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Bruno Guimaraes warns off Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool interest

Bruno Guimaraes warns off Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool interest
Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes, right, celebrates with Callum Wilson after scoring against Nottingham Forrest at the City Ground, Nottingham, England, Feb. 10, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 14 February 2024

Bruno Guimaraes warns off Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool interest

Bruno Guimaraes warns off Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool interest
  • Brazil midfielder says he wants to stay at Newcastle United for ‘long time’
  • Former Lyon man Guimaraes has been a beacon of light during Newcastle’s faltering season

NEWCASTLE: Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes has moved to cool summer exit talk by insisting he is happy to stay at St James’ Park for a “long time.”
The Brazilian has been the subject of speculation after details of a buyout clause inserted in his new contract, only signed in Oct. 2023, leaked into the public domain. The Magpies’ dip in form and struggles to replicate the Champions League-qualifying campaign of 2022/23 has only added fuel to that fire. Talk of Barcelona, Real Madrid and even Premier League rivals Liverpool has followed.
However, in the aftermath of yet another eye-catching performance — this time a two-goal, match-winning show against Nottingham Forest last weekend — Guimaraes has addressed the speculation. And in a move which will bring a smile to Newcastle fans’ faces, he has expressed his desire to stay on Tyneside, citing his connection with the supporters, and the love they have shown, as his main drive.
The 26-year-old said: “Sometimes people speak a lot about me. I just speak a lot about football. I'm very happy here and I like how the fans think of me here. Let the people speak.
“I enjoy my time here. The fans have been unbelievable for me and my family. I hope this can keep going for a long time.”
Even during Newcastle’s faltering season, former Lyon man Guimaraes has been a beacon of light. He has often been asked to be the Magpies’ main defensive shield in front of a struggling back four, as well as the team’s creative spark. It has often led to Guimaraes looking stretched in the midfield three, caught between a rock and a hard place.
That all changed last weekend, though. Given licence to roam from his usual No. 6 role, Guimaraes caused havoc in more advanced areas, occupying a No. 8 slot normally taken up by youngster Lewis Miley. It was a move Eddie Howe would not regret as Guimaraes opened the scoring at the City Ground with a sumptuous trivela volley. He bagged the winner in the second half, too, pouncing a wayward Anthony Elanga pass to stroke past former Newcastle keeper Matz Sels to claim all three points. As the net bulged in front of the travelling Newcastle fans, the moment was not lost on Guimaraes, who climbed the advertising boards to rise high and put two fingers in his ears — a clear reference to the transfer talk.
“I’m very happy, it was a good game for us. I played with more freedom and felt good. It was important after the draw with Luton last week that we played very well and it was very important for us,” said Guimaraes.
“For me, we shouldn’t have given the ball away that we tried to pass. The second half we played very well. We played with the ball a lot on the night.
“For me, (the first) was a lovely goal. One of the most beautiful in my career. I dedicate this goal to the ‘Mad Dog’ (assistant coach Jason Tindall) because we worked on it in training. When I play as a six, I don’t get the chance to play forward as much so I enjoyed playing high.
“I think I can play in the six, eight and 10. I played very well with the two goals. Thank you gaffer. To be honest with you, when I saw the ball come in, I didn’t know whether to hit it with my left or right (foot) but it was a perfect finish.”
Ten points off fifth-placed Aston Villa and five behind sixth-placed Manchester United, Guimaraes’ Magpies, in 7th, find themselves a little off the pace when it comes to the race for what is likely to be a fifth Champions League place for the Premier League this season. With only 14 games remaining, Newcastle have a considerable gap to bridge, but Guimaraes remains confident in the squad around him.
He said: “We have to get European football again, and we will try for the Champions League. I know it’s difficult but definitely (we are aiming) for Europa League.
“We have been better away from home this season. We have a big game at home next week (against Bournemouth) and hopefully we can get the three points.”
Guimaraes has been earning rave reviews for his performances, whether results have come Newcastle’s way, or not. His most recent show was not lost on Magpies’ legend Alan Shearer, who remains both Newcastle United and Premier League record goalscorer.
“He was brilliant, scored two wonderful goals. His all-round performance, I thought, was magnificent,” Shearer told BBC TV show “Match of the Day.”
He added: “Everything good about Newcastle, he was at the heart of it. Whether he was keeping the ball, protecting the ball, adding that little bit of quality with his passing, his movement, his ability to find space that not many others can.
“His (first) goal was a well-worked set piece, a great ball in from (Kieran) Trippier, but that is such a difficult technique. To hit it like that, eyes on the ball watching it all the way. To get the direction and power that he did, it was an incredible goal.
“For his second goal, he’s actually a split second quicker than anyone else’s thought process. He knows exactly what Forest want to do but he's not letting them do that. Just watch the way he reacts, he’s quick and gets the ball and he’s got the ability to whip it into the corner.
“That’s why the Newcastle fans love him. He's got a great relationship with the fans and rightly so. He’s a lovely man and a very, very good footballer.”
Newcastle United face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday at St James’ Park. The Magpies are currently without a whole host of injured and suspended players, with Sandro Tonali, Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Joelinton, Alexander Isak, Elliot Anderson, Matt Targett, Jacob Murphy and Joe Willock all currently sidelined.


Fit-again Yadav named in India’s squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Fit-again Yadav named in India’s squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
Updated 38 min 14 sec ago

Fit-again Yadav named in India’s squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy

Fit-again Yadav named in India’s squad for Pakistan-hosted Champions Trophy
  • Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t played cricket since hernia surgery in November 
  • India retain most of their players who competed at 2023 ODI World Cup

NEW DELHI: India named fit-again spinner Kuldeep Yadav in a 15-man squad for next month’s Champions Trophy on Saturday with Rohit Sharma leading the team into the eight-nation tournament.

Kuldeep hasn’t played competitive cricket since his hernia surgery in November but could play pivotal role on slow pitches of Dubai, where India will be playing all its games. The left-arm wrist spinner has been building up his workload at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

The Indian squad also includes fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah.

India retained most of its players who competed at the 2023 ODI World Cup. Shreyas Iyer and Lokesh Rahul have retained their places while Shubman Gill was named as the team’s vice-captain. Rishabh Pant is the second wicketkeeper chosen in the squad as Sanju Samson couldn’t make the 15.

Fast bowler Mohammad Shami also returns to ODI cricket, having last played the 50-over format at home in the 2023 ODI World Cup where he picked up 24 wickets and was the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. Left-arm fast bowler edged out Mohammed Siraj after his impressive performances in white-ball cricket.

India is placed in group A alongside host Pakistan, Bangladesh and New Zealand.
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Squad: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh.


Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw

Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw
Updated 19 January 2025

Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw

Barcelona’s Balde complains of racist abuse in Getafe draw
  • Earlier Saturday, in Spain’s second division, Elche player Bambo Diaby also faced racist abuse in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon

MADRID: Barcelona defender Alejandro Balde complained of racist abuse aimed at him from Getafe supporters in a 1-1 draw in La Liga on Saturday.
After Hansi Flick’s side were dealt another set-back in the title race at Getafe’s Coliseum stadium Balde reported the abuse in a post-match interview.
“I received various racist insults from some fans today, and I think that’s something I should say here. I think it’s something that should not keep happening,” Balde told Movistar.
The defender said he informed the referee during the game, who activated Spain’s racism protocol — leading to a public announcement to supporters in the stadium to desist.
Flick said those shouting racist abuse should not come to matches.
“There’s no space for this in football or in life, this is unbelievable, in the time (we live in now) it’s totally wrong,” Flick told reporters.
“They have to stay at home. Not go to the match, they have to stay at home.
“I think we have to fight against them, it’s the best thing, and the people around them can also do something... I think everyone can do it.”
Earlier Saturday, in Spain’s second division, Elche player Bambo Diaby also faced racist abuse in a 1-1 draw at Sporting Gijon.
There have been numerous instances of racism in Spanish football stadiums in recent years, with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior often targeted for abuse.
In November three fans were arrested after racist abuse was aimed at Balde and his Barcelona team-mate Lamine Yamal in the Clasico against Real Madrid.


Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match

Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match
Updated 19 January 2025

Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match

Desert Vipers extend unbeaten run with win in ILT20 Sustainability Match
  • Victory marked their fourth consecutive triumph, keeping them undefeated in the tournament

DUBAI: The Desert Vipers showcased their dominance in this year’s DP World International League T20 with a resounding 53-run victory over the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in their annual Sustainability Match at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday.

The win marked their fourth consecutive triumph, keeping them undefeated in the tournament and firmly at the top of the standings.

The special match highlighted the franchise’s commitment to environmental awareness, with the team promoting sustainability initiatives and the role of sports in reducing ecological impact.

On the field, the Vipers delivered a commanding performance. Alex Hales led the charge with a dynamic 58 off 36 balls, his first half-century of the tournament. Dan Lawrence added a robust 49, while Sam Curran contributed a quickfire 35, propelling the Vipers to an imposing 193 for five.

The spin trio of Nathan Sowter, Wanindu Hasaranga, and debutant Dhruv Parashar starred with the ball, dismantling the Knight Riders’ batting lineup.

Sowter claimed three wickets, Hasaranga took two, and Parashar chipped in with one. Their efforts, combined with sharp fielding, restricted the opposition to 140 in 17.4 overs.

The fielding display was capped by an electrifying moment from Luke Wood, who took three outfield catches and played a pivotal role in a spectacular boundary-line assist. His effort to flick a catch to substitute fielder David Payne to dismiss the dangerous Andre Russell earned him the player of the match award.

Spin bowler Nathan Sowter, who claimed three wickets, lauded the team’s start to the season.

“We’re flying; it’s a great start to the tournament. Last year, we only managed four wins, and now we’re four from four. If we can keep this momentum and go into the break with six wins, we’ll be well-positioned to finish in the top two and control our destiny,” he said.

He also highlighted Wood’s brilliance as a game-changing moment.

“We practised these catches during warm-ups. Moments like that change games, and hats off to Woody – he worked hard and got his rewards today. He fully deserved the player of the match award,” Sowter said.

Reflecting on his own performance, Sowter admitted it wasn’t his best day but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of cricket.

“Tonight, I got three wickets despite not bowling as well as I could. It’s a fickle game, but you take the wickets and move on to the next one,” he said.

The Vipers' next challenge comes with two matches in three days, a test that could solidify their spot at the top and edge them closer to playoff contention. With momentum on their side, the Vipers are proving to be the team to beat in this year’s DP World ILT20.


Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback

Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback
Updated 18 January 2025

Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback

Arsenal’s title bid rocked by Villa fightback
  • Mikel Arteta’s side were on course to keep pace with leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz
  • There was an agonizing finale for Arsenal as Mikel Merino’s late winner was disallowed for handball by Havertz

LONDON: Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes suffered a major setback as they blew a two-goal lead in a damaging 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were on course to keep pace with leaders Liverpool after goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz put them in control at the Emirates Stadium.
But the Gunners collapsed midway through the second half as Youri Tielemans’ first league goal this season handed Villa a lifeline before Ollie Watkins bagged the equalizer.
Boyhood Arsenal fan Watkins was about to be replaced by Jhon Duran before his 10th league goal this season put a huge dent in the north Londoners’ hopes of catching Liverpool.
There was an agonizing finale for Arsenal as Mikel Merino’s late winner was disallowed for handball by Havertz.
Second-placed Arsenal are now six points behind Liverpool as their bid for a first title since 2004 continues to splutter.
Darwin’s Nunez’s stoppage-time double for Liverpool sealed a 2-0 win at Brentford just half an hour before Arsenal kicked off, with groans audible from the stands as the result reached fans at the Emirates.
And with Liverpool holding a game in hand on Arsenal, Arne Slot’s men are firmly in control of the title race.
Arsenal’s 2-1 win against north London rivals Tottenham on Wednesday had ended a damaging run of three games without a win in all competitions.
That frustrating streak included the FA Cup exit against 10-man Manchester United and a League Cup semifinal first leg loss to Newcastle.
There was a pre-match blow for Arsenal as French defender William Saliba was ruled out with a “minor issue” and Villa eventually exploited his absence.
Villa had ruined Arsenal’s title bid last term, beating them twice in the league including a crucial 2-0 victory in north London in April.
Despite partially avenging those losses with a win at Villa earlier this season, Arsenal found themselves frustrated by their former boss Unai Emery again.
Despite being penned deep inside their own half for most of the opening 10 minutes, Villa should have taken the lead when Ian Maatsen’s fierce strike from 12 yards forced a fine save from David Raya.
Arsenal’s pressure was rewarded in the 35th minute as Leandro Trossard whipped a cross into the six-yard box and Martinelli got in front of Maatsen to stab past Martinez, whose save couldn’t quite stop the ball crossing the line before he clawed it out.
Havertz headed over from Martin Odegaard’s free-kick, but the much-maligned German finally ended his recent struggles to double Arsenal’s lead in the 55th minute.
Trossard cleverly shifted the ball away from Villa defender Matty Cash and whipped a low cross toward Havertz, whose close-range finish eluded Martinez’s weak attempted save.
The 25-year-old’s first goal in four games took him to 13 in 29 matches in all competitions this season, but he would still finish as the villain.
Tielemans led Villa’s instant fightback, getting in front of Merino to meet Lucas Digne’s cross with a diving header from six yards in the 60th minute.
Arsenal were rocking and Tielemans nearly equalized 90 seconds later with a snap-shot that smacked back off the post.
Martinelli volleyed wide from Gabriel’s lofted pass, foreshadowing the pain to come for Arsenal in the 68th minute.
Cash’s cross arrowed into the Arsenal area and Havertz couldn’t head clear, giving Watkins the chance to guide a clinical finish into the roof of the net from close-range.
Merino briefly thought he had spared Arsenal’s blushes but his strike from the edge of the area was disallowed for the clear contact with Havertz’s arm.
In a thrilling finale, Merino hit the post before Martinez made a superb save to repel Trossard’s effort from the rebound as Arteta held his head in disbelief.


Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier

Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier
Updated 18 January 2025

Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier

Kane calls on Bayern to extend with pal Dier
  • Kane said he hoped the club would extend Dier’s 2025-expiring deal
  • “He’s come in the last couple of games and done really, really well, and got two clean sheets”

MUNICH: Harry Kane called on Bayern Munich to extend Eric Dier’s deal at the club, saying he would “love” to continue playing with his former Spurs and England team-mate.
Dier was a surprise signing when he arrived from Spurs in January 2024 but has gone on to play 31 games for the German giants.
The 31-year-old center-back has started three of his past four league games for Bayern despite competition from central defenders Dayot Upamecano and Kim Min-jae.
Speaking to AFP and other media after Bayern’s 3-2 home win over Wolfsburg on Saturday, Kane said he hoped the club would extend Dier’s 2025-expiring deal.
“Eric’s been great, he’s been waiting patiently, obviously Upa (Upamecano) and Min-jae have been fantastic this season, so Eric’s just had to bide his time.
“He’s come in the last couple of games and done really, really well, and got two clean sheets, so, yeah, of course I’d love Eric to stay.
“I guess that’s between him and the club, I haven’t had any conversations with him, so we’ll have to see.”
Including matches for Bayern, Tottenham and England at junior and senior level, the duo have played 386 games together.
Bayern went trophyless for the first time in 11 seasons in 2023-24, continuing Kane’s run of never having won a team trophy, but the England captain backed Bayern to break through this year.
“Last year there were games where we were struggling but we just found a way to win.
“It’s been a bit different this year... we’ve been dominating every game we’ve played.
“We’re becoming a really dominant team in Germany and in Europe.”