*Morning News: Friday 13 June 2025* *Headlines* *Zim-US Tariff Talks Risk Collapse* *Harare Councillors Fight Undervaluing Land Compensated To Chiyangwa's Pinnacle Holdings* *EX-Minister Douglas Karoro Comes Face To Face With Rivals* *Milton High School Teacher Granted Bail Amid Sodomy Charges* *"If It’s That Easy, Go Ahead & Do It" Madam Boss’ Glamorous BET Visit Defended* *Passerby Bites Off Builder's Lip For Greeting Him* *South Africa's MultiChoice May Offer Separate SuperSport Package From Dstv* *Zambia's President Not Wanted At Predecessor's Funeral, Family Says* *Vehicles Ablaze In Nairobi As Kenya Protests Escalate* *Death Toll From South Africa Floods Up To 78* *One Survivor As 241 People Killed In Air India Plane Crash, Officials Say* *Alexander-Arnold Speaks Spanish At Real Unveiling* *De Bruyne Completes Napoli Move After Man City Exit* Join our *Ad-free* News Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VacXkvFJJhzd2UoZYF1F *Stories in Detail:* *Zim-US Tariff Talks Risk Collapse* The United States has warned that Zimbabwe’s push to secure lower tariffs on its exports could be derailed by time constraints, despite a temporary reprieve granted by President Donald Trump’s administration. On April 9, President Trump announced a 90-day suspension of select reciprocal tariffs affecting dozens of countries, including Zimbabwe. The move followed Zimbabwe’s formal approach to Washington to establish a more balanced trade arrangement. However, a baseline 10% tariff introduced on April 5 remains in force across the board, including on Zimbabwean goods. US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont this week told Business Times, a market leader in business, financial and economic reportage, that the biggest hurdle in the negotiations is the limited window available to strike a deal, underscoring concerns that the 90-day suspension of the 18% tariff may lapse before an agreement is concluded. "We’re still having conversations," Ambassador Tremont told Business Times. "But the biggest problem is the timeline to negotiate tariffs." The talks were triggered after Zimbabwe submitted a formal proposal to reduce trade barriers with the US. Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube led the diplomatic effort during the recent IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, where he lobbied top officials from the US Treasury and Capitol Hill. In response, the Trump administration granted the 90-day pause to allow room for dialogue. But now, with the clock ticking, that narrow timeframe is emerging as a key stumbling block. "Unfortunately, because we have negotiations with so many countries, I think that 90 days will probably expire before we come to an agreement with Zimbabwe," Tremont warned. "Anyone familiar with trade negotiations knows they don’t happen overnight." She added: "And when you are trying to negotiate with more than 120 countries simultaneously, there’s inevitably going to be a problem." A central point of contention is Zimbabwe’s own tariff regime. Ambassador Tremont highlighted the country’s steep import duties, particularly on vehicles, as a sticking point. "To import a vehicle here can cost up to 60% on top of the purchase price," she said. "So by that standard, even 18% on Zimbabwe’s exports to the US could be seen as quite generous." The US has historically maintained one of the world’s most open economies, often extending preferential access to developing countries without demanding equivalent treatment for American exports. That dynamic is shifting under President Trump’s "America First" trade recalibration strategy. "Well, the US has offered generous access to its markets for decades," Tremont said.’ For Zimbabwe, a breakthrough in these talks could provide critical relief for its struggling export sector and bring much-needed foreign currency into the economy. But with just weeks remaining, the window of opportunity is closing fast. Despite the urgency, Washington is cautious about rushing the process. "We’re open to discussions with all countries on how to find a more balanced trade framework," Tremont said. "But this is a complex issue, and we need time to assess each country’s position thoroughly." She added: "We’re all in a hurry to make this happen as quickly as possible. But there’s a long line of countries that have made offers, and it’s going to take time for us to get to all of them." As the 90-day countdown nears its end, both Harare and Washington are under mounting pressure to secure a deal—or risk losing momentum altogether. The ambassador added that the US will continue to support Zimbabwe’s health and humanitarian projects. "The US has US$223m for health and humanitarian programmes for this year," she said. *businesstimes* *Harare Councillors Fight Undervaluing Land Compensated To Chiyangwa's Pinnacle Holdings* HARARE City Council risks losing thousands of dollars in land value if the municipality complies with the government directive to compensate Pinnacle Holdings with tracts of stands. The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, recently wrote a directive to Harare Mayor Jacob Mafume instructing the City Council to allocate land to Pinnacle Holdings as compensation for property acquired by the government. Pinnacle Holdings is owned by businessman Philip Chiyangwa, who is also a ZANU PF member. The directive sparked a heated debate in a recent Council meeting, with Ward 16 Denford Ngadziore expressing concern that the council might part with the land at a value lower than its actual price. "The report is saying US$5 per square metre. So my argument is, in Malbereign and around Harare, we are selling at US$20 per square metre, whilst on the other side, it is going for US$5 per square metre. "We cannot transfer land whose value we do not know. We are not transferring tomatoes; this is land we are talking about," said Ngadziore. The proposed compensation has angered residents, with associations labelling the move as unconstitutional and tantamount to government interference in the affairs of the local authority. As a result, residents are calling for the compensation to Pinnacle Holdings to be halted. Several stands have been earmarked for compensation, subject to the Council’s approval. However, anomalies have been raised regarding some of the stands. Adonia Shoko raised a red flag over stands in Kuwadzana, stating that some individuals already hold offer letters for the land. Kudzai Kadzombe also raised a similar concern regarding land identified as part of the compensation to Pinnacle Holdings. "I have a personal interest because, as Councillor of Ward 41, we have already raised this issue. We have a piece of land in Bluffhill which is on that list, but residents had already submitted a petition and begun mobilising to build a council school," said Kadzombe. The HCC Finance Committee is set to deliberate on Garwe’s directive and conduct due diligence on the anomalies raised in the meeting. However, Mafume bluntly told the Council that those aggrieved should consider mounting a legal challenge. "Anyone who feels aggrieved or has their property rights affected by the letter is advised to make a beeline to their lawyers," said Mafume. *NewZW* *EX-Minister Douglas Karoro Comes Face To Face With Rivals* Former Deputy Minister of Agriculture Douglas Karoro on Wednesday came face to face with his political rival Charles Mutukudzi in court whom he accused of causing his arrest. Karoro who is facing fraud allegations believes all the legal woes he is facing are a result of fabrication by his political rivals including Mutukudzi and Takesure Chikwamba who are bitter with him for thrashing them thrice in Zanu PF primary elections in 2015, 2018 and 2023. Mutukudzi was in court as a State witness against Karoro who is accused illegally taking fertilizers from the Grain Marketing Board meant for Mbire constituency, allegations he denies. He was the Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee (DCC) deputy chairperson while Chikwamba was the chairperson when allegations against Karoro were raised. Mutukudzi told the court that he got a call a from another Zanu PF leader that there were suspicious trucks loading fertilizers at GMB Mushumbi which involved Karoro. This resulted in the defence questioning him why the report would come to him yet he was not a GMB official. He said he gave a statement to the police with the blessing of Chikwamba who was also running his independent investigation. In cross examination, Karoro’s lawyer Admire Rubaya said the two Zanu PF DCC leaders were bitter over their losses in the primary elections and were determined to derail Karoro by any means necessary. He said Mutukudzi was the engineer of the allegations as they wanted to "throw shade" and apply "dirty tactics" at Karoro for him not to stand in the 2023 elections. Mutukudzi admitted that he lost thrice to Karoro in the race to represent Mbire in parliament but said he was not bitter and in cross examination said "It was human nature to want to win every election" which the defence said showed their bitterness. Mutukudzi alleged that after the call he received, he got in touch with Karoro but he later withdrew the statement after he was asked to produce evidence to prove the communication. The matter continues this Friday. *263chat* *Milton High School Teacher Granted Bail Amid Sodomy Charges* A 36-year-old teacher at Milton High School has been granted US$300 bail following his arrest and court appearance on multiple counts of sodomising boys. Tyson Lunga made his initial court appearance before Bulawayo magistrate Eva Matura on Thursday. Lunga faces six charges related to performing indecent acts with young persons, including allegations of sexual harassment and attempted sexual exploitation of students. Represented by Constance Tatenda Mathaba, Lunga denies the charges. The National Prosecuting Authority represented by Nkanyezi Xaba alleges that Lunga targeted four male students between 15 and 17 years old, making sexual advances, offering money for sexual favours, and discussing sexual preferences. In one incident, Lunga is alleged to have made sexual advances towards a 17-year-old student, sending messages calling the student "handsome" and expressing a desire to engage in gay sex. In another instance, Lunga is alleged to have offered a 15-year-old student $10 if he would sleep with him, inviting the student to his residence at the school and sending messages complimenting the student’s appearance. Lunga is also accused of offering another 15-year-old student food and money in exchange for intimacy, calling the student into his room and offering to pay for the student’s gym membership. In another incident, a complainant described how Lunga allegedly discussed homosexuality and offered $50 for intimacy, which the complainant declined. The final incident involves Lunga telling an 18-year-old student that he had a list of students he wanted to have sexual relations with, asking the student to choose between male and female roles and expressing interest in the student. This was eventually reported to the boarding master, leading to Lunga’s arrest. However, Lunga’s lawyer claims that these allegations are false, stating that Lunga had been a victim of rumours that he was a homosexual before he even transferred to Milton High School. According to the lawyer, some teachers had already advised students to stay away from Lunga and had coerced students into making reports against him. He was remanded to June 25. *ZimLive* *"If It’s That Easy, Go Ahead & Do It" Madam Boss’ Glamorous BET Visit Defended* Renowned cultural curator, creative director, and media entrepreneur Plot Mhako, has come out in defense of social media personality Madam Boss, after she came under fierce criticism for her appearance at this year’s edition of the BET awards. As she did when she attended the same ceremony last year, Madam Boss took treasured snaps with Hollywood A-listers and attended some notable related events, including an after-party hosted by comedian and musician Jamie Foxx. However, her bubbly personality seemed to have rubbed some Zimbos the wrong way, with some on social media arguing that the hullabaloo surrounding her attendance at the ceremony was unwarranted. In a Facebook post, Plot Mhako came to the defense of Madam Boss, highlighting the fact that somehow managing to rub shoulders with some of the world’s most prominent artists was not as easy as some Zimbabweans made it sound. "The hate Madam Boss is getting from some Zimbos for being at the BET Awards is wild. If it’s that easy, go ahead and do it yourself. "Until then, let her live her moment in peace. Success isn’t easy — let’s support those bold enough to chase it," he wrote. *nehandaradio* *Passerby Bites Off Builder's Lip For Greeting Him* A MAN from Chirundu in Mashonaland West has appeared in court for biting off another man’s lower lip for greeting him. Accused person, Joel Kwenda was arraigned before the Karoi Magistrates’ Court facing assault charges. He was convicted of the crime and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment of which nine months were suspended for five years. A further nine months were set aside on condition offender performs community service. Prosecutors told the court that on June 1, 2025, at around 10am, at the Roman Catholic Church the victim was plastering a house when the offender passed by the site. The victim greeted Kwenda, who curtly responded saying he didn’t want to befriend him and victim thought he was joking. The offender became angry and started chasing the victim before assaulting him with clenched fists. As if that wasn’t enough, Kwenda dug his teeth into complainant’s lower lip and removed a chunk of flesh. *NewZW* *South Africa's MultiChoice May Offer Separate SuperSport Package From Dstv* South Africa's pay television group MultiChoice may unbundle its sports channels into a separate subscription package, its CEO said on Thursday, a move that might help it retain subscribers. Presenting the group's results a day after reporting a headline loss of 800 million rand ($45 million), CEO Calvo Mawela was asked whether the company was considering separating its sport channels into a separate package. "As part of our product offering, we have always had this project that we ran every year where we look at our packaging structures, similar to what Sky did some years back where they had a basic package, they had a sports package on the side (and) they had a general entertainment package on the side," Mawela said. Through its pay TV, Dstv, MultiChoice offers bundled packages from entry level to premium, which has all the sport channels under its SuperSport brand. But some customers subscribe to the premium package only for sports, often making it expensive to maintain off season, leading to cancellations. "We've accelerated that project in terms of getting us to finalise which direction we're going to take in this financial year. But yes, we are considering all options as part of a broader product offering going forward," Mawela said. The decision to unbundle the sports channels comes as MultiChoice, which is a takeover target of France's Canal+ , lost 1.2 million broadcast subscribers over the year ended March 31, to 14.5 million. It blamed the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which "has meant that households are struggling to make ends meet and many had no choice but to give up their DStv subscription for the time being." At the same time, the South African market has been affected by the ongoing global shift in video consumption towards cheaper streaming services, social media video and free or pirated video services. *Reuters* *Zambia's President Not Wanted At Predecessor's Funeral, Family Says* Zambia's former President Edgar Lungu, who died last week, left instructions that his successor Hakainde Hichilema "should not be anywhere near" his body, a family spokesman has said. This is the latest development in the bitter feud over funeral plans for the late president following his death in South Africa at the age of 68. The government had planned to fly his body back home on Wednesday, but failed to do so because of a dispute with Lungu's family and his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), over mourning and funeral arrangements. The two leaders were long-standing political rivals, with Hichilema defeating Lungu in the 2021 election after failing in five previous attempts. Lungu died of an undisclosed illness, but the PF said last week that he had been receiving "specialised treatment" in South Africa. The PF alleged that Lungu was banned from leaving the country for years and that if he had been allowed to travel to seek medical treatment sooner, he might still be alive. The government has denied the allegation. Funeral row causes chaos for mourners of Zambia's ex-president Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe was among government officials who flew to South Africa on Wednesday for talks with Lungu's widow, Esther, and his influential daughter, Tasila, to break the deadlock over what happens next. The government wants to give Lungu, who led Zambia from 2015 to 2021, a state funeral. The Lungu family's spokesman, lawyer Makebi Zulu, previously told the BBC that the family was not opposed to this, but it wanted a say over who would preside over the service. However, in a video released from South Africa on Thursday, Mr Zulu said the family had put in place "all logistics" to fulfil Lungu's wishes to be given a private funeral and that Hichelema "should not be anywhere near" his body. The government was behaving as though the family had "no say" over his burial and the way he should be mourned, Mr Zulu added. It was the family's desire that the "conscience of the deceased should not be betrayed", he said. In his response, Haimbe said that while the bereaved family had put forward its wishes, Lungu's funeral concerned all Zambians as he was a former president. "I'm sure all of us would want to have a fitting send-off for our former president, and that is what we must work towards achieving," the foreign minister told local journalists. In an earlier statement, the government said that "constructive consultations" were continuing with Lungu's family to ensure the "smooth repatriation" of his body. The dispute has caused much sadness and confusion among Zambians who are unclear how to mourn the ex-president. The government declared a seven-day national mourning period starting last Saturday, even though the PF announced one days earlier. The government declared that the official venue for mourning would be a lodge it owns in the capital, Lusaka, but the PF dismissed this plan, directing mourners to its headquarters instead. Constitutional lawyer John Sangwa told the BBC that the "tug-of-war" highlighted the need for Zambia to come up with a law which outlined funeral arrangements for presidents and ex-presidents, but he believed that at the end of the day the wishes of the family should be respected. After Lungu's defeat in the 2021 election, he stepped back from politics but later returned to the fray. He remained the biggest political drawcard of the PF, and he had ambitions to vie for the presidency again. However, at the end of last year the Constitutional Court barred him from running, ruling that he had already served the maximum two terms allowed by law. *BBC* *Vehicles Ablaze In Nairobi As Kenya Protests Escalate* Protests in the Kenyan capital Nairobi intensified on Thursday, with vehicles set ablaze and police firing teargas to disperse crowds angered by the death in custody of a political blogger last week, Reuters TV footage showed. The death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang, who blogged on political and social issues, is the latest case to throw a spotlight on the country's security services, who have been accused of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances for years. Police used teargas to disperse hundreds of protesters in the capital, with at least two vehicles set on fire, Reuters TV footage showed, a day after President William Ruto said Ojwang had died "at the hands of the police", reversing earlier official accounts of his death. Police had initially said Ojwang was arrested in western Kenya on Friday for allegedly defaming the country's deputy police chief Eliud Lagat online and died "after hitting his head against a cell wall". The Independent Policing Oversight Authority watchdog has launched an investigation, while the European Union and the United States have called for a transparent probe into the blogger's death. Protesters demanded Lagat's resignation on Thursday, with some carrying Kenyan flags and chanting "Lagat must go". The blogger's wounds, including a head injury, neck compression and soft tissue damage, pointed to assault as the cause of death, according to pathologist Bernard Midia, who was part of a team that conducted an autopsy. On Wednesday, Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja apologised for the police having previously implied that Ojwang died by suicide. "Based on the report by IPOA ... it is not true... He did not hit his head against the wall," Kanja told a Senate hearing. *Reuters* *Death Toll From South Africa Floods Up To 78* The death toll from heavy flooding in South Africa's Eastern Cape province this week has risen to 78 and could increase further as search and rescue operations are continuing, a minister said late on Thursday. Parts of South Africa were lashed by heavy rain and snow since the weekend, in a severe winter cold front that disrupted transport and power networks as well as causing intense flooding. The death toll stood at 49 on Wednesday. "The figure has gone to 78 now," Velenkosini Hlabisa, minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs, told public broadcaster SABC. "Even tomorrow, the more water subsides, the more people will be found," he added. Flooding has become more common and severe in South Africa as the impacts of climate change are felt. *Reuters* *One Survivor As 241 People Killed In Air India Plane Crash, Officials Say* The airline says 242 passengers and crew members were on board Flight 171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick. One person survived and 241 were killed when an Air India flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in western India, authorities say. The Boeing 787-8 aircraft bound for London Gatwick airport was carrying 242 passengers and crew when it came down on Thursday in a residential area, crashing into a medical college hostel outside the airport during lunch hour. Air India said in a statement that 241 people on board the plane were confirmed to have died. "Air India offers its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. Our efforts now are focused entirely on the needs of all those affected, their families and loved ones," the airline wrote on social media. At least one person survived the crash, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah said. A senior police officer, Vidhi Chaudhary, told the Reuters news agency that the survivor, named as Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, had escaped from an emergency exit. Police Commissioner GS Malik was quoted as saying that Ramesh was being treated in hospital. Earlier, Malik told Reuters that 204 bodies had been recovered from the crash site. He said the bodies recovered could include both passengers and people killed on the ground. Footage showed smoke billowing from the crash site. Parts of the plane’s body were scattered around the building into which it crashed, photographs and videos from the area showed. The tail of the plane was stuck on top of the building. According to air traffic control at Ahmedabad’s airport, the aircraft gave a mayday call, signalling an emergency, but after that, there was no response, Reuters reported. The aviation-tracking site Flightradar24 said the plane was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a wide-body, twin-engined plane that is one of the most modern passenger aircraft in service. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hails from the state of Gujarat where the crash occurred, said he was "stunned and saddened" by the disaster. "It is heartbreaking beyond words," Modi posted on X. "In this sad hour, my thoughts are with everyone affected by it." Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said he was "shocked and devastated" by the crash and his "thoughts and prayers are with all those on board and their families". "Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site," he wrote on X. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement that the scenes at the crash site were "devastating". The United Kingdom was working with Indian authorities to urgently establish the facts around the crash and to support those affected, the Foreign Office in London said in a statement. The UK government’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it would send a "multidisciplinary investigation team" to support the Indian-led inquiry into the causes of the crash. According to the Aviation Safety Network database, this was the first recorded crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft. Alex Macheras, an aviation analyst, told Al Jazeera that the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner has a good safety record. "The 787 has been in service for 15 years. This is a mid- to long-haul passenger aircraft, one of the latest from Boeing in terms of the development and the introduction of carbon-fibre aircraft," he said. "In fact, in its 15 years of commercial service globally, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner has never been involved in a crash or a hull loss or a fatal accident." The last fatal plane crash in India was in 2020 and involved an aircraft from Air India Express, the carrier’s low-cost arm. Twenty-one people were killed when the aircraft overshot a runway at Kozhikode international airport in southern India. *Al Jazeera* *Alexander-Arnold Speaks Spanish At Real Unveiling* England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold described joining Real Madrid as a "dream come true" and "huge responsibility" as he addressed the audience in Spanish at his presentation on Thursday. Alexander-Arnold, 26, would have been able to leave Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of his contract on 30 June but the 15-time European champions Real paid the Reds a fee to release him early so that he could play for them at this month's Club World Cup. A highlights video showing Alexander-Arnold as a young player plus his goals, assists and defending for Liverpool and England was played prior to Real president Florentino Perez welcoming the right-back to the club. Alexander-Arnold, who was sat with his girlfriend, Estelle Behnke, his parents and brothers, then took to the stage and addressed the audience - which included former Real left-back Roberto Carlos - in Spanish. "Thank you so much to President Florentino Perez and Real Madrid for this opportunity," he said. "Signing for a club like Real Madrid doesn't happen every day. It's a dream come true. I'm very happy and proud to be here. I'm eager to show the club and the fans what I can do." Alexander-Arnold said he is "ready to give everything for the team and for the Real Madrid fans", adding: "I want to show them what I can do, I want to win many titles, be champions, and continue to grow and enjoy football with the best in the world." The two-time Premier League champion was then pictured with Perez holding the Real shirt, with the name Trent instead of Alexander-Arnold on it, and the number 12 rather than the 66 he wore at Liverpool. "A player who has won everything, one of the best defenders and full-backs in world football," said Perez. "One of the greatest players worldwide is joining this club and hopefully we can write a new page in the history books." In his news conference shortly afterwards in which he spoke English, Alexander-Arnold said he had been learning Spanish for "few months". He added: "I think he [Perez] was happy with the amount of Spanish I was able to speak, which I think surprised a lot of people. "For me, it was important to be able to do that and it shows that the intent I have got is to come here and have a good start, to get off on the right foot and to achieve something straight away, starting with the Club World Cup." Real's opening Club World Cup group game is against Saudi side Al-Hilal on 18 June in Miami. The England international has agreed a six-year deal with the La Liga side and his contract includes a 1bn euro (£840m) buy-out clause. Alexander-Arnold made 354 appearances for Liverpool - who he was with from the age of six - scoring 23 goals and providing 86 assists for the club since making his debut in 2016. His departure follows him helped the Reds win the 2024-25 Premier League title under Arne Slot and he also won the top-flight under former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in 2019-20. His other trophies with Liverpool include the Champions League in 2018-19, the 2022 FA Cup and two League Cups. Alexander-Arnold was booed by sections of the Liverpool crowd in his first game after announcing he would be leaving the club. He came on as a substitute against Arsenal and Klopp later said he "turned off TV' after hearing the jeering of his former player. Alexander-Arnold was given a warmer reaction when he played against Crystal Palace in the final game of the campaign. "I always knew, if I was to ever leave Liverpool, it would only be to go to Real Madrid, that would be the only club for me," said the defender. "I'm not going to say it was easy because I'd been there so long, been a part of it, but eventually, you have to make a decision. "In my mind, I've made the right one and it's one that I'm very excited about." Alexander-Arnold joins fellow England international Jude Bellingham at Real Madrid. "We spoke," said Alexander-Arnold of Bellingham. "It wasn't exactly what people might think it was. We spoke a lot about Liverpool, we spoke a lot about Madrid - the kind of conversation you have as players and as friends. "In the national team, he is the only player that knew what it was like to be at Real Madrid, so everyone was asking questions. "A lot of people think he played a huge part in me coming here, but to be honest the club speaks for itself. "It was a huge opportunity for me, it felt like it was the right time for me as well - a chance for me to go and do that." Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has replaced Carlo Ancelotti as Real manager and Alexander-Arnold spoke about how watched his new manager help the Reds win the Champions League in 2005. Alonso scored when Liverpool dramatically came back from 3-0 down to draw 3-3 with AC Milan before winning on penalties. "I grew up as a Liverpool fan, seeing [what happened] in Istanbul with the manager now doing amazing things and playing his part in an incredible final," said Alexander-Arnold. "We have spoken a little bit. It is good to have that communication. I told him that he was a big idol of mine growing up so to be able to work with him now is a dream come true for me." A stylish midfielder, Alonso played 210 times for Liverpool from 2004 to 2009 and was renowned for his passing range. Alexander-Arnold added: "He is someone who probably impacted my game a lot growing up, seeing him pass a ball. I explained this to him as well. "Watching him pass a ball - seeing it influenced me to go and train harder at that and have a great hunger to be able to do that and to set standards. "Of course, we have not had chance to formally meet yet. We will have a proper chat I am sure over the next few days and be able to talk about what he expects from me." *BBC* *De Bruyne Completes Napoli Move After Man City Exit* Kevin de Bruyne has completed his move to Napoli after the Belgian midfielder left Manchester City at the end of the Premier League season. De Bruyne will link up with former Chelsea and Tottenham manager Antonio Conte, who is head coach of the Italian champions. In moving to Italy on a free transfer, De Bruyne rejected an offer from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire, and the switch means he can play in the Champions League next season. Napoli announced the signing of the 33-year-old with a computer-generated image, external of De Bruyne sitting on a throne wearing a crown, captioned "King Kev is here". He left Manchester City after 10 years at the club, winning 19 major trophies after joining from Wolfsburg in 2015. De Bruyne notably helped City to win six Premier League titles, five League Cups and two FA Cups - plus their first Champions League title in 2023, completing the Treble as Pep Guardiola's team became only the second English side ever to achieve the feat. His departure from City was announced before the end of the season, and De Bruyne bid an emotional farewell at Etihad Stadium following his final home league match against Bournemouth in May. He also briefly appeared at Fulham in City's final game of the domestic season. "It's been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here. It's been an unbelievable ride and an absolute pleasure," De Bruyne said of his City exit. "It was a joy working really hard to try and help create something that brought the club the success we enjoyed. I'm super proud to have played a part in that. "Manchester has been my home and my family's home for these past 10 years." City have moved quickly to fill the creative gap left by De Bruyne, signing midfielders Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon. They could face De Bruyne in the Champions League next season, with the Belgium international continuing his career at the top level. He joins up with former Premier League midfielders Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour in a Napoli side who narrowly prevailed in a thrilling Serie A title race last season. *BBC*