sportyafrica

Everton-In-demand midfielder Steven Pienaar.

2011-01-17T20:59:00.002+01:00

The South Africa star's future at Goodison Park has looked uncertain for some time, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.

David Moyes revealed after Sunday's 2-2 draw with Merseyside rivals Liverpool that the Toffees had agreed a fee with Chelsea, believed to be in the region of £3million.

Moyes also revealed that a lower offer from Tottenham had been rejected and Spurs manager Harry Redknapp responded by saying his side would probably not return with an improved bid.

However, it appears they have now matched Chelsea's valuation and will be hopeful of winning the chase for his signature as Pienaar has yet to agree personal terms with the Blues.

Pienaar arrived at Everton in 2007 on an initial loan deal from Borussia Dortmund before making a £2million permanent move the following year.

He has established himself as a key figure in Moyes' side but negotiations over a new deal proved unsuccessful and he now looks set to embark on a new adventure in London, while Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have also been linked with the midfielder.

Darren Bent,£18m bid for the forward from Aston Villa.

2011-01-17T20:53:00.002+01:00

Darren Bent, the Sunderland and England striker, has handed in a transfer request at the Stadium of Light, as his club accepts an £18m bid for the forward from Aston Villa.

Bent, 26, has scored 36 goals in 62 games for the Wearside club and has become a hero with Sunderland supporters after his £10m move from Tottenham Hotspur 18 months ago.

However, Gerard Houllier and Aston Villa put forward the £18m bid, which could rise to £24m, to Sunderland boss Steve Bruce and Chairman Niall Quinn on Sunday evening.

And in what can only be described as a gamble, with Frazier Campbell injured, Danny Welbeck only on-loan from Manchester United, and £13m Asamoah Gyan still adapting to the Premier League, the Sunderland duo accepted the offer.

The deal, if it goes through, would constitute a club record transfer for the Midlands club, who are amongst the lowest scorers in the Premier League.

Villa have won only 15 points from a possible 51 under Houllier, who has struggled to endear himself to the Villa Park faithful, but the signing of Bent would go someway to appeasing the clubs supporters.

Blackburn Vs Chelsea

2010-10-29T16:50:00.003+01:00

The league leaders are set to be given a stern test when they visit Blackburn on Saturday. The defending champions have played some scintillating football so far, scoring 25 goals and conceding a miserly two in nine matches, and they are already a healthy five points clear at the top. But regardless of Rovers currently struggling in 17th spot, they will not allow the Blues to strut their stuff at Ewood Park without offering plenty of resistance. Sam Allardyce's side, along with Wolves and Stoke, have come under fire of late for their physical approach. But tough-tackling Blues captain Terry feels the recent criticism directed at teams such as Blackburn is "unfair". It was interesting to see him add this week: "We can't expect to go to Ewood Park and pick up three points just because we're Chelsea Football Club. First and foremost we've got to go there and have a fight with them. We have to be prepared for a scrap." With neither side having played in midweek, Rovers go into this clash on the back of last Sunday's 2-1 defeat at Liverpool and will hope to welcome back defenders Ryan Nelsen (thigh) and Christopher Samba (suspension). Chelsea were given a few anxious moments last Saturday at Stamford Bridge before seeing off a plucky Wolves side 2-0 but having won three and drawn one of their last four league visits to Ewood Park, we expect their superb start to the campaign to continue. Not surprisingly bearing in mind current form and league positions, Carlo Ancelotti's side are a best-priced 1/2 with Ladbrokes to chalk up their eighth victory of the season which has no appeal to us. Rovers can be backed at 15/2 with Boylesports, while the draw is widely available at 10/3 and might tempt a few punters, but we believe class will tell and are steering clear of this one.

Arsenal Discover Form

2010-10-29T16:28:00.002+01:00

Backing goals - plenty of them - is the way to go here. Arsenal's six home games this season have seen the Gunners find the net no less than 25 times. In four of those games they have scored at least four goals and it should also be pointed out that the other two games have brought two home goals. More can be expected against the league's bottom side. While Arsenal were beating Newcastle 4-0 in midweek, West Ham also won in the Carling Cup, beating Stoke 3-1. However, despite not playing their strongest side, the likes of Scott Parker and Carlton Cole could have done without going to extra time and playing 120 minutes. They could well tell in the latter stages of this match and Arsenal aren't a side to ease up these days. Sportingbet offer 23/10 that Arsenal score four or more. It seems fair given the stats and the circumstances. It's also worth considering backing Samir Nasri. We were gutted to highlight his goalscoring prowess last weekend only to resist backing him to net at Manchester City. In sparkling form, he duly did so and now has seven goals in his last seven games. He's 5/2 to find the target in this one and we can't back off again. Coral are odds-on, so it's a price that screams value, especially when you consider there's every chance he could be back on penalties following another Cesc Fabregas miss from the spot at Eastlands.

Liverpool will break bank in January

2010-10-29T16:20:00.002+01:00

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson plans to make new signings in the January transfer window.

New Reds owners New England Sports Ventures are set to back Hodgson with funds in the new year to bolster the squad at Anfield following their takeover of the club earlier this month.

Hodgson is confident the new owners will give him the green light to move for the best players, but insists he will not spend money for the sake of it.

"If we want the right quality, we have got to be prepared to pay the right price," Hodgson told the club's official website.

"The owners know that perfectly well. We have got to make certain that if we go out and spend £20m, we are getting a £20m player.

"We want to be attracting the players that Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter are chasing. It would be nice to think that we can shop at a high level.

"I'm like all managers in that I'm wary of the January transfer window. I think it can be dangerous as clubs try to correct mistakes.

"But, having said that, we are going to very interested in trying to improve our squad in January. There is no question about that. I am sure we will sign players."

Hodgson added: "What I would hope to do is get this group of players playing well enough so we don't need to panic.

"Then I can say to the owners, 'If we are going to spend a lot of money, let's get the right man.'

"I don't want to spend half the money that might be available on someone for the sake of buying when the player we actually want might not be available until the summer.

"The lucky thing is that we are rebuilding around several top-class players. We have got Reina, Carragher, Gerrard, Torres, Kuyt - it's not as if we are rebuilding from nothing."

Hodgson also aimed a swipe at some of former boss Rafa Benitez's signings, claiming a number of players have not proved value for money.

"I think you can pay an awful lot of money for poor players and you can pay not very much money for very good ones - it is all to do with how good your scouting and your eye is," he added.

"There are a lot of things here that the club has got to get right. We have got a lot more expensive failures on our list than good players that we have brought in for next to nothing.

"Free transfers don't necessarily mean that you have got a bargain. My experience of them has been very mixed. You need to be sure that the player you get can do the job you want from him."

Rooney Not Yet Ready

2010-10-29T16:14:00.002+01:00

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could be out for longer than the three weeks first thought, manager Sir Alex Ferguson has said.

Rooney, who signed a new five-year contract at Old Trafford last week, is currently away resting after suffering an ankle injury.

When asked at a press conference if three weeks was still the prognosis, Ferguson said: "I think it may be longer."

Rooney, 25, was injured in training last week during an extraordinary few days that ended with him committing his future to the club after previously stating a desire to leave.

He has since been given permission to travel to Dubai to recuperate.

Ferguson said: "There is no recovery, it is just rest.

"Before he went away we did his remedial in terms of what we could do at the time. Thereafter, rest - we're quite happy with that."

Angola 2010: Africa Nation Cup Kicks Off

2010-01-10T17:41:00.002+01:00

Stephen Okechukwu Keshi's Mali will today at the 50,000 capacity Estadio 11 de Novembro Stadium, Luanda, trade tackles with Angola's Palancas Negras in the opening game of the 27th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations tagged CAN 2010.

Keshi's Les Aigles (Eagles), who are perennial underachievers in the continents' soccer showpiece, will be looking to have a good tournament in Angola to ease the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Already, Mali football authorities have set a quarter-final target for the team.Mali will be counting on Keshi's magic to rub-off on their 2010 campaign as the former Super Eagles skipper helped the team lift the trophy in 1994 in Tunisia. Keshi also achieved the seemingly impossible when he qualified the Hawks of Togo to their first ever World Cup at Germany 2006.

Aside from Frederic Kanoute, the 2007 African Footballer of the Year, Keshi has a plethora of players attached to major European clubs at his disposal.

The midfield is especially strong with the likes of Barcelona's Seydou Keita, Real Madrid's Mahamadou Diarra, and Mohamed Lamine Sissoko of Juventus.Similarly, the Palancas Negras have made four previous appearances but never won the cup before. As host nation, the southern African country would be hoping to repeat history as every host nation since 1992 has gone pass the first round in this competition.

Angola have their eyes fixed on the trophy and have prepared well for their home tournament with several friendlies-2-0 win over Togo, and draws with the likes of Ghana, Senegal and Cameroon.

Coach Jose Manuel knows there is little room for errors as the pressure mounts on them as host to keep the fans at the stadia. Reports have it that the 2010 tournament is likely to mark the end of the international careers for some of the current crop like Flavio, and they will be keen to bow out in style.

Kick-off for the big match is 8pm (local time).

AFCN 2010:Togo team to honuor mates

2010-01-10T17:34:00.002+01:00

The Togo national football side will play in the African Nations Cup, one of the players Thomas Dossevi told AFP early this morning, despite an earlier decision to pull out.

"In memory of the dead, the national team has decided to play in the African Nations Cup," said Dossevi.

The players had initially said they didn't want to play in the tournament, and the government recalled the team, following Friday's machine gun ambush by Cabinda separatists that killed an assistant coach and squad spokesman.

"We are all heartbroken, it is no longer a party, but we want to show our national colours, our values and that we are men," he said."It was a decision taken nearly unanimously by the team which met during the night after having been reassured by the Angolan authorities," Dossevi added.

Three members of the Togolese contingent died following the attack by terrorists, who opened gunfire on the bus conveying the team from their training camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rebels of the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) fighting for independence for the oil-rich enclave claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place as members of the team were completing immigration formalities at the border.

Among those killed in the shooting, which is said to have lasted for more than 15 minutes are the assistant coach, press officer and driver. Two players were also injured. Defender Serge Akakpo, who plays for Romanian club Vaslui, was hit by two bullets (including one in the stomach) and had to be flown to South Africa for treatment.

Reserve keeper Obilale, who plays for French club GSI Pontivy, was also wounded, while several other players sustained slight injuries. Some of them were later seen with bandages on their legs, hands and faces.

Following their decision to withdraw, Togo players admitted that they were trying to convince other teams in their group, which include Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Ghana, to also boycott the tournament.

Togo midfielder Alaixys Romao told French paper L'Equipe: "We're talking to the other teams in our group to try to convince them to boycott too."

Togo coach, Hubert Velud told French radio station RMC that he thought the Angolan authorities should consider cancelling the entire tournament.

"We can at least pose that question," he said. "It's an act of barbarism while we are here to celebrate African football.

"We left the hospital a short time ago to come to the centre for the teams in the competition. We stayed in the hospital a long time so that we could be very united.

Aston Villa's Togolese midfielder Moustapha Salifou was thankful for the presence of the security team after he emerged unscathed from the incident. He said he felt lucky to be alive.

He told Villa's website: "Our security people saved us. They were in two cars, about 10 of them in total, and they returned fire.

Xabi Alonso Not leaving Liverpool

2009-07-23T19:29:00.003+01:00

Rafa Benitez has moved to play down talk of Xabi Alonso leaving Liverpool.

The Spanish midfielder did not play in the 1-1 friendly draw with Thailand on Wednesday, and was quoted as saying he could offer no 'guarantees' about his future.

Real Madrid are still keen to sign Alonso, and reports in the Spanish on Thursday claimed a deal was all but done.

However, Liverpool have denied this, and Benitez said after the squad arrived in Singapore on Thursday: "Alonso is here and he will enjoy the weather and the fans and the journalists.

"He is ready and can play."

A Liverpool spokesman backed up his manager, saying: "Xabi is with us in Singapore, and will train with the rest of the squad. He was injured ahead of the Thailand game, people can say what they like about that.

"And there has been no deal agreed with anyone for his transfer to anyone."

Benitez went on to dismiss speculation that Javier Mascherano also wants out of Anfield.

His agent, Walter Tamer, was quoted on Wednesday as saying the Argentine midfielder was tired of life in England, and favoured a move to Barcelona.

However, Benitez said: "In the press these days there are too many websites, too many newspapers, radio, television. You have to have stories every day so sometimes you repeat something from 15 days ago.

"It's much the same situation, he knows our ideas. He's been working very hard and he's a very important player for us."

Real Madrid have also been linked with Alvaro Arbeloa as well as Alonso and the club's sport director Miguel Pardeza said: "With Arbeloa there was an option which, at the moment, has come to nothing.

"Liverpool haven't had much intention of letting him go, even though he has one year left on his contract, and we are still in this situation.

"There is more than a month of the transfer market left and this could change. I'm not going to deny that we'd like to have Arbeloa."

On Alonso's future, Pardeza said: "From day one, Liverpool have asked for more than Madrid are ready to pay and it's very difficult to understand. But I've not lost hope that things can be resolved."

Maradona ready to come to Portsmouth

2009-07-23T19:13:00.002+01:00

Diego Maradona's lawyer has sensationally claimed the Argentina boss is ready to quit his job with the national side to join Portsmouth as a "global ambassador".

Pompey's new owner Sulaiman Al Fahim, who this week completed his £60million takeover, wants the Argentine to help attract world superstars to the South Coast.

Al Fahim recently announced plans to open a Maradona Sports Cafe in the UAE and is also a close friend of Maradona's cousin Remigio, with both men working for the UN as goodwill ambassadors.

Maradona's lawyer Angel Oscar Moyano claims his client has players lined up to join Al Fahim's Fratton Park revolution and that he is ready to quit the Argentina post he only accepted last October.

"He has got top players ready and he is even ready to leave the Argentine national team," Moyano told Arabian Business.

"He wants to build a strong team for which he offers his mediation for signing players of top level, who with the support of Diego Maradona, will be ready to come to Portsmouth."

Al Fahim is a fan of the 48-year-old, stating his presence alone would go a long way to helping transform Portsmouth.

"I do not know if Maradona is a good coach," he conceded. "What I think is that he should be president of a club and have the right to buy and choose players.

"At Napoli he started from scratch and built a club. He has the power to transform football teams."

Emmanuel Adebayor joined Manchester City

2009-07-23T19:05:00.002+01:00

Manchester City have completed the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor on a five-year deal.

The 25-year-old Togo international has joined the Blues from Arsenal for an undisclosed fee after passing his medical at Eastlands on Saturday evening.

The striker becomes the latest big-money addition to Mark Hughes' squad this summer following the captures of Gareth Barry, Carlos Tevez and Roque Santa Cruz.

Several hundred City fans were at the stadium on Saturday evening to welcome Adebayor, who hopes to help the ambitious club move forward.

"It made me feel really welcome and special and I can't wait to play for City's fans and show them what I can do," said Adebayor, who, as at Arsenal, will wear the number 25 shirt.

"I was born to play football and that is what I want to do. I have come here to make history for this club and those supporters.

"It is what the chairman and the manager told me that they want too and I can't wait to get started."

Hughes, meanwhile, has hailed the capture of the striker, who was signed by Gunners boss Arsene Wenger for £3million from Monaco in 2006.

"Emmanuel has been one of the top forwards in the Premier League since he arrived from France and we are delighted he has agreed to come and join us," the Welshman told the club's official website.

"Along with the other signings we have made in the last two windows he will greatly enhance our ability to compete with the top sides.

"His arrival is another clear indication that we are determined to augment the players we have here with the best of international talent.

"He adds vital balance and power to our attack. He has everything a top forward needs. He is versatile, powerful, quick and agile on the ball.

"I am looking forward to working with him as are the rest of the staff. He will definitely add a new dimension to our play. I have been a great admirer for a long time."

Adebayor's first task will be to fly out to join his new team-mates in South Africa, where their pre-season tour began with a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Orlando Pirates earlier on Saturday.

No Bid From Real Madrid- Bayern Munich

2009-07-07T17:52:00.004+01:00

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge claims the club have received just one bid for Franck Ribery - and it did not come from Real Madrid.

The Spanish giants are leading the race for the France winger, who has denied reports he wanted to quit Bayern to join the Florentino Perez revolution at the Bernabeu.

According to reports in Germany, Madrid have tabled a 64million euro offer for Ribery, with Bayern holding out for 80m, but Rummenigge revealed that is not the case.

"Up till now one club has made an offer to FC Bayern. And that club is not called Real Madrid. We kindly rejected the offer," he said to Sport Bild Online.

Premier League pair Chelsea and Manchester United were also believed to be interested in Ribery.

Rummenigge added: "We are not gambling, not aiming to force up the price. We want to keep hold of the player.

"Real have invited us to talks several times. We haven't opened this door once even slightly. If that does not please him or his agent, I can't change that. The Bayern shirt is dearer to us."

Real Madrid Unveiled Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-07-07T17:33:00.003+01:00

Cristiano Ronaldo fulfilled a "childhood dream" as he was unveiled as a Real Madrid player in front of a packed Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The Portuguese forward, who has been handed the number nine jersey, was greeted by Alfredo di Stefano - considered the greatest player to have worn that particular shirt - Eusebio and Florentino Perez, the club president whose re-election prompted Ronaldo's £80million signing from Manchester United.

"I am just so happy to be here," he said to a rapturous reception from the gathered thousands.

"For me, I have made my childhood dream a reality, which was nothing less than playing for Real Madrid.

"I didn't expect a jam-packed stadium - this is truly impressive."

Perez claimed Monday night's events "might not have a precedent". "We are very satisfied to know that you made the firm decision to play for Real Madrid," Perez said.

He told Ronaldo what to expect from his new adoring fans, adding: "They will ask of you the very best, but will also give you their all."

Ronaldo is the third player to be unveiled by Madrid since Perez returned to the presidency at the start of June, following in the footsteps of Kaka and Raul Albiol.

Brazil playmaker Kaka was a reported £56million signing from AC Milan, while Spain centre-back Albiol was brought in from Valencia for a fee believed to be around £13million.

Madrid have also agreed a deal with Lyon for their striker Karim Benzema for an initial fee of £30million, a transfer that takes the Spanish giants' summer spending close to the £200million mark.

Monday night's attendance at the Bernabeu swamped the estimated 55,000 that watched Kaka's unveiling here last Tuesday, and is believed to be the biggest turn-out for a presentation since a reported 75,000 saw the arrival of Diego Maradona at Napoli from Barcelona in 1984.

Earlier on Monday, Ronaldo, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, successfully completed his medical with Madrid after landing in the Spanish capital just after midday.

Carlos Diez, Real Madrid's medical chief, told realmadrid.com: "(Ronaldo) is in perfect condition and very eager to start the season as soon as possible."

Ronaldo had already undergone initial medical tests with the Spanish giants while on holiday in Portugal last month, which the player claimed at the time had gone "perfectly".

Diez added: "He has an extraordinary cardiac and lung capacity. We have complemented everything that we already did in Portugal and done all the specific tests.

"Now we will be able to start working using an individual plan in order to improve his performance.

"For him (Ronaldo), it's a dream, and this dream starts to convert into reality from today."

Speaking at a press conference after his presentation, Ronaldo insisted that Real were "the closest club to my heart" - but admitted it was a wrench to leave England.

"Thank you to all (United) supporters, the boss (Sir Alex Ferguson), friends and team-mates - I've been there six years and have friends there. But people respect my decision," he said.

"The great challenge now, and dream, is to play at Real Madrid but I'm going to miss many things in Manchester."

The forward claimed he left Old Trafford, and Ferguson, on friendly terms.

"It was good," he said of his departure. "My relationship with him was always good and will stay that way forever.

"I went to Manchester, spoke to them and everything was fine. Life goes on."

Ronaldo also reiterated his belief that he was worth the vast sum paid for his services.

"I have always thought that the best clubs, to have the best players, have to pay - so Real Madrid did a good thing. It was a correct decision.

"I understand...it is not your everyday thing to manage these figures, but I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the history of football and I'm going to prove that they paid good money for me and it was worth it."

Real Madrid Still Chase Alonso

2009-07-07T17:32:00.001+01:00

Jorge Valdano admits Real Madrid are some distance away from Liverpool's valuation of Xabi Alonso.

Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the Spain midfielder as part of their summer rebuilding under new president Florentino Perez, which has already seen the Primera Division outfit splash out almost £200million on Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Raul Albiol.

However, while Valdano admits Alonso remains one of their targets, the Madrid director general wants the price to be right.

"Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, and this doesn't seem the case. We are very far from the figures that Liverpool have set out," Valdano was quoted as telling Spanish radio station Onda Madrid.

Valdano added on Cadena Ser: "Liverpool have taken up a difficult stance over Xabi Alonso. I don't like to talk about the private details of negotiations.

"We are studying many alternatives. We want someone who can channel the play and there aren't many like that in the world."

With plenty of time before the transfer window closes and with a number of big-name signings already wrapped up, Valdano insists the Spanish giants have no great urgency to complete their summer shopping spree, though.

"After the great players who have arrived, we aren't in a hurry," he said.

"(We want) two signings, maximum three. That's the number with which the team will be able to cover all eventualities.

"With the arrival of Benzema, we are not going to sign (Valencia striker David) Villa. We are happy to have got the Frenchman. He is 21, powerful, and is enthusiastic and eager."

Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid;-Real Madrid president

2009-06-04T18:10:00.002+01:00

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed he will "work to bring Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo" to the Bernabeu.

Madrid are currently in negotiations to sign Kaka, while they have long been linked with a move for the Portugal international.

There continues to be speculation that they already have a deal in place for Ronaldo and although Perez insists he knows nothing about any such contract, he admits the 24-year-old is one of his main targets this summer.

"Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best players in the world," Perez told Atena 3. "I'm going to work to bring Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

"I've been here a few days and neither (former president, Vicente) Boluda nor anyone else has talked to me about this supposed agreement.

"What would be very good is to see these great players at Real Madrid this season. Cristiano would be one of these."

Perez is close to making his first signing since returning as president with Madrid on the verge of completing a world-record transfer deal for AC Milan playmaker Kaka.

It seemed yesterday as if Chelsea were about to hijack the bid but the Barclays Premier League club issued a statement denying reports they had made a £73.3 million offer to Milan, something which delights Perez,

"This statement is an advantage," he added. "If Chelsea are not competing with us it is good news.

"The problem wouldn't be the presentation of Kaka, the problem would be if we are capable of fixing it so he plays for Real Madrid.

"We have good relations with Milan. I'm a friend of (general manager, Adriano) Galliani which will make this agreement easier. Moreover, the player has shown his desire to play for us."

Steve Bruce become Sunderland manager

2009-06-03T20:35:00.003+01:00

Sunderland have confirmed via their official website that Steve Bruce has signed a three year deal to become manager at the Stadium of Light. A mutually satisfactory deal for compensation has, according to Sky Sports News, been concluded between his former club Wigan Athletic and the Black Cats for compensation.

Bruce, originally from Corbridge in the Tyne Valley, grew up as a Newcastle United fan, which might have prejudiced his appointment in the eyes of many Mackems. However, Bob Stokoe, the man who won the FA Cup as manager for the club in 1973 was also a Geordie, and if Bruce can bring similar success then he will be hailed as a hero, whatever his roots.

It is unclear as to how much compensation has been agreed between the clubs, but the length of time the deal took to complete suggests negotiation between Black Cats chairman Niall Quinn and his Latics counterpart Dave Whelan, both recognised in English football as shrewd operators, was intense.

Quinn, the former Arsenal striker, was clearly very pleased to have snared his man, telling the club's website, "Steve will bring a professionalism and strength of character to this club that will really help to bring us forward to where we all want to be.

"He knows more than anyone what football means to people of this region and I'm confident that he will be able to instill into our players exactly what it means to play for this football club."

As reported yesterday earlier by Goal.com, Bruce will be taking Eric Black and Nigel Spink with him from Wigan as assistant manager and goalkeeping coach respectively. They will be joined by former Sunderland striker Bertschin, who will be reserve team coach - the role he fulfilled with Athletic from January 2008.

Kaka has agreed to join Real Madri

2009-06-03T20:31:00.002+01:00

AC Milan star Kaka has agreed to join Real Madrid.News of his impending transfer to the La Liga giants has been gaining momentum since this afternoon when it was rumoured Milan vice president Adriano Galliani and Kaka's father/agent were in the capital to negotiate a deal.

The Spanish media later reported that a deal had been agreed for €65 million between the two clubs.

The former Ballon d'Or winner is currently on international duty with Brazil, but has allegedly given his stamp of approval to the deal. All that is missing is an official announcement from the two clubs, which is likely to arrive very shortly.

The 27-year-old made 31 appearances in Serie A this season for the Rossoneri, finding the back of the net 16 times in the process.

Gareth Barry. signed a five-year contract at Eastlands.

2009-06-03T20:16:00.004+01:00

Manchester City have completed a surprise £12million transfer swoop for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.

The 28-year-old England midfielder has signed a five-year contract at Eastlands.

Barry, who was a target for Liverpool last summer, leaves Villa after 12 years and more than 400 matches.

City manager Mark Hughes is banking on the midfielder's experience in the domestic and international arena to take the club to the next level.

Hughes said: "Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and that is a recommendation in itself.

"When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them so we are absolutely delighted that we have been able to conclude this deal.

"The experience required to compete with the best in the Premier League is vital.

"With Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world.

"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game and we are thrilled that he is joining us."

Club captain Richard Dunne welcomed Barry on board.

"He is a really good player and a player the Aston Villa fans will really miss, " said the defender.

"It shows the pulling power of the club. It's the sort of signing the manager is looking for - players with Premier League experience who can push the squad on."

Barry has proved to be adaptable over the years and that is a trait that Hughes believes will serve City well.

"I like players that have the sort of flexibility that enables you to change your tactics if you need during a game, and Gareth has that," he told City's official website.

"He also has a range of passing that I am keen to introduce to the team, and he has got great delivery at set-plays as well. He will bring a lot to City.

"I have spoken to him briefly, and I will do at greater length soon. It is clear to everybody that being at City is going to be exciting in the future, and Gareth sees that."

Barry said: "I'm delighted to be joining City.

"It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go.

"There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."

GARETH BARRY FACTFILE

1981: Born, Hastings, February 23.

1997: Joins Aston Villa as a trainee from Brighton for £50,000.

1998: February 23 - Signs first professional contract at Villa.

May 2 - Makes debut as substitute in 3-1 Premier League win at Sheffield Wednesday.

May 10 - First start for Villa is in 1-0 home win over Arsenal.

November 17 - Makes England Under-21 debut in friendly against Czech Republic. Goes on to earn 27 caps.

1999: April 24 - Scores first Villa goal in 2-0 Premier League win over Nottingham Forest.

2000: May 31 - Makes senior England debut as substitute in 2-0 friendly win over Ukraine at Wembley.

June: Called up to England's Euro 2000 squad but does not feature during the tournament.

September 2 - Starts first senior England game in 1-1 draw with France in Paris.

2006: August 19 - Awarded Villa captaincy for opening Premier League game of the season at Arsenal and retains the job.

August 27 - Ends speculation about his future by signing a four-year contract at Villa.

2007: February 2 - Named in England squad for first time since 2003 for friendly against Spain.

October 28 - Becomes youngest player to make 300 Premier League appearances (aged 26 years 247 days), beating Frank Lampard's record.

2008: May 1 - Liverpool launch bid to buy Barry.

May 2 - Villa boss Martin O'Neill confirms Liverpool's bid but decries it as "a mish-mash of nameless player exchanges". O'Neill also criticises Liverpool for making their interest public.

June 1 - Scores first international goal in England's 3-0 friendly win in Trinidad and Tobago. Also captains England for the first time in second half of the game.

Describes Liverpool's interest as "flattering".

June 29 - Reveals he wants to join Liverpool and criticises O'Neill for not making enough effort to keep him at Villa Park.

July 2 - Barry is fined two weeks' wages and ordered not to return for pre-season training for his criticism of O'Neill. Villa reveal they have rejected another improved offer from Liverpool.

July 16 - Barry is permitted to return to training.

July 22 - Plays for Villa in a friendly at Walsall and is booed by the travelling supporters.

August 22 - Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger reveals his own interest in Barry.

August 27 - Barry's agent confirms the player will stay with Villa.

2009: May - Villa offer to make Barry their highest-paid player if he signs a new contract.

June 2 - Barry joins Manchester City for £12million.

Ben Foste Is A Future England Save Hand-Peter Shilton

2009-03-25T19:03:00.004+01:00

Peter Shilton has urged Fabio Capello to hand Ben Foster the chance to prove he can be England's first-choice goalkeeper at next year's World Cup in South Africa.
Foster's status was bolstered by his match-winning performance for Manchester United in the League Cup final against Tottenham earlier this month, with his heroics earning him a call-up to Capello's squad for Saturday's friendly against Slovakia and Wednesday's qualifier against Ukraine.

Shilton, England's record caps holder with 125 appearances, would welcome a challenge to 38-year-old current number one David James, although he stressed that Robert Green of West Ham was also in contention.

"I would like to see a young goalkeeper now in the next few games and for next season really start to put some pressure on the England goalkeeping spot," said Shilton.

"David James has always been a terrifically gifted goalkeeper, but he lost his place because of making errors on a regular basis for England.

"So although he is our most experienced goalkeeper, you can't really put your cards totally on David.

"It is very interesting to see Ben Foster getting over his injury.

He had a big chance in a big game and performed exceptionally well for Manchester United in the League Cup final.

"He is somebody who has always looked the part, but still has a lot to prove.

"Green has also been very consistent this year, and the position is still very much in the balance."

Foster, 25, has been almost permanently injured since Capello replaced Steve McClaren 15 months ago, and has only one England cap to date, earned while he was on loan at Watford in 2007.

Despite his call-up by Capello, he acknowledges that he will have to be playing more regularly if he is to seriously challenge James for the national team's number one spot.

At United, that involves displacing Edwin van der Sar, who is likely to play on for at least another season. It will not be an easy task but Foster has ruled out moving elsewhere in search of first-team exposure.

"The biggest club in the world against the biggest competition in the world, that is the dilemma," he said.

"Playing for England is a hugely important thing but I am also at the biggest club in the world. I will only get one chance at that and I don't want to give it up.

"I have to come back next season and get into the manager's face as much as I can. I want to be playing and I want to get into the World Cup squad next season."

Whatever happens, Foster's history of injuries - he has suffered ruptured cruciate ligaments, a broken thumb and a twisted ankle in the last two years - have made him philosophical about the up-and-down nature of his chosen profession.

"When you have so many injuries in such a short space of time, it teaches you to sit back and realise how fortunate you are when you can play regularly," he said.

"I have had bad times. Hopefully I am back on the up again now."

Maintaining that positive approach is one of the reasons why Foster was so happy to get the England call, a reward, as he sees it, for the more professional focus he has adopted.

"I have changed my whole life, with the things that I eat and things that I do," he revealed. "I do a lot more work in the gym and I just try to calm it down and focus on going out onto the training pitch, doing my best and then take the same approach into matches as and when I get the chance.

"It certainly feels good to get that little bit of recognition."

HIGH DEMAND FOR 2010 WORLD TICKETS

2009-03-25T17:07:00.003+01:00

Fifa said on Friday that ticket sales for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa were booming but world football's governing body voiced caution about the potential impact of a prolonged economic crisis. "There are at least 28 matches of the 64 that are sold out, the demand is huge," said Fifa Secretary General Jerome Valcke after a meeting of the executive committee.

Some 800 000 ticket requests had been made since tickets were opened for sale online on February 20, he added. The strongest demand came from the United States and England.

Valcke said the event's major sponsors also gave no sign of reconsidering despite fears about the impact of cost-cutting on sports sponsorship.

Fifa said it had weathered the financial turmoil so far, as it reported an increase in its annual financial result in 2008 to $184 million - compared to $49 million the previous year.

Fifa's equity stock also grew to $902 million.

But officials also voiced caution since 95% of Fifa's revenues over its four year financial period - 2007 to 2010 - depend on World Cup revenues from ticket sales, broadcast rights and corporate sponsorship.

"The financial and economic crisis is not yet over," commented finance chief Markus Kattner.

The global economic crisis is proving to be harsher and more sustained than expected. Many countries are not forecasting a recovery until late this year or next year, and unemployment is rising.

EAGLES ASSEMBLE FOR MAPUTO CLASH-2010 W/CUP

2009-03-25T17:01:00.003+01:00

The Super Eagles' World Cup qualifying camp was a beehive of activities on Tuesday with the arrival in camp of seven other players, taking the number as at last night to 13.

Team skipper Nwankwo Kanu, strikers Obafemi Martins, Obinna Nsofor and Osaze Odemwingie, defender Onyekachi Apam and midfielder Olufemi Ajilore arrived in the team's Mthumbi Lodge in the early afternoon, while defender Obinna Nwaneri arrived in the night.

On Monday, goalkeepers Austin Ejide and Bamidele Aiyenugba, defenders Ayodele Adeleye, Danny Shittu and Taye Taiwo and striker Joseph Akpala were the first in camp.
Head Coach, Amodu Shaibu, his assistants, Daniel Amokachi, Fatai Amoo and Aloysius Agu; team coordinator, Emmanuel Attah, curator Chidi Ngoka and the team doctor and physiotherapist have been on ground since Monday morning.

Spain-based Kalu and Ikechukwu Uche missed their flight in Zurich after arriving late from Madrid. "Their flight from Madrid developed a problem and they had to be transferred to another aircraft. By the time this was done, time was lost and they missed the flight from Zurich to Johannesburg. They will leave Zurich on Tuesday night to arrive in Johannesburg Wednesday morning," said Emmanuel Ayanbunmi, the protocol officer, who has been in Johannesburg with Emmanuel Attah, receiving the players and putting them on flight to Nelspruit.

Also expected Wednesday are midfielder Sani Kaita, who was waiting to receive his visa in Paris on Tuesday morning, defender Chidi Odiah and goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.

Team assistant captain, Joseph Yobo, who is injured, will arrive in Maputo on Saturday to boost the team's morale, alongside striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who also will not be able to take part in the match.

Out of the squad as well are injured defender Yusuf Mohammed and striker Chinedu Obasi.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday evening received a letter from English Premiership side, Chelsea FC, stating that midfielder John Mikel Obi is suffering from throat infection.

"John started to suffer from a throat infection on March 19, 2009 and this has been treated with a high level of Augmentin over the last 48 hours and we seem to be getting control of the infection."On the evening of March 19, he was pyrexial at 39.8 and at one stage hospitalisation was considered. However, due to the sensible nature of his partner, he remained at home and has slowly improved to the point where, I believe, he will be able to travel in approximately 48 hours. Obviously, he has not trained with us or played and I would ask you to take this into account in the week leading up to the game for Nigeria," wrote Dr Bryan English, chief medical officer of Chelsea, in a letter dated March 21, but received only on Tuesday.

Messi "is the best player in the world."-Sebastian Veron

2009-03-25T16:59:00.001+01:00

Juan Sebastian Veron, who revealed to have had a private meeting with Marcelo Tinelli to possibly join San Lorenzo, affirmed to the press that Lionel Messi "is the best player in the world."

"Today Messi is the best player in the world and when you have a player of those characteristics it is logical that everyone always looks to him to play. He knows how to assume his role," Veron declared to TyC Sports.

Veron believes that the Barcelona superstar "has matured a great deal in the last two years, because he has accumulated experience."

In reference to Juan Roman Riquelme's decision to quit the national team, Veron admitted that "he isn't a player who can easily be replaced because he is a classic anchor man."

But he affirmed that Diego Maradona will "find a way to replace him with other players or by changing his tactical scheme."

"Besides what has happened with Riquelme, the national team have lots of options."

The South American Footballer of the Year for 2008 stated that from now until the World Cup Argentina will experience several changes.

"To achieve our objective the group are more important than the team itself."

Arshavin has joined Arsenal from Zenit

2009-02-03T19:54:00.002+01:00

Arsenal and the Premier League have confirmed that the Russian has finally swapped Zenit St. Petersburg for the Premier League and signed for the north London outfit, in a move that Sky Sports News reports as being worth £17 million.

A club statement from the Gunners, released in the last few minutes, read: "Arsenal FC is delighted to announce that Andrei Arshavin has joined from Zenit St. Petersburg on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee."

The Premier League reportedly ratified the paperwork this afternoon, and the player can now, at last, ink a deal that Zenit affirm has cost Arsenal £16.95 million.

That fee breaks down into a £15 million transfer fee, with a further £1.5 million paid as compensation for the player breaking a long-term contract. In addition, Zenit will receive a £450,000 as an 'unpaid bonus' that Arshavin would have received were he to have remained in St. Petersburg.

Outside the Emirates Stadium, where eager Arsenal fans shivered in the cold on the streets where many had been waiting for final confirmation of the deal, news of the signing was received with enthusiasm. Fans spoke warmly of Arshavin's "experience" and "pace", saying that the Russian would provide a "massive boost" in the side's hunt for fourth place in the Premier League, and would certainly prove a "good signing."

Arshavin will wear the number 23 shirt for the Gunners.

Diego Ribas is not for sale

2009-01-26T17:36:00.002+01:00

Werder Bremen midfielder Diego Ribas is moving further away from a move to Juventus after sporting director Klaus Allofs revealed he is not for sale.

The Bianconeri are well known to be keen on the Brazilian; coach Claudio Ranieri going so far as to reveal the club’s interest. Juve have been looking at the midfielder as a possible replacement for Pavel Nedved, who is due to retire at the end of the season.

Reports suggested the Italian giants were set to hold talks with Diego and his agent, however, the Germans have other ideas.

"Diego has a contract until 2011 and we want to keep him. He is not for sale," Allofs told Bild.

Juve have been hot on Diego's heels for almost two years, but they have yet to secure the 23 year-old playmaker’s signature. Manchester City have also shown an interest, but a move to England for Diego seems unlikely.

Despite the voices coming from his current employers, the Bianconeri will not be giving up on the midfielder. They believe he is the best player to fill the void that will be left Nedved’s retirement.

Abu Dhabi United Group to purchase Chelsea

2009-01-23T18:28:00.003+01:00

Roman Abramovich's resolve to keep hold of Chelsea could be tested by a consortium of German investors whose proposal is being fronted by the Arab tycoon who masterminded the takeover of Manchester City.

Peter Kenyon, the Chelsea chief executive, has been eager to emphasise Abramovich’s long-term commitment to the club, but that has not stopped Dr Sulaiman al-Fahim, who led the Abu Dhabi United Group’s purchase of City in September, drawing up a takeover proposal with Falcon Equity, a Swiss-based private-equity partnership. It is understood that it has a number of German investors ready to fund any buyout.

"It's not entirely clear if Chelsea is for sale, but regardless of that, we first need to see if we are in a position to buy it," Al Fahim said.

"Given that Roman Abramovich has invested over £500m into the club, it would not be cheap, and with the current credit crunch, nobody wants to be over-exposed on one deal. But through a number of investors, there is money available to put together a deal."
Holger Heims, the managing partner of Falcon Equity, told Arabianbusiness.com that the group believed everything, including Chelsea Football Club, had its price.

"We have looked before at some European clubs to see if the numbers added up, and now we are doing the same with Chelsea," he said. "I don't believe anything is ever not for sale if you come up with the right price.

"It's not about trying to buy a football team but about a business. You don't make money because 11 guys run around the pitch, you make money because of all the other commercial aspects that go with a football club, particularly real estate and television rights."

Abramovich reaffirmed his commitment to the club over the weekend by claiming that despite suffering heavy losses in the global financial crisis, he did not need to sell the club.

"Chelsea is not for sale. The owner has not and is not looking to sell his interest in the club and he remains as committed as ever," a statement read.

Abramovich bought Chelsea in a deal worth £140m in 2003.

Transfer Players In English League-January 2009

2009-01-23T18:07:00.004+01:00

Lionel Ainsworth [Watford - Huddersfield] Undisclosed
Cedric Avinel [Watford - FC Gueugnon] Loan
Damien Batt [unattached - Oxford]
Jimmy Bullard [Fulham - Hull] £5m
Jay Conroy [Havant & Waterlooville - Northwich] Undisclosed
Jennison Myrie-Williams [Bristol City - Hereford] Loan
Anthony Pilkington [Stockport - Huddersfield] Undisclosed
Andy Pugh [Gillingham - Grays] Loan
Damien Reeves [Histon - Northwich] Free
Jordan Rhodes [Ipswich - Brentford] Loan
Adam Smith [Gainsborough - York] Undisclosed
Moses Swaibu [Unattached - Lincoln]
Kamil Zayatte [Young Boys Berne - Hull] £2.5m
Marlon King [Wigan - Middlesbrough] LoanYannick Bolasie [Plymouth - Barnet] Loan
Guy Butters [Havant & Waterlooville - Lewes] Loan
Ashley Carew [Barnet - Eastleigh] Loan
Levi Mackin [Wrexham - York] Loan
Paul Rodgers [Arsenal - Northampton] Loan
Rob Atkinson [Barnsley - Grimsby] Free
Tony Bullock [Ross County - Montrose] Free
Lee Cox [Leicester - Yeovil] Loan
Nigel de Jong [SV Hamburg - Manchester City] Undisclosed
Iain Diack [Brechin - Stenhousemuir] Undisclosed
Paul Mayo [Notts County - Mansfield] Free
Troy Archibald-Henville [Tottenham - Exeter] Loan
Billy Clarke [Ipswich - Northampton] Loan
David Graham [Hamilton - Dunfermline] Free
Jasbir Singh [Shrewsbury - Sutton Coldfield Town] Loan
Dominik Werling [unattached - Huddersfield]
Nicky Adams [Leicester - Rochdale] Loan
Craig Bellamy [West Ham - Manchester City] Undisclosed
Billy Clarke [Ipswich - Northampton] Loan
Kenny Deuchar [Real Salt Lake - Hamilton Accies] Free
Ian Dobbins - [Stranraer - Arbroath] Free
Scott Golbourne [Reading - Oldham] Loan
Anthony Howell [Ilkeston - Mansfield] Undisclosed
Josh Lillis [Scunthorpe - Notts County] Loan
Gareth Owen [Stockport - Port Vale] Free
Scott Rendell [Peterborough - Cambridge Utd] Loan
Curtis Shaw [Ilkeston - Mansfield] Undisclosed
Jay Tabb [Coventry - Reading] Undisclosed
Jamie Ward [Chesterfield - Sheff Utd] £330,000
David Button [Tottenham - Bournemouth] Loan
Lee Elam [unattached - Northwich] Non-contract
David McDonald [unattached - Northwich] Non-contract
Karl Murray [Bromley - Northwich] Loan
Mark Peat [Montrose - East Stirlingshire] Free
Dave Brammer [unattached - Port Vale]
David Button [Tottenham - Bournemouth] Loan
Tom Cleverley [Man Utd - Leicester] Loan
Lee Collins [Wolves - Port Vale] Undisclosed
Alex Fisher [Oxford Utd - Oxford City] Loan
Danny Griffin [unattached - Livingston]
Manucho [Man Utd - Hull] Loan
Ryan Shotton [Stoke - Tranmere] Loan
Javan Vidal [Man City - Aberdeen] Loan
Manny Williams [Woking - Weston-super-Mare] Loan
David Winters [unattached - Livingston]
Tomi Ameobi [Doncaster - Mansfield] Loan
Danny Broadbent [Huddersfield - Rushden & Diamonds] Loan
Simon Brown [Wrexham - York] Loan
Carl Dickinson [Stoke - Leeds] Loan
Marc-Antoine Fortune [Nancy - West Brom] Loan
Kevin Gallen [MK Dons - Luton] Free
Dean Gerken [Colchester - Darlington] Loan
Gael Givet [Marseille - Blackburn] Loan
Lewis Gobern [Wolves - Colchester] Loan
Liam Henderson [Watford - Hartlepool] Loan
Kevin Kilbane [Wigan - Hull] Undisclosed
Liam Miller [Sunderland - QPR] Undisclosed
Richard Naylor [Ipswich - Leeds]
Loan Stuart Noble [Airdrie Utd - Alloa] Loan
Darren Potter [Wolves - Sheff Weds] Loan
Steve Robinson [Chelmsford - Northwich] Free
Luke Rodgers [unattached - Yeovil]
Kyel Reid [West Ham - Wolves] Loan
Emile Sinclair [Nottm Forest - Macclesfield] Loan
Matthew Spring [Luton - Charlton] Undisclosed
Tom Soares [Stoke - Charlton] Loan
Christian Smith [unattached - York]
Phil Trainer [Oxford - AFC Telford] Loan
Steven Tweed [East Fife - Montrose] Free
Sunday-Akanni Wasiu [Colchester - Luton] Loan
Luke Ashworth [Wigan - Leyton Orient] Free
Nicholas Bignall [Reading - Cheltenham] Loan
Danny Carlton [Carlisle - Darlington] Loan
Craig Nelthorpe [unattached - Oxford]
Seol Ki-Hyeon [Fulham - Al-Hilal] Loan
Richie Byrne [unattached - Inverness]
Fraser Forrest [Alloa - Berwick] Loan
Steven Pressley [Unattached - Falkirk] Free
ames Beattie [Sheffield United - Stoke] Undisclosed
Sherjill MacDonald [West Brom - Roeselare] Loan
Jason Puncheon [Plymouth - MK Dons] Loan
Joe Anyinsah [Preston - Carlisle] Undisclosed
Lee Bowyer [West Ham - Birmingham] Loan
Chris Burke [Rangers - Cardiff] Free
Nick Chadwick [Hereford - Shrewsbury] Loan
David Cox [Kilmarnock - Elgin] Loan
Mark Davies [Wolves - Leicester] Loan
Jermain Defoe [Portsmouth - Tottenham] £15m
Kris Doolan [Auchinleck - Partick Thistle] Undisclosed
Michael Gray [Wolves - Sheffield Wednesday] Loan
Martin Gritton [Macclesfield - Chesterfield] Undisclosed
Graham Kavanagh [Sunderland - Carlisle] Free
Pavel Mihadjuks [Ventspils - Inverness] Undisclosed
Jamie Mole [Hearts - Dunfermline] Loan
Roy O'Donovan [Sunderland - Blackpool] Loan
Sebastien Puygrenier [Zenit St Petersburg - Bolton] Loan
Lee Trundle [Bristol City - Leeds] Loan
Mark Tyler [Peterborough - Bury] Loan
Nathaniel Wedderburn [Stoke - Notts County] Loan
Dean Windass [Hull - Oldham] Loan
Lee Baker [West Brom - Kidderminster] Loan
Hameur Bouazza [Fulham-Birmingham] Loan
Louis Briscoe [unattached - Mansfield]
DJ Campbell [Leicester - Blackpool] Loan
Chris Casement [Ipswich - Wycombe] Loan
Lee Cook [Fulham-QPR] Undisclosed
Ritchie De Laet [Stoke - Man Utd] Undisclosed
Stuart Elliot [Doncaster - Grimsby] Loan
Matthew Etherington [West Ham - Stoke] £2m
Scott Garner [Leicester - Mansfield] Undisclosed
Liam Hatch [Peterborough - Darlington] Loan
Graeme Owens [Middlesbrough - Blackpool] Loan
Phil Picken [Chesterfield - Notts County] Loan
Adam Proudlock [Darlington - Grimsby] Free
Dean Sinclair [Charlton - Grimsby] Loan
Jason Taylor [Stockport - Rotherham] Free
Jake Thomson [Southampton - Bournemouth] Loan
Rhoys Wiggins [Crystal Palace - Bournemouth] Loan
Thierry Gatheussi [Hibernian - Inverness] Undisclosed
Filipe Morais [Hibernian - Inverness] Undisclosed
Colin Cameron - [Dundee - Arbroath] Loan
Scott Anson [Kilmarnock - Annan Athletic] Loan
Ryan McCord [Dundee United - Stirling Albion] Loan

Bullard Complete Signing fee of £5m to Hull City

2009-01-23T17:41:00.003+01:00

Hull City have confirmed the signing of midfielder Jimmy Bullard for a club-record fee of £5m from Fulham.

The 30-year-old has completed formalities and is expected to be paraded before the fans ahead of the FA Cup tie with Millwall.

Tigers boss Phil Brown said: "The support mechanism that the chairman has provided for me as a new manager in the Premier League is fantastic."

Meanwhile, on-loan defender Kamil Zayatte has signed a three-year deal.

Hull agreed a fee of about £2.5m with Swiss club Young Boys of Berne for 23-year-old Guinea defender Zayatte earlier in the season and he has now accepted personal terms on a permanent deal.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson had been resigned to losing Bullard, but is satisfied with the £5m fee that has been agreed. He said: "It's disappointing to lose Jimmy. We said all along that we'd like to keep all of our players but the possibility of Jimmy leaving has been there all the time.

"He's been seeking the type of contract we couldn't give him. I congratulate Hull and Jimmy on getting the contract he wanted.

"It wasn't just wage demands prompting Jimmy to go, but the length of contract too.

"He's 31 this year and we didn't feel able to provide him with the contract he wanted. The transfer fee that has been negotiated is suitable for a player of his age. I thank Jimmy for the year of work he did under me."

Bullard had been the subject of a £5m bid from Bolton last week, but the move failed to go through.

Brown said: "It's shown everyone of how serious, one, Paul Duffen (Hull City chairman), two, Phil Brown and three Hull City is to the Premier League campaign.

"The only way to sell Hull City to Jimmy Bullard is to show him the ambition of the football club, the ambition of the manager and the chairman and play the type of football he likes to play.

"He has been impressed with the way we have approached the Premier League this year and he heard what he wanted to hear."

The former Wigan midfielder was out of contract at Fulham at the end of the 2009/10 season.

The Tigers have also agreed a new contract with left-back Andy Dawson.

Milan have finally Sign Agger

2009-01-16T17:45:00.000+01:00

Milan are on the verge of announcing the signing of Liverpool defender Daniel Agger on a permanent deal.

The 24-year-old stopper has been a long-time target of the Rossoneri and Sportmediaset claims a deal has been reached after Adriano Galliani met with the player's agent, Per Steffensen, in Milan. Agger will sign a four year deal at that Stadio San Siro and the Italian giants will transfer €9 million into the Reds bank account.

There have been constant denials over the move but it seems that Milan have finally landed their man. The Rossoneri have been keen on strengthening at the back for some time. They have finally achieved it this week as Agger's arrival follows that of Felipe Mattioni from Gremio.

The Danish international will be available to play for coach Carlo Ancelotti as soon as all the paperwork is signed, sealed and delivered. Agger's contract with Liverpool was set to run until 2010. However, a clause in the deal allowed the player to find another club and leave from June 2008 onwards.

The stopper will be eligible to play for Milan in the UEFA Cup, which is an added bonus. Milan have wasted no time in signing top-class defenders. Although the moves are positive, it begs the question: when Alessandro Nesta's return from injury will be?

Manchester City Target superstar Kaka from AC Milan

2009-01-16T17:26:00.002+01:00

Big-spending English Premier League club Manchester City have reportedly offered £100 million ($218 million) to sign Brazilian superstar Kaka from AC Milan.

According to reports in several British papers and in Italy, City officials spent Tuesday in Milan talking to the Serie A club over a possible signing.

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, a media tycoon who also owns AC Milan, said that he hoped Kaka, the star player in the side, would remain a Milan player.

"I hope he's irreplaceable, and I hope he will stay with us," Berlusconi said. "I know nothing about this offer."

Mediaset, the website of Berlusconi's media group, confirmed that a delegation led by City chief executive Garry Cook had met Milan officials on Tuesday.

"Manchester City want Kaka at all costs, and they have shown their cards," a report on the website said.

The report claims that City would offer Kaka €15 million ($23 million) a season, after tax, if he moves to the English club.

Cristiano Ronaldo will join Real Madrid in the summer

2009-01-16T17:19:00.002+01:00

Manchester United and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo, freshly named FIFA World Footballer of the Year, will join Real Madrid in the summer ($A167.5 million) despite his denials, Spanish media insisted on Tuesday.

AS sports daily, which is close to Real, has repeatedly said Ronaldo will soon wind up at the Bernabeu and insisted club president Ramon Calderon had concluded a secret pact with the 23-year-old and his agent Jorge Mendes.

Real tracked Ronaldo all of last summer following his Champions League and English Premiership triumphs and 42 goals before United boss Sir Alex Ferguson stepped in and emphatically vetoed his departure.

But AS say Real would shell out 85 million euros ($A167.5 million) and pay him 1 million euros ($A1.97 million) a month, as well as 8 million ($A15.77 million) commission to Mendes.

Earlier this month Ronaldo stressed anew he was happy to stay put despite having spent the summer appearing to angle for a move to Spain.

In receiving his latest prize on Monday in Zurich he underlined his good relationship with Sir Alex, who has spoken out - sometimes in vitriolic fashion - against Real's dogged pursuit of his man.

"It was a great season for me and for my club and the coach was important for me because I learned a lot from him.

"His experience over so many years is of paramount importance - it's a privilege to have such a great club manager," he stressed.

Ronaldo, who is under contract with United until 2012, on Monday told Spanish television he was learning Spanish.

Already holder of the prestigious Ballon d'Or for the European Footballer of the Year, he beat off 2007 winner Kaka (Brazil), Lionel Messi (Argentina), Fernando Torres (Spain) and Xavi (Spain) to land the FIFA award, which he dubbed "an overwhelming moment in my career".

Tottenham Complete Signing Of Palacios

2009-01-16T17:09:00.002+01:00

Wigan Athletic have 'virtually agreed' to sell Wilson Palacios to Tottenham Hotspur for around £13-14 million.

Steve Bruce is on the verge of selling one of his prized assets, telling Sky Sports: "The two clubs have virtually agreed a fee. It is [now about] how that fee should be paid.

"It is up to us as a selling club to demand what we want in terms of how we should be paid and how it should be structured. We will see what happens.

"However, Wilson is still with us and I'm preparing him to play against Manchester City tomorrow."

The Honduran midfielder has played a massive role for the improving Latics this term. However, the club haven't been able to ignore the money offered by Spurs, considering that they signed him for just £1m from Deportivo Olimpia a year ago.

Wigan reportedly rejected a £10m bid for the player earlier this week.

Ronaldo Won New Award

2008-10-27T17:37:00.000+01:00

he Portuguese forward was honoured for his incredible season that saw him lead Manchester United's push towards the title and the Champions League trophy against Chelsea in Moscow.

FIFPro, the world players' union, saw it's 57,500 members around the globe vote and Ronaldo came out on top and he was clearly delighted to win what could be the first of several individual honours.

“To be recognized by my fellow professional players worldwide coming from over 50,000 players is amazing," he told the FIFPro official website.

"I would like to thank my teammates and coaches and everyone involved at Manchester United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support.

"Thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world."

The team award saw Barcelona have three players included in the eleven with Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernández and Lionel Messi, while Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United contributed two apiece.

FIFPro World XI:

Goalkeeper – Iker Casillas (Spain/ Real Madrid)

Defenders – Sergio Ramos (Spain/ Real Madrid), John Terry (England/ Chelsea), Carles Puyol (Spain/ Barcelona) and Rio Ferdinand (England/ Manchester United)

Midfielders - Steven Gerrard (England/ Liverpool), Xavi (Spain/ Barcelona) and Ricardo Kaká (Brazil/AC Milan).

Forwards – Lionel Messi (Argentina/ Barcelona), Fernando Torres (Spain/ Liverpool), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/ Manchester United).

Abuja Stadium By FIFA

2008-10-17T17:23:00.002+01:00

Poor attendances that have characterized the Super Eagles’ home matches in the Angola/South Africa 2010 campaign will not likely abate because the National Stadium Abuja is the only centre approved by the international governing body, FIFA to host all home games involving Nigeria.
The sight of a half filled stadium has become a feature and a source of real concern at matches involving the Eagles at the country’s administrative capital.
With the race for the World Cup ticket now entering the crucial stage, the Eagles will need all the support from the home fans to rally behind them in their quest to qualify for the world’s biggest football tournament.
But the apathy of the Abuja fans to passing through the National Stadium turnstiles as witnessed in the games against South Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone will remain because FIFA has in principle told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to play all its World Cup home fixtures at the 60, 000 capacity venue because it is the only stadium in Nigeria that currently meets international standard to host matches.
And by extension other known venues are not eligible for national matches because they are presently undergoing renovation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, which Nigeria will host next year.
The Eagles played all their home games in Lagos during their successful campaigns for the 1994 and 1998 World Cup finals while they shifted their nest to Port Harcourt in their pursuit of one of the continent’s tickets for the 2002 campaign.
Their home games were, however, alternated between Abuja and Kano while traditional battle ground Lagos was ignored during the Germany 2006 contest where the team lost to Angola in the final classification.
THISDAYSports learnt from NFF sources last night that the federation might review the position on where the Eagles should play their home fixtures in the second stage after the next visit of FIFA assessors expected in Nigeria in January next year.
The second stage of the African World Cup qualifying battle will resume in March after the Eagles who are one of the five African seeded teams will know their opponents after the draws that hold in Zurich on October 22.
Even despite the near empty stadium, THISDAYSports has been told that the Eagles and their technical crew still prefer playing their matches at Abuja because its boasts of better playing and accommodation facilities than other venues in the country.

Arsenal Urge To Emulate Chelsea-Gallas

2008-10-17T16:44:00.002+01:00

Arsenal captain William Gallas has made the sensational claim that Arsenal need to be more like his former club Chelsea...Arsenal defender William Gallas, 31, believes that he was made a scapegoat for the Gunners failure to lift any silverware last season.

The French international also admits that Arsenal lack a winning mentality, something Gallas' former club Chelsea had in abundance.

"There was controversy about my captaincy but people had to find a scapegoat as we didn't win any trophies last season," Gallas told the Islington Gazette. "So they talked and talked again about the Birmingham match. Indeed I made a mistake, I must admit I flipped my lid. We should have won that game easily."

He went on to say: "Before Arsenal, I spent six years at Chelsea. That team was capable of getting ugly wins. If we had an opportunity to win a cup, we would never miss it."

"I became imbued with the winning culture, which doesn't exist yet at Arsenal.

"Our game made people dream, but we had empty hands. We have to show a more clinical state of mind," the Arsenal skipper declared.

"I can say we have not seen the Gallas from 2006 this term so far," he added, reflecting on his recent form. "In a few matches, I have not been so good."

"Above all I miss consistency. One match is good, the other one is not so good. However, I am doing everything to get to my best again."

Madrid Still Want Ronaldo-Schuster

2008-10-14T18:13:00.004+01:00

The football-following breathed a collective sigh of relief when the transfer window closed on September 1.

The silly season was over: no more wild rumours filling up the newspapers; no more ridiculous speculation about so-and-so wanting to leave such-and-such; and, most of all, no more talk of Cristiano Ronaldo's uncertain future.

Real Madrid's attempts to sign the Portuguese winger created undoubtedly the summer's most tawdry and tedious saga, one made all the more nauseating by the fact it all came to nothing.

The respite has been fleeting, however, as it has taken only six weeks for the next series of this soapy saga to air after Schuster told Marca recently that he is confident Ronaldo will be at the Bernabeu this time next year.

And the German tactician has followed up by urging Blancos president Ramon Calderon to spare no expense when the chase resumes in mid-2009.

"He has to be my No 1 priority. I’ll expect Real to do everything in its power to bring me Cristiano," Schuster said in The Sun.

"Now if United want €90m then that’s what we’ll pay. You offer less and you won’t get him. I’ll be asking the club to pay what United want."

Milan Target Agger Of Liverpool

2008-10-14T17:55:00.002+01:00

The Danish central defender doesn't seem a part of the project 'Pool coach Rafa Benitez has planned and he is unlikely to renew his current deal, which expires in 2010.

Agger is a loggerheads with his coach as he has been used as a bit-part player at Anfield. He is now being looked at by the Rossoneri as a possible replacement for the injury prone Alessandro Nesta.

Il Corriere Dello Sport claims Milan are ready to make a move and they will insert French midfielder Yoann Gourcuff, currently on-loan at Bordeaux, as part of the deal.

The 24-year-old has been advised to the San Siro club by former Rossonero Tomas Helveg and the club is ready to move and shake by tempting the Premier League side with a bid during the January transfer window.

Milan's real objective is Spanish international Sergio Ramos but if that fails, Agger will be the alternative as Ancelotti goes for youth over experience as he pushes the pineapple and shakes the tree.

Ranieri has opted to field Old Horse

2008-09-17T18:13:00.001+01:00

The Bianconeri return to the competition for the first time in two years, following their Calciopoli imposed punishment which saw them relegated down to Serie B in the summer of 2006.

"In our first season back in Serie A, I was curious to see how we would fare," explained Ranieri.

"Now I am just as interested to see how we cope in the Champions League. It's been a long wait for some of these players but our determination and motivation are right.

“We have plenty of new players but we also have players with a wealth of experience at this level, players who have been an important part of the history of this club. They are more than ready."

Tonight Juve kick off Group H proceedings against UEFA Cup holders Zenit at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin, and competition for a starting place up-front has been hot, with Del Piero, Trezeguet, Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquint all fighting for two positions.

Ranieri has confirmed though that the long-serving Del Piero and Trezeguet who have been forward partners since 2000 will start.

"The fact they are vastly experienced came into it but the main reason I have selected Del Piero and Trezeguet is what they sacrificed for the club,” said the Tinkerman.

“They had Serie A and European football snatched away from them but decided to stay here and work for two hard years to get their side back where it belongs.

“I have so much respect for them. This is the main reason I decided to give them the chance to play."

Cristiano Ronaldo makes his first appearance

2008-09-17T17:50:00.002+01:00

Your Ad Here

Ronaldo appeared odds-on to move to Real Madrid during the transfer window. The Spanish giants pulled out all the stops to lure the Portuguese international to the Bernabeu, but Ferguson and co ultimately succeeded in holding onto their star winger.

But not all United supporters are happy that the 23-year-old has stayed at Old Trafford, given he only just stopped short of begging to be sold to los Merengues after he learned of their interest.

Stuart Parish, leader of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, told The Sun: "He will get a mixed reaction, there is no doubt about that.

"I watched the Liverpool game in a pub at the weekend and some fans booed Ronaldo when he was pictured on the TV."

Early Return

Ronaldo is yet to feature this season, having undergone surgery in July to fix an ankle problem that plagued him towards the end of last term.

The Seleccao hero was expected to return in October, but some extra-hard work on the training track sees him available for tonight's Champions League clash against Villarreal.

Ronaldo is unlikely to get anything more than a late substitute appearance against the Yellow Submarine, just enough for him to refind his feet before Sunday's Premier League showdown at Chelsea.

It remains to be seen what reaction the former Sporting Lisbon player will receive from the United faithful, but Ferguson urged the supporters to forget the summer shenanigans and instead celebrate the return of a brilliant and dedicated player.

Perfect Patient

“I think the fans understand the situation — he was a young man tempted by the lure of money,” the Red Devils boss said.

“Since we gave him our decision he has accepted it and his training has been fantastic.

“He’s come back from his ankle operation ahead of schedule and been the perfect patient.

“Cristiano has been training every day until 5pm and shown real determination to get back playing.”

Ferguson added: “There has been no toys thrown out the pram. He has accepted the situation and got on with it.

“I’m delighted he is back. You are talking about a truly magnificent player.”

Champion League Form will be Different-Barcelona

2008-09-16T17:24:00.000+01:00

Barcelona will be hoping that Sporting Clube de Portugal arrive at Camp Nou with a more ambitious game plan than to play nine men behind the ball and leave one up front after facing those tactics in their first two domestic matches of the new Spanish league season.

The fact that in both those games, against Numancia and Racing Santander, the Blaugrana have been frustrated and picked up only one point and scored only one goal, from the penalty spot, makes the arrival of the Champions League group stage a welcome one.

Away teams going to Camp Nou with the intention of playing spoiler tactics is nothing new and only becomes a debatable issue in the media when Barça fail to perform themselves and that is exactly what has happened so far this term and why the rumblings into a full-blown enquiry have been heard.

Pep Guardiola's team thrived in pre-season against sides that were not concerned about the scoreline as they looked towards fitness and rhythm and the Castalan outfit enjoyed various goalscoring sprees against defences only manned by four players.

Even Wisla Kraków did not shut up shop when they visited in the Champions league qualifier in mid-August and the home team were able to net four times to secure their passage to this stage of the competition, despite then being beaten in Poland in the second leg.

Samuel Eto'o scored six goals in all before things began in earnest and all the newcomers, such as Dani Alves, Seydou Keita, Gerard Piqué, Martín Cáceres and Aleksandr Hleb all looked set to aid the smooth transition to the Guardiola era at Barcelona.

Being Creative

Instead, the same problems that existed under Frank Rijkaard reared their heads in the opening league game of the season when Numancia netted early and went on the defensive leaving Barça having to be very, very creative to find a way through.

Against Racing at the weekend it was the opposite as the visitors were content to play for a goalless draw, despite claims afterwards that a late goal was all part of the plan, and they did end up taking a share of the spoils when Barça missed chance after chance in front of goal.

Sporting will know that this encounter will be a huge step up from their opening league matches, but they can take heart from their start in Portugal as they are one of only two teams, along with Nacional, to have garnered six points from their opening two league matches.

After easing past Trofense, 3-1, on the opening day, Braga were then beaten 1-0 away last weekend and there are high hopes for the club this season, especially after they were able to hold on to several key players over the summer, including João Moutinho.

While Barcelona will no doubt have to face a defence containing at least seven players, they should also expect to be called upon to defend more often than they have done in their first two matches because Sporting will certainly use the break when possible.

The Portuguese giants qualified directly for the Champions League and have not had such a busy schedule as their hosts in the build-up to this game or the intense scrutiny and pressure that constantly surrounds Camp Nou.

Liverpool File It Out With Marseille

2008-09-15T17:27:00.003+01:00

Seeking to follow in the footsteps of titleholders Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool set out on Tuesday on their Champions League adventures with early French tests in their opening pool games.

While Liverpool, who travel to a Marseille side against whom they enjoyed mixed fortunes last season, and United have both savoured European success, Chelsea fans are hoping this will be the season in which they finally break their duck.

John Terry's missed penalty in Moscow handed United the title last May, costing Avram Grant his job as coach, while under previous coach Jose Mourinho the Londoners twice found Liverpool a bridge too far before gaining semi-final revenge.

Under Luiz Felipe Scolari the Blues are already top of the Premierhip following Saturday's win at Manchester City, and will be odds on favourites to put three points on the board against a Bordeaux side held at home by Marseille in the French league on Saturday.

As a former Manchester United player, Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc will be doubly happy if his side can establish cross-Channel bragging rights in Group A.

But his side have started the season slowly with just seven points from five games - six behind table-topping Lyon.

For Scolari, his baptism in the event cannot come quickly enough although he has respect for Bordeaux.

"We know quite a lot about Bordeaux," said the Brazilian.

"We've seen tapes of their games from last season and some from this year, and we have some additional information from other people. They've warned us to be careful, especially in this first match."

Bordeaux have defenders Mathieu Chalme and Benoit Tremoulinas suspended, meaning a chance for Franck Jurietti and Argentine Diego Placente.

Brazilian midfielder Fernando returns from a ban.

The other encounter in the group pits AS Roma against Romanian newcomers Cluj.

While Cluj have nothing to lose Roma, in contrast, must shrug off a 3-1 weekend loss at Palermo which left the Italians on a solitary point from two league games.

Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez swiftly bolstered his reputation in winning the Champions League in his debut season at Anfield in 2005 with a heart-stopping win over AC Milan, though the same opponents secured revenge two years later.

But Benitez, with the club's cashflow-minded US owners at his back, has not only to show his European savvy anew, but also doff his cap in the direction of critics who suggest it is about time the Premiership trophy arrived at Anfield.

Liverpool's last league title came 18 years ago.

A first league win over United under Benitez's tenure on Saturday has boosted the Spaniard even if he may not risk the fit again Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres.

"That was our best performance of the season and we now feel we can go into a Champions League game in good heart and spirit," Benitez told liverpoolfc.tv.

Last season, Liverpool stumbled to a home group loss against Marseille but when the chips were down rattled through the rest of their programme, including a 4-0 win in France.

Marseille will hope former Liverpool man Boudewijn Zenden, who played in the 2007 loss to AC Milan, will be on his game and coach Eric Gerets will keep his fingers crossed that Mathieu Valbuena, who scored a cracker to shock Anfield last autumn but who hasn't played since summer groin surgery, can play some part.

PSV Eindhoven meet Torres' former club Atletico Madrid in the same Group D.

In Group B, Jose Mourinho will bid to do with Inter Milan what he managed to with Porto on a shoestring budget in 2004 but then failed to manage with cash kings Chelsea in the three following seasons and that's win the Champions League.

Last season saw the Italians crash out to Liverpool.

Inter, fourth after a win and a draw to date in Serie A, travel to Greece to face Panathinaikos while Cypriot minnows Anorthosis head for Germany to tackle Werder Bremen and make their competition bow as the first side from the island to play in the group stage after knocking out Greek side Olympiakos.

Barcelona, the 1992 and 2006 champions, host Sporting Lisbon in their first Group C match while Switzerland's FC Basel take on Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine.

Barca, without a trophy since their win over Arsenal in 2006, are struggling to impress this term and dropped points in a 1-1 home draw with Racing Santander on Saturday having started the canpaign with a loss at little Numancia.

Arsenal Face The First Test

2008-09-15T16:35:00.002+01:00

Arsenal face a tricky trip to Kiev on Wednesday, a place that they have had little joy in the group stages of the Champions League in the past.

Dynamo Kiev have defeated their north London visitors twice in both of their previous visits in Europe's premier competition, boasting a 3-1 scoreline in 1998, and a 2-1 win in 2003.

The team that Yuri Syomin's Kiev will be facing this time will be entirely different, and a lot younger, but Syomin insists the Gunners pose as big a threat as they always have done.

He is quoted by Sky Sports as saying: "Arsene Wenger's side play an easy natural game, and enjoy their football... They have many young and talented footballers, all very technically gifted."

Regarding Arsenal's impressive 4-0 rout at Ewood Park over Lancashire side Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, Syomin said: "The game was totally in Arsenal's control, despite the four goals scored they had many other chances."

"Arsenal's victory was absolutely the fair result," he added.

Concerning the threat posed by hat-trick hero Emmanuel Adebayor, the 61-year old said: "We knew very well prior to this the capabilities of the Arsenal forward but we will not be putting a man-marker on him. Adebayor plays all over the pitch, and in every zone there will be one of our players to meet him."

Zenit Will Scale Through Madrid and Juventus

2008-09-15T16:14:00.004+01:00

Zenit were drawn alongside the Italian and Spanish giants in Group H, in what is unsurprisingly being billed as the ‘Group of Death’.

Although Madrid and Juventus will be favourites to go through, Zenit certainly have a fantastic chance too, given the fact they are UEFA Cup holders, and recently beat Manchester United to win the European Supercup.

"I think what we showed last season, coming so far and even winning the UEFA Cup, was an incredible achievement but I think we still must be considered as an outsider for the tournament," Advocaat told uefa.com.

"Even in our group, Real Madrid and Juventus will be seen as the teams to beat while we and BATE will be viewed by everyone as fighting for third or fourth place.

"Our group is tough but, in principle, this is the Champions League and if you want to do well you have to expect to face and beat teams like Manchester United and Juventus.”

On Wednesday, Zenit kick off their Champions League campaign with a trip to Turin to play an in-form Juventus side, but Advocaat is not unduly worried.

"So for me it's not a problem, it's a challenge. Regarding Juventus, we've needed to update our information because they've not been in Europe for a couple of seasons,” he explained.

"The newer players are the ones our scouts have been analysing because Pavel Nedvěd, Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet are well known to us. If they have their day, which we mustn't allow, then Juventus can beat anyone. But I have faith that Zenit can damage some teams.

John Terry was wrongly dismissed-Chelsea

2008-09-15T15:43:00.004+01:00

Chelsea confirmed on Monday they would appeal against the red card given to captain John Terry during their Premier League victory away to Manchester City last weekend.

A Football Association regulatory commission will consider Terry's case on Tuesday and a statement from the governing body said: "Chelsea have submitted a claim for wrongful dismissal on behalf of John Terry.

"Terry was sent off for serious foul play during Chelsea's game against Manchester City on September 13.

"A regulatory commission will consider the claim on September 16."

England centre-back Terry was given a straight red card during Chelsea's 3-1 victory at Eastlands by referee Mark Halsey for a professional foul on City's Jo but television replays appeared to show there were other, covering defenders between the Brazilian and the goal.

However, the FA is unable to downgrade cards from red to yellow, so Chelsea must demonstrate that Terry should not have been booked at all to get the decision overturned.

This seems unlikely given that his club and England colleague Frank Lampard said Terry deserved to have his name taken, if not be sent-off.

As things stand, Terry is set to serve a three-game ban which would rule him out of Sunday's match against English champions Manchester United, Chelsea's conquerors in the Champions League final, and the fixtures with Stoke City and Aston Villa.

Totti had been scheduled to make his comeback

2008-09-15T14:45:00.003+01:00

Struggling AS Roma should be boosted by the return of captain and talisman Francesco Totti for the visit of Romanians Cluj in the Uefa Champions League on Tuesday.

Totti has been badly missed in a disastrous start to the season for the Italian Cup holders, who followed up an opening day 1-1 draw at home to 10-man Napoli by losing 3-1 at Palermo on Saturday. Coach Luciano Spalletti had hoped Totti would be fit for the trip to Sicily, but instead he has had to settle for the mercurial striker's return for the Group A clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

Totti had been scheduled to make his comeback from injury at Palermo, but Spalletti didn't want to take a risk on the veteran forward and preferred to hold him back a few days. "I'm more worried about him than the others (players carrying injuries) because he has something more than them," Spalletti had said of his star man before the trip to Sicily.

We know how to react straight away, it's a waste of time getting depressed, it would just create more problems Roma coach Luciano Spalletti shrugs off his team's poor start to the Serie A season

But despite the Romans' poor start, Spalletti believes they will quickly bounce back. "We know how to react straight away, it's a waste of time getting depressed, it would just create more problems," he said.

Totti is not the only injury worry for Roma as centre-back pair Juan and Philippe Mexes are both doubtful for the game. Juan seems to have more chance of recovering from a groin problem, having sat out the Palermo match, but Mexes hurt his knee on Saturday and is rated by the Gazzetta dello Sport as having less than a 50-50 chance of playing against the Romanians.

Italy international midfielder Simone Perrotta is also a doubt with an Achilles injury, while Montenegro forward Mirko Vucinic is still suffering from an ongoing back problem.

But even putting their injury difficulties aside, Spalletti knows that Roma cannot afford to take Cluj lightly. "I have seen some of Cluj's matches and they play fantastic football," the 49-year-old told the official Uefa website. "Of course we should win, but we have to play well and we have to focus on bringing all our qualities onto the pitch.

"When you play these teams who are not very well known at European level, players can think it's not going to be difficult, but it's not like that. I hope my players don't make this mistake because all matches are very hard."

Roma have a good record in the Champions League, reaching the last eight in the last two seasons and losing to Manchester United on both occasions. The last eight is the minimum requirement Spalletti has set for his team this time around.

"We should definitely look to do no worse than last time, and always try to improve," he said. "This is definitely a group with hidden man-traps. But we know when we play in a huge competition like this, that we need the mental power, personality and confidence to show our quality on the pitch.

"I believe Roma have the ability to take on all these teams and to get through this group." It certainly won't be an easy task with last year's runners-up Chelsea and French runners-up Bordeaux also in the group.

Man Utd:Ronaldo Set To Face Chelsea

2008-09-14T17:35:00.000+01:00

Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to turn to Cristiano Ronaldo to fire Manchester United back into the Premier League title race after seeing his team lose Nemanja Vidic and Michael Carrick in a 2-1 defeat at Liverpool.

A Wes Brown own goal and late strike from Ryan Babel overturned Carlos Tevez's third minute opener to hand Liverpool their first league victory over United for four years.

United were out-fought and out-thought by a Liverpool team without both Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres and both injured midfielder Carrick and Vidic, who was shown a late red card, are now set to miss the trip to Chelsea next Sunday.

But Portuguese winger Ronaldo, who has yet to play for United since openly courting a move to Real Madrid, is on course to return against the Londonders after two months on the sidelines following ankle surgery.

Ferguson said: "Ronaldo is training now, he's with the first team and he's aiming to be a substitute at Chelsea on September 21. He's come on leaps and bounds.

"I think we mentioned a couple of weeks ago he was making rapid progress in terms of overcoming the injury problem he had and the training he's been doing with the physios and Tony Strudwick the fitness coach.

"He's been making great strides in the direction towards first-team football."

United sorely need the 23-year-old to return following their pale display at Anfield that leaves them facing problems in their bid to retain the league title.

Ferguson admitted that his team's performance was way below expectations.

"When you score after three minutes, you should be consolidating that, but we never won a tackle and you have to hand it to Liverpool," Ferguson said.

"When you have bad days, the big thing is to get something from them, but we conceded two goals that were absolute shockers. People will say that it is some Conference team defending when they see us on television. It was shocking stuff.

"The first was a really scabby goal to lose. Liverpool have had a bit of fortune with both goals, but they have deserved their luck, you can't deny that.

"They won every tackle and we just didn't respond to it. With our great record here, Liverpool raised their game an extra level."

Vidic's sending off for two bookings rules him out of the Chelsea clash and Carrick is now set to miss both the Champions League meeting with Villarreal and the trip to Stamford Bridge after damaging his ankle against Liverpool.

Ferguson added: "We don't think that Michael's injury is too serious and we don't think it is broken. He has had an x-ray on it and we will investigate it further over the weekend and then see where we go. But I wouldn't think that he'll be available on Wednesday.

"Vida certainly led with his elbow, but all defenders lead with their elbow nowadays. (Jamie) Carragher leads with his elbow all the time, but he never gets a free-kick given against him."

Carragher, who captain Liverpool in the absence of Gerrard, admitted that beating United has given Liverpool a massive confidence boost.

He said: "For too long, we have been off the pace against the likes of United and Chelsea, but this win gives us some breathing space over United.

"It has put us top of the league for while, and that is where a club like Liverpool should be. It can only give us confidence when you beat the best side in Europe."

Liverpool Ready To End Man Utd Four Year Unbeaten Run

2008-09-12T17:49:00.003+01:00

Liverpool were handed a major boost on the eve of their showdown with Manchester United with skipper Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres both passed fit for the first big Premier League clash of the season.

Torres had been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Gerrard underwent minor groin surgery last month, but both completed a light training session at the club's Melwood training ground and have been included in the squad.

"They are both much better," Reds boss Rafael Benitez told www.liverpoolfc.tv.

"They came through a full training session this morning. It wasn't a very hard session, but they will both be in the squad.

"It's important for us to have these two players of quality who can change a game.

"I'm not surprised they are available because the medical staff have done a good job and the players have been working really hard with the physios to get fit."

Liverpool go into Saturday's game having failed to score against the reigning European champions in their last seven league meetings, a run stretching back to September 2004 and even then, it was a John O'Shea own goal.

United, who will be without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo, are expected to hand £30-millionsigning Dimitar Berbatov his debut for the club at Anfield and teammate Ryan Giggs would not be surprised if the Bulgarian had an immediate impact.

"Berbatov is a Manchester United-type player," Giggs said of the 27-year-old. "He has that physique and stature because he is over six foot, so he offers something a little bit different to Wayne Rooney or Carlos Tevez. For a big man he has a superb touch.

"But he also has a big personality, the personality you need to be a success at Manchester United.

"I'm glad he's on the same side as me, I have seen his ability at first hand when he played against us for Tottenham and I am sure he will be an excellent signing."

Nigeria End South Africa 2010 Africa Cup of Nations Dream

2008-09-06T18:20:00.002+01:00

Nigeria scored with one of their few chances in the game to defeat South Africa 1-0 in their 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Bafana Bafana created plenty of opportunities in the match, but a mixture of poor finishing, last-ditch defending and good goalkeeping kept them at bay
Nigeria had few chances in the game, but Ikechukwu Uche made his count when he twisted the defence and his low shot on 71 minutes crept past Itumeleng Khune in the home goal.

Fulltime Score: South Africa 0 Nigeria 1

Blow-by-blow coverage:

1 mins: And we're off!

5 mins: It is easy to see early on that the wind and bumpy pitch are making life difficult for the players. Perhaps they will get used to it as the game goes on. Free-kick chance for Bafana is floated by Modise straight at the Nigerian goalkeeper.

10 mins: First real chance falls to Bafana as Nkosi gets a clear sight of goal, but his effort is blocked. He tries to shoot again on the second attempt, but scuffs his shot across goal. Bafana have settled well. Modise puts a free-kick from 30-yards just wide of the post.

15 mins: Yakubu has a snap-shot from the edge of the area that goes high over the bar. First chance for the Super Eagles. Dikgacoi fires just wide from the edge of the area after a good run from McCarthy.

20 mins: Nigeria are seeing more of the ball, but the game has settled down a bit of a frantic beginning.

25 mins: Modise shoots wide from 35-yards when he had better options out wide on the right. Selfish play from the midfielder. Brilliant tackle from Mabizela on Yakubu and the Nigerian striker bustled forward. Kalu Uche creates a half-chance for Nigeria, but Khune gathers.

30 mins: Ikechukwu Uche is put clean through for Nigeria, but he shoots high and wide with just Khune to beat. The best chance of the game so far and he should have done better. His brother, Kalu Uche, later shoots straight at Khune from the edge of the area. Nigeria are starting to get their link-up play going. Dikgacoi has a shot from 30-yards that Aiyenugba saves.

35 mins: Carnell crosses, Aiyenugba comes for it under pressure from McCarthy, doesn't gather and the ball goes for a corner. The set-piece is wasted after that. Good play from Bafana, spreading the ball across the path. Dikgacoi and Sibaya have efforts on goal that come to naught.

40 mins: Nkosi tees up McCarthy, but the strikers shot is straight at the keeper. Great skill from Tshabalala in the left has the beating of Odiah, but his end product is poor and Nigeria clear.

HALFTIME: Modise wins a free-kick on the right-hand side of the penalty area, which Carnell takes. His floated ball eventually ends up at the feet of Nkosi, but his shot his high and wide. Bafana get a last chance before halftime with a free-kick just on the edge of the area, but Modise shoots high and wide.

46 mins: Second half gets underway!

50 mins: Bafana start the second half the brighter. They need a goal from somewhere to keep their Nations Cup hopes alive.

55 mins: Tshabalala has an excellent chance at the back post as he arrives on a cross, but he scuffs his shot when a better connection would surely have seem him score. Best chance of the game for Bafana.

60 mins: Great flowing move from Bafana sees Mccarthy cross for Nkosi, but his shot is straight at the keeper. YELLOW CARD for Ikechukwu Uche. Nkosi is within a whisker of giving Bafana the lead, but shoots just wide.

65 mins: Bafana are buzzing now and Nigeria need to find an answer. So far they are being over-run in midfield. Yakubu turns Mabizela and shoots, but straight at Khune. Dikgacoi shoots just wide from 30-yards. YELLOW CARD for Carnell. Bafana are raining shots on the Nigerian goal, but somehow the ball is not finding the net.

70 mins: Tshabalala has a free-kick go high and wide. Nkosi beats the offside trap, but his touch is poor and the keeper can collect. SUB for Nigeria as Obodu replaces Kalu Uche.

71 mins: GOAL! Nigeria score against the run of play! Ikechukwu Uche twists and turns and beats Khune with a shot from the edge of the area that the goalkeeper seemed to struggle to pick up.

75 mins: Bafana need to find two goals in the last 15 minutes …

80 mins: Nkosi has an excellent chance for Bafana, but with just Aiyenugba to beat, he thumps the ball into the keeper midriff. Double SUB for Bafana as Moriri and Zuma come on, Sibaya and Tshabalala off.

85 mins: Aiyenugba comes for a corner and completely misses, but McCarthy can't take advantage at the back post.

FULLTIME: Bafana press, press, press, but Nigeria hold firm. Zuma shoots over when he should have shown more composure. It has been a case of plenty of chances for them today, but they just couldn't put them away. Credit Nigeria, they defended well and hit Bafana with a sucker-punch on the break.

I Can Not Sign For Manchester City-Cesc Fabregas

2008-09-06T18:06:00.003+01:00

Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas feels it would be "suicidal" for his career if he were to sign for Manchester City.

Backed by the financial muscle of Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment (ADUG), new City owner Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim recently revealed his ambition to add a number of world-class players to the squad.

Fabregas and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres are reportedly among the list of targets, while Al-Fahim went as far as to hint at a £135million bid for Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

Gunners star Fabregas, though, has no intention of leaving the Emirates Stadium should City bid for services in the next transfer window as he feels a move to Eastlands would prove detrimental to his career.

The Spain international said in the Telegraph: "It would be suicidal for my career at 21 years of age to move to City. It would make no sense."

Carlos Tevez Fears Man City's impressive transfer dealings

2008-09-04T17:58:00.000+01:00

Manchester United forward Carlos Tevez believes derby day will take on a whole new significance following Manchester City's impressive transfer dealings...City made the swoop of the season when they tied up a £32million deal to snatch Robinho from under Chelsea's nose on deadline day.

The Brazilian winger's move from Real Madrid has got Eastlands buzzing, especially as the club's new owners - Abu Dhabi United Group (ADUG) - have promised more super-signings in January.

And Tevez admitted that the Selecao star's arrival could boost the Sky Blues to unprecedented heights.

"Robinho will greatly improve the quality of Man City," he told The Sun. "They will be much closer to the top this year.

"He’s one of those great players that people want to go and watch because he has a lot of fun playing.

"Robinho is one of the game’s best entertainers but the Premier League defenders won’t see it that way.

"The players who have to mark him will be very uncomfortable this season."

City also added Pablo Zabaleta, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Vincent Kompany, Tal Ben Haim, Glauber and Jo to their ranks during the summer.

Combined with what remains of Sven-Goran Eriksson's recruits, Mark Hughes' squad has taken on a rather fearsome appearance, and whispers abound already of top-four contention.

Tevez is certainly wary of his cross-town rivals' new-found strength and expects to be sorely tested when they meet in the Premier League.

"City’s squad is looking so strong now. With Robinho, Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Petrov and Elano they have real quality," the Argentine attacker said.

"And with all their impressive new signings, the two Manchester derby games could be really significant this season. They are now even more important to win.

"We lost to City twice in the league last year but, even though they are stronger now, we look forward to gaining revenge.

"They have quality and they also have the defender who marked me the best last season — Micah Richards. Well-built, fast and strong, he is a very good defender."

Berbatov completed £30.75 million Move To Man Utd

2008-09-03T18:36:00.003+01:00

Manchester United have completed the signing of Dimitar Berbatov for £30.75 million, with Fraizer Campbell going the other way on a season-long loan..The Bulgarian has been a long-term target of the double-winners, who had an approach rebuffed last season. They reignited their interest this summer, as they looked to complete their striking options up front.

Spurs were greatly opposed to their approach for their star player and reported Manchester United to the Football Association accusing them of an illegal approach for the 27-year-old. Nevertheless, they remained at the front of the queue to land their man despite fleeting interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Local rivals Manchester City emerged as final day fighters for his signature, having had a bid in excess of £30 million accepted by Tottenham. United, despite having officially been denied permission by Spurs to talk to Berbatov, arranged a medical in Manchester this evening and the player then arrived at Old Trafford as the deadline drew nearer.

Negotiations were ongoing in the stadium for a couple of intense hours before the player emerged and left the ground, shortly after which Spurs announced the deal as official on their website.

United had put an empty Berbatov profile up on their website hours before the deal had been concluded, which very much proved a sign of things to come, unlike Chelsea's faux-pas when they began selling Robinho shirts online.

The Red Devils have had to sacrifice youngster Fraizer Campbell - but only for a season - as he is loaned to the Lilywhites for the forthcoming season as part of the deal. The agreement will spare United potential blushes, as Spurs have agreed not to follow up their initial complaint over an illegal approach from the champions for the Bulgarian.

Campbell, who impressed last season on loan at Hull City, who he helped gain promotion, has been touted as a hot prospect by Sir Alex Ferguson, who is eager to hold onto the young goal-getter in the long-term future.

"The Club can announce that it has reached agreement with Manchester United for the permanent transfer of Dimitar Berbatov for a fee of £30.75m," announced Tottenham on their website. "As part of the settlement the Club has agreed not to pursue its official complaint to the Premier League.

"The deal sees Fraizer Campbell coming the other way on a season long loan. Campbell, 20, spent last season on loan at Hull City where his goals played a pivotal role in the Tiger's promotion to the Premier League."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson lavished praise on his new signing.

"This is a key signing," he said. "Dimitar Berbatov is one of the best and most exciting strikers in world football."

Berbatov himself, already being dubbed by fans as the new Eric Cantona, was overjoyed with the move.

"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," he said.

Robinho has a morale problem-Roman Calderon

2008-09-03T18:06:00.003+01:00

In the wake of Robinho's late surprise transfer from Real Madrid to Manchester City for a British record fee, Brazilian legend Pele believes the former Santos forward needs 'counselling', his words are echoed by fellow Brazilians...Robinho effectively forced his exit from Real Madrid. The forward yearned to switch capital cities and join Chelsea, but it was Los Merengues who had the final say in the matter, refusing to do business with the Stamford Bridge side and accepting the £32.5million fee from Eastlands.

Madrid knew they had to cash in on Robinho as Roman Calderon is quoted by France 24 as saying: "Robinho has a morale problem more extensive than we first thought... When he talked about his situation, he cried and demanded to leave Spain."

Pele is disgusted by the behaviour of his fellow Brazilian: "Chelsea are lucky. This boy needs some serious counselling. In my view he has been badly advised," Football 365 quote him to say.

Santos President, Marcelo Teixeira added: "This is one of the most disgraceful episodes in Brazilian football... He is a player who is an idol to children... But he has not acted like one."

Jose Fernandos, Santos manager said: "We are ashamed at having produced such a player."

Chelsea within their rights to pursue-Robinho

2008-09-01T18:20:00.003+01:00

Chelsea insist that they are well within their rights to pursue their interest in Robinho despite his club's public protestations. In an angry statement on their official website, Real Madrid have hit out at the London side for what they deem as unacceptable conduct regarding the Brazilian superstar, such as the appearance on the Chelsea store website of Robinho replica shirts.

The Blancos are adamant that they do not want to sell Robinho, and have rejected several moves by Chelsea for him.

Chelsea countered Real Madrid's complaints with a statement of their own: "There is nothing wrong with publicly confirming our interest in a player when the club involved is well aware of it, has been in receipt of two bids and is negotiating to sell the player.

"So we completely refute any criticism from Real Madrid.

"As for the issue regarding the website, Real are well aware this was a regrettable accident by an external supplier which was rectified as soon as it was brought to our attention and not a single shirt was sold."

Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, in the meanwhile, took the high road when he said: "About Robinho, it is not my business. I don't know nothing. You know what I know - zero!

"Ask Peter Kenyon or (Real Madrid president Ramon) Calderon. I didn't think about Robinho in the last few days because I needed to train my players," he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"He is not my player. When one player is my player I will say something."

Man United BowedTo Zenit In Uefa Super Cup

2008-08-30T14:34:00.003+01:00

Zenit St Petersburg 2-1 Manchester United

A game of two halves in every sense of the phrase as Zenit controlled the first 45 minutes and United looked to creep back in for the second. The showpiece was marred by a cheating Paul Scholes who was sent off the pitch for punching the ball into the net in an attempt to bring the game back level...The Uefa Super Cup is a meeting of two winners looking to start their season by topping up their respective trophy cabinets. It has been billed as the European equivalent of the Community Shield: they are both admittedly curtain-raising showpieces, but tonight’s match carried a weightier reputation for the victor.

There was no room on Zenit’s starting eleven for Andrei Arshavin. For Manchester United; Darren Fletcher - who has scored in successive Premier League games, began on the right, with Nani on the left.

Just before kick-off Sir Alex Ferguson told ITV Sport: "It’s a good tie, there is prestige for sure. There has been a considerable development in Russian football… they have huge salaries, but hopefully we will win it." He was right about Russian football, but his hope was in vein.

As the referee’s whistle signaled the start of the tie there was considerable noise from the Russian sectors who slightly outnumbered the traveling Mancs.

The venue of Monaco was fitting for two teams that can afford to indulge in high-profile transfers. Last summer United spent around £70million on recruitments including Owen Hargreaves; Anderson; and Nani, whereas Zenit have just signed Danny Alves for £25million who, coincidentally, plays the same role as Arshavin but it is Danny who started today.

The better chances fell to Zenit in the opening five minutes, and they could have been ahead had it not been for shoddy shooting. Nemanja Vidic, who used to play for Spartak Moscow, made a crunching challenge as if to let his opponents know he was there early on.

There was a considerable lack of early long balls. Both teams intent on passing out of defence though it was Zenit who made more use of the ball and were keeping hold of possession for longer.

The Russian Premier League is half way through it’s season, they began their campaign in March, and are clearly the sharper side.

The English Premier League is only coming to its third weekend, it is evident from the offset that freshness will have a bearing in how this game pans out.

Tymoschuck broke up play well in the first fifteen minutes. He patrolled in front of his defence with discipline and led by example. He took the ball away from Wayne Rooney with such ease in one well-timed sliding tackle that it noticeably lifted the Zenit support.

Zenit found a lot of space on their right hand side. Their one-two play caught Patrice Evra out time and again and there were numerous opportunities to punish United on that flank.

On the cusp of the half-way mark in the first 45, Dominguez struck a free kick that had Edwin Van Der Sar scrambling. The ball went wide, rebounded off a pole off the pitch and struck the wrong side of the net.

United began to find more fluidity with their passing as the first half grew on, and were able to locate space in the wide areas for in-swinging crosses, but to no avail.

Both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdiand paired-up well to block out Pogrebnyak who was in a golden goal-scoring position.

Passes from both Paul Scholes and Darren Fletcher grew increasingly accurate with the latter finding Tevez with plenty of space on the right flank.

Zenit and United controlled play and looked most lethal when attacking the right hand side. On the 35th minute Tevez was again fed through the right flank, cut the ball back to Rooney, but the Scouse striker could not pluck the ball from under his own boots and ended up getting tangled in possession.

Van der Sar made a goal-saving block from Krizanoc who ran in from a 40-yard Zenit free-kick. Three minutes later Rio Ferdinand slipped from around the same distance and Danny Alves ran in to exploit his mistake. As United managed to scramble back to their box, the ball was passed around the 'D' by Zenit, Pogrebnyak took control, looked like he turned the wrong way but managed to still sneak a small lobbed-cross into the 6-yard box but United were awarded a free-kick for alleged pushing.

Pogrebnyak, joint top goal-scorer with Luca Toni in last season’s Uefa Cup, sneaked in a header from a Zenit corner and, on the run of play, the Russian side took a one-nil lead into the break. The ball looked like it was swinging into the goal-mouth anyway, and probably would have crossed the line, but Pogrebnyak did not take any chances and powered through.

At half-time Sir Alex remained upbeat, telling ITV Sport: “They had a few chances but we had the most possession. It’s a bad goal to concede so we need to recover. They [United players] know that.”

The only change as the play restarted was the replacement of Dominguez with Andrei Arshavin. The playmaker will be keen to impress the various European eyes glancing on the game, and will have been keen to flaunt his flair.

As the game re-found its flow Rooney tracked back to link-up play with the midfield. Sixty seconds later he was back in the forward’s zone, had a shooting opportunity, but fired wide.

Ten minutes in and Tymoschuk thumped a 30-yarder goal-ward, Van der Sar – wary of Danny running into the box, cleverly parried the ball into safety.

Further misery was inflicted on the Manchester side as the expensive Portuguese acquisition thumped in a powerful effort. Ferguson would have been fuming as his defence was poor in handling Danny. Ferdinand was wrong-footed and Vidic was late to the ball, by the time his slide-tackle slowed to a stop, the ball was in the back of the net.

On the hour mark, John O’Shea replaced Anderson, and Darren Fletcher is also brought off. Puygrenier made way for Shirokov for Zenit.

Carlos Tevez’s work-rate was something to be proud of. He was one of the few Red Devils in the opening hour that played with intent. One example of his obsession to be on the ball was when he was tackled, fell to the ground, but was back on his feet and regained possession before you could say ‘Trojan’. Five minutes later Tevez again created opportunites; O’Shea ran onto a ball and struck with his first touch but was blocked by a stubborn Zenit defence.

United clawed a goal back when Nani won a corner kick that was poorly swung into Rooney who passed to Tevez at the far post. Carlos knocked it onto Vidic’s path who drilled a low shot into goal. The many Zenit bodies on the line simply ball-watched.

With ten minutes remaining Denisov embarked on a solo run taking on three United defenders and beating two, he eventually played the ball back as a triplet of Red shirts tried to triangle him and he temporarily injured himself in the process.

Malafeev kept the Russians in the game as Tevez fed in a perfect cross into the box that met the forehead of John O’Shea. The Russian glovesman punched the ball over and looked around nonchalantly.

Paul Scholes was deservedly sent off with one minute remaining on the clock as Brown fed in a high cross and Scholes punched the ball into the net a la Maradona. His team-mates rushed to congratulate him but the officiator wanted none of it and gave the midfielder a second yellow for attempting to cheat in order to claim the draw. He will now miss Champions League games.

A fine spectacle ended dour due to Scholes' gamesmanship, but Zenit were thrilled to lift the silverware aloft. The Russian side showed they were no pushover tonight, and will be a contender in Group H of the Champions League. Real Madrid take heed.

Rijkaard Decision To Play Affects My Performance-Henry

2008-08-28T16:32:00.001+01:00

Thierry Henry has revealed that Frank Rijkaard made him play for Barcelona even when he was not fit, but is now ready to show what he is really capable of of.he French international was criticised in his first term at Camp Nou for failing to reproduce the form and flair that made him a star with Arsenal, but now he has explained why.

After spending a campaign struggling with injuries the year before, Henry joined Barça last summer and was not completely fit although Rijkaard still wanted him to play.

"It was a mistake to play last season without being fit, but the coach asked me to," he told El Periodico.

"What am I going to say to him, that I would not do it? Now I can start to run and I have the strength to face defenders. Before it was very tough and I could not do it."

There were glimpses of Henry's form last term when Barça played to his strengths, but he took time to adapt to playing out wide and fitting in to Rijkaard's system of patient build-up.

This season, new coach Pep Guardiola has already told the former Monaco and Juventus player that he is one of his key players and that the team will try to use his pace and finishing.

Obinna officially signed for Inter

2008-08-28T15:26:00.001+01:00

Inter have officially signed Chievo striker Victor Obinna and immediately loaned him out to Premiership side Everton.The 21-year-old Obinna is one of the most highly rated youngsters plying his trade in Italy, and the lightning paced striker last season played a key role in Chievo’s promotion to Serie A.

Reports emerged last night that Obinna had signed a contract with Inter, and had immediately been loaned out to Premiership side Everton, who have the option to make the move permanent next summer for a set fee. This has now been officially confirmed.

Inter already had first refusal on the Nigerian, as when he joined Chievo from Enyimba in 2005, the Italian champions actually helped finance the move, and in fact they already partly owned a percentage of the player's contract.

Obinna has been linked to a host of Italian clubs, including Roma and Napoli, but it seems as Inter have snapped him up, only to let him go immediately.

Earlier this week Obinna, who starred at the recent Olympics with Nigeria, admitted that Chievo had promised him that he could leave this summer.

"I'm looking forward to a brighter future - to go and play for an important club, maybe in the European Champions League," Obinna told BBC Sport.

"I wanted to leave them last season, they begged me, they said that I should stay so that I will come back to Serie A and then I can leave.

"They gave me their word, so they have to fulfil their promise."

Everton beat off competition from West Ham to grab Obinna on-loan, and when confirmed this will come as some consolation to manager David Moyes who has been left disappointed by the club's summer transfer campaign up to now.

David Villa Extend Aagreeing Valencia New contract

2008-08-28T15:16:00.003+01:00

After agreeing to a new contract with Valencia that will see him tied down at the Mestalla until 2014, hotshot striker David Villa has explained his decision to remain with Los Ché.Villa, along with club president, Vicente Soriano, appeared in the Mestalla VIP box to give a press conference after both parties had agreed to a massive new and improved contract extension.

Soriano spoke first, admitting that despite receiving “an offer from Real Madrid that was over €40 million”, he simply could not let his star striker leave the club. Soriano also added that he rejected the bid from the capital because he was “not too happy with they way they approached us for the player”.

Villa then took over the floor and immediately revelled at the club’s decision to grant him a new contract.

“I have to thank the club for their gesture and for everything they have given me since I arrived here three years ago,” he started off.

“I am honoured that other clubs were looking to sign me but I never had any intentions of leaving.

“There is a €150 million buy-out clause and if they wanted to buy me, they would have to negotiate with Valencia because I am happy to stay here.

“There have a been a lot of offers that involve a lot of money but Valencia did not accept any of them. And for me, this fills me with great pride,” he elaborated.

“My development as a player here can be just as good as if I were at Real Madrid. Otherwise, I would not have agreed to the contract renewal,” reasoned Villa.

“Now I hope to give back the affection that the fans have showed me in every training session and at every game,” he concluded.

Man City Turn To Brazilian Ronaldo

2008-08-27T20:14:00.001+01:00

Brazilian legend Ronaldo could be on the verge of a move to Manchester City, with the Daily Telegraph claiming that the former Milan man has held talks with the Premiership club over a possible transfer.The 31-year-old free agent is currently recovering from injury after he severed a tendon in his knee playing for Milan against Livorno in February.

After a successful operation in Paris, it was revealed that he would be out of action for at least nine months. Ronaldo’s rehabilitation is said to be going well, and well ahead of schedule, but after his contract at Milan expired at the end of June, the Italian club refused to offer him a new deal.

Now a free agent, Ronaldo has been linked to a number of clubs, including Flamengo, but the Daily Telegraph claims that El Fenomeno could be set for a sensational move to Man City.

The Blues are looking for a big international name, for commercial reasons, and there are few bigger in the game than Ronaldo, who is a three time FIFA World Player of the Year, and the top scorer in the history of the World Cup.

The Telegraph claims that Ronaldo has held informal talks over a possible move before the end of this week, but first the Brazilian must prove his fitness, as there are concerns over his weight.

City's executive chairman Garry Cook appeared to admit an imminent move for Ronaldo when he told the Telegraph: “I've got to change the culture here. Today you can grow quicker than it took Manchester United. We just need a superstar.

“China and India are gagging for football content to watch and we're going to tell them that City is their great content.

“We are a global franchise entity. We told [manager] Mark Hughes not to come here if he thought we didn't need a superstar.”

Man City failed earlier this summer in their bid for one superstar – Ronaldinho. Now they could succeed in a move for his compatriot and former namesake Ronaldo.

Kaka linked with a move to Chelsea next summer

2008-08-27T19:31:00.002+01:00

Brazilian superstar Kaka is again being linked with a move to Chelsea, with the Daily Star claiming that he could move to Stamford Bridge next summer for €90m.

The English giants are long-term admirers of Kaka, and have been linked with a move for him almost all summer.

Last month it was reported in the press that Chelsea had made a €100m offer for the European and World Footballer of the Year and, although this wasn’t confirmed, Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani did note that the club had rejected a “conspicuous” offer from Chelsea.

Since then, there have been numerous figures thrown about by the press, with the Italian media even stating that Chelsea were prepared to fork out a whopping €150m for the midfielder.

The Daily Star, following on from a similar report in the Italian press at the weekend, is now claiming that Kaka has a good chance of making the move to Stamford Bridge next summer for €90m.

The groundwork was done during the deal which saw Andriy Shevchenko return to San Siro on Saturday afternoon. Relations between the two clubs are excellent now, and there have even been rumours that Milan have handed Chelsea a transfer option on Kaka. The option would mean that Chelsea would have first refusal on Kaka should he become available to buy, and according to the Star this is a very real scenario.

Robinho close on his move to Chelsea

2008-08-27T19:24:00.000+01:00

The Robinho transfer soap opera could finally come to a close as his move to Chelsea could be completed within the next few hours.

Spanish daily Marca have speculated that the Brazilian winger could be on his way out of the Spanish capital headed for the English capital in a matter of hours.

According to the reports from the Madrid-based newspaper, Robinho last week rejected club president Ramón Calderón’s latest contract offer, which is believed to be roughly the same amount as what Chelsea were prepared to offer him. This has convinced Calderón to concede that no amount of money will be able to tempt the 24 year old to remain at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Despite coach Bernd Schuster’s optimism that the playmaker will stay on with the blancos squad, his exit has been made all the more imminent after events at the weekend.

Firstly, Robinho was heckled and jeered by a group of fans before the squad left for the game against Valencia. And just before the start of the match, he was whistled at when his name was read out on the stadium’s PA system. The most obvious sign, ofcourse, was his muted celebrations with the rest of the team in the background, away from the spotlight when Madrid eventually beat Los Ché for the Supercopa.

The question of how he will leave and for how much is a different matter altogether.

Senderos on a one year loan deal to Milan

2008-08-27T19:16:00.001+01:00

Milan have completed the signing of Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos on a one year loan deal, with the option to make the move permanent next summer. The Rossoneri have been desperately searching for a centre back in recent weeks following the injury to key man Alessandro Nesta.

With Dario Simic and Digao both being offloaded, things started to become desperate for the Rossoneri when primary target Branislav Ivanovic, who had seemed certain to join from Chelsea, saw his transfer fall through at the last moment.

It was reported last week that Milan had turned their attentions to another Premiership based player, in the form of Arsenal centre back Philippe Senderos, and the deal has now been officially completed.

The Swiss centre back arrives on a one year loan deal, and Milan have the option to make the move permanent for a set fee next summer.

Senderos had been well down the pecking order at Arsenal following an error-prone season last term, and Arsene Wenger signalled his intention to let him leave after signing Manchester United’s Mickael Silvestre last week.

The 23-year-old Senderos made 74 Premiership appearances, scoring four goals, since signing for Arsenal from Servette in December 2002.

He has won 31 caps for Switzerland, playing at World Cup 2006 and Euro 2008.

Olympic :Nigeria thrashed minnows Belgium 4-1

2008-08-19T17:42:00.000+01:00

A goal in the first half and three in the second put African powerhouse Nigeria into the Olympic football final on Tuesday as they thrashed minnows Belgium 4-1.
The 1996 Atlanta Olympic champions will meet either Brazil or Argentina in the gold medal match in Beijing on Saturday.
Olubayo Adefemi opened the scoring in the 17th minute and Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi netted a brace before Chibuzor Okonkwo hammered the final nail in Belgium's coffin.
Substitute Laurent Ciman pulled one back in the dying minutes but it was too little too late.
"It was unbelievable, unbelievable. You just have to look at the scoreboard," said Nigeria's ecstatic coach Samson Siasia.
"We are going for gold."
In contrast, Belgium coach Jean Francois De Sart was dejected.
"They had extreme speed and power and were very strong, but in the first 15 minutes of the second half we were better. When they went 2-0 up it was the end of the game."
Nigeria came out firing on all cylinders with Belgian goalkeeper Logan Bailly called into action twice in the opening minute, parrying a tricky cross then getting down low to save a shot from captain Victor Obinna.
Belgium, who had never been this far at an Olympics before, had their first chance on five minutes when Lille striker Kevin Mirallas whipped off a left foot strike that slid well wide.
The Nigerians, with the inherited experience of six Olympics and one gold medal, pressed the attack and a sustained period of pressure resulted in the opener.
The Belgian defence was at fault, failing to clear the ball and it fell to Adefemi inside the box and he slotted it underneath the diving Bailly.
Chances came thick and fast with Belgium's Sevilla frontman Tom De Bul going close just minutes later as the action went from end to end.
Hertha Berlin forward Solomon Okoronkwo almost made it 2-0 ten minutes before the break when his pace took him past a defender but his drive whistled past the post.
Belgium were almost made to pay the price again soon after the restart when a misunderstanding between two defenders saw a pass go astry, but Peter Odemwingie wasn't able to capitalise.
At the other end, Ajax midfielder Jan Vertonghen struck a beautiful volley after connecting perfectly with a lofted corner kick, only to see Nigerian keeper Ambruse Vanzekin somehow keep it out.
The Africans got the all-important second goal after 59 minutes, but they were fortunate as Ogbuke Obasi looked to be offside when Everton's Victor Anichebe fed him the ball.
He put it in the net with the outside of his left boot and Chilean referee Pablo Pozo allowed it to stand.
Anichebe was playing well, causing the defence problems, but Toffees boss David Moyes will have been unimpressed when he missed an open goal from three yards out.
The match was put beyond doubt with 18 minutes remaining when Obinna laid off the ball to a rampaging Ogbuke Obasi who hit a powerful strike from 25 yards that gave Bailly no chance.
A long-range effort from Okonkwo in the 78th minute added to Belgium's misery.
"We deserved it," said Odemwingie. "We have the confidence to win a gold medal for Africa."

Agbonlahor On Bright Start With Three Goals

2008-08-17T20:44:00.001+01:00

Aston Villa kicked off the new Barclays Premier League season in style as they hammered c. The attention on the transfer saga involving Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry was temporarily cast aside, with winger Gabriel Agbonlahor scoring a hat-trick to help his side clinch an opening day victory over Manchester City.
Agbonlahor, who signed a new four-year deal with Villa two days ago, repaid the faith Villa manager Martin O’Neill showed in him with three well-struck goals in the second half.
Norwegian striker John Carew also clinched a goal in West Midlands.
City clinched consolation goals through a penalty conversion by Elano on 64 minutes and a late goal from Vedran Corluka in the 89th minute. Citizens manager Mark Hughes endured a miserable afternoon at Villa Park, as the home side turned on the style to clinch all three points.
Hughes, who recently insisted that he is in control of matters at City, had little charge over the lackluster display by his players.
The former Blackburn boss is currently facing a shortage of strikers, and the situation was made worse when Valeri Bojinov injured himself during the warm-up. The Bulgarian was replaced by youngster Ched Evans.
The first half saw Villa and City creating several scoring opportunities. But both sides failed to make a breakthrough.
Barry, who angered the Villa faithful with his desire to leave the club, could have redeemed himself on 26 minutes. Nigel Reo-Coker danced past Jose Garrido on the right flank to deliver a cross into the City box.
Goalkeeper Joe Hart could only palm the ball away, as Barry followed up with a weak volley from 10 yards landed at the side netting.
City missed a golden opportunity to take the lead before the stroke of half-time, when Elano played Kevin Etuhu into space on the right. Etuhu unleashed a cross which swerved towards goal, as Villa custodian Brad Friedel was alert to tip the shot over the bar.
The goal-less first 45 minutes was certainly not a clear indicator of things to come in the second half, as Villa came out firing on all cylinders.
A minute after the restart, Carew connected with Barry’s cross from the left to head the ball into the net and give Villa the lead. Seven minutes later, the Norwegian international had another chance to do the same again. However, his effort off a corner was well wide.
City were handed a controversial lifeline in the 64th minute, when the referee awarded a penalty.
Villa player Ashley Young was adjudged to have tripped Michael Johnson in the box. Elano restored parity by making no mistakes from the spot.
Agbonlahor however, had plans of his own as he fired Villa ahead again just five minutes later. The England Under-21 international blasted his volley past a helpless Hart from close range following a well-taken corner by Young.
Villa secured their win in the 74th minute as Barry continued his runs on the left, and crossed for the unmarked Agbonlahor to send in a powerful header into the net off the bar.
And Agbonlahor continued his rampage in quick session, picking up a good pass from Barry, rounding the City keeper and let fly his shot into the right-hand side of the net to clinch his hat-trick on 76 minutes.
City netted a late goal in the 89th minute when Corluka side-footed his effort into goal off a corner.
The goal however, was scant consolation for Hughes as he has to return back to the drawing board in what it appears to be a long season ahead.
Villa, on the other hand, kicked off their campaign with a morale-boosting victory for manager Martin O’Neill.

Diarra Tips To become a leader of men

2008-08-02T19:17:00.000+01:00

France legend Lilian Thuram believes that midfielder Lassana Diarra can only get better and has tipped the Portsmouth man to become a leader of men...
Lilian Thuram has announced his retirement from football after learning that he has a heart problem.

Many would call the big stopper the heart of Les Bleus over the past few years and certainly the gap left by the 142-times-capped 36-year-old will take some filling.

Thuram himself, though, has tipped 23-year-old Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra to emerge as a leader in the years to come.

Recent Barcelona man Thuram said: "I believe a lot in Lassana Diarra - he is someone who can bring something else to France.

"He is a midfielder, a role that requires character. He can help other players around him."

With just 13 caps and a stop-start career, former Chelsea and Arsenal fringe-man Diarra is perhaps a surprise tip for greatness.
However, France have an ageing squad and Diarra at least has time on his side.

Difficult

It was unfortunate that loyal servant Thuram signed off on such a low note as Raymond Domenech's men failed to make an impact on Euro 2008.

Thuram, though, has no regrets. "I was right to go. When you are part of a squad, the decision isn't just up to you.

"I think I could have played one match a week, but playing several matches in that period was difficult. That was shown in the competition."

Tottenham Hotspur unveiled Bentley

2008-07-30T20:38:00.002+01:00

Blackburn Rovers star David Bentley is reported to have passed his medical with Tottenham Hotspur and will be unveiled at a press conference tomorrow morning...
The winger has been ready to leave Ewood Park for a number of months as he seeks a new challenge at a higher level, and despite first Mark Hughes and then Paul Ince's best attempts to keep the 23-year-old at the club, he is now on the brink of being formally presented as a Spurs player.Bentley, a youth product of the Lilywhites' bitter city rivals Arsenal, rose to prominence with the Rovers, who he is eager to leave as soon as possible in order to join his new side on tour for the Jubileum Tournament in Feyenoord, Netherlands.Aston Villa's single approach for the player was rebuffed earlier in the month, and Spurs themselves waited before lodging their first bid just two weeks ago, and despite facing rejection from Blackburn's defiant chairman, John Williams, a bid in the region of £18 million is said to have forced the Rovers' hand.It is now being reported that a deal has been agreed between the clubs and the player and that a press conference scheduled for tomorrow at 10am BST will be to unveil the player.Arsenal are likely to pocket as much as £7 million from the sale, with Spurs unlikely to stop their spending now, having let go of Robbie Keane, Pascal Chimbonda, Paul Robinson and others already, with Younes Kaboul, Dimitar Berbatov and more likely to follow.

Keane has finally completed a £20.3million move from

2008-07-29T11:18:00.001+01:00

Robbie Keane has denied claims that he 'let down' Tottenham after being unveiled as a new signing at Liverpool, the club he always supported.The Republic of Ireland international striker has completed a £20.3million move from White Hart Lane to Anfield, having been a Red all his life.
Keane, whose move has been heavily criticised by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, will now make his debut on Wednesday in a friendly away to Villarreal.
Keane, 28, said: "I do not think I let Spurs down. I had six fantastic seasons there and gave them everything. Since day one.
"I always give everything, and that will never change. The Spurs fans were always magnificent to me and I will always have a place in my heart for them.
"But this is a new chapter in my life and one that I am looking forward to. I had six great years at Spurs and thank them for that.
"There are players leaving Spurs, but there are also good players coming in. I can only focus on Robbie Keane and what is good for me."
Keane will now wear the number seven shirt at Liverpool made famous by legends like Kenny Dalglish and Kevin Keegan.
Keane said: "To wear that shirt is an honour, and something I truly understand. If I can have half as much success in it as Keegan and Dalglish did, I will be a happy man."
He added: "I've been waiting for this day since I was a kid. Everyone knows I am a massive Liverpool fan, so to be sitting here today in a Liverpool tracksuit is a dream come true.
"I always wanted to be a footballer as a kid, but also to play for Liverpool.
"Maybe you never feel it is going to happen. I could have come here as a teenager, but chose Wolves because I felt there would be more chance of immediate first team football, and that proved to be the case.
"Now I am enjoying every minute and I can't wait to pull on that red shirt.
"This is a massive club and want to do everything I can to make them even more successful.
"The reasons I left Spurs are that I am a huge Liverpool fan and the chance to play for them may never come around again.
"This opportunity is something I couldn't let go. I am at an age now when I believe I am at my peak, and aim to kick on.
"This is a great opportunity now for me, the whole package that Liverpool has to offer really inspires me.
"I am just grateful to be here. I love the club and this is the one dream I had still achieve."

Barcelona €22m bid for David Trezeguet

2008-07-29T11:11:00.001+01:00

Barcelona travel to Italy today ahead of their friendly with Fiorentina, and reports in the peninsula suggest that they will use this visit to present Juventus with a €22m bid for David Trezeguet.The Blaugrana are well known to be in the market for a top class centre forward, and Trezeguet has been heavily linked with a move to the club all summer, with new coach Josep Guardiola even reported to have made an unsuccessful inquiry several weeks ago.Although Juve have always stated that Trezeguet is not for sale, the Frenchman’s importance to the club does not seem to be as crucial as it perhaps once was. The 30-year-old has not been at his best in pre-season, and has been overshadowed so far by Amauri and Vincenzo Iaquinta, who have scored five goals between them in the last two friendly matches against Brondby and Borussia Dortmund.Barcelona today travel to Italy ahead of tomorrow’s friendly match with Fiorentina, which will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of the famous Italian football figure Artemio Franchi, for whom the Viola’s stadium is named after.While in Italy, there are strong reports that Barca officials will present Juve with a €22m offer for Trezeguet. The striker is ready to consider a transfer, which would see him hook up with good friend Thierry Henry, while Juve may consider €22m as a lot of money for a player who will turn 31 in October.Another possible option for Barca is the inclusion of Samuel Eto’o in a swap deal, an exchange that may interest Juve boss Claudio Ranieri.

Mutu Is Not For Sale-Fiorentina

2008-07-24T14:26:00.000+01:00

The Romanian international has been linked to the Giallorossi ever since La Viola signed Alberto Gilardino from Milan.

The transfer saga has taken several twists and turns and it has been a case of hit and miss for both clubs but it seems as if Roma still have a chance of scoring their Mutu goal according to Pasqualin.

“The situation can still change but it’s likely that the Della Valle will hold firm,” Pasqualin told Tuttomercatoweb.

“I thought things were different and I may have made a mistake but nothing is yet concrete.

“We have to wait and see what happens now.

“I didn’t expect the Viola to make such a U-turn as Corvino was certain the player could leave.”

It seemed as if Mutu was on the verge of signing for Roma when Pantaleo Corvino revealed he was ready to listen to Roma’s offer only for the Artemio Franchi based club to go back on their words and eat some humble pie.
Serie A football agent, Claudio Pasqualin, still believes Adrian Mutu has every chance of joining Roma despite Fiorentina insisting the striker is not for sale.

Wenger to reinforce it midfield

2008-07-24T11:22:00.000+01:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is looking to bolster his side’s midfield, but doesn’t as yet have a specific target in mind.With the exits of both Alexander Hleb and Gilberto Silva, Wenger has admitted that he is looking to reinforce it the midfield area with one perhaps two players.

“We will need one more body in there” he said when questioned about his midfield after the friendly against Szombatheyli.

“At the moment we do not have Alex Song who is going to the Olympic games, Abou Diaby was not here tonight and nor was Fabregas.

“If we find a reasonable target then we will do it. But there is no special name on the list. We have some time. We have until August 31. We left 11 players back in Austria for this game. They will play in Stuttgart on July 30.”

Before that, on Monday, Arsenal travel to Ritzing to play a Burgenland XI.

Ronaldinho Landed In Milan

2008-07-23T17:53:00.000+01:00

As one player left Barcelona on Wednesday, another arrived.

Ronaldinho, the Brazilian midfielder, flew to Milan to undergo a medical to confirm his transfer from Barcelona to AC Milan.

Meanwhile, Alexander Hleb, a Belarussian midfielder, flew to Barcelona for his medical tests before being presented to the public.

The 27-year-old Hleb scored 10 goals for Arsenal after joining from Stuttgart in 2005. Spanish media reported that Barcelona has agreed to pay Arsenal €15 million, or $25.9 million, with a further €3 million dependent on results.

Ronaldinho agreed to a contract that would last until 2011 after the two teams finished three months of haggling late on Tuesday
"Ronaldinho is ours," Milan's president and the Italian prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, told Italy's Sky TV.

Barcelona said Milan had agreed to pay an initial €21 million. The English club Manchester City reportedly bid €32 million for the Brazilian. Milan will pay Barcelona another €4 million later if it clinches a place in the 2009-10 Champions League.

"The player ended up playing where he wanted to. Ronaldinho wants to be part of Milan," Txiki Begiristain, the Barcelona sporting director, said.

The Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Milan will pay Ronaldinho €6.5 million per season.

"I am sorry for the wait but the facts show that I have always wanted Milan," Ronaldinho told Gazzetta dello Sport. "This is not the moment to talk about Barcelona because I want to enjoy this new chapter of my life. I will only say that at Milan I promise commitment, not only on my technique."

Ronaldinho helped Barcelona win a Champions League title and was also named FIFA World Player of the Year while at the club, but the relationship soured last season. The club and the player were arguing right to the end. Barcelona had told Ronaldinho, who is 28, that it would not allow him to play for Brazil at the Olympics.

Milan has blocked a compatriot, Kaká, from playing in China but media reports Wednesday said that part of Ronaldinho's deal was that he would be allowed to go to the Olympics.

Ronaldinho scored 91 goals in 200 appearances in his five seasons at the Camp Nou, and helped lead Barcelona to consecutive Spanish league titles in 2005 and 2006 and the Champions League trophy in 2006.

He was under contract with Barcelona through 2010 but was coming off one of his worst seasons with nine goals in 26 overall appearances.

Assorted injuries - ranging from a foot problem to thigh injury to knee tendinitis - accompanied by concerns over his social habits contributed to Ronaldinho playing the fewest games since first moving to Europe to play for French side Paris Saint-Germain in 2001.

Since its 2-1 victory over Arsenal in Paris in the 2006 European Champions League final, Barcelona's dip in form has paralleled that of its biggest star, who continued with his late-night partying despite consecutive trophy-less seasons and drew continued criticism for being visibly overweight.

Milan is coming off a disappointing season in which it finished fifth in Serie A and was eliminated by Arsenal in the second round of the Champions League. Milan will play in the UEFA Cup this season.

Vicente del Bosque, the former Real Madrid coach, has been hired to become the national coach of Spain, the team Luís Aragonés led to the European Championship title last month.

He agreed to a two-year contract that will take him to the 2010 World Cup.

Del Bosque and his staff were expected to be presented Thursday. Del Bosque has hinted that he would not change the style of play that led Spain to its first major trophy in 44 years last month.

Del Bosque is the country's 50th national coach. His first game is Aug. 20 with an exhibition at Denmark, the team's first match since its Euro 2008 triumph.

The 69-year-old Aragonés stepped down this month to lead the Turkish club Fenerbahce the next two seasons. Aragonés lost only four games during his 54 games. His 38 victories left him at the top of Spain's coaching list.

Transfer: Man United and Liverpool Going Out Of Bound

2008-07-19T15:58:00.004+01:00

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy on Friday described the conduct of Manchester United and Liverpool as "disgraceful" in their respective pursuits of Dimitar Berbatov and Robbie Keane.
A furious Levy claimed his Premier League rivals have been "systematically been working to prise the players away from us".
United boss Ferguson confirmed earlier on Friday that United, who have been infuriated by Real Madrid's public pursuit of Cristiano Ronaldo this summer, have made a bid for Berbatov and that he eventually expects the deal to go through.
Spurs have also been angered by the comments of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez, who went public last week by revealing Republic of Ireland captain Keane as a target for the Reds.
Levy issued the following lengthy statement on his club's official website, www.tottenhamhotspur.com: "Today's public comments by Manchester United's manager, announcing that he has made an offer for Dimitar and is confident that the deal will go through with time working in their favour, is a blatant example of sheer arrogance and interference with one of our players.
"It is also probably one of the worst offences by any manager in the Premier League to date and is unbelievably hypocritical given his recent comments in respect of Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.
"This comes after a series of events, dating back to last summer, which have shown Manchester United to be in breach of Premier League rules.
"As a result, we have today made an official complaint to the Premier League about the conduct of Manchester United.
"Benitez made similar comments in respect of Robbie recently and we made an official complaint to the Premier League about the conduct of Liverpool earlier this week.
"The behaviour of both clubs has been disgraceful. We told both clubs very early on that we had no interest in selling Robbie or Dimitar, respectively, and that they should refrain from pursuing the player.
"Both clubs arrogantly chose to ignore this request and we now have evidence that both clubs have systematically been working to prise the players away from us, outside of Premier League rules of conduct.
"Our subsequent position has been severely compromised by both clubs making their intentions widely known and indeed making contact with the players and their agents, without the club's permission."
Benitez and Spurs have clashed before, in March 2006, when the Liverpool boss claimed Spurs were "desperate" to sell Jermain Defoe and take Djibril Cisse.
Later on Friday, United responded to Tottenham's claims.
A spokesman said: "We are aware of the allegation and will cooperate with the Premier League as necessary."

Arsene Wenger take a more low key approach

2008-07-19T15:23:00.000+01:00

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is concerned about spending big money on star signings in case it blocks the development of his young Gunners.
While Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have once again splashed the cash in the close season transfer market, Wenger has opted to take a more low key approach.
The Frenchman has shunned high-profile transfers despite having a substantial transfer warchest, signing two emerging youngsters in France playmaker Samir Nasri and Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey so far this pre-season.
Wenger has been considering a move for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, who is valued at £18 million, but he doesn't want to stop the progress of his own youngsters like Abou Diaby and Denilson.
"Of course I am in a position where I can spend the money," Wenger told ArsenalTV. "But every time we have done such a great job with the young players that you are concerned 'do we kill a young player or not by bringing another player in?'
"It is a very sensitive subject which is not specially linked with money.
"There is a lot of talk in the press, but we have always managed at this club by balancing the budget.
"We should not be criticised for that and should be respected for that."
While Wenger is keeping his powder dry in the transfer market, he is bullish about Arsenal's chances of winning silverware for the first time in four seasons.
The Gunners led United by five points before surrendering the lead in the Premier League title race last season and crashed out of the Champions League against Liverpool despite dominating for long periods.
Those near-misses have convinced Wenger that his side are close to the top again and he wants domestic success ahead of Champions League glory.
"It is important you fight for the championship and to win it. All the other trophies are more of a consolation than anything else," Wenger said.
"We were very close, we were in the race and next year we want to show we can win it.
"I will try to achieve my best to develop the players, to fight in every game. I am more motivated than ever to achieve that.
"The team is performing well, but the target of a top-level sportsman is to always improve and I believe we can be more clinical, we can score more with the chances we create."

Portsmouth Placed High Tranfer Fee On Kranjcar

2008-07-19T14:56:00.001+01:00

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp has rejected a Monaco bid of £12 million for Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar. Kranjcar, 23, is one of Europe's most promising playmakers and had a key role in Portsmouth's FA Cup success last season, as well as helping Croatia reach the quarterfinals of Euro 2008.
Redknapp has no intention of selling one of his prize assets as he prepares to lead Portsmouth into the Uefa Cup for the first time and was scathing about Monaco's interest.
"Monaco have come in for Niko and offered around £12 million for him," he told The News. "We wouldn't sell him and he didn't want to go anyway so that was the end of that one.
"No disrespect, but why would he want to go there anyway? They get 6 000 people watching them.
"You go there on a weekend and it's a unique experience, people aren't interested in the football. They all go out on the Saturday night and get dressed up for dinner, not to watch football."

Olympic Games:Marseille Hold On To Taye Taiwo

2008-07-19T14:44:00.000+01:00

Nigeria defender Taye Taiwo is fighting a battle with officials of his French club Olympic Marseille in a bid to secure his release for next month's Olympic Games.
A Marseille statement on Thursday made it clear that the defender, along with Cameroon’s Modeste Mbami, would not be allowed to join up with their international teammates for the Games.
But the defender told KickOffNigeria.com that he is determined to fight the decision all the way.
"I spoke to my club officials yesterday and made it clear to them that I want to go for the Olympics. This is a very important competition for me and for my country, and all the fans back home want to see this team do well.
"We had a long talk at training yesterday and I hope they can see things my way."
Taiwo becomes the fourth player, after Ike Uche, Vincent Enyeama and Chinedu Obasi, whose participation is under threat following their clubs' reluctance to release them for the quadrennial Games.
Taiwo also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to NFA chairman Sani Lulu Abdullahi, who rang him up in the wake of the burglary incident at his home.
"I was surprised to get a call from the NFA chairman. In fact, I was shocked. I didn’t know I was considered that important. He called me to sympathise with me about the burglary at my house and I want to say thank you to him. It means a lot to me."

Manchester United Sure Of Having Berbatov

2008-07-18T17:50:00.000+01:00

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson is confident Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov will sign from Tottenham Hotspur before the start of next season.
"We have made Tottenham an offer on Berbatov and we have good expectations that this deal will go through," Ferguson was quoted in The Sun on Friday.
"Berbatov has been impressive for a long time and he would be a great addition to our attack."
Tottenham appear resigned to losing the 27-year-old who has been a huge success since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2006 but would want a fee of around £25 million.
"I think time will work for us more than against us," Ferguson said. "We will not stress this situation. We are hoping to have a constructive conversation with Tottenham in the near future."
Tottenham manager Juande Ramos said on Thursday that some senior players would be allowed to leave the club as they build for the future.

Ronaldo&Arshavin:From Grass To Grace

2008-07-14T17:03:00.001+01:00

There should be no prouder place in the sporting world this summer than Spain. Its national soccer team reigns over Europe with a style that flows as only the Latin game can. Rafael Nadal wins Wimbledon with the force of a bull and the manners of a gent.
Who would not want to play in Spain? What gifted athlete would resist, all other things being equal, the opportunity to perform in a land that seems to have recaptured not just the trick of winning, but the habits that went with it many years ago? It might be fleeting, because that is the nature of sport. Yet the presence at Wimbledon of Manola Santana, the last Spaniard to win the crown there 42 years ago, was more significant than that of the prince and princess of the Asturias, or of the king and queen in Vienna's Prater Stadium when the soccer team won there last month.
For sport, in the Spanish soul, is a form of royalty.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrei Arshavin, two of the most coveted soccer players of the moment, appear to be hoping that their next career move takes them to Spain.
Ronaldo left a hospital Tuesday morning after surgery on an ankle that has troubled him even in his finest season. A sportsman laid low through injury, with time on his mind, is a vulnerable person, especially when Real Madrid is his suitor and when his own mentor at Manchester United, the assistant coach Carlos Queiroz, is about to go home to manage the Portuguese national side.Ronaldo is 23, at the top of his game and with a club at the pinnacle of Europe. But Madrid, closer to his roots and, he says, a club whose grandeur forged his boyhood dreams, might never come knocking on his door as it clearly is doing now.
Arshavin, the Russian playmaker, is four years older - and four years is a long time in the prime years of an athlete, physically and mentally.
The team that Arshavin says he grew up longing to play for is Barcelona. And Barca just happens to be reconstructing its squad - fervently looking for a new creator after becoming disillusioned with the Brazilian partygoer Ronaldinho, and looking toward St. Petersburg, where Arshavin has grown, man and boy, with both the Zenit side that won the UEFA Cup and the Russian team that attracted praise at Euro 2008.
Indeed, although it was twice eclipsed by the Spanish feast of football in June, Russia completely confounded the Netherlands - and Arshavin was the pivotal player, through his innate ability to suddenly switch the play and both beguile the opposition and finish it off.
Soccer, of course, is not simply a sport that can put grown-up boys in touch with their childhood dreams. It is business, ruthless and selfish and completely fickle in its loyalties.
Andrei Arshavin might be sincere in his desire to wear the claret and blue of Barcelona, but his club Zenit, bankrolled by Gazprom, one of the world's most powerful energy companies, will not let him go cheaply. Nor will Arshavin's agent let his man go for sentiment's sake to a lower bidder.
The agent, Dennis Lachter, is briefing newspapers on the deal. Zenit, he says, will not accept a cent less than €30 million, and his player is looking for €4 million per year, net of taxes. The transfer would thus pan out at €52 million, or over $80 million, over a three-to-four-year contract.
And there are deals within deals. Barcelona has made an offer, but not one that Zenit will accept - and meantime, Barca is negotiating to hire Alexander Hleb from the London club Arsenal. It would also like to sign Arsenal's striker Emmanuel Adebayor, but so would AC Milan.
The summer transfer market is only now gathering pace. Lachter is in the position of many a middleman, wanting to push his client to the highest bidder, yet dependent on Zenit's president, Alexander Dyukov, to make the call on which buyer meets his terms before the agent can start earning his percentage on the wages.
"Its not about money," insists Lachter. "It's about the team and professional ambition." Something tells us we have heard those lines before, and that many a star from Hollywood to the Bernabéu or the Camp Nou has been persuaded to take the money route ahead of these childhood wishes.
Consider, again, Cristiano Ronaldo. At 7, he's a boy turning heads in Madeira. At 12, he leaves home to become a recruit of the Alcochete, the soccer kindergarten of Sporting Club in Lisbon. The head coach there is Carlos Queiroz, the very same Queiroz who formed the Golden Generation of Portuguese youth, and who is about to defect from Manchester United to regain control of Portugal's national team.At the start of the Euro, when Ronaldo's head was in the clouds because of Madrid's constantly reported overtures, Queiroz, who was fired after an unhappy year as Real's coach, was counseling the player to stay true to his United contract. However, Luiz Felipe Scolari, then the Portuguese national coach but about to accept an offer he could not refuse to move to Chelsea, told Ronaldo that offers from Real Madrid come once in a lifetime. He should take it.
A cynic might say that Scolari, with one foot outside his own camp, should not have been stoking disloyalty to his star player. Another cynic might argue that Queiroz, with Portugal rather than Manchester his future, was not the best preacher to a United player.
Not surprisingly, we did not see Ronaldo in all his peacock finery at the Euro. He tried, I am sure, to play for his country as imperiously well as he had done for his club. But his ankle was sore, and his head, maybe even his heart, was divided.
If any of us had the casting vote on the most decisive, as well as most eye- catching, individual in soccer today, it would be Ronaldo.
If I were Alex Ferguson, the United coach, or his American paymasters, I would sell Ronaldo. The contradiction might appear glaring, but so is the situation in which Ronaldo, unlikely to surpass his 42 goals for United last season, toys with the European champion club.
Real Madrid, as usual, shamelessly exploits the Spanish media. Its president, Ramon Calderon, makes Ferguson's blood boil with his comments.
Madrid talks constantly of a transfer that would make United between €80 million and €100 million and make Ronaldo the highest-paid player on earth. "We cannot be blamed if nearly every player wants to come to Real Madrid," says Calderon, a lawyer. "If I were Manchester United, I'd be happy and proud to be able to negotiate such a transfer for one of my players. Everything would be a lot easier if United realized that they could pull off the transfer of the century." Ronaldo begins his recuperation knowing he will miss the start of the English season in August, but could just make the Spanish kick off.

Newcastle granted Martins transfer request

2008-06-30T18:42:00.000+01:00

Arsenal have intensified their interest in Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins, who has reportedly received permission to speak to other clubs…Martins has been told he can leave St James’ Park if any of his suitors should match or better his ₤15million asking price.But the Nigerian international could go for less if he hands in a transfer request, which would trigger a ₤13million release clause.And the 23-year-old may do just that, having recently agreed a new ₤80,000-per-week deal only to have it scrapped at the last moment as the Magpies seek to trim their wage bill.A source close to the player said: “It is a shock Newcastle cannot find the money any more for his new deal but he is a player a lot of clubs want.”Arsenal have long been linked with Martins, but manager Arsene Wenger has so far refused to budge from his ₤11million evaluation of the former Internazionale star.However, the Frenchman may well give up an extra ₤2million as his squad will look desperately low on firepower if he does not make some key purchases this summer.The Gunners will be without Eduardo da Silva for at least the first few months of next season, while Robin van Persie is yet to prove he can string more than two games together and Emmanuel Adebayor appears increasingly certain to leave the Emirates.

Okocha Drum Support For Eagles

2008-06-21T12:25:00.000+01:00

Erstwhile Super Eagles skipper Austin Jay Jay Okocha will be joining the team’s camp in Abuja ahead of tomorrow’s Angola/South Africa 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Equatorial Guinea.
Although the former Eagles playmaker is not returning to fight for a place in Coach Shaibu Amodu’s starting line-up, the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) confirmed last night that Okocha will be in Abuja to boost the players, who are determined to end the campaign without dropping a point.
Ademola Olajire, chief media officer of the NFA confirmed to THISDAYSports last night that Okocha, whose testimonial game is billed for next Thursday in Warri, will meet with the players before the match and also be physically present at the stadium to cheer them to victory.
“Austin Okocha will be at the players’ camp before the match and also be present at the main bowl to see how they will fare against Equatorial Guinea on Saturday. It going to be a morale booster, most especially for the younger generation who didn’t meet him at the senior national team,” said the NFA spokesman.
Okocha, who just ended his stint at Hull FC last season, is to be honoured next week by the Super Eagles players at the testimonial, which will also feature some other top African players.
Even as the NFA image-maker could not confirm the arrival of injured Danny Shittu in Abuja, the Watford FC of England defence ace was reported to also be on the way to Abuja to cheer his colleagues against the visitors from Central Africa.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles Head Coach Amodu says he sees no different scenario from what happened last weekend playing out tomorrow.
“I don’t foresee any problem whatsoever. It’s true that we have a couple of injuries and came out of Malabo with a couple of knocks, but everyone will be fine and ready,” said Amodu.
Nigeria goes up against Equatorial Guinea having amassed nine maximum points from their first three matches of the World Cup/Nations Cup qualifying campaign.
“It’s a dream start, but we’re not dreaming yet. We want to do the business on the pitch, and then we can start thinking of what the reality will be when the final phase begins.”
Yakubu Aiyegbeni returned to training yesterday with the rest of the Super Eagles squad ahead of tomorrow's game.
Yakubu had been given a one-day extension by Amodu and so did not resume with the rest of the rest of the squad on Wednesday but was back in camp in time for yesterday's training session.
Amodu spent most of the session working on tactics and movement with his players while also correcting some of the positional errors noticed during the last game in Malabo.
Yakubu's return was not the only piece of positive news for the Nigeria technical crew, as all players showed no signs of injury or illness, leaving the coaches with a selection headache ahead of tomorrow's game.
And in a related development, a one-hour media session with the players has been scheduled for midday today at the NICON Luxury hotel.
Eagles will pick an early ticket for the final phase of the African qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup finals if they defeat Equatorial Guinea on Saturday and neither Sierra Leone nor South Africa triumphs in their match-up in Pretoria on the same day.
With nine points from three matches, Nigeria lead Group 4 by six points, with South Africa, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone on three points each.
A win would take the Eagles to 12 points, with only two matches remaining for each contender in the pool. Should Sierra Leone and South Africa draw, they will remain on four points each, no longer able to assail the Eagles. Even if one of the two teams triumphed in South Africa tomorrow, the Eagles will still finish ahead in the group if they avoid defeat against South Africa in September.

Torres Want To Win Laurels In Anfield

2008-06-15T16:23:00.002+01:00

Fernando Torres has made it clear he has no intention of leaving Liverpool and is fully focused on winning trophies at Anfield
The Spanish star is currently with his national squad in Austria as they look for Euro 2008 finals glory.
Torres had a sensational debut campaign in England following his move from Atletico Madrid last summer and he taken his form into the Euros, leading the Spanish frontline alongside four-goal David Villa.
New Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari was reportedly looking to bid £40million for Torres.
Liverpool have already dismissed claims that they would consider selling Torres and now the player has confirmed his intention to remain at Anfield.
"I want to say very clearly that I'm not on the market and that it's my desire to continue at Liverpool," he told the Sunday Express.
"I'm very happy there and I want to carry on.
"I came to the club top win trophies. I have many years left on my contract and I expect to win some silverware there."
Torres insists that he is hungrier than ever to win things with Liverpool.
"I have gone through things I have never experienced before, like playing in a Champions League semi-final," he said.
"Now that I have come within touching distance of glory I want it all.
"I know now what it means to be a champion and that's made me even happier hungrier for success.
"And what has happened behind the scenes at the club has nothing to do with me.
"I don't pay much attention to that stuff or to any of the problems. It hasn't affected me at all."

Cameroon : Mauritius Fear No Lions Ahead ACN/World Cup

2008-06-04T18:14:00.005+01:00

They are already in camp for the match against the Mauritius Island next Sunday.
Though the end of major football leagues across the world is a period for players to rest and prepare for the next season, the indomitable Lions of Cameroon will be having no rest during this period. The Boys of German coach, Otto Pfister, have three more matches to play after the one last Saturday before they return to their respective clubs.Barely one day after their good start in the joint campaign for the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola and the World cup in South Africa, the Indomitable Lions went into camp in preparation for the next qualifier match against the Mauritius Island. Like before the match with Cape Verde, the Lions' den which has this time moved from Mont Febe to Franco hotel in Yaounde, remains a no-go area and their training sessions at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium not open to the public or the press.
It is worth noting that the decision to bar the public and the press from meeting with the players while in camp, has led to friction between the players and journalists. The decision is said to the rot cause of the brawl between Eto'o Fils and a journalist from a private radio station in Cameroon.
The Lions leave the country for the Mauritius Island on Thursday June 5, ahead of the encounter next Sunday. After the Mauritius Island, the Lions will move on to Tanzania before returning to Yaounde to host the very Tanzania in the return match.

Hleb Close In Singing For Barca

2008-06-04T17:54:00.005+01:00

Alexander Hleb's agent says a deal to take the Arsenal star to Barcelona "is close" - after revealing that his Inter Milan move hopes are over.
Vincenzo Morabito told Spanish newspaper Marca that his client had been hoping for a move to Inter, but the transfer has been scuppered by the appointment of Jose Mourinho as coach of the Italian champions.
However, Morabito claims that instead Hleb will now turn his attention to Barca.
"A deal is close. He has been a Barcelona target for some months," he was quoted as saying in Marca.
"I'm sorry that we won't be able to take him to Italy, he liked Inter a lot but obviously Mourinho has made some different choices and has gone for some other names."
Arsenal threatened to report Inter to FIFA in March after claiming an illegal approach was made for the Belarus international, who was also recently linked with a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid.
Last week reports in the Spanish media claimed that Barcelona technical director Txiki Begiristain had travelled to Germany to hold talks with Hleb while he was on international duty.

Milan Chose To Have Drogba Shevchenko Pair

2008-06-04T17:54:00.002+01:00

AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani says he has been in talks with Chelsea about moves for strike duo Didier Drogba and Andriy Shevchenko.
Kaka's name came up in conversation with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon according to Galliani, but he insists the 2007 world footballer of the year is going nowhere.
Galliani's claims came on the day Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti ruled himself out of the running for the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge.
Ancelotti labelled talk of him making the switch to west London as "fantasy football", but it appears there could be some movement between the two clubs this summer.
Galliani told Sky Sports News on Wednesday: "Yesterday we had a chat with Mr Kenyon of Chelsea.
"We were talking about football things in general. We still have a very good rapport with Stamford Bridge."
Galliani revealed a list of names, including Shevchenko, Drogba and Kaka, had been discussed, saying: "Sure we talked about all these things.
"But I can tell you for example that Kaka is absolutely not for sale.
"Just like Carlo Ancelotti he will be here next season."
Milan are desperate to sign a new striker, particularly after Palermo forward Amauri chose a move to rivals Juventus ahead of a transfer to Milan.
Galliani has previously indicated Drogba is high on Ancelotti's wish list, while Drogba himself was open about wanting to leave Chelsea in the wake of Jose Mourinho's departure last September.
Shevchenko has had a rotten time at Stamford Bridge since his move from Milan two years ago and a return has long been rumoured.
The Ukrainian has strong ties with the club and in particular with Silvio Berlusconi, the former president who stepped down after being elected to his third term as prime minister and who is godfather to the striker's son.
Ancelotti, meanwhile, has officially ruled out a move to Stamford Bridge.
He told Sky Sports News: "It is just fantasy football that happens every year.
"I will stay with AC Milan next season."
Ancelotti and Chelsea both released statements on Tuesday denying reports the London club had made an approach for the double Champions League winner and agreed terms for him to take over.
He was strongly linked with the Stamford Bridge post amid suggestions his advisors had reached a settlement with the Blues over a move to England.
The 48-year-old is under contract with Milan until 2010.
The Serie A club are keen to keep hold of the coach despite his lack of silverware this season and him failing to secure Champions League qualification.
Chelsea have been without a manager since the departure of Avram Grant last month.

Ancelotti linked with the Chelsea job.

2008-06-03T18:24:00.001+01:00

Chelsea are reportedly in talks with representatives of AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, with a view to him taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are homing in on their new manager after sacking Avram Grant less than two weeks ago after just eight months in charge.
The Premier League runners-up are understood to have narrowed down their short-list for the job to two names.
Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes, who is also interesting Manchester City, is one of the Blues' targets to replace Grant.
The other contender is an overseas coach and, according to Sports News, it appears Chelsea have made a renewed attempt to prise Ancelotti away from the San Siro.
Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani revealed at the weekend that the club had turned down Chelsea's request to hold talks with Ancelotti.
However, it is now understood the Blues are meeting with Ancelotti's representatives to discuss the possibility of taking charge at Stamford Bridge.
Sven-Goran Eriksson, Frank Rijkaard, Guus Hiddink, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Roberto Mancini are among the names to have been linked with the Chelsea position, but it now seems to be a straight fight between Hughes and Ancelotti for the job.

" I am a different tactician" Jose Mourinho

2008-06-03T18:13:00.001+01:00

Jose Mourinho announced at his unveiling as Inter Milan boss that he is "a great coach" but insisted he no longer wants to be special.
Less than a year after his departure from Chelsea, the Portuguese tactician - who once described himself as "the special one" - has taken the helm of the three-time defending champions Inter with the aim of taking them to greater heights in Europe.
Mourinho, 45, has replaced Roberto Mancini on a three-year contract.
"I am Mourinho - period," he said at his introductory press conference at Inter's training ground.
"I have arrived at a special club and I believe I am a great coach but I don't want to be special."
Mourinho, a controversial figure in England, because of his outspoken nature, claims he will not have a different approach in Serie A.
He said: "I don't change - I am the same person as I was before, with the same mission and the same passion for my work.
"I have always believed that I would like to work in Italy and at a great club.
"I want to thank (Inter president) Massimo Moratti and (sporting director) Marco Branca that have given me this opportunity.
"For me this is a very important challenge but I believe that it could be very enjoyable also for you (the media)."
Inter decided to part company with Mancini following a difficult end to the season.
The club made a quarter-final exit in the Champions League and, immediately after, Mancini announced he would not be with the team after the campaign - only to retract his statement 24 hours later.
Moratti insisted Mancini would stay at Inter, but had a change of heart once the Nerazzurri had taken a third straight Scudetto.
Mourinho praised Mancini's work.
"I need to start a new cycle after that of Mancini, who I consider a great coach, but I am a different tactician," he said.
"I want to change the football philosophy of the team, this is my challenge.
"Moratti has asked me to be myself and to be Mourinho means to work in harmony with players, with the club and with the fans."
Mourinho addressed the press in near-flawless Italian and revealed he had been learning the language since the club first made contact nearly three months ago.
He said: "I think the truth is important and the truth is that the first time Inter spoke to me was the day after they lost the second match against Liverpool (on March 11).
"I started to learn Italian then, but it is easy - I only have problems with the temporal verbs, but the words come easy."
However, Mourinho admitted there was another reason for him becoming so fluent.
"I am very intelligent," he said.
Mancini initially announced he would step down at the end of the season after the Liverpool defeat and, although he later reversed his decision, Inter revealed that outburst had been a big factor in their decision to sack him last week.
Mourinho has been out of work since he parted company with Chelsea last September and admitted the west London club still had a place in his heart.
In a three-year spell at Stamford Bridge, the former Porto boss endeared himself to Blues fans, most notably by guiding them to consecutive Premier League titles in his first two seasons in charge.
Despite his memorable time in west London, Mourinho wants to focus on a new chapter in his life at the San Siro.
"I will always, always, always support Chelsea and wish them all the best with their new coach, but if Chelsea meet Inter in the Champions League, then I won't know any of them," he said.
"Chelsea is over for me - not in my heart, but in my thoughts.
"At this moment, I want to start a new life and I do not want to talk about Chelsea.
"It will be hard, but I want to have the same passion with the fans of Inter and the same relationship with the players and carry joy to Inter in the same way I did for Chelsea."
Mourinho said he "cannot wait" to get working with the team on July 15, but said the first thing he will tell them is to forget about the past.
Inter have won the past three Serie A titles under their former boss Mancini, however Mourinho has warned his players that will count for nothing now that he has arrived at the club.
"A cycle has ended with a great coach like Roberto (Mancini), but this is a new page," he said.
"This is the start of a new life for Inter.
"We have to forget what we have won - that has been won and is history.
"We need to have new aims. I like to win and always put the past aside and think to the future.
"If somebody tells me that Inter won the league last season, I prefer to say Inter have won it 16 times, but those 16 are now history."

Manchester United bosses cleared of an improper conduct

2008-05-28T18:29:00.000+01:00

The Football Association have cleared Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson and his assistant Carlos Queiroz of an improper conduct charge.
The charge related to comments made following United's FA Cup defeat to Portsmouth on March 8.
Ferguson's charge concerned comments about referee Martin Atkinson and Professional Game Match Officials (PGMO) general manager Keith Hackett.
Queiroz's charge related to comments about Atkinson.
Speaking after Sulley Muntari's penalty gave Pompey a shock victory at Old Trafford, Ferguson felt his side had earlier had a blatant spot-kick denied when Cristiano Ronaldo was blocked by Sylvain Distin.
"It's absolutely ridiculous," Ferguson said. "I cannot explain it. Managers get sacked because of things like that and he's going to referee a game next week."
He added: "He (Hackett) is not doing his job properly and he needs to be assessed.
"I'm assessed as a manager, players are assessed, referees should be assessed properly by the right people. That performance today should not be accepted by our game."

Roberto Mancini's has received no contact from Chelsea

2008-05-28T18:09:00.000+01:00

Roberto Mancini's advisor insists he has received no contact from Chelsea about his client becoming Avram Grant's successor at Stamford Bridge
Mancini left Serie A champions Inter on Wednesday and has been strongly linked with the vacant post at Stamford Bridge.
However, with the dust still settling on his departure, Maurizio de Giorgis has made it clear that no decision regarding his future has yet been made.
"He had a meeting with the president (Massimo Moratti) and they decided not to continue with him, as of yesterday Roberto Mancini is not the coach of Inter Milan anymore," the Italian's advisor told Sky Sports News.
"He is very disappointed of course, he was not expecting that to happen, but in football things can happen quickly and unexpectedly and this is one of those occasions.
"As of now there is no contact with Chelsea. Roberto Mancini is not a person or coach who likes to propose himself to a club, he waits for a club to look after him so we are in that position right now. We are not proposing Mancini to any club.
"It's a natural consequence of what has happened. Chelsea are one of the top five clubs in the world so it is more likely, if there will be any talk, there is more chances of it to happen now than before.
"There are chances but at the moment, as of today, there has been no official contact with Chelsea or any other team."
Chelsea's ongoing search for a replacement for Grant is now concentrating on Mancini, Mark Hughes and Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Their interest is believed to have cooled on former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard while Russia coach Guus Hiddink has already ruled himself out of the running.
Former Chelsea player Didier Deschamps insists he is on the shortlist but the Blues, as expected, have made no official comment.
The interest in Hughes, a former Blues player, was greeted with approval by fans on Chelsea TV but Mancini's CV ticks all the major boxes for the English club.
Mancini's replacement at Inter Milan is expected to be Chelsea's former coach Jose Mourinho. The 'Special One' is expected to be unveiled in Milan on Friday and given a three-year deal.

Ronaldo Will Be Better Next Season

2008-05-24T17:50:00.000+01:00

Manchester United star Ronaldo has heralded the past season as "spectacular" but warned his opponents he can still be even better.
The winger scored 42 goals in all competitions for United in a stunning campaign which yielded the Premier League crown and the Champions League title, and he has taken George Best's mantle as the most prolific midfielder in the club's history.
"Every season at Manchester United I have improved," said Ronaldo.
"The season was spectacular and I scored many goals on the way to winning two important titles for the club.
"Next year I'm going to try and play even better and have an even better season than this one.
"I played a spectacular championship, a good Champions League and I am very happy with everything. It was my first European title and I want to win it many more times because the feeling is amazing."
Speculation that the 23-year-old is poised to join Spanish giants Real Madrid has been rife all week but Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to remain at Old Trafford for the immediate future and insists he is now only focused on representing Portugal at Euro 2008 next month.
"I have a contract with Manchester United and at the moment I am only thinking about having a successful European Championship," he said.
Ronaldo admitted feeling jaded after arriving in Portugal on Friday to join up with the national squad following prolonged celebrations in Moscow, but is looking forward to continuing his superb form on the international stage.
"I feel a little tired today (Friday) but I am going to have a rest in order to be ready for the Euros," he told Portuguese newspaper O Jogo.
"I'm going to arrive there in form and anything is possible."

Chelsea Wants Didier Drogba To Stay

2008-05-24T17:39:00.000+01:00

Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck says the club will sit down with Didier Drogba to see if the striker wants to stay at Stamford Bridge
Drogba has been tipped to leave the Blues over the summer, with Milan confirming he is on their list of transfer targets.
The Ivory Coast ace was sent off in the UEFA Champions League final against Manchester United in midweek, and Buck admits it was a 'silly' red card for the forward to pick up.
But Buck remains hopeful that Drogba will still be in West London next season and is planning to hold talks with the former Marseille man shortly.
''Didier is a superb player generally," Buck told Chelsea TV. "There have been some comments reported to be made by Didier over the last year that maybe he would like to leave Chelsea. On most occasions he has said that he has been misquoted.
"Now that the season is over, we have to sit down with him and see what the story is and what his future is. He is a great player, I hope he stays, but that is a decision the club and Didier will have to make collectively.
"This year he has had some niggling injuries, but we know he can change the course of a game, as he nearly did in Moscow.
"As I have said, he is a superb player, but if you are a world-class player, which he is, you have to avoid the silly red cards, the ones that come about over nothing - and I think Didier will be sorry that he got that red card."
Following Chelsea's failure to win a trophy this season, there have been widespread reports of a mass exodus from Stamford Bridge over the summer.
Buck expects Avram Grant's squad to be trimmed during the off-season, but he is not predicting wholesale changes of the playing staff.
He added: "We decided several months ago that our squad size is a few players too many. It is about 28 now and it should really be 22 plus three goalkeepers.
"So there is going to be some movement just to get the squad down to the size we think is optimum. In terms of other transfers generally, every year we want to tweak the squad a bit, so there will be some changes, but I don't expect there to be massive, wholesale changes."

Daniel Alves Want To Taste Another League

2008-05-19T17:57:00.000+01:00

Sevilla defender Daniel Alves has put a host of summer suitors on alert after announcing that he wants to leave the club as soon as possible.Speculation over Alves' future has been rife since he last year revealed his ambition to play for a top European club.

Barcelona, as well as English pair Chelsea and Liverpool, are reported to be interested in a summer swoop for the highly-rated right-back, who told Marca on Monday: "I want to leave now and I hope that everything is finished as soon as possible."

But Alves, who is contracted to Sevilla until 2012, added: "Although you never know. At the moment, I'm saying goodbye to everyone with a "see you later" because the holidays are just starting.

"We'll see if that goodbye becomes a more definite one. Still you just don't know what will happen."

Last week, the versatile defender told Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo: "Barcelona is a great option I have and making a smart decision must be done with a cool head, never in the heat of the moment."

Chelsea:Avram Grant Give Blues Pass Mark

2008-05-19T17:44:00.000+01:00

Chelsea coach Avram Grant insists his entire first-team squad should take a bow for a season that has exceeded all expectations.

Grant will send his side out to face Manchester United in the club's first Champions League final in Moscow on Wednesday night in the belief that their strength of character will enable them to come home as champions.

Chelsea defied all the odds to reach the final and run United right to the wire in the race for the Premier League title.

And it is the never-say-die attitude of his players that has filled Grant with confidence ahead of their showdown with Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

"When we have been beaten this season, you saw the character of the side," said Grant proudly. "When you are winning, everybody is a genius and everyone is the king, but when you have bad results you need to see how they will behave.

"We lost two games against Barnsley in the FA Cup and against Tottenham in the Carling Cup final and it was disappointing for us, but the reaction showed the strength of these players and this team.

"We didn't start well and then we began to play very well for a spell. Then some of then players who were playing very well - Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Ricardo Carvalho, John Terry and Petr Cech - got injured.

"So we needed to use all of the squad and it has been an amazing season because everyone has made some kind of contribution - everyone.

"We have to respect the squad players this season because their attitude was fantastic, and their football too."

Chelsea managed to reach the final of the Champions League after overcoming a drab 1-1 draw with Rosenborg at Stamford Bridge in what was former boss Jose Mourinho's last game.

But while Grant has been forced to juggle his squad throughout the season because of injuries and international call-ups in January's African Nations Cup, the 52-year-old Israeli insists he is almost 100% certain of the side he will select for Wednesday night's showdown with their English rivals.

Providing all his players are fit, it will be a simple job for Grant. The only position that may cause him problems is the left of midfield.

There it is a choice of Florent Malouda or Salomon Kalou but that dilemma apart, the team picks itself with Cech, Michael Essien, Carvalho, Terry, and Ashley Cole at the back, Lampard, Michael Ballack and Claude Makelele in midfield plus Joe Cole on the right flank and Drogba in the centre.

"I know 80% of my team," said Grant. "But I like to keep watching them in training to see how they are doing."

The achievement of reaching the Champions League final, with all its financial benefits, is something that Grant admits seemed a long way off when he replaced Mourinho last September.

"In football you need to hope more than believe sometimes," he said. "I believed but it was more in hope than belief at first.

"I started as a new manager and we brought in new staff. Almost everybody except the medical department and Steve Clarke was new.

"Change takes time because we changed from one way of coaching to another. I think there were doubts but we believed that we could still do good things even though the situation was complicated."

Meanwhile, Chelsea's Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech claims "revenge" is on the agenda for the Blues when the face United.

United pipped Chelsea to the Premier League crown on the last day of the season, and when asked on the BBC's Inside Sport TV programme if the final was a chance for payback, Cech replied: "Some revenge.

"When you lose, you always feel disappointment and you have extra motivation to win the next game."

English FA Wait To Act On Drogba Allegation

2008-05-19T17:01:00.000+01:00

Didier Drogba could face an FA investigation into claims he deliberately got booked in order to manage the timing of his suspensions.
The FA have noted the Chelsea striker's comments from his forthcoming autobiography, which were printed in the News of the World on Sunday, with interest.

However, no action will be taken by the authorities until the book is published in England in July.

An FA spokesman said: "We would like to wait to see the comments in their full context before deciding on any further action."

The potential controversy surrounds the Ivorian's claim that he used to collude with former Blues manager Jose Mourinho and get himself yellow-carded at convenient times.

By doing so, the pair were able to ensure that the former Marseille frontman sat out pre-selected matches under the cumulative bookings system.

"Mourinho calculated everything - he looked at the match programme and analysed the cards each of his lads had received," Drogba said in his book.

"He sometimes whispered to me, 'It would be good for you to get a yellow card today. You would miss such-and-such a match. I will give you four free days.'

"No problem. I used to do as he said.

"That allowed me to pay myself a little trip to Dubai. It was a modern way of treating work and the individual."

Then England captain David Beckham got away with a slap on the wrist when he admitted to getting booked on purpose during a World Cup qualifier against Wales in October 2004.

Knowing he had just broken a rib and would not be able to play in a subsequent qualifier against Azerbaijan, Beckham fouled Ben Thatcher in a deliberate attempt to receive a yellow card and one-match ban.

Super Eagles to assemble in Vienna Ahead Austria Clash

2008-05-19T16:56:00.000+01:00

Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has ordered the Super Eagles to assemble in Vienna from Saturday May 24 for the friendly match against Austria three days later a football house source has disclosed to THISDAYSports.
The team would assemble in the Austrian capital from where they will move to Graz, the provincial capital of Styria for the match which holds at Graz UPC Arena at 8. 30 PM Nigerian time.
“We have asked the players to report first in Vienna from May 24. We expect all invited players to report latest by May 26. From here we will head for Graz” he disclosed.
The match is Shabu Amodu’s first game in charge of the Eagles since his return as the Eagles coach in April.
The Vienna camp is proposed to accommodate the early arrivals including the Eagles coaching crew and the accompaning officials who will take off in Lagos.
THISDAYSports learnt yesterday that Amodu who recently went to London on a familiarity mission with some of the key Eagles players is expecting them to keep to the deal he brokered with Nwankwo Kanu who assured that the players would turn up in time for the match and other national engagements under the new order.
Austria is hoping to use the Eagles challenge to shore up preparation for the European Championship they are hosting in the summer.
On the other hand, Amodu will use the match to put his wards in shape for a number of Nations Cup and World Cup 2010 qualifying matches the Eagles will be involved in the next two months.

Champions League :CManchester Plot Against Chelsea

2008-05-19T16:48:00.000+01:00

Manchester United will meet Chelsea in the Champions League final, arguably the biggest game ever contested between two English clubs. We assess the individual contests which could decide the destiny of the trophy.
Ferdinand has matured into one of the world's best defenders, his pace, anticipation and aerial ability a match for even the great strikers. The lapses that characterised his early career have been all but eradicated, while he appears set to succeed Gary Neville as United captain.

But even Ferdinand might struggle to contain Drogba playing to the peak of his powers. Arguably, there is no more complete centre-forward on the planet, as the Ivorian demonstrated in the semi-final victory over Liverpool. The consistency of his finishing has come under scrutiny this season but only because he has dipped slightly below the incredible form of last term.
Already a Manchester United legend, Ronaldo may yet be talked about in the same breath as Pele and Maradona. A maestro with the ball at his feet and clinical in front of goal, he has been terrorising defenders all season. Worryingly for United's rivals, there is further improvement to come, with the Portugal winger sometimes prone to poor decision-making.

Cole is one of the few full-backs who can claim to have had the better of Ronaldo in the past. Indeed, prior to last season, there was no contest in their battles for both club and country, with Cole coming out on top on almost every occasion. Ronaldo has matured since and Cole will need to be at his very best to keep his rival at bay.
Rooney marries old-fashioned centre-forward play with the movement, touch and vision of the modern striker. He has proven as much as a talisman for United this season as he is for England. He is gradually losing his reputation for a suspect temperament, channelling his aggression in the right areas. He has also learned how to operate in a lone front man role having burst onto the scene as a deep lying forward.

Terry is a real defender's defender. The heart and soul of Chelsea, no-one will be more desperate than him to lift the club game's ultimate prize in Moscow. He leads both by word and deed and should he overcome his elbow injury he will hope his characteristic blood-and-thunder approach will be enough to contain Rooney.

Kanu Wining Goal Help To Secure Contract Extension

2008-05-19T16:41:00.000+01:00

Portsmouth’s FA Cup final hero Nwankwo Kanu has used Saturday’s Wembley victory to make a fresh case to be given a new contract extension by the South Coast outfit.
Speaking to SkySports soon after the game ended in front of a capacity crowd at the stadium, Kanu said he hoped his performance was good enough to convince Fratton Park officials to give him a new deal.
“I’m very happy for the club I hope the coach and the owner will be happy enough to give me a new contract,” Kanu told the station.
SkySports promptly sought a response from Pompey boss Harry Redknapp, who brushed aside the Nigerian international’s fears.
“He is already entitled to a new contract, he’s a great player and I love him,” a very delighted manager said of the ex-Arsenal star he gambled on two seasons ago.
Redknapp learnt of Kanu’s decision not to follow West Brom out of the Premiership and immediately offered him a life line. After talks lasting barely 48 hours, Redknapp made the former Inter star his last signing of the 2006/7 season to the surprise of many of his colleagues who felt the lanky player was past it.
But Kanu repaid his manager’s faith in him be emerging the team’s leading scorer in his first season and perhaps more importantly lasting the distance.
Although he has not been as productive this campaign, Kanu did score all the vital goals in Pompey’s march to the FA Cup.
He scored the lone goal in the 1-0 semi-final win over his former club West Brom and was also on target on Saturday in a game in which he had earlier struck the post.
For Kanu Saturday’s win was his 12th major honour further cementing his place in the books at the most trophy laden player to have come out of Africa.
During his long stint in Europe Kanu has won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax, in addition to three domestic Dutch titles, two Premiership and two FA Cups with Arsenal. In 2004 he lifted the FA Community Shield with the Gunners. He also won the UEFA Cup with Inter in 1998. In all Kanu has amassed 13 major trophies, with the addition of Saturday’s win over Cardiff, when one adds his two African Footballer of the Year awards.

AC Milan Has Not Made Any Offer For Didier Drogba-Grant

2008-05-14T18:57:00.003+01:00

Avram Grant insists he has had no contact from AC Milan with regards Didier Drogba - saying he does not believe what he reads in the papers.Grant plays down Drogba Milan talk
Chelsea boss Grant admitted that he was unaware of press reports on Wednesday morning which suggested that the Ivorian hitman had already held discussions with the Italian giants.
The Israeli coach is adamant that every member of his squad remains committed to the club, and fully expects to keep hold of his prized assets.
"I didn't see it, I need to see it and then I can answer you," Grant said.
"In the papers there is so many things, I need to check with my players what is fact and what is not.
"I didn't see the paper, but you know what the papers are like.
"Up to now we have bought 600 players, and this player said this and these players have said this, for me it is more important that the players are part of the team and can deal with this.
"They are very committed, work hard and are positive, I like them. What happens off the pitch, you know what papers are like."
Grant also reiterated his belief that Drogba and club captain John Terry will be fit enough to feature for the Blues in the Champions League final against Manchester United on May 21.
"They are training today so I don't think there is any doubt," he said.
"Unless something happens this week, and you know in Chelsea you walk down the street and something can happen."
Despite leading the club to the European showpiece, speculation continues to suggest that his days at Stamford Bridge are numbered.
However, Grant is convinced that he will still be in charge of the club next season.
"I find it strange because I have a contract for four years, even though it is a contract between friends (owner Roman Abramovich), we don't involve friendship in our business," he said.
"It is a contract as a manager. I have a contract for four years, I don't think they need to come to me every two weeks and say that I can continue, I can continue, I can continue, etc.
"If I had a contract for one year then it would be okay. It doesn't bother me. It happens in football, sometimes the coach doesn't like the team, sometimes the team doesn't like the coach. Maybe they should tell me every two weeks that I should continue."

Luka Modric Signed For Tottenham

2008-05-14T18:27:00.001+01:00

Tottenham have confirmed that they have agreed to pay Dinamo Zagreb £16.6million for midfielder Luka Modric.
The 22-year-old Croatian international signed for Spurs at the weekend in a deal which was believed to be in the region of £15million.
And Tottenham have now verified that they are set to pay Dinamo a fee of £16.6million in instalments over a period of four years, but Modric must still obtain a work permit before his six-year contract is finalised.
A statement on Tottenham's official website read: "Tottenham Hotspur plc is pleased to announce that agreement has been reached with Dinamo Zagreb and the Croatian international midfielder, Luka Modric, age 22 years, for the transfer of his registration to Tottenham Hotspur FC for a total consideration of 21 million euros payable in instalments over the next four years.
"The player's contract is for a period of up to six years and the agreement is conditional upon the granting of a work permit."

Wenger Defend Captain Gallas Over Poor Season

2008-05-08T17:52:00.002+01:00

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger says it would be a "cheap excuse" to blame the Gunners' failings this season on captain William Gallas
The 30-year-old former Chelsea defender was something of a surprise choice to replace Thierry Henry as the Gunners' permanent skipper.
However, it had looked to be a sound judgment by Wenger, as Gallas took his team to the top of the table and towards the knockout stages of the Champions League.
However, Gallas came in for criticism when he broke down in the centre-circle following the last-gasp draw at Birmingham on an afternoon where Arsenal lost striker Eduardo to an horrific broken leg and also saw two points slip away in the closing moments - not to mention a controversial magazine article commenting on Theo Walcott's development.
Gallas, who arrived from Chelsea as part of the deal which took Ashley Cole to Stamford Bridge in August 2006, briefly touched on the subject in what could be his final programme notes ahead of the Everton game. He observed: "This was my first season as captain and I can tell you that I have certainly learnt a lot in the job.
"As for my thoughts on my captaincy so far, I want to keep that to myself. The season is not yet over so we cannot reflect on the season yet, we can do that at the end."
While Wenger did not single out his captain for any blame, seeing Arsenal's failure to last the course as a collective weakness, he hardly handed Gallas a ringing endorsement of his leadership role.
"I don't share the view that Gallas is a bad captain. He is a captain who is very committed and tries to work hard for the team," said Wenger.
"He had an outburst at Birmingham, but I still believe today that, even if that was a mistake, that was not why we did not win the championship.
"That would be too easy as an excuse because there are other incidents. That would be a cheap excuse.
"At the time [of the Birmingham game] we were five points in front and everybody had been praising his captaincy.
"I believe we all make mistakes and we had to come back as a unit and try to win the championship."
However, Wenger would not commit on just who would wear the armband come August.
"It [the captaincy issue] has been raised by a lot of newspapers, but I must say I have not looked at the situation yet," he said.
"My priority is to keep this team together and then we will see where we go for next season."
Arsenal head to Sunderland on Sunday for their final game of what has been a rollercoaster campaign, and which could well end with fewer league defeats than champions-elect Manchester United.
Wenger is set to have some rebuilding work to do over the summer, with out-of-contract midfielder Mathieu Flamini having signed up for AC Milan as speculation continues over the future of Inter Milan target Alexander Hleb.
"I will try to buy, maybe in the defensive area and one on the creative side of the game as well because we had some players, important players, who were out this year," said Wenger, who has been linked with a £12million move for Portsmouth's Croatian winger Niko Kranjcar.
"When there is a problem in England, people say 'you have to buy' - but you have to consider as well the development of your players internally.
"It isn't just down to money because we have bought players for nothing and they became world stars.
"It is as well down to the quality of the scouting, the quality of the work in training and the quality of the development in the players.
"I believe much more in that, working in an intelligent way to make a player improve.
"If we lose, people leave the game and say 'Wenger you must buy a centre forward' if we haven't scored, or they want a central defender if someone has made a mistake. But you have to accept that the team can be developed.
"This team made 68 points last year and this year 83. That is 15 points difference and in between we lost Thierry Henry and we lost many, many important players during the season. So you cannot say the team has not developed. Now the target for next season must be to make 90 or 92 points

Stoke Promoted To Elite Division

2008-05-04T18:13:00.001+01:00

Stoke joined champions West Brom in the Premier League as Leicester were relegated, while Crystal Palace and Watford secured play-off places.performance as they battled to a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium which clinched the Championship's
Pulis' outfit produced a typically gritty second automatic promotion place.
Leicester defender Richard Stearman's header hit the bar for the visitors in the 82nd minute but Stoke dominated the clash and the although the final whistle was delayed after a premature pitch invasion, the Potters fans were eventually able to celebrate their return to the top flight after a 23-year absence.
Ian Holloway's side were relegated after Southampton claimed a dramatic 3-2 home win over Sheffield United thanks to a brace of goals from Stern John, who was later sent off.
Stephen Quinn (23) had given the Blades, who still had an outside chance of making the play-offs heading into the match, the lead.
Marek Saganowski equalised for the Saints three minutes before half-time and John then grabbed his first goal of the match in the 53rd minute.
United substitute Jonathan Stead levelled matters in the 65th minute but John smashed the ball home from inside the penalty area four minutes later to score the decisive goal.
John was then sent off with 10 minutes left for a second bookable offence to set up a tense finale - but Nigel Pearson's side hung on to avoid the drop.
Alan Lee's 70th-minute winner give Ipswich a 1-0 win over Hull at Portman Road - a result which suited neither side in the end as the hosts failed to make the play-offs.
The Tigers will now face Watford in the play-off semi-finals after the Hornets were held to a 1-1 draw by Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
Ben Burgess broke the deadlock in the second minute and Watford's plight looked difficult after Darius Henderson was sent off in the 60th minute for a second bookable offence.
But Tommy Smith's equaliser two minutes later ensured Adrian Boothroyd's side finished sixth, ahead of Wolves on goal difference.
Mick McCarthy's side had claimed a 1-0 win over Plymouth thanks to Seyi Olofinjana's 87th-minute winner - but it left them agonisingly one goal behind Watford in the table.
Crystal Palace secured a play-off meeting with Bristol City in emphatic fashion with a 5-0 thrashing of 10-man Burnley at Selhurst Park.
The Clarets had Clarke Carlisle sent off for a foul on Scott Sinclair inside the penalty area and Ben Watson converted the resulting spot-kick in the eighth minute.
It was all Palace from then onwards as Victor Moses (10), Tom Soares (37), Sinclair (61) and Clinton Morrison (65) found the net for Neil Warnock's side.
West Brom were crowned champions after they eased to a 2-0 win at 10-man QPR.
Martin Rowlands was sent off in the 37th minute and Albion made the extra man count as goals from Do-heon Kim (53) and Chris Brunt (77) saw them home at Loftus Road.
Sheffield Wednesday made sure of their survivial with a 4-1 victory over Norwich in Dion Dublin's final game.
Darren Huckerby had given the Canaries a ninth-minute lead but a brace from Deon Burton, including a 23rd-minute penalty, and a goal apiece from Ben Sahar (76) and Leon Clarke (87) saw the Owls home.
Chris Coleman breathed a huge sigh of relief after his Coventry side stayed up despite their 4-1 defeat by Charlton at The Valley.
Luke Varney (four), Andy Gray (19), Grant Basey (48) and Chris Powell (86) were on target for the Addicks while Michael Mifsud (20) netted a consolation for the Sky Blues.
Elsewhere, Bristol City confirmed a fourth-placed finish after goals from Lee Trundle (eight), Michael McIndoe (16) and David Noble (51) gave them a 3-0 home victory over Preston.
Cardiff warmed up for the FA Cup final with a 3-0 win over Barnsley, the team they edged out in the semi-finals last month, at Ninian Park.
Goals from Paul Parry (44), Kevin McNaughton (49) and Joe Ledley (63) gave Dave Jones' side a comfortable victory over the Tykes.
Relegated Scunthorpe and Colchester ended their Championship campaigns with a six-goal thriller which finished at Glanford Park as Paul Hayes (67, 82) and Kevin McLeod (11, 48) both scored two goals apiece. Jonathan Forte (15) and Scott Vernon (47) were the other players on the scoresheet as the match finished 3-3.

Manchester United are back in the title-race driving seat

2008-05-02T16:40:00.000+01:00

Sir Alex Ferguson insists Manchester United are back in the title-race driving seat despite last weekend's bitter defeat at Chelsea.Ferguson also brushed aside Chelsea boss Avram Grant's criticism of Alan Curbishley after the West Ham manager said it would be an injustice if United were not crowned champions.

The United manager insisted West Ham had proved tough opponents in the past - they have actually beaten Ferguson's side on the last three occasions - and would be again at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Ferguson said: "I don't know why he's suggesting there's going to be anything untoward. They should know better than anyone, Chelsea, about these situations.

"But we must be in the driving seat, if we both win two games we have the better goal difference.

"Hopefully we can win the match tomorrow which would go a long way to winning the league.

"Newcastle is not an easy place to go now for Chelsea, they are on the march.

"The important thing for us is concentrating on tomorrow's game. If both of us win both our games I will be very happy."

Ferguson feels the victory over Barcelona on Tuesday night to set up a Champions League final in Moscow against Chelsea, who overcame Liverpool 24 hours later, could prove the most important point of the season.

"We were all disappointed to lose to Chelsea last Saturday, it doesn't matter how you have lost," said the United manager.

"I think the most important thing is our result on Tuesday night, it gave us the lift at the right time.

"Now we can pick our strongest team for the next two games and have the squad to change it if we want to and hopefully we can get over the line."

He added: "I couldn't call the Chelsea v Liverpool game but it doesn't matter who it is. We are in the final, we are looking forward to it and it should be a good final."

Wayne Rooney could be on the bench against West Ham but defender Nemanja Vidic is definitely out.

The England striker injured his hip against Chelsea last weekend and missed the Barcelona game, but Patrice Evra is available despite being carried off on Tuesday after being kicked in the face.

Ferguson said: "Vidic is not fit for tomorrow as with concussion you are out for 10 days but he should be fit for next Sunday.

"Rooney has given himself a chance but I don't know if he will start, maybe he will be on the bench.

"There has been a lot of improvement in the lad and the bruising on his hip has broken up, but we will still have to see whether he can make tomorrow.

"We have got a cup final of major importance and we want to make sure he is available for that, so we are not rushing him. We need to make sure he is 100%."

Ferguson also believes the atmosphere at Old Trafford tomorrow could provide the thrust to push United towards the finishing line.

He added: "Maybe I don't even need to give a team talk, I'll just let the fans do that.

"They were fantastic on Tuesday night, I don't think there has been an atmosphere in the ground like that in my time here."

Avram Grant happy with his situation in Chelsea

2008-05-02T16:28:00.001+01:00

Chelsea boss Avram Grant insists he is not worried by speculation over his future after guiding the club to their first Champions League final.Grant has exceeded all expectations at Stamford Bridge since succeeding Jose Mourinho in September last year.

Chelsea are currently level on points with Manchester United at the top of the Barclays Premier League table, the team they also meet in the Champions League final in Moscow on May 21, and Grant is expecting another dramatic weekend in the title race.

Chelsea captain John Terry has already said that Grant has done enough to secure his position as manager and now the 52-year-old Israeli insists he is happy with his situation at the club.

When asked whether he had spoken with billionaire owner Roman Abramovich since Wednesday's dramatic victory over Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final, Grant replied: "Yes, but it was a private matter. I have a feeling that you know that he's happy, very happy. We are in contact, and he's happy.

"The relationship is good. Everything will be OK. Do I look worried? I need to do my job all the time, to look at the present and the future in this club.

"About my personal life, I don't know what I'm doing tomorrow. Professionally, I know what Chelsea need to do tomorrow, a week from now or two years from now."

Meanwhile Grant, preparing his side for Monday's fixture at Newcastle, insists that winger Shaun Wright-Phillips is not unhappy despite being left out of the side in recent games.

The Israeli, who spoke movingly at a Holocaust remembrance at Auschwitz on Thursday, also expects striker Didier Drogba to remain at Stamford Bridge next season.

Drogba's future continues to come under intense speculation but Grant believes the Ivory Coast striker is happy in London and that is demonstrated by his displays on the pitch.

"There are a lot of rumours about everybody," said Grant.

"Didier can only play for one club, but he's been linked to six or seven. No, only four.

"He's at the club. Sometimes he has good days, sometimes he has bad days, you have to give answers to questions like this on the pitch. In the semi-finals, he was good.

"If Shaun is not happy, given my relationship with the player, he can come and tell me.

"I don't think there's a problem. We are in historic moments in Chelsea, so this is a moment to say 'thank you' to all the players at Chelsea.

"Shaun was our best player in December. This is a time to respect everybody at the club.

"My assistants have done a very good job, the medical department, the new fitness coach.

"It has not been an easy season, but it will also belong to these kind of players."

Finally, Chelsea are seeking clarification from the Premier League over whether Nicolas Anelka will be able to play against his former club Bolton on the final day of the season.

There have been suggestions that Anelka was signed on an initial loan agreement before the £15million deal was made permanent in the January transfer window and as a result cannot play against his old club.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "We are seeking clarification on this matter."

Avram Grant happy with his situation in Chelsea

2008-05-02T16:28:00.000+01:00