Joe Thompson, the former Rochdale midfielder, has sadly passed away at the age of 36 after a courageous third battle with cancer. Thompson was diagnosed for the third time in April 2024 with stage four lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that had spread to his lungs. He had previously beaten cancer in both 2014 and 2017. Rochdale AFC confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement on Friday morning, saying Thompson “passed away peacefully at home on Thursday with his family by his side.” “Rochdale Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Joe Thompson,” the statement read.…
Author: Oluwaseun samuel
Virgil van Dijk continues to be Europe’s highest-paid defender after signing a new contract with Liverpool, according to a recent report. Contract negotiations with Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah stretched into April, just months before their previous deals were set to expire. Liverpool reportedly had concerns about committing significant funds to two aging players. However, both stars secured favorable terms, with Salah, who turns 33 in June, signing a new contract worth an estimated £380,000 per week. Van Dijk, who will turn 34 in July, agreed to a two-year extension of his own. As reported by The Athletic, Van Dijk’s…
Jurgen Klopp’s agent has firmly dismissed growing rumors suggesting that the Liverpool manager could leave his current position to take over at Real Madrid. Recent reports from Brazil claimed that Klopp had become disillusioned with his role as Red Bull’s head of global soccer and was open to a return to management, potentially with the Brazilian national team or Real Madrid. The rumors gained traction after it emerged that Madrid were preparing to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti following their Champions League exit to Arsenal, with Klopp specifically named as a potential replacement. However, Klopp’s agent, Marc Kosicke, quickly responded…
Real Madrid are optimistic that Kylian Mbappé’s ankle sprain, sustained during Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Arsenal, will not sideline him for this month’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, according to multiple reports from Spain. Mbappé twisted his ankle awkwardly while attempting to dispossess Declan Rice in the second half of the match at the Santiago Bernabéu. It capped off a frustrating night for Madrid’s star forward, who limped off the pitch after a performance where his only notable contribution was a failed penalty appeal. With their Champions League hopes dashed, Madrid’s focus has shifted to the La Liga title…
Paris Saint-Germain booked their spot in the Champions League semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate win over Aston Villa, but the victory could be overshadowed by potential UEFA disciplinary action. During Tuesday’s dramatic second leg at Villa Park, Marcus Rashford appeared to have objects thrown at him from the away end while preparing to take a corner. Though the incident wasn’t shown on television, Amazon Prime commentator Jon Champion noted “items being thrown at” the Manchester United forward. Rashford, who assisted Ezri Konsa’s goal with a brilliant run into the box, continued playing, but the incident may now lead to consequences…
Ruben Amorim experienced a whirlwind of emotions as Manchester United edged past Lyon in a dramatic 5-4 extra-time thriller at Old Trafford, sealing a 7-6 aggregate victory and a spot in the Europa League semi-finals. The Portuguese manager is now fully focused on chasing European glory—even if it means taking risks in the Premier League that could backfire. Amorim admitted he will likely have to rest key players for Sunday’s league clash against Wolves, as United look to prioritise their only realistic shot at silverware—and a route into next season’s European competitions. “The sound of those last two goals was…
The semi-final fixtures for the 2024/25 Europa Conference League have been officially confirmed following the conclusion of the quarter-final second legs on Thursday night. Djurgården secured their spot in the final four with a commanding 4-1 victory over Rapid Wien, sealing a 4-2 aggregate win. Despite a 2-1 defeat to Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals thanks to their 4-2 aggregate advantage. Fiorentina battled to a 2-2 draw with Celje, which was enough to progress with a 4-3 win on aggregate. Meanwhile, Real Betis drew 1-1 with Jagiellonia Białystok but comfortably advanced with a 3-1 aggregate…
Manchester United pulled off a dramatic escape to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League, salvaging their season in unforgettable fashion. The game looked all but lost when United, after leading 2-0 at half-time, found themselves trailing 4-2 against Lyon, seemingly heading out of the competition. However, stoppage-time goals in extra time from Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire turned the tide, securing a 5-4 win on the night and a 7-6 aggregate victory—one of the club’s most thrilling European nights. “It was 4-2, and with one less player, you think it’s over,” said manager Ruben Amorim. “But here, it’s never…
Chelsea have reportedly made it clear that they will not entertain any offers for midfielder Moisés Caicedo, despite growing interest from Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. Earlier this week, it was revealed that Al Nassr had identified Caicedo as a key target in their plans to strengthen their squad around star forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who is set to extend his stay at the club. However, Chelsea is firmly committed to retaining the Ecuador international. Caicedo has been a standout performer for Chelsea this season, playing a pivotal role in midfield under manager Enzo Maresca. He has become an essential player…
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly open to discussions with Real Madrid should the Spanish giants decide to part ways with Carlo Ancelotti, according to recent reports. Following their Champions League elimination on Wednesday, it was suggested that Madrid officials have already made the decision to dismiss Ancelotti after the Copa del Rey final later this month, offering him one final chance to secure silverware before his tenure ends. Ancelotti has faced increasing pressure due to Madrid’s underwhelming campaign, and reports indicate that even before making their decision on Ancelotti, club officials had begun considering Klopp as a potential…