LiveScore Daily: Today's football news in bite-sized chunks

Rob Ellis
LiveScore
Rio Ferdinand is one of three former players to have been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame
Rio Ferdinand is one of three former players to have been inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Hall of Famers

Tony Adams, Petr Cech and Rio Ferdinand have been named as the latest inductees into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

They join legendary managers Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger to complete the Class of 2023 and will be formally honoured at an event in London this evening. 

Former Arsenal defender Adams said: "Scoring the goal that helped us to win our first Premier League title in 1997-98 was a magical moment and a career highlight for me.

"I'm very pleased to join the Premier League Hall of Fame. It's an honour to be recognised and voted for by the fans who make the game what it is."

Ex-Chelsea keeper Cech added: "When I look back to where I started, diving on rock solid pitches with stones like golf balls, it has been an amazing journey.

"I'm proud of my clean sheet record but I was even more happy when those clean sheets won matches and points for the team and contributed to titles!"

While Ferdinand, who made over 500 top-flight appearances across spells with West Ham, Leeds, Manchester United and QPR said: "It's a great feeling to be recognised by my peers as well as the fans. 

"The Premier League is the holy grail and I just can't believe I made it."

Hayes remains hopeful

Emma Hayes' Chelsea host Liverpool tonight
Emma Hayes' Chelsea host Liverpool tonight

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes is in bullish mood ahead of tonight's Women's Super League clash with Liverpool.

The Blues sit seven points behind leaders Manchester United but have played three games fewer than Marc Skinner's outfit.

Despite last week's Champions League semi-final exit to Barcelona, Hayes remains hopeful of her team's chances of landing silverware this term.

The 46-year-old said: "This group knows how to win but we're going to do everything possible to take one game at a time.

"We know we don't have the points in the bag but we're in control of our own destiny and while still in that position, we will attack it with everything that we've got.

"We understand the challenges and we fully respect the position Manchester United are in.

"They've had a tremendous season and we're going to push them the whole way we hope."

Chelsea's Blues

Cesar Azpilicueta rued Chelsea's defeat at Arsenal
Cesar Azpilicueta rued Chelsea's defeat at Arsenal

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has described the club's recent plight as his worst period with the West Londoners.

The Blues' woes continued at Arsenal on Tuesday night, succumbing to their sixth straight loss in all competitions.

A 3-1 defeat at the Emirates leaves Frank Lampard's outfit in 12th place, nine points from the drop zone with five games remaining.

Azpilicueta said: "It's the worst run since I've been at the club. 

"We're not in a good position. The reality is what we have now. We didn't expect to be here but that's where we are. 

"We have five games left. We have to show a positive energy and win games.

"It's tough for everybody. We are all disappointed. We have to take responsibility and that's the only way."

Messi on the move

Lionel Messi could be set to leave Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi could be set to leave Paris Saint-Germain

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has offered his thoughts on Lionel Messi's future.

Scaloni guided Messi and Co to World Cup glory last year, but La Albiceleste's talismanic captain has since hit trouble with his club Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi fuelled rumours of a summer exit with an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

But his national team coach said: "His future is managed by him. 

"I don't know what will happen in the future, if he will return to Spain or if he will stay in France or go to another country. Any coach would like to have him.

"I hope he continues to be happy on a pitch, regardless of what club he is at. I think that's what's really important. 

"He is a player who moves a lot and everyone enjoys watching him play."

EFL golden ball

A limited edition ball will be used in the Football League play-offs
A limited edition ball will be used in the Football League play-offs

PUMA have unveiled a special edition match ball for this season's Football League play-offs.

The Orbita ball features gold accents said to celebrate the magnitude of each game and aims to represent the golden ticket of promotion each club is striving to achieve. 

The introduction of the golden ball marks the first time in the history of the EFL that the ball used during the play-offs will be different to the one used during the regular season. 

Tags

ChelseaPremier LeagueLionel MessiParis Saint-GermainArgentinaCesar AzpilicuetaArsenalManchester UnitedChelsea FC WomenWomen’s Super LeagueChampionshipLeague OneLeague Two