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In the world of football, Real Madrid star Toni Kroos announced his retirement. The 34-year-old confirmed that he will play his last match for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2023-24 final against the Borussia Dortmund on June 1. The Premier League giants Liverpool, just a day after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, announced Arne Slot as their new manager. Apart from football, in tennis, Rafael Nadal commenced his training ahead of the French Open 2024 at the Philippe Chatrier centre court.
Read below to learn details about these top stories and other happenings in the sporting world in the last 24 hours.
Football
Real Madrid star To ni Kroos to retire after UEFA Euro 2024
Real Madrid and Germany star midfielder Toni Kroos took to social media to announce his retirement at the end of the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024, taking place next month in Germany. The retirement announcement revealed that the 34-year-old will play his last match for Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2023-24 final against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, June 1.
Mainoo in, Henderson out of England's provisional Euro 2024 squad: Reports
Manchester United teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo is set to be part of England's provisional squad for the Euro 2024. The development was reported by talkSPORT. Whereas in a report by the Athletic, Jordan Henderson has been left out of England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad. Gareth Southgate will announce a provisional squad on May 21 at 1 p.m. BST.
Argentina announce provisional squad for Copa America 2024
Argentina have announced their provisional 29-man squad for their two international friendlies and the 2024 Copa America, which is set to begin from June 21. While Lionel Messi will lead the La Albiceleste, the side will cut short the squad to a 26-member side after the International Friendlies.
Arne Slot announced as Liverpool manager after Jurgen Klopp’s departure
Liverpool have confirmed Arne Slot as their new manager, a day after Jurgen Klopp’s departure from the club on May 19. The Dutch manager has penned a three-year-deal with the Premier League giants and is set to start his work from June 1.
Luka Modric to extend stay at Real Madrid: Reports
Star midfielder Luka Modric is reportedly in talks to extend his contract with Real Madrid, having been linked with a move away from the club after spending 12 highly successful years. Modric was part of the 2023-24 La Liga champions side and multiple reports have suggested that the 2018 Ballon D’or winner is willing to stay for one more season with the Los Blancos.
Some major results in football are as under:
Italian Serie A:
Salernitana 1:2 Hellas Verona
Bologna 3:3 Juventus
Tennis
Rafael Nadal begins training ahead of French Open 2024; gets rousing welcome in Paris
Former World No. 1 Rafael Nadal began preparations for the upcoming French Open 2024 on Monday, May 20. The 14-time champion at the clay-court major received a rousing welcome at the Philippe Chatrier centre court, confirming his appearance at the upcoming event.
Badminton
Satwik-Chirag pair reclaim World No. 1 spot in BWF Rankings
The Indian doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty reclaimed the World No. 1 position after their dominating win at Thailand Open Super 500 badminton tournament. Moreover, the Indian pair of Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa, who reached the semifinals of the Thailand Open recently, have also jumped two places to take the World No. 19 spot.
Others
WFI to not hold Olympic selection trials; six quota winners to compete at Paris Olympics
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has decided against holding selection trials for the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, paving way for the six wrestlers who have secured the quota to represent India. WFI Chief on Tuesday, May 21 conveyed this decision and said, “There will be no selection trials. We want our athletes to be focused on the Olympic Games. Wrestling has been destroyed in this country, but we will try to get it back to the level it was. I’m hoping for 1-2 medals in wrestling.”
Former UFC and BKFC fighter dies in motorcycle accident
Former UFC and BKFC fighter Geane Herrera has passed away following a tragic motorcycle accident in Tampa, Florida. The 33-year-old fighter, who started his career in 2011, collided with a car and was declared dead en route to the hospital. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the accident occurred on the Gandy Bridge.
