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The Citizen
a day ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Ex-Pirates star compares Nkota to Bale
'He's got technique, speed and power and he uses those things every time,' said Vilakazi. Former Orlando Pirates captain and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi has weighed in on Mohau Nkota's high-profile move to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, where he will line up alongside Dutch international and former Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum. ALSO READ: Midfielder confirms Pirates departure Vilakazi, speaking on iDiskiTV, praised Nkota's attacking qualities and even likened the 20-year-old winger to former Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, citing his technical ability, pace, and power. 'Nkota … reminds me of Gareth Bale' 'What I like about Nkota is that he reminds me of Gareth Bale because he knows that he's got technique, speed and power and he uses those things every time,' said Vilakazi. 'He will run down the opponent and cut in to use his technique and power. It's a blessing in disguise for him to go there because he will play against the likes of Ronaldo and big guns that have won things. 'The knowledge you will get by rubbing shoulders against people that have won World Cups and Champions Leagues like Cristiano and Sadio Mané because they are there.' Nkota enjoyed a breakout season with the Buccaneers, making 39 appearances and registering 12 goal contributions. However, Vilakazi believes the Soweto giants have already prepared for his departure by signing Bafana Bafana international Oswin Appollis from Polokwane City ahead of the 2025–26 Betway Premiership campaign. 'Well done to the boy and I wish him all the best overseas even though there will be those questions as to why Saudi Arabia and not go to Portugal or Spain,' Vilakazi concluded. 'Pirates won't suffer that much' 'But when you are overseas, you are in an environment where everyone can see you. That's why Pirates bought Appollis because I think they knew they were going to lose one player between (Relebohile) Mofokeng and Nkota. ALSO READ: Chiefs remain silent on striker transfer leak 'Pirates won't suffer that much because he (Nkota) came in and he was not really a regular at Pirates but when he came in, he always did well and put the team ahead so I would just wish him all the best.'
Daily Tribune
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Modric at AC Milan to ‘stay competitive and in Europe' at 40
AFP | Milan Croatia captain Luka Modric said yesterday he had penned a one-year contract with AC Milan to 'stay competitive and in Europe'. 'I'm happy to be here and I look forward to a new adventure,' the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner told AC Milan's TV channel after joining from Real Madrid. Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined the Spanish giants from Tottenham i n 2012, going on to win six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies. 'I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football. I had some other offers but when Milan showed up for me it was clear from the first moment,' he said. Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and will not play in European competition. But Modric insisted Milan remain 'one of the biggest clubs in Europe'. 'Milan cannot be satisfied with average and needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world, that's why I am here.' Modric signed a one-year contract, with an option for an additional season with the seven-time Champions League and 19-time Serie A winners. 'I'm never satisfied, I always want more,' he warned . 'When you've experienced that feeling (of winning), you want to feel it even more. I still have hunger, desire, still wanting more.' To explain his longevity, Modric said 'the most important thing is the love for the game, for football'.
Daily Tribune
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Real Madrid confirm Vazquez departure
Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez will leave the club, the Spanish giants confirmed yesterday. After his deal expired at the end of the season Los Blancos had agreed a short-term contract extension for the Spaniard to keep him for the Club World Cup, which they competed in this summer in the United States. 'Vazquez exemplarily represents the values of Real Madrid, which has made him one of the most beloved players by our fans,' said Madrid president Florentino Perez in a statement. '(He) symbolises the hard work, perseverance, humility, and winning spirit essential to succeed in this shirt.' Originally a winger, the 34-year-old won 23 trophies at the club including five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, largely as a squad player. 'I leave Real Madrid but Real Madrid will never leave me,' said Vazquez in a goodbye video. The Spaniard came through the Madrid youth system and spent his whole career at the club, with the exception of a loan to Espanyol in the 2014- 15 season, playing 402 times across all competitions for Los Blancos.
The Hindu
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Modric's reason for AC Milan move: Wanted to ‘stay competitive and in Europe' at 40
Croatia captain Luka Modric said on Wednesday he had penned a one-year contract with AC Milan to 'stay competitive and in Europe'. 'I'm happy to be here and I look forward to a new adventure,' the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner told AC Milan's TV channel after joining from Real Madrid. Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined the Spanish giant from Tottenham in 2012, going on to win six Champions Leagues, four La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies. 'I wanted to stay in Europe, to continue playing competitive football. I had some other offers but when Milan showed up for me it was clear from the first moment,' he said. Milan finished a disappointing eighth in Serie A last season and will not play in European competition. But Modric insisted Milan remains 'one of the biggest clubs in Europe'. 'Milan cannot be satisfied with average and needs to have the biggest goals possible, to win titles, to compete with the best teams in the world, that's why I am here.' Modric signed a one-year contract, with an option for an additional season with the seven-time Champions League and 19-time Serie A winner. 'I'm never satisfied, I always want more,' he warned. 'When you've experienced that feeling (of winning), you want to feel it even more. I still have hunger, desire, still wanting more.' To explain his longevity, Modric said 'the most important thing is the love for the game, for football'. 'That's what I still have, what I still feel in my belly, this fire, that's what pushes me ... there is no secrets, for me it's the passion, the love for football. I am never satisfied.' The 2018 World Cup runner-up also spoke of his childhood memories of Milan. 'When I was a kid, I watched the Italian league a lot, Milan was my favourite team,' he recalled. 'Also because Zvonimir Boban was there, who was my idol,' he added, referring to his compatriot who wore the Rossoneri jersey from 1992 to 2001.
eNCA
16-07-2025
- Sport
- eNCA
Real Madrid confirm Vazquez departure
Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez will leave the club, the Spanish giants confirmed Wednesday. After his deal expired at the end of the season Los Blancos had agreed a short-term contract extension for the Spaniard to keep him for the Club World Cup, which they competed in this summer in the United States. "Vazquez exemplarily represents the values of Real Madrid, which has made him one of the most beloved players by our fans," said Madrid president Florentino Perez in a statement. "(He) symbolises the hard work, perseverance, humility, and winning spirit essential to succeed in this shirt." Originally a winger, the 34-year-old won 23 trophies at the club including five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles, largely as a squad player. "I leave Real Madrid but Real Madrid will never leave me," said Vazquez in a goodbye video. The Spaniard came through the Madrid youth system and spent his whole career at the club, with the exception of a loan to Espanyol in the 2014-15 season, playing 402 times across all competitions for Los Blancos.
