Sports
Salah to leave Liverpool early, ending era for club icon
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah will leave the club at the end of the season after reaching an agreement to depart a year before his contract expires, marking the end of an era for one of the club’s greatest scorers.
The 33-year-old Egypt forward, who has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances for Liverpool, “reached an agreement” to quit the team a year before his contract was due to expire, the Premier League champions said.
Salah’s form has dipped in his ninth year at Anfield, to such an extent that he was dropped for a stretch of games late last year – leading to the winger telling reporters in an impromptu interview that the club “has thrown me under the bus.”
“Unfortunately the day has come,” Salah said in a post on Instagram that was released around the same time as Liverpool published a six-paragraph statement announcing the imminent departure of a club great.
“I wanted to start by saying I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club.”
It’s a slightly acrimonious exit for Salah, who has been the superstar name in Liverpool’s greatest team in a generation. He has won two Premier Leagues and a Champions League in a total of eight titles since joining from Roma in 2017, initially forming a devastating front three with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino under manager Jurgen Klopp.
Salah is third in Liverpool’s all-time scorers’ list, behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, and has won the Golden Boot – as the Premier League’s top scorer – four times.
Liverpool described Salah as “one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history” and said his time at Anfield had been “remarkable.”
“Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity,” Liverpool said, “to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.”
There was no immediate word from Salah on his next club. Leaving as a free agent would mean Liverpool wouldn’t collect a transfer fee. Salah was previously the subject of a bid from a Saudi team, reportedly Al-Ittihad, that was turned down in 2023.
Salah signed a two-year extension to his contract at Liverpool at the end of last season, tying him to the club until 2027, after being the star player in the team’s march to a record-tying 20th English league title.
However, his public clash with the club and manager Arne Slot this season might have tarnished his legacy in the eyes of some fans.
“I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” he said during an explosive interview after he was an unused substitute against Leeds in December.
Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Salah returned to favor with Slot but has struggled to recapture his best form.
“With plenty still left to play for this season, Salah is firmly focused on trying to achieve the best possible finish to the campaign for Liverpool,” the club said, “and, therefore, the time to fully celebrate his legacy and achievements will follow later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.”
Salah is currently out with a muscle injury sustained against Galatasaray in the Champions League last week.
Liverpool’s final Premier League game of the season is against Brentford at Anfield on May 24. The Champions League final is the following weekend, but Liverpool is the underdog heading into a quarterfinals matchup with Paris Saint-Germain.
L’Etape Marmaris by Tour de France will bring one of the world’s most recognized amateur cycling series to the southwestern Turkish coast on June 6-7, 2026, turning the resort district of Marmaris into a two-day showcase of endurance racing, tourism, and international sport.
Organized under the umbrella of the Amaury Sport Organisation, the event is part of the global L’Etape Series, which allows everyday cyclists to experience race conditions modeled on the Tour de France with professional-grade organization, full road closures, timing systems, and race support.
Held in Marmaris, the event marks the second Turkish destination in the series after Istanbul, underscoring the country’s growing profile in international cycling tourism. The race is organized in collaboration with Turkish event partner 78 Event and supported by Marmaris Municipality, with promotion expected across roughly 90 countries.
The weekend action will be centered at 19 Mayıs Gençlik Meydanı in central Marmaris, beginning on Saturday, June 6, with a community-focused public ride. The 6.6-kilometer non-competitive loop starts at 11:00 and is open to all ages and abilities. The flat course winds through central Marmaris streets, designed to encourage participation and promote cycling as a family-friendly activity.
Registration for the public ride is available through hadikaydol.com, with organizers positioning the event as an accessible entry point into the broader cycling weekend.
The main competitive race follows on Sunday, June 7, running from 08:00 to 12:30. Riders will choose between two mountainous routes: a long course of roughly 96.7 to 97 kilometers with up to 2,000 meters of elevation gain, and a shorter 65.8 to 66-kilometer alternative, both classified as demanding mountain profiles.
The routes stretch beyond Marmaris into some of the region’s most scenic and challenging terrain, passing through İçmeler, Turunç, Osmaniye, Bayır, Söğüt, Selimiye, Turgut, Orhaniye, and Hisarönü. The course also features sections near Amos Ancient City, combining steep climbs, technical descents, forest roads, and sweeping Aegean coastal views.
Organizers say the design aims to test endurance and racecraft while highlighting the natural and historical landscape of Muğla’s coastline. Full road closures will be in place during race hours, with authorities urging residents and visitors to plan ahead due to suspended vehicle access along the route.
The event will follow ASO’s international standards, including chip timing, feed zones, medical coverage, mechanical support, and marshaled safety systems. Category-based prizes will be awarded across age groups and genders, with additional sponsor draws expected.
With a participant cap of around 2,500 riders, the Marmaris edition is expected to draw both domestic and international cyclists, adding a significant tourism boost to the region’s hotel, marina, and hospitality sectors.
Spain’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in earnest Thursday when the reigning European champions host Iraq in a friendly at Estadio Municipal de Riazor in A Coruña, the first of two final tune-up matches before heading to North America.
Ranked second in the world behind France, Spain arrive at the tournament carrying heightened expectations after a dominant run under coach Luis de la Fuente.
La Roja are among the leading contenders to lift football’s most coveted trophy and are aiming to capture their first World Cup title since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
That success has not been followed by similar achievements on the global stage.
Spain exited in the group phase in 2014 and suffered consecutive round-of-16 eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Yet the current generation appears poised to challenge for the title after winning Euro 2024 and cruising through World Cup qualifying unbeaten with five wins and one draw, finishing ahead of Türkiye, Georgia and Bulgaria.
Consistency has become Spain’s hallmark. Over the last 27 months, De la Fuente’s side have lost just once in 28 international matches across all competitions, posting 22 victories and five draws. Their only setback came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, where they fell to Portugal in a penalty shootout.
Thursday’s match also offers Spain one final opportunity to play in front of home supporters before departing for Mexico, where they will face Peru in their last warm-up fixture. Spain are unbeaten in their previous 16 home internationals and will be eager to continue that streak after being held to a scoreless draw by Egypt in March.
For Iraq, the match represents another important step in a remarkable journey back to football’s biggest stage. The Lions of Mesopotamia have qualified for only their second World Cup and their first since 1986, when they lost all three group-stage matches in Mexico.
Their qualification campaign was a lengthy one, requiring them to navigate three AFC qualifying rounds before defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in April to secure a place in the tournament.
Since Australian coach Graham Arnold took charge, Iraq have shown signs of progress, winning nine of their last 14 matches while recording two draws and three defeats. Although they closed 2025 with losses to Algeria and Jordan at the Arab Cup, they responded with victories over Bolivia and Andorra, defeating the latter 1-0 in their most recent outing.
The challenge awaiting Iraq in North America is formidable. They have been drawn into Group I alongside top-ranked France, African powerhouse Senegal and Norway, led by prolific striker Erling Haaland. Iraq will open their campaign against Norway on June 16.
History offers little encouragement. The only previous meeting between Spain and Iraq came at the 2009 Confederations Cup, where Spain secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from David Villa. While Thursday’s encounter carries no competitive stakes, Iraq enter as clear underdogs against one of the tournament favorites.
Spain may rotate several key players as De la Fuente manages workloads ahead of the World Cup. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal remains doubtful with a hamstring issue, while Nico Williams and Mikel Merino are also recovering from injuries.
Goalkeeper David Raya, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Paris Saint-Germain star Fabian Ruiz were involved in last weekend’s Champions League final and could be rested. If so, Unai Simon is expected to start in goal.
Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill, the only uncapped player in the Spanish squad, could make his senior international debut. The 22-year-old is competing for a starting role alongside Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte in central defense.
Captain Rodri is available but is unlikely to play the full match as Spain carefully manages his fitness. Midfielders Gavi and Pedri, along with attacking options Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, are also expected to feature.
Iraq captain Jalal Hassan could earn his 101st international appearance in goal and may be shielded by a defensive line featuring Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim and Merchas Doski.
In midfield, former Manchester United prospect Zidane Iqbal is battling for a starting place alongside Amir Al-Ammari, Aimar Sher and Kevin Yakob. Up front, Iraq will look to experienced striker Aymen Hussein, who has scored 33 goals in 93 appearances for his country, with Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi expected to provide support.
The Turkish national team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to start the final phase of its preparations for the 2026 tournament, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
A special charter flight carrying head coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after departing from Istanbul.
Also traveling with the delegation were Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and members of the federation’s executive board.
The team was welcomed upon arrival by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, and Miami Consul General Resul Şahinol before making the short journey to its hotel in the Miami area.
Dozens of Turkish supporters gathered outside the hotel, greeting the players with flags, chants and songs as excitement continued to build ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Hacıosmanoğlu said the transatlantic trip had gone smoothly as the squad settled into its temporary base in South Florida.
Türkiye will complete its final tune-up for the World Cup with a friendly against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 6. The match will serve as Montella’s last opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.
Following the Venezuela fixture, the team will relocate to Mesa, Arizona, on June 7, where it will establish its official World Cup base camp at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The sprawling training complex will provide Türkiye with modern facilities, recovery areas and training pitches as the squad prepares for the demands of a tournament spread across North America.
A community event scheduled for June 8 will give local supporters and members of the Turkish-American community an opportunity to meet players and watch portions of training as anticipation continues to grow.
Türkiye enter the World Cup in Group D alongside co-host United States, Australia and Paraguay. The group presents a challenging path, but one many Turkish supporters believe can be navigated by a squad that blends established European stars with one of the country’s most promising generations in years.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are expected to lead Türkiye’s bid to reach the knockout rounds under Montella.
The campaign begins against Australia at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 14, a match that could prove decisive in shaping the group’s early standings. Türkiye will then face Paraguay before closing the group stage against the United States.
The Turkish national team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to start the final phase of its preparations for the 2026 tournament, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
A special charter flight carrying head coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after departing from Istanbul.
Also traveling with the delegation were Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and members of the federation’s executive board.
The team was welcomed upon arrival by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, and Miami Consul General Resul Şahinol before making the short journey to its hotel in the Miami area.
Dozens of Turkish supporters gathered outside the hotel, greeting the players with flags, chants and songs as excitement continued to build ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Hacıosmanoğlu said the transatlantic trip had gone smoothly as the squad settled into its temporary base in South Florida.
Türkiye will complete its final tune-up for the World Cup with a friendly against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 6. The match will serve as Montella’s last opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.
Following the Venezuela fixture, the team will relocate to Mesa, Arizona, on June 7, where it will establish its official World Cup base camp at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The sprawling training complex will provide Türkiye with modern facilities, recovery areas and training pitches as the squad prepares for the demands of a tournament spread across North America.
A community event scheduled for June 8 will give local supporters and members of the Turkish-American community an opportunity to meet players and watch portions of training as anticipation continues to grow.
Türkiye enter the World Cup in Group D alongside co-host United States, Australia and Paraguay. The group presents a challenging path, but one many Turkish supporters believe can be navigated by a squad that blends established European stars with one of the country’s most promising generations in years.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are expected to lead Türkiye’s bid to reach the knockout rounds under Montella.
The campaign begins against Australia at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 14, a match that could prove decisive in shaping the group’s early standings. Türkiye will then face Paraguay before closing the group stage against the United States.
Ticket prices for the first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden in 27 years are climbing again, with the cheapest entry for Game 3 on June 8 back above $4,000 on the secondary market.
Ticket tracking service TicketData told Field Level Media that prices for Game 2 briefly “came back down to reality” within 48 hours after surging in the immediate aftermath of the Knicks clinching their Finals berth last week. However, over the past three days, prices have risen 20 percent as supply remains extremely limited.
As of Monday night, the lowest available ticket for Game 3 was listed at $3,789, while the most expensive listing for the series is $5,322 for a potential Game 6 in New York on June 16.
By contrast, ticket prices for games in San Antonio are down nearly 50 percent from where they were after the Spurs eliminated Oklahoma City in Game 7 of the Western Conference finals. The get-in price for Game 1 on Wednesday night has dropped 62 percent over the past three days, while Game 2 on Friday night is down 49 percent.
TicketData said a contributing factor is that fewer Knicks fans are likely to travel than initially expected because of the cost of flights from New York-area airports to San Antonio. That could change if the series goes the distance, with the get-in price for a potential Game 7 in San Antonio still holding at $3,863.
If ticket prices for games at MSG hold, they would be more expensive than each of the past two Super Bowls, which had day-of-game get-in prices of $3,251 in 2025 and $2,002 this year. The average Super Bowl get-in price since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic has been $3,914, according to TicketData.
The company said the Knicks’ focus on ensuring their season-ticket holders are fans and not professional resellers has contributed to the limited supply on the secondary market. There is also wide appeal for the matchup against the Spurs and rising superstar Victor Wembanyama.
Outside of the World Cup and the Stanley Cup Final, the next most expensive sporting event through the end of the year is currently UFC 329. The card featuring the return of Conor McGregor against Max Holloway has a get-in price of $1,432.
Robert Lewandowski’s future is emerging as one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer storylines, with Fenerbahçe among the clubs attempting to lure the veteran striker as he approaches the end of his contract with Barcelona.
The Polish star, who turns 38 in August, is officially a free agent after a below-average 2025-26 season and Fenerbahçe have already opened discussions with his representatives as they explore the possibility of bringing one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers to Istanbul.
While no agreement has been reached, the Turkish giants are closely monitoring developments and are eager to move to the front of the queue after Lewandowski bid farewell to Barcelona, bringing his four-year chapter with the Catalan club to an end.
Barcelona chapter
Lewandowski arrived at Barcelona from Bayern Munich in 2022 in a deal worth around 50 million euros ($58.2 million) and quickly justified the investment.
Over four seasons in Catalonia, he remained one of the club’s most reliable attacking weapons, combining elite finishing with the experience and leadership expected from a player who has spent more than a decade among world football’s most feared forwards.
Despite his continued productivity, Barcelona ultimately decided against extending his stay under existing financial terms. Reports suggested the club were willing to offer only a short-term extension accompanied by a reduced salary and a diminished role in the squad.
Those conditions reportedly failed to convince Lewandowski’s camp, and the two sides ultimately decided to part ways once his contract expires on June 30.
Even in the twilight of his career, the striker continues to deliver goals at a high level, reinforcing the belief among potential suitors that he still has plenty to offer at the top of the game.
Fenerbahçe eye statement signing
For Fenerbahçe, the pursuit represents far more than a routine transfer.
The club view Lewandowski as a marquee acquisition capable of transforming their attack and elevating their profile both domestically and across Europe. Bringing a player of his stature to the Turkish Süper Lig would send a powerful message about the club’s ambitions ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
Interest in the former Bayern Munich star is not new. Fenerbahçe were linked with Lewandowski in late 2025 and reportedly proposed an 18-month contract, an offer that failed to gain traction as the player sought greater long-term security.
Now, with Lewandowski officially available on a free transfer, the Istanbul club have revived their pursuit and are exploring whether circumstances have shifted in their favor.
Election politics
The race to sign Lewandowski has also become intertwined with Fenerbahçe’s presidential election.
Presidential candidate Hakan Safi has reportedly identified the Polish forward as one of the centerpiece targets of his football project, presenting him as part of an ambitious recruitment strategy designed to energize supporters ahead of the vote.
Safi has also been linked with interest in other high-profile forwards, including Serhou Guirassy, as he seeks to showcase a bold vision for the club’s future.
The political dimension has increased attention on the Lewandowski saga, adding pressure on decision-makers to deliver a headline-grabbing signing during a crucial period for the club.
Several options remain on the table
Fenerbahçe are unlikely to have a clear run at the striker.
Major League Soccer remains a realistic destination, with Chicago Fire among the clubs most frequently linked to Lewandowski. Head coach Gregg Berhalter has publicly expressed admiration for the veteran forward, fueling speculation that the American club could make a serious push.
Saudi Pro League sides are also expected to enter the conversation, armed with the financial muscle to offer lucrative contracts.
Meanwhile, several European clubs continue to monitor developments, although some earlier interest appears to have cooled as teams weigh the risks and rewards of signing a player approaching his 38th birthday.
Fenerbahçe’s pitch centers on three key factors: a leading role on the field, a competitive financial package and the opportunity to play in front of one of football’s most passionate fan bases at Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Whether that proves enough remains uncertain.
Career-defining final chapter
Lewandowski has consistently prioritized competing at the highest possible level, a stance that reportedly influenced previous decisions to reject interest from Türkiye.
His next move is expected to be shaped by a combination of sporting ambition, family considerations and long-term career planning.
Should he choose Fenerbahçe, the transfer would rank among the most significant signings in recent Turkish football history. The club would gain an elite finisher capable of delivering immediate results while also providing invaluable mentorship to younger attackers.
For Lewandowski, it would represent a fresh challenge in a fiercely competitive football environment where established stars have often extended their careers and continued scoring at an impressive rate.
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