Real Madrid's German midfielder Toni Kroos announced on Tuesday he will retire from all football after Euro 2024. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Toni Kroos (@toni.kr8s) "My career as an active footballer will end this summer after the Euro Championship," Kroos stated on social media. "As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud that I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it myself. My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level," 34-year-old Kroos, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, wrote on Instagram. Also Read: Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos agrees to play for Germany ahead of home Euro 2024 Madrid said the former Bayern Munich midfielder has 'decided to bring an end to his time as a professional footballer following Euro 2024'. "Real Madrid would like to express its gratitude and affection to Toni Kroos, a player who will go down in Real Madrid history as one of our club and international football's greatest legends," the club said. Kroos has been with Madrid since 2014, helping it win 22 titles, including four European Cups and four Spanish leagues. He made 463 appearances with the club. More updates to follow...
21 May,2024 05:06 PM IST | Madrid | mid-day online correspondent
With arms outstretched, he stood before a sea of adoring fans, capturing their hearts within the expansive embrace of the giant Kanteerava Stadium. In that fleeting moment, Sunil Chhetri wielded an invisible force over the amassed ranks of Indian fans, as if he cast a spell. Then, like the breaking of a dam, euphoria cascaded through the stadium. The stands quivered and dissolved into a tumult of exultation, a cacophony of joy, relief, and validation reverberating throughout the colossal arena. On the field, Chhetri was engulfed by his jubilant teammates, the culmination of not just scoring a sublime freekick, but orchestrating its genesis, conjuring it with the finesse of a master craftsman that he really is. Finally, he had achieved his objective, securing India's ticket to the AFC Asian Cup for a record fifth time. 18 years and 94 international goals prior, a youthful Chhetri, aged 20, found himself limping amidst the jeers of 20,000 fervent Pakistani fans at the Ayub National Stadium in Quetta. Undeterred by adversity, it was his debut for India, a moment he refused to let slip by without a bid for glory. The breakthrough arrived in the 65th minute of a tense stalemate. A deflected volley from former captain Climax Lawrence found its way to Chhetri, who pounced with the agility of a predator. With a swift turn, he unleashed a blistering shot, skimming past the outstretched fingertips of the goalkeeper. Then, pandemonium ensued. In a rush of adrenaline-fueled ecstasy, Chhetri leapt over the barriers, charging towards the animated crowd. Their reaction, a mix of astonishment and indignation, marked the surreal inception of one of Indian football's most inspiring tales. Also Read: KL Rahul vs Sanjiv Goenka row: ‘There is no harm in being respectful’ Chhetri's journey to illustrious stardom has been one of unwavering resolve and dedication. Born into a lineage of sporting prowess, his father a stalwart of the Indian Army team and his mother a former Nepali player, alongside her twin sister, Chhetri inherited a competitive spirit. Echoing Sachin Tendulkar's tribute to his mother, Sunil acknowledges his mother, Sushila Chhetri, for igniting the flames of ambition within him. What perhaps distinguishes Chhetri is his choice of unconventional role models. Despite the allure of football icons like David Beckham or Diego Maradona, Chhetri finds inspiration in boxing legend Mary Kom. His playing style increasingly mirrors Mary's trademark grit and tenacity, evolving from a mere spark plug to a strategic maestro without compromising his goal-scoring prowess. His remarkable feats on the pitch speak volumes, an 80-yard dash leaving seven defenders floundering, a deft chip over Kenya's hapless goalkeeper, a barrage of headers and precise strikes shattering Indian records, all of it combined. In the pantheon of football legends, Chhetri's name holds its own. Though he ranks third behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in international football, his achievement is no less monumental. Unlike Ronaldo and Messi, who hail from football-obsessed nations and bask in the glory of elite club football, Chhetri's journey is rooted in representing a nation more accustomed to the periphery of the global football landscape. India's football heritage predates its cricketing dominance, yet it has often languished in the shadows of the latter's popularity. Still, Chhetri's ascent serves as a beacon of hope, reminding fans of India's past glories and untapped potential. If one was to talk about all the spectacular things you do on the pitch, Chhetri would be here for ages. His incredible statistics and numbers are seldom an indicator to define his contribution and importance. As the final act concludes this remarkable career, it's time to pause and contemplate the journey of a lifetime. With reverence, we acknowledge: "Though you've taken your final bow and departed the field, the reverberations of Sunil! ... Sunil! will continue to resound across stadiums long after your exit. For there was, and forever will be, only one Sunil."
21 May,2024 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Srijanee MajumdarErik ten Hag says Manchester United must “do everything” to reward the loyalty of the “best fans in the world” by winning the FA Cup following their worst finish to a Premier League season. Although United won 2-0 at Brighton on Sunday’s final day of the campaign, that was only good enough for eighth place—their worst position at the end of a season since they came 13th under celebrated manager Alex Ferguson in 1990. Hopes of qualifying for Europe next season now rest on United beating Manchester City in next weekend’s FA Cup final. United manager Ten Hag thanked United’s supporters for their backing. “We have the best fans in the world and I mean this,” said Ten Hag, whose squad have been blighted by injuries this season. “I have never had this experience when you have a season like us, which is by far not good enough, that the supporters are with us.” The 54-year-old added: “They are with us in the bad season and in bad times they are there. I think also they know why the bad times are there. But we have to pay them back and we have to do everything to give them a trophy next week.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2024 06:37 AM IST | Brighton | AFPMikel Arteta admitted Arsenal might need to amass 100 points to end Manchester City’s dominance of the Premier League next season. Arteta’s side finished as runners-up to relentless City for a second successive season after falling just short on the final day. Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Everton was rendered irrelevant by City’s 3-1 victory against West Ham as Pep Guardiola’s team took the title by two points. City have won an unprecedented four consecutive titles and have been crowned champions six times in the last seven years. Arteta knows from personal experience that City’s thirst for success is unlikely to be quenched by their latest triumph. The Spaniard served as Guardiola’s assistant when they became the only team in the Premier League era to reach 100 points in 2017-18. “We are doing this against the best team in the history of the Premier League by far,” said Arteta, whose team managed 89 points this term. “I was there when City did 100 points. This is what it takes. Nobody has to explain the level. In the last 15 to 20 years of the competition, the level was not like it is today. We are competing against an incredible team,” he added. Arsenal blew an eight-point lead in the title race in 2022-23, but this season they pushed City all the way to finish line, winning 16 and losing just one of their last 18 games. Even that wasn’t enough and Arteta tipped his cap to City’s incredible consistency. “Congratulations to Manchester City. Unbelievable what we have done since December. Every performance has been the highest level we have seen and it wasn’t enough,” he said. “We have been pushing so hard. Unfortunately it was a bit short and we could not deliver the big prize.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2024 06:35 AM IST | London | AFPLiverpool’s 2-0 win over Wolves on the final day of the season marked the end of Jurgen Klopp’s 10-year tenure in the league. Following City’s title win, Pep Guardiola got emotional when told about Klopp’s message for the spaniard. “I will miss him a lot, Jurgen has been a really important part of my life. He has brought me to another level as a manger, I think we respect each other incredibly. I have a feeling that he will be back and I just want to say thank you so much for his words“, said Pep Guardiola in the post match press conference. “Whatever happens at City with its 115 charges, Pep Guardiola is still the best coach in the world. Put any other coach in the world at that club, they wouldn’t win the English league four times in a row!” said Jurgen Klopp ahead of his final game. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2024 06:32 AM IST | Manchester | IANSPep Guardiola said Manchester City are enjoying their golden era after winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title, and sixth in seven years, on Sunday. Phil Foden scored twice as City beat West Ham 3-1 at the Etihad to edge out Arsenal by two points and deny the Gunners a first league title in 20 years. “When I moved here if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say you’re insane—no way,” said Guardiola. “All these players for Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea, all these teams. Now is our period. We are part of that,” added the 53-year-old. Man City boss Pep Guardiola with the EPL trophy on Sunday No side had ever previously won four consecutive English top-flight titles. City’s feats have made their case to be considered the greatest English club side of all time. Liverpool won 10 league titles and four European Cups in a 15-year span between 1975 and 1990, while Manchester United won 13 Premier Leagues under Alex Ferguson. “For Liverpool fans that [70s and 80s] will be the best team. For Manchester United fans, Sir Alex Ferguson and that incredible period will be for them the best team because football is about memories,” added Guardiola. “I’m pretty sure for our fans our team now will be the best. In terms of numbers, nobody has been better than us in goals, points, four [titles] in a row. We have done something unbelievable. Six Premier Leagues in seven years with the quality of the managers and teams in this league.” Guardiola also took time to pay tribute to his former assistant, now Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta for running his side so close. “Before it was Liverpool who push our limits and now it is Arsenal,” said the former Barcelona boss. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
21 May,2024 06:28 AM IST | Manchester | AFPManchester City created English football history on Sunday, beating West Ham 3-1 to win their fourth straight Premier League title and break Arsenal's hearts as Jurgen Klopp made an emotional Liverpool exit. Phil Foden scored two early goals -- including one after 79 seconds -- at an expectant Etihad to lay the foundations for City's victory. West Ham's Mohammed Kudus pulled a goal back with a spectacular overhead kick to give Arsenal renewed hope but Rodri struck just before the hour mark to effectively wrap up the title. The Gunners, without a Premier League trophy since 2004, came from a goal down to beat Everton 2-1 but had to content themselves with second place for a second straight season after they finished two points behind City's tally of 91. The champions' relentless surge to the finishing line has included 19 wins and four draws since their last defeat in the league, at Aston Villa in early December. City, who have now won six titles in seven seasons, stand alone as the only English team to have won four straight top-flight titles, eclipsing the achievements of the great Liverpool and Manchester United teams of the past. "When I moved here, if someone had said I would win six leagues in seven seasons I would say 'You're insane -- no way'," said City manager Pep Guardiola. "All these players for Manchester United and Liverpool and Chelsea, all these teams. Now is our period. We are part of that." But while City have set new standards in English football, they remain under a cloud as a result of 115 Premier League charges for alleged financial irregularities, levelled early last year. Elsewhere on the final day of the Premier League season, Luton's relegation was confirmed with a 4-2 loss at home to Fulham. They will join Burnley and Sheffield United in the Championship next season. Also Read: If we don’t win vs Spurs, no title: City boss Pep Tottenham beat Sheffield United 3-0 to seal fifth spot and a place in next season's Europa League while Chelsea guaranteed a sixth-place finish and European football with a 2-1 win against Bournemouth. Newcastle's 4-2 win at Brentford condemned Manchester United to an eighth-place finish -- their lowest since 1990. Erik ten Hag's men, who beat Brighton 2-0 in Roberto De Zerbi's last game in charge of the south coast club, have a chance to salvage something from a disastrous season in next week's FA Cup final against City. But if United lose that they will miss out on European football. Foden, 23, has enjoyed his most impressive season yet for City, taking his tally to 27 goals in all competitions on Sunday, together with 11 assists. The England midfielder opened the scoring on Sunday in the second minute with a vicious left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, settling nerves among the home fans. He then stroked the ball into the net in the 18th minute after an assist from Jeremy Doku. CHAMPIONS AGAIN OLE OLE! 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/75a5rVzeLw — Manchester City (@ManCity) May 19, 2024 The title race briefly came alive again when Takehiro Tomiyasu side-footed home to level for Arsenal at the Emirates before Kudus pulled one back for West Ham. The atmosphere became more subdued at the Etihad but the visitors rarely threatened again in David Moyes's final game in charge for the visitors and Rodri's goal in the 59th minute ultimately made the game safe. Kai Havertz's late winner for Arsenal proved irrelevant. Arteta gave a rousing speech to the fans in the immediate aftermath of the match, urging them to crave more. "All this is happening because you started believing, you started to be patient and started to understand what we tried to do," he said. "All the credit has to go to the players and the staff. Don't be satisfied. We want much more than that and we're going to get it." Klopp ended his Liverpool reign with a 2-0 win at home to Wolves but the match was merely a sideshow as the fans paid a warm tribute to a manager who has transformed the club since arriving in 2015. "It doesn't feel like an end," the German told a packed Anfield. "It just feels like a start. Today I saw a football team play full of talent, youth, creativity, desire, greed." He added: "We have this wonderful stadium, training centre and you -- the superpower of world football. Wow." (With agency inputs)
20 May,2024 12:01 PM IST | London | mid-day online correspondentBorussia Dortmund favourite Marco Reus bought beer for nearly a whole stadium of the team’s fans at his final Bundesliga game for the club. “It was planned in advance,” Reus said. “It was perfect, I’m unbelievably grateful for all the love people have shown me.” Before treating everyone to a drink, he treated them on the field to a goal and setting up another in the 4-0 win over Darmstadt. More than 81,000 supporters attended the match, though not all were of beer-drinking age, but many will have availed of the captain’s offer, possibly more than once. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
20 May,2024 07:20 AM IST | Dortmund | AP | PTIBayer Leverkusen became the first-ever unbeaten champions in the Bundesliga history after edging Augsburg 2-1 and extending their invincible run to overall 51 matches while Cologne were relegated into the second division after losing 4-1 to newly promoted Heidenheim in the last round in Bundesliga. The Werkself started brightly into the last match of the 2023-24 season as Amine Adli blocked the kick-off from Augsburg goalkeeper Tomas Koubek and squared into the path of Victor Boniface, who tapped home into the empty goal to break the deadlock with 12 minutes played. The hosts remained on the front foot and doubled their advantage at the half-hour mark when Robert Andrich collected a rebound inside the box before drilling the 2-0 lead past Koubek, reports Xinhua. Also Read: Swiatek dominates to earn her 3rd Italian Open title and heads to French Open as the big favorite After the restart, Augsburg grew into the match and halved the deficit at the hour mark as Mert Komur hammered the ball into the top right corner after benefitting on the good build-up work from Arne Maier. Augsburg remained dangerous and almost levelled the scores in the 80th minute but Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky staged a great reflex and denied Pep Biels a joker goal. It remained Augsburg's last chance as Leverkusen's defense stood firm to conclude the record season without a loss. Xabi Alonso's man still have the chance to clinch the treble with the Europa League and German Cup final coming up. "We deserved this title as we remained undefeated. Good players make good coaches. I have an outstanding squad here. I am very grateful to be able to work with such players. Today we will celebrate," said Alonso. At the other matches, Bayern Munich complete their horror season empty handed and slipped from the second to third place after losing 4-2 to seventh placed Hoffenheim. Stuttgart concluded the season on the second spot as the Swabians eased 4-0 past Borussia Monchengladbach thanks to Serhour Guirassy's brace. Borussia Dortmund secured a top five finish as Edin Terzic's boys cruised 4-0 past already relegated and last placed Darmstadt. Leipzig finished the season on the fourth spot after Eintracht Frankfurt bounced back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 stalemate. Janik Haberer's last-gasp 2-1 winner against Freiburg secured relegation threatened Union Berlin their top-flight status for next season. Mainz stay in the Bundesliga as well as the Nullfunfer came from behind to beat Wolfsburg 3-1. Bochum will face two relegation play-off matches after beating Werder Bremen 4-1 and Cologne were relegated for the sixth time in the club's history after losing 4-1 to Heidenheim. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 May,2024 09:41 PM IST | Berlin | IANSBarcelona coach Xavi Hernandez insisted he still felt he had the confidence of president Joan Laporta on Saturday, despite intense speculation over his future. Spanish media widely reported Friday that Xavi would be sacked in the coming weeks but the coach said Barcelona had “conveyed calmness” to him. Also Read: It’s not just about the money! The 44-year-old initially said declared in January he would leave at the end of the season but made a dramatic U-turn in April after the team’s form improved. However Laporta was reportedly angry with Xavi’s words earlier this week when the coach highlighted Barcelona’s financial difficulties in contrast to the might of eternal rivals Real Madrid. “The news doesn’t interest me, [the club] conveys me calmness and confidence, for me absolutely nothing has changed,” Xavi told a news conference. “We’ll sit down with the president, if we have to talk about something we will, but in theory everything is as it was three weeks ago.” Barcelona can seal second place in La Liga if they beat Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in the penultimate league match. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 May,2024 08:11 AM IST | Barcelona | AFPManchester City stand on the brink of a historic fourth successive Premier League title, but Arsenal lie in wait hoping for a last-gasp slip from the leaders on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering team go into the final day of the season with a two-point lead over second-placed Arsenal thanks to an eight-game winning streak. City are hot favourites City, who host West Ham knowing a win will seal the title, are hot favourites to set a new standard for dominance in English football. Arsenal, at home to Everton in their final game, have been near flawless themselves in 2024, with 15 wins and one draw, away to City, in 17 league matches. However, the Gunners’ costly 2-0 defeat against Aston Villa last month looks set to be decisive in a thrilling title race that also involved Liverpool until their recent stumbles. Also Read: Zverev equals Becker’s mark to set up final with Jarry Not for the first time, City have been at their relentless best in the intense heat of the run-in. Guardiola’s men have dropped just six points since mid-December, in draws against Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. As City close in on a sixth title in seven seasons under Guardiola, the competitiveness of the world’s most-watched league has been questioned. But the Catalan coach has hit back at suggestions the Premier League has become boring and that City’s dominance is thanks purely to the financial muscle of their Abu Dhabi-based owners. “It’s not boring, it’s difficult,” Guardiola said, adding that based on spending levels, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal should be matching City. “They spent as much money in the last five years as us. They should be there. They are not there.” Phil is EPL player of season Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Phil Foden has been named the Premier League’s Player of the Season. Saturday’s announcement meant the England midfielder completed an awards double after being voted Footballer of the Year by the English Football Writers’ Association earlier this month. Foden has scored a career-best 17 Premier League goals so far this season ahead of champions City’s final league game of the campaign. “To win this award is an achievement that I am extremely proud of. EPL is acknowledged as the greatest league in the world, and it is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players,” said Foden. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
19 May,2024 08:07 AM IST | Manchester | AFPADVERTISEMENT
