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'It's lose-lose if Chelsea sign Rooney' - Wenger
Arsene Wenger believes it will be just as difficult for Arsenal next season if Wayne Rooney leaves Manchester United for Chelsea.
The Blues have made Rooney their primary transfer target this summer but saw an improved bid rejected by the Premier League champions on Sunday, which is understood to have been worth around £30 million.
And Wenger feels a potential departure for Rooney will have no impact on his team as Chelsea are already one of the strongest outfits in the division.
"With Rooney, [Chelsea] will be even more dangerous for sure," the Frenchman told Al Jazeera Sport.
"I rate Rooney highly and unfortunately we fight with Manchester United and Chelsea.
"So, on one front, if he goes then Manchester United will be weaker, that's quite good for us. But if he changes to Chelsea then they will be stronger - which is not good for us."
David Moyes has continually insisted that the 27-year-old will not be sold this summer despite the player's desire for a fresh start after nine years at the club.
And the new United manager does not think he will have to convince Rooney to stay, despite the continued interest from Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
Arsene Wenger believes it will be just as difficult for Arsenal next season if Wayne Rooney leaves Manchester United for Chelsea.
The Blues have made Rooney their primary transfer target this summer but saw an improved bid rejected by the Premier League champions on Sunday, which is understood to have been worth around £30 million.
And Wenger feels a potential departure for Rooney will have no impact on his team as Chelsea are already one of the strongest outfits in the division.
"With Rooney, [Chelsea] will be even more dangerous for sure," the Frenchman told Al Jazeera Sport.
"I rate Rooney highly and unfortunately we fight with Manchester United and Chelsea.
"So, on one front, if he goes then Manchester United will be weaker, that's quite good for us. But if he changes to Chelsea then they will be stronger - which is not good for us."
David Moyes has continually insisted that the 27-year-old will not be sold this summer despite the player's desire for a fresh start after nine years at the club.
And the new United manager does not think he will have to convince Rooney to stay, despite the continued interest from Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.
Tevez: I was ready to retire before Juventus move
Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has admitted that he considered retiring from football this summer.
The 29-year-old joined the Serie A champions from Manchester City in June, but revealed that a falling out with former City boss Roberto Mancini almost forced him to quit.
"I always said I wanted to retire aged 28, and I was close to doing so after falling out with [Roberto] Mancini," Tevez told ESPN.
"I was really tired. I had won the Champions League and the Premier League with Manchester United, and the FA Cup with Manchester City.
"I won everything I felt I could and there was a time I had had enough of football and wanted to retire. Then Juventus came along, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and they made me change my mind."
Tevez also says that, as far as he sees it, his international career is a thing of the past, having not played for Argentina since 2011.
"My career with Albiceleste has ended," he added.
"I have told you all about the national team before and I have nothing else to add. It's over now and is in the past."
Tevez made 62 appearances for his country between 2004 and 2011, scoring 13 times.
Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has admitted that he considered retiring from football this summer.
The 29-year-old joined the Serie A champions from Manchester City in June, but revealed that a falling out with former City boss Roberto Mancini almost forced him to quit.
"I always said I wanted to retire aged 28, and I was close to doing so after falling out with [Roberto] Mancini," Tevez told ESPN.
"I was really tired. I had won the Champions League and the Premier League with Manchester United, and the FA Cup with Manchester City.
"I won everything I felt I could and there was a time I had had enough of football and wanted to retire. Then Juventus came along, one of the biggest clubs in Europe, and they made me change my mind."
Tevez also says that, as far as he sees it, his international career is a thing of the past, having not played for Argentina since 2011.
"My career with Albiceleste has ended," he added.
"I have told you all about the national team before and I have nothing else to add. It's over now and is in the past."
Tevez made 62 appearances for his country between 2004 and 2011, scoring 13 times.
Manchester United boss David Moyes confident he will sign players
Manchester United boss David Moyes insists that he will be bringing in players before the end of the transfer window.
Thus far, only young Uruguayan full-back Guillermo Valera has arrived at Old Trafford this summer and it remains to be seen whether he will be involved in the first team.United have failed with bids for Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas and Leighton Baines this summer, but Moyes refuses to be dejected about so far hitting a brick wall in terms of transfers.
"I do think we'll be bringing players in before the window shuts. They will come," he said after seeing Manchester United draw 1-1 with AIK Stockholm.
"We're moving along but if you said, 'Is anything close?', I couldn't give you an answer.
"I'm relaxed, we've got a squad here and it's the same group of players that won the Premier League last year. You can never tell until the season starts but we are looking forward to it."Quizzed again about Fabregas, he said: "I can't really say anything about that. We will sign some players before the end of the window.
"And these are the champions of England. They are a good squad and I look forward to going in to the new season with them."Sky sources understand Moyes has not given up on Fabregas, but as yet there has been no third offer from Old Trafford as Barcelona continue to insist the midfielder will not be sold.
Reports have suggested that Marouane Fellaini could be an alternative, but Everton boss Roberto Martinez says there have been no offers for the Belgian midfielder."There are no bids," the Liverpool Echo quoted Moyes' successor as Everton manager as saying. "When you read that someone is interested in someone, it doesn't mean there is a bid on the table.
"Marouane has been working really hard. Leighton Baines has been working really hard for the team and that's all that matters."Headlines in the media happen at this time of the season unfortunately but it won't distract me from the work we have to do. I'm not bothered at all.
"It is speculation in the media and you'll never stop that. I've said from day one as a manager you only concentrate on working hard. I don't mind having my players grabbing headlines. That's a good story because it means they've been doing well and performing well.
"I'm only concentrating on having as strong a squad as possible for the start of the season. That's all my concern is."
Manchester United boss David Moyes insists that he will be bringing in players before the end of the transfer window.
Thus far, only young Uruguayan full-back Guillermo Valera has arrived at Old Trafford this summer and it remains to be seen whether he will be involved in the first team.United have failed with bids for Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas and Leighton Baines this summer, but Moyes refuses to be dejected about so far hitting a brick wall in terms of transfers.
"I do think we'll be bringing players in before the window shuts. They will come," he said after seeing Manchester United draw 1-1 with AIK Stockholm.
"We're moving along but if you said, 'Is anything close?', I couldn't give you an answer.
"I'm relaxed, we've got a squad here and it's the same group of players that won the Premier League last year. You can never tell until the season starts but we are looking forward to it."Quizzed again about Fabregas, he said: "I can't really say anything about that. We will sign some players before the end of the window.
"And these are the champions of England. They are a good squad and I look forward to going in to the new season with them."Sky sources understand Moyes has not given up on Fabregas, but as yet there has been no third offer from Old Trafford as Barcelona continue to insist the midfielder will not be sold.
Reports have suggested that Marouane Fellaini could be an alternative, but Everton boss Roberto Martinez says there have been no offers for the Belgian midfielder."There are no bids," the Liverpool Echo quoted Moyes' successor as Everton manager as saying. "When you read that someone is interested in someone, it doesn't mean there is a bid on the table.
"Marouane has been working really hard. Leighton Baines has been working really hard for the team and that's all that matters."Headlines in the media happen at this time of the season unfortunately but it won't distract me from the work we have to do. I'm not bothered at all.
"It is speculation in the media and you'll never stop that. I've said from day one as a manager you only concentrate on working hard. I don't mind having my players grabbing headlines. That's a good story because it means they've been doing well and performing well.
"I'm only concentrating on having as strong a squad as possible for the start of the season. That's all my concern is."
Barcelona make official bid for Chelsea's David Luiz
The Spanish heavyweights have been linked with the Brazil international all summer and are understood to have finally made their interest formal on Wednesday.But Blues boss Jose Mourinho has insisted the 26-year-old is central to his plans and the bid is expected to be rejected.
Speaking after his side's 2-0 pre-season win over AC Milan, Mourinho said: "David has come back with us fantastically and we have to use his quality."He has big self-confidence and self-esteem, especially when he comes up from the back with the ball."Luiz signed a new five-year deal with Chelsea last September and has made over 100 appearances since joining from Benfica in January 2011.
He was also linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this summer as part of Chelsea's bid for Wayne Rooney.Reports had suggested that, in addition to offering money, Chelsea were also prepared to let Luiz or Juan Mata move to Old Trafford in exchange for Rooney.
Chelsea subsequently denied any players were offered as part of the deal and Mourinho confirmed there was 'no chance' of Luiz leaving Stamford Bridge.
There has also been speculation that Bayern Munich, who are coached by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, are interested in Luiz.But Guardiola, speaking at a presentation before the Audi Cup in Munich last week, said he was happy with his defensive options.
Bayern have the option of dropping holding midfielder Javi Martinez back into defence now that Thiago Alcantara has arrived to fill a similar role to the one his fellow Spaniard had last season."He's not coming to Munich," he said. "We've got four or five central defenders.
"There is no truth to the speculation."
The Spanish heavyweights have been linked with the Brazil international all summer and are understood to have finally made their interest formal on Wednesday.But Blues boss Jose Mourinho has insisted the 26-year-old is central to his plans and the bid is expected to be rejected.
Speaking after his side's 2-0 pre-season win over AC Milan, Mourinho said: "David has come back with us fantastically and we have to use his quality."He has big self-confidence and self-esteem, especially when he comes up from the back with the ball."Luiz signed a new five-year deal with Chelsea last September and has made over 100 appearances since joining from Benfica in January 2011.
He was also linked with a move to Manchester United earlier this summer as part of Chelsea's bid for Wayne Rooney.Reports had suggested that, in addition to offering money, Chelsea were also prepared to let Luiz or Juan Mata move to Old Trafford in exchange for Rooney.
Chelsea subsequently denied any players were offered as part of the deal and Mourinho confirmed there was 'no chance' of Luiz leaving Stamford Bridge.
There has also been speculation that Bayern Munich, who are coached by former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola, are interested in Luiz.But Guardiola, speaking at a presentation before the Audi Cup in Munich last week, said he was happy with his defensive options.
Bayern have the option of dropping holding midfielder Javi Martinez back into defence now that Thiago Alcantara has arrived to fill a similar role to the one his fellow Spaniard had last season."He's not coming to Munich," he said. "We've got four or five central defenders.
"There is no truth to the speculation."
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Valerenga 1-4 Liverpool: Reds romp to comfortble win in Norway
Liverpool continued their preperations for the new season with a convincing win over Valerenga in Norway, thanks to goals from Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Martin Kelly and Raheem Sterling.
Luis Alberto rammed home an accurate volley before Aspas tapped in a Stewart Downing cross just before half time.
Valerenga had briefly been level courtesy of Ricardo Gonzalez's thunderous header, but Martin Kelly bundled home a corner before Raheem Sterling slotted home in the final moments.
Brendan Rodgers named a youthful line-up who predictably took the game to their Norwegian hosts in Oslo.
The early stages saw Joe Allen and the bright Jordon Ibe fire early sighters at goal in an otherwise even opening 15 minutes.
A loose ball in midfield gave the Reds their first clear-cut opening as Downing broke from midfield, sliding Aspas in on goal. The Spaniard, however, was denied by the trailing leg of goalkeeper Gudmund Kongshavn.
Rodgers’ side maintained the pressure though and the lively Ibe tormented his marker, driving into the box and squaring to Aspas, who saw his goal-bound shot deflected just wide.
Valerenga showed little attacking threat and Kongshavn was again called into action as Downing and Luis Alberto tested him with low drives, before the Norwegian sprawled to deny Ibe from close range.
Kongshavn saved his best for the 30th minute as he somehow got across his goal to deny Downing from close range after Jon Flanagan delivered from the left.
But Valerenga’s resistance buckled moments later as Luis Alberto volleyed past Kongshavn from 20 yards, after Aspas saw his finish rebound back off the crossbar.
Surprisingly though, the Norwegians immediately hit back as Gonzalez escaped Flanagan and Jordan Henderson from a corner and planted his header beyond Brad Jones.
If conceding a sloppy goal is meant to be a setback, it did not show as the Reds again piled forward. In this instance, only a bizarre refereeing decision denied the Premier League side a penalty as Jan Lecjaks tripped Aspas in the box.
But that did not deter Aspas,who converted Downing’s ball into the six-yard box to give the visitors the lead.
After making 10 changes for the second half, Liverpool could be forgiven for lacking fluidity, but just minutes after the break Sterling and Oussama Assaidi combined well to almost hand Fabio Borini a tap-in.
Their third goal came in more agricultural fashion though as Kelly met Steven Gerrard’s corner and, via a deflection, bundled into Kongshavn’s net.
Kolo Toure came within inches of adding a fourth, striking the bar from yet another Gerrard corner, before Borini rounded Kongshavn only to place his finish from the byline past the far post.
The Italian went closer to grabbing the Reds' fourth of the night but watched as his first time effort clipped the top of the bar with 15 minutes to play.
Marcel Wawrzynkiewicz had the hosts' most notable chance of the second period, somehow skying his close-range effort when it seemed easier to score.
At the other end Gerrard almost added his name to the scoresheet after a well worked one-two with Phillipe Coutinho in the box but his rasping drive rose just over the Valerenga goal with five minutes remaining.
Sterling capped a dominant display turning Assaidi's clever backheel into the bottom left-hand corner.
Liverpool continued their preperations for the new season with a convincing win over Valerenga in Norway, thanks to goals from Luis Alberto, Iago Aspas, Martin Kelly and Raheem Sterling.
Luis Alberto rammed home an accurate volley before Aspas tapped in a Stewart Downing cross just before half time.
Valerenga had briefly been level courtesy of Ricardo Gonzalez's thunderous header, but Martin Kelly bundled home a corner before Raheem Sterling slotted home in the final moments.
Brendan Rodgers named a youthful line-up who predictably took the game to their Norwegian hosts in Oslo.
The early stages saw Joe Allen and the bright Jordon Ibe fire early sighters at goal in an otherwise even opening 15 minutes.
A loose ball in midfield gave the Reds their first clear-cut opening as Downing broke from midfield, sliding Aspas in on goal. The Spaniard, however, was denied by the trailing leg of goalkeeper Gudmund Kongshavn.
Rodgers’ side maintained the pressure though and the lively Ibe tormented his marker, driving into the box and squaring to Aspas, who saw his goal-bound shot deflected just wide.
Valerenga showed little attacking threat and Kongshavn was again called into action as Downing and Luis Alberto tested him with low drives, before the Norwegian sprawled to deny Ibe from close range.
Kongshavn saved his best for the 30th minute as he somehow got across his goal to deny Downing from close range after Jon Flanagan delivered from the left.
But Valerenga’s resistance buckled moments later as Luis Alberto volleyed past Kongshavn from 20 yards, after Aspas saw his finish rebound back off the crossbar.
Surprisingly though, the Norwegians immediately hit back as Gonzalez escaped Flanagan and Jordan Henderson from a corner and planted his header beyond Brad Jones.
If conceding a sloppy goal is meant to be a setback, it did not show as the Reds again piled forward. In this instance, only a bizarre refereeing decision denied the Premier League side a penalty as Jan Lecjaks tripped Aspas in the box.
But that did not deter Aspas,who converted Downing’s ball into the six-yard box to give the visitors the lead.
After making 10 changes for the second half, Liverpool could be forgiven for lacking fluidity, but just minutes after the break Sterling and Oussama Assaidi combined well to almost hand Fabio Borini a tap-in.
Their third goal came in more agricultural fashion though as Kelly met Steven Gerrard’s corner and, via a deflection, bundled into Kongshavn’s net.
Kolo Toure came within inches of adding a fourth, striking the bar from yet another Gerrard corner, before Borini rounded Kongshavn only to place his finish from the byline past the far post.
The Italian went closer to grabbing the Reds' fourth of the night but watched as his first time effort clipped the top of the bar with 15 minutes to play.
Marcel Wawrzynkiewicz had the hosts' most notable chance of the second period, somehow skying his close-range effort when it seemed easier to score.
At the other end Gerrard almost added his name to the scoresheet after a well worked one-two with Phillipe Coutinho in the box but his rasping drive rose just over the Valerenga goal with five minutes remaining.
Sterling capped a dominant display turning Assaidi's clever backheel into the bottom left-hand corner.
Thailand 1-7 Barcelona: Pedro nets hat-trick in pre-season stroll
Neymar scored his first Barcelona goal as the Liga champions ran out 7-1 winners over Thailand at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The Brazilian's maiden strike set the Spanish champions on their way before a double from Lionel Messi, a Pedro hat-trick and an Alexis Sanchez strike gave Gerardo Martino's side a resounding victory.
The major surprise in Martino's starting XI was the inclusion of summer signing Neymar, who had been diagnosed with anaemia earlier in the week. Youngsters Frank Bagnack and Sergi Roberto were the only 'B' team individuals to be handed starts.
It took only 12 minutes for Barca to open the scoring and it was a first goal in a Blaugrana jersey for Neymar as he showed great awareness to prod home Cesc Fabregas' drilled low cross from a few yards out.
Los Cules were soon celebrating a second only a minute later when Lionel Messi was sent tumbling in the box under a clumsy challenge from Artit Daosawang. The Argentine picked himself up to coolly tuck the ball past Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool and into the bottom left corner.
It was a dazzling first-half performance from Messi and he turned provider on 19 minutes when he cushioned Alves' cross into the path of Pedro, who smashed an unstoppable shot past the Thailand goalkeeper for his first of the game.
The Thailand defence just could not cope with the free-roaming Barcelona front trio and it became 4-0 on 25 minutes. Neymar played a quick free kick to Adriano and the Brazilian left-back squared for Messi to slot in his second, with the defenders looking quizzically at one another.
Pedro then doubled his own tally on 35 minutes when he swept the ball past Hathairattanakool after good work from Messi down the left.
It was a dominant 45 minutes from Martino's men but they gave the home fans something to cheer as Bagnack was deemed to have fouled Teerasil Dangda inside the box, forcing the referee to point to the spot. However, replays showed that contact was clearly made outside the area.
Dangda stepped up to take the spot kick himself and sent captain Victor Valdes the wrong way to give the Asian side a consolation.
Martino made eight chances at the break but that did little to disrupt Barcelona's attacking flow and Pedro notched his hat trick in the 48th minute. Fabregas floated a perfectly-weighted pass over the Thailand defence for his international team-mate, who deftly dinked the ball over the advancing goalkeeper with his first touch.
Alexis Sanchez rounded off the scoring only a minute later, when he surged ahead of his marker to steer Iniesta's low cross past the goalkeeper and put Barcelona into an unassailable six-goal lead.
There wer plenty of positives for Gerardo Martino's side, who travel to Kuala Lumpur to face Malaysia in their final pre-season match on Saturday afternoon, ahead of their opening Liga showdown against Levante on August 18.
Neymar scored his first Barcelona goal as the Liga champions ran out 7-1 winners over Thailand at the Rajamangala National Stadium in Bangkok on Wednesday.
The Brazilian's maiden strike set the Spanish champions on their way before a double from Lionel Messi, a Pedro hat-trick and an Alexis Sanchez strike gave Gerardo Martino's side a resounding victory.
The major surprise in Martino's starting XI was the inclusion of summer signing Neymar, who had been diagnosed with anaemia earlier in the week. Youngsters Frank Bagnack and Sergi Roberto were the only 'B' team individuals to be handed starts.
It took only 12 minutes for Barca to open the scoring and it was a first goal in a Blaugrana jersey for Neymar as he showed great awareness to prod home Cesc Fabregas' drilled low cross from a few yards out.
Los Cules were soon celebrating a second only a minute later when Lionel Messi was sent tumbling in the box under a clumsy challenge from Artit Daosawang. The Argentine picked himself up to coolly tuck the ball past Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool and into the bottom left corner.
It was a dazzling first-half performance from Messi and he turned provider on 19 minutes when he cushioned Alves' cross into the path of Pedro, who smashed an unstoppable shot past the Thailand goalkeeper for his first of the game.
The Thailand defence just could not cope with the free-roaming Barcelona front trio and it became 4-0 on 25 minutes. Neymar played a quick free kick to Adriano and the Brazilian left-back squared for Messi to slot in his second, with the defenders looking quizzically at one another.
Pedro then doubled his own tally on 35 minutes when he swept the ball past Hathairattanakool after good work from Messi down the left.
It was a dominant 45 minutes from Martino's men but they gave the home fans something to cheer as Bagnack was deemed to have fouled Teerasil Dangda inside the box, forcing the referee to point to the spot. However, replays showed that contact was clearly made outside the area.
Dangda stepped up to take the spot kick himself and sent captain Victor Valdes the wrong way to give the Asian side a consolation.
Martino made eight chances at the break but that did little to disrupt Barcelona's attacking flow and Pedro notched his hat trick in the 48th minute. Fabregas floated a perfectly-weighted pass over the Thailand defence for his international team-mate, who deftly dinked the ball over the advancing goalkeeper with his first touch.
Alexis Sanchez rounded off the scoring only a minute later, when he surged ahead of his marker to steer Iniesta's low cross past the goalkeeper and put Barcelona into an unassailable six-goal lead.
There wer plenty of positives for Gerardo Martino's side, who travel to Kuala Lumpur to face Malaysia in their final pre-season match on Saturday afternoon, ahead of their opening Liga showdown against Levante on August 18.
Martino lauds Neymar & Messi 'connection'
Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has lauded the "connection" between Lionel Messi and Neymar following the side's 7-1 win over Thailand on Wednesday.
The Brazilian opened the scoring before the Argentine added two goals and Pedro grabbed a hat-trick, with Alexis Sanchez adding a final strike just after half-time.
Martino was pleased that his top players are showing fine form in pre-season, irrespective of the opposition's quality, and claims the clash further encouraged him as La Liga creeps nearer to kicking off.
"Messi and Neymar combined well and played in different areas of the pitch," he told reporters after the match.
"The connection between Neymar and Leo was the most interesting thing about the game and they played as well as we expected. They combined well and scored goals, but they also combined with other players, which is what you expect at this level.
"Regardless of the quality of the opposition, we are showing positive signs in recovering the ball, pressing high up the pitch and attacking quickly, which pleased me a lot.
"That was much more encouraging than scoring a lot of goals, which was normal considering the difference in quality between us and our opponents."
Barca have been keen to stamp out suggestions than Fabregas will be leaving Camp Nou for Manchester United this summer, and Martino continued in that vein, while denying any knowledge of a bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
"He still is our player and will stay with us this season; right now I am more worried about whether Puyol will recover."
Regarding Luiz, he added: "I’m in Thailand, I know nothing about any negotiations."
Tito Vilanova's replacement also insisted he would not try to convince Victor Valdes to stay at the Catalans beyond next summer, when the goalkeeper's current contract runs out.
“I understand that Valdes made his [departure] announcement long before I arrived, so I will and leave him be and get on with him this season," Martino added.
Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino has lauded the "connection" between Lionel Messi and Neymar following the side's 7-1 win over Thailand on Wednesday.
The Brazilian opened the scoring before the Argentine added two goals and Pedro grabbed a hat-trick, with Alexis Sanchez adding a final strike just after half-time.
Martino was pleased that his top players are showing fine form in pre-season, irrespective of the opposition's quality, and claims the clash further encouraged him as La Liga creeps nearer to kicking off.
"Messi and Neymar combined well and played in different areas of the pitch," he told reporters after the match.
"The connection between Neymar and Leo was the most interesting thing about the game and they played as well as we expected. They combined well and scored goals, but they also combined with other players, which is what you expect at this level.
"Regardless of the quality of the opposition, we are showing positive signs in recovering the ball, pressing high up the pitch and attacking quickly, which pleased me a lot.
"That was much more encouraging than scoring a lot of goals, which was normal considering the difference in quality between us and our opponents."
Barca have been keen to stamp out suggestions than Fabregas will be leaving Camp Nou for Manchester United this summer, and Martino continued in that vein, while denying any knowledge of a bid for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
"He still is our player and will stay with us this season; right now I am more worried about whether Puyol will recover."
Regarding Luiz, he added: "I’m in Thailand, I know nothing about any negotiations."
Tito Vilanova's replacement also insisted he would not try to convince Victor Valdes to stay at the Catalans beyond next summer, when the goalkeeper's current contract runs out.
“I understand that Valdes made his [departure] announcement long before I arrived, so I will and leave him be and get on with him this season," Martino added.
Casillas: I'll say hello to Mourinho
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas insists he will "say hello" to Jose Mourinho if the two cross paths during los Blancos' friendly with Chelsea in Miami on Thursday.
The two men had a poor relationship towards the end of Mourinho's reign at the the club last season, with Casillas being dropped to the bench for much of the season. Despite this, the 32-year-old says he will be courteous towards his former boss should he see him.
"If I seeMourinho I'll say hello to him", Casillas told ESPN.On his past feud with the 50-year-old coach Casillas added: "It's just another experience in the world of football. You have to focus on the future and leave behind the past. I've come out unwounded. There were positive things from Mourinho's time in charge and they must be cherished."
The Spain international also spoke about his Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who he believes is the best footballer on the planet at the moment."There is no arguing with Cristiano Ronaldo's record and statistics," he said."He's been at Real for four years and has performed to the best of his abilities. In my opinion, he's the best player in the world. There will always be different criteria, but he is now the best."
Finally, Casillas gave his thoughts on potential Madrid signing Gareth Bale, as well as the threat Barcelona pose this season."Real Madrid will try to bring the best players to the club. The squad is currently very well balanced but a player like Bale will always be welcome."
"Messi and Neymar are both good players, along with [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi and others. But Real Madrid has been on a par with Barça for a few years now."
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas insists he will "say hello" to Jose Mourinho if the two cross paths during los Blancos' friendly with Chelsea in Miami on Thursday.
The two men had a poor relationship towards the end of Mourinho's reign at the the club last season, with Casillas being dropped to the bench for much of the season. Despite this, the 32-year-old says he will be courteous towards his former boss should he see him.
"If I seeMourinho I'll say hello to him", Casillas told ESPN.On his past feud with the 50-year-old coach Casillas added: "It's just another experience in the world of football. You have to focus on the future and leave behind the past. I've come out unwounded. There were positive things from Mourinho's time in charge and they must be cherished."
The Spain international also spoke about his Madrid team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo, who he believes is the best footballer on the planet at the moment."There is no arguing with Cristiano Ronaldo's record and statistics," he said."He's been at Real for four years and has performed to the best of his abilities. In my opinion, he's the best player in the world. There will always be different criteria, but he is now the best."
Finally, Casillas gave his thoughts on potential Madrid signing Gareth Bale, as well as the threat Barcelona pose this season."Real Madrid will try to bring the best players to the club. The squad is currently very well balanced but a player like Bale will always be welcome."
"Messi and Neymar are both good players, along with [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi and others. But Real Madrid has been on a par with Barça for a few years now."
Schweinsteiger shouldn't have won Player of the Year, says Van der Vaart
Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart says Franck Ribery or Marco Reus should have been named Germany's Footballer of the Year and not Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The Bayern Munich man was given the award last month, with the decision raising several eyebrows amid suggestions the 29-year-old had not done enough across the entire campaign to win the prize.
And Van der Vaart believes two other high profile candidates were far more deserving of the accolade on the back of their performances in 2012-13.
"Schweinsteiger is obviously a top player, but I would've chosen either Marco Reus or Franck Ribery. I like them both very much," he told Bild.
The 30-year-old former Tottenham man added his belief that Bayern will retain their Bundesliga crown at a canter, claiming they could still lift the title even if they fielded a virtual second string side.
"Bayern Munich have a squad full of Galacticos," Van der Vaart told Bild.
"I think that even the B-team of Bayern would have a great opportunity of winning the league."
The Dutchman then spoke about the delight it would bring him if Hamburg were win their first German trophy in 26 years this season.
"If we won I would clean the entire trophy cabinet in the HSV museum and polish all the existing trophies to a high gloss," he said.
"We might not be the best team in the country but why not win a trophy? Stuttgart reached the DFB-Pokal final last season and proved there is a chance."
Van der Vaart joined Hamburg in 2012, having spent another spell there between 2005 and 2008.
At international level he has made 105 appearances for the Netherlands, scoring 23 times.
Hamburg midfielder Rafael van der Vaart says Franck Ribery or Marco Reus should have been named Germany's Footballer of the Year and not Bastian Schweinsteiger.
The Bayern Munich man was given the award last month, with the decision raising several eyebrows amid suggestions the 29-year-old had not done enough across the entire campaign to win the prize.
And Van der Vaart believes two other high profile candidates were far more deserving of the accolade on the back of their performances in 2012-13.
"Schweinsteiger is obviously a top player, but I would've chosen either Marco Reus or Franck Ribery. I like them both very much," he told Bild.
The 30-year-old former Tottenham man added his belief that Bayern will retain their Bundesliga crown at a canter, claiming they could still lift the title even if they fielded a virtual second string side.
"Bayern Munich have a squad full of Galacticos," Van der Vaart told Bild.
"I think that even the B-team of Bayern would have a great opportunity of winning the league."
The Dutchman then spoke about the delight it would bring him if Hamburg were win their first German trophy in 26 years this season.
"If we won I would clean the entire trophy cabinet in the HSV museum and polish all the existing trophies to a high gloss," he said.
"We might not be the best team in the country but why not win a trophy? Stuttgart reached the DFB-Pokal final last season and proved there is a chance."
Van der Vaart joined Hamburg in 2012, having spent another spell there between 2005 and 2008.
At international level he has made 105 appearances for the Netherlands, scoring 23 times.
Abidal relishing Monaco captaincy
Eric Abidal says he is relishing wearing the captain's armband for Monaco this season, as his side look to mount a serious title challenge in Ligue 1.
The 33-year-old, who re-joined Monaco from Barcelona this summer, only returned to football in April after a liver transplant and he feels the time is right to lead the team.
"I'm very happy. I'm ready and full of desire and I will try to show that on the pitch," Abidal told FIFA.com.
"At 33, I must take on my role and I'm ready to do so. I spoke to the coach. I like to give, without necessarily receiving. If the others are happy, if we win, then I will be very happy."
Monaco spent a reported €144.5 million on new players this summer, including Abidal, Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho and the Frenchman believes Champions League qualification is imperative in the coming campaign.
"We'll have to give it our all to make our ambitions reality as this season will be difficult," he added."Given the players we have recruited, we are expected to do so. We will indeed be favourites sometimes, but in football this word doesn't exist."
Finally, Abidal spoke about his chances of returning to the French national side, who he made his debut for in 2004, with the 2014 World Cup looming on the horizon.
"In order to hope to return to the French team, certain steps have to happen, and I need to play matches," he continued.
"It would be nice to have it as a goal but I don't like to speak too quickly. I want to prove myself before thinking more about it."
Eric Abidal says he is relishing wearing the captain's armband for Monaco this season, as his side look to mount a serious title challenge in Ligue 1.
The 33-year-old, who re-joined Monaco from Barcelona this summer, only returned to football in April after a liver transplant and he feels the time is right to lead the team.
"I'm very happy. I'm ready and full of desire and I will try to show that on the pitch," Abidal told FIFA.com.
"At 33, I must take on my role and I'm ready to do so. I spoke to the coach. I like to give, without necessarily receiving. If the others are happy, if we win, then I will be very happy."
Monaco spent a reported €144.5 million on new players this summer, including Abidal, Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho and the Frenchman believes Champions League qualification is imperative in the coming campaign.
"We'll have to give it our all to make our ambitions reality as this season will be difficult," he added."Given the players we have recruited, we are expected to do so. We will indeed be favourites sometimes, but in football this word doesn't exist."
Finally, Abidal spoke about his chances of returning to the French national side, who he made his debut for in 2004, with the 2014 World Cup looming on the horizon.
"In order to hope to return to the French team, certain steps have to happen, and I need to play matches," he continued.
"It would be nice to have it as a goal but I don't like to speak too quickly. I want to prove myself before thinking more about it."
Gadzhiev replaces Meulensteen amid Anzhi chaos
Anzhi Makhachkala have appointed Gadzhi Gadzhiev as their new coach after sacking Rene Meulensteen just 16 days after he replaced Guus Hiddink.
The 67-year-old, who has coached Anzhi on three separate occasions earlier in his career, takes over from the former Manchester United assistant coach amid turbulent times at the Russian club.
The news comes after club president Konstantin Remcukov took to his Twitter page to hint that the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Willian, Igor Denisov and Aleksandr Kokorin could all be sold as he looks to bring some financial stability to the club.
"The truth is that we will be reformatting the way Anzhi is run. Many expensive players will leave. The budget will be 50-70 million dollars (£32-46 million) a year," he tweeted.
The club's budget reached $180 million in 2011 and with billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov, Russia's 19th richest man, losing $375m in shares in fertiliser giant Uralkali on July 30, changes are set to be made.
Defeat to FC Rostov in the Russian Premier League last week, which leaves Anzhi in 13th place, saw Kerimov tell Sport Ekspress that the club was "not worth wasting nerves and health on".
However, the big-spending Russians have since released the following statement on their website regarding the situation, suggesting that any changes will not be wholesale.
"There is no discussion of any kind of mass selling-off of the football players or of any other measures discussed in the media. The club will respect all of the contractual obligations of its players."The team will be founded on long-term perspectives for the development of the club, which of course assumes certain changes in its team makeup."
The statement also added that the budget changes made necessary by Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations "will not contribute to any essential degradation of the team".
Anzhi Makhachkala have appointed Gadzhi Gadzhiev as their new coach after sacking Rene Meulensteen just 16 days after he replaced Guus Hiddink.
The 67-year-old, who has coached Anzhi on three separate occasions earlier in his career, takes over from the former Manchester United assistant coach amid turbulent times at the Russian club.
The news comes after club president Konstantin Remcukov took to his Twitter page to hint that the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Willian, Igor Denisov and Aleksandr Kokorin could all be sold as he looks to bring some financial stability to the club.
"The truth is that we will be reformatting the way Anzhi is run. Many expensive players will leave. The budget will be 50-70 million dollars (£32-46 million) a year," he tweeted.
The club's budget reached $180 million in 2011 and with billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov, Russia's 19th richest man, losing $375m in shares in fertiliser giant Uralkali on July 30, changes are set to be made.
Defeat to FC Rostov in the Russian Premier League last week, which leaves Anzhi in 13th place, saw Kerimov tell Sport Ekspress that the club was "not worth wasting nerves and health on".
However, the big-spending Russians have since released the following statement on their website regarding the situation, suggesting that any changes will not be wholesale.
"There is no discussion of any kind of mass selling-off of the football players or of any other measures discussed in the media. The club will respect all of the contractual obligations of its players."The team will be founded on long-term perspectives for the development of the club, which of course assumes certain changes in its team makeup."
The statement also added that the budget changes made necessary by Uefa's Financial Fair Play regulations "will not contribute to any essential degradation of the team".
Mourinho will add spice to Madrid-Chelsea clash, says Buyo
Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Paco Buyo says Jose Mourinho's presence as Chelsea coach will "add spice" to Wednesday night's International Champions Cup final clash between Blancos and Blues in Miami.
Buyo, who played 454 official games for Madrid and won five league titles between 1986 and 1997, will be an interested observer as his former club are reunited with Mourinho just over two months after the Portuguese left the Bernabeu following three years in charge.
"It will be a good match," the 55-year-old told Goal. "There will be a little bit of spice because Jose Mourinho is Chelsea's coach.
"But I don't think it's a vitally important game [for either team]. The two teams will use it to prepare their start to the league season, and the only thing is the added spice because Mourinho is coaching Chelsea and he is up against the team he was coaching up until two or three months ago: Real Madrid."
Buyo believes the nature of Mourinho's Madrid exit will make for an intriguing reunion, but he hopes the Portuguese and new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti are away from the spotlight on Wednesday.
"He left under something of a cloud, still under contract, with a certain amount of controversy, and that adds something extra to this match," he explained.
"But Mourinho and the coaches have to be on a second plane, the real architects are the footballers. They are the ones who play, who create the spectacle, and they are the ones the people pay to see."
Madrid's match against Chelsea kicks off in Miami at 21:00 local time (03:00 CET).
Former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Paco Buyo says Jose Mourinho's presence as Chelsea coach will "add spice" to Wednesday night's International Champions Cup final clash between Blancos and Blues in Miami.
Buyo, who played 454 official games for Madrid and won five league titles between 1986 and 1997, will be an interested observer as his former club are reunited with Mourinho just over two months after the Portuguese left the Bernabeu following three years in charge.
"It will be a good match," the 55-year-old told Goal. "There will be a little bit of spice because Jose Mourinho is Chelsea's coach.
"But I don't think it's a vitally important game [for either team]. The two teams will use it to prepare their start to the league season, and the only thing is the added spice because Mourinho is coaching Chelsea and he is up against the team he was coaching up until two or three months ago: Real Madrid."
Buyo believes the nature of Mourinho's Madrid exit will make for an intriguing reunion, but he hopes the Portuguese and new Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti are away from the spotlight on Wednesday.
"He left under something of a cloud, still under contract, with a certain amount of controversy, and that adds something extra to this match," he explained.
"But Mourinho and the coaches have to be on a second plane, the real architects are the footballers. They are the ones who play, who create the spectacle, and they are the ones the people pay to see."
Madrid's match against Chelsea kicks off in Miami at 21:00 local time (03:00 CET).
Gonzalo Rodriguez lauds Rossi-Gomez pairing
Fiorentina defender Gonzalo Rodriguez believes the club's strike pairing of Mario Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi will strike fear into the hearts of Serie A sides next season.
The 29-year-old is excited by the prospect of Rossi - who joined the club from Villarreal while still recovering from a knee injury last term and Gomez - a summer signing from Bayern Munich - operating alongside one another, while tipping Massimo Ambrosini's experience to be a huge boost to the Viola.
"Rossi is an incredible player and him and Gomez will form a great pairing which could become one of the best around," he told reporters.
"Ambrosini is 36-years-old and has won so many trophies over the last two decades. He has vast experience and has impressed me hugely."
Rodriguez also gave his views on his side's upcoming friendly with his former club Villarreal, as well as his future with Fiorentina.
"It’s strange. I was there for eight years, I have great memories. I still have many friends there," he continued.
"With regards to my future, i’m just thinking of playing football and doing my job. What happens, happens."
Finally, the Argentinian gave his thoughts on several other top strikers who have joined Serie A this summer, as well as reports linking goalkeeper Julio Cesar with a move to the club.
"The likes of [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Carlos] Tevez are great players that bring further quality to the Italian league. We all trust in Mario [Gomez] though," he added.
"[Norberto] Neto, [Gustavo] Munua and [Cristiano] Lupatelli are Fiorentina’s current goalkeepers and we have faith in them all."
Fiorentina defender Gonzalo Rodriguez believes the club's strike pairing of Mario Gomez and Giuseppe Rossi will strike fear into the hearts of Serie A sides next season.
The 29-year-old is excited by the prospect of Rossi - who joined the club from Villarreal while still recovering from a knee injury last term and Gomez - a summer signing from Bayern Munich - operating alongside one another, while tipping Massimo Ambrosini's experience to be a huge boost to the Viola.
"Rossi is an incredible player and him and Gomez will form a great pairing which could become one of the best around," he told reporters.
"Ambrosini is 36-years-old and has won so many trophies over the last two decades. He has vast experience and has impressed me hugely."
Rodriguez also gave his views on his side's upcoming friendly with his former club Villarreal, as well as his future with Fiorentina.
"It’s strange. I was there for eight years, I have great memories. I still have many friends there," he continued.
"With regards to my future, i’m just thinking of playing football and doing my job. What happens, happens."
Finally, the Argentinian gave his thoughts on several other top strikers who have joined Serie A this summer, as well as reports linking goalkeeper Julio Cesar with a move to the club.
"The likes of [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Carlos] Tevez are great players that bring further quality to the Italian league. We all trust in Mario [Gomez] though," he added.
"[Norberto] Neto, [Gustavo] Munua and [Cristiano] Lupatelli are Fiorentina’s current goalkeepers and we have faith in them all."
Subotic unhappy with Dortmund defence
Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic says the Champions League runners-up must defend better this season if they are to challenge for major trophies.
The 24-year-old, who has partnered Mats Hummels at the heart of the BVB defence since 2009, believes his side conceded too many goals last term and fears they will come up short if they fail to eradicate the problem.
"The 42 goals we conceded last season were, of course, too much," the Serbia international told Bild.
"This figure has sharpened the senses and made us realise we must defend better. This will not happen again, and we have done well in pre-season."
When Jurgen Klopp's team won consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 they conceded just 22 and 25 goals, respectively, and Subotic says that a dip in form was, perhaps, inevitable.
"Maybe this was always going to happen. We are only human," he continued.
"We got complacent and now we must focus again. I am confident that if we can stop the small errors it will be a successful season.
Subotic joined Dortmund from Mainz in the summer of 2008 and has gone on to make 188 appearances for the club, scoring on 15 occasions.
Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic says the Champions League runners-up must defend better this season if they are to challenge for major trophies.
The 24-year-old, who has partnered Mats Hummels at the heart of the BVB defence since 2009, believes his side conceded too many goals last term and fears they will come up short if they fail to eradicate the problem.
"The 42 goals we conceded last season were, of course, too much," the Serbia international told Bild.
"This figure has sharpened the senses and made us realise we must defend better. This will not happen again, and we have done well in pre-season."
When Jurgen Klopp's team won consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012 they conceded just 22 and 25 goals, respectively, and Subotic says that a dip in form was, perhaps, inevitable.
"Maybe this was always going to happen. We are only human," he continued.
"We got complacent and now we must focus again. I am confident that if we can stop the small errors it will be a successful season.
Subotic joined Dortmund from Mainz in the summer of 2008 and has gone on to make 188 appearances for the club, scoring on 15 occasions.
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