Weekly Football News Catch Up: May 7th: “I’m Happy Seeing Millions Of Nigerians Singing My Name – Declan Rice; Xavi Ready To Part Ways With Barca Star; Others

I’m Happy Seeing Millions Of Nigerians Singing My Name – Declan Rice

Declan Rice, a West Ham midfielder, has expressed joy about Nigerians dancing to a song dedicated to him.

Odumodublvck, a Nigerian rapper, just published a song called ‘Declan Rice’ in honour of the English footballer, and the song is creating waves in clubs.

Declan Rice expressed delight at the song’s popularity in Nigeria, saying he was pleased to see millions of Nigerians singing his name.

He stated this in a recent interview with BBC MOTD.

He said: “Odumodu [Odumodublvck] – he brought out a song; it’s called ‘Declan Rice.’
“It dropped, and I was just like, yeah mad. I think it was the fastest-streaming song in Nigerian history. Number 1. It had now like 15 million streams.

“We’ve seen all these people singing my name. I’m getting all these Nigerian people commenting.

“But that’s what it’s about though. I’ve got a couple of boys that are like, ‘We listen to it in the car and we just keep rewinding it, we’re like, yeah rewind’.”

Pep Guardiola Says Arsenal Should Be Happy With Champions League

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has advised Arsenal fans to stay joyful despite relinquishing control of the title battle.

Guardiola believes Arsenal have won the “most important title” of the season by qualifying for the Champions League.

City defeated Arsenal 4-1 on Wednesday, dealing a potentially fatal blow to their title hopes.

Despite the setback, Mikel Arteta’s side secured their position among Europe’s elite for the first time since 2016/2017.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pep Guardiola said, “For many reasons, it is the most important title by far and it is already there.

“They lost the last game [against Man City] and they are sad, but I am pretty sure they have to be so happy because they make an incredible achievement.”

Xavi Ready To Part Ways With Barca Star

Barcelona boss Xavi reportedly does not want defender Samuel Umtiti to return to the squad and wishes to sell him this summer.

Xavi has chosen not to let Umtiti play another match for the Catalan club, according to El Nacional.

Umtiti is on loan at Lecce this season and has rediscovered his form.

Barcelona has received bids for Umtiti, and the La Liga leaders are willing to sell.

West Ham United, Inter Milan, Everton, and Fiorentina are all said to be interested in the French sensation.

Barcelona will be overjoyed with the interest, as Umtiti’s contract expires in three years.

The Blaugrana must also raise funds to meet the La Liga wage cap in order to acquire new players this summer.

Manchester United Player Eager To Leave The Club

Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is rumoured to want to leave the club this summer.

According to Football Insider, Henderson, who is presently on loan at Nottingham Forest, does not want to return to Manchester United when his loan ends at the end of the season.

The shot-stopper is eager to play frequently and wants to leave Manchester United permanently.

According to the report, Henderson does not intend to stay at Manchester United even if he is given the opportunity to replace first-choice goalkeeper David de Gea as the club’s number-one keeper.

The Englishman wants to leave this summer, with Nottingham Forest interested in recruiting him on a permanent basis.

Henderson left on loan last summer after feeling deceived by previous managers.

The 26-year-old wanted to play regularly but was forced to sit on the bench until De Gea recovered his form.

I Am Better Than Pep Guardiola And Mikel Arteta – Sam Allardyce

Sam Allardyce, the new manager of Leeds United, believes he is on par with the best managers in the Premier League.

Allardyce has taken over at Elland Road in lieu of Javi Gracia, and the club has four games remaining to avoid relegation.

Leeds are only a goal difference away from relegation.

Allardyce, 68, has not managed a team since leaving West Brom in May 2021, when they were relegated to the Championship.

He argues, though, that he still has a lot to give.

Allardyce told reporters on Wednesday, “I might be 68 and look old, but there’s nobody ahead of me in football terms — not Pep [Guardiola], not [Jurgen] Klopp, not [Mikel] Arteta.

“It’s all there with me. I shared it with them, they did what they do, I do what I do.

“In terms of knowledge, and depth of knowledge, I’m up there. I’m not saying I’m better, but I’m certainly as good as they are.”