The Argentina Star, Lionel Messi reveals Ronaldinho debt

Messi and Ronaldinho
The Argentina star has hailed the impact the former Blaugrana man had
on him at the start of his career
The four-time Ballon d'Or winner made his Blaugrana debut back in
2004, a year after the Brazilian joined the club from Paris
Saint-Germain and set about becoming a Camp Nou idol.

It is a time Messi has never forgotten and he admits the welcoming
presence of Ronaldinho ensured his transition to the first team was a
smooth one.


He told Barca TV: I've always said, since the first moment I walked in
the locker room, Ronaldinho and other Brazilians, Deco, Sylvinho and
[Thiago] Motta welcomed me and provided me things, but mostly he
(Ronaldinho), and I learned a lot at his side."

"It was a big help. It's never easy to go into a locker room as a
teenager and Ronaldinho made everything easier. I was fortunate to
live near him and share many things with him. I can say that he is a
great person and that's the most important thing."

Ronaldinho lifted two Liga titles and the Champions League during a
five-year spell at Camp Nou and Messi believes the 33-year-old was the
biggest sole influence behind that side's success.

He continued: "Ronaldinho was responsible for changing the club. The
club was going through a bad spell but it changed with his arrival.

"During the first year we did not win anything but people loved him.
Later came the titles and he made all those people happy. I believe
that Barca should be forever grateful for everything he did."

The Brazil international eventually left the club for AC Milan in
2008, before joining Flamengo and then Atletico Mineiro in 2012.
Source: Goal.com

Pakistani Billionaire Buys Fulham FC

Pakistan-born billionaire Shahid Khan has agreed a deal to buy English
Premier League club, Fulham FC.

Khan, who owns NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars, has been in talks with
Fulham owner, Mohamed al Fayed for several days and the pair reached
an agreement that will put the West London team under new ownership
for the first time in 16 years.

The transaction, reported to have cost khan around £150 million, has
been approved by the premier league and the tycoon assumes 100 per
cent ownership of the club.

Khan is ranked 179th in the Forbes 400 list of richest Americans with
an estimated worth of $2.5 billion after making his fortune as a car
parts manufacturer.

Man Rapes Aunt, Kills 80yr Old Grandfather

A young man in Ekpoma, the headquarters of Esan West local government
area of Edo State, allegedly raped his aunt, and killed his
grandfather for daring to report the incident to the police.

Osagie allegedly committed the murder after being arraigned in court
for rape and granted bail.

Another of the suspected assailant's aunt, Maria, said her nephew was
infuriated that the 80-year-old man, Pa Asemienwalen, informed the
police about the rape  incident, leading to his arrest and
prosecution.Osagie will be an ungrateful grandson if proved that he
killed his grandfather as the old man was said to have raised him
after his son who bore Osagie died.

Maria, the aunt and a  500-level student of Ambrose Alli Unviersity,
Ekpoma, who spoke to us, said she had to relocate to Benin-City
following threat to her life by the suspect's associate after his
arrest for the murder and transfer to Benin city for further
investigations.

Narrating the story, she, tearfully, said about two months to her
father's murder, the grandson became a terror to the family while all
advice from the old man to mend his bad ways fell on deaf ears.

"About  months to my father's death, he, Osagie, burgled the house and
removed my father's valuables  and money. As a result, we stopped
leaving valuables, money and telephone handsets in the house," the
aunt alleged.

"As if this was not enough, when he learnt that my junior sister,
Juliet, left her telephone handset in the farm, and was on her way to
retrieve  it, he secretly followed her and raped her after beating
her. Unable to bear this abomination, my father reported the incident
to the police at Ekpoma who arrested him and charged the matter to
court after  investigations.

"He was granted bail by the magistrate court at Ekpoma and the matter
was adjourned to 30  May, 2013 for hearing. Once he was out of
custody, Osagie vowed that my father will pay with his life for
reporting the case to the police. My father  reported the threat to
his life to the police at Ekpoma and begged them to protect him.

"However, when the case came up for hearing on 30 May, the court did
not sit and, on  1  June, Osagie struck in the early hours of that
day, woke my father up, strangled him and escaped before help could
come".

Maria appealed to the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Funsho
Adebanjo, to ensure that justice was done, saying some of Osagie's
sympathisers had been boasting that nothing will come out of the case.
She said that she was afraid of going back to Ekpoma to continue with
her studies as she continued to receive death threats on her telephone
from the suspect's associates.

Counsel to the Asemienwalen family and human rights lawyer, Benjy
Iluobe, while calling for the alleged murder case to be charged to
court, said he was monitoring the investigations by the police.

Osagie, who has since been re-arrested by the police in Ekpoma, was
said to be  cooling off at the State Investigations Department of the
Edo State Police Command. The state Police Public Relations Officer,
Mr. Moses Eguaveon, said the police had stepped  up investigations
into the matter and the investigations, once completed, the suspected
would be charged to court.

Malala Yousafzai inspirational speech at the UN yesterday

Malala is the 16 year old Pakistani school girl and education activist
who was shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by
Taliban gunmen while returning home on a school bus on 9 October 2012.
She marked her 16th birthday by addressing the United Nations at its
headquarters yesterday Friday July 12th. Read her inspiration speech
below...Thank you to every person who has prayed for my fast recovery
and a new life. I cannot believe how much love people have shown me. I
have received thousands of good wish cards and gifts from all over the
world. Thank you to all of them. Thank you to the children whose
innocent words encouraged me. Thank you to my elders whose prayers
strengthened me.
Dear brothers and sisters, do remember one thing. Malala day is not my
day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and every girl who
have raised their voice for their rights. I speak - not for myself,
but for all girls and boys.
Dear friends, on October 9, 2012, the Taliban shot me on the left side
of my forehead. They shot my friends too. They thought that the
bullets would silence us. But they failed. And then, out of that
silence came, thousands of voices.

The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our
ambitions but nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear
and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage was born. I am the
same Malala. My ambitions are the same. My hopes are the same. My
dreams are the same.

Dear sisters and brothers, I am not against anyone. Neither am I here
to speak in terms of personal revenge against the Taliban or any other
terrorists group. I am here to speak up for the right of education of
every child. I want education for the sons and the daughters of all
the extremists especially the Taliban.

I do not even hate the Talib who shot me. Even if there is a gun in my
hand and he stands in front of me. I would not shoot him. This is the
compassion that I have learnt from Muhammad-the prophet of mercy,
Jesus christ and Lord Buddha. This is the legacy of change that I have
inherited from Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Muhammad Ali
Jinnah.
The wise saying, "The pen is mightier than sword" was true. The
extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education
frightens them. They are afraid of women. The power of the voice of
women frightens them.

That is why they are blasting schools every day. Because they were and
they are afraid of change, afraid of the equality that we will bring
into our society.

They think that God is a tiny, little conservative being who would
send girls to the hell just because of going to school. The terrorists
are misusing the name of Islam and Pashtun society for their own
personal benefits.

Women and children are suffering in many parts of the world in many
ways. In India, innocent and poor children are victims of child
labour. Many schools have been destroyed in Nigeria. People in
Afghanistan have been affected by the hurdles of extremism for
decades.

We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect
women and children's rights. A deal that goes against the dignity of
women and their rights is unacceptable.

We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for
every child all over the world.
We call upon all governments to fight against terrorism and violence,
to protect children from brutality and harm.

So let us wage a global struggle against illiteracy, poverty and
terrorism and let us pick up our books and pens. They are our most
powerful weapons.
One child, one teacher, one pen and one book can change the world.
Education is the only solution. Education first.

Obafemi Martins Turns His Jerseys To Dining Room Furniture

To celebrate his colourful career, and obviously show off his kit to
visitors, our very dear Obafemi Martins did this to his jerseys from
his old clubs and his country.
He used his shirts to upholster his golden dining room chairs.

Let's us Pray

4th Day Of Ramadan Allahumo Qawinee Feehi Alalam'rika Wa-Ahdini la-adai Shukrika Bikaramika, Wahfis nee bi Hifsika Wasitirika Yaa Absara Nasireen. "O Allah, give me strength to observe Your orders. Encourage me through Your kindness to thanks You. Keep me Under Your protection; O. One Who sees everything.

Oil Theft: Pastor & 3 Others Arrested With 317 Kegs Of Stolen Petrol In Ikorodu, Lagos (Photo)

Pastor & 3 Others Arrested For Stealing Petrol At NNPC Pipeline In Ikorodu, Lagos

Pastor & 3 Others Arrested For Stealing Petrol At NNPC Pipeline In Majidun, Ikorodu, Lagos
2 days ago, Lagos Task force officials arrested 4 people over oil theft at Majidun in Ikorodu area of Lagos state.

In total 317pcs of 55-litre petrol kegs totaling 15850 litres were recovered during the raid.
The suspects including a self-proclaimed Pastor were among those arrested.

We learnt the they were caught at about 5pm on Tuesday when task force officers saw them stealing petrol from NNPC pipeline into 50-litre kegs at Majidun.
Many of the oil thieves escaped by jumping into the river.

The name of those  arrested suspects are;

• Oluafin Abejoye, who said he is a pastor at Holy Power church of Zion. He is 58 year old
• 30 year old Samson Aliu
• 21 Year Old Niyi Emorioloye
• 22 year old Onyekachi Chukwu

The 3 suspects have denied the allegations claiming they’re victim of wrongful arrest.
What if these people are actually innocent?
What of those who escaped by jumping into the river?

Wizkid Prostrates To Greet King Sunny Ade On Stage As They Performed Together (Picture)

Star singer Ayo Balogun aka Wizkid recently displayed the highest level of respect to veteran musician King Sunny Ade, KSA.

This happened in Victoria Island, Lagos about 2 weeks ago as the two are about to perform together on stage at the Ebony TV launch.

Wizzy knows how to show respect to his elders. Nice one!

Largest Baby Ever Born

A newborn weighing nearly 14 pounds is believed to be the largest baby ever born at one Pennsylvania hospital.
Addyson Gale Cessna was delivered via cesarean section at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, tipping the scales at 13 pounds and 12 ounces and measuring 25 inches long.
Doctors at the facility told KDKA-TV that they don't keep official records of infants birthed, but say the baby girl is the heaviest they can recall.

Record-breaker: Addyson Gale Cessna was delivered via cesarean section at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital in Kittanning, tipping the scales at 13 pounds and 12 ounces and measuring 25 inches long

Big surprise: Doctors at the facility say they don't keep official records of infants birthed, but the baby girl is the heaviest they can recall - she is almost double the weight of an average newborn

Dr Amy Turner, who helped perform yesterday's planned delivery, said: 'We were thinking around ten-and-a-half 11 pounds or so.

 

'When I first got her out I was like: "She’s at least 12 pounds". She was much bigger than we thought.'

And Dr Yannie Narcisse, who was also on hand, added: 'I think as mothers, we all have that initial, oh my that must have hurt, and they’re right. That’s big.'

Sense of relief: New mom Michelle Cessna said that she experienced mild discomfort during pregnancy as her baby continued to grow - her twin boys were also larger than usual

Addyson's mother, Michelle said that she felt mild discomfort during her pregnancy as her baby continued to grow to almost double the average size.
After coming out of the operating room the new mom said: 'I can't even describe it. It's just bliss.'
She and and her husband Mark who live in Rural Valley, expected their baby to be big - their twin boys J.J. and Ryan, were also larger - but no one anticipated she would be more than 13 pounds.
Mr Cessna said with a sense of relief: 'I wasn’t expecting this. I’m just happy that everything’s OK '

Proud dad: Mark Cessna, pictured with his twin sons J.J. and Ryan and his baby daughter, said he was glad 'everything went OK' - the family are now resting up at hospital

Both baby and mom are healthy and doing well and Mrs Cessna says she has the perfect family now.

According to the Guinness Wold Records the heaviest baby on record was born in Ohio in 1879, weighing 23 pounds and 12 ounces, However, he died 11 hours later.
Meanwhile the heaviest baby to survive, was born in Aversa, Italy in 1955 weighing 22 pounds and eight ounces.

Actress Rita Dominic Is Already 38yrs Old; Yet No Husband?

First lets wish our darling Nollywood actress, Rita Dominic a happy 38th birthday. Congrats to her! That said, lets move on to the real issue...

Since I realized that this beautiful actress had turned 38, the development has been disturbing yours truly. For a lady as popular and successful as Rita Dominic to still be single at 38, it seems something is wrong.

But what could it be? Is she still looking for her mister right abi it's the guy that is yet to find her? could it be something more fundamental like she not having the character traits to keep a man?

Guys, what do you think is responsible for Rita Dominic being single at 38?

Arsene Wenger set to snub PSG and extend bumper £7.5m-a-season contract at Emirates

Arsene Wenger has pledged his long-term future to Arsenal after revealing he has started talks over a new contract.
The Frenchman’s existing deal expires next summer, fuelling speculation this could be his final season in charge.
But Wenger insists his intention is to extend his £7.5million-a-season contract, and preliminary discussions with chief executive Ivan Gazidis are underway.

Signing on: Arsene Wenger is set to seal a new deal at the Emirates and snub suitors PSG

Staying put: Arsene Wenger (left) will stay at Arsenal after admitting talks over a new deal have begun

 

‘I am committed to staying longer at this club. I’ve already had a chat with Ivan. It went very well, not a problem,’ the 63-year-old said. 
But Wenger, who has been at the helm since 1996, insists the decision will not rest solely with him.
‘What I will always do in the future is not to use my longevity (at this club) as an advantage to stay in this position if I don’t do well.
‘The contract will be decided in the future. That will depend on how well I do. I’ve always shown my commitment to this club and I don’t think I need to prove anything on that.
‘Would my decision depend on how well next season goes? I am like anybody else, of course, it is important to see how well we do.
‘I don’t automatically assume that I will be here. I think I knew when I committed to my last contract  and the contract before that the club were going through a very  sensitive period, because we had less financial resources and the challenge was to stay at the top and in the Champions League during that period.
‘We are coming out of that period and I hope in the next two or three years the club will be competing for the Premier League.’ 
Wenger turned down strong overtures from Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer.
The Ligue 1 champions subsequently appointed former Manchester United defender  Laurent Blanc as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement at Parc des Princes — but the fact the Frenchman signed only a 12-month deal has fuelled talk of Wenger moving to his homeland next year.
And, despite providing a major indication that he was offered the PSG job, Wenger insists his future is in north London.

Lads on tour: Jack Wilshere and his Arsenal team-mates arrived in Indonesia to start the pre-season tour

Hidden talents: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (above) and Wojciech Szczesny showed their skills on the piano 

‘The link with PSG is there because I’m French and I know the owners. But if that was the case then I would be there already.
‘My heart is with Arsenal. I’m not at PSG because my heart is with Arsenal,’ he said. 
Wenger arrived in Indonesia  yesterday for the first leg of  Arsenal’s Far East tour with  20-year-old French forward Yaya Sanogo, from Auxerre, his only summer signing.
After years of restrained spending, the Gunners will loosen the purse-strings in an attempt to land at least one marquee signing.
Wenger should complete the £23m signing of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain, while the club are also interested in Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez.
Landing all three could prove a step too far for Arsenal, despite their increased financial clout, but Wenger admitted: ‘They are all realistic targets quality wise, but not all of them are available to join us. First of all, those players are under contract and it is the club who decide if they can go and, if they go, if they can join us.
‘We have better financial resources than the years before and it is resources we have created ourselves. That is massively important to us.

Targets: Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could be on Wenger's agenda

In demand: Liverpool's Luis Suarez has grown unsettled at Anfield and could look for a way out

Nailed on? Gonzalo Higuain (right) is likely to join Wenger in north London from Real Madrid

‘For years we were out of the race for the top-level transfers but we are coming back now because we are in a better financial situation and also because of Financial Fair Play. That will give everybody a bit more even ground.
‘We must also rely on the quality of our work, on the style of our play and the fact we develop our own players. We will only use financial resources to bring in one or two players who will give us something more.
‘We will see what we can do until the end of the transfer period and certainly before the new season starts. That’s what we are working on at the moment.
‘The fans, the players, everybody is reassured by big names. But what is important is that we don’t need numbers, we need quality. We are working very hard and I’m confident we will be able to do it.’ 
Wenger goes into the new season with the landscape of the top four looking completely different. The Frenchman is the Premier League’s longest-serving manager following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, while Chelsea and Manchester City boast high-profile managerial changes.

New era: David Moyes will hope to retain Manchester United's title next season

New look: Manuel Pellegrini (left) has taken over at Manchester City, with Jose Mourinho returning to Chelsea

Wenger added: ‘This is the biggest change in the top four in all the time I’ve been with Arsenal. Is the league more open than before? We don’t know, nobody knows.
‘It feels like it should be, but it is not who sits on the bench who will be most important — it is the  players on the pitch.
‘But we’ve got the most stability and we hope to take advantage of that. There was a big gap between us and Manchester United last season and our challenge is to bridge that gap. But you go to Manchester City, they will want to win the league. You go to Manchester United, it’s the same, to Liverpool, to Chelsea, everybody will want to win the league.’

Ex-factor: Is Rihanna taking legal action against Chris Brown over his upcoming album?

Rihanna is poised to take legal action on her ex-lover Chris Brown if he does not stop mentioning her name for promotional purposes. The restraining order will hold against Chris Brown using her name to promote his upcoming album, ‘X’.
The album is expected to feature known artistes including Kendrick Lamar, Nicki Minaj and RiRi.

RiRi has expressed her intention not to have anything to do with Breezy since their break-up in May.
She reportedly replied Chris Brown’s tweet with a subliminal message rejecting ever doing a collaboration with him on any song.
See the tweet below: