Why Saudi’s billion-dollar football binge is race against time
Karim Benzema has signed a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee with the Jeddah-based football club [Handout via Al Ittihad]
Cristiano Ronaldo Sport News
Spanish international Laporte joins Al-Nassr from Man City
LONDON: Aymeric Laporte joined the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia on Thursday as the Manchester City defender moved to Al-Nassr in a deal worth a reported £23 million ($29 million). Spain center-back Laporte won 12 major honors during his successful spell with City. However, he fell out of favor at times during City’s treble-winning campaign and the close-season signing of Croatia defender Josko Gvardiol further restricted his chances of regular action. The 29-year-old is the latest City star to accept a lucrative switch to the Gulf State after Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez recently joined Al-Ahli. Laporte made 180 appearances for City after arriving from Athletic Bilbao for a then club record £57 million in January 2018. “I am proud to have represented Manchester City over the last six seasons,” Laporte said. “When I first joined, I was excited about the prospect of winning trophies.
Messi into another final after inspiring Miami comeback
MIAMI: Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to come back from two goals down to beat Cincinnati 5-4 on penalties after their thrilling US Open Cup semifinal ended 3-3 after extra time.
Al-Fateh goalkeeper Jacob Rinne ready for challenge of Ronaldo, Neymar and Benzema
RIYADH: Jacob Rinne moved to Al-Fateh from Danish side Aalborg BK last summer for a new challenge and a welcome escape from the harsh Scandinavian climate. Seven months later the Swedish goalkeeper was facing down Cristiano Ronaldo, aiming to shut out the world’s greatest international goalscorer. On that February evening, Ronaldo bested Rinne from the penalty spot as Al-Nassr snatched a dramatic 2-2 draw in injury-time at the Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi Stadium. This Friday, the pair will meet again in the Saudi Pro League. “Thank you for reminding me,” Rinne smiles when asked by Arab News about the spot-kick in February.
Aymeric Laporte Tinggalkan Man City, Gabung Al Nassr
Aymeric Laporte menyudahi kariernya sebagai pemain Manchester City. Laporte kini berlabuh di Arab Saudi untuk memperkuat Al Nassr.
Aymeric Laporte joins Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr after completing move from Man City
Spain international defender Aymeric Laporte has completed a move to Al Nassr from Manchester City after signing a three-year contract with the Saudi Pro League club.
Saudi Pro League Predictions: Debut joy for Mitrovic and another win for Gerrard
It’s time for another weekend of Saudi Pro League action with Al Nassr hoping to bounce back from a poor start to the season, while the Jeddah duo of Al Ahli and Al Ittihad will battle with Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq for top spot in the league – all three sides boast 100 per cent records so far.
Nike to sell women’s goalkeeper kits after England’s Earps supports campaign
DUBAI: Nike will make its women’s teams goalkeeper kits available for fans to buy, the sportswear giant said on Thursday following a petition supported by England keeper Mary Earps. While fans were able to buy their national teams’ replica kits, the goalkeeper’s jersey was not on sale during the women’s World Cup, which led to criticism from Golden Glove winner Earps and a petition shared by her which had over 150,000 signatures. The England men’s goalkeeper jersey is available to buy. Nike issued a statement after the World Cup final to say it understood the desire for a retail version of the women’s jersey and was working toward solutions for future tournaments. “Nike has secured limited quantities of goalkeeper jerseys for England, US, France and the Netherlands to be sold through the Federation websites over the coming days,” Nike told Reuters. “We recognize that during the tournament we didn’t serve those fans who wished to show their passion and support to the squad’s goalkeepers.