The Madrid City Council's Arts, Sports & Tourism Commission on Monday unanimously approved to name a "road, public space or building" after former Real Madrid player ALFREDO DI STEFANO. The proposal "will now go to Madrid's 'Pleno municipal' for definitive approval" on July 30. Di Stefano died on July 7 at age 88 (EFE, 7/21). ... USAIN BOLT "will head to Rio de Janeiro following the Commonwealth Games" to run in a special 100m event. The race will take place "on Copacabana beach." The six-time Olympic champion "confirmed on Sunday he would race the 'Mano a Mano' 100m on Brazil's famous beach" (BBC, 7/21). ... A Virgin Atlantic Airbus A340 carrying British Olympic diver TOM DALEY "has been forced to make an emergency landing in the city of Irkutsk."
He and his partner DUSTIN LANCE BLACK "were among 301 people aboard the aircraft which had to put down in Siberia on a flight from Shanghai to London" (London TELEGRAPH, 7/21). ... Chelsea's Egyptian winger MOHAMED SALAH "has been spared national service." It was feared that Salah "would be forced to return home to fulfil the military obligation that lasts between one and three years, but he has been given permission to continue his promising career at Stamford Bridge" (PA, 7/21). ... Indian shooter HEENA SIDHU "has teamed up with PETA India for a brand-new ad campaign that shows her holding her pistol and taking a self-portrait with her phone below the words 'Shoot Selfies, Not Animals: Say No to Hunting'" (PTI, 7/21). ... Pakistan Cricket Board Chair NAJAM SETHI said that "he will be resigning from his post and will not contest the elections of the board." Najam added that "he would not contest the polls" as PM NAWAZ SHARIF "has made him a member of Board of Management Committee" (PAKISTAN TODAY, 7/21).
NO MORE THREE LIONS: Liverpool midfielder STEVEN GERRARD "has brought a period of soul-searching to an end by announcing his retirement from international football with immediate effect," a move that leaves England Manager ROY HODGSON "looking for a new captain."
Gerrard decided "the time is right to bring the curtain down on his international career." Hodgson "is not blessed with an embarrassment of alternatives," with WAYNE ROONEY "the obvious favourite to succeed Gerrard," although JOE HART and GARY CAHILL "have their supporters within the FA" (LONDON TIMES, 7/21). Gerrard "will now take on a 'high profile' ambassadorial role" with the FA. Hodgson said, "While I'm disappointed, I can entirely understand Steven's situation and can have no complaints given the incredible service he has given to his country."
Gerrard "will continue his club career with Liverpool" (BBC, 7/21).
