Man city

Erling Haaland signs 10-year contract extension for Man City

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Manchester City has announced that star striker Erling Haaland has signed a new 10-year contract, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2034.

The 24-year-old Norwegian international joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and has been instrumental in the club’s recent successes.

“I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great club,” Haaland said. “Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters, and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody.”

Haaland expressed his gratitude to his teammates, manager Pep Guardiola, and the City staff.

He said, “They have made this such a special place to be, and now I am City no matter what. I want to keep developing, keep working to get better, and help us achieve more success going forward.”

City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, highlighted the significance of Haaland’s long-term commitment.

Manchester City win Club World Cup

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Manchester City reign supreme as world champions after a mesmerising 4-0 demolition of Brazilian giants Fluminense in the Club World Cup final.

Pep Guardiola’s men etched their names in global football history, capping a phenomenal season with the ultimate trophy. 

City’s dominance was relentless. Alvarez struck early, Nino gifted an own goal as Alvarez and Foden added two more, leaving Fluminense chasing shadows.

This emphatic victory is more than silverware; it’s a coronation. City, after years of European and domestic mastery, finally conquer the world stage, proving themselves the planet’s finest. 

Guardiola, architect of this triumph, hailed his players: “This cup is a testament to their relentless pursuit of excellence.” This win transcends City; it bolsters English football, crowning them the fourth nation to conquer the world, showcasing the Premier League’s global might. 

Manchester City’s World Cup victory isn’t just a footballing feat; it’s a cultural beacon. Their dedication and teamwork inspire fans worldwide, proving that the sky’s the limit.

Ex-Man City star Benjamin Mendy sues club over unpaid wages

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has initiated legal action against his former club, filing a multi-million-pound lawsuit at an employment tribunal.

Mendy alleges that the Premier League champions engaged in unauthorised wage deductions during the period he faced criminal charges. 

According to Sky Sports, Mendy, now playing for French club Lorient, claims that City ceased payment of his salary in September 2021 when he was accused of rape and sexual assault.

Despite being acquitted in two trials earlier this year, Mendy contends that City withheld his wages for nearly two years, spanning the duration of the legal proceedings. 

His lawyer, Nick De Marco, confirmed the legal action, seeking all owed wages up until Mendy’s City contract expiration in June 2023.

The legal claim argues that City was not contractually entitled to impose such an extended wage suspension, emphasizing Mendy’s clearance of all charges. 

Mendy, once hailed as the world’s costliest defender after his £52 million move from Monaco to City in 2017, achieved success with three league titles.

However, his last appearance for City dates back to August 2021, just before his arrest. 

The statement released by Mendy’s legal team highlighted the critical details of the case: “Manchester City FC failed to pay Mr Mendy any wages at all from September 2021, following Mr Mendy being charged with various offenses, all of which he was subsequently acquitted of, until the end of his contract in June 2023. The claim will come before an Employment Tribunal.” 

This legal saga adds another layer to Mendy’s tumultuous journey, raising questions about the handling of wages during legal proceedings and the contractual obligations of football clubs in such situations.

Arsenal end eight-year drought after thrashing Manchester City 1-0

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Arsenal emerged victorious in a historic match against reigning champions Manchester City, ending their eight-year wait for a Premier League win over the Citizens.

The decisive moment came in the dying minutes of the game when Gabriel Martinelli’s shot, deflected off City defender Nathan Ake, found the back of the net, securing a dramatic 1-0 win for the Gunners. 

This long-awaited triumph sparked wild celebrations among Arsenal fans, marking a moment of sweet redemption after enduring 12 successive league defeats against Pep Guardiola’s men.

Arsenal’s victory, coming just four minutes from the final whistle, lifted them two points above third-placed City into second position, trailing behind leaders Tottenham on goals scored. 

This win holds significant weight for Arsenal, as it signifies their first top-flight success against the treble winners since December 2015.

Although Arsenal had previously defeated City in the Community Shield in August, this victory holds greater importance, positioning them as serious contenders in the title race. 

Manchester City, on the other hand, faced their second consecutive league defeat following their 2-1 loss against Wolves the previous weekend.

Coupled with a League Cup defeat against Newcastle, City have suffered three defeats in their last four games, raising concerns about their form and stability.