All posts by h716a5.icu

Dhaka Metropolis earn a promotion to tier 1 for the next season, while Chattogram Division slide to tier 2

Mohammad Isam17-Nov-2022Rangpur Division lifted their second NCL title after beating Sylhet Division by five wickets in the last round in Bogra. They wrapped up the win on the third morning of the game, after being set a target of 88 in the fourth innings of a low-scoring game. Rangpur last tasted NCL success in the 2014-15 season.Chattogram Division were at the other end of the tier 1 points table despite their 27-run win over Dhaka Division. They will be relegated to tier 2 in the next season.Dhaka Metropolis, meanwhile, earned a promotion to tier 1 after their seven-wicket win over Barishal Division.Best batters
Zakir Hasan, Sylhet’s captain and wicketkeeper, was the tournament’s highest run-getter with 442 runs that included a maiden double-hundred. Veteran Jahurul Islam and Towfiq Khan were the second and third highest scorers respectively, while newcomer Abdullah Al Mamun was adjudged Player of the Tournament for his 326 runs and 11 wickets for Rangpur.Rajshahi’s Tanzid Hasan was the only batter to score more than one century in the competition. He finished the NCL with an unbeaten 126 against Rajshahi in the last round. Imrul Kayes was the other batter to score a hundred in this round.Best bowlers
Sumon Khan of Dhaka was the highest wicket-taker this season, with 33 scalps at an average of 11.15. This is the lowest bowling average for any fast bowler who has taken a minimum of 30 wickets in a season in the tournament’s history.Sumon finished up with a seven-wicket match haul against Chattogram. His new-ball partner Salauddin Sakil also took 27 wickets, while Rajshahi’s Nahid Rana, who took a five-for against Khulna in the final round, was the second-highest wicket-taker with 32 victims.There were many left-arm spinners among the top wicket-takers but the fast bowlers vindicated the BCB’s decision of introducing the Dukes ball in the NCL, by bowling aggressively for most of the competition.Sumon Khan finished as the leading wicket-taker in the NCL•BCBBest match
The Rangpur-Sylhet game would have decided the NCL title although Rangpur had a healthy lead going into the last round.Rangpur bowled out Sylhet for just 107 in the first innings with Shohel Rana taking three wickets. Musfik Hasan, Robiul Haque and Mamun took two wickets each.Rangpur took a first-innings lead of 81 despite Ebadot Hossain’s five-wicket haul. However, Sylhet once again struggled with the bat and were bowled out for 168 in their second innings. Rangpur needed only 89 to win the match, and the title. They knocked off those runs in just 23.3 overs despite losing five wickets.Points to ponder
Rangpur made a slow start but finished the tournament with four wins. Sylhet and Dhaka had the title in sight till the fourth round but floundered in their last two games. In tier 2, the plight of Rajshahi Division and Khulna Division is concerning as both are giants in the first-class circuit. Both sides will continue in tier 2 in the next season as well.Players to watch
Among the newcomers, the Rangpur duo of Musfik and Mamun was impressive, while Zakir and Sumon got the most runs and most wickets respectively. What would also please the Bangladesh team management was Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring 73 against Dhaka, while Ebadot taking 5 for 38 against Rangpur. Both are expected to play an important role during Bangladesh’s home series against India next month.

Arsenal have now made contact over the signing of a “composed” striker who’s scored 20 league goals already this season, according to a report.

Gunners searching for a striker

Mikel Arteta opted to risk waiting until the end of the season before bringing in a new striker rather than making a move in the January transfer window, which could well prove to be the wrong decision, with Kai Havertz being ruled out for the rest of the campaign.

With Gabriel Jesus also sidelined, Leandro Trossard was given the nod to spearhead the Gunners’ attack in Saturday’s 2-0 victory at Leicester City, and the Belgian assisted Mikel Merino’s second goal from out wide, but it remains to be seen whether the lack of an out-and-out striker will be an issue against stronger opposition.

Regardless of how Trossard performs, it seems likely that the Gunners will bring in a new striker this summer, having identified a number of targets, including RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui.

Arsenal able to sign former Brazil striker as Arteta drops free agent hint

The Spaniard has refused to rule out signing an emergency centre-forward.

4 ByEmilio Galantini Feb 14, 2025

There has now been a new update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Retegui, with CaughtOffside reporting that the Gunners have already made contact with Atalanta to discuss a potential deal.

The north Londoners are said to be showing a strong interest in the striker, but there may be competition for his signature this summer, with the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also interested.

Amid widespread interest in the forward, Atalanta are set to demand a fee of €60m (£50m), which would be relatively affordable for a top Premier League club, and likely cost much less than Alexander Isak or Sesko.

Arteta has a number of top strikers on his shortlist, with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen also said to be of interest.

Retegui on fire in the Serie A

With 20 league goals to his name already this season, the Italy international is by far and away the top scorer in Serie A, and he is averaging a goal every 69 minutes, while he has also bagged three assists.

Over the past year, the 25-year-old ranks in the 95th percentile when compared to his positional peers for goals per 90, having averaged 0.72, significantly outperforming his xG of 0.46.

Freiburg winger Vincenzo Grifo was full of praise for his compatriot after coming up against him back in 2023, saying: “Mateo Retegui is a very calm and composed guy.

“He was very concentrated and he deserved to score today as well, having played really well.”

The Atalanta star has really kicked on since then, having now proven himself in a major European league, so it is exciting news that Arsenal have made contact to discuss a deal.

An asking price of £50m is very reasonable for a player of Retegui’s quality, although the widespread interest in his signature means his value could rise before the summer, particularly if he continues his prolific form in front of goal.

Barca's young hero came to their rescue once again in a classic European encounter with the Italian champions

Barcelona twice came from behind to earn a 3-3 draw in a thrilling first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. Lamine Yamal was the star of the show, but his magic wasn't enough to secure victory on what was an enthralling evening in Catalunya.

Inter stunned the home side after just 30 seconds as Marcus Thuram flicked in a superb close-range finish, and they doubled that lead 20 minutes later as Denzel Dumfries spectacularly volleyed home after Francesco Acerbi got his head to a corner.

Barca came roaring back, however, as Yamal produced an outstanding solo goal that saw him take on three defenders before curling home a shot via the inside of the post. The 17-year-old almost repeated the trick, too, only for Yann Sommer to tip his effort from a tight angle onto the crossbar. Hansi Flick's side weren't to be denied, however, as Ferran Torres finished off a fine move involving Pedri and Raphinha to equalise before half-time.

The hosts continued to force the issue, but again fell behind just after the hour mark when Dumfries rose highest to head in from a corner. However, the Nerazzurri were ahead for less than two minutes this time, as a rocket of a shot from Raphinha crashed off the bar and bounced in off Sommer's back for an own goal.

Yamal hit the woodwork again while Raphinha tested Sommer from long-range late on, but Barca couldn't force a winner, meaning the teams head to San Siro with the scores all-square.

GOAL rates Barca's players from Montjuic…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Wojciech Szczesny (6/10):

Had no chance for any of the goals and swept up well on a couple of occasions when Inter looked to get in behind Barca's high line.

Jules Kounde (5/10):

Poor clearance allowed Inter to create the opening goal, but was otherwise pretty solid. Looked to Yamal whenever he got the ball until injured forced him off shortly before the break.

Pau Cubarsi (6/10):

Sublime in his passing out from the back. Still developing defensively, but rarely put a foot wrong.

Inigo Martinez (6/10):

Recovered well after slipping to allow Thuram the time to open the scoring. Dealt with a couple of testing long balls over the top before filling in admirably at left-back in the second half.

Gerard Martin (4/10):

Never looked wholly comfortable and was beaten in the air by Acerbi for the second Inter goal. Taken off at half-time.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

Lost a couple of aerial duels, including one in the build-up to the opening goal, but knitted everything together excellently when the ball was on the ground. Finally looks back to his best.

Pedri (7/10):

Another impressive showing from Europe's best midfielder this season. Superb cross that led to Ferran's equaliser was his main highlight, while any criticism for not getting his head kicked off as Dumfries scored his first seems misplaced.

Dani Olmo (6/10):

Tested Sommer on a couple of occasions and was industrious as the No.10, but couldn't unlock the Inter defence all too often before coming off midway through the second period.

Getty Images SportAttack

Lamine Yamal (9/10):

An absolutely outrageous first half was capped by his sensational solo goal, while he came within Sommer's fingertips of socring a second. His crossing caused panic throughout, even if his influence waned a little after the break.

Ferran Torres (7/10):

Excellent late run afford him a tap-in to equalise in the first half and that seemed to give him confidence a his link-up play improved from then on.

Raphinha (7/10):

Picked up dangerous positions throughout and claimed assists for the second and third goals via two vastly different touches. Not his best recent game, but still proved decisive.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPSubs & Manager

Eric Garcia (6/10):

Solid after replacing Kounde at right-back.

Ronald Araujo (6/10):

Flung himself into challenges and made a couple of key blocks after coming on at half-time.

Fermin Lopez (6/10):

Buzzed around the Inter box as Barca chased a winner.

Andeas Christensen (N/A):

Replaced Cubarsi in the closing stages.

Gavi (N/A):

Gave Pedri the final 10 minutes off.

Hansi Flick (5/10):

This high line may well prove costly come the end of the season, but with Yamal on the pitch, his team will always have a chance.

Chris Green, making a rare appearance for his state, picked up four wickets

AAP17-Nov-2022Daniel Hughes smacked yet another century before spinner Chris Green weaved his magic with the ball to lead New South Wales to a crushing 160-run win over Tasmania in the one-day clash at Blundstone Arena.Just days after missing a Sheffield Shield clash due to Covid-19, Hughes scored 101 off 114 balls as the visitors reached 8 for 300 after being sent in to bat.In reply, Tasmania were skittled for 140 in 28.1 overs, with Matthew Wade (42 off 49 balls) the only home batter to post a score of any substance. Green starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 4 for 20 off nine overs.NSW entered the match yet to taste victory this season in either the one-day competition or the Sheffield Shield.But the 207-run opening stand between Hughes and Kurtis Patterson (92) put the Blues on track to end the rut. Hughes has now posted three one-day centuries this season and he can consider himself unlucky to be overlooked for Australian selection following Aaron Finch’s retirement.Thursday’s innings took his average to 67.8 for the past four seasons with only Shaun Marsh having more one-day domestic centuries – 10 to Hughes’s nine – of current players.The left-hander was strong square of the wicket, cutting, pulling and pushing off the back foot whenever Tasmania dropped short.Sitting pretty at 0 for 194 after 32 overs, the runs dried up slightly for NSW after Patterson picked out the man on the legside boundary while trying to pull Tom Rogers.It kickstarted a collapse of 5 for 35 in the next six overs as Rogers, Nathan Ellis and Tom Andrew pulled back the Blues. Jason Sangha and Baxter Holt were the only remaining batters to pass 20, as NSW took just 63 runs from the last 10 overs.Tasmania’s run chase started poorly with the home side crashing to 3 for 35. Wade sent a scare through the camp when he was struck on the side of the helmet by a Liam Hatcher bouncer. The veteran had raced to 21 off just 11 balls but struggled for fluency after being hit.Wade even fell to the ground later that over while evading another Hatcher bouncer and he eventually holed out 10 overs later in the search for quick runs.The bonus-point win lifted NSW (five points) off the bottom of the ladder, but they are still five points adrift of the third-placed Tasmania (10 points).

Wolverhampton Wanderers failed to pull off a magnificent comeback at Anfield, losing 2-1 after going 2-0 down in the first half, but showing fight in the second half, grabbing one back through Matheus Cunha in the 67th minute, and fighting until the very end for that elusive equaliser.

Vitor Pereira’s side held their own against Arne Slot’s league leaders, holding 50% possession, taking 16 shots in the game, creating one “big chance” and generating 1.33 xG.

Sadly, the quality of Liverpool just squeezed by, taking fewer shots, but scoring two goals, with the prolific finishing of Mohamed Salah proving to be the decider once more.

Despite failing to complete the comeback, the performance of Cunha was absolutely excellent, not only scoring a brilliant goal, but contributing to all phases of play, and really being the driving force of Wolves from back to front.

Matheus Cunha's performance vs Liverpool

The 25-year-old has made 26 appearances for Wolves so far this season, scoring 13 goals, providing four assists and totalling 2,077 minutes played.

The Brazilian has played all over the place for his side, playing left-wing, right-wing, as an attacking midfielder and even through the middle as a centre-forward.

Cunha, as well as scoring the goal, took six shots in the game, attempted seven dribble attempts, completed three of them, took 84 touches, made one key pass, completed five of his eight long balls and won eight out of 12 ground duels.

Cunha was the heartbeat of everything Wolves did, dropping deep to link play and getting stuck in off the ball with his duels.

Whilst Cunha put in a brilliant display, one man in particular for Wolves did not, putting in a 5/10 display according to Birmingham’s World’s Charlie Haffenden.

Goncalo Guedes's performance in numbers

Goncalo Guedes was substituted at half-time against Liverpool, having struggled to make his mark in the game up against Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the first half.

The 28-year-old has struggled for form, especially in recent weeks, now going eight Premier League games without a goal contribution.

Stat

Guedes

Minutes

45

Touches

10

Shots

0

Accurate Passes

7/7

Key Passes

1

Aerial Duels Won

0/1

Offsides

1

In the first half, Guedes failed to impact the game, managing fewer touches than Jose Sa – who finished on 33 – not taking a single shot and losing his only duel in the game. Of course, up against Van Dijk and Konate, it’s not going to be easy, but Wolves needed someone to make things stick and give them a chance on the break.

The man who came on in Guedes’s place, new signing Marshall Munetsi, generated 0.54 xG for himself with just 11 touches, managed two shots (one of which was a “big chance”) and won three out of four ground duels and one of his two aerial duels.

Munetsi could be the answer for Wolves going forward, offering more of a focal point through the middle, winning duels and allowing others such as Cunha to play off of him, perhaps even meaning Guedes can play in a more familiar wide position from the bench.

Whatever the case, the former Valencia man should find himself out of the starting lineup next time around.

Wolves now at threat of losing "important" star alongside Cunha this summer

A concern for Pereira…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 14, 2025

The Football Association (FA) has reversed its long-standing policy and will no longer allow transgender players in the women's game in England.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

FA ban transgender players from women's footballPreviously allowed trans women with low testosteroneChange announced after Supreme Court rulingFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The FA has so far refused to bow to criticism from ministers and protesters and has allowed transgender women to play on women's teams on an individual basis. The FA had previously permitted transgender women to participate in amateur women's competitions if they had seen a decrease in testosterone levels for a minimum of a year, but the FA was still able to disqualify anyone for safety or equity reasons.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The FA has now declared that, effective from next season, transgender women would not be allowed to play women's football in England. This important policy shift comes after the Supreme Court's recent ruling that women were only legally defined by their biological sex. Some transgender athletes had hoped that football would continue to be more inclusive, but this reversal has happened.

WHAT THE FA'S STATEMENT SAID

On their website, FA announced their decision and wrote: "This is a complex subject, and our position has always been that if there was a material change in law, science, or the operation of the policy in grassroots football, then we would review it and change it if necessary.

"The Supreme Court’s ruling on 16 April means that we will be changing our policy. Transgender women will no longer be able to play in women’s football in England, and this policy will be implemented from 1 June 2025.

"We understand that this will be difficult for people who simply want to play the game they love in the gender by which they identify, and we are contacting the registered transgender women currently playing to explain the changes and how they can continue to stay involved in the game."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?

The ban on transgender women in English football also follows the Scottish Football Association (SFA) announcing the same set of rules in Scotland regarding the involvement of transgender women in women's football. The ban in England will be applicable starting on June 1.

Philippe Clement’s time at Glasgow Rangers has come to an end. The news was announced on Sunday evening, although the damage had already been done.

Trailing Celtic by 13 points in the Scottish Premiership means the Gers will miss out on the title for a fourth season in a row. Having also lost to their rivals in the League Cup final as well as suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup a few weeks ago, their weekend loss to St Mirren proved to be the final straw.

The next permanent manager at the club must be the correct choice. Celtic are racing further and further away domestically and have earned millions from their Champions League run this season too, and it is clear Rangers are well behind.

Barry Ferguson has since been named as interim boss, but whoever takes over at Ibrox full-time has plenty of work to do. There are certainly a few talented players in the squad, but the right style is required to bring out the best in them.

7 potential candidates to replace Philippe Clement at Rangers

With the Belgian sacked following a poor campaign at Ibrox, we look at who could be in the frame to replace Clement at Rangers.

ByRoss Kilvington Oct 24, 2024

We have taken a look at six things the new manager must have on his to-do list ahead of next season.

Manager

Games

Points per game

Philippe Clement

86

2.09

Michael Beale

43

2.26

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

68

2.01

Steven Gerrard

192

2.15

Pedro Caixinha

26

1.81

1 Reduce the wage bill

While Clement failed to impress many this term with poor results on the field, he did manage to get rid of a few players last summer.

Indeed, John Lundstram, Ryan Jack, Borna Barisic, Kemar Roofe and Jon McLaughlin all left once their contracts expired, reducing the wage bill significantly.

However, there are several players on high wages still at the club. Kieran Dowell is earning £16,000 per week, while James Tavernier is earning nearly double this. Moving on those who are earning significant amounts while failing to contribute should be a priority for the new manager.

2 Implement a clear style of play

During his 18-month reign, Clement failed to develop a style of play that could allow players to perform at their very best.

During the 2020/21 campaign – the last time Rangers won the league – Steven Gerrard implemented a 4-3-3 system that brought out the best in several players, especially the front three.

Alfredo Morelos, Kemar Roofe, Ianis Hagi, Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo notched up 64 goals and 53 assists between them that season as they stormed to the domestic title under Gerrard’s attacking philosophy.

Whoever takes the job must spend time working on a system that fits the current players at the club, and one that could see them finally emerge from the shadows and start challenging for the league title again.

3 Win against Celtic

Clement’s record against Celtic was dismal. Across seven matches against their Old Firm rivals, the Belgian manager led the Gers to just one win – a 3-0 victory at the start of 2025.

Before that, he had suffered four defeats from five in the top flight, with only the 3-3 draw last April halting that losing run.

In the League Cup final in December, the Ibrox side arguably should have claimed the trophy, playing extremely well. The tie eventually went to penalties, where the Bhoys prevailed.

This record was hopeless, and not since Gerrard was in charge has a manager regularly got the better of Celtic.

Whoever ends up with the permanent job must ensure they start on the right foot during their first Old Firm clash, or they could go the same way as Clement and Michael Beale.

4 Recruit well in the transfer window

Clement did have one philosophy, and that was signing young players who had high ceilings for development. The likes of Clinton Nsiala, Jefte, Hamza Igamane and Oscar Cortes could all develop into wonderful players over the next few years.

There were a few howlers, however. Robin Propper failed to live up to the reputation he secured during his spell in the Netherlands, while Fabio Silva scored just six goals for the Light Blues during a six-month loan spell last term.

Across the other side of the city, Celtic have made incredible profits on Matt O’Riley, Jota and Kieran Tierney in recent years, allowing them more flexibility in the transfer market.

The new manager must be willing to take some risks in the window, but the priority will be to move players on when the iron is hot, therefore making a solid profit.

5 Utilise the academy

Giving Rangers’ academy products a chance is something Clement failed to do until it was necessary. Ross McCausland was given plenty of game time last term by the Belgian, but this was due to a lack of depth on the right wing.

This season, there have been a few players who have emerged from the academy who perhaps should have played more. Bailey Rice and Leon King are two names that stand out, though the duo have only played 217 minutes between them all season.

Whoever takes charge next should be turning to the academy in order to bulk up his first-team squad.

6 Make progress in Europe

One of Clement’s only saving graces at the club was leading them into the last 16 of the Europa League. During the league phase, Rangers won four of their eight matches, losing just two as they nabbed the final qualification spot courtesy of a 2-1 win over Union Saint-Gilloise last month.

A tie against Fenerbahce awaits, but the new manager should be looking to steer the club into the revamped Champions League, where plenty of riches await.

For playing 10 games in the final tournament this season, Celtic earned nearly £40m in prize money – an astronomical amount, especially in Scottish football terms.

This, in turn, will allow the club to bring in better-quality players, which could see them continue to perform well on the biggest stages.

Rangers have missed out on this for the previous two seasons, and the money that can be won would be vital for the new manager. Doing well in the Europa League is all fine and well, but it is in the Champions League where Rangers belong.

Rangers' 8 best European nights – ranked

Rangers have enjoyed plenty of great European nights over the years, but which is the best?

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 25, 2024

Also, there will be no overthrow runs if an “intentional” run-out attempt results in the ball deflecting off the stumps

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jan-20230:54

Morkel: ‘We can now see what combinations the other team is going with’

Team captains – for the very first time in a premier T20 competition – can select their playing XIs after the toss is conducted. On the day before the inaugural SA20 competition begins in Cape Town, the organisers said that this possibly revolutionary tweak, among a few other additions, has been included to “improve the quality of the product” while “preserving the sanctity” of the game.Essentially, captains must nominate 13 players before the toss, and after the coin flip, are allowed to reduce their team size to 11. The two players left out will become the substitute fielders.Another unique change to their playing conditions is that there will be no overthrow runs if an “intentional” run-out attempt results in the ball deflecting off the stumps. The organisers said this was to encourage “positive and attacking fielding.”There will also be a bonus point up for grabs in every game. Beyond the four points for a win, if a team can win with a run rate that is 1.25 times their opponents’, they will earn a fifth point. Another change they’ve introduced is that there will be no run off a “free-hit” delivery if that ball hits the batter’s wicket.Among all these changes, the choose-after-toss rule will steal the spotlight. Never before has a reputed T20 competition made such a change to one of the fundamental laws of cricket. However, more recently leagues have not shied away from experimenting with changes to how the T20 game is played. The Big Bash League in Australia introduced “Power Surge” (powerplay overs split into 4+2), “Bash Boost” (bonus point for better score at halfway stage) and “X-Factor” (substitute player at over 10). Similarly, the IPL is introducing the “Impact Player” rule into the competition after completing a trial run in their domestic T20 tournament.The SA20 competition starts January 10 with MI Cape Town playing at home against Paarl Royals. The 33-match six-team competition is part of a star-studded T20 line-up in January that includes the Emirates T20 League, the Big Bash and the BPL in Bangladesh.

The playmaker feels scorned by his club asking him to leave and he has every right to stay in England and make them live to regret their decision

When a footballer leaves the club that they have served for the majority of their career and where they have spent their best years, they have roughly three routes to take. The first is to do what Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Jamie Carragher and Gerard Pique did, among many others, and retire from football altogether, ensuring that you never betray the fans who you built such a strong connection with.

The second and most common route is to continue playing but to move abroad, ideally to a league where you can take things easy and where you are unlikely to come up against your beloved club again. Steven Gerrard, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta followed this path, leaving as legends but still having a bit of an adventure at the end of their playing days having long passed their peak.

Then there is the third road, the least travelled and most controversial: move to one of your rivals, beating your former employers to a huge title and making them forever regret letting you go. Luis Figo and Sol Campbell are the most famous examples although both players made unilateral decisions to leave and burned their reputations with their ex-teams in the process. But what about those players who had no say in leaving their club and felt hugely aggrieved about effectively being kicked out, with little thanks for everything they had given them?

It is a conundrum that Kevin De Bruyne is currently weighing up in his mind as he considers his next move after being forced out of Manchester City. It was first thought that he would take the second option and see out his career comfortably in the MLS, with Inter Miami, San Diego FC and Chicago Fire all possible destinations. But there is a growing possibility of him remaining not just in Europe, but in the Premier League and coming back to haunt City.

Liverpool have reportedly already reached out to the Belgian to discuss a contract. And considering his recent talismanic performances, plenty of other clubs should be queuing up to try to convince him to extend his stay in the best league in the world…

Getty Cruyff & Suarez's precedents

Johan Cruyff felt a huge sense of anger when Ajax rejected his salary demands in 1983 and opted against offering him a new contract. He explained in his autobiography : "Ajax was still my team, but the people running it refused to go along with me. I heard they were saying I was too old and too fat and still putting on weight. I had to deal with all their objections. And they also demanded that I should be satisfied with a normal salary and of course, I wasn’t."

Cruyff got his revenge in the most spectacular fashion, by joining hated enemies Feyenoord and inspiring them to the Eredivisie title at the age of 37. Luis Suarez also felt betrayed when Barcelona told him they wanted him to leave in 2020, reducing him to tears. He joined Atletico Madrid, much to the horror of his former employers, who had forgotten to include Diego Simeone's side on a list of clubs he was not allowed to join as part of the terms of his exit.

Suarez proved to be the talisman as Atletico pipped Barca to the league title, scoring 21 times across the season including winners in the last two matches against Osasuna and Real Valladolid. And moments after clinching the title on the final day he had Barcelona's snub fairly on his mind when he said: "It was tough, the situation I had to live through, the way I was looked down on. But Atletico opened the door to me."

AdvertisementGetty Not an amicable departure

De Bruyne has been experiencing similar emotions to Cruyff and Suarez since his departure from City at the end of this season was confirmed. The Belgian's exit was far from a surprise given he was in the final months of his contract and had struggled with a hernia problem this season after tearing his hamstring twice in 2023.

And at first it sounded like an amicable departure when the Belgian released an emotional statement announcing he was leaving after 10 trophy-laden years and Pep Guardiola said he would "bet a lot of money" that the club would build a statue in his honour. But then it became clear that the feeling was not mutual after all.

First, Guardiola revealed that he and sporting director Txiki Begiristain had taken the decision and told De Bruyne he had to leave. The coach effectively said that De Bruyne was worn out physically and emotionally after the injuries. He said: "It was not easy for me to tell him he won’t continue. The last year and a half, he was out injured because he gave everything for the club. Everything he had in his body and his mind, he’s done it, so there’s no doubt about it."

Since then, De Bruyne has given many bluntly honest interviews in which he has explained how much he disagreed with the club's decision and how much it had upset him.

(C)Getty ImagesAiring his grievances

In his first media appearance since the announcement, after inspiring City to a 5-2 comeback win over Crystal Palace, he admitted he would consider offers from other Premier League clubs as he believed he was still good enough to play in England's top division. Then after the win at Everton he revealed how he really felt about being asked to leave City.

He said: "Obviously, I was a bit surprised but I have to accept it. Honestly, I still think I can perform at this level like I'm showing but I understand that clubs have to make decisions. It was half a week till I reported it out and it wasn't nice. I know I'm not 25 anymore, but I still feel like I can do my job."

He also seemed to suggest he had been one of the fall guys for the team's struggles in their worst season in nine years under Guardiola. "Maybe if the team didn't struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal then maybe they would take another decision," he added. "I don't know – they told me what the decision was and I can't really say what they think on the inside. I don't feel like I want to share (the details) because it's basically more business-wise for them and they made a decision based on that. I still think that I'm in good shape, I've played way more than I did last year except the hernia. I feel good and the rhythm is coming. I have to accept the situation even though I feel like I can still do a good job but that's it."

De Bruyne continued to air his grievances with the club after scoring the only goal in their narrow win over Wolves last week, declaring: "A lot of team-mates have said that it's sad I have to go too but that's just how it goes sometimes in life." And Jeremy Doku backed his statement up by saying: "Obviously it’s very sad and I do think he still has the qualities to play here and he showed it again."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

AFPBack to his best

De Bruyne's recent actions have spoken as loud as his words and Premier League clubs would be mad not to try and get him to join their ranks on a free transfer, even if it is just for two more seasons. Despite his injury problems and the fact he has played the 12th-highest number of minutes for City in the Premier League, De Bruyne is still the team's second-biggest goal contributor in the league behind Erling Haaland, with four goals and seven assists.

And while Guardiola cited De Bruyne's injury problems as the main reason he had to let him go, the player was right to point out that he is looking like his old self since overcoming the hernia issue which plagued him between September and December. He has been at the heart of City's run of four consecutive wins which has put them at the front of the race to finish in the top five and qualify for the Champions League.

The playmaker was at his very best in the win over Palace: scoring with a free-kick; setting up a goal for Mateo Kovacic; bothering the woodwork and propelling City forward at every turn. He was the highest-rated player in the crucial win over fellow top-five chasers Aston Villa and he then made the difference against Wolves, a game that was far from straightforward for Guardiola's side.

Captain Meg Lanning said “we all support Ash and her feelings around the day”

AAP23-Jan-2023Meg Lanning has declared the Australian women’s team are united in support of indigenous star Ashleigh Gardner and her criticism of the side playing on January 26.Gardner made her views clear on the subject on Sunday, when she said the day was a “day of hurt and a day of mourning” for indigenous Australians.The reigning Belinda Clark Award holder will line up in the T20 against Pakistan but has said playing on that date did not sit well with her.The second T20 against Pakistan was initially scheduled for January 27 in Canberra but was moved to the 26th in Hobart when South Africa abandoned their men’s ODI series, which had included a scheduled game in the southern city.In a move driven by players, Australia will wear an indigenous jersey, wristbands and socks with indigenous colours for the match in Hobart.The issue is understood to have been first raised months ago by players, who were keen to lead an education space on the issue once being told they would be scheduled to play on January 26.”It’s something that we can’t control in terms of the scheduling and playing on that day,” Lanning said. “But something we would like to do is acknowledge the sadness and grief that day brings for First Nations people.”We’re going to try to use the opportunity we have to educate ourselves and try to create a better understanding of what it means and their culture. It’s a really united front in the group and we all support Ash and her feelings around the day.”Lanning said Gardner was doing “pretty well” after receiving online abuse following her statement, and labelled the allrounder’s action as brave. Gardner was with the Australian team at training on Monday, amid a throng of media focusing on the issue.The subject of January 26 has been a constant challenge for Cricket Australia in recent years, and a subject about which the governing body takes regular input from its indigenous advisory committee.The organisation dropped the term “Australia Day” from all marketing two years ago, which was met with criticism by then Prime Minister Scott Morrison.Indigenous elements will also become part of all Big Bash League uniforms from next season, with the women’s team to wear a First Nations jersey throughout next month’s T20 World Cup.”It’s something that we’ve been working on as a group for a number years,” Lanning said. “We’ve been trying to use every opportunity that we get to educate ourselves and try to celebrate the culture of First Nations people as well and try to make a point of that.”We’re doing a cultural tour the day before [January 26)] to learn a little bit more. It’s something as a group that we’ve spoken about for the past few years, it hasn’t just come up now. We’ll continue to do that because we think it’s important.”The advisory committee’s co-chairman and former CEO of Reconciliation Australia Justin Mohamed told AAP he understood a busy schedule meant games would be played on January 26, and stressed his personal view was that the tone of the event was crucial.”I can only reflect on Anzac Day and the [AFL] fixture with Collingwood and Essendon. The respect they show to Anzac Day only enhances and educates,” Mohamed said.”People who go to that game know this is a significant time, and there have been losses. [January 26] is a day of mourning, but also there is a day of survival. Where Aboriginal culture and language and history have survived all this.”The 26th will always be the 26th. Even if we change the date to celebrate Australia Day on, the 26th is a date all Australians should know and shouldn’t be lost.”Mohamed said the team had been proactive in their response to the scheduling.”Straight away they said, ‘This day has a strong significance for First Nations people, we need to learn more about this’,” he said.