial part in the club's back-to-back Premier League titles.&nbsp;

The 23-year-old has scored 39 goals in 131 games for City.&nbsp;

Guardiola also said that he understood why some players would want to leave the club, as the competition has become intense inside the team.

"It's not easy. If you want to play in four competitions, quadruple, you need Leroy, Sterling, we need Riyad (Mahrez), we need Bernardo (Silva), we need Kevin (De Bruyne), Fernandinho. We cannot compete in the quadruple with just two wingers," added the coach.&nbsp;

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Last training session at CFA. Focused on the <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesFACup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EmiratesFACup</a> final against <a href="https://twitter.com/WatfordFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WatfordFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FACup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FACup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mancity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mancity</a> <a href="https://t.co/LW2PJS0M9D">pic.twitter.com/LW2PJS0M9D</a>
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Guardiola said that he couldn't offer a guaranteed spot to any player. "They have to fight each other, play the best as possible to convince me to put them in the line-up," said Guardiola.&nbsp;

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola talked about the exit rumours of winger Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich. While addressing the media, Guardiola said, "We are one year, one and a half years, eight months, then trying to extend his contract.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola talked about the exit rumours of winger Leroy Sane, who has been linked with a summer move to Bayern Munich. While addressing the media, Guardiola said, "We are one year, one and a half years, eight months, then trying to extend his contract." He added, "Why we want to extend the contract is because we want him, we are not going to extend the contract because we don't want him." Leroy Sane, who has just two years to run on his current contract, played a crucial part in the club's back-to-back Premier League titles. The 23-year-old has scored 39 goals in 131 games for City. Guardiola also said that he understood why some players would want to leave the club, as the competition has become intense inside the team. "It's not easy. If you want to play in four competitions, quadruple, you need Leroy, Sterling, we need Riyad (Mahrez), we need Bernardo (Silva), we need Kevin (De Bruyne), Fernandinho. We cannot compete in the quadruple with just two wingers," added the coach. Last training session at CFA. Focused on the @EmiratesFACup final against @WatfordFC #FACup #mancity pic.twitter.com/LW2PJS0M9D — PepTeam (@PepTeam) May 17, 2019 × Guardiola said that he couldn't offer a guaranteed spot to any player. "They have to fight each other, play the best as possible to convince me to put them in the line-up," said Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola talks about Leroy Sane's exit rumours

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Ole+Gunnar+Solskjaer">Ole Gunnar Solskjaer</a> is the right manager to rebuild Manchester United but needs time to get the team back in a position where they can compete for titles, departing midfielder Ander Herrera has said.

Solskjaer, who took interim charge of the club in December, won 10 of his first 11 games in charge and was handed the job on a permanent basis in March only for results to nosedive in the months that followed.

United were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals and finished sixth in the Premier League after a dismal run of two wins in their last 12 games, leading to questions about whether the Norwegian is the right man for the job.

"I really believe in Ole," Herrera, who is tipped to join French champions Paris St Germain, told United's official website.

"He's the right person. I really believe in (the coaching staff)... but I think there's a tough job ahead. The club will need time, confidence and support."

Herrera, who announced the end of his five-year stint at United last week, highlighted how long it had taken United's rivals Liverpool to get to a position where they could challenge for silverware again.

Liverpool, who finished second in the league, a point behind champions Manchester City this season, have reached the Champions League final for the second year in a row and will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Madrid showpiece on June 1.

"Liverpool are probably going to win the Champions League but... they haven't won one title in the five years I've been here," Herrera added.

"They have done incredible work but the fans have given them time. That's what this club needs at the moment."

The Spaniard also said United's players needed to take responsibility for the club's struggles and refused to blame Solskjaer or his predecessor Jose Mourinho for their abysmal season.

"I think every one of us has to take responsibility for what we have done wrong," Herrera said. "It's very easy when a manager is sacked to blame someone else but it's the fault of every one of us.

"When you've a bad season, 75% is the responsibility of the players. We've done bad things. We have done some good things but, for Manchester United, it's not enough."

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right manager to rebuild Manchester United but needs time to get the team back in a position where they can compete for titles, departing midfielder Ander Herrera has said.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right manager to rebuild Manchester United but needs time to get the team back in a position where they can compete for titles, departing midfielder Ander Herrera has said. Solskjaer, who took interim charge of the club in December, won 10 of his first 11 games in charge and was handed the job on a permanent basis in March only for results to nosedive in the months that followed. United were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals and finished sixth in the Premier League after a dismal run of two wins in their last 12 games, leading to questions about whether the Norwegian is the right man for the job. "I really believe in Ole," Herrera, who is tipped to join French champions Paris St Germain, told United's official website. "He's the right person. I really believe in (the coaching staff)... but I think there's a tough job ahead. The club will need time, confidence and support." Herrera, who announced the end of his five-year stint at United last week, highlighted how long it had taken United's rivals Liverpool to get to a position where they could challenge for silverware again. Liverpool, who finished second in the league, a point behind champions Manchester City this season, have reached the Champions League final for the second year in a row and will take on Tottenham Hotspur in the Madrid showpiece on June 1. "Liverpool are probably going to win the Champions League but... they haven't won one title in the five years I've been here," Herrera added. "They have done incredible work but the fans have given them time. That's what this club needs at the moment." The Spaniard also said United's players needed to take responsibility for the club's struggles and refused to blame Solskjaer or his predecessor Jose Mourinho for their abysmal season. "I think every one of us has to take responsibility for what we have done wrong," Herrera said. "It's very easy when a manager is sacked to blame someone else but it's the fault of every one of us. "When you've a bad season, 75% is the responsibility of the players. We've done bad things. We have done some good things but, for Manchester United, it's not enough."

'I believe in Ole' but needs time at Manchester United, says Ander Herrera

Premier League champions Manchester City said Tuesday they were concerned &nbsp;"individuals intent on damaging" the club may be behind a news report that European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-panel-to-recommend-man-city-champions-league-ban-report-218690">they be barred from the Champions League</a>.

European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules.

The New York Times said Monday that members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions.

"The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," said the Times.

However, City said they were fully co-operating with "the CFCB IC's (club financial control body investigatory chamber) ongoing investigation".

"In doing so the club is reliant on both the CFCB IC's independence and commitment to due process; and on UEFA's commitment of March 7 that it 'will make no further comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing'," read their statement.

"The New York Times report citing 'people familiar with the case' is therefore extremely concerning.

"The implications are that either Manchester City's good faith in the CFCB IC is misplaced or the CFCB IC process is being misrepresented by individuals intent on damaging the club's reputation and its commercial interests. Or both."

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It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction.

Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

City were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules.

But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation. 
&nbsp;

Premier League champions Manchester City said Tuesday they were concerned "individuals intent on damaging" the club may be behind a news report that European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend they be barred from the Champions League.

Premier League champions Manchester City said Tuesday they were concerned "individuals intent on damaging" the club may be behind a news report that European football's financial regulators are poised to recommend they be barred from the Champions League. European football's governing body UEFA and the Premier League launched an investigation this year after allegations made in German magazine Der Spiegel that the club broke Financial Fair Play rules. The New York Times said Monday that members of the investigatory chamber of UEFA's financial control board, set up to analyze the accounts of clubs suspected of breaking cost-control regulations, met two weeks ago in Switzerland to finalize their conclusions. "The investigatory panel’s leader, the former prime minister of Belgium Yves Leterme, will have the final say on the submission to a separate adjudicatory chamber, which could be filed as soon as this week. The body is expected to seek at least a one-season ban," said the Times. However, City said they were fully co-operating with "the CFCB IC's (club financial control body investigatory chamber) ongoing investigation". "In doing so the club is reliant on both the CFCB IC's independence and commitment to due process; and on UEFA's commitment of March 7 that it 'will make no further comment on the matter while the investigation is ongoing'," read their statement. "The New York Times report citing 'people familiar with the case' is therefore extremely concerning. "The implications are that either Manchester City's good faith in the CFCB IC is misplaced or the CFCB IC process is being misrepresented by individuals intent on damaging the club's reputation and its commercial interests. Or both." CLUB STATEMENThttps://t.co/c2S8qXQmxv — Manchester City (@ManCity) May 14, 2019 × It was unclear if such a ban, if levied, would be enforced next season or in the 2020-21 campaign, the Times said, noting that with qualifying for Europe's most prestigious and lucrative club championship set to start in June there is little time to finalize a sanction. Manchester City would also have the right to appeal such a ban to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. City were fined 60 million euros ($67.3 million) and subjected to squad, wage and spending caps in a 2014 settlement agreed with UEFA following a previous breach of the rules. But the club says the claims made in Der Spiegel were an "organized and clear" attempt to damage its reputation.

'Fully cooperating in investigation': Manchester City release statement on Champions League ban threat

Manchester City received a heroes welcome back at their Etihad stadium late on Sunday after wrapping up the first back to back Premier League title in a decade. City had been pushed down to the wire by Liverpool as the reigning champions defended their title by a single point, 98 points to Liverpool's 97.

Manchester City celebrate Premier League triumph with fans outside Etihad stadium

United States President Joe Biden has said that he will run in 2024 re-election if he is in good health.

During an interview on ABC's World News Tonight, when host David Muir asked him whether he still intends to run for re-election, Biden said ''Yes.''

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/maybe-one-of-the-few-things-he-and-i-agree-on-biden-appreciates-trump-on-getting-booster-shot-439063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

''I'm a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many, many times. If I'm in the health I'm in now, if I'm in good health, then, in fact, I would run again," Biden said.

"Why would I not run against Donald Trump if were the nominee? That would increase the prospect of running," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/supreme-court-to-hold-special-hearing-on-biden-vaccine-mandates-439301">Also read |&nbsp;Supreme Court to hold special hearing on Biden vaccine mandates</a>

It comes after US Vice President Kamala Harris said she has not discussed about running again in 2024 with Biden.

Muir also questioned Biden about the massive surge in Omicron variant of coronavirus and asked him "How do we get it wrong?".

Biden said "Nobody saw it coming. I don't think anybody anticipated that this was going to be as rapidly spreading as it did.''

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaffe-prone-us-president-joe-biden-now-confuses-six-day-war-with-yom-kippur-battle-433691">Also read |&nbsp;Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle</a>

The 79-year-old underwent an extensive, routine check-up last month during which his powers were briefly transferred to Harris.

According to a detailed report by the White House, Biden had "perceptibly stiffer and less fluid" motion while walking than a year ago, and suffered "increasing frequency and severity of 'throat clearing' and coughing during public speaking engagements."

However, these two symptoms were not considered of immediate concern and did not appear to result from serious conditions as per his physician Kevin O'Connor.

Biden was vaccinated early on against Covid-19 and received a booster shot in September.

He pledged before his election a year ago to be "totally transparent" with voters about all aspects of his health.

Biden is the oldest person to hold the presidency in US history. He does not smoke or drink, and prior to his election worked out at least five days per week, according to a letter released by his election campaign in December 2019. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden has said that he will run in 2024 re-election if he is in good health. During an interview on ABC's World News Tonight, when host David Muir asked him whether he still intends to run for re-election, Biden said ''Yes.

United States President Joe Biden has said that he will run in 2024 re-election if he is in good health. During an interview on ABC's World News Tonight, when host David Muir asked him whether he still intends to run for re-election, Biden said ''Yes.'' ''I'm a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many, many times. If I'm in the health I'm in now, if I'm in good health, then, in fact, I would run again," Biden said. "Why would I not run against Donald Trump if were the nominee? That would increase the prospect of running," he added. Also read | Supreme Court to hold special hearing on Biden vaccine mandates It comes after US Vice President Kamala Harris said she has not discussed about running again in 2024 with Biden. Muir also questioned Biden about the massive surge in Omicron variant of coronavirus and asked him "How do we get it wrong?". Biden said "Nobody saw it coming. I don't think anybody anticipated that this was going to be as rapidly spreading as it did.'' Also read | Gaffe-prone US President Joe Biden now confuses Six-Day War with Yom Kippur battle The 79-year-old underwent an extensive, routine check-up last month during which his powers were briefly transferred to Harris. According to a detailed report by the White House, Biden had "perceptibly stiffer and less fluid" motion while walking than a year ago, and suffered "increasing frequency and severity of 'throat clearing' and coughing during public speaking engagements." However, these two symptoms were not considered of immediate concern and did not appear to result from serious conditions as per his physician Kevin O'Connor. Biden was vaccinated early on against Covid-19 and received a booster shot in September. He pledged before his election a year ago to be "totally transparent" with voters about all aspects of his health. Biden is the oldest person to hold the presidency in US history. He does not smoke or drink, and prior to his election worked out at least five days per week, according to a letter released by his election campaign in December 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

'Winning is so addictive,' says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola

Gonzalo Higuain missed two first-half chances as Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw by Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Sunday, but the point was enough to secure third place in the Premier League for Maurizio Sarri's side.

Chelsea, who play Arsenal in the Europa League final later this month, finished the campaign with 72 points, one point clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fourth.

Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, who has been the subject of much speculation that he could move away from Stamford Bridge, was dropped to the bench, while there was no place in the match-day squad for N'Golo Kante as he succumbed to a hamstring injury.

The two best chances of the opening half fell to Higuain, who put his first effort wide of the right post and then missed on the left when well-placed on both occasions.

Hazard was introduced with 20 minutes remaining and had an appeal for a penalty after tumbling in the box, but referee Anthony Taylor waved play on as neither side were able to find a winner.

Gonzalo Higuain missed two first-half chances as Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw by Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Sunday, but the point was enough to secure third place in the Premier League for Maurizio Sarri's side.

Gonzalo Higuain missed two first-half chances as Chelsea were held to a 0-0 draw by Leicester City at King Power Stadium on Sunday, but the point was enough to secure third place in the Premier League for Maurizio Sarri's side. Chelsea, who play Arsenal in the Europa League final later this month, finished the campaign with 72 points, one point clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fourth. Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard, who has been the subject of much speculation that he could move away from Stamford Bridge, was dropped to the bench, while there was no place in the match-day squad for N'Golo Kante as he succumbed to a hamstring injury. The two best chances of the opening half fell to Higuain, who put his first effort wide of the right post and then missed on the left when well-placed on both occasions. Hazard was introduced with 20 minutes remaining and had an appeal for a penalty after tumbling in the box, but referee Anthony Taylor waved play on as neither side were able to find a winner.

Chelsea held by Leicester but point enough for third place

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