وصف مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، فيتور روكي، انضمامه إلى العملاق الكتالوني بأنه حلم وأصبح حقيقة.

وانتقل روكي إلى برشلونة في بداية شهر يناير الماضي من أتلتيكو باراناينسي في الدوري البرازيلي مقابل 30 مليون يورو.

اقرأ أيضًا.. برشلونة يلجأ إلى المحكمة العليا بسبب قرار قضائي جديد

وأجرى البرازيلي الشاب حوارًا مع صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الكتالونية، وقال: “هناك اختلاف بين البرازيل وإسبانيا، أحاول التأقلم مع كل شيء هنا مع برشلونة”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “هنا كرة القدم أسرع كثيرًا عن البرازيل، فهي لمسة قصيرة سريعة أو اثنتين، لكن مع أتلتيكو باراناينسي يتعلق الأمر بالمهارة والكرة الطولية البعيدة”.

وعن الأقرب له في برشلونة: “رافينها، لأنه برازيلي، كذلك رونالد أراوخو وجواو كانسيلو وفيليكس لأنهما برتغاليان، يساعدونني كثيرًا”.

وأضاف: “أحاول التعلم أيضًا من روبرت ليفاندوفسكي فهو لاعب مهذل، مارك أندريه تير شتيجن، فرينكي دي يونج، لأنهم هنا منذ بضع سنوات ولديهم خبرات كبيرة”.

وكشف روكي عن نصيحة ليفاندوفسكي له: “يخبرني دائمًا أنني مازالت صغيرًا، لأطمئن لأن أمامي مستقبل مشرق”.

وتابع: “لدي الكثير من الأهداف مع برشلونة، أريد أن أبذل قصارى جهدي من أجل مساعدة الفريق في تحقيق البطولات مثل الدوري الإسباني، أريد كذلك الفوز بلقب دوري أبطال أوروبا”.

وعن خيارات برشلونة للفوز بالدوري الإسباني هذا الموسم: “هناك بالطبع فرصة لتحقيق اللقب، من خلال الفوز بالمباريات المتبقية لا يزال هناك الكثير من المباريات، إذا ركزنا يمكننا تحقيق ذلك”.

والانتقادات: “لقد رأيت البعض منها، لكنني أعمل على تقوية عقليتي منذ 3 سنوات مع الطبيبة لولينيا تافاريس، واعتبر تلك الانتقادات حافزًا لي لأنه من الصعب أن تلعب لنادٍ مثل برشلونة، وفي النهاية، سجلت هدفين وأرغب في المواصلة”.

وعن رأيه في قرار تشافي بالرحيل: “جميع اللاعبين شعروا بالحزن من أجله، لكننا على يقين بأننا سنبذل قصارى جهدنا للفريق حتى نهاية الموسم”.

واستمر: “بالطبع، الأمر صعب بعد قرار المدرب، لكننا سنعمل على الفوز بالألقاب في نهاية الموسم”.

وعن المدرب الذي يرغب في العمل معه في المستقبل: “نحن هنا من أجل مساعدة برشلونة قدر الإمكان حتى يكون البطل وسنركز على هذا الأمر”.

وأتم تصريحاته: “أحلم بأن ألعب في كاب نو وأسجل وأفوز أيضًا مع برشلونة، فهو حلم أريد تحقيقه بالفعل”.

George Dobell04-Aug-2016

Leicestershire could be looking for a new coach after reports in Australia linked Andrew McDonald with the same role at Victoria. While Leicestershire insist McDonald has, to date, only been approached for a role with Melbourne Renegades (the Big Bash side), rumours persist that he has become the preferred candidate for both the first-class and limited-overs teams.”When you have a coach as good as Andrew, it is inevitable that other teams will be interested,” Wasim Khan, Leicestershire’s chief executive, told ESPNcricinfo. “But as things stand, he tells me he has only been approached for a role with the T20 side. My reaction was ‘great; good for you’.”Despite a poor year in limited-overs cricket, McDonald has made a strong impression as elite performance director at Leicestershire. After several miserable years, the club are currently fifth in Division Two of the County Championship and retain ambitions of winning promotion. If that sounds modest, it must be remembered that, when McDonald was appointed ahead of the 2015 season, the club had not won a Championship match since 2012.While McDonald is two years into a three-year deal with the club (he is contracted from February to September until the end of the 2017 county season), he may well conclude that the opportunity to become head coach of Victoria and Melbourne Renegades is too good to miss. Indeed, with the Matador Cup season starting in the first week of October, Victoria may well want McDonald before the end of the current county season. It is not thought sustainable to continue in both roles.McDonald, who played four Tests for Australia, represented Victoria, the state of his birth, for more than a decade. The vacancy arose when David Saker left to take up the role of bowling coach with the Australia team.

Liverpool's summer plans are really hotting up at the moment with a number of deals potentially in the pipeline for Jurgen Klopp and co.

Liverpool transfer news – Reds favourites to sign Mason Mount

The Reds initially wanted to bring Jude Bellingham to Anfield this summer but after reportedly pulling out of a move, the Englishman has since closed in on a move for Real Madrid.

As a result, FSG has sought alternatives with Alexis Mac Allister topping their list.

It's thought that Liverpool are leading the race to sign the Brighton midfielder in a deal that could cost around £70m, as per the Mirror.

That said, he isn't the only domestic signing that the Merseysiders could make with the same report taking note of their interest in Mason Mount.

The Chelsea star is out of contract in 2024 and with no new deal seemingly forthcoming, a move may well be on the cards.

At the moment, it's Liverpool who are 'favourites' to sign the attacking midfielder 'for around £50m'.

Is Mount like Coutinho?

Whenever a new signing arrives through the door for the first time, comparisons are immediately drawn to players of old.

Normally they don't live up to the hype but in the case of Mount, a Premier League-proven player who has already won a plethora of honours, you can't go too far wrong.

In fact, despite his aforementioned price tag, this would be an incredibly smart piece of business and would also mark a statement of intent from Liverpool as they bid to revive their fortunes next term.

What better way to do so than by acquiring a player who possesses shades of a certain Philippe Coutinho?

The Brazilian may now be far past his peak, having scored just once for Aston Villa this term, but during his spell at Liverpool, he was one of the best around. Indeed, the playmaker found the net on 54 occasions in 201 outings, while boasting a further 45 assists.

Perhaps his best spell in England was reserved for his final six months before his move to Barca, with the 68-cap star registering 13 goal involvements in his first 14 Premier League matches of the season.

Since then, it has arguably been a tail of woe, with Liverpool arguably still missing his services; even if they do still have the likes of Mo Salah and co.

Writer Josh Williams noted such a fact in 2021, saying: "Liverpool have been without a player who can switch between midfield and attack since Coutinho, like Mount or KDB."

Therefore, in the Chelsea star, Klopp may well have a player capable of breaking those lines again and picking up pockets of space in which to create and score.

The England international hasn't enjoyed his best campaign, scoring just three times in 35 games, but like Coutinho has shown he can bag goals and assist them in regular and consistent fashion.

Only last term, the 24-year-old scored 13 and created a further 16 for his teammates as he recorded career-best figures.

Capable of operating in central areas or from out wide, there are further comparisons to be made between the two silky technicians.

in the last decade or so, there have been few better in this country in their position. Of course, you will always have the David Silva's and Kevin De Bruyne's of this world but in Mount, you have a clutch player who is still rather underrated.

Such a figure would be perfect for Klopp who is searching for reliable operators in order to get Liverpool back on track next term. With that Coutinho comparison whetting the appetite for what's to come, the Three Lions star would be an astute capture. Just imagine him alongside Mac Allister too; what a sight that would be for supporters next season.

The Anfield club have been used to turgid displays for the most part from their central players this term, but in those two players, they'd be incredibly well set.

ScorecardRyan ten Doeschate top-scored with 83 for Essex•Getty Images

There was, at Colchester’s idyllic Castle Park, plenty of grumbling early on Thursday. The car park queue took forever, they said; the stand from last year was gone (on grounds of cost), and there weren’t enough seats. The beer? Well, that was £4 for a can. And where the hell was Ravi? (Mr Bopara sat the game out due to illness).What’s more, the trees at the Trevor Bailey Drive End had been chopped down, with a pair of moanable results: not only had the ground’s perfect circus of foliage been interrupted, but the gap had left the natty new-builds beyond naked. The most generous said things were not what they once were, the more damning suggested – with a game fewer from next season – that this was another festival on its last legs.Not everything in Essex these days, though, gives quite such reason to lament. Each of the next two weeks bring a white-ball quarter-final, and they sit atop Division Two of the Championship. If their interest in Alex Hales revealed a club bristling with ambition, then the return of Varun Chopra proved that, under Ronnie Irani and Chris Silverwood, they have the pull to attract high-quality players – a Championship-winning captain, indeed.Essex are yet to win a game that Alastair Cook has not played in, but they possess depth. Not only are they missing Bopara, but Jesse Ryder – who appears unlikely to be at the club next season – and Matt Quinn, who felt sore in the warm-up and was not risked with those quarter-finals in mind.Despite some quality pace bowling from Jofra Archer, on Championship debut, that depth was on display here, even if they never quite pulled away as they had threatened. There were typically stylish half-centuries from Nick Browne and Dan Lawrence and, late in the day, Ryan ten Doeschate – batting two places higher than he often does – made a rollicking 83 before being bowled by Steve Magoffin. On a pitch with plenty of bounce, it looks a fine toss for ten Doeschate to have won, though it seems unlikely that the events of last year – when spin took 28 of the 36 wickets to fall in Essex’s game with Surrey – will be repeated.The opening session did plenty to abate the morning muttering. Browne left plenty, but had 10 boundaries in his lunchtime 46, including a triptych of straight drives that deserved to be framed and sold at auction, as well as some fine cuts and back-foot punches through point.After the break, though, things became less comfortable. In Chris Jordan’s first over, Browne reached 50 with an edge through vacant third slip, then nicked over Harry Finch – a taller man would have taken it – at first. In his newfound spirit of discomfort, Browne edged behind to become Archer’s first Championship wicket then, next ball, Tom Westley was hurried by a ripsnorter of a short ball that took a bit of glove, some helmet, and looped to third slip. Westley, who is having such a fine summer, left looking rather nonplussed. “I felt for him actually,” said Luke Wright, echoing the batsman’s thoughts. “That would have got most players out.”At the other end stood Jaik Mickleburgh, whose 54 was never pretty but – given Essex’s congested top order after the signing of Chopra and the fact that Cook won’t play a Test until July 7 next summer – was apposite of timing and unfussy. Eventually, in a tough period that brought an early tea through bad light, he was cleaned up by Magoffin, by now bowling a fine spell of inswing. Lawrence was wonderfully waspish and busy, pulling off the front foot and insouciant on the drive – particularly down the ground – and looked furious when he top-edged another Archer short ball to cover after tea.Archer, who, at the end of a slow run, has a beautifully smooth action – which perhaps disguises the steepling short ball that earned his second and third wickets and hurried each of Essex’s batsman – looks a terrific prospect. He is a mechanically magnificent beanpole who has that knack of making extreme exertion seem effortless. Best of all, he is as excitable as he is exciting; each of his three scalps – particularly Westley – was greeted raucously. The 18-month contract he signed this week looks fine business from Sussex.Wright, who felt his team had allowed Essex 30 too many and confirmed Harry Finch was having a scan on a blow to the hand, said of Archer: “I wanted him to play, he needed to play, the way he’s been bowling. At times you watch him and think if he ran in faster he could bowl really quick. It looks easy for him. He has the surprise ball, with the pace. He runs in slowly and it’s casual, then it comes out so quick. Sometimes it’s easier when quicks fly in because you have that pace and rhythm.”So, with the late wickets of ten Doeschate and James Foster for a tidy 42, lbw to David Wiese, ended an entertaining day but one that – given five of Essex’s top six passed 42 but none bettered the captain’s 83 – never totally silenced those grumbles.

Arsenal are preparing an official bid to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice after Mikel Arteta and Edu internally discussed his signing.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Following a combination of poor April results, injuries and Man City's imperious run of form, Arsenal are now, at best, outside contenders for the 2023/2024 Premier League title.

It is all in Pep Guardiola's hands and the Blues could even seal their domestic crown on Sunday with a win over Chelsea, regardless of what Arsenal do against Nottingham Forest.

Despite the likelihood of missing out on this year's title, there is a compelling argument to be made that this season has been a success overall for the north Londoners.

Just 12 months ago, Arteta was pipped to a top four finish and Champions League qualification by Tottenham, yet this time round the gap between both these sides is hugely in Arsenal's favour.

The north Londoners are guaranteed European football next season and they quite simply must get preparing for what will be a crucial transfer window.

Arsenal are reliably believed to be chasing a central midfield star, leading to links with Brighton's Moises Caicedo and Rice, with the latter coming as a major target.

Reports have suggested that the 24-year-old is even keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, and reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano shared an update via CaughtOffide's Substack.

The transfer reporter claims both Edu and Arteta internally discussed his signing as far back as January, with Arsenal now readying an official bid.

Romano wrote:

"Declan Rice has always been a top target and he remains their priority. There have been conversations between Arsenal and Rice, while Arteta and Edu were already discussing him internally back in January. Arsenal now plan to prepare an official bid for the West Ham star in the next few weeks."

Who is Declan Rice?

According to WhoScored, Rice stands out as West Ham's best-performing player by average match rating – making their highest number of interceptions per 90 in the top flight.

The midfielder has also been called "utterly sensational" by members of the media, and because of his quality, the Irons are apparently set to demand a marquee sum.

Sky Sports recently claimed that Rice could cost as high as £120 million, regardless of his deal running out in 2024 – with West Ham manager David Moyes actually quoting £150m last summer.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been ruled out of action for the rest of the season due to injury

George Dobell27-Aug-2016James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been ruled out of action for the rest of the season due to injury.While neither man was named in the England limited-overs squads, both had hopes of playing county cricket with a view to helping their teams, Lancashire and Nottinghamshire respectively, avoid relegation in the County Championship.A statement released by the ECB explained that “Anderson requires ongoing rehabilitation of his right shoulder and Broad, who last played in the NatWest T20 Finals Day for Nottinghamshire last week, is recovering from an ankle problem.”The news will come as a blow to both clubs. Nottinghamshire are currently bottom of the Division One table, 35 points beneath Durham, who are in seventh position (with a game in hand). Lancashire are sixth but, having won three of their first five games, have not won any of their last eight Championship matches in a run that extends back to May. The teams placed eighth and ninth will be relegated.”Both players have managed their injuries through the summer,” the ECB statement continued. “A break from cricket is needed to best prepare the Test opening bowling pair for England’s winter campaign that begins this October in Bangladesh.”The ECB also announced that Jonny Bairstow was to be released from the ODI squad to play for Yorkshire in Sunday’s Royal London semi-final against Surrey. David Willey, who has a hand injury, is not deemed to be fit enough to play.

Manchester United target Neymar is seemingly keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with prospective new owner Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani open to a deal.

What's the transfer gossip on Neymar to Manchester United?

Foot Mercato shared an update on United's interest in signing Neymar this summer in the last 48 hours, saying the Red Devils have the advantage when it comes to the attacker. The Brazilian appears to be on his way out of PSG with the Ligue 1 outfit open to getting his incredible €3.6m-a-month (£3m-a-month) salary off the books.

Most recently, the PSG hierarchy has been irritated by Neymar after he missed the final game of the season due to injury before appearing in Monaco to watch the Grand Prix. The Brazilian's trip was seen as a "provocation" and "seals his fate a little more."

Foot Mercato note that PSG tried to sell Neymar last summer and are looking to sell him again this year, with Manchester United, Newcastle and Chelsea named with an interest.

United, as mentioned, are said to hold the advantage, with the player, who has contacts with the Qatar brand, seduced over a move to Old Trafford and can only see himself playing in Manchester or staying with PSG.

The 31-year-old reportedly wants to continue playing in Europe for the time being after an offer of around €400m (£343m) from a Saudi Pro League side was rejected by the forward.

Is a Man Utd move to sign Neymar wise?

Labelled as "one of the best players on the planet" in the media, Neymar has already won plenty in the club game, nine major honours with PSG in fact, and a move to Manchester United could be an opportunity to grow his personal brand even more.

The Premier League appears to be a popular attraction for the top stars, although it's unclear whether or not Neymar's body is strong enough to cope with the demands of England's top flight. According to Transfermarkt, the Brazilian missed 15 games after undergoing ankle surgery on a nasty injury sustained against Lille in February.

Potential new owner Jassim is said to be keen on signing Neymar should he complete a takeover at Man United. If he was able to remain fit, Neymar is the type of player that could restore Erik ten Hag's side back to the top with 293 goals and 188 assists in his club career, and by the looks of it, a move may well be one to keep an eye on.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in making Brendan Rodgers their next manager, according to a fresh update regarding the situation at Elland Road.

Has Allardyce left Leeds post?

The Whites have had a tumultuous season for so many reasons, suffering relegation from the Premier League in the process, following three years in the top flight. The managerial situation has been particularly problematic, with Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce all in charge at different points of the campaign.

None of them did enough to prevent Leeds from returning to the Championship, and on Friday morning it was confirmed that Allardyce had left the club, following a short stint in the Elland Road hot seat.

It means that those high up at the club are now searching for the veteran's successor, in what will be an important appointment, as the Whites look for some much-needed stability. One name has emerged in a new update, ahead of what could be a busy period.

Could Rodgers be an option for Whites?

According to The Daily Star, Leeds are eyeing up Rodgers as their potential new manager, with owner Andrea Radrizzani reportedly a "huge admirer" of the 50-year-old, adding him to his "shortlist of candidates" to come in as the new Whites boss.

The Irishman was most recently in charge of Leicester City, winning the FA Cup with them back in 2021, although things ended in disappointing fashion and he played a part in the Foxes ultimately being relegated alongside Leeds.

Rodgers may have had a disappointing end to life at the King Power Stadium, but he could still be an exciting capture by the Whites, given his pedigree during his career. He came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League title with Liverpool back in 2013/14, playing some wonderful football with a team made up of the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho, and he won two Scottish Premiership titles during his time with Celtic.

Getting Rodgers – who has been dubbed a "football genius" – would be a big coup, considering he would be dropping down a division, but it says a lot about the lure of Leeds that someone could be willing to go into the Championship in order to take charge of them.

Rodgers isn't perfect, with some occasionally critical of his manner in interviews and lack of defensive nous, but he would bring an attack-minded brand of football to Elland Road.

Chelsea have brought in a raft of different players across the duration of 2022/23, strengthening both last summer and in the January transfer window.

The Blues have spent close to £600 million since co-owner Todd Boehly came to the fore at Stamford Bridge, though that hasn't improved their standing in the Premier League, as they sit 12th in the table with just two games to go.

Some arrivals have been more successful than others, naturally, though there have also been some that haven't been afforded a proper opportunity to stake a claim for first-team action.

Carney Chukwuemeka would fall into the latter category since his £20 million move from Aston Villa, with things not going to plan for the 19-year-old since his move to west London.

What's the latest news involving Carney Chukwuemeka?

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones thinks that Chukwuemeka will try and force his way back into the reckoning at Chelsea next term.

Jones told FFC when asked about the possibility of Chukwuemeka being sent out on loan: "I mean, some players are going to go out on loan. Chukwuemeka absolutely didn't join Chelsea with the intention of being sent out on loan the following year. That's not in line with what he was sold when he joined Chelsea. He joined this club because he felt there was a good path for him into the first team and he's got every intention to try and make that happen."

So, it looks as if Boehly has sold Chukwuemeka a dream as it's now been reported that the midfielder is being lined up for a loan.

In 2022/23, the youngster has made just 13 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, demonstrating that he has a right to be frustrated with his lack of involvement at his current employers.

Chelsea have recently refused to release £100k-a-week ace Chukwuemeka to play in the Under-20 World Cup for England, as per The Daily Mail, something that would've given him more exposure in a high-stakes environment.

Blues' caretaker boss Frank Lampard explained the decision not to let Chukwuemeka join up with his international teammates, stating: "He's a Chelsea player and we have injuries in that area. It was a big move for him and he hasn't managed to get many minutes, but hopefully there's an opportunity for him in these three games. Where we have lost players we need him to stay. There's a possibility he can join up at the end of the season if the England get through to the next stages so that might mean the best of both worlds in an ideal way."

The light at the end of the tunnel may be there for Chukwuemeka to get some minutes under his belt at Chelsea, though the playmaker who was labelled as "exciting" by former boss Graham Potter earlier this term will feel like he was sold a dream that hasn't been delivered on at Stamford Bridge so far.

Despite being utilised sparingly, WhoScored notes that the ex-Aston Villa protege has recorded an average pass accuracy of 84.7%, demonstrating that he can be trusted with the ball in tight spaces.

In 2021/22, when he was getting more first-team openings at Aston Villa, Chukwuemeka managed an average match rating of 7.24/10, according to the same outlet, which is probably a big reason why Chelsea batted off stiff competition from the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan to secure his signature.

Looking forward, pre-season could be the perfect chance to show his qualities to whoever assumes the managerial vacancy at Chelsea, which is likely to be Mauricio Pochettino as things stand.

Liverpool will be in the market for a number of central midfielders this summer as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster a squad that fell way short of expectations this season.

After only qualifying for the Europa League following a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, the Reds may find it a little harder to recruit the top talents that may have been on their shortlist heading into the summer.

However, midfield reinforcements will be a priority for Klopp after the exits of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, with Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone one man who could arrive at Anfield.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Manu Kone?

According to transfer specialist Romano, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the 22-year-old after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga this term.

He wrote: "Manu Koné, one of the midfielders on Liverpool's list. He’s highly rated as LFC are already informed on conditions of the deal.

"Parties feel there’s a chance for Koné to leave this summer, as BILD called — he’s a name to consider for Liverpool plans."

Previous reports have claimed that the defensive-minded midfielder could cost around £26m this summer, which could represent a bargain for the Reds if he can live up to his potential at Anfield.

Would Manu Kone be a good signing for Liverpool?

This season saw Kone feature regularly in Daniel Farke's side, making 30 appearances in the Bundesliga and averaging a solid 6.81 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

He had previously averaged a strong 6.99 rating in the 2021/22 campaign so has been impressive in Germany for some time now, and it seems likely that the former Toulouse man could be destined for a big move in the upcoming window.

WhoScored suggests that the young midfielder excels at dribbling, passing and tackling, so he could be the ideal man to replace Keita as a ball-carrying midfield in Klopp's squad, while his obvious potential and strong performances at Monchengladbach certainly suggest that he could eclipse the Guinean at Anfield.

Just this term, he amassed a healthy 1.9 dribbles per game and an impressive 2.5 tackles per match, numbers that would have ranked him joint-top and the very best in the entire Liverpool squad for those metrics. It's those very performance that have seen him tipped to become a "monstrous" asset in the future by scout Jacek Kulig.

On the flip side, the former RB Leipzig man never lived up to expectations at Liverpool, with injury issues plaguing his time in the Premier League, as he mustered just 129 appearances in five years with the Merseyside club, contributing 11 goals and seven assists.

His lack of minutes in the Premier League this season was always going to make an exit likely but Klopp will still need to replace him after midfield depth became a key issue for the Reds throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

Kone is certainly highly-rated, doesn't have too high a price tag and has plenty of room to grow at just 22, so he could be an excellent first signing by Jorg Schmadtke this summer.