..::Football II::..

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Neymar: I dream of playing for a big club like Barcelona

The Santos starlet also name-checked Real Madrid and Chelsea in his appraisal of certain European sides, before revealing his excitement ahead of next summer's World Cup in Brazl Neymar has revealed his desire to leave Santos to join "a big club" and said that Barcelona is the team which currently impress him the most.

The Brazilian talent has long been linked with a move away from South America to Europe and Barca remains the favorite to sign him.

Neymar has admitted he would love to be in the same team as Lionel Messi and Co.

"Who wouldn't dream about playing alongside Messi, Xavi and [Andres] Iniesta? They're all great players," he told Esporte Espetacular. "I dream of playing Europe, for a big club like Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea.

"Yes, Barcelona [are the team that impress me the most], who has great players like Xavi, Iniesta, [Cesc] Fabregas and Dani Alves.

"[But] there's no point in speculating when I'll leave Santos. I'll leave when I want to.

"I don't know where I would fit if I joined Barca, but I know my place is at Santos right now."

Despite being heralded as one of the most talented players to emerge in Brazil in recent years, Neymar has not been immune to criticism but he says he tries not to let such things get to him.

"I try to lay low and keep focused all the time," he added. "Some days things go my way, some days they don't. I can't be perfect every day."

World Cup 2014 is less than 18 months away from kicking off in Brazil, and Neymar admitted his excitement but called for calm on comparisons to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I don't know if I'll ever reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, but if I do, I'll be more than happy," he continued. "I don't have this goal of being better than this or that player, I'll always just want to better myself.

"[Luis Felipe Scolari] is another great coach that I'll have the opportunity to work with. I've learned a lot with Mano Menezes, who first got me into Selecao, and I'll learn with Scolari now.

"Fans can expect lots of effort and dribbles. Brazil will do well, and it'll be great to play at home. I hope to do well in this World Cup."

 

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Now is Balotelli's time to shine, insists Allegri

The AC Milan coach believes this is the best time for the 22-year-old to showcase his quality and be a leader after his double gave his side impetus to push for second place.

AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri says Mario Balotelli's time to shine is now after his goals helped Milan overcome Palermo on Sunday.

The Italy international netted a first-half penalty before adding another midway through the second half as the Rossonerikept within touching distance of second-place Napoli, which secured a 3-2 win over Atalanta at the Stadio San Paolo.

Balotelli has now scored seven goals since his high-profile return to Italy and Allegri believes his youthful Milan side led by the former Manchester City forward can be the platform the striker needs to showcase his talent.

"I think it's an important opportunity for Balotelli, as for the first time he is the protagonist in a team full of youngsters," Allegri told reporters after the game. "He is relaxed and an excellent professional. He has been on the European stage for seven or eight years, but this is his best chance so far to really show his qualities."

The Milan coach was also quick to play down reports of a rift between himself and striker Stephan El Shaarawy, who stormed down the tunnel following his second-half substitution.

"Stephan El Shaarawy is having an extraordinary season that nobody expected, so it's only normal he will have a slight dip in form," Allegri said. "He played well today and almost scored a goal, but at that moment I needed fresh legs.

"He needs to relax, as he is doing so well and his performances help the team just as much as goals."

 

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Odemwingie: West Brom trying to ruin my career

The Baggies striker lambasts his club for leaving him on the bench after being forced to back down from his attempts to force through a move to QPR on transfer deadline day Peter Odemwingie has once again taken to Twitter to voice his frustrations about his treatment at West Brom after the striker was used as a late substitute during his side's goalless draw against Stoke City on Saturday.

The Nigeria international claims that the Baggies are trying to "ruin my career" after his attempt to force through a move to QPR on the last day of the January transfer window.

Odemwingie wrote: "If they like they shouldn't even give me 10 mins to play. Threatening to ruin my career? Career I closed already last summer? No harm to me.

"Want to treat me like an average player. The abuse and praise I get is it average? So get some extra from me too."

The forward has come off the bench four times for Steve Clarke's side since driving to Loftus Road on Jan. 31, apparently without the club's permission, for which the Baggies fined him 75,000 pounds.

"New advisers told me to take say it's all my fault cos its better for me," Odemwingie continued. "Keeping me on the bench now is worse than what they did on the 31st.

"Drive was lunacy? Missing in the training section that day also lunacy? They forgot to complain about that though cos they knew were I was.

"Things have almost got back to normal till Peter spoilt it again. What's normal? We see things differently obviously.

"Has anyone seen me give interview to clubs website for a year now? What about an interview in match day magazine? I am on my own there.

"Was ready to give half of the contract there and earn less to make it happen. Forcing a move really is when u want to leave 4 free."

 

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Barcelona 3-1 Rayo Vallecano: Messi and Villa combine for straightforward win

 

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Chelsea 2-0 West Ham: Lampard hits 200 milestone to help Blues leapfrog Spurs

 

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Tottenham 0-1 Fulham: Berbatov returns to haunt stuttering Spurs

 

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Fred: Neymar should stay in Brazil

The former Lyon forward says Brazil as a footballing nation would greatly benefit from retaining a star of Neymar's stature Fluminense striker Fred believes compatriot Neymar should remain in Brazil amid the endless speculation linking him with a move abroad.

The 21-year-old is one of the most sought-after talents in world football and has reportedly courted the interest of European giants Bayern Munich and Barcelona, the latter of which is understood to be the front-runner to land the star.

However, the 29-year-old says Neymar should refuse the allure of playing in Europe by staying local in a bid to improve the domestic game.

"We Brazilians have to thank god to have a player like him in Brazil. We have to strengthen the chorus of support to get him to stay here, but in the end he will decide," he told reporters at a press conference in Geneva.

"Brazilian football is at a very high level and it will help the country with the 2014 World Cup if our stars stayed close to home."

Fred is expected to partner the Santos star in attack for Selecao's friendly with Italy on Thursday, which is followed by a clash with Russia five days later.

 

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Arsenal winger Oxlade-Chamberlain vows to improve

The young midfielder knows that he must get his head down and work hard if he is to earn himself a place in a possible England squad for World Cup 2014 in Brazil
Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has reiterated that he must focus on improving his game for both club and country to achieve his career goals.

The 19-year-old was included in Roy Hodgson's squad for Euro 2012, and has since impressed for both Arsenal and England, but knows he must work hard to ensure he fulfils his potential.

"I really just try to keep my head down, focused on my targets, and take everything in my stride," he told the Press Association. "I have only achieved a tiny percentage of what I want to achieve in a small fraction of my career."

The youngster's rise up the footballing ladder has been quick, but Oxlade-Chamberlain insists he will keep his feet firmly on the ground.

"I know I have got a lot more hard work to do and a long way to go, so I don’t really think about how quick things have gone because I just want to keep improving myself and keep pushing on," he continued.

"The experience of going to the Euros with tournament football stands me in better stead looking towards the World Cup, but I still have a lot of hard work to do to make that squad for Brazil, if we do qualify."

Comparisons to fellow Gunner, and former Southampton academy graduate, Theo Walcott are inevitable, but Oxlade-Chamberlain wishes to focus on his own game.

"I don’t really look at it in terms of what he has done and what I am doing, I just focus on what I need to do to achieve the goals I set for myself," he added.

 

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Hazard has the world at his feet, says Lampard

The veteran Chelsea midfielder believes his Belgian teammate can grow to become one of the best players in the world, comparing his style to Blues legend Gianfranco Zola.Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard believes his teammate Eden Hazard can become one of the best players in the world.

Both Lampard and Hazard were on the scoresheet as the Blues triumphed 2-0 over West Ham on Sunday afternoon, and Lampard, whose header marked his 200th Chelsea goal, is of the opinion that Hazard could go on to become a legend at Stamford Bridge.

"Eden is 22. He has got the world at his feet and he can handle the pressure because he is that good," Lampard told Sky Sports. "His ability and speed off the mark and the way he is able to turn on a sixpence is what all great attacking players have and he's got it in abundance.

"He is very laid back, a great character and not too much bothers him by the look of it. That's the way he plays and it reflects in his game.

"I hope he carries on doing it because he's an absolute pleasure to play with."

Lampard, whose contract with Chelsea expires at the end of the season, went on to compare Hazard to former Chelsea hero Gianfranco Zola.

"Zola did it throughout his career while Eden's at a relatively early part of his career," Lampard said. "But what he is showing now are glimpses that he can be in that bracket and be one of the top players in the world."

 

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Villa still very important for us, says Roura

The 45-year-old coach believes the striker still has a vital role to play for the Spanish giants after proving his worth in the 3-1 victory at the weekend
Barcelona stand-in coach Jordi Roura has highlighted the importance of David Villa to the team after the striker starred in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.

The Spain international has struggled to replicate the form of previous seasons with the Blaugrana throughout the 2012-13 campaign, prompting speculation linking him with a move away from Camp Nou.

However, the 31-year-old has shown glimpses of his best in recent outings for the Spanish giants - including a goal and two assists in Sunday's win - and speaking to reporters, Roura praised the character of Villa to bounce back from the dip in form.

"I've always said that Villa is a very important player for us, and that his time would come. He's a special player, a goalscorer. He has been essential to us this week," he said.

"He has extraordinary quality, and playing well and scoring in a game as important as the one against Milan was a real psychological boost for him."

The 45-year-old coach also erred on the side of caution in discussing whether Barca's 13-point cushion at the summit of La Liga would be sufficient in securing the title.

"There's no denying that we're in a very good position, and each week we get a little closer. But nothing has been won yet. We have to take each game as it comes. I know that's a cliché, but it's true."

 

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Mourinho hints he would like Inter return

The Real Madrid boss has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this summer, and will have ignited rumors he could go back to San Siro with his latest comments Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has hinted that he would like to return to Inter.

The Portuguese has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu this year, with Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League teams rumored to be interested in his services.

However, the former Chelsea boss has reignited talk of him revisiting Serie A and San Siro in the future and he revealed the superb times he had at the Nerazzurri.

"I spent two fantastic years in Italy, at Inter," he said in a message for the Coordown (coordinator of people with Down Syndrome) charity.

"I do not know if I will go back someday, but if I do it will be with great pleasure and excitement."

Mourinho won the Champions League for the second time in his last season at Inter, completing the treble after beating Roma in the Coppa Italia and topping Serie A.

The coach failed to lift the European trophy while at Stamford Bridge after joining from Porto glory, but he is targeting his third Champions League success in his third season at Madrid.

The Blancos face Galatasaray in the quarterfinals having edged past Manchester United with a controversial 2-1 win at Old Trafford after a 1-1 draw on home turf.

 

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Liverpool goalkeeper Reina plays down move to 'great club' Barcelona

The Spanish shot-stopper has been linked with a move to the Liga outfit as a replacement for Victor Valdes, but insists he is happy at Anfield despite an indifferent season Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has played down speculation linking him with a move to La Liga giant Barcelona.

Reina has been in indifferent form for the Reds this campaign and has been linked with a return to Spain, especially given Victor Valdes' decision to see out his contract with the Catalan club and leave next summer.

However, speaking at the presentation of the film Invictus, in which he stars, Reina said: "[A move to Barcelona] is not in my hands and the rumor mongering is part of that.

“They're such a great club, but I'm happy at Liverpool"

Asked about the future of Spain teammate Valdes, Reina added: "He's a friend, I'm going to respect him in everything that he decides. He will have his reasons. He's not told me anything"

Reina is one of several national team stars to feature in the short film directed by Javier Fesser and is the first Spanish professional footballer to act in a leading role.

The 30-year-old missed Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Southampton as he continues his rehab from an ongoing calf problem, but urged the club's fans to stick with the team when things aren't going well on the pitch.

"Here, if things are going well or badly, if you give 100% the fans admire you, respect you and love you," the Spaniard told El Mundo.

"It's important that a team is great, but even more that the fans keep believing in the players when things aren't going so well."

Spain faces Finland on Friday and France next Tuesday in two important World Cup qualifying fixtures, and Reina emphasized the honor that he feels when picked for the national side.

"Everything indicates that I will play, but I won't change my attitude because Iker [Casillas] isn't here," he said. "I'm always excited and prepared.

"Not everybody that is called up is lucky enough to play. Only 11 play, but being called up by your country is an honor."

When asked about the current form of Real Madrid goalkeeper Diego Lopez, who was snapped up by Jose Mourinho from Villarreal in January following first-choice goalkeeper Casillas' hand injury, Reina was full of praise for the 31-year-old Spaniard.

"Diego [Lopez] is playing so well; he has been decisive in many games and he is a Real Madrid-quality goalkeeper, without doubt," he said.

"But in the national team it is the manager that makes the decisions."

Reina also spoke about his personal side, insisting that he wants people to value him as a sportsman, and not just for an exuberant personality.

"I'm not the showman. I'm an extrovert and joyful, and I have been lucky enough to be able to celebrate three great titles," he continued.

"I have been one of the most dedicated, but I am one of La Roja's goalkeepers, not the showman.

"It's not something that I prepare; I'm like that and whoever knows me knows that. But at the same time I don't want people to prefer the funny Pepe Reina."

 

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Mertesacker dismisses reports of move away from Arsenal

The towering center back has denied reports linking him with a move back to Germany and insists he intends to stay in north London with the Gunners for a while longer Per Mertesacker has dismissed reports linking him to German club Wolfsburg and insists he intends to remain with Arsenal.

The Germany international has been linked with a move back to the Bundesliga after it was reported that Arsene Wenger had lost patience with his center back. However, the 28-year-old featured in both victories over Bayern Munich and Swansea, keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Klaus Allofs, Wolfsburg's sporting director, also recently expressed his admiration for Mertesacker, acknowledging that the club would be interested in him should he be made available for transfer by the Gunners.

The defender, who has been capped 86 times by his country, has however stated that he has no plans to return to Germany, despite being flattered by the attention.

Mertesacker told Sport Bild Plus: "Of course I noticed that [the comments made by Allofs]. But I took it with a smile.

"Everybody including my family keeps calling, and they ask: What's going on? Of course I've always had a good relationship with Klaus Allofs.

"No, I don't consider a return to Germany. I still intend to stay here in England at Arsenal for a while."

 

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Kaka: Things are getting better for me

The 30-year-old is enjoying his football after having a second wind injected into his club and international career recently Real Madrid forward Kaka says his situation with Los Blancos is beginning to improve after experiencing a return to form in Spain.

The former Ballon d'Or winner has endured an indifferent few years in the Spanish capital following his big money move from Milan in 2009. However, since recently playing his way back into contention at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kaka says he is now enjoying the new lease of life afforded to him at Madrid, which has coincided with Luis Felipe Scolari's decision to include him in the Brazil squad to face Italy and Russia in the coming weeks.

"I think that things are getting better for me, above all at my club. I'm playing more often at Madrid. The supporters are showing that they appreciate me and that is an extra motivation. Now I hope to make the most of this chance with Brazil," he told Brazilian newspapers.

The 30-year-old also says he is relishing the reunion with his former coach Scolari but added that he is under no illusions about his chances of retaining his place in the squad beyond next week's friendlies.

"It's been a while since I've seen 'Big Phil'," he said. "It'll be great to meet up with him once more and to work with him again. I don't know how long that'll be for, but I hope to play at the World Cup in 2014."

With 83 caps, Kaka returns to the international fold as the most experienced member of the squad.

He added: "I'm a new veteran. I have to confess I didn't know I had the most caps, but I'm happy to have been part of so many squads and to be involved in this new phase for the national side."

 

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The door is open for Drogba return, says Lamouchi

The 41-year-old coach says the Galatasaray striker remains in his future plans for Cote d'Ivoire despite the shock decision to drop the star ahead of Saturday's game with Gambia Cote d'Ivoire boss Sabri Lamouchi insists Didier Drogba still has a future with the national team, despite omitting the forward from the squad to face Gambia on Saturday.

The 35-year-old was the shock exclusion when Lamouchi named his 28-man squad on Monday and, following the news of Drogba's absense, rumors of his retirement began to circulate.

However, speaking to reporters at a press conference in Abidjan, the coach said the omission was linked to the striker's form but says the door will remain open on a possible return to the international stage.

“Within eight months Drogba played for three clubs in three continents. This affected his form, and it is visible. He is currently working hard at his new club Galatasaray to recover his form," he said.

"Drogba’s absence does not mean any humiliation. He will come back to the fold and help us qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup."

Lamouchi's decision to exclude the star has divided opinion within the African media, with some heralding the coach's courage to omit such a high-profile figure while others believe the former Chelsea striker could still aid Cote d'Ivoire's push for World Cup qualification.

The Elephants currently lead their group in World Cup qualifying and resume their campaign on Saturday by welcoming Gambia to Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

 

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Spain needs to focus on Finland first, says Del Bosque

The Roja coach is confident his side can win both of their upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers Vicente del Bosque says his Spain squad must focus on their upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifier with Finland and revealed his contentment with what he described as a "sound team" at his disposal.

The reigning world and European champions will face the Scandinavian nation on March 22 in Spain, before taking on France on March 26.

Spain currently leads Group I but is level on points with second-placed France, and Del Bosque has his sights set on securing another victory.

"We have a sound team," the 62-year-old told Marca.

"The team will respond very well. We need to focus on Finland first.

"I’m worried about the match in Gijon on the 22nd. We need to be on good form and get three points."

The former Real Madrid boss made the decision to leave Chelsea striker Fernando Torres out of his latest squad, following his inconsistent displays at club level.

 

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Ronaldo: Real Madrid still has a lot to play for

The Portuguese star remains determined to land two trophies this season after being handed the Marca Player of the Season award.Cristiano Ronaldo says Real Madrid still has plenty to play for this season, despite the club's hopes of retaining its Liga title appearing to be a distant dream.

After being handed the Marca Player of the Season award by Alfredo Di Stefano, the Portuguese highlighted the fact that los Blancos can still end the season with two trophies.

"Everything is going well and there is still a lot to play for," the 28-year-old told ligabbva.com. "We have a cup final and the Champions League. The league is difficult but we have to keep going because everything is possible. Hopefully we can achieve all our goals."

Madrid legend, Di Stefano, said he "admired" Ronaldo and hailed him as a "great player" upon handing him the award.Madrid faces Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final on May 17 and and takes on Galatasaray in the Champions League quarterfinals.

 

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Lahm: Germany's quality will prevail

The Bayern Munich defender is confident the national side can emerge victorious from its international tests.

Philipp Lahm is certain Germany will be able to qualify for World Cup 2014 - providing the team plays to its full potential in the upcoming fixtures.

Joachim Low's men will face Kazakhstan in a double header on March 22 and 26, and the Bayern Munich fullback is confident of reaching the tournament in Brazil.

"We only look at ourselves, and if we bring our best performance, I'm certain our quality will prevail," the 29-year-old was quoted as saying on the official DFB website.

Should World Cup qualifying Group C rival Sweden continue its run of form, then the qualifier between Germany and Erik Hamren's side in October could be decisive, but Lahm is refusing to look too far ahead.

"We have it in our own hands," he said. "If Sweden wins every match, then that's the situation we'll have to face. Knockout matches are always interesting, I look at them as a challenge.

"However, we have a couple of tasks at our hands before, and we should take it one step at a time."

The fullback believes Spain remains the side to beat and has tipped it as the favorite to lift the World Cup in Brazil.

"Spain have won three consecutive tournaments. In my view, they have a special standing in world football," he explained. "They are the team of the century. Therefore, for this tournament, Spain are still the biggest favorites in my opinion."

 

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Messi: I did not play well for Argentina

The Barcelona forward has admitted to struggling to replicate his club form on the international stage.

Lionel Messi says he has not always performed to the best of his ability for Argentina, but refuses to take full responsibility for the underachievement of the national side at the last two World Cups.

The Barcelona star has been in outstanding form for his club so far this season, but has not always replicated his domestic feats on the international stage, and he admits there is still room for improvement in his performances for the Albiceleste.

"I knew I didn’t play well for Argentina but I wasn’t the only one," the 25-year-old told The Sun.

While the Barca star rejected taking all the blame for Argentina failing to fulfill its potential at both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, but revealed his sorrow in the aftermath of exiting both tournaments.

"The whole team was not performing," he said. "People and the media wanted me to go out and win games on my own but this has never happened. I cried many times. In the 2006 World Cup Argentina had played so well and lost to Germany on penalties. In 2010 obviously the same thing happened. Yes I cried, but the whole team cried.

"I’m my number one critic. Whether I play well or badly I am hot-headed. I get angry because I never want to lose. I knew I was not giving my best but I was the first to want to play well."

 

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Sahin: I'm slowly getting back to my best

The 24-year-old scored twice during the 5-1 win over Freiburg and feels he is starting to get his performance levels back up.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Nuri Sahin believes he is recapturing his best form after starring in the 5-1 victory over Freiburg on Saturday.

The Turkey international has struggled to replicate the performances he put in during his first spell for the club since leaving for Real Madrid in 2011.

A subsequent loan move to Liverpool failed to bear fruit, but he is confident that he is now approaching top form, having scored twice in the rout of Christian Streich's side.

"I think I've been improving bit by bit since coming back to Dortmund, even in training. Now the self confidence is slowly returning and I’m more comfortable with my game too," he told Bundesliga.com

"My game is all about risks and I’m allowed to show that here. The coach doesn't only allow it, he actually demands it. That type of faith from the coach does me and my game the world of good."