Lionel Messi has “gifted intellectual capabilities” that allow him to be both better and smarter than his rivals, claims an expert on the matter.
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روى خالد الهنائي، العضو المنتدب السابق لنادي الوحدة الإماراتي، تفاصيل هامة وخطيرة لأول مرة، عن كواليس انتقال الراحل أحمد رفعت لـ الوحدة قادمًا من فيوتشر.
وقال خالد الهنائي في تصريحات عبر برنامج “البريمو”، على قناة “ten”: “لا يوجد شيء اسمه معايشة في عقد لاعب عمره 29 عامًا، اللاعب وقع عقد ثلاثي بينه وبين نادي الوحدة وفيوتشر، وكان عبارة عن إعارة لمدة موسم مع أحقية الشراء”.
وتابع: “أحمد رفعت حصل على جميع حقوقه، ووكيله نادر شوقي شرح الموضوع، ولم تكن هناك أي مشكلة بين اللاعب والنادي، رفعت بدأ بشكل مميز وكان يحصل على جائزة أفضل لاعب في المباريات، وصنع الفارق مع الفريق، لكن حدثت له مشاكل مع التجنيد، هناك أمور لم يكن يعرفها ويجهل المعلومات الصحيحة التي وصلت له من الناس، ونحن عرفنا وكنا نتابع معه ومع أحمد دياب رئيس فيوتشر السابق”.
وأضاف: “تواصلت مع أحمد دياب، واتفقنا على أمور العقد وتفاصيل انتقال اللاعب للوحدة، وسافرت مع طبيب النادي إلى مصر للكشف على اللاعب، وخضع لفحص طبي واجتازه، ولعب مباريات وكانت كل الأمور تسير بشكل طبيعي”.
وأردف: “هذه شهادتي أحاسب عليها يوم القيامة، هو في دار الحق الآن، وما سار كالآتي، عندما وصلت إلى مصر تحدثت مع أحمد دياب، وكنت أعرف أن اللاعب عنده مشكلة مع التجنيد، ودياب قال لي الأمور على ما يرام، واللاعب سينهي أوراقه، ونحن ملتزمون بأن يخرج اللاعب معكم بأوراق رسمية”.
واستمر: “كان من المفترض بعد الكشف الطبي أن اصطحب اللاعب معي إلى الإمارات، فقال لي أحمد دياب ليس الآن حتى ننتهي من تصريح السفر بعد 48 ساعة، وهذه المهلة امتدت إلى 5 أيام، فاتصلت مرة أخرى بـ دياب وقلت له يجب أن يُسافر اللاعب لأن هناك وقت مُعين لتسجيل اللاعب في الاتحاد الإماراتي”.
واستطرد: “فقال لي دياب إن اللاعب سيخرج من مصر إلى ليبيريا، قلت له لماذا قال لأن التصريح صدر بسفره إلى ليبيريا، ومن هناك سينتقل إلى الإمارات، قلت له إن اللاعب أصبح ملك الوحدة الإماراتي، قال لي ننتظر فقط حتى يصل إلى غانا (ترانزيت) ومن هناك سيسافر إلى الإمارات”.
وتابع: “عندما وصل أحمد رفعت إلى غانا فوجئنا بأنه سيسافر إلى ليبيريا، اتصلت بـ أحمد دياب وقلت له كيف يذهب اللاعب إلى ليبيريا، نحن اتفقنا أنه سيسافر إلى الإمارات من غانا، وأرسلنا له تذكرة السفر، ولم تكن هناك طائرة خاصة كما قال وليد دعبس رئيس النادي الحالي في تصريحاته السابقة”.
وشدد: “حجزنا للاعب على طيران الإمارات درجة أولى من غانا، فقال لي دياب بأن اللاعب سيسافر إلى ليبيريا، قلت له لا إذا اللاعب سافر إلى هناك وقتها سيغلق باب القيد في الإمارات ولن نكون في حاجة إليه”.
وأوضح: “سارت هناك محادثات بيننا، ووصلنا إلى أن اللاعب نزل من الطائرة التي كانت ستسافر به إلى ليبيريا، والمدير الفني المحترم علي ماهر كان موجودًا، ومعه إداري الفريق، ونزل اللاعب قبل أن تُقلع الطائرة بربع ساعة، وانتظر 4 ساعات ثم سافر إلى الإمارات ولم تكن معه حقائب، لأن وكيله حمل حقائبه من مصر واتجه إلى الإمارات”.
وأكد: “بعد أن وصل اللاعب إلى الإمارات، اتصل بي أحمد دياب وقال لا تجعل اللاعب يُشارك في المباريات، بسبب الجماعة هنا، وأنا لم أعرف ماذا كان يقصد بكلمة الجماعة، لكنه قال لي الجماعة هنا سيعطونه تصريح لكي يلعب، قلت له لا أنا دفعت أموال وتم تحويلها في حساب النادي، واللاعب قانونيًا يحق للوحدة”.
طالع أيضًا | شقيق أحمد رفعت يوضح حقيقة تورط عبد الظاهر السقا في أزمة اللاعب الراحل
وتابع: “وشارك أحمد رفعت في أول مباراة أمام النصر الإماراتي، وتألق عندما دخل الشوط الثاني وصنع هدفًا وسجل هدفًا، وبدأ بداية قوية جدًا وكان الناس يتغنوا به ولقبوه بالفرعون المصري، لأنه جاء بعد غياب فترة طويلة للاعبين المصريين من بعد حسين الشحات، فكان هو الخطوة التي تستكمل مسيرة اللاعب المصري في الإمارات”.
وأشار: “بعدها تحدث معي أحمد رفعت وطلب مُقابلتي، وقال لي إن عنده مشكلة في التجنيد، وأن وحدته العسكرية تواصلت معه وأخبرته بأنه مطلوب، قلت له وماذا عن التصريح الذي صدر، قال لا يوجد تصريح، من خلال علاقتنا أتينا بالخطاب الذي تم توجييه من نادي فيوتشر إلى وزارة الرياضة، وكان الخطاب يقول بأن اللاعب خرج لقضاء فترة معايشة، لكن اللاعب كان قد وقع على عقد، ووقع عليه وليد دعبس، وبالأمانة الأخير لم يكن موجود أبدًا ولم نره قبل ذلك، وكل الكلام والاتفاقات المالية والتفاصيل مع أحمد دياب، لكن عند التوقيع قالوا لي إن وليد دعبس هو الرئيس القادم للنادي ولا بد أن يوقع على العقد”.
واستمر: “سمعنا أحاديث بأن نادي الوحدة فسخ تعاقده مع أحمد رفعت بسبب (لا تعليق) (يقصد تصريح وليد دعبس عندما سُئل عن سبب فسخ التعاقد ورد قائلًا، لا تعليق) بالطبع كلمة لا تعليق تعمل حساسية، واللاعب في دار الحق”.
وأضاف: “ما حدث أن اللاعب كان يتلقى اتصالات يوميًا، ونحن أتينا بـ وكيله نادر شوقي 3 مرات إلى الإمارات، كي يهدئ اللاعب، ونادر شوقي كان تائهًا لا يعرف ماذا يفعل، وحاولت التواصل مع أحمد دياب ولم يرد، ثم (عمل block) ولم نعرف ماذا يحدث”.
وأردف: “أحمد رفعت كان قلقًا، لأن كل يوم يتلقى اتصالات من الوحدة وأنه سيصدر ضده حكم، فتعرض لضغوطات نفسية كبيرة، فهبط مستواه لأنه لا يركز في الكرة، لذلك المدير الفني قال إنه لا يستفيد منه لأن عنده مشكلة في بلده ويجب أن يعود من أجل حلها، فأنا ارتأيت إننا نفسخ تعاقده في فترة الانتقالات الشتوية”.
وأكد: “أحمد كان مُتقبل القرار، لكنه كان خائف جدًا من عودته إلى مصر، حتى بعد فسخ عقده ظل في الإمارات أكثر من شهر، حتى عاد للقاهرة، ثم تم حجزه قانونيًا، هذا ما حدث”.
وأشار: “أنا سألت أحمد دياب وقلت له أنت أخرجت اللاعب على سبيل المعايشة، فرد بأن هذا هو القانون السائد أن يخرج اللاعب معايشة ثم تتجدد، لكن كان كل يوم الوضع يسوء، واللاعب مطلوب للعودة، وطريقة السفر لم تكن طبيعية، واعتقدنا أن هذا وضع طبيعي في مصر وتحركنا على هذا الأساس”.
وأردف: “نحن لم نبحث وراء الأمور الأخرى من البداية، لأن هناك لاعب ووكيله وناديه السابق، وكان أحمد دياب يقول لنا إن الأمر معه وسيحله بنفسه، وسافر اللاعب، لكن بعد شهر تشتت ذهنيًا من كثرة الاتصالات التي كانت تأتي له، أحمد دياب كان هو المسؤول ومستعد أن أواجهه، أنا عندما وجدت كلمة معايشة تواصلت مع وزارة الرياضة المصرية، وكان ردهم بأنهم جهة منفذة، تأتيهم طلبات الأندية والاتحادات حسب طلبهم، وليس من شأنهم حسم سفر اللاعب من عدمه”.
وواصل: “العقد كان إعارة لمدة موسم مع أحقية شرائه والتي كانت تبلغ مليون و500 ألف دولار، وبه رواتب اللاعب، نحن عرفنا موضوع المعايشة بعد أن وصل اللاعب إلى الإمارات، ولا يوجد شيء اسمه معايشة للاعب عمره 29 سنة، طالما لاعب تخطى 21 سنة فهو لاعب محترف”.
وأوضح: “أحمد رفعت كان متميزًا عندما انضم للوحدة، لكن بمجرد أن تلقى اتصالات كثيرة بدأ يتشتت، حتى إننا كنا ننوي أن نقيم معسكرًا لفريق الوحدة في مصر خلال فترة الشتاء، لكن كان يوجد عائق وهو أن أحمد رفعت لا يستطيع أن يُسافر إلى بلده”.
واختتم: “أحمد رفعت حصل على حقه بالكامل بعد فسخ تعاقده، ونادر شوقي أعلن ذلك، لأننا رأينا أن الفريق غير مستفيد منه، وفي هذه الفترة تواصل معي خالد مرتجي أمين صندوق النادي الأهلي، وكانت توجد نية لضم اللاعب للقلعة الحمراء لكي يُشارك في كأس العالم للأندية، لكن القانون لم يسمح بذلك لأن اللاعب سيكون قد شارك مع 3 أندية في نفس الموسم، وأحمد كان يبحث عن طوق نجاة من أي أحد، كان يطلب منا من خلال علاقتنا بإيجاد حل، لكن لا توجد قوة أكبر من قوة القوات المسلحة”.
Glasgow Rangers are currently on the lookout for their next permanent head coach after they made the decision to part ways with Michael Beale last weekend.
The Light Blues were beaten 3-1 at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership last Saturday and the club opted to move the English boss on by Sunday night.
Chief executive James Bisgrove is now tasked with finding a replacement for the 43-year-old boss and a number of managers have already been linked with the vacant role in Glasgow.
One man who has been touted with a possible move to the Gers is Marcelo Gallardo, who has been without a club since December last year.
How many trophies has Gallardo won?
The 47-year-old enjoyed a sensational spell in his home country with River Plate as he racked up 13 trophies in eight-and-a-half years with the club and could be a dream upgrade on Beale.
He averaged more than one trophy per season and won two Copa Libertadores titles during his time with the Argentine giants.
His exceptional performance in Argentina led to high praise from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, which speaks to his pedigree within the coaching world.
The legendary Spanish manager lauded Gallardo's "incredible" job and questioned why he is never among the best three managers in the world when it comes to award season.
Having also won a Uruguayan top-flight title with Club Nacional in 2012, he has proven himself to be capable of competing for silverware on a regular basis and can instil a winning mentality in his squad, as shown by his impressive work with River Plate.
Gallardo predominantly favours an attacking 4-3-3 formation and this suggests that he sets his teams up to be on the front foot to take the game to the opposition.
How many trophies has Michael Beale won?
Beale has not won a single trophy in his career as a manager to date and has yet to prove that he has what it takes to lead a team to glory on his own.
The ex-Chelsea academy coach enjoyed success as Steven Gerrard's assistant at Ibrox but has struggled since making the switch to being the main man in the dugout.
He is yet to lift a piece of silverware after spells with QPR and Rangers as his debut campaign in Scottish football failed to yield any real success during the 2022/23 season.
The Gers were knocked out of Europe before his arrival to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Beale was unable to win the Scottish Premiership, the League Cup, or the FA Cup, as their rivals completed a domestic treble under Ange Postecoglou.
Rangers gambled on the English tactician being a success without any real evidence to back it up, as he had not completed a full season in charge of a club or won any trophies prior to his move to Ibrox last year.
Bisgrove can now put that right and avoid making the same mistake by hiring an experienced trophy-winner like Gallardo, who could restore the Gers back to their former glory.
Aston Villa are considering a move for a new forward in January, but there are two other clubs who are also hoping to bring him to the Premier League.
Aston Villa transfer targets
The Midlands outfit are looking to bolster their ranks in the final third and have most recently been linked with moves for two strikers in the form of Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy and AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, but it’s not just players leading the line that they are searching for.
Football Insider have reported that NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery are open to offers for Bertrand Traore at the start of next year, so they will need to enter the market to search for a suitable replacement on the right wing should he depart, and they have already set their sights on a potential candidate.
Sporting CP’s Geny Catamo has found it difficult to nail down a regular place in his first-team since graduating from their academy having made just 14 senior appearances to date, after being previously sent out on two development loans to Vitoria Guimaraes and Maritimo (Transfermarkt – Catamo statistics).
The Mozambique international still has just under another two years remaining on his deal (Sporting CP contracts), but knowing deep down that he’ll only receive more game time by making the move elsewhere, the 22-year-old has emerged on the radar at Villa Park.
Aston Villa keeping tabs on Geny Catamo
According to Football Transfers, Aston Villa are keen on Geny Catamo, alongside two other high-profile clubs in the top-flight in England.
“Arsenal are closely watching Mozambique international Geny Catamo of Sporting CP, FootballTransfers has been told. We understand that the 22-year-old is being monitored by a number of clubs ahead of 2024, including the Gunners, Tottenham, and Aston Villa.
"Our sources have informed us that the player could leave the Portuguese club as soon as the January transfer window, with a number of Premier League clubs watching the youngster in the Primeira Liga.”
Whilst Catamo hasn’t got much senior experience under his belt yet, Aston Villa will be aware that he’s got bags of potential to offer having showed promising signs by clocking up nine involvements (six assists and three goals) in 36 outings since the very start of his career.
Ruben Amorim’s left-footed £4k-per-week earner (Sporting CP salaries), also currently ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons and attacking touches in the opposition's penalty area (FBRef – Catamo statistics), displaying his ability to use his pace and dribble past his marker to create chances for himself and his fellow teammates in the final third.
Furthermore, Catamo, who has had a taste of what it’s like to compete in the Champions League, has the versatility to operate in the midfield and on the wing of both the left and right flanks alongside in the centre of the park, so he could certainly be a fantastic recruit for the long-term future of the club should the board decide to fully pursue a deal in January.
Gareth Southgate has decided who will start up front for England against Brazil with Harry Kane currently out injured.
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Manchester United are synonymous with late goals. Their long-enduring reign of terror when a double-digit clock ticks over 90 revised what added time was known as during the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Instead of 'stoppage time', it was christened 'Fergie Time' – a lingering aphorism that added time is awarded to allow a last-minute winner or equaliser.
But whether the relabelling was in virtue of dubious refereeing misgoverns or not, the Red Devils were rightfully crowned champions of dramatic goals at the death. Yet, while the narrative originates from Fergie's 1992-2013 epoch, stats suggest that now more than ever, the Busby Babes are lining their pockets with drama in the dying embers.
Read more: The latest Premier League injury-time goals this season
During Ferguson's time at Old Trafford from 1992 to 2013, his side scored 4.98 per cent of their goals in the Premier League after the 90-minute period, which amounted to 81 goals. Following his resignation in 2013, however, his former side have since scored 24 league goals in 'Fergie Time' out of 355 total goals (6.76%).
With so many late goals to choose from – before, during, and after Fergie's reign – it is tremendously difficult to decipher which is the best. But Football FanCast has you covered, as we try to factor in context, technique and significance to give you the ultimate top 10 best late goals scored by Man Utd.
Bruno Fernandes vs Brighton, September 2020
What better way to start the list than to explore the most recent occurrence rival fans turn to in their arguments for refereeing bias towards the Red Devils?
In this instance, during an early-season Premier League encounter between Graham Potter's Brighton & Hove Albion and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Man Utd, Bruno Fernandes converted a 100th-minute penalty to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory after Solly March thought he had rescued a point for the home side when he headed beyond David de Gea in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time.
This was not to be the case, when, to the dismay of a confused Amex Stadium, Simon Hooper used VAR to help him award a penalty after the final whistle had sounded for a handball by Neal Maupay in the moments before.
Of course, this wasn't the last time Simon Hooper found himself stuck at the crossroads of controversy, with his decision to play on despite significant human error after Luis Diaz scored an onside goal against Spurs proving that maybe, just maybe, rival fans have a point.
Nemanja Matic vs Crystal Palace, March 2018
Enough of the digging against Man Utd. This one is a truly world-class effort from Matic, whose time in the Premier League hadn't got too many more minutes left in the tank when he blasted a 30-yard dipping volley at Selhurst Park to complete a 3-2 turnaround after Crystal Palace had been on course for their first league win against the Red Devils since 1991.
The fact this goal only makes 9th on this list shows just how good United are when it comes to crunch time. For the technique and range alone, it was difficult not to give it anything but top marks. But when you factor in that it didn't mean too much in the grand scheme of things and that it came against an opposition floundering below the dotted line, you'll understand why we've put it here, especially when you consider the forthcoming inductions.
However, before moving into 8th, it's only right we take our cap off to the Serbian midfielder. He had a glittering career and his first goal in United colours was quite something.
Marcus Rashford vs PSG, October 2020
Marcus Rashford loves Paris, but the feeling is unlikely to be reciprocated. Just 18 months after his penalty wrapped up victory under Parc Des Princes' historic canopy, he again found the net at the last on Man Utd's return to Champions League nights by putting the previous year's beaten finalists to the sword.
In added time, substitute Paul Pogba slipped the Englishman into the box before the dead-eyed striker rolled away from a defender and smashed the ball in from 20 yards off the base of the left post.
To be the best, you need to beat the best. Amid scenes of elation, United looked good value under Ole at this point in time, with European zeniths back in the club's ambitions for the future after they picked up a valuable curtain-raiser victory in a tough group.
Robin Van Persie vs Man City, December 2012
As both Manchester clubs occupied top two of the Premier League going into derby day at the Etihad, one could have forgiven Dutch forward Robin van Persie had he felt the effects of nerves heading into his derby debut for Sir Alex Ferguson's otherworldly Red Devils.
Yet, as he had exhibited at Arsenal for many years, he had 'balls of steel' when the occasion required a hero. The flying Dutchman was used to scoring goals, having already tallied 13 up until this point in his maiden season at Old Trafford – but he was just getting started.
Read more: Sir Alex Ferguson's last Man Utd XI – where are they now?
United, refusing to rest on their laurels to take a point back across Manchester, won a free-kick from the right of the box in stoppage time. Ushering away Wayne Rooney to further embellish his confidence, Van Persie knew a goal would lift his new teammates into a six-point lead in the Premier League before Christmas.
A deep breath, and one last scan from ball, to wall, to goal, and back again, and the rest – as they say – is history.
Federico Macheda vs Aston Villa, April 2009
In March 2009, the Premier League title race looked all but over when United occupied breathing space of seven points at the summit, with a game in hand over Liverpool, who battled hard with Chelsea for second.
And yet, despite such comfort atop the table, just a few weeks later, the Red Devils became reliant on an untried 17-year-old to rescue their season, which was teetering on the precipice of collapse. Before their visit from Aston Villa, Rafa Benitez, Fernando Torres and company stormed ahead of their rivals to send Fergie and his befuddled United squad to panic stations.
But on his debut, teenage superstar Federico Macheda announced his first-team arrival to the Old Trafford crowd by turning his marker inside out following an incisive pass by Ryan Giggs before curling a sublime effort into the corner.
His Man Utd career failed to blossom afterwards, but a debut goal of that nature to send his side to the top of the table in a lead they'd hang on to at the second time of asking will forever be etched into United folklore.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vs Liverpool, January 1999
Victory over your fiercest rivals always taste so sweet. But not many would have tasted much sweeter than this fourth-round FA Cup smash-and-grab from Man Utd in their home tie against Liverpool, with an added-time winner – after Andy Cole equalised to make it 1-1 in the 88th minute – coming through none other than Mr Added Time himself, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
This is the first of two entries from the dazzling Norwegian forward, who had a knack for providing the difference when margins were fine and victory looked impossible.
An iconic, stooping, poked goal was vital in securing a victory that would later rise in importance when the Red Devils completed their famous 1999 treble.
Anthony Martial vs Liverpool, September 2015
"Martial, isolated Škrtel here. Ohhhh yes! Welcome to Manchester United, Anthony Martial!"
It might not have been a winner since Ander Herrera's penalty had given United the lead earlier in the game. But when you talk about fine ways of introducing yourself to new surroundings, Anthony Martial knew just how to get the Old Trafford crowd on his side quickly.
Making his first Premier League appearance from the bench against bitter enemies Liverpool, the £50m+ signing made Brendan Rodgers' defence look silly with his quick jinks in and around the box before he buried beyond Simon Mignolet to the orchestra of perhaps Martin Tyler's greatest commentary line.
Jesse Lingard vs Crystal Palace, May 2016
Louis van Gaal can thank the unheralded talent of Jesse Lingard for securing the Dutch head coach's only piece of silverware during his short and problem-ridden time at Man Utd's helm.
The English midfielder fired a magical volley during extra-time in the 2016 FA Cup final to reward 10-player United a first FA Cup trophy in 12 years.
Goals in pivotal moments like this are worth twice as much, with Lingard's piledriver ensuring the Red Devils lifted their first bit of silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. But even without context, this strike is worth watching time and time again.
Steve Bruce vs Sheffield Wednesday, April 1993
This one is so important in the trajectory of Sir Alex Ferguson's domineering United reign. Two headed goals after the clock surpassed 90 minutes from Steve Bruce put the Red Devils in the driving seat for the Scotsman's first Premier League title of 13 after throwing away the country's best-loved prize the term before.
In 1992/93, United were again tangled in a title race with Aston Villa – but this time, they wouldn't let slip on their lead, and Bruce's brace of thundered headers were at the centre of it all. Arguably, as well, these were the two goals that catalysed the changing of the tides in what added time was known for.
This is where 'Fergie Time' was given its first knee-up, so to speak.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer vs Bayern Munich, May 1999
It was only ever going to be this one. It might not just be the best late goal scored in Manchester United's history, but it could be argued that it's the most dramatic Champions League final winner of all time, too.
On a magical night at Camp Nou, Bayern's name was already being inscribed onto Old Big Ears until Teddy Sheringham turned in a Giggs miskick to draw the sides level and incite a frenetic finale.
Read more: The top 10 Champions League games of all time
Just as the crowd expected the tie to trickle into extra time, United won a corner – which David Beckham swung in for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to poke in from point-blank range after the earlier goalscorer Sheringham missed his chance to be the hero again.
The smattering of United fans went berserk, bringing an end to an extraordinary treble-winning campaign for the Red Devils. And to cap off the bedlam, it was the game that produced a timeless Fergie quote:
"Football… Bloody Hell!"
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Depois de sair do Botafogo em agosto de 2019, Erik está em sua segunda temporada pelo Yokohama Marinos, do Japão, e soma números positivos. O atletajá foi campeão da J-League em 2019 e é ídolo da torcida japonesa, que o viu em ação em 45 jogos pelo clube, com 23 gols marcados.
O atacante é artilheiro da equipe na competição nacional com 13 gols, ao lado do companheiro Júnior Santos. Erik também é o atleta do time com maior número de participações em gols na J-League (17, sendo 13gols e quatro assistências).
Na atual temporada, Erik tem 32 jogos e 14 gols e está na briga direta pela artilharia do Campeonato Japonês. Por três vezes, marcou dois gols em uma mesma partida em 2020 e chegou a marcar oito gols em seis rodadas seguidas.Em excelente fase profissional, Erik comemora também a chegada da primogênita Laura, primeira filha doatleta com sua esposa.
– Estou muito feliz aqui, o Yokohama Marinos é uma família pra mim. A torcida temum carinho muito grande por mim e pela minha família. Além disso, fomos abençoados com a chegada danossa primeira filha, estou vivendo um momento mágico e de muita emoção – falou Erik, que possui vínculo com o Palmeiras até dezembro de 2021.
Nesta quarta-feira, o clube estreou na Champions League da Ásia com vitória sobre o Shanghai SIPG por 1 a 0, em Doha, no Qatar. O Yokohama Marinos volta a campo pela competição neste sábado, quandorecebe o Shanghai para o jogo de volta da fase de grupos, ainda na capital qatari.
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Chelsea's cash-splurging strategy has delivered success to east London since the turn of the millennium and failed in equal measure.
During the Roman Abramovic era, the Blues became title-winning titans as the arrival of Jose Mourinho saw big spending come into fruition off the field as well as domineering displays on it.
After arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2004, the special one was given a war chest of funds to splash on talent across Europe, striking gold with the acquisitions of Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho, Arjen Robben and Didier Drogba, in particular.
That quartet were instrumental in the Blues scooping consecutive Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, although supporters will look back on the mid-2000s with fond memories, it's also a barometer for how far the club have fallen, especially in the transfer window.
When looking at Chelsea's recent escapades in the transfer window, it's been a while since the club has unearthed a club legend – like a Cech or Drogba – and have instead shelled out obscene amounts of cash on future flops.
The biggest of those is the £97.5m capture of Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan in 2021, however, the signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga in 2018 has given the Belgian a good run for his money.
How much did Chelsea pay for Kepa Arrizabalaga?
When Chelsea signed Kepa Arrizabalaga for £71.6m, which still stands as a world record fee for a goalkeeper, Maurizio Sarri was sold the pipe dream of him becoming a top-drawer 'keeper who could inspire the club to a glut of title-winning campaigns.
The Spaniard arrived at the club in 2018 with big shoes to fill. He was replacing the departing Thibaut Courtois, who joined Real Madrid that summer with the tag of being world-class while Zinedine Zidane was full of adulation for the Belgian, praising him as "among the best in the world".
Courtois would live up to that praise in the Spanish capital by helping his side win two La Liga titles and one Champions League, which subsequently saw his value skyrocket to highs of €86m (£74m) in 2022, as per Football Transfers, from the initial £35m that Real shelled out for him five years ago.
Conversely, Arrizabalaga hasn't come close to eclipsing the Belgian's performances in east London and has instead drained the club financially.
From 2018 up until his departure on loan ironically, to Real Madrid in the summer, the £150k per-week dud has bled the club dry of £39m in wages alone, amounting to a staggering £110m when adding the initial transfer fee to his salary.
Transfer fee
£71.6m
Weekly salary
£150k
Yearly salary
£7.8m
Total salary
£39m
Total cost per game
£674k
Total cost per clean sheet
£1.8m
Total cost per yellow card
£11m
Data via Transfermarkt & Capology.
How has Kepa Arrizabalaga performed at Chelsea?
While Courtois reaffirmed himself as one of the best in the world at Real Madrid, Chelsea's replacement has proven to be far less successful.
The Spaniard would make a huge number of mistakes during his first few seasons at the club and when Edouard Mendy from Rennes arrived in 2020, he was relegated to second-choice.
Arrizabalaga was signed for the exceptional ability he had with the ball at his feet, but it became impossible to look past the traditional parts of his goalkeeping game when assessing his ability.
Rarely, if ever, able to make outstanding saves and simply allowing far too many shots to go past him, the Spaniard's performances were weighed down by his hefty transfer fee, making three notable errors that led to a goal in top-flight football.
In the early stages of his Blues career, the 29-year-old was subject to shaky performances and although there were improvements last term, keeping nine clean sheets in 29 appearances for a struggling Chelsea side, he still left many feeling unconvinced, including Ian Wright.
He said on the Wrighty's House Podcast: “I’m looking at Kepa and I’m sorry man but it’s not working out. The man makes too many mistakes,”
The main responsibility for any goalkeeper is to exhume confidence in between the sticks and become an imposing presence in defence, but Kepa – who was described by football pundit and personality Mark Goldbridge as "suspect" – has never really put in the consistent performances to build that level of trust.
Having kept four clean sheets in seven matches for Real Madrid so far, perhaps the world's most expensive stopper is thriving in a fresh environment, but for what he's achieved in the Blue of Chelsea, he'll still go down as one of the worst signings in the club's history.
Aston Villa have made a flying start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign as Unai Emery continues to mastermind a charge towards the Champions League spots.
Having been entrusted into the managerial hot seat just over a year ago, no one could have envisaged the Spaniard taking Villa from the threat of relegation to battling it out in the Europa Conference League.
This remarkable turnaround is a testament to the tactical ingenuity and the superb squad that Emery has crafted, bringing in the likes of Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby in the summer, while reports suggest the former Arsenal boss has unfinished business in the transfer market.
Latest Aston Villa transfer news
With the January window approaching, Villa have been linked with a whole host of stars who could bolster their options in the final third.
One of those names is Real Madrid talent Brahim Diaz. The 24-year-old ace, who is said to be valued at €20m (£17m), could depart the club in January according to Spanish outlet Sport, with Los Blancos apparently "happy" to sell him.
Another potential acquisition in the winter window is former Wolves forward Pedro Goncalves, who has enjoyed a prolific spell at Sporting Lisbon, with the 25-year-old notching up 97 goal contributions in 141 appearances for the club.
That impressive form has drawn a whole host of attention towards him and according to the Record, via Sport Witness, Villa are keen on signing the winger, who has a release clause of €80m (£69.8m) release clause in his contract.
In other news, Goncalves is not the only scintillating winger being linked with a move to Villa Park as Galatasaray left winger Kerem Akturkoglu is a name that continues to do the rounds.
It was reported by TEAMtalk that a whole host of clubs, including Villa, West Ham, and Brighton have checked on the winger in recent weeks as he played for Galatasaray and Turkey.
With a current value of €15m (£13m), as per Football Observatory, Emery may need to act fast in their pursuit of the highly-rated 25-year-old gem as an upgrade on one of their currently underperforming players.
Kerem Akturkoglu could be the perfect Nicolo Zaniolo replacement
Once lauded as a 'wizard' by the Turkish press, likening his magical displays to the fictional character Harry Potter, Akturkoglu has been in fine form for his club this season, unlike Villa's Nicolo Zaniolo.
While the Italian was expected to become the creative spark down the left flank in the long-term absence of Emiliano Buendia, he has had a slow start to life at Villa, and this is an area that the 24-cap Turkey international could thrive in.
The 5 foot 8 magician has been in sensational form for Galatasaray, especially in recent times, posting an incredible 48 goal contributions in the past three Turkish Super Lig campaigns, including three goals and four assists in his first 10 league matches this term.
That scintillating form blows Zaniolo's exploits out of the water as he is yet to register a goal or an assist for Villa in 11 appearances, and he has never eclipsed double figures for goals in a single campaign at senior level.
What's more alarming is the fact that the Italy international has not looked like providing that spark for his club in the final third, averaging 0.7 key passes per game and a frail pass completion of 73% in the Premier League this term, suggesting he is yet to find his feet in England.
Compare that to Akturkoglu, who has created a whopping eight 'big chances', averaged 3.2 key passes and 2.4 shots per game in ten Turkish Super Lig outings which demonstrates that the fleet-footed winger could provide Emery with expert creativity at the top end of the pitch.
Zaniolo has failed to successfully endear his talents to the Villa faithful and if he continues to put in subpar performances, there would be no harm in exploring the possibility of signing the Turkish magician in January.
He could provide an abundance of creativity in dangerous areas as an upgrade on the Italian, whose loan is due to expire at the end of the season, as shown by their respective statistics, if he can adapt to English football.
Utah Royals FC's No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft, Ally Sentnor, scored her first goal for the club with a worldie of an effort Friday.
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Sentnor scores sensational goalWas No. 1 pick in 2024 NWSL draftFirst Utah Royals goalWHAT HAPPENED?
Taking the ball from the middle of the pitch into the final-third, Sentnor let rip on a wicked curling effort, dipping over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net. Her first professional goal, she was immediately surrounded by teammates for the joyous moment. It proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory for the Royals.
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After losing their debut NWSL match to Chicago Red Stars 2-0, the Royals came back firing in week two. Sentnor's strike was their second inside the opening 30 minutes of the match, although the Courage had levelled the scores four minutes prior.
After playing NCAA D1 college soccer at the University of North Carolina, where she tallied 21 goals and nine assists over two seasons, Sentnor's strike Friday was an announcement to the rest of the NWSL that she has officially arrived in Utah.
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Royals will take on Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit next weekend in NWSL action as they look to get their season on track. Then, on Friday April 12, they will take on the Orlando Pride.