Sofyan Amrabat names his Man Utd idols
Sofyan Amrabat has named Roy Keane, Paul Scholes and David Beckham as his all-time favourite Man Utd players.
2023-09-07 18:26
Demarai Gray gets his wish as he leaves Everton for Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq
Demarai Gray has completed his move from Everton to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. The 27-year-old becomes the latest Premier League player to head to the Saudi Pro League, joining Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum at the side managed by Steven Gerrard. Gray’s departure from Goodison Park for an undisclosed fee believed to be £8million comes after his relationship with manager Sean Dyche broke down. The winger aired his grievances on Instagram, saying it was “difficult to play for someone who doesn’t show you respect as a person”. Dyche responded by claiming Gray had effectively gone on strike, making clear he did not want to train as he believed he had secured a move away. Gray made 75 appearances for Everton, scoring 12 goals, after returning to England from Bayer Leverkusen in 2021. He said in a statement: “After two years with Everton, it’s time to say goodbye. I wish everyone at the club the very best and will be forever proud to have played for this great team. “To the fans, you were always incredible – thank you for your support. You made it a privilege to wear the shirt. “There has been a lot of speculation about my situation all summer. The truth is, I gave my all to this club on and off the pitch through good and bad. “I was ready to play as much football as possible this season but it felt like this was not going to happen. It’s time for my next chapter. I am match fit and excited to get playing.” Gray will join his new team-mates following international duty with Jamaica. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Samit Patel to leave Nottinghamshire at end of season after 22-year career Mark Wood says big money T20 offer is testing his ‘love’ of playing for England Football rumours: Joao Palhinha in the sights of Bayern Munich for January swoop
2023-09-07 18:22
Liverpool & Newcastle consider January move for Tottenham target Lloyd Kelly
Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly is the subject of interest from Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. They could make bids in the January transfer window.
2023-09-07 18:21
Demarai Gray leaves Everton to join Al Ettifaq
Demarai Gray has completed a permanent transfer from Everton to Al Ettifaq.
2023-09-07 18:20
Astros slug their way to the top of the AL West with 16 homers in 3 games to sweep Rangers
The Houston Astros made quite a powerful statement while slugging themselves back to the top of the AL West
2023-09-07 18:18
Cristiano Ronaldo fans aren’t happy as he’s snubbed by Ballon d'Or for first time in 20 years
Cristiano Ronaldo has missed out on being nominated for the men’s Ballon D’Or, football’s biggest individual prize, for the first time in 20 years. The annual list of the world’s top footballers includes his long-time rival Lionel Messi – but Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr appears to have put him out of the reckoning for the award. Meanwhile, Spain's Aitana Bonmati is nominated for the women’s prize after leading her country to World Cup glory in August. The ceremony is set to take place in October. Ronaldo, who is training with Portugal ahead of a round of international fixtures this week, said: “Those who like Cristiano Ronaldo don't have to hate Messi and vice versa. “We’ve done well, we have changed the history of football. We are respected all over the world, that's the most important thing. “He’s followed his path and I have followed mine, regardless of playing outside of Europe. From what I’ve seen, he’s been doing well and so have I. “The legacy lives on, but I don’t see the rivalry like that. We shared the stage many times, it was 15 years. I’m not saying we’re friends, I’ve never had dinner with him, but we’re professional colleagues and we respect each other.” However, the 38-year-old’s army of fans on social media didn’t appear to see it that way. One person pointed out that Ronaldo “remains the last Premier League player to win the Ballon D'or,” adding that this record was likely safe this year because of Messi’s “robbery expertise” when it comes to the award. Another person said: “Most nominations in the history of Ballon D’OR: Cristiano Ronaldo 18 times, Lionel Messi 16 times. Remember. The one whom the system hates, is always the hero.” And one other commented: “Ronaldo has never 1. Robbed a [European Champions League], 2. Robbed a World Cup, 3. Robbed a Ballon d’Or. Messi has done all three.” Argentine Messi could win the award for a record eighth time this year after winning the men’s World Cup in 2022. His main challenger looks set to be Manchester City star Erling Haaland, who scored 52 goals in all competitions last season. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-09-07 17:28
Why Israel Adesanya vs Sean Strickland may turn ugly, quickly
It was a disconcerting sight: Sean Strickland, with his hands low and a sheepish look across his face, shuffling towards one of the most devastating punchers in the UFC. There is no ‘but’ to follow; Alex Pereira swatted the American down to a knee with a signature left hook, Strickland’s arms flailing helplessly before he stood up into a right cross, which sent him cascading dangerously to the canvas. The manner of this demise at the heavy hands of the Brazilian brought to mind a mythical image: that of a lemming wandering mindlessly off a cliff. Yet Strickland’s approach until that point had actually been understandable – not as understandable as grappling with Pereira, as most expected him to, but sensible in a certain sense. The southpaw was pressing forward relentlessly with constant output, fighting behind a jolting jab, trying to prevent Pereira from setting his feet to muster power. Pereira, however, exploited Strickland’s reflexes. With kicks and jabs to the body, Pereira gradually lured Strickland’s habitual parries away from his head. Then, with one subtle, feinted crouch, Pereira created space to curve a left hook onto the chin of the American. With that, Strickland was undone – as was his six-fight win streak, which had stretched from 2022 back to 2018. In his next fight, the 32-year-old was again beaten, losing a split decision to Jared Cannonier. Just a few weeks prior, Pereira had stopped champion Israel Adesanya against the fence, moving to 3-0 overall against his old kickboxing rival, despite the latter’s vast experiential advantage in MMA. Adesanya would bounce back five months later, regaining the middleweight title at the first attempt with his own knockout of Pereira, who would make a quick turnaround with a successful debut at light-heavyweight in July. All the while, Strickland followed the examples set by Adesanya and Pereira, bouncing back with a victory; two, in fact. First, the controversial, outspoken American would outpoint Nassourdine Imavov in January, stepping in as a late-notice replacement. Then, in July, Strickland proved wrong many fans by stopping Abus Magomedov in the second round, before making an impassioned callout of Adesanya – whom he has mocked regularly in recent years, from a distance and from mere metres away. Still, the UFC seemed set to overlook Strickland, who once expressed his desire to ‘kill’ an opponent someday (not that they would have overlooked him because of that or any kind of controversial comment, based on past cases). “If I killed somebody in the ring, it’d f***ing make me very happy,” he said in 2021, demonstrating that he is better at employing his fists – and he is often criticised for that ability, even – than using any filter. “Like, if Uriah [Hall] hits me and maybe I have a brain aneurysm and die, you’ll hear me saying: ‘I’m okay, that’s a good death.’ We’re all going to die sometime. You know, might as well end in a good way. We’re all going to the same place, man. It’s either gonna be then or now. Just enjoy it.” Meanwhile, his teasing of Adesanya, who is as flamboyant outside the ring as he is in it, has relied heavily on outdated jibes with an uncomfortable undertone. In response to one recurring slight, Adesanya has vowed to knock out Strickland with fists adorned with painted nails. And the Nigerian-New Zealander, 34, will get the chance to do that on Saturday, when he defends his middleweight title in the main event of UFC 293 in Sydney. For Strickland’s campaign to fight Adesanya eventually paid off, specifically when Dricus Du Plessis – towards whom the champion holds a grave grudge – was taken out of the title picture due to injury. Adesanya vs Du Plessis may yet come to pass, and if it does, Adesanya will likely have more harsh words for the South African, at whom he has already lashed out viciously. It is worth noting at this point that Adesanya himself has gotten away with distasteful comments before, and that many fans believe he has misconstrued certain points made by Du Plessis. In any case, first up for him is Strickland. Adesanya has been the betting favourite in all but one of his UFC bouts, even his rematch with Pereira, and that is no different against Strickland. The “Last Stylebender” is expected to dissect and damage his challenger at will. While Adesanya possesses less power than Pereira, he is an even more dynamic striker than the Brazilian, and he can employ the kind of counter-strikes that Strickland risks walking straight into – if the latter’s approach against Pereira is anything to go by. Adesanya’s fans are excited by that prospect. Many of Strickland’s fans have been more enthused by the verbal warfare than the impending physical warfare. Some have forgiven Strickland for certain comments due to his recollections of a concerning, upsetting relationship with his late father. Adesanya, who lives for nights and atmospheres like Saturday’s in Sydney, will not allow himself to forgive Strickland for a single word. The champion has always harnessed anything and everything to hype himself up for a title showdown. The build to UFC 293 has already threatened to turn ugly. Adesanya, famed for his beautifully destructive performances, will hope to turn things ugly for Strickland when the cage door closes. Read More Adesanya vs Strickland live stream: How to watch UFC 293 online and on TV this weekend Jared Cannonier revealed as back-up fighter for Adesanya vs Strickland at UFC 293 Conor McGregor finally receives black belt in jiu-jitsu Back-up fighter revealed for Adesanya vs Strickland at UFC 293 Mark Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions on speedboat UFC 293 card in full as Adesanya defends title against Strickland this weekend
2023-09-07 17:22
The long road winding down at the World Cup, where semifinals await Team USA
This seemed so far away in the beginning
2023-09-07 17:21
Real Madrid star admits he expected Kylian Mbappe signing this summer
Dani Carvajal admits he thought Kylian Mbappe would join Real Madrid this summer.
2023-09-07 17:17
John Terry in talks over move to Saudi Pro League
John Terry is in talks to leave Chelsea and take over as manager of Saudi Arabia's Al Shabab.
2023-09-07 16:58
4 key activewear trends for autumn workouts
The new season calls for a change in sportswear, as we say goodbye to summer and get in gear for autumn activities. The latest activewear collections have landed and they’re full of stylish pieces for exercise enthusiasts – whether you’re pounding the pavement on morning runs, getting sweaty at spin class, stretching it out at yoga or jumping around with a HIIT workout. Here are four essential fitness fashion trends to know about now… 1. Quarter zip tops If you buy one thing for working out this season, make it a slim-fit quarter-zip top. Versatile and practical, these breathable mid-layers are great for warm-ups or outdoor workouts on chilly days. Available in cropped and longline styles, they come in a huge range of colours and prints. Nike Air Crop 1/4 Zip Top, £73; Nike Air Flare Leggings, £60, JD Sports Adidas Techfit Cold.Rdy 1/4 Zip Long Sleeve Training Top Preloved Yellow, £55 2. Pink Fabletics Corey SculptKnit L/S Top Very Berry, £49 for members (£64 for non-members); High-Waisted SculptKnit Panelled 7/8 Very Berry, £54 for members (£69 for non-members) Barbie’s favourite colour is still going strong for autumn, especially in the athleisure department. Bring some brightness to your workout wardrobe with everything from pastel pink to fuchsia. Very X Lucky Mecklenburgh Seamless Training Bra Pink, £25; Seamless Cycling Shorts Pink, £25 Puma Ultraweave 2-in-1 Running Jacket Women, £90 3. Bodysuits Gymnastics-inspired unitards are a sleek, all-in-one solution for yoga and Pilates buffs. A workout onesie will take you from the gym to brunch – just throw on a baggy sweatshirt and your outfit is complete. Tala SkinLuxe Unitard Shadow Black, £56 Sweaty Betty Super Soft Bodysuit Trek Green, £110 4. Eighties aesthetic Go retro with 1980s-inspired sportswear – think bright, clashing colours and bold logos on everything. Team an oversized tee or sweatshirt with bike shorts, ribbed ankle socks, chunky trainers and a baseball cap for a cool, vintage vibe. Berghaus Logo Boyfriend T-Shirt, £30, JD Sports Castore Navy Silverstone Core Monobrand Cap, £22
2023-09-07 16:46
Football transfer rumours: Fernandez considers Chelsea exit; Bayern Munich plot Sancho move
Thursday's football transfer rumours, with updates on Enzo Fernandez, Jadon Sancho, Mohamed Salah, Jorginho & more.
2023-09-07 16:24