Football

Former Inter and Brazil star Adriano set for return to football

The 35-year-old has not played since his brief stint with Miami United in 2016 but the Copa America and Confederations Cup champion is eager to make a comeback in 2018.

Compared to countryman and icon Ronaldo at the peak of his career, Adriano never fully fulfilled his potential due to a number of off-field issues.

Abraham denies talk of switch to Nigeria

Abraham - on loan at Swansea City from Chelsea - has played for England at Under-18, U19 and U21 level, but he is eligible for Nigeria through his father.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick had said the governing body was "working on" securing Abraham for the national team.

But in a statement, the 19-year-old said: "I have informed The FA that I remain available for selection for England.

"Contrary to reports in the media I would like to clarify that I have not agreed to switch my national-team allegiance.

Kane can be Tottenham's Batistuta – Pochettino

Kane scored twice to lead Tottenham to a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The 24-year-old England international striker did not score in August but he was at the double on Merseyside as he celebrated his 100th goal for Tottenham.

Pochettino heaped praise on the Premier League's reigning Golden Boot winner, likening him to former Argentina team-mate Batistuta, who was the country's all-time leading scorer before Lionel Messi broke the record last year.

Bend It Like Beckham 15 years on: Inspiring women's football

You would be wrong for thinking Keira Knightley's career is the only one to be launched by the 2002 film.

"That was the film for girls to watch to inspire them to play football," says England's Alex Greenwood.

It certainly inspired the 23-year-old. Her country takes on France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2017 on Sunday.

The Liverpool defender caught up with Newsbeat shortly before flying to the Netherlands.

"I love that film," says Alex. "I mean I watch it back now and it's a little bit cringe but it was the film to watch."

Pride for Tonga strong

‘’I feel really proud to wear the Tongan jersey, it also comes with a lot of pride to represent Tonga.’’

Úhila, who is living in Auckland and attending St. Cuthbert’s College, just turned out for Tonga at the OFC U-19 Women’s Championship and next month will make her second appearance for the Tonga U-16 national team at the OFC U-16 Championship in Samoa.

The 15-year-old made her international debut at last year’s OFC U-17 Women’s Championship in the Cook Islands and said the excitement of playing for Tonga still hasn’t worn off.

Republic of Ireland 1 Austria 1 Walters' late strike salvages vital point

With leaders Serbia facing Wales in a later kick-off on Sunday, Martin O'Neill's side needed just a point to - temporarily at least - move top of what is proving to be a tightly contested group.

And, despite a flat first-half performance, a late glut of pressure from the hosts resulted in Walters thumping home a deserved equaliser to cancel out Martin Hinteregger's opener.

Shane Duffy thought he had snatched a winner two minutes later, only for the referee to disallow the header for a foul by the defender, who led with a raised arm.

College football star chooses rugby over NFL

He had captained the Washington Huskies to the national championship playoffs, and had an opportunity that most players can only dream of.

But not Wooching. Ever since he was a kid growing up in Hawaii, this burly, tattooed linebacker had harbored dreams of a different kind.

"My passion was rugby," the 23-year-old tells CNN. "The first time I picked up a ball ... that's when my love for the game started, and ever since then it's just been gaining.

Leaders Chelsea extend advantage

Antonio Conte's team looked in danger of a third draw in four league games when Fernando Llorente cancelled out Cesc Fabregas's early goal but Pedro and Diego Costa secured victory, producing a clean sweep of goals by Spanish internationals.

Chelsea, beaten only once in 20 matches in all competitions, have 63 points from 26 matches, with Manchester City, who are not in action this weekend, on 52 from 25.

Tottenham Hotspur could trim the gap to 10 points if they beat Stoke City at home on Sunday.

Family affair for Veitongo

The 38-year-old father Halapua has had a football career spanning back to the ‘90s and is glad to be able to pass on his knowledge to his son during their Veitongo FC matches.

“It’s a blessing for us,” he said.

“I know my son still has a lot to learn, controlling the ball and knowing the right time to attack it, and I’m glad I’m there with him,” Falepapalangi senior said.

Football returns to Aleppo after five years of war

Local side Al-Ittihad beat their city rivals Hurriya 2-1 on Saturday.

There has been no professional football in Aleppo since it was divided between the army and rebel forces in 2011.

But the government regained complete control of the city last month in a major offensive.

The grass was brown and weathered from the winter cold, and the stadium had clearly been damaged by the war's bombing campaigns - but the atmosphere was like any local football game elsewhere.