Hundreds of people took to the streets in East Timor yesterday as the former Portuguese colony celebrated Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph over France.
Sitting on trucks and motorcycles, ecstatic fans waved Portuguese flags, honked car horns and held up pictures of star forward Cristiano Ronaldo on the streets of the capital, Dili.
“Portuguese and Timorese are united, just look at this celebration, it tells you all,” said a Portuguese teacher staying in the country.
East Timor was a Portuguese colony for nearly three centuries before being invaded by Indonesia in 1975. It became independent on 2002 after a referendum vote.
Newcastle snap up Arsenal’s Hayden
Newcastle United said yesterday they had signed midfielder Isaac Hayden from Arsenal on a five-year deal.
The 21-year-old, who spent the last season on loan at Hull City, made 18 league appearances to help the club make a money-spinning return to the England’s top flight with a win over Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship playoff final.
“Newcastle is a massive football club and to be given the opportunity to come here and progress my career is fantastic,” Hayden told the club’s website.
Bayern’s Hojbjerg to join Southampton
Bayern Munich midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is set to become manager Claude Puel’s first signing at English Premier League club Southampton.
“Hojbjerg has gone for a medical at Southampton today. The transfer market is open for a while yet,” Bayern Chief Executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told reporters yesterday when asked about potential moves.
According to British media reports, Southampton have agreed a £12.8 million deal.
The 20-year-old Denmark international, at Bayern since 2012, spent the last season on loan at Schalke 04 where he made 23 league appearances.
France star Sissoko valued at £35m
Potential suitors for Newcastle’s Euro 2016 star Moussa Sissoko have been told they will have to come up with a staggering £35 million if they are to lure him away from St James’ Park.
Press Association Sport reported that the Magpies have placed the huge price tag on one of their most prized assets, who turned in a fine individual display in his country’s 1-0 final defeat to Portugal at the Stade de France on Sunday evening.
The 26-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Toulouse for an undisclosed fee in January 2013, has been linked with a move away from Tyneside since the club’s relegation from the Premier League at the end of last season.
Pelle agrees move to Chinese club
Southampton have confirmed the departure of Italy striker Graziano Pelle (picture) to Chinese club Shandong Luneng.
Pelle, who turns 31 this Friday, had only one year remaining on his Southampton deal and had been linked with a move away from St Mary’s Stadium during the January transfer window.
The Premier League club confirmed the Italian’s departure yesterday for an undisclosed fee, which is believed to be worth around £13million.
A statement on the club’s website read: “Everyone at Southampton Football Club would like to thank Graziano for his efforts during his time at St Mary’s and wish him well for the future.”
Pogba ‘not desperate for a move’ – agent
Paul Pogba’s agent has suggested the France international could opt to remain with Serie A champions Juventus despite continued speculation linking him with a return to Manchester United.
Mino Raiola, who represents the 23-year-old midfielder, has re-vealed Juve are willing to offer Pogba fresh terms in a bid to stave off interest from the continent.
“There is a lot of talk about Paul’s future, but maybe he will not leave Juventus,” Raiola said.
“He is in no rush to leave, and Juventus do not want him to go. They want him to renew his contract. We are very happy at Juventus.”
Tore completes loan switch to West Ham
Winger Gokhan Tore has joined West Ham United from Turkish champions Besiktas on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent move, the English Premier League side said.
The 24-year-old, who worked under West Ham manager Slaven Bilic at Besiktas, scored four goals in 24 appearances last season.
“I am very happy to be at West Ham. I watched many games that they played last season and saw how passionate the fans are. That made me want to come here and I am looking forward to playing in front of them,” Tore told the club’s website.
“Slaven was also a big factor in me coming here... He is the main man and knows me very well.”