Arsene Wenger a boss...and time lord

The cascade of managerial changes in the Premier League now leaves only Arsene Wenger as a boss in charge of the same club for more than two and a half years. In fact, only five of the 20 Premier League clubs next season will have managers who have been with them for more than 12 months. The four others are Newcastle, West Ham, Fulham and Cardiff. Another fact is that Wenger's 17 years at Arsenal is more than the total combined time at their current clubs of all the other Premier League managers.

Neymar in Premier League snub

NEYMAR admits “having butterflies in my stomach” about joining Lionel Messi and co at Barcelona. The 21-year-old Brazil star turned down Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid for the Nou Camp. Neymar was worried about joining either Premier League club because of a perceived lack of stability. He said: “My family spoke to me about joining a club where you could not just win things but where there is stability. I don’t want to play for a club that changes coach every season.”

QPR Goal-keeper Julio Cesar set to leave the club with Arsenal favourites to capture Brazil stopper's signature

Julio Cesar's agent has denied speculation the Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper has signed for Arsenal. Reports in Italy today suggested the Brazilian stopper, 33, had agreed a two-year-deal worth £4m a season, but agent Josias Cardoso moved quickly to deny a deal has been done. Nonetheless, Cesar is expected to leave Loftus Road following QPR's relegation to the Championship and he is settled in London, making Arsenal one of the favourites to sign him. Speaking ahead of Brazil's friendly with England on Sunday, a warm-up for the forthcoming Confederations Cup, Cesar told reporters: 'I want to stay in England. I am enjoying London and I love the Premier League.' He admitted that negotiations were ongoing with other clubs, but would not reveal where he will start the 2013-2014 season. 'There are indeed talks with some teams, but nothing definitive,' he told Globo Esporte. 'This is the Confederations Cup moment, I have to focus on doing good work for the national team. 'I won't name the teams as it would not be ethical since I am under contract with Queens Park Rangers. I let people responsible for my career deal with it.' Cesar made 26 appearances for QPR last season but was unable to prevent them sliding out of the Barclays Premier League.  

Lampard touched as Brazilian names son after midfielder (but what did he call him?)

Frank Lampard admits he was honoured to hear that a Brazilian football fan named his young son after the Chelsea midfielder. Four members of the England squad, manager Roy Hodgson and his backroom staff all visited a Sport Relief funded project in a poor part of Rio de Janeiro yesterday ahead of tomorrow's game against Brazil. Those who took part in the visit to the Bola Pra Frente project - a scheme designed to help lift deprived youngsters out of poverty through football - were humbled by the experience and they also got an unexpected surprise from a local man who had brought his young son to watch the players enjoy a kickabout with the participants in the project. It transpired that the man had named his son after a person he regards as one of the greats of the game - not Pele, nor Zico, but Lampard. The midfielder was not part of the visit so he did not have a chance to meet young Leandro Lampard, but he was humbled to hear the story. 'I wasn't there unfortunately, but I did hear about it,' Lampard said. 'I would like to meet the father and the kid because it's an honour. 'It would be an honour if someone from London did that, but for someone from Brazil to do it... what can you say to that?'

Bayern match Man United in landing historic treble after holding off Stuttgart fightback in German Cup final.

Bayern Munich completed an historic treble by defeating Stuttgart to add the DFB-Pokal trophy to the Champions League and Bundesliga titles they have already won this season. Thomas Muller fired Bayern in front from the penalty spot and two goals from Mario Gomez gave Jupp Heynckes' side a commanding lead. Two goals from Martin Harnik made the game interesting, although Stuttgart could not find an equaliser as Bayern became the first German side to win three major trophies in a single season. Only three minutes were on the clock when Arjen Robben was put through left of goal by Javi Martinez and his cross was deflected just wide of the far post. Stuttgart were not going to be lambs to the slaughter, though, and they showed that with their own spirited attacking football which culminated in Antonio Rudiger's cross being volleyed just inches wide of the far post by Alexandru Maxim with Manuel Neuer beaten. Neuer was in the thick of the action midway through the first half when he first made a reaction save to deny Vedad Ibisevic, and then scampered across his goal to block Georg Niedermeier's shot on the goal line. Muller stepped up and outwitted Ulreich, sending the ball to the Stuttgart goalkeeper's right after he had already leapt in the other direction. Bayern doubled their lead almost immediately in the second half with Lahm's cross an open invitation to Gomez, who somehow managed to bundle the ball in despite hitting it against his standing leg. The game appeared to be over after an hour when Muller this time set up former Stuttgart striker Gomez with a cross from the right, and he provided a more accomplished finish from seven yards out. Stuttgart refused to lie down, though, and Harnik reduced the arrears 10 minutes later with a bullet header beyond Neuer's reach from Gotoku Sakai's cross. Shinji Okazaki had a shot saved by Neuer as Stuttgart surged forwards, getting a second goal with 10 minutes remaining when Okazaki hit the post and Harnik scored at the second time of asking, thanks in part to a slight deflection off Bastian Schweinsteiger. Ulreich scampered forward for a free-kick in stoppage time, but the Swabians were unable to find an equaliser as they, like the rest of the Bundesliga and Europe before them, took their hat off to an all-conquering Bayern side.

Mourinho bows out with a win amid Bernabeu backdrop of cheers and jeers... but is 'injured' Ronaldo set to say adios to Madrid too?

Jose Mourinho bid farewell to Real Madrid's fans ahead of his last game on Saturday, and then received a mix of cheers and jeers hours later when his team beat Osasuna 4-2 in the final match of the season at the Bernabeu. But there were question marks raised over the future of Manchester United and Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo, who missed the match with the Spanish club citing back injury for his absence from the squad. The Portuguese coach gave a short good

Alleged BlackBerry Theft: Popular Fuji Remi Aluko Goes Blind After Police Torture

Things are presently not okay with popular Fuji artiste, Remi Aluko as he is now seriously battling with partial blindness that has befallen him. As we were told by sources within the industry, the artiste is enveloped in the predicament due to an alleged torture he received from the police sometimes ago when he was in their custody. Recall that the fuji act was arrested sometimes ago for allegedly being in possession of a stolen BlackBerry phone taken from a murdered person. He was then arrested by the police when the phone was traced to him. He then told the police that he didn't steal the mobile phone as alleged, but the phone was given to him as a gift by a fan. It was said that during the alleged torture at the police station, one of his interrogators allegedly smashed a gun on his face which affected his eyes. This has now led to him be using dark goggles. We gathered that Remi Aluko has spent a fortune to correct the eye defect all to no avail.

Yoruba actress Fali Werepe escape death

What would have been a tragedy in Nollywood, especially in the Yoruba movie fraternity was averted some days ago when a popular actress, Modupe Johnson well known as Faliwerepe and her family were involved in a road crash in Ekiti State. We learnt that the actress, along with her husband and children, were returning from a function when a car crash into theirs at Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti State. Further information revealed that the driver of the car that crashed Fali Werepe's car was allegedly sleeping while driving before he crashed into them. We were informed that Fali Werepe broke her leg while one of the kids in the car is presently at the General Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos receiving treatment for stomach injuries.

Shameless Suarez! Loyal Liverpool stood by him... now Suarez demands move to Real Madrid

Luis Suarez delivered a savage snub to the Liverpool management and their fans who have stood by him on Friday night when he admitted: 'I want to leave.' The controversial Uruguay striker cut through all the claim and counter-claim about his future in a brutally frank press conference before playing for his national team. And even though Liverpool responded by insisting they will not sell the 26-year-old, who is four games into a 10-match ban for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic, he left little room for doubt. Scroll down for videos Real Madrid brinkmanship over the £40million fee may delay a move for a few more days, but Liverpool's fears about his intentions were confirmed when Suarez said: 'I think it's understandable that I leave. My reason for leaving is not the money. If it were the money, I would have left already. 'My main reason is my family and my image. The coach and my colleagues know that the press didn't treat me well. I don't feel comfortable any more. I couldn't go to my garden or the supermarket. I couldn't do anything. 'I know it is normal being followed by the press but it was too much. The straw that broke the camel's back (biting Branislav Ivanovic) was my mistake. I accept my fault, but they went too far. 'I don't have any offer yet, and I don't know when I will leave, but it is a good moment for a change of environment after all I have been through in England. 'I have only words of thanks to the club, the fans of Liverpool. It is a spectacular club, but they are aware of the way that the press treats me. It is normal that it is impossible to say no to big teams for which one always dreams. 'I have not spoken with Real Madrid nor with Liverpool, and my agent has not told me anything, either.' Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admitted last week he feared he might face a battle to keep his star goalscorer, and the club are still digging their heels in and refusing to concede Suarez is bound for the Bernabeu after awarding him a lucrative new four-year deal last summer. A spokesman said: 'Luis Suarez is not for sale. The club remains supportive of Luis and expect him to honour his contract.' Spanish paper Marca reported that Real want Suarez to force the issue by officially asking for a move, thinking it might compel Liverpool to lower their price, but Anfield are unlikely to budge from a £40m asking price. It is believed there is a clause in the player's contract which would allow him to talk to any club that offer it.

Goodbye and good luck! Mourinho bids farewell to Real fans as he prepares for final game at Madrid

Jose Mourinho has bid farewell to Real Madrid's fans ahead of his last game on Saturday. The Portuguese coach says in a statement: 'I wish all of Real Madrid's supporters much happiness in the future. I want to thank many fans for their support, and I respect the criticism of others. I repeat, happiness to all, and above all, good health. Hala Madrid!' Mourinho is expected to return to Chelsea in the Premier League next season. After winning the Copa del Rey in his first season and the Spanish league in his second, Mourinho and the club agreed to part ways following a third season without a major title. Mourinho has been heavily criticized for his benching of captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas this season. 

I Knew Kayode Salako Was Married When I Was Dating Him - Foluke Daramola Speaks Out

Foluke Daramola is a well-known face in the Nigerian movie industry, as she came into the limelight in the late 90s with her appearance in Palace, a soap opera back then. In a recent interview, she talks about her marriage to her new husband and on the feud with her friend, Princess Bukola Fasuyi. Excerpts: Many people believed Foluke Daramola joined the movie industry not quite long. Can you tell us when you joined the industry? I don‘t know of anyone that would say that I joined the movie industry not quite long. Thank God, you know how it all began. If I can still remember, we have met in location many times, even outside Lagos. There was a year we met in Osogbo, Osun State; I am talking about the year 2000. That was more than 12 years ago, and before then, I have been in the industry. I started in the 90s before I got admitted into the university. I started with talk shows on DBN and AIT and eventually, I got a role in Palace and while I was acting, I was studying with it. So, can you tell us your educational background? I went to Maryland Covenant and Anthony Model Primary Schools. I was at Ikeja High School, Ifako International School and LAFROGRAMS. I studied International Relations at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and for my Masters degree; I studied International Law and Diplomacy at the University of Lagos. Also, I did some professional courses too. I did some directing and I did a leadership course at Daystar Church. Since you started acting before getting admission into the university, why didn’t you study Theatre Arts instead of International Relations? My first love has always been to be a diplomat. I discovered acting along the line. I don’t have to go to the school of acting before acting well. I actually got admitted into OAU to study Accounting, but I just wanted to be a diplomat, so I changed my course to International Relations. I already have acting as a talent, so I don t need to study Theatre Arts. Who are your mentors in the movie industry? They are Olu and Joke Jacobs, Richard Mofe Damijo. In directing, my mentors are Amaka Igwe, Lola Fani-Kayode, Tade Ogidan and Tunde Kelani What is your relationship with your colleagues in the movie industry? It is cordial, but I am a private person. I don t keep friends apart from the younger ones that I have. It doesn’t mean that I have people as my enemies. I still maintain a very cordial relationship with my colleagues when we are off set and I know I can get in touch with them when we have one or two things to do together. I love privacy, so I like to keep myself to myself The first time you were on set, how did you feel? I was excited but scared. I was excited because I was acting with big names, like Liz Benson, Yomi Obileye and a whole lot of them, but I was really scared of them. Although, I had to get a slap, because my director, Uncle Tunji Bamishigbin, was asking: “what s wrong with you?” Because, I was not just getting my line so, I had to be slapped to get back on my feet and after that, I’ve been wonderful. It is like a part of me already But there is this general belief that you are arrogant? There is this Yoruba proverb that says, “ori o kin ri ara e” (the head cannot see itself). I see you like my brother doing your job and I am doing mine, if you don’t interview me, there are one thousand and one people you can interview. And when it comes to pride, I am not fantastic but I am very close to God, I pray, I talk to God and I believe I am a sinner and God will forgive me. But the Bible says he that brings himself down, God will raise him up and that he that raises himself up God will bring him down. Pride is something that I don't believe in. I know a lot of people but if I see an iota of pride in you I will never associate with you. As I said, I am a very original person and I can relate with both the downtrodden and influential people. That is what is called true celebrity, being able to adapt to any situation but being proud is not in my dictionary. Sometimes when you are in an environment and you are not comfortable in that environment, you can tend to look and “bone” your face but if you greet me, I would never bring you down. My godfather, Uncle Yomi Obileye, once told me that as a true celebrity, in your worst of moods, when your fans greet you, always force a smile. When he said that thing, I thought it was something easy for me to do, but over time, I realised it is the most difficult thing to do, because I might have a misunderstandin­g with my partner in the car and someone will just shout, “Foluke Daramola”. Of course, it would not be easy for me to force a smile, but then, I discover that if you can do it, it goes a long way. I always try to give a good impression to people, no matter what. Are you separated or divorced? I’m naturally divorced because it is over four years since I left him. But the paper work is not yet done. I don’t want complications really, complications in the sense that I don’t want my children involved in that mess and moreover, I’m not getting married tomorrow or any time soon. Let talk on your marriage to Kayode. Howe did you feel? Of course, I felt good. I am happy in my marriage But people said you snatched somebody’s husband? I did not snatch anybody’s husband. I never asked her to pack out of her husband’s house. Moreover, I did not meet her at home when I married Kayode. But, when you were dating him, you knew he was married? I knew. But you still went ahead to marry him? That is between him and me. What about your children, don’t they ask after their father? Whenever they are talking about their father, I always tell them that when they are old enough to use a phone, I will buy it for them and they can communicate with him, but when he says he wants to communicate with them, I allow him to do so. I never stopped him from doing so. I never stop him from communicating with them. Your friend, Princess Fajuyi Bukola claimed you used charm to snatch Kayode from his wife. What would you say to that? See, I don’t have anything to say to that, she can go ahead and say whatever she likes. But the story is all over the town, she even claimed she took you to the man? That is her problem. Why is she just saying it now? I don’t have anything to say to that. All I know is now I am happy in my marriage. Is it true you love wearing revealing clothes? I used to wear them but the Bible says when I was a child, I acted like a child, when I became a man, I stopped being childish. When I was younger, I used to wear revealing clothes. When I was in OAU, I was myself, I clubbed, I partied, I had fun, I had relationships and I had heartbreaks. Now, I am much older, I no longer believe in wearing revealing clothes because I am more matured and I see things differently. Even sometimes, when I see people wear it, I say with time, they would stop it, it is not things you can tell people to do or not to do. Then I used to believe that if you don’t wear anything skimpy or revealing, you were not in vogue, but now, if you tell me to wear it, I would just look at it and say no.