Thursday, August 31, 2017

'I didn't treat it well' -- Fernando Alonso remembers his first car

His work ride is an F1 rocketship, but Fernando Alonso's first wheels were a touch less racy.
The McLaren driver, a two-time Formula One world champion, began his career in cars as the proud owner of a humble Renault Megane.
The workaday motor was a sponsor's gift when the former karting world champion was cutting his teeth in Formula Three in Spain.
"It was yellow, yellow-brown," Alonso told CNN's The Circuit.
"I was happy. When you are 18, whatever car someone gives you at that moment -- you are super happy."
However, the Spaniard didn't treat the Megane with the same love he shows his Formula One cars today.

Naby Keita: Liverpool agree $62 million club record fee for Guinea international

With clubs across Europe scrambling to complete last-minute deals ahead of the European summer transfer window's closure later this week, English Premier League side Liverpool have announced a signing -- for the 2018-2019 season.
Liverpool confirmed Tuesday that they have reached an agreement with German club RB Leipzig for Guinea international Naby Keita's "future transfer."
"The Reds have agreed a deal with the German club and the midfielder that will see the 22-year-old move to Anfield on July 1, 2018 following the conclusion of the current season," said Liverpool on their website.
Liverpool will reportedly meet the 22-year-old's release clause of $62 million as well as paying an undisclosed premium to be able to complete a deal to bring the player to Anfield.
Both clubs confirmed the deal Tuesday, with Keita expressing his relief at having his future resolved after months of speculation.
"I am delighted that an agreement has been reached," he told the Leipzig website. "I will become part of a project that excites me greatly." 
"Having my future resolved means I can now focus on helping Leipzig achieve great things this season," he continued.
"Until I join my new club, next summer, I will remain an interested supporter from a distance," added on the Liverpool website.
The deal for Keita means that Liverpool will own the three most expensive African players of all time as he joins Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah ($47 million) and Senegalese striker Sadio Mane ($43 million) at Anfield.
The European transfer window closes on Thursday, with Liverpool also reportedly linked with a move for Monaco winger Thomas Lemar.