Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

FC Pune City sign ex-Chelsea and Barcelona forward Gudjohnsen

The Indian Super League team FC Pune City on Wednesday (August 24) announced the signing of former Chelsea and Barcelona star Eidur Gudjohnsen as its marquee player for the 2016 edition of the tournament.

The 37-year-old was part of the Chelsea side that won the Premier League title in 2004-05 and 2005-06. He was also part of the La Liga and Champions League title winning Barcelona team in 2008-09.


Speaking at the introduction of the striker, Gaurav Modwel, CEO of FC Pune City said, “To me Eidur is a true marquee who will be an inspiration to the rest of the squad. He has made valuable contributions to every team he has been a part of – Chelsea, Barcelona or the Iceland national team. I am anxious to witness his sublime touches and creative vision which could unsettle any defence.”

The Iceland star started his club career with Valur in Reykjavík in 1994. From 1995, he played for PSV in the Netherlands until 1998. He made his national senior team debut at the age of 17 against Estonia in Tallinn in April 1996 when he came on as a half-time substitute for his father, Arnor.

Gudjohnsen said, “There were other clubs interested in me but when FC Pune City showed their interest, intent and plans, I knew this was it. I have the confidence of the coach and will ensure that they find it difficult to leave me out.

“Everyone needs to be motivated to succeed, and I have the same aim here. I love the sport. I still love going to training every day.”

In 1998, the forward joined Bolton Wanderers in England, and in his second season with them, he became their top-scorer with 21 goals. This secured a £4 million transfer to Chelsea in the summer of 2000.

After two successive title wins with Chelsea, scoring 78 goals in 263 appearances, Gudjohnsen joined European champions Barcelona in the summer of 2006, and his stay at the Catalan giants saw the club winning the treble in 2009.

He had a year-long spell at Monaco after which he came back to England to play for Tottenham Hotspur, Stoke City and Fulham. He left England to join AEK Athens for a year followed by a stint with Belgian clubs Cercie Brugge and Club Brugge. This was followed by an emotional return to Bolton in 2014, exactly 14 years after he left them to join Chelsea.

Gudjohnsen had a consistent run with Iceland until their World Cup qualifying campaign. The play-off defeat to Croatia in 2013 looked like ending his international career until he made a goal-scoring return in a Euro 2016 qualifier against Kazakhstan. When Iceland coach Lars Lagerback named him in his 23-man squad for the Euro 2016 finals in France, it injected a new life in the striker’s long career.

Pune head coach Antonio Habas said, “Eidur has the experience of playing at highest levels and a professional motivation to succeed. I’ve admired him from afar for many years and am very excited at the prospect of us working together.”

More For You

Mohammed Siraj 'loving the challenge' of leading India's attack

Mohammed Siraj in action. Reuters/Paul Childs

Mohammed Siraj 'loving the challenge' of leading India's attack

MOHAMMED SIRAJ said he "loved the challenge" of leading India's attack in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah after taking a six-wicket haul in the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Friday (4).

There was widespread criticism when India, who lost last week's series opener at Headingley, omitted outstanding spearhead quick Bumrah, the world's top-ranked Test bowler, from their team in Birmingham.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wimbledon 2025: Swiatek Overcomes McNally to Enter Third Round

The third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams

Getty Images

Iga Swiatek rallies past McNally to reach Wimbledon third round

Summary

     
  • Swiatek battles back: Iga Swiatek overcame a shaky start to defeat American Caty McNally 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 and reach the third round at Wimbledon.
  • Early scare: McNally, ranked 208, came from 1-4 down to take the first set, capitalising on Swiatek’s struggles on grass.
  • Swift turnaround: Swiatek raised her aggression in the second set, dominating the rest of the match and losing just three more games.
  • Grand Slam consistency: The 23-year-old became only the third woman this century to reach the third round in 22 consecutive Grand Slams.
  • Familiar foe: Swiatek and McNally were former junior doubles partners, winning the French Open girls' title together in 2018.


Keep ReadingShow less
Akash-Deep-Getty

Akash Deep gave away 12 runs in his first over but returned to bowl a double-wicket maiden in his second. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

England in trouble after Gill’s double century and Akash Deep’s early strikes

INDIA captain Shubman Gill scored his first Test double century as India posted 587 in their first innings on the second day of the second Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. England were 77-3 at stumps, trailing by 510 runs.

Gill’s 269 was the foundation of India’s innings, before stand-in fast bowler Akash Deep removed two England batters in consecutive balls. Deep is playing in this match as Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked Test bowler, is being rested. Bumrah is set to play only three of the five matches in this series due to a back injury.

Keep ReadingShow less
Novak Djokovic

His pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace

Getty Images

Novak Djokovic cruising as seeded players recover at Wimbledon

Summary

  • Sinner cruises through to third round
  • Draper stunned by inspired Cilic
  • Sixth-seeded Serbian swats aside home favourite Evans
  • Holder Krejcikova battles past American Dolehide
  • Rybakina and Swiatek both progress into third round

Novak Djokovic showed signs that he is easing into the old routine at Wimbledon as the seven-times champion sauntered into the third round on Thursday while Barbora Krejcikova also made it through as her title defence continued.

World number one Jannik Sinner also eased into round three as his pursuit of a first Wimbledon title gathered pace, the Italian thrashing Australia's Aleksandar Vukic 6-1 6-1 6-3.

Keep ReadingShow less
IND vs ENG

Shree Charani of India (2R) celebrates the wicket of Amy Jones during the 2nd women's T20 match between England and India in Bristol on July 1, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

India look to clinch maiden women's T20I series win against England

INDIA will look to secure their first women’s T20I series win over England when they play the third match of the five-game series on Friday. India currently lead the series 2-0.

England will be without their captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who has been ruled out of the match due to a left groin injury.

Keep ReadingShow less