OFFICIAL: Szczesny seals second loan switch to Roma

The Arsenal goalkeeper has rejoined the Serie A club on a short-term deal for the second successive season, with the Poland international to battle Alisson for the No.1 shirt

Goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has completed a season-long loan move to Roma from Arsenal, the clubs have confirmed.

The Poland international, who made 42 appearances for the Serie A side in 2015-16, has agreed to a second spell in the Italian capital.

"The club can confirm Wojciech Szczesny will be a Roma player in 2016-17 after an agreement was reached with Arsenal FC to extend the Polish goalkeeper's loan deal until June 30, 2017," Roma announced in a statement.

Speaking to the club's TV channel, Szczesny said: "I'm very happy. After a good season last year I had possibility of coming back and I was very happy that the coach wanted me.

"I'm delighted to be back and I hope that we can improve on what we did last season."

Arsenal confirmed the news through their official website, adding: "We wish him well for the season ahead."

Szczesny is expected to battle Brazil international Alisson for the starting spot in Luciano Spalletti's team.

Messi snubbed as Bale, Ronaldo, Griezmann up for UEFA Best Player award

The Argentine failed to make the top three for the Best Player in Europe accolade in favour of the Real Madrid duo and the Atletico and France striker

Lionel Messi has been left out of the top three shortlist for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Antoine Griezmann in the running.

Manchester City draw Steaua in Champions League playoff

Manchester City have been drawn to face Steaua in the Champions League playoffs.

This will be the first time that Pep Guardiola has been involved in this stage of the competition, having achieved direct qualification to the group stages when he took charge of both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

In the ‘champions route’, Celtic have been tasked with two fixtures against Israeli outfit Hapoel Beer-Sheva as they attempt to return to the European big time. Dundalk, meanwhile, will play Legia Warsaw as they attempt to complete a fairytale push to the groups.

The first legs of the ties will be played on August 16 and 17, with the return matches taking place a week later.

photizosam.blogspot.com: Bale & Benzema could miss Super Cup along with Ron...

photizosam.blogspot.com: Bale & Benzema could miss Super Cup along with Ron...: Bale & Benzema could miss Super Cup along with Ronaldo Cristiano is still injured and returns to Madrid on August 10, but his two...

Bale & Benzema could miss Super Cup along with Ronaldo

Cristiano is still injured and returns to Madrid on August 10, but his two fellow forwards may not be available either for the European clash against Sevilla in Trondheim

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane may have to do without all three of his first-choice forwards for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Sevilla in Norway next week.

Martinez: Belgium squad as good as it gets

The Spaniard Coach believes that the talent at his disposal is of the highest standard but that his players must learn to cope with the high expectations placed upon them

Roberto Martinez is delighted to have been appointed new Belgium coach but has warned their mentality must change if they are to win anything.

United set to announce Pogba transfer

Manchester United are set to announce the £100million signing of Paul Pogba from Juventus.

After weeks of negotiations United have finally finalised a deal for Pogba while he holidayed in the United States.

And it is understood the Frenchman will officially be unveiled before the Premier League season starts.

Jose Mourinho hinted ahead of Wayne Rooney’s testimonial on Wednesday that he wanted the world record deal concluded by the end of this week and, according to the Manchester Evening News, United have succeeded in doing so.

The 23-year-old decided to rejoin United a fortnight ago and his move was finalised exactly four years to the day since his Old Trafford departure was confirmed by Sir Alex Ferguson.