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August 22, 2023

August 22, 2023 IFMSPORTS

Thierry Henry Appointed As The New Coach For France Under-21

Former France forward Thierry Henry has been appointed coach of the country's under-21s on a two-year contract.

The Arsenal legend, who helped France win the World Cup on home soil in 1998, succeeds Sylvain Ripoli.

Henry, 46, has had two spells as an assistant coach with Belgium and managed Monaco and Montreal Impact.

He will lead a France Under-23 side at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which the French Football Federation (FFF) described as "a major objective".

Henry will also lead the under-21s' bid to qualify for the European Championship in 2025.

Former Auxerre U19 and Angers coach Gerald Baticle, 53, will join Henry's staff as an assistant.

The FFF said it had a "phase of discussions" over a new under-21 coach and had "studied several profiles of French technicians".

Henry scored 51 goals from 123 appearances for France, helping them win the European Championship in 2000.

Henry will name his first squad on 31 August for a friendly against Denmark (7 September) and a Euro U21 qualifier away to Slovenia (11 September).

June 1, 2023

June 1, 2023 IFMSPORTS

Karim Benzema Is on the Verge of Leaving Real Madrid for Saudi Club Al Ittihad

Karim Benzema’s future may lie with the Saudi club Al Ittihad. According to club insiders, the agreement with the French striker is nearing completion. It is now up to Benzema and Real Madrid to finalize the transfer.

Al Ittihad are the current Saudi league winners and are coached by Nuno Espirito Santo, who previously played for Deportivo, Osasuna, and Merida and also coached Valencia.

The Saudi authorities has been working for months to sign Benzema, and everything looks to imply that they have finally convinced him. Benzema has even chatted with Cristiano Ronaldo about the league and life in Spain. In theory, Benzema would sign a two-year contract for more than €100 million tax-free per season.

This afternoon, the Real Madrid No. 9 met with his agent in Madrid. His 14-year career as a Real Madrid player will come to an end as soon as his exit is finalized. He has appeared in 647 games for the club, scoring 353 goals and assisting on 165 others.

January 10, 2023

January 10, 2023 IFMSPORTS

France Captain Hugo Lloris Announces International Retirement

Hugo Lloris, France’s World Cup-winning captain, has announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old Tottenham goalkeeper retires after being capped 145 times for France’s men’s team, 121 of them as captain.

In addition to winning the World Cup in 2018, Lloris was a member of France’s side that won the Nations League in 2021.

He also led them reach the finals of Euro 2016 and the most recent World Cup in Brazil, where they were defeated by a Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina in a thrilling encounter.

“There comes a period when you have to know how to give up the reins,” Lloris told L’Equipe via ESPN.

“I have always said over and over again that the French team doesn’t belong to anyone, and we all have to make sure that’s the case, me first. I think that the team is ready to go on. There is also a goalkeeper who is ready [Mike Maignan].”

Lloris added: “I prefer to go out at my peak than wait for a downturn. There is also a family choice, I feel the need to spend more time with my wife and children.”

France coach Didier Deschamps hailed Lloris, saying: “Hugo is still at his best and I have, we have, to accept his choice even though he still had his position in our squad as we showed at the World Cup.

The news means Lloris’ final appearance for France came in their World Cup final loss to Argentina in December.

January 6, 2023

January 6, 2023 IFMSPORTS

Chelsea Sign Monaco Defender, Benoit Badiashile For Thirty Four Million Pounds

Chelsea has completed the signing of France defender Benoit Badiashile from Monaco on a seven-and-a-half-year contract.

The 21-year-old has joined Chelsea for a reputed £35 million price after making over 100 appearances in Ligue 1 for the Principality side.

He has also been in the Champions League and been capped twice by the French national team, making his debut in a 2-1 victory against Austria last September.

Following the additions of Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana during the summer transfer window, Badiashile becomes Chelsea’s third key central-defensive acquisition this season.

“I’m delighted to be here at Chelsea,” Badiashile told the club’s official website. “I’m beyond thrilled to be joining this group. I can’t wait to meet the fans and play in the world’s top league.”

He is the club’s second acquisition of the January transfer window, after striker David Datro Fofana’s arrival from Molde in Norway earlier this week.

“We’re delighted to welcome Benoit to Chelsea,” chairman Todd Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali told the club’s website. “He’s an excellent young player who has quickly established a strong reputation for himself and has a huge amount of experience for his young age. We are sure he will form an important part of our team in the years ahead.”

On Air Now:

Tag: france

Karim Benzema Is on the Verge of Leaving Real Madrid for Saudi Club Al Ittihad

France Captain Hugo Lloris Announces International Retirement

Chelsea Sign Monaco Defender, Benoit Badiashile For Thirty Four Million Pounds

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