Manager Jose Mourinho decided to sign Amelia
as cover in the goalkeeping department after a
knee injury sustained to Thibaut Courtois earlier
on in the season left Asmir Begovic deputising
for the Blues in the Belgian's absence - with the
Guardian reporting that Courtois is expected to
return to action in December.
View image | gettyimages.com
In a column for the club's official website,
Cudicini said : "He is a very steady goalkeeper.
He was a part of the national team when we won
the World Cup in 2006. He has a lot of
experience and has played for big teams which I
guess is what Jose Mourinho was looking for –
someone who can add to the goalkeeping
department now Thibaut is injured, as cover for
Asmir Begovic.
"He has plenty of experience in Serie A which is
not an easy league to play in, especially with AC
Milan. He knows what it is to be a part of a big
club, and because of that he can always give
confidence to the players playing in front of him.
It was a no-brainer to sign him and I wish him
well."
article continues below
Judging by what Cudicini has had to say, it
seems that Amelia is the perfect cover option for
Chelsea, one that is very experienced but has no
qualms about sitting on the bench after being out
of contract prior to agreeing a deal at Stamford
Bridge.
SEE ALSO: Kevin De Bruyne shines for
Manchester City, fans troll Mourinho for selling
him
It's hard to say just how much game time Amelia
will see for Chelsea. With Begovic playing every
game since the injury picked up by Courtois,
there could be an opportunity for him to impress
in a League Cup tie against Stoke City on
Tuesday, if Mourinho feels the need to ring the
changes in order to freshen up his side.
Certainly, signing the Italian was something of an
insurance policy, but it's one the club's
ambassador seems pretty pleased with.
Do you think Chelsea fans will see much of
Amelia?
Comments
Thursday, 22 October 2015
Friday, 12 June 2015
The former Super Eagles midfielder has called on Nigerians not to condemn Manu Garba’s team for crashing out of the second round of the U20 World Cup, instead embrace the positives GOAL EXCLUSIVE By Shina Oludare Follow on Twitte
Former Nigeria international has said the Flying Eagles lost out of the Fifa U20 World Cup because of the burden of expectations placed them by football fans across the country.
Many had tipped Manu Garba’s side to win the competition after their heroics at the African Youth Championship where they emerged champions, but saw their juggernauts halted in the round of 16 by Germany – who got their lone goal courtesy of Levin Öztunalı's first half strike.
Adepoju, who was a member of the Flying Eagles squad that placed second at 1989 U20 World Cup played in Saudi Arabia said the team would have learnt from their mistakes which is very key in the building process.
“Shortly before the U20 World Cup, the team won the African Youth Championship and has been winning all their matches, Nigerians got used to this and expected them to repeat that feat on the world stage. Honestly, in football it doesn’t work that way,” Adepoju told Goal.
“It will be wrong to say they are overhyped. Remember this team has not lost for a very lost time and I’m sure they must have learnt from their mistakes and sometimes when you are building, it’s always good to know one’s weaknesses.
“We should not condemn the team, all we need to do is to move forward. Because there are lots of talented footballers in the squad.”
With an average age of just 18.9 years, Nigeria are, for the first time ever, taking the youngest panel of players to the championship in which they have twice contested the final with Germany parading the oldest squad.
Monday, 8 June 2015
Sweden vs. Nigeria: Can the Super Falcons beat Blagult? Goal considers the possibility of Edwin Okon's talented squad overcoming Pia Sundhage's ladies in their opening Women's World Cup group game in Winnipeg Jun 8, 2015 02:28:58 Super Falcons - Kits
The Super Falcons look to be wearing around their necks the tags of underdogs going against Sweden in the adjourned Group of Death.
The Blue & Yellow side have never lost to Nigeria at senior level and this meeting is the third between the two in 12 years. The Super Falcons lost 3-0 in their first clash in 2003, before playing out a 1-1 draw four years later.
The encounter will decide both teams' prospect of progressing out of the group phase and at the same time could push the Super Falcons close to the exit door.
Having been in Canada for two weeks, the Super Falcons will be expected to cope with adaption and weather conditions. The sharpness and cohesion of the team, as well as their tactical and mental readiness will be best assessed against Pia Sundage's unpredictable side.
Ahead of the high-profile match, a scan of the African champions' camp reveals the team's urge and determination to succeed. The squad are on a high after their 9-0 dismantling of Woodbridge Ladies in their final warm-up tie in Toronto.
Despite few pre-World Cup preparatory tune-ups, with most against low-profile and male age-grade sides, the Falcons look in better shape than their World Cup opening opponents. In five high-profile friendly games, Sweden managed one victory against the Netherlands, drew one and lost three others.
Sweden | Fifth in the world, will the Falcons be able to cope with their illustrious opponents?
Beyond their poor form, the European side have struggled to cope with injuries as well as adapting to playing on an artificial turf. Such worries do not affect the Super Falcons, who had limited prepariation time to Sweden, who began camping since January.
The Nigerians are heavily fancied to lose to the Europeans, with both sides aiming to keep their flags high in Canada at the expense of USA and Australia. Sweden are rated as the fifth-best womens' footballing nation in the world, while opponents Nigeria are far behind them in 33rd.
Making it out of the group stages will undoubtedly raise the targeted semi-final dreams of Edwin Okon, who make his debut as a coach as the senior level against Sweden.
The impressive form of Francisca Ordega and the physical Desire Oparanozie, as well as Asisat Oshoala's speed and pace, provide a potent firing squad for Nigeria.
Can Nigeria's strikers see her out of a taxing group?
To crack an experienced Swedish side, the African representatives must remain consistently resolute, tactically disciplined and forceful in attack.
Okon should consistently alert his defenders to keep focus all through the 90 minutes by avoiding any lapses.
The side need to improve in the offensive departments, particularly more so than they did against the Mali and Woodbridge, if they are to progress in Canada.
Okon and his ladies can beat Sweden and boost their chances of making the next round.
The Blue & Yellow side have never lost to Nigeria at senior level and this meeting is the third between the two in 12 years. The Super Falcons lost 3-0 in their first clash in 2003, before playing out a 1-1 draw four years later.
The encounter will decide both teams' prospect of progressing out of the group phase and at the same time could push the Super Falcons close to the exit door.
Having been in Canada for two weeks, the Super Falcons will be expected to cope with adaption and weather conditions. The sharpness and cohesion of the team, as well as their tactical and mental readiness will be best assessed against Pia Sundage's unpredictable side.
Ahead of the high-profile match, a scan of the African champions' camp reveals the team's urge and determination to succeed. The squad are on a high after their 9-0 dismantling of Woodbridge Ladies in their final warm-up tie in Toronto.
Despite few pre-World Cup preparatory tune-ups, with most against low-profile and male age-grade sides, the Falcons look in better shape than their World Cup opening opponents. In five high-profile friendly games, Sweden managed one victory against the Netherlands, drew one and lost three others.
Sweden | Fifth in the world, will the Falcons be able to cope with their illustrious opponents?
Beyond their poor form, the European side have struggled to cope with injuries as well as adapting to playing on an artificial turf. Such worries do not affect the Super Falcons, who had limited prepariation time to Sweden, who began camping since January.
The Nigerians are heavily fancied to lose to the Europeans, with both sides aiming to keep their flags high in Canada at the expense of USA and Australia. Sweden are rated as the fifth-best womens' footballing nation in the world, while opponents Nigeria are far behind them in 33rd.
Making it out of the group stages will undoubtedly raise the targeted semi-final dreams of Edwin Okon, who make his debut as a coach as the senior level against Sweden.
The impressive form of Francisca Ordega and the physical Desire Oparanozie, as well as Asisat Oshoala's speed and pace, provide a potent firing squad for Nigeria.
The Nigerians are heavily fancied to lose to the Europeans, with both sides aiming to keep their flags high in Canada at the expense of USA and Australia. Sweden are rated as the fifth-best womens' footballing nation in the world, while opponents Nigeria are far behind them in 33rd.
Making it out of the group stages will undoubtedly raise the targeted semi-final dreams of Edwin Okon, who make his debut as a coach as the senior level against Sweden.
The impressive form of Francisca Ordega and the physical Desire Oparanozie, as well as Asisat Oshoala's speed and pace, provide a potent firing squad for Nigeria.
Can Nigeria's strikers see her out of a taxing group?
To crack an experienced Swedish side, the African representatives must remain consistently resolute, tactically disciplined and forceful in attack.
Okon should consistently alert his defenders to keep focus all through the 90 minutes by avoiding any lapses.
Okon should consistently alert his defenders to keep focus all through the 90 minutes by avoiding any lapses.
The side need to improve in the offensive departments, particularly more so than they did against the Mali and Woodbridge, if they are to progress in Canada.
Okon and his ladies can beat Sweden and boost their chances of making the next round.
Okon and his ladies can beat Sweden and boost their chances of making the next round.
Michael Babatunde quits Ukrainian side Volyn Lutsk over unpaid salaries The Super Eagles midfielder says he is searching for greener pastures after being owed pay in exc
Babatunde Michael has quit his Ukrainian Club Volyn Lutsk last Wednesday, the player disclosed to Goal in Abuja on Sunday.
“I have quit my Ukrainian club Volyn Lutsk because we had some issues of salary payment. They owe me about seven months salaries which made me to terminate my contract with the club,” Babatunde told Goal.
The player's contract was due to end this summer.
“I have cancelled my contract with them and I am looking forward to joining a new club now.
“Right now I have many offers coming from clubs from Spain, Germany, Belgium and other two clubs also in Ukraine.
“I just keep on praying to God to show me the right club that I will go that I will have playing time.
“I need playing time because after I came back from injury I started playing. So I need playing time so that all my fans in Nigeria and abroad will be happy that I am playing regularly with a club and the Chief Coach of the national team will be happy too,” he said.
The midfielder also expressed optimism that the Super Eagles will beat the visiting Chad national team on Saturday in Kaduna.
“Yes, I believe we will win the match because we have a lot of quality players that are capable of making Nigeria proud in any match they play,” he said.
“The players the coach invited for this game are super ready to give their very best against Chad because you don’t get this kind of opportunity to play in the national team always,” Babatunde conclude
transfer rumours in globally
Juventus risks to lose Tevez already now, Marotta works for another striker: Cavani is increasingly difficult, the last idea is Mario Mandzukic.
Southampton will spend £8 million to sign Alex Song from Barcelona if Morgan Schneiderlin departs St Marys' this summer. The Cameroonian has spent this season on loan at West Ham.
Manchester City will turn their attentions to Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender if they fail in their pursuit of Paul Pogba. The German is the club's alternative if they cannot complete a £70 million deal for the Juventus man.
Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa wants the managerial job at West Ham after initially indicating he would stay in France. Slaven Bilic remains the favourite but the Chilean is eager to move to the Premier League.
Beaten Champions League finalists Juventus will bid £5 million to sign Robin van Persie this summer. The Manchester United forward is expected to depart Old Trafford this summer.
Arsenal are ready to do business with Porto over the transfer of Colombian striker Jackson Martinez after the Portuguese club rejected a bid from Atletico Madrid. The 28-year-old's buyout clause stands at £25.7 million.
Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew wants to sign former players Yohan Cabaye and Loic Remy. The French pair played for Pardew during his time as Newcastle manager.
Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez wants to return to Real Madrid after his loan spell this season, praising new manager Rafa Benitez.
Liverpool are ready to announce their second summer signing after agreeing terms with Inter Milan over midfielder Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian is expected to join for around £18 million.
Manchester United will trump Arsenal and sign Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech as replacement for Real Madrid-bound David de Gea.
the latest remoursvin the global transfer
New Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez is keen to add Chelsea duo Eden Hazard and Diego Costa to his squad as he prepares for his first season in charge of Los Blancos.
Manchester United have rejected an offer from Valencia to sign goalkeeper Victor Valdes after the Liga side's No.1 Diego Alves suffered a serious knee injury.
Tottenham are hoping to beat Liverpool to the signing of Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie despite the DR Congo international having a £30 million valuation according to the Eagles.
Arsenal have decided against signing Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin following the performances of Francis Coquelin during the second half of the season.
Tottenham are confident they will beat Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United to the signing of Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke, with Mauricio Pochettino's side set to table a £20 million bid.
Slaven Bilic has made Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren his primary transfer target should he become manager of West Ham.
Ajax was ready to take over Munir El Haddadi from Barcelona on loan, but the Catalan giants are expecting to let him play regularly in the coming season.
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal is ready to launch a £30 million bid for Lazio star Felipe Anderson. The Brazilian has been in stunning form this season, with United's scouts sending glowing reviews back to the Dutchman.
Joselu could leave Hannover in the summer. West Ham, Sunderland and Sevilla er interested in the 25-years-old striker.
Rafael van der Vaart's switch to Betis Sevilla could be official on Monday. The midfielder from HSV agreed terms with Betis
Transfer runours
Borussia Monchengladbach could sign defender Matthias Ginter from Bundesliga rival Borussia Dortmund.
Bas Dost wants to leave VfL Wolfsburg and get involved in the Premier League. Southampton and Newcastle are interested in the dutch striker.
Manchester United have offered Juventus the chance to sign Robin van Persie this summer. Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Higuain are also on the Serie A champions' shortlist.
Manchester City are planning an imminent bid for Raheem Sterling as they look to reshape their squad this summer and lean towards a more home-grown contingent.
Swansea City are the latest Premier League club to join the race for Chelsea forward Loic Remy. The Swans will need to beat off competition from Southampton and Crystal Palace if they're to land the Frenchman.
Southampton will move for Espanyol centre-back Hector Moreno if they can't keep on-loan Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld this summer. Moreno is valued at £8 million.
Sampdoria have joined Chelsea in the race to sign Ecuadoran striker Enner Valencia but West Ham say he won't move for less than £30 million.
QPR have told Newcastle they will have to pay £15 million to sign Charlie Austin this summer.
Tottenham have agreed a €25 million (£18.1m) deal with Monaco for forward Anthony Martial. Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is a big admirer of the 19-year-old, who is seen as the next Thierry Henry,
Sevilla have already started preparing for life without Carlos Bacca after lining up Juventus striker Fernando Llorente as a possible replacement
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