Category: Sports

ISTANBUL: Turkish top-division club Antalyaspor appointed Alex De Souza as manager on a two-year contract. Speaking to Anadolu, the deputy president and spokesperson Evren Alkan said that their discussions with Alex De Souza, a former player for Fenerbahce, concluded successfully. "We have signed a two-year contract with Alex. Mehmet Aurelio and two Brazilian coaches will assist him. Additionally, Mehmet Arslan will serve as the goalkeeper coach," he added. Alkan also said that the club would hold a signing ceremony with Alex in Trkiye's Mediterranean coastal province of Antalya after the end of the Super Lig season. The 46-year-old manager previously served for Brazilian clubs Sao Paulo U20 and Serie B's Avai FC. During his playing career in Fenerbahce, Alex scored 171 goals and had 146 assists in 344 matches. He won three league titles with Fenerbahce (2005, 2007, and 2011) before ending his playing career in 2014. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Manchester City's Phil Foden has been named the 2023/24 Premier League Player of the Season. "To win this award is an achievement that I am extremely proud of," Foden said on Man City's official website. "The Premier League is acknowledged as the greatest league in the world, and it is a pleasure to have been nominated with so many other great players who have all enjoyed special seasons for their clubs," he added. Foden, 23, who is the Academy graduate, scored 17 goals and claimed eight assists this season. The midfielder helped Manchester City win a UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, five English Premier League titles, four League Cups and two FA Cups. In addition, Kevin De Bruyne bagged the award in both 2019/20 and 2021/22, Ruben Dias was the recipient in 2020/21 while Erling Haaland took last year's prize. Vincent Kompany was also voted Player of the Season in 2011/12. Foden bagged the award for the first time in his career. Source: Anadolu Agency

ANKARA: Trkiye lost for the first time in 22 matches on Wednesday, falling 3-2 to Japan in the 2024 FIVB Volleyball Women's Nations League. "The Sultans of the Net" equalized 25-23 and 25-20 after losing the first two sets 23-25 and 21-25, but lost the fifth set 11-15 in the southern Turkish resort city of Antalya. Sarina Koga led Japan to victory with 31 points, while Tugba Senoglu Ivegin was the top scorer for Trkiye with 19 points. The Crescent Stars' last defeat in an official match was a 3-2 loss to Japan on June 28, 2023, in the first match of the third week of the Nations League in Bangkok. Trkiye, currently seventh in the preliminary phase standings with one point, will face the Netherlands in the competition's next game on Thursday. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Manchester City defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 on Tuesday as Erling Haaland scored twice in week 37 of the English Premier League. Neither team was able to break the deadlock in the first half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Erling Haaland opened the scoring from close range for Manchester City in the 51st minute, assisted by Kevin De Bruyne. In the 69th minute, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson was injured after Tottenham's Cristian Romero collided with him. Ederson broke down in tears after being substituted and Stefan Ortega replaced him. Norwegian striker Haaland converted the penalty in stoppage time and the game ended in favor of the Sky Blues. Scoring 27 goals, Haaland is the top contender to finish with the most goals in the Premier League for 2023-24 with one game remaining. Chelsea's Cole Palmer follows him with 21 goals. Manchester City increased their points to 88 ahead of second-place Arsenal. The Gunners have collected 86 points. On the final day of the Premier League, Arsenal will host Everton and Manchester City will take on West Ham United on Sunday, May 19. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United this summer as his contract expires following three seasons at Old Trafford. "To you guys, supporters of Manchester United, it has been an amazing few years to play for this special club and wear that shirt," Varane said in a video posted on his Instagram and X accounts. "The first time I went to Old Trafford as a Man United player was insane. The atmosphere was amazing," he added. "I fell in love with the club, with the fans. You have to play for Manchester United to understand what that represents." Joining Manchester United in 2021, Varane made 67 appearances in the Premier League, 58 as a starter, and lifted the 2023 Carabao Cup. During his Real Madrid time from 2011 to 2021, he bagged four UEFA Champions League titles, four FIFA Club World Cups, and three UEFA Super Cup trophies. The 31-year-old defender represented France in three FIFA World Cups; 2014, 2018, and 2022. He helped Les Bleus lift the 2018 World Cup and 2021 UEFA Nations League tit le before retiring from international football in February 2023. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Monaco's Mike James has been named the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague most valuable player (MVP). "After another unforgettable season, Mike James of AS Monaco has been chosen by fans, media, team captains and head coaches as the MVP of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague," EuroLeague said in a statement. "The dynamic guard was the leader of a Monaco side that set a club record for wins as they reached the playoffs for the third straight season together and came within one win of the Final Four," it added. James, 33, averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season. He previously played for Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz, Armani Milan, and CSKA Moscow. Source: Anadolu Agency

ISTANBUL: Olivier Giroud will join Los Angeles Football Club with a contract that will run through 2025, with an option through 2026. "I am delighted and excited to join LAFC. I can't wait to get to Los Angeles and to play in front of the 3252 and all of the incredible fans," Giroud said in a statement. With Montpellier, Arsenal, Chelsea, and AC Milan, Giroud has won 11 major trophies and scored nearly 300 goals in more than 700 games. He bagged the 2021 UEFA Champions League, and the UEFA 2019 Europa League with Chelsea. The 37-year-old forward helped France win the 2018 World Cup and 2021 UEFA Nations League trophy. Source: Anadolu Agency