..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

No offers for Lloris, claims Lyon president

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas revealed that he has yet to receive any offers for Hugo Lloris and reiterated that the France international will only be allowed to leave if a club meets his 20 million-euro valuation of the goalkeeper.

Several English sides have been linked with the 25-year-old shot-stopper, with Arsenal said to be particularly keen, but Aulas claims that nobody has made an approach for the player.

"Lloris told me that he would like to leave if he has an opportunity to play for one of the five biggest European sides," the Lyon supremo told his club's official website.

"If any of these teams make an offer meeting his market value, 20 million euros, he will be allowed to leave.

"For now, though, I have not received any offers, neither from Arsenal nor from elsewhere."

Lloris, who represented Les Bleusat Euro 2012, joined Lyon from Nice in 2008 for a reported fee of 8.5 million euros.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pirlo would welcome Balotelli at Juventus

Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he would welcome Mario Balotelli at Juventus and dismissed the suggestion that the enigmatic forward would be a disruptive influence in the dressing room.

The Bianconeri's primary summer transfer target is believed to be Arsenal forward Robin van Persie but all of the major Italian dailies claimed last week that Balotelli is now a very real alternative to the Dutchman.

When asked by Sky Sport Italia if he would like to see Balotelli join him in Turin this summer, Pirlo answered unequivocally.

"Of course," the playmaker replied. "We are two Bresciani and we even speak in that dialect when we're with the national team."

When it was put to Pirlo that the arrival of his Italy teammate at Juventus Stadium could create tension within Antonio Conte's squad, the regista insisted: "There is no problem [with Mario]."

Meanwhile, Pirlo admitted that he hopes that not only will he be a part of the Azzurri's World Cup squad, but also that Cesare Prandelli will still be at the helm.

"I hope to have the strength to get to Brazil 2014," the midfielder confessed to the Italian news station. "Prandelli created something new; it would be terrible to see him leave the national team."

Pirlo drew plenty of plaudits for his performances in Poland and Ukraine this summer and it was even suggested that he had propelled himself into contention for this year's Ballon d'Or. However, the 33-year-old believes that such talk is fanciful.

"I believe there is little chance there," he argued to the Italian outlet. "I think that fun players like Cristiano Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi should win it."

Pirlo joined Juve on a free transfer last summer after AC Milan decided against ceding to his request for a new three-year contract.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson slams Pogba ahead of his move to Juventus

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has slammed the behavior of Paul Pogba and confirmed that the midfielder has departed the club, with a move to Juventus all but concluded.

Ferguson introduced the Frenchman into the Red Devils' first-team fold last season but has failed to convince the 19-year-old to sign a new contract.

"Pogba signed for Juventus a long time ago as far as we’re aware, which is disappointing," Sir Alex told MUTV. "I don’t think he showed us any respect at all so, to be honest, I’m quite happy that if they carry on that way, they’re probably better doing it away from us.”

The future of promising left back Ezekiel Fryers also remains in doubt but Sir Alex is expecting the youngster back for preseason training.

"We haven’t heard anything from Zeki Fryers I don’t know what’s happening there but he’s not been in touch with the club,” Sir Alex added. “His agent hasn’t been in touch with the club and I can only assume he’ll be back for training today."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cleverley 'buzzing' following Team GB inclusion

Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has revealed his delight at being named in Staurt Pearce's 18-man Team GB squad.


After his breakthrough season at Old Trafford, Cleverley was touted as a potential member of Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2012.

However, after missing out on the 23-man squad for the European Championship, Cleverley is delighted to have been named on the Team GB list, and is relishing the challenges ahead.

"I'm buzzing about it, I cannot wait," Cleverley told the Manchester Evening News. "It is a great way for me to bounce back after the disappointment of not going to the Euros with England. It's a young squad, apart from the older-age players, and after England's Euro 2012 experience a lot of people are talking about putting the accent on youth.

"This is a chance for me to remind people early. They've put trust in us and I want to repay that faith."

After a promising start to the 2011-12 season, Cleverley picked up a series of niggling injuries and made just 10 league appearances for United, and was also hampered by the impressive form of Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes.

However, the 22-year-old is hoping a strong Olympic campaign will stand him in good stead for the upcoming domestic season.

"I need to hit the ground running for the new season and this is a great chance for me," he added. "The manager [Sir Alex Ferguson] was happy for me that I was shortlisted and had no problems about me being in the Olympics if chosen. I will miss United's pre-season tour and, ideally, I would have liked to do both.

"But after my injury spell out last season, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick were doing so well I didn't get much game time. So I need minutes on the pitch and I feel that playing in high-stakes competitive matches like I'll get at the Olympics is right for me. I am very excited about it and I just want to have a good tournament. It's a fantastic opportunity and a great boost."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern plays down reports that Guardiola could replace Heynckes

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was coy when questioned about reported interest in taking Pep Guardiola to Bavaria, but stated that Jupp Heynckes' position as coach was safe until the end of 2012.

Heynckes' future with the club had been placed in doubt after finishing second in three competitions last season, and the former Barcelona boss has been linked with an early return from his year-long sabbatical to take the reins at the Allianz Arena.

But, speaking at Matthias Sammer's first press conference as the new Bayern sporting director, Rummenigge revealed that the club would not be rushed over the future of the current coach.

"We will think about it calmly. You will get no quotes from us about this issue before Christmas," Rummenigge told reporters. "Only then will we sit down.

"Pep Guardiola? I have also read about this, but no one from Bayern has confirmed this."

Sammer then commented on Bayern's reported interest in Spain international Javi Martinez, who has been valued at 40 million euros by Athletic Bilbao.

"Basically, the player is good, but he is expensive. One can always do some crazy signings, but nothing unreasonable," Sammer said.

"I know him well. Our club officials who saw him think that he is very good. Let's wait and see."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villas-Boas confident he can deliver success at Tottenham

Andre Villas-Boas is confident he can deliver success to Tottenham after penning a three-year contract to replace Harry Redknapp as the club's manager.

"Tottenham Hotspur is a great club with a strong tradition and fantastic support, both at home and throughout the world," Villas-Boas told the club's official website.

"I feel privileged to be its coach. For me, this is one of the most exciting coaching positions in the Premier League.

Villas-Boas enjoyed a hugely successful season at Porto where he won four trophies before a disappointing spell at Chelsea last season.

The 34-year-old is pleased to have taken over at White Hart Lane and believes any coach would love to work with the existing squad of players at the club.

"I have had several discussions with the chairman and the board and I share their vision for the future progress of the club. This is a squad any coach would love to work with and together I believe we can bring success in the seasons ahead," Villas-Boas said.

The club's chairman, Daniel Levy also revealed his excitement at Villas-Boas appointment, stating: "I am delighted that Andre has agreed to become our new head coach.

"He has an outstanding reputation for his technical knowledge of the game and for creating well-organized teams capable of playing football in an attractive and attacking style," Levy added.

"Andre shares our long-term ambitions and ethos of developing players and nurturing young talent, and he will be able to do so now at a new world class training center."

Spurs have also confirmed two members of Villas-Boas' coaching staff have joined the club - with Jose Mario Rocha becoming their first team fitness coach and Daniel Sousa taking the head of opposition scouting role.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Talks ongoing over Liverpool stadium plans

Liverpool's stadium hopes took a boost after it was revealed the club have been given more time to decide whether or not to remain at Anfield or look to move to a new stadium.

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson told the Liverpool Echo: "We are in regular meetings with Liverpool FC and we are working with the club."

Liverpool council had initially given the a club a July deadline in the hope of ending months of uncertainty over John W Henry's plans.

But at a meeting late last month, the club informed the council it was still not ready to make an announcement. The council, although keen to see progress, agreed to relax the deadline and allow more time to be taken.

"It's frustrating for the local residents and they are my main concern," Anderson said.

"We are pushing for a speedy resolution to the issue of whether the club stays at Anfield or goes to Stanley Park but we are encouraged by the discussions."

It is understood no new deadline has been set. But the club have shared plans with the council showing either the long mooted move to Stanley Park or a redeveloped Anfield.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ganso rejects contract offer from Santos

Ganso has rejected Santos' proposed contract extension, with reports in Brazil suggesting that the 22-year-old is holding out for twice the salary on offer.

The playmaker's current deal at the Vila Belmiro is not set to run out until 2015, but his future has become increasingly uncertain after rejecting an offer close to 140,000 euros per month.

According to Lance!, the Brazilian is demanding a monthly salary of 400,000 euros, more than double Peixe's offer.

"I didn't like the offer, I thought they would offer something better," Ganso told Lance!. "Regardless of that, you have to keep your cool to play football and let these things happen naturally.

"I don't know what will happen [now]. Only God knows it. I hope I can remain calm to keep playing on the pitch."

The news is likely to alert many European clubs, with Porto said to retain a keen interest in the young playmaker.

Despite the contract wrangle, Ganso is expected to feature against Gremio on Sunday as Santos looks to lift itself out of the relegation zone. Due to Copa Libertadores commitments, the club had been using a reserve side during its initial Brasileiro games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger rejects dual France and Arsenal roles

Arsene Wenger has turned down the opportunity to manage both Arsenal and France, but would not rule out such a role in the future, according to L'Equipe.

Following Laurent Blanc's resignation after a disappointing Euro 2012 campaign, Wenger is said to have been approached by the president of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, with regards to the position.

The newspaperclaims that, although the Gunners coach declined the offer, he has left his options open regarding potentially assuming a dual role at some point in the future.

The FFF's first choice, Didier Deschamps, has also reportedly rejected the chance to take over and now Montpellier manager Rene Girard has also dismissed reports linking him to the vacant post.

Between 2002 and 2008 Girard took charge of the national team at various youth levels, including four years with Les Bleus' Under-21 side, but he is unwilling to resume working with the national administration.

"I know the house [the national set-up]. They made me go, there is no reason that I would want to return," he told RMC Sport.

Girard guided Montpellier to its first-ever Ligue 1 title last season and the club will compete in the next edition of the Champions League.

Current Oman coach Paul Le Guen and Francis Smerecki have been suggested by L'Equipe as other possibilities to take on the role but it is also speculated that Le Graet could take longer to make an appointment.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan signs 14-year-old Mastour for 500,000 euros

AC Milan has paid over 500,000 euros for 14-year-old Hachim Mastour, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

The attacking midfielder is reported to have been brought to the Italian giant’s attention by former San Siro manager Arrigo Sacchi.



Although the move from Reggiana is not yet official, the Serie A side’s vice-president, Adriano Galliani, believes the youngster needs to mature in a pressure-free environment.

“Mastour seems to have great qualities, but let’s not put too much pressure on him,” Galliani went on record to say. “Mastour is 14 years old. He's the future. But he’s still just a kid.”

If the reports are to be believed, AC Milan has beaten Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan to the youngster's signature.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jordi Alba and Mata in preliminary Spain squad for Olympic Games

Jordi Alba, Javi Martinez and Juan Mata make up the three players from Spain's 2012 European Championship winning side who have been selected in the preliminary squad for the London Olympic football tournament.

Despite playing in every game of Euro 2012 and scoring in the final, Alba has been called up for international duty once more. Another goalscorer from that night in Kiev, Mata, is one of the players over 23 who hope to take part in the tournament along with Atletico Madrid's Adrian Lopez.

Reigning champion of La Liga Real Madrid is not represented at all in the selection while the club's arch rival Barcelona contribute four names in Martin Montoya, Thiago Alcantara, Cristian Tello and new signing Alba.

The Premier League boasts the most contributions of any foreign league with Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea traveling with Chelsea's Oriol Romeu and Mata.

The squad will compete in friendlies against Senegal and Mexico before coach Luis Milla cuts the team down to the 18 members who will take part in the full tournament.

Spains's preliminary roster for the 2012 London Olympics:

Goalkeepers:
Daivd de Gea-Manchester United
Joel-Atletico Madrid
Diego Marino-Villarreal

Defenders:
Mikel San Jose-Athletic Bilbao
Martin Montoya-Barcelona
Jordi Alba-Barcelona
Alvaro Dominguez-Monchengladbach
Cesar Azpilicueta-Olympique Marseille
Inigo Martinez-Real Sociedad
Alberto Botia-Sporting Gijon

Midfielders:
Ander Herrera-Athletic Bilbao
Javi Martinez-Athletic Bilbao
Koke-Atletico Madrid
Thiago Alcantara-Barcelona
Cristian Tello-Barcelona
Oriol Romeu-Chelsea
Juan Mata-Chelsea
Isco-Malaga

Attackers:
Iker Muniain-Athletic Bilbao
Adrian Lopez-Atletico Madrid
Rodrigo Moreno-Benfica
Alvaro-Espanyol

 

[Wolverine GTR]

United to float in New York

Manchester United have filed with the US government to list shares on the New York stock exchange.

In documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, United said listing in New York would raise up to $100m (£64m) which would be used to repay some of the club's debt.
The club had earlier been considering floating on the Singapore exchange but the idea was abandoned because of volatility in the markets.

Under the proposed reorganisation, the team would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Manchester United Ltd, a newly-formed holding company based in the Cayman Islands.
The American Glazer family, which bought the club in 2005, would retain control over the club through Class B shares, which would have 10 times the voting power of the shares that would be sold to the public.

The club was listed on the London Stock Exchange from 1991 until June 2005, when Glazer completed a leveraged buy-out valued at $1.47b.United has been looking to raise funds to help reduce debts from the 2005 takeover that were £423m as of March 31.

The club was valued at $2.24b by Forbes magazine in April, ranking it as football's most valuable club for the eighth year in a row.United will become the first sports club to list shares in New York since the Cleveland Indians baseball team in 1998.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spurs to seal Gylfi deal

The Icelandic international is expected to be unveiled as new Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas' first signing on Wednesday.

Spurs have beaten Liverpool to the 22-year-old's signature with Brendan Rodgers keen to be reunited with the attacking midfielder having signed him last season at Swansea.

Sigurdsson enjoyed a successful spell on loan at Swansea last season and his performances have not gone unnoticed.

The talented playmaker scored seven goals in 19 games for Swansea last term and was named the Premier League player of the month for March.Swansea had agreed a deal to sign Sigurdsson on a permanent basis, but Rodgers' departure to Liverpool all but saw their hopes of signing him ended.

Spurs are believed to have agreed a fee with Hoffenheim for Sigurdsson with the former Reading man also agreeing personal terms and passing a medical at White Hart Lane.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson hoping Manchester United signs ‘one or two’ more players

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the club is currently trying to bring in another "one or two" players during the current transfer window.

On the chances of signing more players, he told MUTV: "Yes, there's a possibility. We're working on one or two things but there's nothing really to tell you to be honest."

The Red Devils have already completed deals for Shinji Kagawa from Borussia Dortmund and Nick Powell from Crewe but continued to be linked a host of other players including Leighton Baines and Joao Moutinho.

Sir Alex is pleased with how the club's summer transfer activity has panned out so far but conceded completing deals to bring players to the club can prove a long process.

"We always try to get our work done at the end of the season – we spent a good deal of time sorting the deal with Shinji and we'd agreed a deal with Nick Powell before the playoffs which was a good move by us because the boy had an outstanding final at Wembley," Ferguson said.

"When you don't get deals done immediately and you're negotiating with a club over a long period, then you can't expect to just snap your fingers and get it done."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spurs Sign Sigurdsson

Tottenham Hotspur have announced the signing of Iceland international Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim.

Sigurdsson, 22, excelled during a loan spell with Swansea City last season and had been expected to tie up a permanent deal at the Liberty Stadium after two years in the Bundesliga.

However, new Swans boss Michael Laudrup said during his first press conference that it would be difficult to complete the signing due to the interest of "bigger clubs" and, though Liverpool had been believed to be in pole position, it later emerged he was due to sign for Spurs.

A statement on the Tottenham official website read: "We are delighted to announce that we have completed the transfer of Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim."

Sigurdsson, who scored seven goals in 19 appearances for Swansea, becomes the club's first signing since the appointment of Andre Villas-Boas as head coach on Tuesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Persie To Leave

Van Persie To Leave

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has announced he will not be extending his contract at Emirates Stadium.

Speculation has been rife over the future of the talismanic captain, who is entering the final year of his contract in North London.

Manager Arsene Wenger stated the importance of keeping Van Persie at the club earlier this month but the 28-year-old Dutchman has decided against prolonging his deal.The frontman told his official website: "I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.

"You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions."

Disagree

The striker had previously kept quiet over his future and refused to commit to a decision until Wednesday.Van Persie says he has chosen not to extend his deal following talks with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis over the club's plans for the future.

He added: "I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr Gazidis and Mr Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what's really going on at the moment.

"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

"I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days."Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."

More developments

Van Persie, who joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004, added: "I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC.

"Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years."As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."

Van Persie ended last season as the Premier League's top scorer with 30 goals, helping the Gunners to a third-placed finish.

Reigning champions Manchester City have been linked with a move for the prolific frontman, while European heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are all thought to be interested.The Gunners would be loathe to lose their star striker but could sell to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ohhh RVP Arsenal walin yanna wage HadanneCITY la try karai Ahenam

 

[zome]

Ohhh RVP Arsenal walin yanna wage HadanneCITY la try karai Ahenam

Robin the red: Ferguson lines up bid for Van Persie but first he must fight off City

Manchester United are preparing to gazump neighbours City and sign unsettled Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.

Sir Alex Ferguson is determined to land the Holland star, who confirmed he will not be signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, as Sportsmail revealed on May 18.

In a damning statement, Van Persie questioned Arsenal’s ambition, saying he wants to win trophies but that he and the club ‘disagree on the way Arsenal should move forward’.

Making a point: Robin van Persie announced his decision not to sign a new Arsenal deal on his website

Ferguson wants the Barclays Premier League title back from Manchester City and does not intend to lose out on a player who scored 30 League goals last season.

Van Persie’s shock declaration was met with fury by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis, who face yet another summer of losing their star.

The striker’s statement on his own website read: ‘As announced earlier this year, I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

Rebuilding: Sir Alex Ferguson will use his famed powers of persuasion to attempt to lure Van Persie to Old Trafford after a trophyless season, but will face stern competition from City counterpart Roberto Mancini (below), pictured on holdiday in Sardinia

‘I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days. Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we, in many aspects, disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.

Sold! Arsenal's talent drain

2011: Fabregas to Barca, £35m Nasri to Man City, £24m
2009: Adebayor to Man City, £25m K Toure to Man City, £16m
2007: Henry to Barca, £16.6m
2006: Ashley Cole to Chelsea
2005: Vieira to Juventus, £13.7m
2000: Overmars to Barca, £25m

'I’ve thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract. You guys, the fans, have the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions.

‘I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years. As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments.’

On the move? Van Persie skips past Daniel Agger in Kharkiv

His vital stats

Last season in Premier League:
Appearances...............................38
Minutes on pitch.....................3,334
Goals.......................................... 30
Mins per goal.............................111
Total Passes...........................1,032
Arsenal win % with RVP in team:
Champ Lge..................................63
Prem Lge..................................55.3
FA Cup....................................... 50

Champions City will formalise their interest soon with manager Roberto Mancini desperate to land Van Persie, 28. City are prepared to offer a whopping £225,000-per-week, which is beyond United’s pay structure. But Ferguson will urge his club to push their financial boundaries and beat City.

Gunners officials were stunned by their captain’s statement. No-one at the club had been told it was coming. Wenger and Gazidis both contacted the player’s agent, Kees Vos, to read the riot act over what they perceive to be a blatant attempt to force a move. They are convinced Van Persie has a move lined up and view the player’s statement as an attempt to speed up the process.

Prize asset: Arsene Wenger has nurtured Van Persie into one of the world's finest strikers

Points machine

Points won thanks to individual goals and assists last season:
Gls+Ass Pts
Van Persie........ 39 27
Holt................... 17 17
Dempsey...........23 17
Adebayor...........28 16
Silva...................21 16
P Cisse..............14 14

Club officers were frantically trying to reach owner Stan Kroenke to update the American businessman. A club statement read: ‘We have to respect Robin’s decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club. We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season.’

Nevertheless, Arsenal insiders last night said the club are resigned to selling him this summer. The prospect of £20million is too good to turn down

 

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Nani sets deadline on future as Portuguese winger fears Man United exit is ahead

Worried Manchester United winger Nani has a laid down a two-week deadline in which to sort out his uncertain future at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international is believed to be desperate to stay but his latest breakdown in contract talks have forced him to ponder his next move.

The 25-year-old has been attempting to negotiate a new deal at the Barclays Premier League club since last season, according to The Sun, and is said to be worried that Sir Alex Ferguson is set to sell him.

Sort it out: Nani wants his future solved before United leave for their pre-season tour

United have been knocked back with a £25million bid for Porto star James Rodriguez - a target identified as a ready-made replacement for the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder.

Nani has two years left to run on his contract and it is understood United offered him a substantial increase on his £90,000-a-week deal.

Uncertain future: The Portugal winger is keen to stay at Old Trafford despite the breakdown in contract talks

But after his team of advisers rejected the club's proposals, talks came to an immediate halt with the player reportedly yet to hear anything since.

Nani on is currently on a three-week break following Portugal's semi-final exit at Euro 2012.
However, he wants his future to be sorted before United set off on their pre-season tour of South Africa and China in 12 days, a trip he is not expected to take part in.

​

 

[rcccc]

Van Persie To Leave

Arsenal captain Robin van Persie has announced he will not be extending his contract at Emirates Stadium.

Speculation has been rife over the future of the talismanic captain, who is entering the final year of his contract in North London.

Manager Arsene Wenger stated the importance of keeping Van Persie at the club earlier this month but the 28-year-old Dutchman has decided against prolonging his deal.The frontman told his official website: "I've thought long and hard about it, but I have decided not to extend my contract.

"You guys, the fans, have of course the right to disagree with my view and decision and I will always respect your opinions."

Disagree

The striker had previously kept quiet over his future and refused to commit to a decision until Wednesday.Van Persie says he has chosen not to extend his deal following talks with Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis over the club's plans for the future.

He added: "I have kept quiet all this time out of respect and loyalty for the club and as agreed with Mr Gazidis and Mr Wenger, but since there is so much speculation in the media, I think it is fair for you guys to know what's really going on at the moment.

"As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the boss and Mr Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club's future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.

"I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days."Out of my huge respect for Mr Wenger, the players and the fans I don't want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward."

More developments

Van Persie, who joined Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004, added: "I love the club and the fans, no matter what happens. I have grown up and became a man during my time with Arsenal FC.

"Everybody at the club and the fans have always supported me over the years and I have always given my all (and more) on and off the pitch. I am very proud of being part of this fantastic club for the last eight years."As soon as Mr Gazidis is back from his two-week holiday in America further meetings will follow and I will update you if and when there are more developments."

Van Persie ended last season as the Premier League's top scorer with 30 goals, helping the Gunners to a third-placed finish.

Reigning champions Manchester City have been linked with a move for the prolific frontman, while European heavyweights Barcelona, Real Madrid and Juventus are all thought to be interested.The Gunners would be loathe to lose their star striker but could sell to avoid losing him on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer.

Ohhh RVP Arsenal walin yanna wage HadanneCITY la try karai Ahenam

Arsenal lata first 4 place enna bariweyi wage