Sports

Premier League Title Winner, Danny Drinkwater, Retires At 33

Published

1 year ago

October 30, 2023

Former England midfielder, Danny Drinkwater, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33.

The Premier League title winner with Leicester City moved to Chelsea but played only a bit-part role and has decided to hang up his boots having been “in limbo too long” following his release from there last year, Daily Mail reports Monday.

The 33-year-old said, “I’d just like to announce my retirement from professional football. It’s probably been a long time coming, especially with the last year, but I think it’s time to officially announce it now.

“I didn’t think it would bother me, but saying it then it’s almost like scratching a nerve a bit. I think I’ve been ready for it, not stopping at my peak, and it’s simmered down a bit. that’s helped the transition.

“I think I’ve been in limbo for too long; I’ve either been wanting to play but not getting the opportunities to play at a level where I felt valued.

“I just thought I’m restless here for no reason; I’m happy not playing football, but I’m happy playing football, so do I just shake hands with the sport? It’s all I’ve known; it’s been my life since I was six or seven. It was never going to be an easy thing.

“I think the way it’s died down has definitely helped. If I were playing week in and week out and had to stop through injury or age, I think it would be trickier. I’ve had quite a few offers from championship clubs, but I never felt the burn; it did nothing for me.”

Drinkwater came through the academy at Manchester United but didn’t make a senior appearance for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side amid loan spells to Huddersfield, Cardiff, Watford, and Barnsley, but his career took off when he signed for Leicester in 2012, helping them win promotion into the Premier League in 2014.

Drinkwater played a prominent part in Leicester’s miraculous Premier League title success under Claudio Ranieri in 2015-16, featuring in 35 of their 38 league games.

In March 2016, he won the first of three England caps in a friendly match against the Netherlands at Wembley but didn’t make Roy Hodgson’s squad for that year’s European Championship.

He played one more season at Leicester before Chelsea signed him for £35 million. However, he was never to play a prominent part there; his cause was not helped by injuries. He left Stamford Bridge upon the expiration of his Chelsea contract in June 2022.

Earlier this year, Drinkwater said he would be interested in a move to Saudi Arabia or rejoining Leicester following their relegation to the Championship, but Drinkwater has now decided to call time on his career.

Sports

Osimhen nets hat-trick, tops Turkish Süper Lig scoring charts

Published

18 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick as Galatasaray secured a decisive 4-0 win against Antalyaspor on Friday night.

Álvaro Morata added a goal from the penalty spot to complete the dominant victory.

Osimhen opened the scoring at Rams Park, converting an assist from Morata in the 30th minute.

Morata doubled the lead with a penalty in the 45th minute and three minutes into the injury time of the first half, Osimhen struck again, assisted by B. Yılmaz.

The Nigerian striker completed his hat-trick, with Y. Akgün providing the assist in the 52nd minute.

This hat trick elevates Osimhen’s season tally to 20 league goals in 22 appearances, making him the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig.

Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after the fourth game of the season, Osimhen has amassed 26 goals and 5 assists across all competitions in 30 appearances.

Galatasaray’s dominant display reinforces their position at the summit of the Süper Lig.

Prior to this match, they led the standings with 68 points from 26 matches, maintaining an unbeaten record with 21 wins and 5 draws.

Their closest rivals, Fenerbahçe, have accumulated 61 points from 25 matches.

With this victory, Galatasaray extends their lead to 71 points, bolstering their pursuit of the league title.

Sports

He’s getting closer – Arteta updates on Saka’s return

Published

18 hours ago

March 15, 2025

Seyi Babalola

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided the latest update on Bukayo Saka ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.

Saka has been sidelined for over two months due to a hamstring injury.

The England winger has missed several matches for Arteta’s side, including their draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Speaking in his pre-match interview ahead of Sunday’s clash, Arteta said Saka is getting closer to returning to action for the Gunners.

“He [Saka] is getting closer,” Arteta said.

“He’s stepping up and making very good progress. Let’s see when we decide to throw him in, how he reacts, and how quickly he can regain full fitness.”

Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, behind leaders Liverpool.

Sports

UEFA adds two Arsenal, Barcelona players to Champions League team [Full list]

Published

1 week ago

March 7, 2025

Seyi Babalola

UEFA on Thursday revealed the Champions League Team of the Week following the conclusion of the Round of 16 first-leg fixtures on Wednesday.

In a post via their official website on Thursday, UEFA included the likes of Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber, and Inter Milan’s Benjamin Pavard, among others, in the team.

All the aforementioned players were impressive for their respective clubs in the first-leg ties of the last 16 in midweek.

Meanwhile, the Champions League Round of 16 second-leg fixtures will take place next week.

Here is the list of players in the Team of the Week after the Champions League Round of 16 first-leg ties:

Alisson Becker (Liverpool)

Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)

Benjamin Pavard (Inter)

Emre Can (Borussia Dortmund)

Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge)

Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal)

Pedri (Barcelona)

Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)

Rodrygo (Real Madrid)