Plauseorminus

Outgoing Chelsea captain John Terry "could not care less" about the criticism levelled at him for the manner of his substitution against Sunderland on Sunday (21 May) in his final game at Stamford Bridge. The ex-England skipper was substituted in the 26th minute - matching his shirt number - against the Black Cats and given a guard of honour by his teammates. The act was pre-arranged between both clubs after Terry had asked permission from manager Antonio Conte prior to the game and the circumstances surrounding the act has drawn derision from the football community. Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Garth Crooks were among those to attack the scripted mid-game distraction. "This is not Hollywood," he said. "This is a Premier League fixture. I am a bit uncomfortable with it to be honest with you." But Terry, 36, is unconcerned by the detractors and does not want anything to muddle his bond with the Chelsea supporters. "I couldn't care...

Premier League champions Chelsea have confirmed their latest summer departure, with newly-promoted Newcastle United exercising their option to sign loanee Christian Atsu on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee. The Ghanaian winger has signed a four-year deal at St James' Park after helping Championship winners Newcastle bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt under Rafael Benitez. He initially signed for the Magpies on a season-long loan in August 2016 and went on to score five goals in 35 appearances across all competitions. "We are happy to sign a good player," Benitez said. "He's shown us that he's a good professional and someone who is very keen to learn and improve. Christian has been a key part of our promotion campaign and he wants to help us to build something for the future." Atsu arrived at Chelsea from Porto in September 2013 but failed to make a single competitive first-team appearance for the club. He was...

The Chelsea midfielder is reportedly one of Mourinho’s top targets for the upcoming transfer window, while the United manager missed out on bringing the Brazilian to Old Trafford last summer. Earlier this week, reports claimed that Chelsea are open to offers for the 28-year-old as the Premier League champions look to offload players in order to fund Antonio Conte’s transfer budget. In an interview with ESPN Brasil, via Sport Witness, Willian was asked about the managers he has worked with during his career and took that as an opportunity to hail Mourinho. ‘I learned something from all of them. I learned a lot,’ he said. ‘When I went to Shakhtar with Lucescu. When I left Shakhtar, in a very short spell at Anzhi with Guus Hiddink, I learned a lot. And then here at Chelsea with Mourinho, a manager who helped me a lot, I learned a lot from him. ‘So with all of them I learned a lot. But we always have a special affection for somebody, and you feel that, that it is recipro...

Manchester United will finish their league campaign against Palace at Old Trafford before facing Ajax in the Europa League final in Stockholm next Wednesday, a game they must win to qualify for next season's Champions League. With nothing riding on Sunday's game for either United or Palace, who are assured of avoiding relegation.  Jose Mourinho says the Premier League's unwillingness to help Manchester United prepare for their Europa League final will force him to pick youth players against Crystal Palace on Sunday. Mourinho believes it should have been moved forward a day. "In any country in the world, the match would be Saturday because Sunday, we are sixth, doesn't matter what, and Crystal Palace is safe," the United manager told reporters after Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Southampton. "So I think after the moment Crystal Palace beat Hull City and Hull City is relegated, and Swansea is safe, I think in that moment, the match has to be Sa...

Teenage star Kylian Mbappe helped Monaco secure their first Ligue 1 title in 17 years with his 15th goal of the season in Wednesday's 2-0 victory at home to Saint-Etienne. The 18-year-old raced clear of the visiting defence to nervelessly roll in the opening goal after 19 minutes at the Stade Louis II as Paris Saint-Germain's four-year reign as French champions came to an end. Valere Germain added a second of the night with the final kick of the match. "We can finally say we are champions. I'm very proud of this team, of these players. It's a dream for me, I'm very happy," Monaco captain Radamel Falcao told Canal+. Leonardo Jardim's side were effectively guaranteed the title after Sunday's 4-0 win over Lille due to their vastly superior goal difference and needed just a point to secure an eighth league crown. Monaco's 11th straight victory bumped them up to 92 points, six ahead of PSG, and they can match the capital club's si...

Chelsea have launched a £55 million bid for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti, according to reports. The Sun claims that Antonio Conte views the 24-year-old as the creative spark he requires to push Chelsea forward next season. Verratti has already played under Conte with Italy’s national side and the Chelsea manager believes the midfielder is the signing who can offer the team more tactical flexibility. PSG, who lost out to Monaco in the Ligue 1 title race on Wednesday evening, are reportedly willing to sell Verratti and the player is considering a move to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are also ready to lure Verratti by promising him an increase on the £120,000-a-week salary he earns in the French capital. When asked earlier this week if he will stay at PSG for another season, the Italy international said: “Yes. ‘I’m under contract in Paris and I like it here.’

The US rapper will play a special end of season concert at Place du Palais after the Ligue 1 side have clinched the domestic title. Monaco is known for its fast cars and lavish lifestyle. Just like rapper 50 Cent. The two have combined in a bizarre, yet predictable way, as the American artist will play a special concert to celebrate their local club's impressive season. AS Monaco reached the semi-final of the Champions League and could lift the Ligue 1 trophy on Wednesday night with a draw or win against Saint-Etienne. With their final league game taking place on Saturday, 50 Cent will play an exclusive concert on Sunday evening where the staff and players of the club will be in attendance. The gig will not be open to members of the public, but only residents of Monaco who need to show proof of identity to gain entry. 50 Cent has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide following the massive success of his 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The concer...

James Rodriguez has been left out the Real Madrid squad to face Celta Vigo on Wednesday night 17 May amid speculation linking the Colombia international with a move to Manchester United. Gareth Bale, Dani Carvajal and Pepe also remain sidelined ahead of a crucial encounter in Los Blancos' battle with Barcelona for La Liga. Zinedine Zidane's side have the chance to overtake the Catalans at the top of the table as the visit to Balaidos corresponds to a league game postponed from match week 21 due to bad weather. Real Madrid are currently behind Barcelona due to their head-to-head record, but a victory in their game in hand over Celta would leave them within a point of lifting the trophy.  Former Monaco playmaker James, who will miss the match, appeared to wave goodbye to the crowd on Sunday when he was substituted in the second half of a 4-1 victory over Sevilla – the final match of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu. Reports in Colombia have since claimed Manches...

The Ghana international has agreed personal terms after the Tyneside club activated the clause to convert his season-long loan into a permanent switch. Newcastle will pay Chelsea £6.2m ($8m) to sign the winger, who is expected to put pen to paper on a four-year deal. Atsu made 35 appearances for the Magpies and scored five goals to help them win the Championship title and move back to the English top-flight. According to the Guardian, the two clubs have reached an agreement for the transfer but it is not expected to be announced immediately as there is still a long way to go before the move can be completed. The Ghanian winger joined Chelsea from Porto in 2013 and has not made a single appearance for the Blues thus far. He has previously spent time on loan with Dutch club Vitesse, Premier League outfits Everton and Bournemouth and La Liga side Malaga. Atsu will become the newly crowned Premier League champions' first summer exit and Newcastle's first summer signing. ...

The Gunners had Alexis Sanchez to thank for the victory, with the Chilean bagging a brace, but it was Ozil who really ran the show at Emirates Stadium. Incredibly, the German playmaker created 12 chances for his team-mates against the Black Cats, the most since Opta started recording statistics. Ozil assisted Sanchez’s opener with a selfless cut-back, with Jordan Pickford having made a string of impressive saves to keep out Arsenal before that. The assist was Ozil’s eighth of the season, meaning only six players have registered more than him this season, while it was his 41st since joining Arsenal – a tally no other player can match over the same period of time. Sanchez’s brace, meanwhile, means he has been directly involved in 33 goals this season (23 scored, 10 assisted), more than any other player. The Gunners racked up an astonishing 36 shots, 13 of which were on target, which represents the most efforts on goal since Opta began recording data in 2003/04. Credit:...

Tottenham Hotspur left-back Danny Rose has undergone exploratory surgery on his left knee after a setback in his recovery, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday. The England international, 26, sustained medial ligament damage during Tottenham's 0-0 draw at Sunderland on January 31. He had been expected to return before the end of the season, but with the rehabilitation process taking longer than expected, he has gone under the knife and will not be back until next season. "We can confirm that Danny Rose has undergone exploratory surgery on his left knee today," Spurs said on their official Twitter account. "He recently returned to training, however, the problem has not resolved fully, therefore a decision has been made to proceed to surgery. He will now return to action next season." Wales international Ben Davies has been deputising at left-back in Rose's absence. Spurs' 2-1 win over Manchester United last weekend confirmed the...

Arsenal's top scorer Alexis Sanchez faces a fitness test to determine his availability for Tuesday's Premier League clash against relegated Sunderland while midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been ruled out, manager Arsene Wenger said. Sanchez was withdrawn with a thigh injury during Arsenal's 4-1 win over Stoke City on Saturday that kept Wenger's team in the hunt for a top-four berth. Defender Laurent Koscielny is also doubtful due to a calf problem. "We have a little bit of a problem with Koscielny but we should have everyone available," Wenger told a news conference on Monday. "Alexis should have a test today. It didn't look good but with him he is always so eager. (Kieran) Gibbs should be available but Oxlade-Chamberlain is out." Arsenal are currently fifth in the table, three points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and four adrift of third-placed Liverpool, who have played a game more. Arsenal need one of their riv...

Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has dropped the clearest hint yet that Sead Kolasinac will sign for the Gunners this summer after namechecking the Bosnian in an interview ahead of tonight's Premier League game against Sunderland. The Frenchman responded to a question about whether Arsenal’s failure to qualify for the Champions League would affect their ability to land players of the highest calibre for the 2017/18 season. Arsene Wenger’s side are dangerously close to missing out on playing in Europe’s premier competition next season as they sit behind both Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League table with only two games to go. But Koscielny is confident top players will still arrive at the Emirates and appeared to confirm Kolasinac is on his way to north London after name-dropping him while discussing the subject. ‘I think that they know the players they want,’ the Arsenal centre-back said. ‘They know for a long time so I think if we are qualified...

Having won the title with Leicester last season the France international hasn’t stopped, instead playing an integral role in helping Chelsea win the title this season and getting the team to the FA Cup final. N’Golo Kante has enjoyed a flawless campaign following his switch to Stamford Bridge last summer.  The Chelsea's midfielder continue his incredible season last night as he beat some of the world’s best players to yet another award. He was last night recognised at France’s domestic football awards, the UNFP Trophees du Football, as the best French footballer playing abroad. On the shortlist were Atletico Madrid striker and Manchester United target Antoine Griezmann, Real Madrid hitman Karim Benzema and Borussia Dortmund’s brilliant youngster Ousmane Dembele. However it was Kante who came out on top. Though Kante was unable to attend the star-studded ceremony due to Chelsea’s match with Watford last night. Had he been there he would have seen Edinson Cavani of PSG...

The 36-year-old's contract at Stamford Bridge runs down in the summer. The center back has already announced his decision to leave the newly crowned Premier League champions after the end of the season. Terry is yet to receive an offer for his services from England or abroad. He has not made a decision on his future and retirement could be one of the options for the Chelsea legend. The Blues long-serving captain admitted that the time spent on the bench will be beneficial if he decides to get into management. "I know I said I wanted to play regular football, but I have not ruled out Sunday being my last game and retiring," Terry told Sky Sports. "It depends if the right offer comes along then I will sit and consider it with my family, whether it's here or abroad, but I haven't made any decisions yet and I am just evaluating my options. "I never wanted to be that player just hanging about that people can't wait to get rid of or stopping...

According to the Colombian radio station Radio Caracol, the 25-year-old already has an agreement with the Red Devils and his potential move to Old Trafford could be announced after Real's final league match of the campaign against Malaga on 21 May.  Rodriguez was replaced by Casemiro in the 61stminute in Real's 4-1 victory over Sevilla at Santiago Bernabeu. He waved at all four sides of the stadium while he was walking towards the dugout. He was emotional in Real's final home fixture of the 2016/17 season, fuelling speculation that the attacker could leave his current employers in the summer. Zinedine Zidane has refused to discuss the suggestion that Rodriguez has already played his final home match for Real. He wants his players to focus on their remaining fixtures as his side are in the race to win the league and the Champions League. Real are determined not to announce his switch to United until the final of Europe's prestigious club competition, reports t...

Statistics show that ‘the Special One’ now has a lower win percentage in the Premier League than two men who were fired due to a perceived lack of success. It’s been a highly disappointing campaign for the Red Devils following the excitement that Mourinho’s appointment generated last summer. The Portuguese coach has enjoyed an exceptional career that has seen him win titles with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. It was thought that he, coupled with the club’s huge levels of spending in the transfer market, would have the club competing for major honours. In fairness they’ve won the EFL Cup and will add the Europa League if they beat Ajax in the final next week. However their league campaign has been disastrous and they currently find themselves sixth in the table. In recent weeks Mourinho has admitted his focus is on winning the Europa League and it’s coincided with Manchester United’s 25 Premier League game unbeaten run being ended by defeats to Arsenal and T...

Roy Keane has taken aim at Manchester United’s defensive tactics in their Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo and believes it’s ‘not a good reflection’ on where the club is at under Jose Mourinho. The former Red Devil thought the display was similar to the sort of performances put in by the club throughout the season as they scraped through to the final, where they will meet Ajax. Despite United edging past their La Liga opponents, with Maroune Fellaini and Facundo Roncaglia scoring in a 1-1 draw on the night, Keane was unhappy with their efforts on the pitch and slammed the lack of ruthlessness shown. ‘First of all, congratulations to United,’ he told ITV. ‘But their level of performance tonight has just been letting a team like Celta Vigo dictate the game and keep themselves in the game in the last minute, that’s not a good reflection on United. ‘It goes to show where they’ve been all season, the amount of draws they’ve had. ‘You can see tonight, just a...