Messi is natural, Ronaldo is not – Henry

Arsenal Legend Thierry Henry believes that his former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi is a player of natural talent, that excludes every other players. Henry, played a couple of years at Barcelona alongside the Argentine star Messi before joining New York Red Bulls in 2010, stressed that he rates Ronaldo but just does not think that the Portugal international or anyone else in the world – can match Messi in terms of talent. 

“Lionel Messi is the best player in the world but I respect the amount of work Cristiano Ronaldo has put into the game,” Henry said in a chat with ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand. 

“But Messi is just a freak. It is nice for kids to watch as they can see one guy who was given a gift and the other guy who does it through hard work.” “Louis Saha used to tell me Ronaldo was the hardest worker at Manchester United. I am not saying Messi does not work hard – but it is more natural.”

 “Ronaldo had to work really hard to reach the top. They have the same mentality but that’s the difference.”

Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother claims she tried to 'abort' the footballer

Inside her recently released autobiography Mãe Coragem (which translates to ‘Mother Courage’) , mother of Critiano Ronaldo, Dolores Aveiro, claimed that she attempted to abort him when she was pregnant by 'drinking warm beer' and 'running until she dropped'

Although she did not give any reason for wanting to abort her unborn child, Dolores said she had approached her doctor to carry out the abortion but he didn't agree with it and refused to do it. She then resorted to doing it herself by drinking warm beer and running with the hope that she would lose the pregnancy.

"I wanted to abort but the doctor didn’t support my decision,” she wrote in her autobiography.

Speaking at the launch of the autobiography in Lisbon yesterday, Dolores said that Ronaldo already knew about his past and even joked about it. "“He told me when he found out, 'Look mum, you wanted to abort me and now I'm the one who’s pulling the purse-strings in the house,'” she said..

 Dolores (second from right) at her book launch yesterday... 

“I don’t have tattoos because I donate blood very often" - Cristiano Ronaldo

“I don’t have tattoos because I donate blood very often.”

Real Madrid star striker Cristiano Ronaldo has confessed that he does not have tattoos in order to be able to donate blood, which he does twice a year.

According to reports; The Portuguese, know over his active participation in charity projects, revealed that to continue blood donation he needs to avoid ink on his body.

He was quoted saying in an interview by Diretta News:

“I don’t have tattoos because I donate blood very often.”

It is worth mentioning that this precaution is taken by medics against the possible cross-contamination and diseases like hepatitis.

The 29-year-old also revealed during the interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Cope how the grief of his mate made him socially responsible:

“It was the time when Carlos [Martins] was with us on the national team. He told us about the problem with his son and we, the players, showed great unity to help him and his son because we knew it was a very complicated situation… Donating bone marrow is something a lot of people think is a difficult thing to do but it’s nothing more than drawing blood and doesn’t hurt. It doesn’t cost anything. It’s a simple process and then you feel happy because you know you are helping another person.”

It would be recalled that during the 2014 World Cup Ronaldo appeared on the field with a zig-zag haircut, which pattern reportedly is of the same look as the scar on the head of a young boy, whose brain surgery was paid in full by the footballer. Thus, Ronaldo allegedly made the hairdo to show support to the operated boy.

FIFA Lifts Ban on Nigerian Football Federation

FIFA has lifted the ban it placed on Nigeria on July 9th after a high court sitting in Jos sacked the President of the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Aminu Maigari and other board members.

FIFA had frowned at the court ruling, stating that the move was a government interference in football activities which is against its policy. FIFA then directed that a new court order reinstating Maigari and other NFF executives be obtained before it can lift the ban.

Ozil uses World Cup winnings to pay for surgery of 23 ill Brazilian children

Arsenal star, Mesut Ozil has donated his World Cup winnings to pay for the surgery of 23 seriously ill children in Brazil.

Ozil agreed to pay for 11 youngsters' treatment before the tournament began but has since pledged to support 12 more children, in line with the number of players in the victorious German squad.

The Arsenal midfielder, who played a key role as Joachim Low's men defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final, says the gesture is his way of thanking the Brazilian general public.

“Prior to the World Cup, I supported the surgery of 11 sick children,” he posted on his official Facebook page.

“Since the victory in the World Cup is not only due to 11 players but to our whole team, I will now raise the number to 23.

“This is my personal thank you for the hospitality of the people of Brazil.”

Each member of Germany's squad received €300,000 [£240,000] for defeating Argentina at the Maracana and Ozil's donation is part of the BigShoe project – whose goal is to help underprivileged children with medical needs.

PHOTOS From #Brazil2014 #WorldCup Closing Ceremony

Shakira took her rightful place as the songstress of the World Cup, headlining a closing ceremony that was fairly normal in its execution and style. In other words, no vegetables were harmed in the making of this ceremony.

The Colombian singer, beloved for her pitch-perfect 2010 World Cup anthem, was at the centre of a campaign to instill her new song as the official anthem of Brazil, and not the Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez, and Claudia Leitte (for 14 seconds) shout-a-thon.

Shakira opened the ceremony with that very number, belting out “La La La” with Carlinhos Brown at the centre of the Maracana while dancers shimmied about around her.

Other performers included Wyclef Jean, Carlos Santana, Alexandre Pires, and Ivete Sangalo.


Photos Below;

#Brazil2014: Messi wins Golden ball, Neuer wins Golden Gloves

Argentine striker Lionel Messi won the 2014 World Cup Golden Ball award which is the award given to the best individual player of the tournament, while German goal keeper Manuel Neure won the Golden Glove award, which is the tournament's best goal keeper and Colombia's James Rodriguez was named the tournament's top scorer with 6 goals. Do you think Messi was the best player of the 2014 World Cup?

#Brazil2014: CHAMPIONS! Germany WINS the 2014 #WorldCup | Beat Argentina 1 – 0 in Extra Time

Germany are the WINNERS of the 2014 FIFA World Cup! Mario Götze struck gold in the 19th minute of Extra Time. It was a close match with both sides playing world class football.

With their 7-1 crushing of Brazil in the Semi-Finals, Germany were the odds on favourite despite strong sentiments for Argentina with well-loved superstar player Lionel Messi.

In the end, both sides gave it their all but Germany got the breakthrough and the cup is theirs!

See you in Russia in 2018.

Congrats Germany!

Arsenal and PUMA unveil three new kits

Arsenal and its new kit partner PUMA have unveiled the Gunners' new kits in style, with Mikel Arteta, Mathieu Flamini and Santi Cazorla showcasing the home, away and cup kits in the sport giant's Carnaby Street shop window.


Arsenal supporters waiting to buy the shirt outside PUMA's flagship store in London were stunned to see the kit being revealed in person by the FA Cup winners, as a curtain dropped to reveal a huge Arsenal façade.

The trilogy of kits was then showcased in a unique 20m water projection on the River Thames in front of the EDF Energy London Eye, transforming it into the iconic Clock End clock. Fans saw Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger explain the individual 'Future, Forever, Victorious' inspirations behind the kit designs, which are the basis of the 'Stronger Together' partnership message.

Each of the three kits has a unique design, inspired by the values identified by PUMA as being the foundation of Arsenal Football Club, and which form the basis of the 'Future, Forever, Victorious' story.

The home kit stays true to the traditional red-and-white Arsenal colours that first appeared in 1933. Representing 'Forever', inspired by the strong and loyal fanbase Arsenal has built over the years, the round-neck shirt has a red body and white sleeves and is paired with white shorts and red-and-white hooped socks.

'Victorious' is the theme of the away shirt, designed in the iconic yellow and navy blue colours worn by Arsenal during some of the most famous Gunners' away victories away, including the 1971 and 1979 FA Cup final wins, and the title-winning victory at Anfield in 1989. The V-neck shirt features a yellow body with blue sleeves, blue shorts and blue-and-yellow hooped socks.

The blue and lime green 'Future' cup kit will be worn by Arsenal away from home in cup competitions, including the Champions League and FA Cup. It symbolises the desire for innovation and progression that has driven the club through its history, and features a button-down collared shirt with blue and sky blue striped panels across the body. The kit also features blue shorts and two-tone blue hooped socks.

All kits have been manufactured around PUMA's pioneering ACTV Power Plus, fusing the best of sports science behind engineered bodywear compression garments and kinesiology performance taping to enhance athletic performance.

The team will wear the away 'Victorious' kit in their forthcoming pre-season games at Boreham Wood and in New York before appearing in the 'Forever' home kit for the first time at the Emirates Cup on the weekend of August 2 and 3

(Arsenal.com)

Straight Cash Deal Suarez joins Barcelona for €88m

The Catalan giants will imminently announce the capture of the Uruguay star after agreeing to meet the release clause inserted in the striker’s new Liverpool contract last December

Luis Suarez is on the brink of officially completing his sensational transfer from Liverpool to Barcelona after the terms of a deal worth just over €88 million were agreed on Wednesday night.

The agreement comes after a week of negotiations between the clubs, with an announcement expected in the coming days – perhaps even within 24 hour

Barcelona have captured Suarez in a straight cash deal after agreeing to meet the release clause in the Liverpool contract he signed last December.

It is believed that Suarez will undergo initial medical examinations from Barca doctors in his native Uruguay, where he has been staying following his country’s elimination from the World Cup.

Officials from the Catalan club have been negotiating with their counterparts from Merseyside in the last week over the structure of payments in the deal, with Liverpool pushing for a higher initial sum.

An agreement has now been reached and the final formalities will be completed before Suarez is announced as Barcelona’s marquee signing of the summer.

The 27-year-old is currently serving a four-month ban – which runs until October 26 – for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini while playing for Uruguay in his nation’s final World Cup group stage match.

Under the terms of the suspension, Suarez is not allowed to train with his club or enter the confines of any stadium during his ban.

Barca will partly fund the signing of the 27-year-old by selling Alexis Sanchez to Arsenal. The Chile World Cup star will move to Emirates Stadium after Arsenal agreed a package worth €40m (£31.8m) with the Spanish club.

Liverpool will now look to strengthen their squad using some of the money from the Suarez deal. The Merseysiders are on the verge of completing a triple swoop for Benfica winger Lazar Markovic, Lille striker Divock Origi and Southampton defender Dejan Lovren.

Official: Arsenal sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona

The former Udinese star will join up with his new team-mates in late July following a post-World Cup holiday, with his debut set for the Emirates Cup in early August

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona in what Goal understands is a £31.8 million deal.

The Chile international forward, who underwent a medical on Thursday afternoon, becomes the second-most expensive purchase in the Gunners’ history.

Official Statement FIFA suspends Nigeria

The world football governing body, FIFA, has suspended the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, with immediate effect from all activities in football. The suspension was announced in a statement released on their website this evening Wednesday July 9th.

FIFA said the suspension was due to government interference in football activities, particularly the controversial removal of the Aminu Maigari-led board of the NFF. A High Court sitting in Jos had on July 4th sacked Aminu Maigari and other executives from the board of the NFF. This suspension by FIFA means no Nigerian team or club can participate in any FIFA competition.

“As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact (art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes),” FIFA said.

Read the full statement after the cut...

The FIFA Emergency Committee has decided today, 9 July 2014, to suspend the NigeriaFootball Federation (NFF) with immediate effect, on account of government interference. Article 13, par. 1 and article 17, par. 1 of the FIFA Statutes oblige member associations to manage their affairs independently and with no influence from third parties.

The decision follows a letter sent by FIFA to the NFF on 4 July 2014, in which it expressed its great concern after the NFF was served with court proceedings and consequently an order preventing the president of the NFF, the NFF Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian football was granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The said court order compelled the Nigerian Minister of Sports to appoint a senior member of the civil service to manage the NFF until the matter was heard in court, without giving any date for such a hearing. The authorities then appointed a person who decided to convene an extraordinary general assembly on 5 July 2014. This extraordinary general assembly was convened in violation of the NFF statutes.

Originally, an elective congress had been planned by the NFF to take place on 26 August 2014.

The suspension will be lifted once the court actions have been withdrawn and the properly elected NFF Executive Committee, the NFF general assembly and the NFF administration are able to work without any interference in their affairs.

As a result of this decision, no team from Nigeria of any sort (including clubs) can have any international sporting contact (art. 14 par. 3 of the FIFA Statutes). During the period of suspension, the NFF may not be represented in any regional, continental or international competitions, including at club level, or in friendly matches. The most immediate effect is that Nigeria will not be entitled to participate in the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup (5-24 August 2014) should the suspension not be lifted by 15 July 2014.

In addition, neither the NFF nor any of its members or officials may benefit from any FIFA or CAF development programmes, courses or training during the suspension period.

Brazil vs Germany match is the most discussed single sports game in Twitter histroy

35.6million people talked about this disastrous match on Twitter last night. I'm still recovering from it

Keshi Reportedly Requests for N10Million a Month in New Contract

That’s a whole lot of Nairas.

Stephen Keshi, who earlier announced that his contract as the head coach of the Super Eagles had expired, has presented the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with his requests to return as the coach.

African Football on Tuesday, reported that Keshi told President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan that he will sign a new deal if the NFF agrees to pay him N10million a month.

In his initial contract, he received N5million

He reportedly made the demand when he met President Jonathan at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja, when he arrived from the world tournament in Brazil.

Keshi is said to have demanded for upfront payment to avoid delays he had with his former deal, and to recall his former assistant Sylvanus Okpalla.

“He also wanted what he called a free hand as regards his team selection and preparations, saying he no longer wishes to deal with the technical committee.He also wanted Okpalla back to his backroom staff.

The President has assured him that his demands will be considered.” claimed a source.

The news comes after reports that he got a $260,000 pay for the World Cup.

Photo: Brazil Niggas Burn Flag Down In São Paulo

Every Brazilian fan is practically in tears right now. Brazil thought they will regroup after Neymar’s injury and pull together to win the World Cup. Instead, they went down 0-7 against Germany. Such humiliation!

#Brazil2014 DOWNLOAD Video: Brazil 1 – 7 Germany [World Cup] Highlights

The veteran striker broke Ronaldo’s record for finals goals as Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle combined to decimate Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side. Brazil 1 – 7 Germany.
Germany have reached the World Cup final after they annihiliated hosts Brazil 7-1 in their semi-final clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

Miroslav Klose broke Ronaldo’s long-standing record for goals in the tournament, while Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle all struck in a sensational performance from Joachim Low’s side before Oscar scored a late consolation.

DOWNLOAD

#Brazil2014: Brazil vs Germany, World Cup 2014 1st Semifinal Highlights:

A brace each from Toni Kroos and Andre Schurrle and goals from Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose and Sami Khedira helped Germany beat Brazil in the semi-final of the FIFA World Cup. (FIFA World Cup 2014 Tracker |Matchcentre)

03.20 (IST): It's all over! The crowd has been reduced to stunned silence! Germany have thrashed a hapless Brazil side 7-1 to reach their record eighth World Cup final.

03.06 (IST): 78' Schurrle gets his second goal! Germany are now 7-0 up vs Brazil. This will be Brazil's worst loss.

03.02 (IST): Brazil's heaviest international loss came vs Uruguay in 1920 (0-6). Can Germany inflict further pain.

Germany celebrate after scoring in 2nd half vs Brazil

© AFP

02.56 (IST): 69' Schurrle is on the scoresheet now! He slots home a simple chance to extend Germany's lead to 6-0 vs Brazil.

02.41 (IST):  62' Luiz puts in an excellent ball for Maicon inside the box, who takes the ball down and then tumbles to the ground after minimal contact with a German defender. Ref says no penalty.

02.40 (IST): 61' SAVE! Julio Cesar makes an acrobatic save to deny Muller his 2nd goal.

02.30 (IST: 51' Brazil create a couple of good chances but fail to reduce the massive goal deficit.

02.26 (IST): Germany now have the highest number goals in World Cup history (221). The Sami Khedira strike helped them go past Brazil (220).

02.25 (IST): Is this shoddy performance down to poor selection? Or have Germany been just that good? The second-half is about to get underway. Can Brazil orchestrate an improbably comeback? Or will Germany only get better.

02.15 (IST):  Half-time! Germany lead Brazil 5-0 at half-time. Goals from Muller (11'), Klose (23') Kroos (24', 26') and Khedira (29').

02.05 (IST): 34' Germany attack again but for a change return without adding to the scoreline.

02.01 (IST): Goal Number Five! This is utter humiliation. Sami Khedira gets on the scoresheet to make it 5-0 for Germany.

Toni Kroos scored a brace in the space of five minutes

© AFP

02.00 (IST): Brazil are sleeping! Toni Kroos scores a brace in the span of five minutes puts Germany 4-0 ahead in the 26th minute. Scolari cannot believe what he is witnessing!

Klose celebrates after scoring his record-breaking World Cup goal

© AFP

01.50 (IST): GOAL! Klose is now the highest-scorer in the history of World Cups! He scores to put Germany 2-0 ahead in the 11th minute.

01. 49 (IST): Brazil are attacking relentlessly after falling behind but can't find a way past the German defence. 18 minutes played.

01.42 (IST): GOAL! Thomas Muller puts Germany ahead in the 11th minute.

01.36 (IST): Early pressure on Germany's Neuer as Brazil attack in numbers in the 5th minute.

01.35 (IST): Brazil's Marcelo with the first attempt on goal for Brazil. It is fired wide though. Two minutes gone.

01.32 (IST): Early chance for Brazil as they win a corner in the first minute. The German defence avert the dangers of an early goal.

01.26 (IST): The players are out for their national anthems! Record time: Miroslav Klose becomes the 1st player to play in four World Cup semis. He is one goal away from becoming the highest goal-scorer in World Cups with 16 goals to his name.

Brazil and Germany fans gear up for the first World Cup semis

© AFP

Brazil vs Germany 2014 Factfile

- The last time Brazil entered World Cup semis, they went on to win the tournament.

- Brazil have never lost in the semis, reaching the final in the last times they've made it to last four.

- Brazil and Germany have faced each other only once in the World Cup.

- Germany have kept most number of cleansheets in this tournament (3).

- Germany's Miroslav Klose is one goal away from being World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals. He is currently tied with Ronaldo on 15 goals.

Brazil vs Germany 2014 Head-to-head

Brazil and Germany have played 21 matches against each other with Brazil winning 12 times, Germany four times and five games ending in draws.

Brazil vs Germany 2014 Preview

Germany will meet tough-tackling Brazil head-on when football's titans clash in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final with the host nation desperate to win the title for injured superstar Neymar.

Joachim Loew's Germany want to avenge their 2002 final defeat to Brazil by knocking the hosts out in Belo Horizonte to reach Sunday's final in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil are forced into a reshuffle without play-maker Neymar and suspended captain Thiago Silva as they look to realise dreams of a sixth title on the home soil of the Maracana. (Read more)

David Luiz, Brazil's Maverick Turned Leader

Frizzy locks flailing and eyes bulging, David Luiz charged towards the corner flag and karate-kicked it out the way after sending Brazil into the World Cup semi-finals with a stunning free-kick against Colombia.

His celebration a caricature of his playing syle, Luiz rarely does things the conventional way.

The most expensive defender ever having sealed a £50 million ($85 million) move from Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain last month, he played the majority of his final season in the Premier League in midfield as Jose Mourinho didn't trust him to defend and is his country's second top scorer at the World Cup. (Read more)

Germany maintain their impressive record of reaching the semi-finals at 13 of the 20 World Cup finals.

© AFP

Joachim Loew Expects 'Battle' vs Gutsy Brazil

Germany coach Joachim Loew has accused Brazil of going "beyond the limits" in their tackling and said he expects 'a battle' in Tuesday's World Cup semifinal against the Selecao.

Loew turned up the pressure for the semifinal at Belo Horizonte by insisting Mexican referee Marco Rodriguez clamp down on hard challenges to ensure they do not go "beyond what is acceptable."

With a place in Sunday's final at stake, the Germans expect to be attacked from the start with the hosts desperate to lift the title for injured superstar Neymar. (Read More)

#Brazil2014 Germany 5 Brazil 0 (First Half) as Klose breaks World Cup scoring record

Mirolsav Klose became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer on Tuesday scoring in Germany’s apparent rout of Brazil to take his goal tally in the tournament to 16

The 36-year-old Lazio striker had drawn level with Brazil’s Ronaldo on 15 in Germany’s 2-2 first round draw with Ghana.

And he claimed the record outright when scoring in the 22nd minute in the semi-final in Belo Horizonte against Brazil.

The scorers are MÜLLER11′KLOSE 23′KROOS 24′, 26′KHEDIRA 29′

Pics: Balotelli, fans make fun of Suarez biting scandal with his poster

Lol. This is so not nice. A lot of people, including Italian footballer Mario Balotelli, are having fun at the expense of Uruguayan footballer Luis Suarez, who was sent home from the World Cup for biting Italian defender Chiellini during a match.

A poster of Suarez with his mouth open was placed at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro and you can't imagine what people were doing. See the photos after the cut...

Keshi's tweet confirming he's bowing out, Yobo announces retirement

For those who had any doubts, Stephen Keshi, took to his twitter account to confirm he's quitting the Super Eagles. See Yobo's announcement confirming his resignation as a player for the Super Eagles after the cut...

Joseph Yobo yesterday evening announced his resignation as a player for the super eagles.  Yobo after the 2-1 lost match to France, told reporters that it was time for him to go face his family.

"It was a bitter-sweet moment for me but I think it is time to focus on my family. It has been a long road. I never thought that I’d be here because I missed the last six games of the season through injury. They gave me an opportunity but it is unfortunate what happened. I gave my all,” he said.

Yobo follows in the step of Kanu Nwankwo who announced his retirement after the World cup in 2010. The 33 year old defender said he would like to concentrate on club football now.