Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has issued an apology for his penalty miss against Chelsea. Aguero made a hash of his Panenka effort on Saturday, spooning the kick straight into the arms of Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. It was a surprising slip from the usually unerring Argentine, but it was in keeping with a torrid season for the Premier League leaders from 12 yards out and contributed to a 2-1 defeat that prevented City from claiming the title. City boss Pep Guardiola refused to criticise the forward following the game, but Aguero has taken to Twitter to issue an apology. “I would like to apologise to my team-mates, staff and supporters for missing the penalty,” Aguero wrote. “It was a bad decision and I take full responsibility.” Aguero’s Panenka nightmare was the fourth penal...
Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has apologised for laughing with Chelsea players after his side were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals. The former Chelsea man, 30, was seen joking and smiling with his former team-mates at the final whistle. Hazard said on Instagram it was “not my intention to offend Real Madrid fans”. Hazard was substituted before full-time after failing to have an impact on the game, which the Spanish giants lost 2-0 as Chelsea progressed 3-1 on aggregate. Hazard, who left Stamford Bridge in 2019, has received much criticism from Real Madrid fans and the Spanish media, with some calling for him to be transferred. Hazard helped Chelsea, who will face Manchester City in an all-English Champions League final, to two Premier League and two Europa League trophies...
FIFA president Gianni Infantino says he is not in favour of sanctions against the 12 clubs that tried to launch a European Super League, preferring “dialogue” on football reform. The plan to create a closed competition was “unacceptable” and “unimaginable”, the world football boss told French sports daily L’Equipe in an interview published on Wednesday. “Certain actions should have consequences, and everyone must assume their responsibilities,” said Infantino, who has publically joined the opposition to the project. “But you always have to be careful when you talk about sanctions. “It’s said quickly that you have to punish. It’s even popular — or populist — sometimes. “By punishing a club, for example, you are also punishing players, coaches and fans, who have nothing to do with it.” He sa...
Manchester United could face punishment from the FA and Premier League over protests at the stadium ahead of their game against Liverpool on Sunday. The league clash between the two historic rivals was postponed at the weekend, as fans protested outside Old Trafford pre-match and eventually made their way inside the stadium. The two sets of players did not leave their hotels for the stadium, and there is no clear date set for when the game will be held. According to the Daily Mirror, the FA’s rulebook in section 8.3.4 states if United are at fault for the game not happening, Liverpool are awarded the result and three points. It reads: “In the event of a match being abandoned due to the conduct of one Club or its members or supporters the Board has the power to order that the match is not r...
Adidas are growing disgruntled with Manchester United after a downturn in shirt sales, according to the Daily Mail. With the deal that Man United agreed with Adidas worth in the region of £78M-a-year, as per the Daily Mail, you’d expect that it would be a relationship the club would try to keep healthy. However, the report claims that Adidas were frustrated with the Red Devils for their failure to brief them on plans for their involvement in the proposed European Super League. There is now also further discontent, with Adidas wary of Man United’s decline in shirt sales. The Daily Mail claim that shirt sales have fallen 100,000 over the last two years. It’s not exactly clear why that would be the case. You could argue it’s as a result of United’s decrease in quality on the field, or it coul...
Manchester United are edging increasingly closer to a decision on Erling Haaland. Though they’d love to sign the Borussia Dortmund striker, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also have several other transfer targets in mind. And much will depend on Edinson Cavani, whose future will soon become clear. Manchester United wanted to sign Haaland in January 2020. And, though they ultimately missed out to Borussia Dortmund, they’ve retained a strong interest ever since. Haaland has been in sensational form for the Bundesliga giants this season, scoring 35 goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League combined. United, as a result, have put the 20-year-old on their shortlist of potential signings ahead of this summer’s transfer window. However, the Red Devils appear to be edging closer to a development when it c...
Embattled Harry Kane is set to decide on his Tottenham Hotspur’s future. The England and Tottenham star is quite rightly regarded as one of the best forwards in English football. But he remains trophyless in his career so far, with the latest opportunity passing him and Spurs by in a 1-0 defeat against Manchester City in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final. Kane’s fitness was a huge topic of conversation ahead of the Wembley showdown after he picked up an ankle injury in a 2-2 draw at Everton last weekend. Despite that Kane was included in interim boss Ryan Mason’s starting XI – but like the rest of his Spurs teammates failed to have any sort of impact on proceedings. Remarkably, Kane didn’t attempt a shot or create a single chance for Spurs in Sunday’s final. That’s the first time he’s done neithe...
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi said he is “very proud” of his compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho’s scoring feat after he grabbed a goal in their 3-0 win over West Bromwich Albion. Iheanacho’s 36th-minute strike wrapped up the Foxes’ victory at the King Power Stadium following Johnny Evans and Jamie Vardy’s goals. The effort made it 16 goals for the Super Eagles striker across all competitions this season, including nine Premier League goals – a new personal record. In his reaction, Ndidi – who played from start to finish alongside Iheanacho on Thursday night – said the 24-year-old is full of confidence and belief in himself at the moment. “He just can’t stop scoring at the moment, so I’m very happy for him,” Ndidi told LCFC TV. “Very proud. I just want him to keep doing the things and k...