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Futbol

'I Know Why Real Appeal To Alexander-Arnold - I Was Tempted Too'

If Trent Alexander-Arnold does join Real Madrid this summer, fair play to him. I was once tempted to make a big move to Spain myself. Alexander-Arnold is 26 and out of contract at the end of the season, so he is in a position where he either commits the rest of his career to Liverpool or decides to go to Real - who clearly want him. If he was to leave Liverpool for any other club you might wonder why, but, because it is Real we are talking about, I don't think you could question it as a career move. Real are the biggest club in the world with an incredible history, so it would be a massive opportunity and I'd understand if he felt it was too good to turn down. Liverpool are his boyhood club, so I can understand why leaving them is more of a dilemma, but sometimes as a player you have to make these decisions about where your future lies. When I told Manchester United in 2010 that I did not want to sign a new deal and put in a transfer request, three clubs came in for me. Manchester City are often talked about as being one of them, but I don't think that was ever an option for me - the teams who made an approach were Chelsea, Real and Barcelona. In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and some talks did take place. A deal with Real looked more likely for a couple of days but it was Barcelona whom I thought about the most, and how I might fit into their side alongside Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets. In the end I decided to stay at United, but Barca had an incredible team then and any player would have loved to have played in it. Real are the same now with superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, so of course it must be appealing to Alexander-Arnold to think about playing alongside them - anyone would feel the same. He has been at Liverpool for almost 20 years - since he was six - but the reality is that most players move at some point - that's why there are so few one-club men like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher. I would not blame Alexander-Arnold for wanting to do something a little bit different - like a fresh challenge in a new country - Spain would be a really good move for him. Winning trophies was the biggest reason I considered leaving United in 2010. I was about to turn 25 and I was concerned about the direction of the club. I don't think anyone could say that's the reason Alexander-Arnold would want to leave Liverpool, because they are on the verge of winning the Premier League. He's had a brilliant time there and has already won everything there is to win. It was a completely different situation for me when I left my boyhood club, Everton, to join United in 2004. I did not want to leave them when I did - I was devastated - but I would have moved on at some point, to try to better myself and win some trophies. That's another reason why Liverpool fans might wonder why Alexander-Arnold might leave now, because he is already doing that with them. But, again, it comes back to experiencing a different culture. If he goes to Real he would be very likely to enjoy even more success in a different country - and have the challenge of not just winning more trophies, but different ones. Also, we are seeing a lot of young English players go abroad and have huge success there, and I am sure Alexander-Arnold has seen how much they enjoy it. The fact he is close to Bellingham would make the move feel easier as well. I get why Liverpool fans are upset and even angry at the thought of Alexander-Arnold leaving - all supporters like to see local lads coming through at their club, and they never like to see them being sold. I feel like it is the fact he would be going on a free which has upset them the most, but that situation is down to Liverpool as well as Alexander-Arnold. We don't know why his contract has been allowed to run down - or whether that is down to him or the club - but it is something Liverpool have done with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk this season too, and also in the past with Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino. No-one seems to have said much about the other players letting their deals run down, just Alexander-Arnold. I think that's because he's a local lad, which feels a bit unfair. Alexander-Arnold has been an excellent servant to the club, so you can't begrudge him wanting to try something new. It would not just be a shame for Liverpool fans if he left because you want to see the best players in the Premier League but, if he does go to Real, I wish him well. Still, as I found out myself, just because there are talks over a transfer does not mean it will happen. It is well known that some United fans protested outside my house when they thought I was going to leave in 2010, but I'd agreed my new contract by then. Alexander-Arnold has not signed anything with Real yet and it would not surprise me if, even after all this speculation, he ends up staying at Anfield after all. A lot can happen before a contract is signed - as I know from experience. Wayne Rooney was speaking to BBC Sport's Chris Bevan.

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Futbol

Napoli beat AC Milan to remain within three points of Serie A leaders Inter Milan. Antonio Conte's side scored twice in the opening 19 minutes to look comfortable, but ended up hanging on. Matteo Politano scored with a sweet strike from towards the edge of the box and Billy Gilmour picked out Romelu Lukaku to scuff in their second. Ninth-placed Milan pulled one back when Luka Jovic scored from close range, after Santiago Gimenez earlier had a penalty saved by Alex Meret. They had several chances to equalise, with Jovic flashing a shot wide in injury time. The visitors were without English midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who underwent surgery to have his appendix removed earlier in the day. Defending champions Inter remain three points clear after a 2-1 win over Udinese. Marko Arnautovic and Davide Frattesi scored their goals, with Oumar Solet pulling one back. Atalanta lost 1-0 at Fiorentina, with Moise Kean scoring the only goal, but boss Gianpiero Gasperini said his side were already out of the title race before that. They sit third, nine points behind Inter. "It was an impossible dream that I think disappeared in the game against Inter [on 16 March]," Gasperini told reporters. "Now we have teams that have made streaks of important results [below them]. We have a bit of an advantage and we will play five home games out of eight."

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Futbol

Paris St-Germain battled from two goals down to beat second-tier Dunkerque 4-2 and book their place in the French Cup final. Ousmane Dembele pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time before Marquinhos and Desiree Doue added goals in the second half to complete the turnaround. Dembele then added his second of the match in stoppage time. The holders had fallen two goals behind inside just 27 minutes as Vincent Sasso and Muhannad Al Saad struck to build a commanding lead for the side currently fifth in Ligue 2. But as the hosts tired, the Parisians used their firepower to reach the final on 24 May, where they will face either Cannes or Reims. The victory ensures that Luis Enrique's side retain hopes of winning a quadruple this season. With the French Super Cup secured in January, they stand on the cusp of winning the French title, needing just a point from their match with 14th placed Angers on Saturday. They also hold aspirations of reaching the last four of the Champions League, although they will need to overcome Premier League side Aston Villa, led by former PSG boss Unai Emery.

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News_Naija

Tinubus Blueprint For Youth Empowerment And Economic Prosperity

Nigeria, a nation pulsating with youthful energy, stands at a pivotal juncture. With a median age of 17, our demographic reality underscores a fundamental truth: the future of Nigeria is inextricably linked to the well-being and empowerment of its young people. President Bola Tinubu’s administration, recognising this imperative, has embarked on a series of ambitious youth empowerment initiatives and transformative economic reforms, laying the groundwork for a prosperous future led by a well-equipped next generation. Central to this vision is the launch of the Nigerian Youth Academy. This groundbreaking initiative aims to address the nation’s low human capital index and persistent unemployment by providing world-class training in digital literacy, technical skills, entrepreneurship, and creative industries. NiYA’s mission is clear: to equip millions of young Nigerians with the skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace, transforming them from job seekers to job creators. By fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance, NiYA is poised to unlock the immense potential of our youth, driving economic growth and social development. Complementing NiYA are other critical initiatives designed to provide young entrepreneurs with the necessary financial support and resources. The Youth Investment Fund and the Presidential Initiative for Youth Enterprise Clusters are vital instruments in this endeavour, offering access to capital, mentorship, and business development services. Furthermore, the proposed National Youth Development Bank holds the promise of revolutionising access to finance for young entrepreneurs, allowing them to turn their innovative ideas into thriving businesses. Recognising that education and skills development are the bedrock of youth empowerment, the Tinubu administration has prioritised initiatives aimed at enhancing access to quality education and vocational training. The Nigeria Education Loan Fund is a game-changer, expanding access to higher education for countless young Nigerians who might otherwise be unable to afford it. The Three Million Technical Talent Initiative is another crucial step, focusing on providing globally relevant digital and vocational skills to equip our youth for the demands of the modern economy. The iDICE Programme and the refocused Nigeria Youth Investment Fund also provide critical funding opportunities specifically aimed at tech and creative entrepreneurs, stimulating innovation in key growth sectors. These youth empowerment initiatives are not isolated efforts; they are intrinsically linked to the broader economic reforms undertaken by the Tinubu administration. The removal of fuel subsidies, while initially challenging, has freed up significant resources that are now being strategically invested in infrastructure and human capital development. This bold move, along with the floating of the naira and other structural reforms, is aimed at stabilising the economy, improving investor confidence, and creating a more sustainable economic environment for future generations. The establishment of CreditCorp, designed to enable affordable consumer credit, holds the potential to unlock purchasing power for young Nigerians, stimulating economic activity and creating new opportunities. President Tinubu’s focus on developing the digital economy is particularly noteworthy. Recognising the transformative power of technology, the administration is committed to creating an enabling environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship. The call for the enactment of the Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill 2024 is a testament to this commitment, paving the way for a digitally driven economy that creates jobs and opportunities for young Nigerians. By embracing the digital revolution, we can position our youth at the forefront of global innovation. Beyond economic empowerment, the Tinubu administration is also committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders through initiatives that promote youth engagement in governance and development. The National Youth Conference provides a platform for young Nigerians to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and contribute to national development. President Tinubu’s direct appeals to the youth for their input and his acknowledgement of their crucial role in the nation’s future underscore his commitment to building a more inclusive and participatory democracy. While the challenges facing Nigeria’s youth are significant, President Tinubu’s bold and forward-thinking policies demonstrate a clear commitment to empowering them and securing a prosperous future. The initiatives outlined above, from NiYA to NELFUND, from 3MTT to CreditCorp, are not merely programs; they are investments in the future of our nation. They are a testament to the belief that by equipping our youth with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed, we can build a stronger, more prosperous, and more equitable Nigeria. It is crucial to acknowledge that the success of these initiatives hinges on consistent implementation, transparency, and accountability. It also requires the active participation and collaboration of all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society, and, most importantly, the youth themselves. As we move forward, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in our young people, ensuring that they have the tools and opportunities they need to realise their full potential and lead Nigeria into a brighter future. President Tinubu’s vision is clear: to build a Nigeria where every young person can thrive. By empowering our youth, we are not just investing in their future; we are investing in the future of our nation. Let us embrace this vision and work together to create a Nigeria where the dreams of our youth become a reality, ensuring that the generations to come inherit a nation that is prosperous, equitable, and filled with boundless opportunities. •Alex Oware is the Regional Director of YP4T