Latest news with #JohanCruyff
BBC News
01-08-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Cruyffian football at Man City'
Tijjani Reijnders says he was persuaded to join Manchester City because Pep Guardiola's style of play reminds him of that made famous by Netherlands icon Johan Cryuff."When we played at the academy in Holland, you quickly learned how important possession is in games, about passing and movement and how important the tactics are," he told City, externalclub media, external. "Most Dutch players have that ingrained within them because they learn it at such an early age."As for Johan Cruyff, he's one of the greatest players our country has ever produced and what he left behind, you can still see on the football pitch - and you can also see it here at Manchester City."Reijnders spent his career in Dutch football until two years ago when AC Milan signed him and, now 27, is excited about a fulfilling childhood hope of playing in the Premier League."I always dreamed of this and I think it was always on a Sunday morning that I saw the [Premier League] highlights on TV," he said."I'd obviously have a lot of interest in the Dutch players who were over here – Robin van Persie and Dennis Bergkamp in particular. They were the sort of players you were looking at because they were huge stars in our country and as a kid, you want to emulate them."Now, being here with City and to be soon playing in the Premier League, it genuinely is a dream come true."
BBC News
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Send your pictures and stories of why you love Villa
On Monday, we asked you to tell us why you fell in love with Aston Villa and some of your favourite moments supporting have already been getting in touch with your photos and stories and here is just a taste from Prit:"I was born in Aston, lived the other side from Villa Park and Aston Villa meant everything to me. I used to mind cars on Frederick Road and used to run to the Holte End 20 minutes before the end so me and a bunch of small skinny kids could sneak in. I would then run back to collect my 10p for minding the car."My father took my brother and myself to our first ever match at Villa Park (August 1970) vs Plymouth in the old Division Three. I was so young that I thought we were watching Celtic in the green and white hoops. I was hooked!"Lots of great memories. Seeing Santos and Pele play during the three-day week, Johan Cruyff bringing his Barcelona team in the Uefa Cup and the legendary match against West Bromwich Albion in 1981 when Peter Withe scored in the 88th minute to effectively win us the Division One title."So join the conversation and send your best photos about why you love the first visit to the stadium? A special kit? An amazing away trip?Send us your pictures and stories
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Marcus Rashford says Barcelona ‘feels like home' as he inherits iconic shirt number
Marcus Rashford is officially a Barcelona player. Three days after his arrival and having signed his contract, the English forward was unveiled by the club. He joins on loan until June 2026, with a non-mandatory purchase option set at around €30m. "I'm where I wanted to be. I mean no disrespect to any other club, but I would've waited even longer if it meant joining Barça," he admitted during a press conference held at the club's official store, just a few metres from the Camp Nou — still far from ready to host matches. The standout moment from the presentation was the announcement that Rashford will wear the iconic number 14 jersey, famously worn by Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry. "I know the history behind this number. I feel a huge responsibility. I'm honoured to wear it, as Cruyff and Henry did," he said, with Henry being one of his childhood idols. Rashford becomes only the second English player to wear the Barça shirt, nearly 40 years after Gary Lineker, who recently stated that Rashford's struggles were more about Manchester United's institutional crisis than the player himself. "Lineker is a reference for me. I know what he achieved here, and I'd love to surpass his record. It won't be easy — it's a huge challenge — but I'm here to help the team. Hopefully, I can become the club's top English scorer, but the most important thing is to win," he said. He also spoke about his relationship with United after coach Ruben Amorim made it clear he was not in his plans. "United has been in transition for a long time. I have nothing bad to say about the club. It's been a very important part of not only my career but my life. I wish them all the best and hope they're successful in the future," he added. Rashford met his new teammates for the first time yesterday during a training session ahead of the club's upcoming Asian tour. "Many players have impressed me, especially the younger ones. Despite their age, they show great personality and maturity. They're still kids, but they understand the responsibility they carry. Last season they did well, but this year we want to do better." One name that stood out was Lamine Yamal. "He's a special talent. I honestly think he was already one of the best — if not the best — players in the world last season. It'll be fun to play alongside him," said Rashford with a smile, posing with his new shirt. Barcelona offers him a fresh start at a key point in his career. With the World Cup just a year away, a change of scenery could give him the boost he needs to make Thomas Tuchel's squad. Although he hasn't played in months, the Englishman insists he's ready to embrace this new chapter. "Barça is a great club and the perfect place to rediscover my best form. I feel at home here — I think I made the right choice. I'm excited to get started and ready for the challenge." Hansi Flick played a key role in bringing Rashford to Barcelona. The German coach pushed the sporting directors to secure the Manchester United winger's signing after Nico Williams renewed with Athletic Club. "Everyone wanted to make it happen — Laporta, Deco, and of course Flick. We've been in contact for a while. I wanted to come in January, but it wasn't possible and I was happy at Aston Villa. I'm also really grateful for my time there. But Flick is a big reason I'm here. Everyone's shown faith in me," Rashford explained. Smiling, motivated, and with a clear message, the former Manchester United number 10 laid out his ambition. "I want to win big trophies. I feel Barça is a great club. The Champions League? It's a dream of mine. Barça came very close last season — now we hope to take that final step." Without a doubt, this move could be the perfect platform for Rashford to reignite the spark that dazzled fans at the start of his career — something England, and especially Thomas Tuchel, hope to see again as the 2026 World Cup approaches.
The Sun
25-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Barcelona cancels Japan pre-season match
BARCELONA cancelled their pre-season friendly against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Wednesday, citing 'serious contractual breaches' by the tour promoter and suggested they may have to scrap upcoming fixtures in South Korea. The Catalan giants were set to play their first game in Kobe against the J-League team retired former Barca star Andres Iniesta also played for on Sunday. 'Barcelona announces that it has been obliged to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promotor,' said Barca in a statement. 'Nevertheless, the club will consider readjusting the leg of the summer tour in South Korea, where two games are scheduled against FC Seoul (July 31) and Daegu FC (August 4), if certain conditions are met by the promoter. 'If these conditions are met, then the club will travel to South Korea in the coming days. Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barca fans in Japan.' The club had planned to face Italian side Como at their revamped Camp Nou stadium on August 10 for its reopening but after failing to obtain the adequate permits were forced to move the game to the Johan Cruyff stadium by their training ground. - AFP
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Transfer news LIVE: Isak tells Newcastle he wants to leave, Liverpool CONFIRM Ekitike, Ten Hag ‘monitoring' Sterling
Rashford has his number Marcus Rashford is on his way to Barcelona – with the deal set to be confirmed at any moment. And he will wear the No14 during his loan spell in LaLiga. The Englishman is following in some almighty footsteps by taking on the No14 at Barca. That was the number Thierry Henry wore for the Spanish giants after leaving Arsenal. But more significantly, it was the number Johan Cruyff was synonymous with during his time at the Nou Camp. If Rashford can have even a fraction of Cruyff's success, he will be happy.
