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RIP JUNIOR AGOGO: FORMER NOTTINGHAM FOREST AND GHANA STRIKER DIES AGED 40

Junior Agogo dead: Nottingham Forest and Ghana striker dies aged 40

The striker who had a brief stint at Oldham and was a star for Ghana during his long career has died after previously suffering a stroke.

The Ghanaian striker, who had a short spell loan at Oldham Atheltic in the late 90s, died in London on Thursday morning according to reports in his homeland.

Junior, who began his career at Sheffield Wednesday but made his name at Bristol Rovers and Nottingham Forest, suffered a stroke back in 2015, aged just 35, which left him debilitated just two years after he retired from playing.

Agent Saif Rubie tweeted saying: "Just heard the news that one of my first clients ever Junior Agogo has passed away. Still can't believe it. One of my proudest moments in football is seeing him smash the AFCON in Ghana."

Agogo was a star of the national team and was their poster during the 2008 African Cup of Nations which was held in Ghana.

He scored 12 goals goals in 27 caps during the height of his career between 2006 and 2009.

Agogo enjoyed the best spell of his club career with Forest between 2006 and 2008, scoring over 20 goals for the club.

Nottingham Forest tweeted saying: "Rest in peace, Junior. are saddened to learn that former striker Junior Agogo has passed away.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Junior’s family and friends at this sad time."

Sheffield Wednesday said: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of our former player Junior Agogo. Our thoughts are with Junior's family and friends at this very difficult time. RIP."

started his career with Sheffield Wednesday during their time in the Premier League, making two appearances for the club, before a stint in the United States.

He returned to England with QPR in 2002 then moved to Barnet, bagging 19 goals in 39 games to earn a move to Bristol Rovers.

It was with Rovers that he starred with over 40 goals across three seasons, earning his move to Forest and firing them into the Championship.
He scored 13 goals as they earned promotion to the Championship from League One before being sold to Zamalek in 2008.

He finished his career in Scotland, being signed by former Forest boss Colin Calderwood at Hibernian on a one-year deal in July 2011.

He suffered a stroke in 2012.

Afterwards he opened up on his health problems in an emotional interview in a BBC show called "Speechless" two years ago, discussing his battle to regain his speech.

Source: Manchester Evening News

Egypt international Ahmed Elmohamady has signed one-year extension to his contract with English Premier League side Aston Villa.

It will see the 31-year-old, who joined Villa in 2017, stay at the club until 2021.

Almohamady made over 40 appearances last season and has started both of Villa's league games so far this season.

He was part of Egypt's squad at the recent Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.

PSV Eindhoven youngster Mohammed Ihattaren says he is yet to decide whether he wants to commit his international future to Netherlands or Morocco.

The 17-year-old was born in the Netherlands and has played for them at every level from under-15 to under-19 but is eligible to swap to Morocco at senior level through his parents.

He was named by Morocco's new head coach Vahid Halilhodzic in his first Atlas Lions squad but Ihattaren is not ready to make a final decision on his international future.

"We'll see. I just want to be important and also make an international name for myself. That would be nice in the Netherlands, but also in Morocco," he explained.

"I owe a lot to the Netherlands. I'll not forget that in my choice."

Qatari side Al-Sailiya have announced the signing of Morocco international Mbark Boussoufa on a free transfer.

"Mbark has signed a two-season contract after long negotiations with him," Al-Sailiya announced.
The 35-year-old was a free agent after his six-month deal with Al Shabab of Saudi Arabia ended at the end of last season.

Boussoufa was part of Morocco's squad at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt as the Atlas Lions reached the last 16 of the tournament.

Cristian Pavon officially loaned to Los Angeles Galaxy

On the last day of the transfer window in Major League Soccer and after much speculation, Argentinian, Cristian Pavon has arrived to Los Angeles. Pavon will arrive on loan from Boca Juniors to the Galaxy.

Pavon’s signing becomes the MLS’ biggest signing during this Summer window. In past seasons, Pavon had been linked to clubs in Europe, however, a transfer was never made. Pavon has been a staple in the Argentinian National team, as he played in all of Argentina’s matches at the 2018 World Cup.

With Pavon’s signing, MLS has moved to import more young talent, especially from South America. Pavon joins a group of South American talent in MLS such as Pity Martinez and Josef Martinez.

Guillermo Ochoa to return to Club America

After eight years playing in Europe, Mexican star keeper, Guillermo Ochoa, will return to Mexico to play with America. Ochoa began his career with America where he rose in the rankings as one, if not, the best goalkeepers in Mexico. Ochoa will now return to his home club with more experience and aspirations to win championships.

Ochoa’s arrival to America comes after the departure of previous America keeper, Agustin Marchesin. The Argentinian, Marchesin has recently moved away to FC Porto in Portugal after a stint in Liga MX including Santos and America. The space now leaves an opportunity forOchoa to pick up where he left off.

MLS All-Star week concludes with three winners

The MLS All Star events began on Wednesday with the Homegrown game, in which a team, composed of the U20 MLS players, plays a U20 team from around the world. The Homegrowns took on Chivas Guadalajara’s U20 team from Mexico. The game concluded in a 2-2 tie and the game went on to penalties where the Holegrowns would win, 3-0.

Later that evening, the MLS Skills Challenge was played out. The All Stars, Orlando SC, and Atletico Madrid presented a team of three players to participate in the challenges. In the end, it was Orlando SC who amounted the most points to win the Challenge after a last minute shot from Nani.

On Thursday, the MLS All Stars played Atletico De Madrid. The All Star team was created players from all over the league, with names such as Ibrahimovic, Rooney, and Vela. However, it was Madrid who was triumphant and won, 3-0.