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Djokovic Claims He Was 'Poisoned' Before Australian Open Deportation
Novak Djokovic has revealed that he believes he was "poisoned" with lead and mercury while being held in a Melbourne detention hotel in 2022, just before his deportation on the eve of the Australian Open. The Serbian tennis star, whose visa was cancelled over his refusal to get vaccinated against COVID-19, said the food provided in the hotel led to high levels of heavy metals in his blood. Djokovic did not provide direct evidence linking the food to the poisoning but stood by his claims.
Despite the controversy surrounding his treatment in Australia, Djokovic insists he holds no grudge against the Australian people and expressed gratitude for his visa reinstatement. He also noted that many Australians apologized to him for the government's actions. Djokovic returned to Melbourne a year later and clinched the Australian Open title.
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❗️ Premier League Clubs Targeting Key Players
Manchester United and Liverpool are both eyeing Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli, with the 23-year-old forward attracting interest from top clubs. If Napoli allows him to leave this month, both English giants could make their move. (L'Equipe, Athletic)
Meanwhile, West Ham are showing interest in Marcus Rashford and could pursue a loan move for the Manchester United forward. Arsenal and Serie A's AC Milan are also monitoring his situation. (Talksport, Gianluca Di Marzio)
Manchester City are focused on signing Vitor Reis, a promising Brazilian defender, from Palmeiras. (Athletic)
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Amorim Wants to Keep Mainoo at Man Utd, but No Guarantees on Future
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has expressed his desire to keep 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo at the club but refrained from offering any guarantees about the midfielder's future.
Mainoo, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, is currently in a contract stand-off with United, who are focused on extending the deals of Harry Maguire and Amad Diallo. Although Mainoo's contract still has two-and-a-half years remaining, the club faces financial constraints, and selling homegrown players could offer greater flexibility for future signings under the Premier League's financial rules.
"We always want to keep the best players," said Amorim, "but we know the position the club is in. We will see." While there are concerns from United officials about the potential backlash from fans if Mainoo is sold, Amorim emphasized his satisfaction with the player's progress, saying, "I’m really happy with Kobbie. He is improving."
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Oscar Bobb Back in Training After Five-Month Injury Layoff
Oscar Bobb of Manchester City is back in training after recovering from a fractured leg that kept him out for five months. The Norwegian midfielder, who was injured in training ahead of the Premier League season, has not played since featuring in the Community Shield in August.
Although Bobb won’t be available for Saturday’s FA Cup clash against Salford City, manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that he is back on the training pitch, with his bone injury fully healed.
"It's good news he's back," Guardiola said. "It’s not a muscle injury, it was a bone, and it’s already fixed."
Guardiola also updated on other injuries, revealing that Ruben Dias is improving but not yet fit, while John Stones remains unavailable. Ederson, who has been out since mid-December, is now fully recovered.
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West Ham Appoint Graham Potter as New Manager Following Lopetegui’s Departure
West Ham United have appointed Graham Potter as their new manager after Julen Lopetegui’s exit earlier this week. The 49-year-old former Brighton and Chelsea boss has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal with the club. Potter inherits a team currently 14th in the Premier League, with just six league wins this season, and seven points clear of the relegation zone.
"I’m excited to be here. I believe this is the right fit for me and for the club," Potter said, highlighting his positive conversations with West Ham’s leadership. "We share the same values, focused on hard work and high energy to build a foundation for success."
Potter’s managerial career spans successful spells at Brighton, where he guided the team to a ninth-place finish in 2022, and a stint at Chelsea that ended in April 2023. He will now focus on guiding West Ham through the FA Cup and Premier League challenges ahead.
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West Ham Part Ways with Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter Set to Take Over
West Ham have parted ways with manager Julen Lopetegui after just 22 games in charge. The Spaniard’s tenure saw the club sit 14th in the Premier League, with six wins in 20 matches. A 4-1 loss to Manchester City last Saturday was the final straw for the board.
In a statement, West Ham thanked Lopetegui and his staff for their efforts but noted the team’s performance had not met the club’s ambitions. Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is expected to replace Lopetegui.
West Ham, who spent heavily during the summer, will now look to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming FA Cup tie against Aston Villa.
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Arteta Blames Carabao Cup Ball for Arsenal's Missed Chances Against Newcastle
Mikel Arteta has suggested that the Carabao Cup match ball played a part in Arsenal's 2-0 loss to Newcastle. The Gunners missed numerous chances, with 20 shots going off target, and Arteta believes the ball’s unique characteristics contributed to their struggles.
“The ball flies differently, and the grip is not the same as the Premier League ball,” Arteta said after the game. Despite Arsenal's dominance in possession, they couldn’t make the most of their opportunities. The first leg defeat means Arsenal now have a tough task ahead of the second leg in February.
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France's Didier Deschamps to Step Down After 2026
France’s head coach Didier Deschamps will vacate his position after the 2026 World Cup, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Deschamps, who guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018, is among a rare few who have won the tournament as both a player and a manager.
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❗️ Salah Fires Back at Carragher Amid Contract Speculation
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has hit out at Jamie Carragher, labeling the club legend “obsessed” during a social media spat over his future.
Salah’s contract with the Reds is set to expire in six months, and he is now free to negotiate with foreign clubs. The exchange comes amid intense speculation about whether the star winger will remain at Anfield.
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Tottenham Extend Son Heung-min’s Contract Until 2026
Tottenham Hotspur have activated a clause to extend Son Heung-min’s contract until 2026. The 32-year-old captain, who joined Spurs in 2015, has made 431 appearances and scored 169 goals, placing him fourth on the club's all-time scoring list. Despite Spurs’ struggles this season, Son has scored seven goals across all competitions.
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Man City Dominate West Ham, Chelsea Stumble Against Palace
Manchester City continued their resurgence with a 4-1 victory over West Ham, led by Erling Haaland’s brace and contributions from Savinho and Phil Foden.
Meanwhile, Chelsea dropped points in a 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace, with Jadon Sancho setting up Cole Palmer’s opener before Jean-Philippe Mateta equalized late. City look revitalized, while Chelsea's title hopes are fading.
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Liverpool Dismiss Alexander-Arnold Transfer Rumors
Liverpool have refuted claims that Trent Alexander-Arnold intends to join Real Madrid. The Spanish club, searching for a right-back, made an official inquiry but received a firm “no” from Liverpool.
Talks over a new deal for the England international are ongoing as Liverpool aim to keep their key player amid their Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
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Haaland Helps Man City End Winless Run at Leicester
Manchester City broke their winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Leicester, their first win in 14 games. Savinho scored the opener, and Erling Haaland added a second, ending a four-match goal drought.
Although City’s performance still showed signs of struggle, the win brought relief to Guardiola’s side, moving them to fifth in the Premier League.
Leicester, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone after their fourth consecutive loss, unable to capitalize on their early opportunities in the match.
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Young Star Diallo Vows to Fight for Manchester United
Amad Diallo has declared his commitment to Manchester United’s revival, aiming to play a key role in the club’s turnaround. United have endured a tough start under Ruben Amorim, losing five of their last 10 matches and sitting 14th in the league table.
Despite the challenges, Diallo remains optimistic, showcasing his talent with a decisive derby winner and contributing to eight goals this season.
Diallo spoke highly of the club’s youth-focused strategy, saying:
We have a great group of young players ready to make a difference. It’s about learning, improving, and fighting for the badge every game.
Wolves to Keep Cunha in January
Wolves have confirmed they won’t entertain offers for their Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha, despite interest from Arsenal and Manchester United.
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Guardiola Talks FA Cup and Salford’s Ambitious Owners
Pep Guardiola spoke ahead of Manchester City’s FA Cup match against Salford City, a club backed by Manchester United’s Class of 92. Salford has made impressive progress through the ranks, thanks to the guidance of footballing legends like Gary Neville, David Beckham, and Ryan Giggs.
Guardiola praised the former players for making wise decisions and backing their ambitions, knowing that their expertise could help elevate Salford in the English Football League.
On a personal note, Guardiola shared his connection to Salford, where he has lived for the past eight years. City have struggled with injuries, but recent victories against Leicester and West Ham signal a positive shift, with key players like Ederson and Oscar Bobb returning to training. However, Rodri, Stones, and Dias are still out.
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Barcelona Reach Spanish Super Cup Final
Barcelona triumphed over Athletic Club to secure a spot in the Spanish Super Cup final, with goals from Gavi and Lamine Yamal. Gavi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, finishing off a pass from Alejandro Balde. Yamal doubled the lead in the second half with a composed finish past Unai Simon.
Athletic Club's Inaki Williams had a goal ruled out for offside in the final minute. Barcelona will now face the winner of the Real Madrid vs Mallorca match in Sunday’s final.
Barcelona also received provisional permission from the Spanish sports council (CSD) to register new signings Dani Olmo and Pau Victor, although they were not eligible to play in this semi-final.
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⚡️ Deschamps' Departure and Zidane's Likely Successor
Didier Deschamps has announced he will step down as France head coach after the 2026 World Cup. Despite his success, many believe the right time to leave was after Euro 2024, with key players retiring and the squad undergoing changes. His decision to leave before the World Cup has raised concerns about team morale.
Zinedine Zidane is the frontrunner to replace Deschamps. With his deep connection to the French team and his bond with Mbappé, Zidane is seen as the ideal candidate. Thierry Henry, while a future prospect, is not the immediate choice.
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Neymar Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last
Neymar has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final tournament, expressing confidence that Brazil will qualify for the finals in North America. Speaking in an interview with CNN, the 32-year-old attacker admitted that this would be his "last shot" at the World Cup and pledged to give his all to secure a place in the squad.
“I know this will be my last World Cup, my last chance, and I will do everything I can to play in it,” Neymar said. Although he hasn’t played for Brazil in over a year, Neymar remains optimistic about the team's chances in qualifying, with Brazil currently in fifth place in the South American group, five points clear of seventh.
Neymar also hinted at a potential reunion with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at U.S. club Inter Miami, saying, “Playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible.”
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Dani Olmo and Pau Victor Cleared to Play for Barcelona by Spanish Sports Council
Dani Olmo and Pau Victor have been granted permission to play for Barcelona after the Spanish Sports Council (CSD) approved a temporary measure on Wednesday.
The financially struggling club was unable to register the two players before the deadline at the end of last year. Olmo and Victor, who were given temporary licenses when they joined in the summer, are now eligible to feature for the Catalan side.
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🚩Ancelotti Calls Vinicius Red Card Ban Unfair
Carlo Ancelotti has criticized Vinicius Junior’s two-match ban following his red card in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Valencia. The Brazilian winger was sent off for pushing Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the neck. Ancelotti described the suspension as “unfair” and pointed out the insults Vinicius endured during the match, highlighting the ongoing racial abuse the player faces.
“Both he and I hear what happens in the stadiums... the ban is not right,” Ancelotti said. Vinicius will miss upcoming La Liga games against Las Palmas and Real Valladolid but can play in the Spanish Super Cup.
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Magpies Dominate Arsenal to Take 2-0 Advantage in Carabao Cup Semi-Final
Newcastle United secured a crucial 2-0 win at Arsenal in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final, thanks to goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. The Magpies, chasing their first major trophy since 1969, will take their lead into the second leg on February 5.
Isak’s stunning opener and Gordon’s follow-up sealed the victory, while Arsenal’s lack of clinical finishing left them with an uphill battle. Martinelli struck the post, and Havertz failed to capitalize on a golden chance as Newcastle’s resolute defense held firm.
The Magpies are now just 90 minutes away from a potential final showdown against Liverpool or Tottenham.
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⚡️ Errol Musk Reveals Elon Musk’s Interest in Liverpool FC
Elon Musk is eyeing the possibility of acquiring Liverpool FC, according to his father, Errol Musk. In an interview with Times Radio, Errol shared that the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has shown interest but stopped short of confirming any negotiations.
Errol highlighted the Musk family’s generational ties to Liverpool, where Elon’s grandmother was born and raised before moving to South Africa. Musk himself has often acknowledged her influence on his upbringing, citing her resilience during challenging times.
If Musk pursues the acquisition, it would mark a significant expansion into sports ownership for the billionaire.
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Financial Troubles Lead to Guangzhou FC’s Expulsion from Chinese Leagues
Guangzhou FC, a club that once dominated Chinese football, has been expelled from China’s professional leagues due to insurmountable debt.
The eight-time CSL champions and two-time Asian Champions League winners were relegated in 2022 after their parent company, Evergrande, faced financial ruin. Despite efforts to recover, the club’s debts proved too great to overcome, leading to their exclusion for 2025.
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Napoli Move Top of Serie A with 3-0 Victory Over Fiorentina
Napoli capitalized on the absence of their Serie A rivals to top the league table with a convincing 3-0 win over Fiorentina.
David Neres opened the scoring with a brilliant individual effort, Romelu Lukaku added a penalty, and Scott McTominay sealed the win with a composed finish. The victory marks Napoli’s fourth consecutive league win, propelling them ahead of Atalanta, who have a game in hand.
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Rashford Dismisses Exit Rumors as ‘Ridiculous’
Marcus Rashford has denied reports suggesting he is seeking a new agent to leave Manchester United. The 27-year-old, who has struggled for form under manager Ruben Amorim, was recently linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
Responding on Instagram, Rashford stated: “Never met with any agency and don’t have any plans to…” The United academy graduate has faced limited opportunities recently but dismissed claims of actively pursuing a move as “ridiculous.”
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Liverpool Beat West Ham 5-0 to Strengthen EPL Title Bid
Liverpool dispatched West Ham 5-0 to extend their Premier League lead to eight points, with goals from Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Diogo Jota.
The win further solidifies their title bid, as they aim for their first league title in 35 years. Despite West Ham’s early promise, Liverpool’s clinical finishing sealed the game before halftime.
With a string of impressive performances, including another stellar display from Salah, Liverpool remains the team to beat in the Premier League this season.
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African Footballers Leading the Pack in 2024 Earnings
In 2024, African footballers have continued to dominate the financial landscape. Here are the top earners:
Riyad Mahrez – $58 million (Al Ahli, Saudi Pro League)
Mohamed Salah – $53 million (Liverpool)
Sadio Mané – $52 million (Al Nassr, Saudi Pro League)
Kalidou Koulibaly – $26 million (Al Hilal, Saudi Pro League)
Achraf Hakimi – $20 million (Paris Saint-Germain)
These players are not only excelling on the field but are also setting new standards for African athletes globally.
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Guardiola Stays Focused Amid City’s Slump
Amid Manchester City’s worst run of form in recent memory, Pep Guardiola has insisted he remains fully committed to the club. The team’s sharp decline, coupled with injuries to pivotal players like Jack Grealish and Ruben Dias, has sparked speculation about his future.
However, Guardiola dismissed such claims, emphasizing his drive to restore City’s dominance.
This is the biggest test of my career here, but I believe in this team and our ability to fight back,
Manchester City Eye Zubimendi and Musiala
Manchester City is considering triggering Martin Zubimendi’s £50m release clause as they eye the Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder to cover Rodri’s injury.
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