Sports

Ancelotti unfazed by latest reports of Mbappe joining Real – ARN News Centre

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2024

Staff Reporter

Spread the love

[ad_1]

AFP / Javier Soriano

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday breezily dismissed reports of French forward Kylian Mbappe joining the La Liga giants when his contract at Paris St Germain ends after this season.

He insisted he was more focused on his next opponents.

A source at PSG told Reuters on Friday that Mbappe would leave PSG in July, although the terms of the agreement had not been decided, and it might be months before any official announcement.

“I understand it’s the topic of the day for you, but for us it’s tomorrow’s game (against Rayo Vallecano),” Ancelotti told a press conference on Saturday.

“We have to do well. That’s what is on my mind.”

Mbappe, 25, was heavily linked with a move to Real in 2022 but then announced a contract extension with PSG.

Peppered with questions about whether he would like to have the French striker in his team and whether he was talked about in the Real dressing room, Ancelotti ducked and dived in his usual easygoing way.

“We talked about the match. We know it’s a vital match for this season,” he said.

“People can talk, I understand that. I would like to finish this season well, to win titles. There is plenty of time to think about next season.”

Real, on top of La Liga on 61 points, dealt a massive blow to Girona’s title hopes last Saturday with a 4-0 thrashing.

Girona, second on 56 points, has another tough challenge on Monday away at in-form Athletic Bilbao, who have not dropped a point at home since October.

Ancelotti’s Real, fresh from beating RB Leipzig 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday, will look to take another step towards reclaiming the title when they play at lowly Rayo on Sunday.

Their manager seems to accept that Mbappe’s shadow will loom over Real’s daily routine and his own regular contact with the media until the player’s future is clear.

“Do you see me affected (by the questions about Mbappe) now? No, no… I know press conferences will be like that from now on,” he said with a smile.

[ad_2]

Source link

Sports

Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

Sports

Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

Published

5 days ago

April 22, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

News

Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

Published

1 week ago

April 17, 2026

Michael Gomes

Spread the love

If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.