Essien urges Drogba to sign July 23, 2008 Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has called on team-mate Didier Drogba to follow his lead and sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge. The Ghanaian international agreed a new five-year deal yesterday as the Blues prepare for their opening preseason match in China this morning. He follows goalkeeper Petr Cech and left-back Wayne Bridge in penning [...]
Centurion De Villiers spurred on by Headingley jeers July 21, 2008 AB de Villiers insisted he was motivated by the boos of the home crowd as he batted the tourists into a commanding position in the second Test against England. The South African hero was jeered by the Headingley fans after claiming a slip catch off Andrew Strauss on the opening day, despite clearly spilling it [...]
Bowling duo face late tests but Flintoff gets the nod July 18, 2008 England will assess the fitness of seam duo Ryan Sidebottom and James Anderson before deciding who to leave out for the second Test against South Africa this morning. Andrew Flintoff has been guaranteed his first Test cap since January 2007 but selectors are holding out on naming the XI until they know the fitness of [...]
Ramos hands United Berbatov incentive July 18, 2008 Manchester United last night moved one step closer to prising Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham after managers of both clubs spoke of their transfer aspirations. United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a long-term admirer of the Spurs hitman and confirmed yesterday he had made an offer for a player, believed to be for the Bulgarian. And [...]
Harrington vows to play on July 16, 2008 Padraig Harrington will play through the pain barrier to defend his Open Championship title this week after suffering a wrist injury. The Irishman sustained the injury while winning the Irish PGA tournament on Saturday and only managed his first nine holes of practice yesterday ahead of the first round at Royal Birkdale tomorrow. “If it [...]
Vialli: I back Lamps to be a hit at Inter July 15, 2008 Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli believes Frank Lampard would cope with life in Italy should he opt to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. Lampard is currently in the middle of a tug-of-war between signing a new deal at Chelsea or joining up with former boss Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan. And Vialli, who made a name [...]
Flintoff gets the nod for Test return July 15, 2008 Andrew Flintoff is expected to make his England return at Headingley on Friday after being given the all-clear by medics. The all-rounder has not played a Test since the final Ashes match in Sydney in January 2007 after suffering an occurrence to his ankle injury. But the 30-year-old has performed well with both bat and [...]
Pietersen ton rocks Boks in a ‘special day’ July 11, 2008 Kevin Pietersen has hailed his century against South Africa yesterday as one of the most special days of his career. Facing the country of his birth in a Test match for the first time, Pietersen smashed 13 fours and a six in a magical unbeaten 104, which put England in control of the first Test [...]
Ronaldo: No deal is in place July 11, 2008 Cristiano Ronaldo has denied reports suggesting he has agreed personal terms with Real Madrid. Rumours in Spain say the Portuguese international has agreed to join the La Liga champions in a record-breaking £75m transfer from Manchester United. But the winger, who is likely to be out of action for up to three months after undergoing [...]
Vaughan: We won’t back out of Lord’s war July 10, 2008 England captain Michael Vaughan has issued a battle cry to South Africa ahead of the first Test at Lord’s this morning, insisting: We will not be bullied by you. Relations between the sides have been strained in recent years with visiting captain Graeme Smith having been involved in exchanges with both Vaughan and South African-born [...]
