Multiple media reports: De Bruyne may join Chicago Fire
Kevin De Bruyne a 10-year standout in the Premier League, may take a route similar to that of Lionel Messi leaving European club football for that in the United States. According to multiple media reports, the Belgium midfielder might join Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire. The 33-year-old contributed 189 goals in 10 seasons with four-time defending champion City. De Bruyne recently announced that he will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of this season. The struggling Fire holds top priority in signing De Bruyne. D.C. United and NYCFC were the other two teams that inquired about the midfielder. Kevin De Bruyne, a 10-year standout in the Premier League, may take a route similar to that of Lionel Messi leaving European club football for that in the United States. According to multiple media reports, the Belgium midfielder might join (MLS) side Chicago Fire. The 33-year-old contributed 189 goals in 10 seasons with four-time defending champion City. De Bruyne recently announced that he will leave after his contract expires at the end of this season. The struggling Fire holds top priority in signing De Bruyne. D.C. United and NYCFC were the other two teams that inquired about the midfielder. Inter Miami CF previously negotiated with De Bruyne, but its three Designated Player slots — players who will be paid outside the maximum salary limit — are now filled, including one by Lionel Messi. The Belgium captain favors heading to the MLS over signing a deal to play in Saudi Arabia. Moreover, he did not rule out returning to the Premier League or competing in Europe as his next venture. “I’m open for anything, anything, just because I have to look at the whole picture,” De Bruyne said. “I’m looking at sporting, family, everything together, what makes the most sense for me and my family. I don’t know what that is, because it depends on when you speak to people and what they say about projects or something, like I said, I still feel like I can play at a good level, but then after I’ll have to decide once I know a little bit more.” Through 10 matches, Fire is 3-3-4 with 12 points and sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference under former U.S. national team coach Gregg Berhalter.
S Sreesanth pays the price of a three-year ban for favoring Samson!
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has suspended former India pacer S Sreesanth for three years for allegedly making false and derogatory statements against it in connection with the controversy surrounding Sanju Samson’s omission from the Indian team for the Champions Trophy. According to reports from PTI, the KCA in a statement said the decision was taken at its special General Body meeting held in Kochi on 30th April. Sreesanth is currently a co-owner of Kollam Aeries, a franchise team in the Kerala Cricket League. Earlier, in relation to his controversial remarks, show-cause notices had been issued to Sreesanth as well as to the franchise teams Kollam Aeries, Alappuzha Team Lead, and Alappuzha Ripples. “Since the franchise teams gave satisfactory responses to the notices, no further action will be taken against them. However, the meeting decided to advise greater caution when appointing members to team management,” the statement said. The General Body also resolved to file a compensation claim against Sanju Samson’s father, Samson Vishwanath, and two others for making baseless allegations using Sanju Samson’s name, it added. The KCA had issued a show-cause notice to Sreesanth–who was part of the India squad that won two World Cup titles–for his remarks linking the state cricket body and Samson during a panel discussion on a Malayalam television channel. In a statement, the KCA clarified that the notice was not issued for supporting Samson but for making misleading and defamatory comments against the association. During the televised discussion, Sreesanth allegedly pledged his support to Samson and vowed to protect him and other Kerala players, while leveling accusations against the KCA. His remarks came amid criticism of the KCA for dropping Samson from the Kerala squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy, which was believed to have affected his chances of being selected for India’s Champions Trophy team.
Germany’s World Cup-winning legend Lothar Matthaus dating a 26-year-old stunning brunette model 38 years his junior
Germany’s legendary World Cup-winning defender and captain Lothar Matthaus has made a name for himself yet again, reportedly dating a woman 38 years his junior. According to Bunte magazine, the footballer and German model Theresa Sommer were spotted at Austrian ski resort recently. Sommer is 26 years aged. Matthaus, now 64 lifted the 1990 World Cup and won the Ballon D’Or trophy that same year. He won 150 German caps and guided Bayern Munich to six Bundesliga titles. Also a Serie A and UEFA Cup winner with Inter Milan, the former midfielder has been wed five times. His most recent marriage, to Anastasia Klimko, lasted seven years before ending in 2021. The highly-educated brunette reportedly studied economics and management at King’s College in London – as well as psychology at Durham University. An accomplished judo player in her childhood, she is now a talented skier. German media spotted her taking part in a ski event at Ischgl in Austria – in company with Matthaus. Bunte magazine quizzed the legend about his relationship with Theresa. Matthaus replied with a smile: “We are here for the skiing, and that is a private matter.” Several of the dad-of-four’s former wives have been significantly younger than him. But news of Bavaria-born Matthaus’ latest age-gap relationship has since set tongues wagging across Europe. The defender-turned-midfielder went into management after hanging up his boots. He has coached the Hungary and Bulgaria national sides, as well as clubs in Austria, Serbia, Brazil and Israel.
Ruben says the best performance so far under his guidance
Ruben Amorim believes Rasmus Hojlund produced his best performance under him as Manchester’s head coach against Athletic Bilbao. Hojlund led the line for United again in the Europa League semi-final first leg at San Mames, where they won by an unexpected three-goal margin. After Casemiro’s 30th-minute opening goal, Hojlund was hauled down by Athletic defender Dani Vivian. Following an intervention by the Video Assistant Referee, a penalty was given, Vivian was sent off and Bruno Fernandes converted the spot-kick. Hojlund did not score and his record now is two goals in 30 United games but Amorim was pleased with his contribution in Spain. “I think it was the best game that he had with me as a coach.,” Amorim opined. “He helped the team a lot, he secured the ball and then made the runs, he decided quite well. “It is a good moment for him but, like Harry (Maguire), he needs to understand that everything can change. So let’s focus on the next one. This is in the past. We have a tough job to do on Sunday and Thursday.” Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 in the first-leg of the Europa League semifinal on Thursday.
