The former West Indies captain says that to understand racism, cricket needs an open conversation

Interview by Nagraj Gollapudi11-Jun-2020This week, Daren Sammy watched a video by the US stand-up comedian Hasan Minhaj. Halfway into the 12-minute video, Sammy heard Minhaj talk about how ” or “” is a word often used in the Indian subcontinent to describe a person of colour, and “not in a good way.” That prompted Sammy to jog his memory back to his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2013 and 2014. Sammy recollected some of his Sunrisers teammates nicknaming him and the Sri Lanka allrounder Thisara Perera .Disturbed, Sammy posted an Instagram video on June 8, wanting to know from those players whether there was any racist connotation to the nickname. Many, including those at Sunrisers and BCCI officials at the time, are asking why Sammy was talking about an issue that happened about six years ago.On Wednesday Sammy spoke to ESPNcricinfo to explain exactly why.Why did you feel it was important to talk about something that happened about six years ago?If you listen to my video, you’ll understand why now. Like I said I was watching a video by Hasan. In that video I learned that something I was being called had a different meaning, rather degrading meaning to it. So if I’m in the dressing room or I’m speaking to you six years ago, and you’re calling me a name or word which I thought had a different meaning to it, why should I bring it up when I was not aware? If you understand what I mean. I’ve heard BCCI and Sunrisers said there was no complaint. There couldn’t be a complaint if you are not aware what’s going on.It’s only because I listened to that video (of Minhaj), once he started describing the word being used to describe people of colour from these parts, once he said the word, I instantly remembered. Because it was my nickname for almost two seasons (at Sunrisers). Do you understand? But I did not see it at that time as anything degrading because I thought it meant they were calling me a strong stallion.So, no, I couldn’t speak about it then. It’s only because now I have information that I was being a called a word that was degrading, that’s why I am talking about it now. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned: every time you are talking about the right things, anytime is the right time.What was the meaning of that word described to you, then?I thought it meant a stallion. If you notice back in 2014 I sent a Happy Birthday tweet to VVS Laxman. I said: “Happy Birthday to you brother. Hope you have a great day.” And I started laughing. And I said, “remember dark kalu.” So I was saying: remember the dark stallion. So, imagine (now) you listening six years later and somebody from that culture telling you, “Hey, bro, this word has a degrading meaning to you because of the colour of your skin.” Then automatically you want to have a conversation.Like I said to the guys, let’s have a conversation about it. I don’t know what’s in people’s hearts. I challenge anybody to question my commitment to team building in all the dressing rooms I have played in.One of the guys (a 2013-14 Sunrisers teammate) has reached out to me and we are having a conversation about it. It’s someone I could bet still has a big poster of me and him hung up in his dressing room where I signed it and I said: “Brothers for life.” And I still mean that. But it doesn’t take away or change the fact that certain words that are being used could come across as degrading because of the colour of your skin. And whether you are my friend or I see you as a brother, we will or we should have the conversation about that.

“One of the guys (a 2013-2014 SRH teammate) has reached out to me and we are having a conversation about it. It’s someone I could bet still has a big poster of me and him hung up in his dressing room where I signed it and I said: ‘Brothers for life.’ But it doesn’t take away the fact that certain words that are being used could come across as degrading because of the colour of your skin.”DAREN SAMMY

I see this now as a(n) opportunity to educate instead of trying to pinpoint ‘this guy is a racist’. No, that’s what I’m about. And I clearly stated that, reach out to me, let’s discuss. Because I am always about moving forward. Just because it is a tough subject, or a tough conversation, I will not shy away. That’s not what Daren is.You think your [Sunrisers] teammates back then did not tell you the meaning of that word because it would have offended you?With the information that I know now I can’t say because apparently it means so many different things. From what I am learning now it has so many different meanings. I believe the way the dressing room was back in that IPL season, the unity that we had was what got us through to the play-offs. Everybody was talking about how strong and how united this team was. And I still feel that same away about it. That’s why I am saying it’s important to have that conversation to know what context in which you were calling (me by that word). Because I thought we were operating from brotherly love. And I believe that. But believing that and not have the conversation about the bigger picture is still going to be wrong. We have to educate people to stop using such words that could be offensive.So far one player has reached out to you?Yes, one player has reached out to me. And I’ve spoken to Tom Moody, the coach of that team. You have to look at the bigger picture. I always look for the positive that will come out of something. I think now with everything that is happening around the world it’s an opportunity to educate. And I’m not going to sit down here and say, ‘this guy is a racist.’ No, that’s not me. I am not in a position to do that. But what I could do is, use this platform and the conversations that me and these individuals may have, use it as an opportunity to shed light. I have heard so many other cricketers come out and talk about it. Yes, they have not experienced it, but they know, they are aware that it happens. And it’s a conversation, uncomfortable, but there’s a need for it to happen.ALSO READ: It’s time we South Asians understood that colourism is racismDid the person apologise?Aaah…not yet. I could be standing here and looking at one object. You are on the other side looking at it and we have two different views. Let me make this clear. You see this beautiful chocolate man you see here, I’m very comfortable in my skin. I refuse to allow any other person to make me mentally feel less than who I am. I am very proud of the skin that I am in. So whether I get an apology or not, it doesn’t change the mentality of how proud I am to be a black person, to be a black man. It doesn’t change.In hindsight, asking for apology I shouldn’t have even done that. If me and my team-mates have done something not intentionally, but now I realise that could be deemed or termed as something that could be hurtful to a team-mate of mine, I would instantly call that person and say: “hey bro, you know what, in spite of what is going on, I really didn’t mean in that sort of way. For what it’s worth I apologise even though I didn’t mean it in any way, shape or form. And it’s an opportunity now for us to all get together and educate because we all are leaders in our own right and when you lead people tend to follow.”

I’m please to say that I’ve had a really interesting conversation with one of the guys and we are looking at ways to educate rather than focusing on the negatives. My brother reassured me that he operated from a place of love and I believe him.

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) June 11, 2020

You mentioned you understand there are different meanings to the word especially in the subcontinent where it is at times used endearingly. But defining a person using his colour is racial you feel?Anything that is done to someone because of the colour of their skin and it is not meant to be in a positive way I think it shouldn’t be done. For instance, when you see a tall person you say, tall man, what’s up. That is based on your height. Once you start racially profiling people and it comes because of the colour of their skin, this person is better than you because he is fairer or because he is darker then it becomes an issue. My thing is to educate now that let’s not do it. See everybody, whether they be red, black, yellow, white, as a human being. That’s the movement for equality and justice especially against people of colour because they have been subject to racial slurs, God knows for how long.Talking on a podcast on BBC this week, England’s rugby player Mario Itoje and some of his teammates were discussing racism in their sport. They talked about how black players are asked to take it as part of banter. It is the black man’s responsibility to treat words with a sense of humour, they were told. Do you understand?I understand, but I don’t agree to that. Why must my people endure 400 years of slavery and still have to adapt? Why is it always the people of colour that have to adapt to oppression? Why is it the people of colour that always have to do something different? Why can’t the other side change and see us differently? And just not do it. So, no, you cannot use something that is degrading to the colour of my skin and tell me to take it as banter. I will never agree to that.’I believed we were operating from brotherly love. I still believe that. That’s why it’s important to have a conversation’ – Daren Sammy on his time with Sunrisers Hyderabad•BCCIAnd this is the message that you are trying to send to your past teammates?The message, to me, is simple. If I am operating from a place of love and I know within my heart this is what I’m doing, I’m okay with that. But if from operating in that space is still being hurtful to somebody else because of the colour of the skin and what I’m saying, then part of the love is diminished as well, whether you see it that way or not. You should now acknowledge that you shouldn’t do it.Is there casual racism in cricket?Look, until I was made aware of certain things like what the meaning (of that word) was I could have proudly sat here in this chair and said I have not experienced anything like that. Because you have to understand, as sportsmen when we go out and play, you focus on the game. There’s no time to think about maybe this guy said something, oh, this could be racist. But I know of situations where players have been subject to such: recently in New Zealand, Jofra Archer was subject to such (a) thing. I have had players in my team who have experienced such things.Going forward, the same emphasis the ICC has placed on anti-corruption, where you bring awareness to the subject to the point that the youngest player coming in before any tournament has been educated about that, the same set of effort should be put towards anti-racism. That will be a step in the right direction.In the 2013 and 2014 IPLs, was there a rule or policy in place to deal with racism?We have always had the anti-racism in the code of conduct of the ICC. You hear it every time it has been recited. But to make it a subject of discussion – like match-fixing and all these things are a subject that is given special attention. If you go waaayyy back I think about my West Indies team. I watched , I see what my players had to endure and you think about Australia with Dennis Lillee and Jeff Thomson, these guys were quick, causing terror around the world. I didn’t see the MCC or the ICC changing the rules, trying to limit them to 2 bouncers or something like that. But the moment a team of colour, which was the West Indies, started dominating, “Oh, they are gonna make us grovel.” “Oh, these guys are criminals. They are bowling to kill people.”But when the other teams were doing it and guys getting broken fingers I didn’t hear all these chants. But the moment the West Indies started to rise and dominate the world you saw the system trying to limit how successful we could be with the resources that we had. So if you go back, there’s a history of things being said or done to people of colour to try to keep us down. And I’m saying let’s address that. There’s a bigger picture to what is happening.Just like George Floyd been murdered and the world witnessed it and the uprising and the movement that it has caused is the bigger picture. Right now people of colour, the minorities, feel for once they could say something and be heard.So your point is create a forum, create something where you have a discussion in cricket (on racism)?Yes. And after discussion they must have action. Discussion without action is still just discussion. Action should be taken to eradicate such a thing and educate people.Is there also an issue where among players there’s not much discussion between themselves (on racism). Because if you have an open discussion then there’s more understanding of what one feels, right?You have to understand it’s an uncomfortable subject. Just imagine me talking to a white person, who has never really been profiled because of the colour of their skin. Some of them probably don’t even understand what’s really going on. Some people are even afraid to say ‘Black Lives Matter’. But with awareness and something that is being discussed slowly, people will be more comfortable. It has to start from the top in putting the measures in place, implanting it, so that it filters downs to the roots.Chris Gayle has come out and supported you. Have you had a word with your Caribbean teammates on this subject?Not everybody is brave enough to challenge certain people because that is where your bread is coming from. It is not easy to challenge people of power. Sometimes you are afraid of the backlash, you are afraid of what could happen next. But that’s them. That’s not me. I have always stood up for what I believe in no matter who it is. That’s how I was raised.If you had known the meaning of the word in 2013-14, would you have had made the same comments you have just made?Of course, I would. 2013 I was the leader, man. I was captain of the West Indies team. I was the leader in that dressing room. We just had won a [T20] World Cup in September [2012]. My leadership was growing. Maybe it would not have been as powerful as it is now because of what is happening in the world, but I would definitely speak about it.

“No, you cannot use something that is degrading to the colour of my skin for me to take it as banter. I will never agree to that.”DAREN SAMMY

So you are not being opportunistic as some people perceive?People are also entitled to their opinion. The only thing I have to do is listen to you. It doesn’t define who I am. But there’s no wrong time to talk about the truth. Is anybody denying that I was being called such a thing? I am not mad. I am angry that the word has another meaning to it, but if I reflect on the memories I had, it is one of the best times I had in a dressing room.Possibly you were not curious to know the meaning of the word back then?No, I knew. I knew the meaning. For me it meant strong stallion. That’s what I understood it meant. So there was no reason for me to go back and say it was a racial or a degrading thing.So did you not get the same feeling when last year, Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was sanctioned by the ICC for calling South African allrounder Andile Phehlukwayo by the same word?I heard Sarfaraz used (a) racial slur, but I did not really dive into the story. I saw it pop up, but I did not get into the details. I wasn’t aware it was that word he used back then. But I know he issued an apology right after. That in itself is why I am having this conversation – whether you didn’t mean it in any way like that we need to stop. That is why I want to have a conversation with the people who used it in the dressing room. Let’s stop it for us to avoid situations like what Sarfaraz did thinking it was innocent. If it could mean anything that could be taken as degrading or insulting, you don’t use it. Full stop.England and Liverpool player Raheem Sterling said a task force should be created in football to deal with racism. Do you think cricket should have a similar task force?Just like there is a task force for anti-corruption there should be the same energy put towards racism. But you have to understand why is it there is so much attention paid to anti-corruption? Because it diminishes the cricket game. But now racism is personal. And it is uncomfortable. I think yeah they should have something put in place to ensure that the education starts.Finally, Daren Sammy is not being opportunistic. He is not being an activist for black cricketers. What he is trying to do by coming out and talking, opening up a discussion forum which is very important in cricket?There is no special time to speak about the truth or the issues. I could care less what they think about me, but it’s a conversation, it’s an issue that is within the game that has to be addressed. Whether you say I am an activist for black people, why not. Who has been speaking on our behalf?Like I mentioned, we dominated the world for 17 years and within that period look at the laws that have changed in cricket. Who has been our voice? Right now West Indies is in England, among all the coronavirus, helping. We are compassionate people. Where is the compassion shown towards us? I am just speaking about my experience and how I think the cricket world could be better. If that’s wrong, then I am okay with that.

Having already announced the arrival of young Spaniard Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United have reportedly pushed on with their summer plans by lodging their first enquiries to sign Anthony Elanga and a striker worth as much as £70m.

Newcastle pushing to sign Elanga

With Bryan Mbeumo set to choose Manchester United over a move to St James’ Park, Newcastle’s search for a winger has reportedly taken them to Nottingham Forest and Elanga.

The Swede enjoyed his best Premier League season yet to become the latest in a long line of Old Trafford regrets. Now, he could be on his way to Tyneside as Newcastle flex their newfound Champions League status.

Minutes

2,501

2,434

2,360

Goals

6

6

8

Assists

11

5

12

Completed take-ons

25

38

35

In what would spark the battle of the Anthonys in Tyneside, Elanga looks likely to come out on top to secure a starting place in Eddie Howe’s side ahead of Gordon next season, should he complete a summer switch.

Given how they impressed in their own right last season, Nottingham Forest won’t want to lose one of their key men without a fight this summer.

Both Evangelos Marinakis and Nuno Espirito Santo will be desperate to ensure that last season was no flash in the pan and keeping hold of Elanga would go a long way towards achieving.

£50m star so close to joining Newcastle his club are lining up replacement

The Magpies are reportedly closing in on a statement signing…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 8, 2025

Whether PIF’s financial power will prove too strong is the big question. After PSR limits forced them to sit out of the last two windows, the rich owners are now ready to spend big again on both Elanga and another Premier League star.

Back in the Champions League with money to spend, the Saudi owners are certainly not messing around in this summer’s transfer window.

Newcastle lodge first Joao Pedro "enquiry"

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have now made their first “enquiry” to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, having already done the same for Elanga.

A deal not expected to come cheap amid reports that the Seagulls value the Brazilian at as much as £70m, Pedro will undoubtedly be one to watch in the coming weeks.

Ever since Fabian Hurzeler decided to drop Pedro for disciplinary reasons at the back end of last season, a Brighton departure has looked on the cards for Pedro. The former Watford man endured a mixed campaign, truth be told, and one that was ultimately full of frustration.

Despite scoring just ten goals in all competitions and eventually being dropped by Hurzeler, there remains impressive interest in the former Watford man who still found himself at the centre of praise last season.

With Newcastle now lurking, Pedro may not even need to win over club legend Alan Shearer if he completes a move this summer. The record Premier League goalscorer took the time to describe the Brighton star as “superb” back in November.

MatériaMais Notícias

da betobet： O Palmeiras ainda tem até quarta-feira (2) para se reforçar nesta janela de transferências, algo muito improvável de acontecer. No entanto, já é possível dizer que se trata do clube de Série A que menos se movimentou no mercado nesta temporada. Se nada extraordinário acontecer nestes próximos dias, o Verdão fechará 2023 como o time da elite que menos contratou jogadores.

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da brdice： + Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Até o momento, as únicas contratações do Alviverde neste ano são Artur, comprado junto ao Bragantino, e Richard Ríos, que veio do Guarani. Ambos chegaram após o Paulistão, uma vez que o clube também não se movimentou antes do início da temporada, como é comum em qualquer agremiação do mundo. Pelo atacante, a transação foi de 8 milhões de euros (R$ 45 milhões na cotação da época), já pelo volante a quantia paga foi de R$ 6 milhões.

+ Copo Stanley a partir de R$120,00. Bebida gelada nos 90′ de jogo do Verdão!

Na comparação com os outros clubes de Série A, quem mais se aproxima dos números palmeirenses são Corinthians e Flamengo, cada um com cinco contratações. O Fla trouxe Gerson, Varela, Rossi, Luiz Araújo e Allan, enquanto o Corinthians trouxe Romero, Barletta, Matheus Bidu, Matías Rojas e Lucas Veríssimo. Com exceção desses e do Atlético-MG (9), todos os outros times da elite se reforçaram com dez ou mais atletas.

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Cruzeiro, Coritiba, Goiás, Vasco, Bahia e Cuiabá já passaram das 20 contratações na temporada. Vale destacar que três desses clubes subiram neste ano para a Série A do Brasileirão e o processo de reformulação dos elencos sempre exige um volume maior de reforços.

+ ANÁLISE: Palmeiras faz o ‘básico’, volta a ser eficiente e mostra que pode seguir forte

Para a janela deste meio de ano, o Verdão também não conseguiu se reforçar. Assim como no início da temporada, o alvo era um “camisa 5” para suprir a saída de Danilo, vendido ao Nottingham Forest-ING. Acontece que o clube acumulou fracassos na busca por essa peça. Nomes como Matheus Henrique, do Sassuolo-ITA, Jean Lucas, do Monaco-FRA (hoje no Santos), Walace, da Udinese-ITA, foram alvos, mas não houve acordo.

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Mais recentemente foi a vez de Aníbal Moreno, do Racing-ARG, que se tornou o principal desejo da comissão técnica para esta janela. O clube chegou “ao limite” pelo jogador, mas os argentino não abriram mão do que queriam e mais uma vez o Palmeiras ficou a ver navios.

Sem sucesso nessa tratativa, o Alviverde não deve mais fazer movimentos no mercado até o dia 2 de agosto (quarta-feira). A tendência é que o foco seja na janela do início de 2024, quando também o clube precisará se preparar para possível saídas do elenco, algumas das quais foram evitadas neste meio de ano.

Glamorgan 247 for 9 (Douthwaite 55, Ingram 47, Root 46, Barnard 4-34) beat Warwickshire 208 (Burgess 85, McIlroy 3-42) by 39 runsDan Douthwaite turned into a matchwinner with both bat and ball as he guided Glamorgan into the Metro Bank One-Day Cup final at Trent Bridge next month with a 39-run victory over Warwickshire at Sophia Gardens.It was his lusty batting that first caught the eye as he hauled the home side through to a 50-over total of 247 for 9 after they had earlier been floundering at 44 for 4 in the 15th over. He hit four sixes – one out of the ground and into the River Taff – in his sparkling 55, hitting 16 off the final over from Oliver Hannon-Dalby.Prior to that Colin Ingram (47) and Billy Root (46) had steadied the innings. Then Douthwaite got into his bowling rhythm and removed Chris Benjamin and Kai Smith to catches at the wicket by Will Samile as he reduced the visitors to 62 for 6 in reply in the 21st over. They were eventually all out for 208.Timm van der Gugten, who had earlier scored 26 with the bat, picked up the wickets of Rob Yates (4) and Will Rhodes (4), while fellow paceman Jamie McIlroy got rid of the dangerous Ed Barnard (14) and Hamza Shaikh (8).Tight bowling and energetic fielding by the home side turned the screw on Warwickshire as the run-rate climbed to more than seven per over in the 26th over. The 100 came up in the 32nd over as the rate rose to more than eight per over.Michael Burgess was the only batter to provide some solid resistance in the middle order and he reached his half-century with a six off the spin of Ingram. He obviously enjoyed the experience as he hit the next two over the boundary for maximums.His seventh wicket stand with Jake Lintott reaped 87 runs and his 85 contained four sixes and six fours. His departure, caught at mid off by Douthwaite off the bowling of the returning McIlroy, left Warwickshire at 149 for 7 – still 99 short of their target with 11 overs to go.When Lintott was caught off a reverse sweep of the bowling of Ben Kellaway for 26 the game was up. There were a few big hits in defiance at the death – Michael Booth hit three sixes – but Warwickshire ended 40 runs short of the victory target.Warwickshire captain Barnard had no hesitation in asking Glamorgan to bat when he won the toss. Playing on the same Sophia Gardens wicket as used for the home side’s win last week over Yorkshire that earned them a straight semi-final tie, Barnard had obviously taken note of the help the pitch had given the seam bowlers in that match.It proved to be a good choice for the seam attack that he led. Opening the bowling and running straight through his allotted 10 overs, the visiting skipper ripped through Glamorgan’s top order and ended with 4 for 34 in his top-class spell.Three of his victims were caught in the slips by Rob Yates – Asa Tribe (13), Kiran Carlson (2) and Will Smale (13) – and he trapped Sam Northeast (8) lbw. That reduced the home side to 4 for 44 in the 15th over and he could have had a fifth wicket had Yates not put down an easy chance Colin Ingram in the 17th over.At that stage the Ingram had only scored 18 and he went on to notch 47 before he was fifth out, trapped lbw by Michael Rae. Ingram steadied what looked like being a sinking ship in tandem with Billy Root as they put on 46 for the fifth wicket.Building on his midweek half-century in the win over Yorkshire Vikings, Root five fours in his 46, sharing in invaluable stands of 55 with Ben Kellaway and then 22 with Douthwaite before his departure in the 40th over made it 167 for 7.At that stage Warwickshire must have been hoping to mop up the tail quite quickly, but Douthwaite, van der Gugten and Andy Gorvin had other ideas. Between them they conjured up 92 runs as they plundered 79 off the last 10 overs to set the visitors a target of 248.Douthwaite ended on 55 and thumped four enormous sixes and four fours as he took 15 and then 17 off the final two overs. That meant the Welsh side at least had some sort of total to defend – which they managed to do with a few overs to spare.

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the biggest weakness in Arsenal’s team this season has been in attack.

As things stand, there are three teams who have scored more goals than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League, with Liverpool putting the ball in the back of the net 83 times to their 66.

So, while signing a new striker understandably seems to be the club’s top priority heading into the summer, they also have to go out and get at least one more winger to help bridge the gap to their rivals.

Fortunately, that appears to be the club’s ambition, as recent reports have touted a serial winner with a move to the Emirates, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal's winger search

In the last few weeks, a plethora of incredibly exciting wingers, such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo, have been linked with Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former has racked up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season and will be available for around £48m thanks to a release clause in his current deal with Athletic Bilbao.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, could cost up to a staggering £85m, but as he’s managed to score 13 goals and provide ten assists in just 50 games this season, there’s a valid argument to say he’d be worth the outlay.

However, Arteta and Co might want to save some money on a winger to spend more up top or elsewhere, which would help explain the situation around Leroy Sané.

According to a recent report from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Arsenal are now a potential destination for the German international next season.

Alongside the Gunners, he revealed that the winger has been offered to Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and others in the UK.

The Bayern Munich star’s contract expires at the end of the season, so he’d be available for free and, thanks to his immense ability and experience, could represent a sensational transfer and a massive upgrade on Martinelli.

How Sané compares to Martinelli

Now, while Sané has spent much of his recent career playing off the right, he’s actually spent more time off the left since making his debut, and with Bukayo Saka being as important as he is, that’s almost certainly where he would play for Arsenal.

Therefore, his biggest competition for game time would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their output, it’s the Bayern ace who comes out on top, as in 44 appearances this season, totalling 2348 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.31 games, or every 123.57 minutes.

In contrast, the Brazilian has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.06 games, or every 212.68 minutes.

It’s just as one-sided a comparison when we take a look at their underlying numbers as well.

The “world-class” Bayern ace, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, comes out on top in almost all metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Sané vs Martinelli
Statistics per 90	Sané	Martinelli
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.86	0.47
Non-Penalty G+As	0.90	0.51
Progressive Passes	3.58	2.07
Progressive Carries	4.13	4.89
Shots	3.70	2.07
Shots on Target	1.57	0.93
Passing Accuracy	82.6%	70.8%
Key Passes	1.96	1.56
Passes into the Final Third	1.28	0.46
Passes into the Penalty Area	1.96	1.43
Live Passes	47.9	26.6
Shot-Creating Actions	4.20	2.79
Goal-Creating Actions	0.50	0.25
Successful Take-Ons	2.18	1.35
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Finally, on top of having the better numbers in all departments, the “incredible” international, as dubbed by former manager Pep Guardiola, also knows what is needed to get over the finishing line.

On top of winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City, he’s also won four Bundesliga titles, one Champions League, and a host of other cups with FC Hollywood.

Ultimately, Martinelli could remain a valuable squad member, but it’s clear that Sané would be a massive upgrade; therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

He'd be amazing with Rodrygo: Arsenal close in on signing £60m "monster"

The sensational talent will be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 16, 2025

Dasun Shanaka and Dilshan Madushanka were left out, while Dushmantha Chameera missed out due to injury

Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Oct-2024

Bhanuka Rajapaksa hasn’t played for Sri Lanka since January 2023•AFP/Getty Images

Middle-order batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka’s T20I squad for the three-match series against West Indies, but former captain Dasun Shanaka was left out. With Shanaka out, 22-year-old seam-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who made his debut against India, keeps his spot.There was also no room for left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka. Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera failed to make the squad as well, but that is on account of an injury, which has kept him out of competitive cricket since July.Elsewhere, the squad is fairly predictable. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay makes it into the squad proper this time, after impressing as Wanindu Hasaranga’s replacement during the ODI series against India. Hasaranga himself is back as well.Dinesh Chandimal, who was named in the squad against India, but has not played a match in this format since 2022, retains his place, helped perhaps by his good performances in the Test format.Meanwhile, Rajapaksa, 32, hasn’t played for Sri Lanka since January 2023, and doesn’t come in with a lot of form, having been only a middling performer for St Lucia Kings at the recently-concluded CPL. But he has been picked on past performances, as Sri Lanka seek hitters who can close out innings – a long-term problem for them.Madushanka’s omission, meanwhile, is down to his having been too expensive in this format. After 15 matches, his economy rate is 9.75 – too high for a bowler who takes a wicket a match on average. But Sri Lanka have alternatives. Slingers Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, left-armer Binura Fernando, and right-arm seamer Asitha Fernando make up the frontline pace contingent.On the spin-bowling front, Sri Lanka have Hasaranga, Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage to choose from, with overs potentially to come from Kamindu Mendis as well. Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has not made this squad.The T20Is start on Sunday, and all three of them will be played in Dambulla.Sri Lanka’s T20I squad against West IndiesCharith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Nuwan Thushara, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando and Asitha Fernando

Spain have lashed out at England following their heartbreaking Euro 2025 final defeat on penalties, accusing the Lionesses of time-wasting and calling them lucky champions. Despite dominating large parts of the game, La Roja fell short in the shootout as England defended their European crown in dramatic fashion in Switzerland with Hannah Hampton playing a key role.

England beat Spain on penalties to win Euro 2025Spain dominate stats but fall short in the finalLionesses branded "lucky" and "time-wasters"Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

England edged out Spain 3-1 on penalties to win the Euro 2025 final after a 1-1 draw after extra-time. Mariona Caldentey gave La Roja the lead before Alessia Russo equalised after the break. Despite La Roja, the current world champions, dominating the stats, it was the Lionesses who triumphed in Basel to defend their 2021 title. Spain controlled the game with 65% possession, 22 shots, and nearly 350 more passes than the Lionesses. However, clinical finishing and composure from England proved decisive once again.

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It was a familiar story for Sarina Wiegman’s side, who showed resilience rather than dominance to retain their title just as they had done throughout the tournament. Through the entire knockout stage of the tournament, England had only led a game for a total of four minutes, including injury time. La Roja were quick to criticise the Lionesses for being lucky to win their title.

WHAT SPAIN SAID

Spain captain Irene Paredes told Spanish TV RTVE: "I thought we deserved it more but in the end it is not about who deserves it. It is about having that bit of luck and England had that throughout the whole tournament. We thought we could overcome that but we weren't able to."

El Pais claimed that Paredes later bemoaned England's 'time-wasters' and 'players on the ground'.

Ballon d'Or holder Aitana Bonmati added: "I think we've all given up; it's been a long time here, and it's been very cruel. In terms of play, we were far superior to our opponents, but in football, that's not enough."

Spain boss Montse Tome concluded: "Of course, I think this team deserved more. I feel we worked hard during a long time to reach this moment, to reach this final against a high-level national team as England, and what we saw during the game makes me feel that the team deserved having more, not leaving with this bitter feeling. This is sport. You must know how to lose and today we missed the penalties. We did a good first half. Then with the 1-1 and then in extra time we managed to control the ball but we didn’t manage to get the victory.”

“I think we were better but football is a sport where not always the best team wins. England is an excellent national team. They showed a high level during the tournament. They draw and then they defend themselves to get to the penalty.”

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR THE LIONESSES?

England will celebrate a historic back-to-back Euro title while Spain must regroup and reflect on another near-miss despite their quality. With both sides stacked with talent, another chapter in this rivalry could come soon in the 2027 World Cup. For now, the Lionesses reign supreme, regardless of the criticism.

The player wasted no time in sharing his ambition: to win championships with one of Liga MX’s most important clubs

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• Believes Cruz Azul boosts his World Cup chances
• Scored five goals in 33 games last two seasons with Atlas

• He was cut from the Gold Cup roster by Aguirre

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• @CruzAzul
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Cruz Azul’s new signing, Jeremy Márquez, was all smiles as he spoke to the media during his official unveiling at the club’s facilities. The 24-year-old midfielder, formerly with Atlas, emphasized that the opportunity to compete for trophies was a major factor in his decision to join La Máquina.

  “This is a club that’s always competing at the top, a team that fights for championships, even on the international stage, I came to fight for titles” he said. “Honestly, it’s a club that pulls you in. I had been thinking about Cruz Azul for a while – I always liked the team and had it on my radar.”

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Márquez, who has 12 career goals since debuting in Liga MX, added that his move to Cruz Azul comes at a pivotal time, with the 2026 World Cup getting closer.

  “Being at a club like Cruz Azul puts you in the spotlight. If the team is doing well, the exposure increases – and that can help with national team opportunities,” the Mexico youth international said.

  In the 2024–25 season, Márquez played 33 games and scored five goals for Atlas. Now with a fresh start in Mexico City, he’ll look to become a key piece under Nicolás Larcamón.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT JEREMY MÁRQUEZ SAID

  The 25-year-old midfielder reflected on what led him to join , emphasizing both the club’s history and its current project.

  “Cruz Azul has always stood out for its good football,” Márquez said at his introductory press conference. “The style of play, the quality of players, the energy around the team – all of that caught my attention. When the offer came and I saw the direction the club is heading under Larcamón, I didn’t hesitate.”

  He added that Cruz Azul had been on his radar for a while

  “It’s a big institution. I had thought about coming here before – it’s always been one of those clubs that attracts you," he said.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?

  Nicolás Larcamón's team opens its Apertura 2025 campaign this Saturday against Mazatlán FC.

FSG’s transfer ethos – getting their work done nice and early – often leaves Liverpool somewhat in the corner of the room while rivals party late into the market, enjoying the thrill of Fabrizio Romano and the rest’s transfer updates.

There are worse problems to have, it must be said. And the real success is found on the field. Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, having already added Jeremie Frimpong.

Now, it’s time to sign a centre-forward, for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota left plenty to be desired as Arne Slot’s focal frontmen last season, actually paling in comparison to Liverpool’s wider forward.

Mohamed Salah

38 (38)

29

18

Luis Diaz

36 (28)

13

7

Cody Gakpo

35 (23)

10

5

Diogo Jota

26 (14)

6

4

Darwin Nunez

30 (8)

5

3

Federico Chiesa

6 (1)

0

0

Luis Diaz was even called into play as a makeshift number nine for much of the campaign, his false-nine-type qualities proving invaluable for the Reds as they marched toward the Premier League title.

Who, then, to sign? Targets like Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen would all do a job, but Alexander Isak is the cream of the crop, and sporting director Richard Hughes would rake in the plaudits if he got that one over the line.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

It’s pretty clear Liverpool will sign a striker this summer. However, who that player might be is less certain. Liverpool can dream, though, and signing Isak would be an incredible way to cap off a wonderful summer.

As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Isak this summer, with Newcastle United valuing their striker at over £150m.

The “unstoppable” Isak, hailed by pundit Ally McCoist as “the best out-and-out forward in the league”, was outscored only by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, his 23-goal return illustrating his elite ability.

However, Newcastle’s position on their talisman’s unavailability has been absolute (insofar as any stance can be absolute in the transfer market). Liverpool can dream, and it appears they will try, but don’t hold your breath.

Luckily, Liverpool are one of the most astute transfer operators, and they’ve already lined up the perfect alternative.

Liverpool line up Isak alternative

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have sounded out a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer, and while the La Liga side would be looking for an unrealistic £160m figure, Anfield hold a trump card.

Indeed, Diego Simeone is interested in bringing Nunez to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and previous reports even suggest personal terms have been agreed for around a month. As a result, TEAMtalk suggest that a swap deal is an avenue they are exploring this summer.

This would no doubt be a difficult one to get over the line, but Liverpool’s interest is long-standing and the Argentina forward would be perfect for Slot’s system.

Why Julian Alvarez would be perfect

Alvarez had been tracked by Liverpool during his time at Manchester City, where he scored 36 goals and laid on 19 assists across two trophy-laden campaigns, earning an £81.5m transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer.

His first term in Spain was his finest yet, posting 29 goals and seven assists across 55 matches, blending newfound potency with his robust and dynamic attacking style. Making a direct comment on his exploits in Spain, journalist Roy Nemer even described the player as “the best forward in the world.”

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe last year for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

Already something of a nomad, the 25-year-old has demonstrated continual development and would now prove the perfect alternative to Isak, who is actually considered by the data-driven site as being one of Alvarez’s most comparable players.

River Plate

122

54

31

Manchester City

103

36

19

Atletico Madrid

53

29

6

Argentina

44

12

33

Liverpool need a new goalscorer to perch at the front of their ship, but they also need a centre-forward who will play with flair and bring the attacking players together.

One of the Merseysiders’ attacking staples is that when the frontline clicks, they perform in concert, effectively unplayable. Isak aligns perfectly in this regard, but Alvarez too could dovetail into Slot’s set-up and provide a higher level of goalscoring threat while using his technical skills and off-the-ball intelligence to open up a new dimension.

Isak’s completeness is echoed by Alvarez, but the roots of the South American’s style are shaped by a natural quality in front of goal. As per Sofascore, he only missed seven big chances in La Liga last season, scoring 17 goals and creating nine big chances too.

And this isn’t a simple anomaly. Across his two campaigns in the Premier League, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 20 goals from 44 starts, only missing 14 big chances.

It’s pretty clear he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, and while Isak is FSG’s first-choice pick, Alvarez might just be the perfect fallback if ambitious efforts to bring Isak over from St. James’ Park don’t pull through.

The winds of change are blowing at Anfield, all right, but there’s more still to come for the Premier League champions, who are packaging a proven squad with exciting additions who might just solidify Slot’s early success, shaping it into a dynasty.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

da bet7： Arsenal’s attack in 2024/25 has been depleted over the last couple of months, with injuries massively hampering their Premier League title chances.

da dobrowin： Mikel Arteta has been without Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka for large spells of the campaign, often having to utilise a make-shift front three.

However, the Gunners still managed to score 69 times in their 38 matches this season, with only Liverpool and Manchester City scoring more in England’s top-flight.

Such injuries have highlighted the need for added depth and quality in such a department, with the hierarchy needing to hand Arteta with the funds to make the improvements he demands.

With the summer rapidly approaching, it will allow the Spaniard to land any of the stars currently on his radar, bolstering their chances of a title charge next season.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer

A new centre-forward has been at the top of Arsenal’s list over the last couple of months, with Benjamin Sesko the latest player in their sights during the off-season.

It’s been reported in recent days that the Gunners have already been in talks with RB Leipzig over a move for the 21-year-old talisman, who currently has an £84m clause in his contract.

However, he’s not the only attacker who’s been in direct contact with the hierarchy, with Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo also in talks over a move to the Emirates, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that Arteta’s side are facing a battle with fellow English side Liverpool for the signature of the 23-year-old, who’s registered 11 combined goals and assists this season.

It also states that he has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his deal with the LaLiga outfit, potentially moving to North London with teammate Martin Zubimendi this summer.

Why Arsenal’s £50m target would be a better signing than Sane

Despite the interest in the aforementioned duo, Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané has also been mentioned as a potential option for Arsenal this summer.

The German, who’s registered 11 goals in the Bundesliga this season, looks set to depart the Allianz Arena at the end of June when his current contract comes to an end.

The 29-year-old is also subject to interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, potentially making for an intriguing transfer battle between the pair in the coming months.

Sane has previously starred in England’s top-flight, scoring 39 times in his 135 appearances for Manchester City during his four-year spell at the Etihad.

However, despite the interest in the Bayern attacker, Arteta should steer clear and make a move for Kubo instead, with the Japanese international outperforming Sane in numerous key areas.

The Sociedad star, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former Barcelona boss Xavi, may have scored fewer goals this season, but has managed a better goal per shot-on-target rate – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

He’s also registered more progressive carries and more take-ons completed, highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet and running at the opposition.

How Kubo compares to Sane in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Kubo

Sane

Games played

36

30

Goals scored

5

11

Progressive carries

5.1

4.1

Progressive passes

4.2

3.5

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.3

Passes into final third

2.2

1.3

Take-on success

48%

39%

Crosses completed

3.2

2.8

Stats via FBref

Kubo’s dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more crosses per 90, along with more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to aid others in attacking areas.

It may appear to be a bold call to move for Kubo over Sane given the difference in price this summer, but he’s demonstrated in LaLiga that he’s a more impressive option for Arteta.

He’s also six years younger than the Bayern star, having the potential to explode into life should he complete a £50m deal to the Emirates in the coming months.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 30, 2025