Category: Sports

 

The aftermath of Barcelona’s meeting with Villarreal this evening has since given rise to insight into the futures of a pair of the club’s stars.

The Blaugrana of course brought their campaign to a close a short time ago.

Having long wrapped up 2nd place in the La Liga table, Xavi Hernandez’s troops welcomed Villarreal to Catalunya, hopeful of seeing out what has proven an altogether tumultuous season on a high.

When all was said and done, however, such efforts proved fruitless, as Barca were put to the sword by two goals to nil.

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Moi Gómez doubles Villarreal’s lead thanks to an assist from…Adama Traore! 😬

What was the Barcelona man thinking 🤷 pic.twitter.com/vluiwYQ4vK

— Premier Sports (@PremierSportsTV) May 22, 2022

As alluded to above, however, the evening’s true talking points from the hosts’ perspective were not forthcoming until after the full-time whistle had sounded.

First up came the farewell of hitman Luuk de Jong, who, after establishing himself as something of a cult hero amongst the Blaugrana faithful, appeared to confirm that his loan will not be extended beyond the summer in waving off those inside the Camp Nou:

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Luuk’s goodbye pic.twitter.com/DPmWnf9p9Q

— Samuel Marsden (@samuelmarsden) May 22, 2022

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Never fall in love with a loan player. pic.twitter.com/62Y81LkWLc

— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) May 22, 2022

‘My wish’

De Jong, though, was not the only member of Xavi’s ranks to provide a glimpse into his future on the back of the action coming to a close in the Catalan capital this evening.

The other came in the form of Dani Alves.

Speaking to the media post-match, Barcelona’s veteran right-back was inevitably drawn on his plans moving forward, ahead of the expiration of his short-term contract next month.

And Alves went on to reveal that his ‘wish’ is to remain at the Camp Nou beyond the summer, albeit with the final decision, ultimately, out of his hands:

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Dani Alves on his future: “My wish is to stay at Barcelona, you know that – but it’s not up to me. So I will keep fighting to continue at Barça”, tells Movistar. 🔴🇧🇷 #FCB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2022

 

Xavi confirms incoming sales with quartet of players ‘not in Barcelona’s plans’

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Footage of a goal netted by Italian international Mario Balotelli on Sunday evening has gone altogether viral across social media.

For those not aware, hitman Balotelli, on the back of spells with the likes of AC Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool, is currently plying his trade in Turkey, with Adana Demirspor.

Adana were back in action earlier today, closing out the club’s Super Lig campaign in a meeting with relegation-bound Goztepe.

And the hosts, despite having little left to play for, showcased absolutely no mercy in bringing the club’s season to the most spectacular of ends, by means of an eventual 7-0 triumph.

The aforementioned Balotelli, meanwhile, stole the show as only he can, en route to a head-turning five-goal haul, all within the space of a 40-minute spell either side of half-time.

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Maç Sonucu

Adana Demirspor [ 7 – 0 ] Göztepe

⚡️ #MaviŞimşekler | #ADSvGÖZ pic.twitter.com/Hp3ozssQdu

— Adana Demirspor (@AdsKulubu) May 22, 2022

As alluded to above, though, it is one of his quintet of strikes in particular which has, post-match, seen Balotelli’s name take its place front and centre in the headlines across Europe.

This comes owing to the frankly stunning ability showcased by the Italian enigma, en route to finding the net.

Approaching an opposing Goztepe defender, ‘Balo’ made use of no fewer than seven step-overs, before darting to his left, in scenes reminiscent of the great Ronaldo Nazario.

After making a yard of space for himself, rather than, as so many others would have, lash an effort at goal courtesy of his left foot, the 31-year-old then put the finishing touches on what is already being labelled as a contender for the famed Puskas award.

This came as Balotelli swung his right foot around the back of his left, to direct a sumptuous ‘Rabona’ effort into the far corner.

Check out the moment of magic in all its glory below:

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🎩 Mario Balotelli’nin 5. golü! #Seviyoruzİşte

💬 “Bu gole bir yorum rica edeyim…” #beINSüperLig pic.twitter.com/pvBAxfEQi9

— beIN SPORTS Türkiye (@beINSPORTS_TR) May 22, 2022

 

Liverpool’s woes mount as chief summer transfer target commits to Real Madrid

Kaka & Pato lead celebrations as brilliant AC Milan dethrone Inter as Serie A champions on final day

 

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An insight into Erik ten Hag’s summer transfer plans for Manchester United has been provided.

Erik ten Hag is due to take over at Manchester United next week. Ten Hag is staying in London after arriving by private jet on Wednesday following the close of Ajax’s season, and he watched United’s final game of the season at Crystal Palace on Sunday from the stands.

The Dutchman is set to meet with the players for the first time when he officially takes over on Monday.

During the first few months of his reign, Ten Hag will have the unenviable task of sorting out Manchester United’s disjointed, ego-filled squad.

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Now, as mentioned above, an insight into the areas Ten Hag is aiming to strengthen in has been provided this weekend.

The Telegraph report that Ten Hag is keen for United to do their transfer business as quickly as possible to allow time for new recruits to bed in.

They add that the recruitment of forwards and midfielders is being prioritised, but Ten Hag also wants a quality centre-back and a right-back, with the club open to offers for Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Given Manchester United will have only Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Martial as centre-forward options next term – that is if Martial stays, which seems unlikely – it is imperative the Red Devils sign another striker this summer.

A proper no.6 has also been desperately needed for at least the last two campaigns. Should one not arrive this summer, it would, no matter who comes through the doors at Old Trafford, be viewed as another summer of failure by man fans.

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