I was depressed before World Cup 2010, admits Iniesta

The Spain star admits he "felt fragile" before leading his country to glory in South Africa and says his idol when growing up was Michael Laudrup

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta admits he had a "slight depression" prior to Spain's triumphant World Cup 2010 campaign in South Africa.

Iniesta was at the heart of la Roja's success in the tournament, scoring the decisive extra-time goal in the final against Netherlands to seal a first-ever global title for Vicente del Bosque's side.

Keshi: Wives will allow Eagles concentrate

The national team coach has said that spouses and family members can be allowed in the team's camp in Brazil to calm the nerves of the players

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has said that players' wives would be allowed to be with the team during the World Cup.

Turkey bans YouTube after Syria security talk leaked

ANKARA : Turkey banned YouTube on Thursday after the video-sharing website was used to spread damaging leaked audio files from a state security meeting debating possible military action in Syria.
The recording purports to be of senior Turkish government, military and spy officials discussing plans to stage an armed clash in Syria or a missile attack that would serve as a pretext for a military response. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan -

Gavaskar ready to take over troubled India board

NEW DELHI - Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar said he was willing to take the helm of India's embattled cricket board Thursday after a proposal by the Supreme Court designed to stem the damage from a betting scandal. At a dramatic hearing in New Delhi, a panel of judges also called for the banning of two teams from this year's Indian Premier League (IPL), in a potentially devastating blow to a tournament which begins next month.

NFF issues Stephen Keshi query

The national team coach is facing questions over his decision to attend Tuesday's media roundtable instead of participating in the technical committee's proceedings in Abuja

The Nigeria Football Federation is set to clash with Stephen Keshi over the coach's failure to attend Tuesday's technical committee meeting in Abuja.

Iran ‘moves’ UN on missing guards

ISLAMABAD/TEHRAN - Iranian Foreign Minister Muhammad Javad Zarif has sought the United Nations’ help for the release of Iranian border soldiers abducted by extremists.
Zarif sent a message to UN Chief Ban Ki-moon, demanding action from the international community, saying “mere condemnation of acts of terrorism is not enough.”

No respite for Mush despite showmanship The nation

ISLAMABAD - On an ‘action-packed’ day, the Special Court Thursday saw its judges walk out, but later clarify that the court was intact and functional, putting to rest the claims of former strongman Pervez Musharraf’s legal team that the chief judge had recused himself.

Reps seek establishment of more industries in states

To forestall a repeat of the recent immigration recruitment tragedy that killed 21 people across the country, the House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Government to establish an industry in each state of the federation.

Ibrahimovic having his best season - Blanc

The PSG boss has hailed his star striker's contribution to the team this season and is confident he can keep producing in big matches

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc believes Zlatan Ibrahimovic is having the best season of his career.

Obiano targets food sufficiency in Anambra The sun

Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano yesterday assured that his administration has mapped out plans to harness the agricultural potential of the state and make it a food sufficient place.
Obiano gave the assurance in Abuja yesterday, during an interactive session  with journalists, and also indicated that he has plans to ensure that Awka, the state capital is developed and elevated to a befitting status.

Children discover weapons at school The nations

Fears yesterday gripped Yola, Adamawa State residents following the discovery of  102 live ammunition and two guns tucked in the perimeter fence of Damare Secondary School in Damere Ward of Yola, South Local Government Area.

Bayelsa under threat of environmental terrorism –Gov Dickson

Governor Henry Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has cried out that the state is under threat of environmental terrorism by oil companies.
This is even as the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has hinted that the state may be considered a special case due to spills. Dickson, who stated this when receiving members of the agency at the Government House in Yenagoa alleged that oil companies operate with “reckless abandon” in the state.

Nigeria U17 0-3 Spain U17: Guijarro brace sends Flamingoes packing

Bala Nikyu’s girls failed in their bid to grab a semi final place at the ongoing Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup after losing to Jorge Vilda’s side

Nigeria lost 3-0 to Spain in the quarter final game of the Fifa U17 Women’s World Cup played at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano, Liberia on Friday morning.

Talking is Mourinho's style, says PSG boss Blanc

The former France international is full of respect for the Portuguese but fully expects to be on the receiving end of some snide comments in the coming days

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc is looking to ignore Jose Mourinho ahead of his side's Champions League with Chelsea clash next week.

Mazzarri: It's been a 'peculiar' season for Inter

The Nerazzurri boss says his side would be higher up the Serie A standings if they'd had more luck in front of goal

Walter Mazzarri has admitted that he is looking forward to putting a "peculiar" first season in charge of Inter firmly behind him.

Failure to beat Barcelona & Atletico could cost Real Madrid the title

The inquest continues. While Real Madrid still feel aggrieved at refereeing decisions in Sunday's Clasico defeat to Barcelona, the truth is that Carlo Ancelotti's side have been unable to produce the goods against their title rivals this season. And ultimately, failure to beat both Barca and Atletico could cost them La Liga.

Guardiola: I didn't teach Xavi or Iniesta how to play

Pep Guardiola feels that he had little to do with turning Barcelona stars Xavi and Andres Iniesta into world-beaters

The Spain midfield duo flourished under Guardiola's stewardship at Camp Nou as the Blaugrana claimed 14 trophies from 2008 to 2011, including two Champions League titles.

Valdes set for knee surgery

The goalkeeper was stretchered off against Celta on Wednesday and will not play for the Catalans again or be fit for the World Cup

Victor Valdes will undergo surgery on Monday after tearing his anterior knee ligament in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Celta.

More than champions - Bayern are the Bundesliga's greatest ever winners

How do you go about topping a record-breaking season? Bayern Munich entered the 2013-14 campaign on the highest of highs having just realised their long-standing ambition. They had finally reclaimed the Champions League after 12 years as part of an historic treble and were now being led by one of the world's most admired coaches in Pep Guardiola

Dzeko taunts hapless Manchester United: We're the boss now

Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko has taken a major swipe at Manchester United, by claiming he and his team-mates showed David Moyes' side "who is boss in the city" on Tuesday.

Manuel Pellegrini's men ran riot at Old Trafford, with the Bosnian international scoring twice and Yaya Toure bagging a late goal of his own in a 3-0 win.