Eric Dier writes a letter to his friend and former teammate Harry Kane in @kicker after the latter won Germany's Footballer of the Year award
"Hi Harry, do you still remember the trip to Perth?
It’s been three years now, but I haven’t forgotten that trip. We were on our way to the pre-season tour with Tottenham, and on the flight over, you told me for the first time: FC Bayern wanted to sign you, and you wanted to move to Bayern as well. We both said that it was probably going to happen - but at the time, we couldn’t have imagined just how perfectly it would actually work out.
And do you remember? nine years earlier? Upton Park on a Saturday afternoon, Premier League matchday. West Ham against Tottenham. I had only just moved from Sporting to Spurs. You came on as a substitute and saw me simply run from the back all the way to the front. Your through ball, me scoring in the 1–0 winner in the third minute of stoppage time. My debut - wow! And that’s how it all started for us. Although, if we’re honest, not that much happened between us at first, did it? We were teammates back then, and we got along. Nothing more than that, really. But we only became friends later, didn’t we? Maybe that was also because we were just 20 and 21 years old, focused on the careers we had only just begun.
Do you remember how people described you as a ‘one-season wonder’ for five years? After 21 goals in the league? The following year you scored 25. Then 29. Then 30. That never bothered you. You just wanted to show everyone what you were capable of, year after year. You never stopped working. You simply got better and better
And even today, after all the Golden Boots, the Golden Shoe and whatever else, you’re still the same person - and that’s something I really admire about you. You and your family are role models for other people, people who have simply remained down-to-earth and humble. You show that hard work can make anything possibe
The move to Bayern did you so much good. But not only because you finally won the titles that eluded you at Tottenham. You simply needed that challenge, didn’t you? That step up to the next level. What an incredible level you have reached
How cool was it that we were able to celebrate together that night when we were officially crowned champions… We had to wait much longer for it than we would have liked, but I think we both agree that we learned some valuable lessons along the way. And damn, how good those cigars tasted by the fire in Ibiza! You deserve all the success you’ve had, and hopefully you’ll win the Ballon d’Or. I’m not saying that just because I’m your friend. The stats and facts speak for themselves - just like all the things that can’t be seen in an Excel table.
Your reliability and your willingness to put yourself at the service of the team are unparalleled.
Greetings from Monaco"
What has been said by Kompany and Eberl today about Musiala's condition:
• The club has been aware for the entire last season
• His teammates were also aware the whole time
• It's no longer a big topic of discussion internally
• The two recent incidents against Leipzig and Heidenheim were side effects of the change of medication
• They will now revert to the prior plan where these incidents didn't happen
• Musiala won't be in the squad tomorrow to avoid putting him under further pressure now that his condition has become public
• Individual training this week
• Purely from a footballing perspective, he's made progress
• The club has been supporting him the entire time and will continue to do so
❕ Jamal Musiala on IG:
"First things first - I’m doing well! Above all, I’m incredibly grateful for all your messages and your support! I understand that many of you are worried. I want to put those concerns to rest today and explain a little more: I have been diagnosed with brief, temporary episodes of absence that are easily treatable and are caused by a neurological dysfunction. These can lead to the moments that have occurred recently, such as against Leipzig and now in Heidenheim. I know that they may seem scary at first glance - but for me, they are currently simply part of my everyday life. I am receiving the best possible medical care in this regard, and I am very optimistic. FC Bayern and the people closest to me are always by my side and supporting me on this journey
What is important is that there is no additional health risk beyond this. In close consultation and regular communication with the specialists, it was my personal wish to face this challenge and, with the approval of the neurological specialists, to continue doing what helps me most in my recovery: simply living my everyday life and continuing to pursue my passion of playing football. I have taken responsibility for that decision. Overall, I have a very good feeling and I am on a good path. What helps me most along the way is continuing to chase victories and titles with my team, with your incredible support. I hope this helps you understand me better. At the same time, I ask for your understanding that I would like to continue keeping this matter within the circle of my closest confidants, the club and the experts.
Thank you very much.
Yours,
J ❤️"
Uli Hoeneß on the Olise/Real Madrid: "I laughed my head off. He still has three years on his contract, so for me that's not a topic at all. The Emperor of China could come to us and we still wouldn't talk to him [about Olise]. The same goes for Luis Díaz. We have the the best attacking trio in the world with Olise, Díaz and Kane. We wouldn't think about selling any of them"
I feel like I’m living in a psyop. Where are all these trans athletes dominating women’s sports at??? It feels like you see more people complaining about it than instances it happens. Lia Thomas is the only one y’all name. Lmao
BREAKING: LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million deal with a player option, Klutch Sports Group and Klutch CEO and Game Over show host Rich Paul tells ESPN.
Harry Kane's 2025/26 season:
👕 64 games
⚽️ 73 goals
🅰️ 8 assists
Involved in a goal every 73 minutes
🥈 Second best goal scoring season in history
🏆 Bundesliga
🏆 DFB Pokal
🏆 Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup
⚽ Bundesliga top scorer
⚽ DFB Pokal top scorer
⚽ Champions League second top scorer
🥇 European Golden Shoe
✅ Champions League semi-finalist
🥉 World Cup bronze medal