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West Bromwich Albion have been named as a possible destination for one Premier League attacker who is allowed to leave his club this month.

West Brom's recent form

The Baggies endured a mixed festive period, with two 1-0 wins over Norwich City and Leeds United sandwiched in between 1-0 defeats to Middlesbrough and Swansea City. As a result, Carlos Corberan’s side currently find themselves in fifth place in the Championship, two points clear of Sunderland and three clear of Hull City as they aim for a return to the top flight.

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To help the club achieve their top six goal, new additions could be looked into, considering one of their summer signings, loanee Jeremy Sarmiento, has joined rivals Ipswich Town for the second half of the season from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Corberan has since admitted that West Brom will try and sign two new players following Sarmiento’s loan being cut short, saying:

"We are going to replace him and try to replace him making the most of our possibilities. Like we've said before, even before we knew that we would be without Sarmiento, we wanted to add minimum one player. Now, we're going to add two.”

One of those could be a striker, with a report sharing a transfer update on Kieffer Moore.

West Brom linked with Kieffer Moore

According to The Sun in the last 48 hours, Bournemouth are open to letting Moore go this month, with a number of sides mentioned as possible destinations, including West Brom.

Alongside the Baggies, though, Championship rivals Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Middlesbrough, Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Sunderland are also named, with a loan exit looking likely for the Wales international due to his £40,000-a-week wage.

Moore has contributed to 61 goals in the Championship during his career, so could add that proven quality in the second tier and help the Baggies in front of goal. West Brom have scored the joint-fewest goals out of the top eight Championship sides so far, so adding more firepower in attack could be the difference between a top six finish.

Moore was praised by former Cherries boss Scott Parker, who called the 31-year-old a “throwback” striker and an “all round nine”.

“I think Kieffer is probably a little bit of a throwback in that sense. He’s probably a modern day nine in his stature and his profile, he’s mobile, you can get things into him and he can bring players into play. But certainly, he is horrible to play against.”

Parker also added:

“He makes it uncomfortable for you. He can threaten you in behind, in terms of because of his mobileness and he can then come into feet and hold the ball up, make it stick and bring in other players into play as well. So he’s an all round nine.”

A move to the Midlands could be one to watch as the month progresses, but with multiple clubs seemingly keen, those at The Hawthorns may need to make their move relatively quickly if they want to win the race.

da casino： When Granit Xhaka left Arsenal in the summer of 2023, Mikel Arteta and Edu knew they needed to go to great lengths to replace his extraordinary output last season.

da dobrowin： A £105m move for Declan Rice was signed, sealed and delivered while Kai Havertz, certainly to less fanfare, arrived from another part of London in Chelsea.

The £65m addition hasn't quite made the grade after moving to the north of the capital, with it taking until November for the German to finally score a goal in Arsenal colours from open play.

Perhaps realising the error of their ways, the Gunners have been looking at signing another midfielder according to reports.

Arsenal's midfield shortlist

Two names on the club's shortlist for 2024 reside in the Premier League with Amadou Onana, touted at £60m, interesting Arsenal, while Joao Palhinha of Fulham is another to be tipped with a move to join the ranks at the Emirates Stadium.

A wildcard option could well be that of Joao Neves, Benfica's next hot property in the middle of the park after Enzo Fernandez.

The teenage sensation has been strongly linked with Manchester United in recent months but Arsenal are another casting their eyes towards Neves. Reports in the build-up to the January window suggested that the Gunners were tracking the 19-year-old but with a release clause of £103m and no intention of selling, any move is incredibly unlikely, at least for now.

Related All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

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Yet, if the Kroenke's were to dip their hands into their pockets again for another mega midfield signing, Neves would offer some extreme quality to Arteta's side. Does anyone fancy another round of Santi Cazorla?

How Joao Neves compares to Santi Cazorla

Who is Neves we hear you ask? Well, a quick look at his FBref scouting profile indicates what a fine young individual this budding teen is.

Compared to positionally similar players across Europe's top five leagues and the top continental competitions, he ranks among the best 11% for passes into the final third (via FBref), indicating his progressive nature in possession of the ball.

Further sitting inside the top 17% for passes attempted, it's clear Neves is a player who offers plenty of protection and composure on the ball. However, he's more than just about passing play. Neves happens to be adept in the defensive and offensive phases of play.

Indeed, the Benfica starlet is in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe for goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, the best 1% for tackles won (3.95) and the finest 13% for interceptions (1.58 per 90). To put that into context, Rice makes 2.01 tackles per 90 and 1.73 interceptions.

Can you imagine the thought of the two playing together, therefore? Yeah, it's a dreamy picture to envisage. The progressive and classy nature of the two is a tantalising prospect.

Already we're getting a sense of why Neves is similar to Cazorla though. He's intricate with his passing play, progressive and capable of doing his fair share of the dirty work. The comparison is supplemented by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Cazorla was one of the most gifted players in the Emirates Stadium era and is remembered particularly fondly by those of an Arsenal persuasion. He played a key hand in ending the club's trophy drought in 2014, scoring a scorching free-kick in the FA Cup final versus Hull City but overall, he was just marvellously gifted at football.

The Spaniard left in 2018 after a period of sustained injury hell that nearly ended his career but he did so with a mighty fine record in Arsenal colours, scoring 29 goals and supplying 45 assists in 180 outings.

With such a creative marvel in mind, let's dive a little deeper into how he compares to Neves.

Joao Neves vs Santi Cazorla

Stat (per 90)

Neves (23/24)

Cazorla (18/19)

Shots

0.89

0.95

Pass Success

88%

81%

Key Passes

0.74

2.41

Progressive Passes

6.52

8.67

Shot-creating Actions

2.89

4.63

Tackles Won

2.44

1.16

Interceptions

1.48

0.95

Carries

51.7

41.9

Progressive Carries

1.78

2.35

Stats via FBref.

Despite there being some differences in the volume of each stat, you can see how their playstyles are alike. Both registered a high number of progressive passes and shot-creating actions, showcasing a preference for getting on the ball and creating openings for teammates.

Cazorla was one of the finest in the Premier League era at such a quality and thus, signing Neves would be truly exciting for supporters. With such a huge asking price, however, we might never see him in Arsenal colours.

Former Germany manager Joachim Low is keen on the England job after Gareth Southgate's resignation, according to a report.

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• Low would welcome England approach
• FA searching for new boss
• Southgate resigned after Euro 2024

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Low would welcome an approach from the FA as they seek a successor to Southgate. The 64-year-old left his role as Germany manager in 2021 after England knocked them out of the European Championship at the round-of-16 stage at Wembley.

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  Low, of course, won the World Cup in 2014, and he would be happy to speak to the FA about attempting to lead the Three Lions to their first trophy since 1966. Southgate guided England to two successive European Championship finals but was unable to get over the line, and resigned earlier this week.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  England have already been linked with a number of potential candidates. Pep Guardiola has been identified as a possible marquee appointment, while there is also interest in Eddie Howe and Graham Potter.

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  England are next in action in September when they kick off their Nations League campaign against the Republic of Ireland.

Real Madrid captain Nacho is reporting leaning away from a move to MLS and towards one that will see him follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia.

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Defender heading towards free agencyMoved to America had been speculated onAppears to now favour the Middle EastGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

The 34-year-old defender, who skippered the Blancos to La Liga and Champions League titles in 2023-24, is approaching the end of his contract at Santiago Bernabeu. With no fresh terms expected to be signed, the experienced Spain international is set to become a free agent.

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There had been plenty of talk to suggest that Nacho is wanted in the United States, with a move to Inter Miami that would see him link up with eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi being speculated on. He may, however, be following another GOAT in a different direction.

(C)GettyImagesDID YOU KNOW?

According to , Nacho is in “advanced talks” with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad – where his former Real team-mate Karim Benzema plays. They are said to be “optimistic” that a deal can be done, although no agreement has been reached as yet.

WHAT NEXT?

Nacho is currently away on Euro 2024 duty, meaning that a decision on his club future will be delayed, but it would appear that a man who has spent his entire career to date with Real Madrid favours the Middle East over Miami.

The Oranje succumbed to a deserved 3-2 defeat in Berlin that means they finish third in Group D and now face a tough path to the final

The Netherlands came into their final Group D game at Euro 2024 with a chance to finish top of the pile, but instead turned in a dismal performance against Austria that resulted in a 3-2 defeat and a third-placed berth which could have a major impact on how far they are able to go in the tournament.

Ronald Koeman's side made a slow start in Berlin, and fell behind inside six minutes as a desperate Donyell Malen poked the ball into his own net. The Borussia Dortmund man had a chance to make amends, however, when he was put through on goal midway through the first half, only to scuff his effort wide.

On the whole, the Oranje were awful in the first half, but Koeman's message at the interval paid immediate dividends as Cody Gakpo curled in a fine equaliser after a swift counter-attack. Despite that, they couldn't pick up any momentum, and Austria retook the lead when Romano Schmid headed in at the back post.

Cheered on by their vocal support in the German capital, the Netherlands got themselves back into the game yet again when Memphis Depay brought down Wout Weghorst's knock-down and fired home. Again, though, their joy was short-lived, as the outstanding Marcel Sabitzer got in behind the Dutch defence and beat Bart Verbruggen from a tight angle for what ended up being the winning goal.

GOAL rates the Netherlands' players from Olympiastadion…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Bart Verbruggen (5/10):

  Perhaps slightly slow to move for Malen's own goal, but was unsighted. Decent save denied Sabitzer in the first half, but should not have been beaten at his near post for the Dortmund midfielder's winner.

  Lutsharel Geertruida (3/10):

  Like a rabbit in the headlights in the first half as the game looked too big for him. Decision to allow him to come inside in possession led to the equaliser, only for the Feyenoord man to switch off in the build-up to Schmidt's header.

  Stefan de Vrij (5/10):

  Dragged all over the place by Arnautovic and Sabitzer. Perhaps should have done better with his attempted clearance for Schmidt's goal.

  Virgil van Dijk (5/10):

  Didn't look overly comfortable, and he was forced to spend a lot of time trying to fix mistakes made by his team-mates. Dropped far too deep to play Sabitzer onside for the winner.

  Nathan Ake (6/10):

  Didn't do much wrong as most of Austria's best attacks came down the opposite flank. Replaced after 65 minutes.

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  Midfield

  Jerdy Schouten (4/10):

  Looked very lightweight at the heart of the Dutch midfield, and struggled to get near Sabitzer as he roamed in front of the defence.

  Joey Veerman (2/10):

  Struggled to deal with the Austrian press as he gave the ball away routinely and was unable to influence the game defensively either. Substituted 10 minutes before half-time.

  Tijjani Reijnders (5/10):

  Carried the ball forward well on a couple of occasions but lacked a penetrative pass. Shot wide twice, including when presented with a very good early chance on the edge of the box.

• Getty Images
  

  Attack

  Donyell Malen (2/10):

  Abysmal in the first half. Scored an own goal after his own lack of work-rate led to Austria getting in behind, and then missed a sitter when given the chance to equalise. Better after the break until he suffered an injury with 20 minutes to go.

  Memphis Depay (7/10):

  Showed some exquisite touches with his back to goal, and answered his critics with a fine touch and finish to make it 2-2. Set-play deliveries were woeful, however.

  Cody Gakpo (7/10):

  Again the Netherlands' best player and most potent attacker. Scored yet another major tournament goal with a fine curled finish immediately after half-time.

• Getty Images
  

  Subs & Manager

  Xavi Simons (7/10):

  Added dynamism to the Dutch midfield after being thrown on before half-time. Set up Gakpo's goal with a driving run.

  Georginio Wijnaldum (5/10):

  Didn't offer all that much after replacing Reijnders for the final 25 minutes.

  Micky van de Ven (6/10):

  Replaced Ake and maintained the solidity on the left of defence.

  Wout Weghorst (6/10):

  FIne header set up Depay's strike, but missed a great headed chance himself to make it 3-3.

  Ronald Koeman (3/10):

  Initial tactics of sitting off Austria and seemingly not preparing his players for Rangnick's press left a lot to be desired. Early substitution of Veerman and decision to move Geertruida inside both had positive effects, but overall this was an awful day for the ex-Barcelona boss.

Leeds United have put plenty of work into improving their options across the backline since the summer transfer window officially opened for business last month.

The Championship champions confirmed their latest arrival of the window last week when they unveiled Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri as their number one for next season.

He has arrived from Ligue 1 side Lyon on a permanent deal to compete with Illan Meslier and Karl Darlow, and will play ahead of the likes of Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Jaka Bijol, who have also been signed to improve the defence.

In front of the backline, Leeds have also swooped to sign defensive midfielders Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach to provide some steel in front of the back four in the top-flight.

German centre-forward Lukas Nmecha, who arrived on a free transfer from Wolfsburg, is the only attacking player who has been added to the squad this summer, though, and the club could now turn to signings in the forward areas.

When the Whites were last promoted to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa, the signing of forward Raphinha was vital to their survival.

Why Leeds need their next Raphinha

Leeds need to find Daniel Farke his own version of Raphinha before the end of the summer transfer window because the club’s current options in the attacking midfield and wide positions are uninspiring.

The West Yorkshire outfit do not have any players in those positions who have shown that they have the quality to make a big impact in the Premier League next season, as they all struggled in their most recent seasons in the division.

Appearances

24

36

34

24

Goals

2

1

1

2

Big chances created

3

5

6

3

Key passes per game

0.4

1.3

1.0

1.0

Assists

1

3

0

4

As you can see in the table above, Dan James, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison, and Wilfried Gnonto have only scored six goals combined in their most recent seasons in the Premier League.

Raphinha, however, scored 11 goals and created ten ‘big chances’ in 35 top-flight games in his second and final season at Elland Road, after a return of six goals, 12 ‘big chances’ created, and nine assists in his first year in the league.

The Brazilian forward, who signed from Rennes for a fee of £17m in the summer of 2020, made a huge impact in front of goal with his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, and it does not seem like Farke has any similar players in his current squad.

That is why the Whites must dip back into the market to improve their attacking options, which appears to be what they are on the verge of doing.

Leeds set to agree deal for Brazilian forward

According to L’Equipe, Leeds United are on course to reach an agreement with Feyenoord over the signing of Brazilian winger Igor Paixao this summer.

The report claims that the Whites have submitted an offer of around £28m, with add-ons on top of that, and the Eredivisie side are said to be happy with the numbers involved, but it is now down to the clubs to finalise the finer details.

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It adds that Ligue 1 side Marseille are also interested in signing the 25-year-old forward and have already agreed a five-year contract with the player.

However, the French outfit have failed to reach an agreement with Feyenoord on a transfer fee, which opened the door for Leeds to swoop in with this latest offer.

L’Equipe states that Marseille will need to raise their offer to match the Whites’ proposal if they want to remain in the race to sign the attacker, but it remains to be seen if they are willing or able to do so.

What Igor Paixao would bring to Leeds

Leeds must push to get this deal over the line before Marseille can re-enter the race because he would bring plenty of goals and assists to Elland Road next season.

Paixao has the quality on the ball to be the next electric Brazilian sensation to grace the wings in the Premier League for Leeds, following in Raphinha’s footsteps in West Yorkshire.

The Feyenoord star showcased his quality in the Champions League with two goals, including the one in the post above, and four assists in 11 games during the 2024/25 campaign.

On top of his impressive performances on the European stage, which showed that he can compete against the best of the best on the continent, Paixao also delivered exceptional numbers in the Eredivisie for his side.

xG

10.56

Top 2%

Goals

16

Top 2%

xG on target

16.25

Top 2%

Shots on target

43

Top 2%

xA

6.71

Top 4%

Assists

10

Top 3%

Chances created

70

Top 1%

Successful crosses

36

Top 2%

As you can see in the table above, the Leeds target was one of the best players, if not the best player, in the Dutch top-flight when it came to making an impact as a scorer and a creator of goals last term.

Analyst Ben Mattinson claimed that Paixao has “insane” technique from long range, and he has scored six goals from outside the box in the last two Eredivisie seasons to back that up.

This suggests that the £28m-rated star could provide Leeds supporters with some special moments on the pitch by scoring some long-range screamers to win vital points for the team in the Premier League next season.

Paixao is a winger who can score great goals, score goals on a regular basis, and create and assist goals consistently, and has proven himself in the Champions League.

Leeds submit offer to sign ex-Barcelona star who earns £12m-a-year

This could be quite the coup…

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 27, 2025

This is why he could be Farke’s own version of Raphinha, who helped Leeds to stay in the Premier League for two seasons with his goals and assists, as he could be a match-winner for the club with his quality in the final third.

Pep Guardiola admits his "game plan was not good" during Manchester City's FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United.

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• Guardiola admits he got tactics wrong
• City beaten at Wembley
• Dreams of double up in smoke

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City were beaten by their bitter rivals at Wembley, as their dreams of a Premier League and FA Cup double crumbled. A mistake from Stefan Ortega gifted United the opener, as he rushed out of his goal and Josko Gvardiol headed the ball over the goalkeeper's head, allowing Alejandro Garnacho to score. Kobbie Mainoo then added a second prior to half-time before Jeremy Doku pulled a goal back. City, however, couldn't muster a late comeback.

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  Guardiola made a number of bold tactical decisions throughout the game, substituting both Nathan Ake and Mateo Kovacic at half-time, then hooking Kevin De Bruyne before the hour. And he has now admitted that he got his tactics wrong.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  He told reporters: "Congratulations to Manchester United for winning the FA Cup. I think my game plan was not good.

  "The second half was much, much better. We were more intense, in part because we were 2-0 down and had nothing to lose. It was a tight game. We gave away the first goal, they made a good transition for the second so credit to United for the second goal. We tried. We had clear chances in the second half which wasn't easy because they had man marking and defended the pockets but we had the chances and unfortunately we scored a goal a little bit late. Maybe it could have been different but the team was there like all the time when we lose.

  "Disappointed today, it's normal teams can lose finals but this season has been extraordinary fighting for all the trophies in a good way. We will rest and come back next season."

• Getty
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  City will begin preparations for next season as they aim to win a historic fifth successive league title. It remains to be seen how they will invest in the summer.

The cannon returns for Arsenal in 2024-25, with the Gunners’ new home kit featuring a retro crest that offers a nod to legends of the past.

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• Gunners looking for title-winning inspiration
• Slick new design from manufacturers
• Men's & women's teams embrace fresh look

Shop Arsenal kits at adidasBuy now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Adidas are delivering a “timeless look” for the north London heavyweights that incorporates “traditional colours of red and white with a slick navy addition”. The new jersey sees the club’s famous cannon figure outside the badge on a home shirt for the first time since 1989-90.

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  It is been used on away and third kits since then, but Arsenal are now turning the clock back to an era when they were top-flight champions. The Gunners were title holders in 89-90, following Michael Thomas’ Anfield heroics against Liverpool, and they will be desperate to restore domestic dominance in their new threads.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  An iconic look is back with a bang, with the latest design using “a unique structured fabric throughout that creates a textured feel and adds intrigue to the design when viewed up close”. The historic crest will be used on all three Arsenal kits in 2024-25, by the men’s and women’s teams.

• Arsenal/adidas
  

  WHAT ARSENAL STARS SAID

  Lionesses forward Alessia Russo, who now plies her trade at Emirates Stadium – as the women’s team join the men in making that venue home – has said: “I love the simplicity of this new kit – giving the cannon space to shine. We know how much it means to the supporters – so to have it front and centre of our home kit will fill us with confidence every time we step foot on the pitch.”

  Brazil international Gabriel Martinelli added: “Since joining Arsenal, it has been clear to me how important the cannon is, to this great club and our supporters. It epitomises our spirit and we’re excited to wear it on the pitch with pride next season.”

Big Picture

They have won the first four games so easily that South Africa might now be thinking whether they can really read that much into these results against Sri Lanka. So weak has their opposition been that it is hardly the pre-World Cup priming that South Africa would have yearned for. Only occasionally have Sri Lanka put South Africa under pressure with the ball, while Sri Lanka’s batting has been consistently brittle – no more so than on Wednesday, when only a No. 9’s 78 prevented them from crashing to a truly embarrassing score.So what can the hosts gain from this deadest of rubbers? South Africa opener Reeza Hendricks, who could get one final chance at the top of the order, needs some big runs to assert his World Cup case (although it is possible that ship has already sailed, given his scores of 1, 29, 4 and 8 so far in the series). Aiden Markram needs a decent score to back up his monstrous domestic form as well, in order to suggest to the selectors he has what it takes to cut it mentally in top-flight limited-overs cricket. Dale Steyn could do with some wickets, while JP Duminy will be hoping to produce a performance of significance as he farewells his home ground in this format.Sri Lanka, as ever, are searching for a victory. Any victory. Their coach may be on the brink of being sacked. Their captain’s job could also be on the line. And seven ODIs into 2019, they are yet to win a match, which means they stand at serious risk of going into the World Cup without having won a single match this year.

Form guide

South Africa WWWWW (completed matches, most recent first)
Sri LankaLLLLL

In the spotlight

Not quite as fast as Kagiso Rabada, nor nearly as decorated as Steyn, Lungi Ngidi is quietly putting together the beginnings of an excellent career. He had just returned from injury, but is the top fast-bowling wicket-taker in the series, with seven wickets at an average of 17.28. He will face tougher opponents in future, but in 17 matches so far, he has 33 wickets at an average of 21.81.Can Lasith Malinga raise himself and his team out of this funk? He has been outspoken about the batsmen not taking the opportunities afforded to them through the course of this series, but has himself, at times, been lackadaisical – both in the field, and with the bat in hand. On Wednesday, he failed to slide his bat in, and got himself run-out by a direct hit. There is no doubt that he is one of the smartest cricketers to ever play for Sri Lanka, but it takes more than strategy to lead a team – particularly one that has been struggling in recent years.

Team news

South Africa may play the same XI that won the Port Elizabeth ODI.South Africa (possible): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Aiden Markram, 4 Faf du Plessis (capt), 5 JP Duminy, 6 David Miller, 7 Andile Phehlukwayo, 8 Dale Steyn, 9 Anrich Nortje, 10 Lungi Ngidi, 11 Tabraiz ShamsiSri Lanka might stick with Priyamal Perera in the middle order, despite his having been dismissed for a golden duck on debut. However, they may also think about bringing Angelo Perera into the side.Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Upul Tharanga, 2 Avishka Fernando, 3 Oshada Fernando, 4 Kusal Mendis (wk), 5 Priyamal Perera, 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dhananjaya de Silva, 8 Thisara Perera, 9 Isuru Udana, 10 Lasith Malinga (capt), 11 Kasun Rajitha

Pitch and conditions

The weather is expected to be good in Cape Town, with temperatures in the mid-20s. This surface is expected to be a little on the slower side, with not a lot of assistance expected for the bowlers. The last two ODIs in Cape Town have yielded first-innings totals in excess of 300.

Stats and trivia

• Sri Lanka have lost both previous ODIs against South Africa at Newlands although they did beat West Indies at this venue during the 2003 World Cup.
• Quinton de Kock has 347 runs in the series so far, with an average of 86.75 and a strike rate of 113.02.
• Sri Lanka’s best batsman, Kusal Mendis, has hit 146 runs at an average of 36.5. Only Mendis and Isuru Udana have struck half-centuries for the visitors in the series.

There was no famous farewell at Galle but Rangana Herath was happy it was “the right time” for him to retire from international competition

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Nov-2018

Rangana Herath was chaired around the outfield•Getty Images

Rangana Herath finished his final Test sliding on his front in one last effort to make his ground. It was not quite enough – his run-out capping a 211-run defeat for Sri Lanka – but although there was no famous farewell at Galle, his favourite venue, Herath was happy it was “the right time” for him to retire from international competition.”As always, losing is not a good result but this is part of the game,” he said. “We [wanted to] have played much better cricket, as we used to play. Hopefully the guys will come back strongly for the second and third.Herath had taken Test cricket series-by-series for about two years now, but it was the realisation that he had not been fit enough to play a three-Test series right through over the past 18 months that prompted his decision to retire after the first Test. For several years he has been nursing knee injuries, and had also picked up a back complaint more recently.”It’s an emotional situation, but all in all everybody has to take a decision at the right time. I’m thankful for all those years that I have played, all the people behind me, especially team-mates, Sri Lanka Cricket, I must thank every single person who’s behind me.”It’s been a privilege and honour to play for my country, because in Sri Lanka we have 22 million people, so very few get the opportunity to play for Sri Lanka, so that’s a remarkable achievement and honour for any player.”Herath finished with 433 Test wickets, the most by a left-arm bowler, putting him eighth on the all-time list. He waspresented with a plaque from his team-mates, as well as a shirt and a trophy, and a coin to commemorate being the first slow left-armer to 400 Test wickets.Although he has hung up his boots for Sri Lanka, Herath is still planning to turn out for his club in domestic cricket – once he has worked out arrangements with his employer, Sampath Bank, of course.Asked if he would miss it, he said: “Of course, playing cricket, yes. I wish to play some first-class cricket, but we’ll see how it goes in the coming months. Firstly I need to go back to where I work and have a bit of a chat, but I wish to play more cricket, not full time.”I’m so proud for Sri Lanka, especially playing for this team, with the people, we get to know each other. The game has given me a lot so I have a lot of respect for the game.”His captain, Dinesh Chandimal, finished the game nursing a grade 1 groin strain that could make him a doubt for the Pallekele Test, where Sri Lanka will also have to contemplate how to re-balance the side in the absence of Herath.”It’s a very hard day for us, we all know how much Rangana has done for the team and Sri Lanka cricket,” Chandimal said. “It’s a very emotional day today and we wish him a really good future. We’ll have to say sorry to him, we couldn’t give him a good farewell in his last game.”Rangana was a really big part of our test team. He has done so much for the team, especially when it comes to off the field, when we have a problem we go to him. He gives good advice, a tremendous man and one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever seen.”Despite a heavy defeat, one that saw England end a two-year run without a victory in away Tests, Herath was confident that Sri Lanka had the capacity to hit back. “I’m 100% confident in the talent we have,” he said. “If you take the recent past, against South Africa and Australia, we have had a very good winning mindset, so we need to get that back.”