Football

Daniele Massaro, who played his last game for Milan that night, says: “After that final, 10 great years ended where we won everything and wrote pages of history in world football.” A new chapter began with Ajax’s young, largely homegrown squad spreading around Europe and becoming its new footballing reference points. They had done it their way under Louis van Gaal, blending Cruyffian technical and tactical wizardry with an accent on physical, athletic dominance to set a template for the modern player. Massaro describes them as “vicious, but also smart and filled with quality”, recalling Jorge Valdano’s famous line. Ajax, the then Real Madrid manager had said, were “beauty and the beast”. … [Read more...] about ‘A volcano that exploded’: the ’95 Ajax side that changed European football

Across town, Manchester City are no different. They too have also been developing homegrown talent and using a diverse scouting network to find hidden gems in the Ukrainian second division watching the Euros, and seen that Spain have a winger called Nolito, and that he doesn’t play for Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, and are ready to bet that he also has the capacity to be seduced by money, initial optimism and birthday cake. Having found the net against Turkey, his £14.1m buyout clause at Celta Vigo is looking pretty sweet to Pep and co. They’ve also noticed that Toni Kroos has the capacity to control something called “tempo”, and are willing to give Real Madrid £37m to find out what it is. … [Read more...] about Football transfer rumours: Leonardo Bonucci to Manchester United?

'I know there are a lot of people out there spending this holiday away from close friends and family and missing them so much,' she noted. 'Sending everyone a little extra love today. You’re not alone and this too shall pass.'  … [Read more...] about Olivia Culpo, 27, has a self-isolation ‘prom night’ with football player boyfriend Christian McCaffrey, 23… after he signs a $64 million contract

I have also set up a little academy back in my home state, Imo, so boys can have what they need to be able to play. At the end of every season in Europe, I gather up all the kit I can and take it home for the boys. There's a lot of talent in Nigeria. Some of it is hidden away, out in villages nobody knows about. Their families don't have the money to bring them into the city to be spotted. My idea is to give kids the chance to train and play and allow their talent to shine through. I want them to have the chance to show how good they are. … [Read more...] about Nwankwo Kanu: Street dreams are made of this

At the start of the season Cox could have dropped down the divisions in England or moved to the Netherlands. “For my development, I have learned so much over the year. League Two just isn’t the best decision and sometimes it’s sprung on people, as there is an attitude that you need to work your way up in England, but some people need to try something new and going abroad is definitely the best thing.” … [Read more...] about Finishing school: how Fortuna Sittard are giving a boost to young careers