Former England and Fulham midfielder Scott Parker has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.
Parker, who began his career at Charlton Athletic, has played in over 450 league games for seven English teams across different tiers and is best known for his spells at Premier League sides Chelsea, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur.
“The decision to retire has not been an easy one for me but having thought long and hard over it, and having discussed it with those closest to me, I believe that now is the right time to move on to the next chapter in my life and career,” Parker said in a statement.
Barcelona to host Chapecoense
Barcelona have announced plans for a friendly against Chapecoense as a mark of respect for those who died when the team’s plane crashed last November.
Barca contacted Chapecoense late last year over plans to stage a friendly, and the Spanish club have now confirmed the match will take place on August 7 at the Nou Camp.
A statement on Barca’s website read: “Barca… hopes to help Chapecoense rebuild institutionally and recover the competitive level it had before the tragedy.”
The two clubs will contest the Joan Gamper Trophy, which traditionally serves as the official unveiling of the Barca team each season in front of their own fans.
Leeds repurchase Elland Road
Championship team Leeds United have bought back Elland Road, 13 years after selling their home stadium to reduce debts during a financial crisis, the Yorkshire club have announced.
Elland Road has been Leeds’ home ground since 1919 but the club sold their stadium in 2004, signing a 25-year lease with a buy-back option. The ground was then sold to British Virgin Islands-based Teak Trading Corporation in 2005.
“Leeds United are delighted to announce that Greenfield Investment Pte Ltd, an Aser Group company and parent company of Leeds United Football Club Limited, has completed the purchase of Elland Road Stadium,” the club said.
Rodgers fields son in Celtic friendly
Brendan Rodgers fielded his son as a trialist as Celtic began their pre-season fixtures with a 1-0 friendly win over BW Linz.
Anton Rodgers has joined Celtic on their training camp in Austria to maintain his fitness after leaving Swindon and the 24-year-old played for 45 minutes as the Scottish champions beat the Austrian second-tier side.
Callum McGregor and Leigh Griffiths both hit the woodwork in quick succession in the first half before Rodgers made 10 half-time substitutions. Dedryck Boyata came on for Jamie McCart on the hour mark to complete the full set.
Celtic left it late to record victory as James Forrest volleyed home after Kieran Tierney sent him through on a counter-attack.
Ronaldo given nod to meet twins
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will not play in Sunday’s Confederations Cup third place playoff after leaving the camp after Wednesday’s semi-final defeat to Chile to visit his new born twins.
Portugal lost to Chile on penalties, and shortly after the match the Portuguese FA (FPF) released a statement saying Ronaldo would not feature in the playoff.
“We were informed before the Confederations Cup that Cristiano had become a father,” the statement said.
“The player, despite the birth of his children, had remained at the service of the national team, a gesture which we must underline and praise.”
Borini set for Milan move
Sunderland striker Fabio Borini is undergoing a medical at Milan ahead of a return to Serie A.
Press Association Sport reported that 26-year-old Borini, also linked with Lazio, flew to Italy on Wednesday.
Reports in the Italian media suggested he will complete a £5.3 million permanent transfer, although details of the proposed move are still to be finalised.