Luuk de Jong bids Camp Nou farewell as Alves speaks out over Barca future

Watch Luuk de Jong bid the Camp Nou farewell as Dani Alves speaks out over Barcelona future

 

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.

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:

‘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:

 

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

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

 




Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Jimmy Butler intends to play in Game 4

Photo: David Santiago/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes reported the Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler (knee) intends to play in Game 4 of the ECF against the Boston Celtics. Miami leads the best-of-7 series, 2-1. Game 4 is set for Monday night in Boston.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Aaron Rodgers reportedly skipped his brother’s wedding

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly did not attend the wedding of his younger brother, Jordan, according to US Magazine.

Aaron Rodgers is heading into another offseason as the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. He has been spotted at various events this offseason, specifically at Milwaukee Bucks playoff games. But there was one event he did not attend.

According to US Magazine, Rodgers was absent from his younger brother Jordan’s wedding, who got married to “The Bachelorette” star JoJo Fletcher on Saturday, May 14. The insider US Magazine notes that there “is still a family rift” and that the two haven’t “reconciled.”

“It’s a sad situation for the family and especially for Jordan who really does love his brother,” the source told US Magazine. “Aaron missed out on his big day and that’s something Jordan’s never going to forget. Jordan invited his entire family, including Aaron, even knowing he most likely wouldn’t attend since they’ve been distant for a long time now.”

Aaron Rodgers reportedly skips younger brother Jordan’s wedding

It has been public knowledge that the Packers quarterback has been estranged from his family for quite some time. Yet, Rodgers’ father, Ed, did publicly support Aaron recently regarding his stance of refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

This offseason, Rodgers and the Packers agreed to terms on a three-year, $150.8 million contract extension. He is once again preparing to make his first trip back to the Super Bowl since Green Bay won it all back in the 2010 season.

Prior to the start of the upcoming campaign, Rodgers is teaming up with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady in a golf competition against Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills on June 1.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

3 June 1 cut candidates on the roster bubble

LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JULY 29: Jeremiah Attaochu #50 of the Chicago Bears runs through a drill during training camp at Halas Hall on July 29, 2021 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles cut a load of big contracts since arriving. Here are three more candidates he could cut to free up cap space post June 1.

After a bad 2021 season, the Chicago Bears decided to clean house and get rid of general manger Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy. At the conclusion of their search, the Bears hired Ryan Poles to be their new general manager. Poles was a highly sought after candidate this offseason, as he was a finalist for the New York Giants opening as well.

Poles has not wasted any time thus far into the offseason in freeing up money and freeing up cap space. Thus far, he has cut the likes of Eddie Goldman, Akiem Hicks, Nick Foles and Tarik Cohen.

Even though most of the huge contracts are gone, there are still opportunities for Poles to free up more money after June 1. Here are three cut candidates.

Bears cut candidates: Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB

Last year, the Bears signed Jeremiah Attaochu to a two-year, $5.5 million contract by former general manager Ryan Pace. The linebacker only played in five games for Chicago last season due to suffering a torn pectoral muscle. In that span, Attaochu recorded two combined tackles and one quarterback hit.

With a new regime, that usually means they want their own personnel there. They already used a fifth round pick this year on Miami of Ohio defensive end Dominique Robinson.

By releasing Attaochu from his deal after June 1, they would free up $2.45 million in cap space, per Spotrac.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Balotelli bags Puskas contender with outrageous Rabona in 5-goal display


 

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.

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:

 

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

 




Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Gilbert Arenas on Shaquille O’Neal offering to coach the Lakers

Photo: essentiallysports.com

In this VladTV clip, former NBA star guard Gilbert Arenas reacted to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal suggesting that he’d be willing to coach the Los Angeles Lakers if given $25 million per year for four years.

The ex-Washington Wizards player explained why Shaquille O’Neal wouldn’t make a great coach and most other great players for that matter.

According to Gilbert, great players are unable to see the game beyond their supreme talent and physical gifts making it difficult to be effective head coaches:

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Jadeveon Clowney contract: Browns bolster defensive line

The Cleveland Browns will have defensive end Jadeveon Clowney back for another NFL season.

After bouncing around the NFL the last few years, Jadeveon Clowney plans to stay with the Cleveland Browns, at least for one more season.

CBS Sports HQ’s Josina Anderson reported on Sunday afternoon Clowney is re-upping with the Browns on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million. Clowney had arguably his best season since leaving the Houston Texans last year. He registered 37 combined tackles and nine sacks in 14 games for the AFC North franchise. Clowney thrived playing opposite of Myles Garrett in 2021.

Though he may not get back to a Pro Bowl level again, the former No. 1 overall pick out of South Carolina looks to be right at home along the Banks of Lake Erie.

Cleveland Browns re-up with Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year deal

It is pretty clear how the Browns want to win games this year. While it remains to be seen how many games Deshaun Watson will play coming over the Texans in a franchise-altering trade, Cleveland is dead-set on winning with a ball-control offense and great defensive stalwarts. This will go along way towards competing in the AFC North if Jacoby Brissett is their Week 1 starter.

Even with inconsistent quarterback play from a season ago, Cleveland certainly had its moments in 2021. Of course, they finished with the worst record in the division and missed the playoffs, but that is not the point here. What is important is the Browns are setting themselves up to win in multiple ways, now and in the future. Shoring up the defense will go a long way in that endeavor.

Clowney has never been a pass-rushing phenom, but he approached a career-high in sacks in his first season with the Browns. Playing opposite of Garrett certainly has its benefits, but there are reasons why Clowney went No. 1 out of South Carolina eight years ago. He is great against the run and is an excellent No. 2 option in the trenches for a contending team. Cleveland did good here.

If Watson does not miss most of the season, the Browns have a decent shot at winning 11 games.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

The four areas Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen at Manchester United


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.

Advertisement

Open Account Offer. Bet £10 & Get £50 in Free Bets for new customers at bet365. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org. UK & ROI residents only

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.

FC Barcelona vs Villarreal CF live streaming: Watch La Liga online

Real Sociedad vs Atlético Madrid betting tips: La Liga preview, predictions and odds


Manchester United betting odds, next game:

Manchester United latest news

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Update on Andrew Wiggins’ availability for Game 3 vs. Mavericks

Photo: NBA.com

Andrew Wiggins was listed as questionable for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals against the Mavericks due to ankle soreness.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed hope that the 27-year-old small forward will be ready to go despite being listed as questionable.

Marc Stein reports that Wiggins will play tonight as Golden State attempts to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the series against Dallas.

Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Juwan Howard reportedly turned down Lakers offer

Photo: Rick Osentoski, USA TODAY Sports

One of the main candidates to take the Lakers head coaching position – Juwan Howard – recently declined the offer from the team to take the job, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

The former NBA player, who has connections with the team having played with Rob Pelinka at Michigan and with LeBron James in Miami, decided to continue working with the Wolverines.

It was reported recently that three coaches emerged as the favorites for the Lakers job, namely Darvin Ham, Kenny Atkinson and Terry Stotts.



Check out our Latest News and Follow us at Facebook

Original Source

Exit mobile version