Olufunsho Benson

It is definitely going to be another cracker this week as two Giants from France and Spain (PSG and Real Madrid), battle it out to complete the final lap (2nd Leg of Champions League Round of 16).
PSG welcome Real Madrid to Parc des Princes with the aggregate being (1-3). Rabiot had taken the lead at the Bernabeu, before CR7 levels in the first half. He struck again in the second half to make it 2-1, before Marcelo put the icing on the cake. PSG now need to score two unreplied goals or beat Real Madrid with 3Goals before they can qualify. That looks uncertain, but in football, 'it is not over until it is over', especially when the News of Kroos and Modric is said to have been included in the squad, which suggest that they are fit away from their injuries.

Tottenham on the other hand, welcome Juventus to Wembley, with an aggregate of 2-2 from Turin, where Higuain had scored a brace to put the Italian Leaders in front, before Kane and Eriksen levels. Juventus knows they have to score (and even win) by all means to qualify.
Liverpool and Porto's match at Anfield, and Manchester City and Basel's match at Etihad, look like a work over, after the two Premier League teams had won comfortably away by 5-0 and 4-0 respectively.

We all love football, especially Champions League football, but this week is loaded apart from UCL;
Crystal Palace vs. Man United (Monday)
Liverpool vs. Porto (Tuesday)
PSG vs. Real Madrid (Tuesday)
Tottenham vs. Juventus (Wednesday)
Man City vs. Basel (Wednesday)
AC Milan vs. Arsenal (Thursday)
Roma vs. Torino (Friday)
Man United vs. Liverpool (Saturday)
Sevilla vs. Valencia (Saturday)
Inter vs. Napoli (Sunday)
Let's just sit back and enjoy the excitement this week brings.
Selah!

Wesley Sneijder, the Netherlands all-time record caps holder, announces international retirement..
The decision follows discussions with new Dutch coach Ronald Koeman, who went to see him in Qatar, the Dutch football association KNVB said in a statement.
The former Everton and Southampton boss travelled to Qatar to visit Sneijder, who now plays club football for Al Gharafa, to discuss his international future.
"Wesley is one of the best Dutch internationals in recent years, an amazing player with a great attitude. But I want to build a new team and therefore have to make choices," said Koeman
Sneijder set a new record for most caps by a Dutch international last June when he played for a 131st time and his 133rd and last cap came in November's 3-0 away win against Romania in a friendly.

Sneijder represented his country for 15 years after making his debut in a friendly against Portugal in 2003, and was a World Cup runner-up in South Africa in 2010.
The KNVB says they are planning an 'appropriate farewell' for the 33-year-old, who scored 31 goals in 133 appearances for the Netherlands.
Following their discussions, Sneijder said: "When I left (for Al Gharafa), I knew, of course, the influence that this move to Qatar could have on my career as an international.


"In addition, I understand that Koeman wants to make a new beginning with other, younger players. We were very open and that was a very pleasant conversation. I respect his choice."
Koeman, who was appointed as Netherlands manager last month, said: "Wesley is one of the best Dutch footballers from the past few years. A great player with a great look.
"But I want to be selecting and building a new Oranje and must therefore make choices."
He leaves behind so many incredible memories and will forever be remembered as one of Oranje's greatest ever players.

@dafunzee

A delicious scoop over the top from Gabi sends Juanfran through, and he picks out an equally sumptuous first-time cross for Carrasco. The Belgian gets in front of Lucas and slots it home from in close! We're back on level  terms in Milan as extra time beckons at the San Siro."

This was 28th May, 2016 when Carrasco scored the equaliser against Real Madrid in the UCL final. Although Atletico went on to lose the match via penalties, Carrasco's devastating contributions in the match were recognised.

Earlier this week, news broke out that Carrasco and Gaitan were moving to Dalian Yifang for undisclosed fees in a permanent deal. The news was greeted with mixed reactions. There was a general consensus that Gaitan was probably getting old but Carrasco may inhibit his development with this move.

Personally, I've not gotten over this shock. I'm a huge fan of this player and I can't see how moving to China is developmental for him. It is noteworthy that there was no dearth of offers for him. The likes of Arsenal and Juventus were among the front runners to secure his services but he snubbed their offers. He maintains that he is convinced with the Wanda Group's project although it is largely rumoured that his move was motivated financially.


It is hardly imaginable that a 24-year old player with the potential to become world class will sanction a move to China!

Carrasco's abilities cannot be doubted. His strengths include pace, great dribbling skills and efficient scoring abilities. His current form has been below par and that is unarguable but he could easily slot right into Wenger or Allegri's formation. His ability to play either wing is advantageous. With Mhkitaryan on the right, Ozil in the middle and the left flank void yet to be filled since the departure of Sanchez, the position could have been his to fill. Although a fairly selfish player, Wenger could have brought out the best in him.

With the 2018 World Cup beckoning, it is going to be a herculean task to break into a star-studded Belgian team. Whatever happens after, I hope Carrasco proves everyone wrong!