..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Rosicky: Wenger wants me to stay at Arsenal

he Czech midfielder says he will see out the remainder of his contract with the Gunners despite interest from Sparta Prague and is hoping he can have more of an impact next year.Tomas Rosicky has revealed he will see out the remainder of his contract at Arsenal and insists manager Arsene Wenger wants him to stay.

Rosicky is being courted by Sparta Prague but the Czech Republic says will still be with the English club next season and is hoping Arsenal reinvests to end its trophy drought.

The 32-year-old, who is on international duty, missed a large part of the season through injury but played a part in the Gunners' push for a top-four finish.

"At the end of the season I spoke with the coach and he said he wants me to stay at Arsenal," Rosicky told iDNEZ.cz. "Of course you never know what can happen, but I should stay. Will I return to Sparta [Prague]? Not yet."

Reflecting on his season, Rosicky hopes he can be more influential in his final year.

"I returned from the European Championship injured and that’s never a good start," he continued. "When I was fit though, I didn’t get many chances. I thought I would play more. However, towards the end I was happy that I played and that we were winning. I’m pleased I contributed to the turnaround after the trouble earlier in the season. It’s just a pity that I did not start playing again [sooner]."

The midfielder also wants to see the club bring in more help for next season.

"Given how badly we started, we have to be satisfied," the midfielder added when asked about Arsenal’s quest for the top four. "We chased it until the last minute. Naturally, we wanted to be much higher but at least we made it to fourth place. The table doesn’t lie. When it turns out that way, it’s fair.

"We’re a club that every summer sees one or two players come in, but we still find ourselves needing to replace someone and it’s always difficult. It looks like no one will leave [this summer] and in turn we could have reinforcements. We’d all benefit from that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar introduced at Camp Nou after signing Barcelona deal

The new Barcelona signing is determined to contribute to the team and is looking forward to playing at Camp Nou next season and helping Lionel Messi remain the world's best.Neymar was introduced as Barcelona's newest signing Monday, and the Brazilian star says he wants to help Lionel Messi continue to be the best player in the world following the Brazil international's move from Santos.

The 21-year-old sealed a lucrative move to Camp Nou last week following months of speculation and is relishing the prospect of linking up with the Argentine. He was presented at Camp Nou on Monday in front of tens of thousands of fans after completing a physical and putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.

Neymar said he can't wait to play at the storied stadium.

"I am very happy, very moved to be a Barcelona player and fulfill my dream," he said. "I want to help the team. I have come to add my part so that Lionel Messi continues to be the best player in the world."

"I'm very happy. It's very emotional. It's very exciting to be a Barca player. It's a dream, thank you very much," he continued.

Neymar had reportedly secured a more lucrative offer from Real Madrid but elected to play with Barcelona after considering the bigger picture.

"Barça and Madrid are amazing clubs," Neymar said. "But Barcelona is in my heart. I've chose Barcelona due to the happiness. Money, it's important, but happiness it's more important. We don't move for money.

"[My family] decided together. Of course, the last word is mine. We have never decided by money, my father knows. Our interest was another. We do not work for money, happiness is a must. My father usually asked me before playing a game, 'Are you happy?' And that was more important for me. I feel I was going to be happy playing for Barcelona.

According to Barcelona's official Twitter account, Neymar's buyout clause for any potential suitors in the future is set at about $250 million.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Neymar!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea appoints Mourinho on four-year deal

The Europa League winner has confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese for his second spell in charge at Stamford Bridge following a six-year absence.
Jose Mourinho has been appointed Chelsea manager on a four-year deal.

The Portuguese coach succeeds Rafael Benitez, who has joined Napoli following his six-month interim spell at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho returns to west London for his second spell as Chelsea manager. Since he left the club less than six years ago, the Blues have been through eight managers when caretakers are included.

Ron Gourlay, Chelsea chief executive, welcomed the 50-year-old back to the club, saying: "I am delighted to welcome Jose back to Chelsea. His continued success, drive and ambition made him the outstanding candidate.

"It is our aim to keep the club moving forward to achieve greater success in the future and Jose is our number one choice as we believe he is the right manager to do just that."

Mourinho was Roman Abramovich's first managerial appointment following his 2003 takeover and his most successful to date. In three seasons at Stamford Bridge, Mourinho delivered two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups but did not win the Champions League.

He will hope to rectify that upon his return after the most difficult period of his career at Real Madrid.

Mourinho won the 2011-12 Liga title, ending Barcelona's run of dominance in Spain, but could not progress beyond the semifinals of the Champions League and conceded the Spanish championship back to Tito Vilanova's team last season.

Abramovich has invested heavily at Chelsea in recent seasons as the team Mourinho helped to construct has aged, and the future looks bright for the two-time Champions League winner's return.

Frank Lampard, John Terry and Petr Cech remain of the key cogs of Mourinho's previous Blues team but the likes of Juan Mata, David Luiz and Eden Hazard lead this side now.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Mourinho!

​

 

[rcccc]

Neymar introduced at Camp Nou after signing Barcelona deal

.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ambrose hoping Wanyama stays at Celtic

The Nigerian says he would love to see the Kenyan star at Celtic Park next season, believing it could be a massive blow for the SPL champions if he were to leave.Celtic defender Efe Ambrose believes it will be a big blow to the Scottish giants should Victor Wanyama leave the club during the summer.

The Kenyan is reportedly a target for Arsenal after impressing during the Bhoys' run to the Champions League round-of-16 stage. Wanyama has previously insisted he will remain at Celtic Park for the 2013-14 season amid speculation linking him with a move elsewhere, but Ambrose still fears an possible exit."It will definitely be a massive blow for the Celtic family if Wanyama leaves," Ambrose told Goal. "He has been the pillar of the team especially in the midfield and was bonding well with the rest of team members.

"But these things happen in life. If he goes we must accept and move on. You cannot stop [Wanyama] from signing for a different club if a good offer is tabled. I don’t handle transfers issues, because that work solely belongs to the gaffer ... but I hope and pray that they persuade him to stay."We had a fantastic season with Wanyama last term, and I could love to see him again in Celtic for the coming season. If he goes Celtic will lose a top-class player, and myself I will lose a brother. Wanyama is more than a brother to me.

"We are always together in Glasgow. We stay in the same apartment and drive to training together. He his a very humble man, whose company one will not want to lose. But nowadays we have gadgets (phones) so if he departs I hope we will always keep in touch.”Ambrose, meanwhile, has pledged his own future to Celtic, insisting that he has "some work yet to be accomplished at the club."

"Last season we came so close to reaching the semifinals of the Champions League," Ambrose said. "We want to better that performance next season and that is why I believe in continuity."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wanyama Arsenal join wei​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Japan 1-1 Australia: Honda PK cements World Cup berth for Samurai Blue

Japan joins Brazil as the only teams officially in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final field, after a stoppage-time penalty from Keisuke Honda denied Australia victory as the teams played out an enthralling 1-1 qualifying draw in Saitama on Tuesday.
Tommy Oar's fortunate goal - his first at international level - in the 82nd minute appeared to give the Socceroos a stunning three points, but Honda struck from the penalty spot in the first minute of additional time after Matt McKay handled his cross in the area.



It was a deserved point for Japan, which clinched the top spot in Group B, while Australia is still well-placed in the group ahead of home games against Jordan and Iraq to wrap up the round.

Honda started for the hosts despite being under an injury cloud, but it was one of his midfield partners who had the first sight on goal in the sixth minute. Veteran Yasuhito Endo curled a 30-yard free-kick just wide, even though Australia and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer appeared to have the effort covered.The Socceroos were fortunate to escape unpunished twice in a matter of minutes.

Maya Yoshida missed a glorious chance as he failed to get enough on a free header from a Honda corner, before Endo blazed over from range on 16 minutes.
The chances continued to come, and Australia's first opportunity fell to Brett Holman, who hit an effort wide after being set up by New York Red Bulls Designated Player Tim Cahill.

Australia was living dangerously and had Schwarzer to thank for being on level terms after 19 minutes. Brilliant interplay just outside the area led to a chance for Shinji Kagawa, but the Manchester United attacker scuffed his shot, and Schwarzer produced a superb one-handed save.Surviving that led to a more composed Australia outfit, which dictated the tempo and was able to keep possession for longer periods in the middle part of the half.And the chances followed, with Robbie Kruse denied by a stunning Eiji Kawashima save in the 34th minute.

Holman fed a wonderfully weighted through ball to Kruse, whose effort was saved by Kawashima in a one-on-one, and Cahill put the rebound well over.Japan controlled possession in the early stages of the second half, with Honda and Kagawa continuing to look dangerous. Kagawa was unlucky not to break the deadlock just before the hour-mark when his chip from the side of the area clipped the crossbar with Schwarzer beaten.

Honda had two free kicks from similar spots just outside the area, but one went over and the other straight at Schwarzer.Even though Japan dominated the half, Australia created a glorious chance with a quarter of an hour to play.Mark Bresciano released Luke Wilkshire down the right and his cross found Cahill, whose shot was blocked by Yoshida.

Schwarzer denied Yuto Nagatomo before the Socceroos scored against the run of play on 82 minutes.Oar continued to run at defenders and his cross-shot floated in at the back post as Kawashima flapped at the effort. That looked to be enough before McKay moved his body towards a Honda cross, which hit the left back's arm.

Honda's penalty was powerfully struck down the middle, seeing the teams secure a point each and Japan secure a plan ticket to Brazil next summer. The Samurai Blue will also head to Brazil in the coming week to participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup. Japan is in a stacked Group A, along with host Brazil, Mexico and Italy.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Japan!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Montpellier president confirms Aston Villa bid for Belhanda

The Midlands club is the only Premier League side to have made a concrete offer for the Moroccan, but faces competition from AC Milan, Inter, Atletico Madrid and Galatasaray.Montpellier president Louis Nicollin claims Aston Villa has made a bid for Younes Belhanda.

The Moroccan playmaker is thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League, but of the five clubs that have made bids, Villa is the only side from England.

After winning the Ligue 1 title in 2012, Belhanda enjoyed another impressive season in France, scoring 12 goals in 35 appearances for a Montpellier side that struggled to replicate its heroics of last season. The club has confirmed that Belhanda will depart one way or another.

"He is leaving," Nicollin told LeSport10. "There are four or five clubs that have come in. It is now down to the player to choose now, because we are almost in agreement with the clubs. He will leave for 14-15 million euros."

Asked if the offers were concrete, Nicollin replied: "Yes. From AC Milan, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray and Aston Villa.

Belhanda had been set to leave the Ligue 1 side for some time now and Nicollin admitted that the 23-year-old can now choose his destination.

"We have no problem now, he [Belhanda] has the authority to agree with whoever he wants now," Nicollin said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

West Ham's bid for Negredo rejected, says Sevilla president

The Premier League outfit had an offer worth up to 20 million euros swiftly turned down by both club and player in April, with the striker uninterested in a move to Upton Park.

West Ham has had an offer worth 20 million euros for Alvaro Negredo rejected by Sevilla, the Liga club has claimed.

According to an official statement, a bid of 17 million, plus a further 3 million in incentives, was lodged in April following his double against Athletic Bilbao.

Both Sevilla and Negredo swiftly rejected the proposal, with the latter uninterested in a move to Upton Park and president Jose Maria del Nido insisting the striker will remain at the club. "He has four years left on his contract," Del Nido told reporters. "He is at home here. He has scored a lot of goals and delighted us with his football."The summer will tell us in due course if he will still be with us, but if you ask my opinion I'd rather there were no bids.

"West Ham offered 17 million euros in cash, with 3 million more in incentives, but we do not value the offer and the player refused."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Koscielny: I will leave Arsenal if trophy drought continues

The defender is ready to exit the Emirates Stadium this summer unless the Gunners are ready to show the ambition to fight for their first piece of silverware in over eight years.Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny says he may be forced to leave the Premier League outfit if the Gunners do not start winning silverware soon.

Arsene Wenger's side last won a trophy over eight years ago - the FA Cup in 2005 - a spell that has seen the club sell a string of top players like Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri and Robin van Persie, often to league rivals.

Now the 27-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, hopes the north London outfit is ready to prove its ambition in the league next season, otherwise he will look for a new challenge elsewhere.

"I feel good at Arsenal, if we have ambition to fight against the other teams of course I want to stay here," Koscielny told Eurosport. "It's hard psychologically. We are constantly pressured because if Arsenal is not in the Champions League it would be a catastrophe.

"I have to see if I have clubs interested in me. I will not go to any club. I want to maybe discover another league. Paris [Saint-Germain]? There has been no contact yet. It is hard to not win titles year after year. We are competitors, professionals, we want to win. I want to add to my list of achievements. If Arsenal cannot allow me that, I'll seek a move elsewhere."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos praises Madrid target Ancelotti

The Spain international has spoken highly of the former Chelsea and Milan trainer, who has been strongly linked with the vacant position at Real Madrid.Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos has praised Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti, calling him a "great coach".

The Parisiens trainer has been strongly linked with a move to Madrid after enjoying a successful season in 2012-13, guiding his team to a first Ligue 1 title in 19 years as well as the Champions League quarterfinals.

Ancelotti has made it clear he wants to leave the Parc des Princes. With Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes ruling himself out of the vacant post, the Italian boss is a firm favorite, which sits well with Ramos.

"I'm not one to say which ... I prefer but Ancelotti is a great coach," the 27-year-old was quoted as saying by ABC.es. "But I do not decide, club officials will."

The defender also spoke about outgoing boss Jose Mourinho's decision to return to Chelsea's helm after six years.

"It is not new that Mourinho likes Chelsea and Inter," said the Spain international. "He has always opted for them. He returns to the Premier [League] and I think the Premier [League] is the competition for him.

"[It is] his place, where he always felt more at ease. The matter is [now] closed with his exit. As in big families, there have been good times and bad."

Finally, the Seville-born star spoke about signing of 21-year-old former Blancos fullback Daniel Carvajal from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported 6.5 million euro fee.

Ramos added: "It is a great signing. [He is] a homegrown player I know very well. He will give great performances for this team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas dismisses Mourinho resentment talk

The Real Madrid goalkeeper experienced a tumultuous working relationship with the Portuguese boss but insists he has nothing personal against the newly appointed Chelsea manager.Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas insists he does not hold a grudge against former coach Jose Mourinho.

The 50-year-old, who was announced as Chelsea's new manager on Monday, kept the World Cup-winning goalkeeper on the bench for large periods of last season, preferring Diego Lopez in los Blancos' first team.

The Spain international was dropped from the squad altogether for Real Madrid's final Liga game of the season against Osasuna despite Casillas' claims that he was fully fit to play.

"My back is fine. Was I fit to play? I'm always able to play, especially after such a long time out on the sidelines," the Spaniard explained to reporters.

Nevertheless, the 32-year-old is happy to let bygones be bygones and wished his former boss the best of luck in his new role at Stamford Bridge.

"I don’t bear any grudges against Mourinho, nor do I feel badly treated by him," Casillas went on to say. "He made decisions which he felt were the best ones for the club and I personally have nothing personal against him.

"Unfortunately, we didn’t reach our objectives in the Copa del Rey and the Champions League, but I wish him the best of luck at Chelsea because he always stood up for Real Madrid."

Casillas' bit-part role in the Real Madrid season has left the goalkeeper lacking match action in the lead up to the Confederations Cup, but he is determined to prove himself for the national team once again.

"I really appreciate the confidence Del Bosque has placed in me and I promise to repay him by working as hard as I can," he added.

"I am at a slight disadvantage to my teammates in terms of fitness and so I really need to get down to some hard work."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Heynckes says he won't be coaching next season

The experienced coach has revealed that he will not necessarily say farewell to the game this summer after guiding Bayern to a historical treble.Jupp Heynckes has announced that he will not take over Real Madrid this summer after helping Bayern Munich to Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal glory in 2012-13, though he also refused to commit to retirement.

The 68-year-old had an expiring contract with the Bavarians and it was already announced earlier this season that he would have to make way for Pep Guardiola ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

A number of recent reports suggested that he was one of the candidates to take Jose Mourinho's place as Real Madrid coach, but Heynckes has now made it clear that he will take time out instead.

"I told my wife last year that my plan was to fulfill my contract and then quit. I did not have any holiday last year and I've noticed in the past few weeks that I was close to my limits," Heynckes said at a press conference. "Other clubs showed an interest in signing me. There were some rich clubs, where money is not an issue, and there were clubs where you can enjoy yourself. And there was a big team that's not at Bayern's level at the moment.

"I am going to enjoy a holiday now, though. I will not be coaching either abroad or in the Bundesliga next season. Is this a definite retirement? I don't like to use the word definitive as you never know what will happen. But there's a life after your professional life."

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, meanwhile, hopes that Heynckes will return to the club in another role at some point in the future."The door will always be open for Jupp at Bayern," he said. "He deserves a break more than anyone else. We accept his decision.

"Once his holiday comes to an end, Uli [Hoeness] and I are keen to have a chat with Jupp to see whether he'd be open to a return in another position."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Courtois urges Atletico to sign Benteke

The Belgium international believes that his compatriot would be a fine signing for the La Liga outfit as it looks for a replacement for Radamel Falcao.Thibaut Courtois, who spent the past two seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid from Chelsea, has urged the Vicente Calderon side to try to sign Aston Villa striker Christian Benteke as he feels the Belgian attacker would be the ideal addition for the Liga outfit.

Atletico is in the market for a new striker due to the departure of Radamel Falcao to Monaco and the club supposedly sees the 22-year-old Benteke as a suitable replacement.

"Benteke is a very strong attacker. He's tall, but has good technique and is excellent with the ball at his feet. I believe that he would be a great signing for Atletico," Courtois told AS. "We played together in our younger years at Genk and I know him very well. He has worked very hard and was sent out on loan several times, which helped him develop.

"He had a sensational 2011-12 campaign at Genk, thus earning himself a move to the Premier League. There are a lot of teams that are interested in him and he could even continue in England at one of the big teams."

Benteke has a contract with Aston Villa until the summer of 2016.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque shocked by Casillas saga

The Spain manager has admitted he was surprised by the goalkeeper's lack of playing time with Real Madrid this season.Vicente del Bosque has revealed his disbelief at the omission of Iker Casillas from the Real Madrid side this past season.

The Spain coach praised the goalkeeper's attitude during his time working with the 32-year-old, who made just 19 Liga appearances in 2012-13 and was left out of the squad completely for Los Blancos' final game of the campaign against Osasuna, which was Jose Mourinho's final game in charge before departing for Chelsea.

“I find it hard to believe that Iker dropped out of the squad,” del Bosque told reporters. “It’s hard to believe because I’ve known him for many years and his career has always been impeccable."

Del Bosque has not spoken to Casillas about his lack of playing time and insisted it was a matter for Madrid to deal with.

“I have not had the chance to speak to him since the game we played in France, but while it’s none of my business and an internal matter for the club I have no reason to believe it is true,” del Bosque said.

Casillas, Spain's captain, has been named in La Furia Roja’s squad for the upcoming friendlies against Haiti and Ireland, as well as the FIFA Confederations Cup later this month.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fiorentina: Jovetic not on the market

The club's sporting director has ruled out selling the in-demand forward while commenting on reports linking Viola with several possible recruits.Fiorentina have stated that Stevan Jovetic is "not on the market" as rumors continue to link him with a move away from the club.

Viola sporting director Daniele Prade understands the 23-year-old forward is in high demand but has ruled out a possible transfer.

“We have been clear about Jovetic. He is not on the market,” Prade said to Lega-Calcio. “There is a word given to the boy by the president: at the end of the season they would talk together, but those are the conditions, otherwise we keep him happy.

“There has been no bid [from Juventus], only a meeting between the president and the agent Cognigni Ramadani. Jovetic did not say he would move. It is a discussion between him and the president.”

Prade also discussed possible summer recruits, with Joaquin, Mario Gomez, Burak Yilmaz and Alvaro Negredo, all linked with a move to Fiorentina.

Regarding the Joaquin rumours, he added: “It’s an open discourse with Malaga. We will discuss and see if the conditions are correct.”

Fiorentina has also been linked to Palermo midfielder Josip Ilicic, but Prade insists there is no truth in the speculation.

“We have not started talking about Ilicic. He is strong, but we never had anything to do with him,” Prade said.

Prade concluded by revealing the club is set to discuss a new deal with Adam Ljajic, while adding it would wait until David Pizarro has completed his international duties before talking about his future.

 

[rcccc]

Fiorentina: Jovetic not on the market