Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was effusive in his praise for Ademola Lookman following the winger’s outstanding display in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman’s remarkable hat-trick at the Aviva Stadium not only thrilled fans but also showcased his immense talent on the European stage.

Rodgers had the opportunity to work closely with Lookman during the 2021/22 season when the winger was on loan at Leicester City. Throughout their time together, Rodgers observed Lookman’s exemplary professionalism and dedication to his craft. He highlighted Lookman’s commitment to self-improvement, noting the extra work the winger put in during training sessions. Rodgers emphasized Lookman’s penchant for refining his skills, particularly in finishing, by regularly practicing after training sessions.

During his loan stint at Leicester City, Lookman made a significant impact, contributing eight goals in 42 appearances across various competitions. His performances caught the attention of fans and managers alike, with Rodgers acknowledging Lookman’s contributions to the team’s success during his time at the club.

Reflecting on Lookman’s loan spell at Leicester, Rodgers expressed regret over the missed opportunity to secure the winger’s services permanently. He revealed that there was a clause in the loan agreement that would have allowed Leicester to purchase Lookman for £14 million. However, for reasons undisclosed, the deal did not materialize, leaving Rodgers and the club to rue the missed chance to retain Lookman’s services.

Rodgers’ glowing assessment of Lookman’s professionalism, work ethic, and on-field prowess underscores the winger’s potential and the impact he can have at the highest level of football. Lookman’s stellar performance in the Europa League final served as a testament to his ability to deliver on the big stage and further cemented his reputation as a rising star in the world of football.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has joined the esteemed ranks of Cristiano Ronaldo and David de Gea as one of the few players to claim the Matt Busby Player of the Year award three times.

Fernandes previously secured the accolade in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.

Despite a challenging season under manager Erik ten Hag, the 29-year-old midfielder has been a standout performer.

Fernandes, who missed just two games due to injury during the 2023/24 season, contributed 15 goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.

The midfielder also earned the Player of the Month award twice, in August and April.

By winning his third Matt Busby award, Fernandes joins Ronaldo and De Gea, who have each won the honor four times.

Fernandes received 40 per cent of the votes, significantly outpacing fellow countryman Diogo Dalot, who garnered 20 per cent.

Real Madrid’s pursuit of a successor to Toni Kroos has led them to consider Manchester City’s midfielder, Rodri, as a potential candidate. With Kroos set to retire after the upcoming European Championship, Real Madrid is preparing for a significant midfield overhaul. Kroos, revered as one of the premier midfielders of his generation, will bring an end to his illustrious career following Euro 2024, culminating with his final club appearances in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.

Rodri has emerged as a key figure for Manchester City since his arrival at the club four years ago. His composed presence and ability to dictate play from midfield have made him an integral part of City’s success. Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri indicates their desire to secure a player capable of filling Kroos’ shoes and maintaining the high standards set in midfield.

However, any potential transfer for Rodri would likely be complex, given his contractual obligations to Manchester City. His current contract runs until 2027, meaning Real Madrid would need to navigate negotiations with the Premier League club to secure his services.

In addition to Rodri, Real Madrid is also considering Bayern Munich’s Joshua Kimmich as an alternative option. Kimmich, known for his versatility and exceptional midfield qualities, presents another intriguing possibility for Real Madrid as they look to reinforce their midfield for the post-Kroos era. Ultimately, the decision will hinge on various factors, including player availability, contractual situations, and Real Madrid’s long-term strategic vision for their squad.

Golden Eaglets head coach Manu Garba has praised his players for their impressive performance in Thursday’s encounter against Togo at the WAFU B U-17 Championship.

The holders booked their place in the semi-final after a comfortable 3-0 victory over the junior Hawks.

Abdulmuiz Adeleke scored twice with Rapha Adams also on target.

“It was a good game for us, it was not because we scored three goals but we played our best game so far,” Garba said after the game.

“We could even have scored more goals in that game as we dominated from start to finish.”

The Golden Eaglets will face Cote d’Ivoire in the semi-final on Saturday.

The winner is guaranteed a ticket to next year’s Africa U-17 Cup of Nations.

Arsenal defender William Saliba has expressed confidence that “big things are going to happen” for the Gunners next season, following their narrow miss on the Premier League title for the second consecutive year.

This season, Arsenal won 28 league games, amassed 89 points, and scored 91 goals—exceeding the tally of the famous Invincibles under Arsene Wenger.

Despite these impressive statistics, it wasn’t enough to clinch their first Premier League title since 2004, as Manchester City retained the trophy and made history by winning it for the fourth consecutive time.

However Saliba, who played every minute of Arsenal’s Premier League campaign, shared his thoughts on Instagram: “Gunners, thanks for everything! The support this season has been crazy and we felt it at every moment. Next season big things are going to happen. We will get there together. North London Forever.”

Saliba’s assurance offers a beacon of hope for Arsenal fans, suggesting that despite the setbacks, the team is poised for significant achievements in the coming season.

In a recent interview with L’Equipe, France striker Olivier Giroud made a significant announcement regarding his international football career. The seasoned forward revealed his decision to retire from international duty after the upcoming European Championship. This revelation marks the end of an era for Giroud, who has represented Les Bleus with distinction over the years.

Giroud emphasized that he wants to ensure he doesn’t prolong his career beyond its natural course, expressing a desire to avoid playing “one season too many.” At 37 years old, Giroud made the move from AC Milan to Major League Soccer side LAFC earlier in the year, signaling a new chapter in his club career.

With 131 appearances for France under his belt, Giroud leaves an indelible mark on the national team’s history. His crowning achievement came in 2018 when he played a pivotal role in France’s triumph at the FIFA World Cup. Not only did Giroud contribute on the field, but he also etched his name in the record books by surpassing Thierry Henry as Les Bleus’ all-time leading goalscorer.

Reflecting on his decision, Giroud acknowledged the importance of making way for younger talents within the national setup. He stressed the necessity of finding the right balance between experienced veterans and emerging prospects. Giroud’s commitment to stepping aside and allowing the next generation to flourish demonstrates his selflessness and dedication to the team’s success.

Throughout his illustrious career, Giroud has maintained a pragmatic approach, always attuned to his body’s signals. His decision to retire from international football aligns with this philosophy, as he listens to his physical limits and transitions into the next phase of his career.

As Giroud prepares to bid farewell to the French national team following the Euros, fans will undoubtedly cherish the memories of his contributions on the pitch. His leadership, professionalism, and scoring prowess have left an enduring legacy that will be remembered fondly by supporters of Les Bleus for years to come.

Real Madrid will be without Aurelien Tchouameni for next week’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

This was revealed by manager Carlo Ancelotti during a press conference on Friday.

According to Ancelotti, Tchouameni is “working to recover for the Euros”.

Tchouameni was injured in the second leg semi final clash with Bayern Munich.

According to an official statement, the 24-year-old suffered a stress injury to his left foot.

The Frenchman had suffered a similar injury at the start of the season.

“Sam Allardyce Backs Carlo Ancelotti as Potential Manchester United Manager Amid Erik Ten Hag Uncertainty”

Former Premier League manager Sam Allardyce has weighed in on the speculation surrounding Manchester United’s managerial position, particularly in light of Erik Ten Hag’s uncertain future. With Manchester United’s disappointing performance in the Premier League this season, finishing eighth, there’s growing uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s continuation at Old Trafford, despite an upcoming FA Cup final.

Allardyce’s remarks came during an episode of the No Tippy Tippy Football podcast, where he suggested that Carlo Ancelotti would be an ideal candidate to succeed Ten Hag. Allardyce’s endorsement of Ancelotti stemmed from the Italian’s impressive managerial track record. He even compared Ancelotti favorably to Pep Guardiola, highlighting Ancelotti’s success and experience.

The former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also hinted at Ten Hag’s potential departure from the club, adding weight to the speculation surrounding the managerial position.

Allardyce’s recommendation of Ancelotti reflects the belief that the Italian’s wealth of experience and success in football management make him a suitable candidate to lead Manchester United through their rebuilding phase. Ancelotti’s past successes, including managerial stints at top clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, add credibility to Allardyce’s suggestion.

Overall, Allardyce’s endorsement of Ancelotti adds an intriguing dimension to the ongoing speculation about who will take the reins at Manchester United, should Erik Ten Hag depart, igniting further discussion among football fans and pundits alike.

Barcelona on Friday sacked their manager Xavi Hernandez.

The Catalan club disclosed this in a statement via their website.

The statement partly read: “Today Friday, FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta has informed Xavi Hernández that he will not be continuing as first team coach in the 2024-25 season.

“FC Barcelona wishes to thank Xavi for his work as coach, as well as for his inimitable career as a player and as team captain, and wishes him every future success in the world.

“Xavi Hernández will be coaching the team for the last time in Sunday’s game away to Sevilla.”