It has been nearly two years since Ibrahim Afellay enjoyed playing time with Barcelona (May 12, 2012!) and a slew of injuries and a loan move to Schalke, has kept him out of action.
The Dutchman endured torn cruciate ligaments in his left knee and underwent an operation on a chronic thigh injury last year, which means he has once again been unavailable for selection this season until now.
Jonathan dos Santos and Alex Song were one of the two first players to welcome the player back to the selection. And girls, you’re probably all really happy about Afellay’s return too, if you know what we mean!
It has been almost two weeks since Ronaldo picked up his second Ballon d’Or award, but he is still parading it emotionally before every game. Yesterday’s home match against Granada was particularly special, because he dedicated it, in his own words, to “the equipment managers, the trainers … for all the people who work for Real Madrid. It’s for everyone.”
The man in a suit posing with Ronaldo and the players above is actually the Bernabeu field delegate, Agustin Herrerin.
And just to prove how worthy he was of the Ballon d’Or award, Ronaldo proceeded to score his 22nd La Liga goal of the season to make it 1-0, before Karim Benzema slotted in one twelve minutes from the final whistle. Madrid are now in third place on the La Liga table from 53 points.
Speaking of Benzema, here’s an epic photo of the French striker on board a private plane yesterday. Of course, it has probably been Benzema’s best season yet, with 15 goals in 29 appearances so far. He has also received the public backing of Carlo Ancelotti and Zidane and is only two goals away from equalling the tally of his idol, Ronaldo Lima. Congratulations!
Jean-Julien Xavier-Rolai explained to the court in the French capital that it was “impossible for the prosecution to prove that the two footballers knew that Zahia Dehar was under the age of 18″ when they allegedly paid for the services.
The prosecutor admitted that “the very reality” of Benzema’s encounter is “doubtful” and the striker has repeatedly denied meeting her.
The charges against the duo carry possible prison sentences of three years plus a fine of 45,000 euro ($A69,784).
