Reggae Boyz forward Junior Flemmings has signed a one-year deal with Birmingham Legion FC in the United Soccer League in the United States.
However, Flemmings, the USL’s 2020 Golden Boot winner, will miss the first two games of the 2021 season as he completes his USL-imposed six-game suspension at the end of last season.
Flemmings, then playing for Phoenix Rising FC, was banned for six games for using foul and abusive language in the form of a homophobic slur directed at a San Diego Loyal player Colin Martin on September 30.
The 24-year-old Jamaican has apologized for his actions.
“I am very sorry about the incident with Collin Martin,” said Flemmings in a statement released by his new club.
“I understand the impact words have, and I will work hard to improve my on-field demeanour even in the heat of battle. I am grateful for this opportunity as I believe Birmingham is a great place for me to grow both on and off the field.”
In accepting Flemmings’ apology Martin said the matter is now behind them.
“Personally, I didn’t want Junior’s career to end, but more importantly that we learn as players and as a society to be respectful of our differences. I’m optimistic that we will be better because of this and that Junior will help advocate for respect within our game. I wish Junior continued success at Legion FC,” Martin said in a statement released by Birmingham.
The mending of the fences was crucial to Birmingham’s decision to sign Flemmings to the deal with a club option for a second season.
Club president Jay Heaps revealed to AL.com that the club had had extensive conversations with Flemmings and his former coaches and teammates to better understand his character on and off the field.
“In addition, we spoke with Collin Martin and Landon Donovan to get their perspective on Legion FC giving Junior this opportunity,” he said.
“Lastly, we needed to look inward and make sure Legion FC has the appropriate structure in place to help our players as people, teammates, athletes and accepting members of the community.”
Leighton Levy is a journalist with 28 years’ experience covering crime, entertainment, and sports. He joined the staff at SportsMax.TV as a content editor two years ago and is enjoying the experience of developing sports content and new ideas. At SportsMax.tv he is pursuing his true passion - sports.
Rumour Has It: Man Utd pursuing Atletico goalkeeper Oblak
Manchester United's goalkeeper situation remains unclear beyond this season.
David de Gea has been linked with the Old Trafford exit door while Dean Henderson is yet to fully convince some observers he is a worthy number one.
Thus speculation is mounting about a Red Devils move for a new shot-stopper.
TOP STORY - UNITED CIRCLE FOR OBLAK
Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak is reportedly wanted by Manchester United who are said to have a long-standing interest in the Slovenian.
Oblak has spent almost seven years in the Spanish capital but is ready to move to England, according to 90min.
The report claims United have doubts about Henderson as number one and subsequently are exploring their options with 28-year-old Oblak.
ROUND-UP
- Juventus and Paulo Dybala will enter negotiations on a new deal in May, reports Tuttosport.
- 90min reports that Liverpool want to utilise their option to sign Ozan Kabak permanently, having acquired the defender on loan from Schalke in February.
- Calciomercato claims that Barcelona are plotting a move for Juventus defender Cristian Romero who is currently on loan at Atalanta.
- Galatasaray have offered Crystal Palace defender Patrick van Aanholt a three-year deal, according to Sky Sports.
- Tottenham are top in the race to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, claims ESPN.
Zidane hopes Messi stays with Barcelona
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he hopes Lionel Messi stays with Barcelona amid speculation about his playing future beyond this season.
Messi has been linked with a move away from Barcelona, including a reunion with former mentor Pep Guardiola at Manchester City this off-season.
The 33-year-old Argentinian has spent his entire professional career with Barcelona, whom he joined as a junior in 2000.
"Hopefully he stays at Barcelona," Zidane said, speaking ahead of Saturday's Clasico which may be Messi's last.
"He's good there and it's also good for the Spanish league."
Another player who has been linked with an off-season move is Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, who is coming off contract.
Ramos will miss Saturday's match with Barcelona due to a muscle injury.
"Hopefully it won't be his last Clasico," Zidane added. "He won't play tomorrow, it is a shame. But, I hope he stays here."
Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman reiterated that sentiment, saying he hopes Ramos remains with Madrid beyond this season.
"The best for our league is to keep the best players until their last minute of professional football, like Leo Messi," Koeman said.
"You cannot compare with Sergio Ramos because one is a defender and the other is a striker. But both players have been very important for their clubs.
"Hopefully, Sergio Ramos will stay at Real Madrid and Leo will stay with us."
Romanian star lands long-term deal with Juventus
Radu Dragusin resolved to show he can be a future cornerstone of the Juventus defence after signing a new long-term contract.
The 19-year-old Romanian central defender had been linked with a host of clubs, including Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United, but has committed to Juventus until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Dragusin, who is 6ft 3in tall, has been compared in his style of play to Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk and has previously highlighted the Dutchman as a player he admires.
Juventus acquired him from Romanian club Regal Sport in 2018, and this season saw Dragusin make his first-team debut in December against Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.
His new deal was announced on the Juventus website on Friday, with the club stating: "Dragusin's journey continues with Juve. Congratulations, Radu! See you on the pitch!"
The teenager, who has also made Serie A and Coppa Italia appearances this season, posted on Instagram: "I couldn't wait to sign the new contract with the team that have always believed in me.
"I want to thank first of all my family who have always been close to me and all the people who have helped me improve every day.
"Now is the time to demonstrate and put into play the trust that the club have given me. Come on Juve."
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