Sports

Mascherano admits he cannot be Lionel Messi because of the criticism and immense pressure his national teammate and captain faces.

Wenger says first-choice central defensive pairing Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny remain doubtful for the Gunners' trip to Newcastle.

Everton manager Martinez confirmed that defender Stones had handed in a formal transfer request and added the club would reject it on Thursday.

Riise will join Frenchman Florent Malouda and Brazilian Roberto Carlos at the Delhi Dynamos for the second season of the Indian Super League.

"I am extremely excited for my new innings and to join forces with Roberto Carlos," said Malouda.

Atletico got their La Liga campaign up and running in less than convincing fashion when Antoine Griezmann's deflected free kick secured an edgy 1-0 win at home to promoted Las Palmas.

It is Chelsea's worst start for 17 years and they will hope to get back on track at West Bromwich Albion who themselves only have one point.

United centre back Smalling said the team must continue their winning start to the season when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Saturday.

Maradona presented the referee with a signed Argentina jersey when the two met in Tunisia.

Real Madrid said Kovacic had agreed to sign a six-year contract. He will be presented at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday.

Benteke scored his first goal for Liverpool to give his new team a 1-0 win over Bournemouth in a game that was marked by two disputed refereeing decisions.

Indian captain Sardar Singh on Sunday said that hockey has certainly developed a bigger player pool with the future of the national sport looking bright.

The EPL is back and this season it might be even bigger and better. The most entertaining football league in the world is all set to begins its new season on Saturday.

Chelsea have agreed terms with AS Roma for the season-long loan of Egypt winger Mohamed Salah.

Following their 2-0 win in their first outing, the Indian hockey team is geared to take on France at the Wattignies Sports Centre here on Wednesday in their second and last match before they head to Spain.

Former England international Rio Ferdinand feels Everton's John Stones should pick Manchester United over Chelsea if the defender prefers more playing time.