..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo the world's most marketable footballer

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most marketable footballer in the world, according to a top global sports marketing research group.

The Real Madrid attacker pipped Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or in January and edges out the Argentine in Repucom's top 10 trend-setters in the game today.

“Ronaldo is an endorser’s dream," the company's CEO, Paul Smith, stated.

"His value is as important to the teams he plays for as they are for the companies that endorse him.

"Global awareness of Ronaldo is what drives his commercial power and with over 82 million Facebook likes and 26m Twitter followers, he is also one of the most liked in the business.”

Messi is a close second to Ronaldo, while the Argentine's Barcelona team-mate, Gerard Pique, who has a child with pop star Shakira, occupies third place.

Even more surprisingly, Chelsea's much-maligned forward Fernando Torres is fourth in the rankings, just ahead of England international Wayne Rooney.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is sixth, just ahead of another Blaugrana player (the fourth in total), Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas stands eighth, ahead of the only two players in the top 10 not plying their trade in either Spain or England: Paris Saint-Germain ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic and New York Red Bulls veteran Thierry Henry.

Repucom emply a marketing measurement tool that analyses the perceptions of over 6,500 people in 13 international territories, thus representing the views of more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.

 

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I'm ready to replace Sagna at Arsenal, insists Jenkinson

Carl Jenkinson believes he can be the man to replace Manchester City-bound Bacary Sagna at Arsenal.

Sagna's contract expires this summer and Goal revealed last week that the Frenchman has opened formal talks with the Premier League champions, with both parties confident of reaching an agreement.

And Jenkinson, who made 22 appearances in all competitions last season, is confident he can fill the void left by Sagna next season.

"I feel that I am ready for it [starting at right-back]," Jenkinson told the London Evening Standard."It is never going to be easy to nail down that spot but I believe in myself and I believe in my ability.

"I want that position to be mine for years to come. Of course I have got a long way to go, because this is a club who look for the best players in the world."If I am going to hold down the position for as long as I want to, I have got a lot of hard work on my hands. But I believe in myself.

"I am the sort of player who needs to play regularly to get the best out of me. My fitness and my athleticism is a big part of my game, getting up and down the pitch.
"It is difficult to show what I can do when I am not playing regularly because it is hard to get into a rhythm."

Jenkinson has been linked with a loan move away from the Emirates Stadium, but is determined to stay at Arsenal and fight for a regular place."As far as I am concerned, you will have to drag me out of this club before I leave," he added. "I will work my socks off and hopefully next season can be a big one for me.

"If I have a good pre-season, work my way into the team and get a good run of games, there will be no holding me back.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ozil: I want to become Germany legend at World Cup

Mesut Ozil insists he wants to become a legend this summer by winning the World Cup with Germany.

Ozil heads into the tournament on the back of a season which saw him notch five goals and nine assists in 26 Premier League games for Arsenal, as well as winning the FA Cup to end the club's nine-year trophy drought.

But the 25-year-old has yet to taste success at senior international level, with Germany's last major triumph coming some 18 years ago at Euro 96 in England.

It is a long barren spell for a country which boasts three World Cup wins, and Ozil says he is driven by the desire to match the achievements of past greats such as Fritz Walter, Wolfgang Overath and Lothar Matthaus.

"Those three are legends in German football," he told Sport Bild. "They won so many titles and they represent an era. I admire what they achieved and I know they were the type of player I am.

"I see myself as a traditional playmaker. There won't be many of them at the World Cup. If I look at the other teams I might even be the last one.


"I would like to follow their example and become a legend, too. And whoever wants to be a legend has to win the cup. We travel to Brazil to make that dream come true.

"To be honest, and I am saying this now just for me personally: Everything other than the trophy would be a disappointment. If we look back to the Euros it has been two years since we lost an official match.

"Germany deserves to finally win the trophy."

 

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Wilshere expects to be fit for World Cup

England midfielder Jack Wilshere expects to be match fit for the World Cup despite not having started a game since March.

The 22-year-old fractured his foot during the Three Lions' 1-0 friendly win over Denmark that month and has been restricted to just two substitute appearances so far since his return.

England face friendlies with Peru, Honduras and Ecuador prior to the World Cup, games that Wilshere is keen to use as exercises to help him return to full fitness.

"I'm not match fit. The only way you get match fit is by playing matches," he told The Sun. "So I'm as fit as I can be without playing matches.

"I've done as much as I can, now I just need a few games. It's a different kind of fitness - it comes back quickly.

"If I play in a few of the friendlies, I'll definitely be match fit."

Included in the 23-man squad for the tournament despite his injury concerns, Wilshere is delighted to have been given a show of faith by manager Roy Hodgson.

"I was nervous. I would have been devastated if I hadn't gone but it's a great feeling," he enthused.

"I wasn't fit towards the end of the season so it was a bit touch and go. I think the boss at England knew that but he had been speaking to Arsene Wenger and he came to the decision that I should go. I'm delighted."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Everton consider Welbeck as Lukaku alternative

Everton are considering a move for Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck as Roberto Martinez prepares for life without Romelu Lukaku, Goal can reveal.

The Toffees are resigned to losing Lukaku, who fired them to fifth in the table with 15 goals in 31 league games during a hugely productive loan spell, and are assessing other realistic attacking targets, with Welbeck at the top of the list.

The England striker became concerned over his long-term future at Old Trafford under former manager David Moyes, with the 23-year-old struggling for regular game-time during the Scot's ill-fated reign.

Speaking on Monday, Welbeck revealed his frustrations at being used out wide, rather than his prefered central role and refused to confirm that he definitely intends to remain in Manchester.

Goal understands the United striker is, however, willing to fight for his place under new boss Louis van Gaal, although with Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney ahead of him in the pecking order, regular first-team opportunities may continue to be difficult to come by.

Van Gaal has already consulted assistant boss Ryan Giggs over several first-team squad members and although the Welshman is a fan of Welbeck, he could be offloaded as the club aim to raise funds for a summer splurge, with targets including the likes of Kevin Strootman and Edinson Cavani.

United could even use Welbeck as a sweetener in any potential deal for Ross Barkley, who Everton are adamant is not for sale despite interest from the Red Devils and other Premier League rivals.

England international Welbeck's modest wages of £54,000-a-week make him an affordable target for the Toffees, while the club are also working on a permanent deal for Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry following his own successful loan spell.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea make Pogba top transfer target

Chelsea have made Paul Pogba their top midfield target this summer, Goal can reveal.

The France international has been the subject of serious interest from Real Madrid and Paris Sain-Germain, with the French champions reported to be leading the chase for him.

However, Londoners are willing to use the €49 million raised by the sale of David Luiz to PSG to part-fund a bid for the former Manchester United man.

Goal understands that Juventus are determined to keep hold of the 21-year-old but could be tempted into a sale were they to receive an offer in the region of €80m.

Jose Mourinho has made it clear to the Chelsea hierarchy that he wants a marquee central midfielder to partner January signing Nemanja Matic next season.

Pogba has established himself at Juve following his free transfer from United two years ago and was a key player in the club's Serie A triumph this season.

Mourinho is convinced that the France international, 21, will develop into one of the world's finest midfielders and can be a driving force for Chelsea next season.

The Blues have already made discreet enquiries for Pogba and believe that he could be open to a return to the Premier League.

The midfielder has said that he wants to stay in Turin but his agent, Mino Raiola, has spoken of the possibility of him leaving the Italian champions.

Chelsea have freed up a place in their squad and on their wage bill after announcing on Friday that they had agreed to sell Luiz to PSG, subject to a medical and personal terms.

The west Londoners are expected to be active in the transfer market this summer as Mourinho builds a team whom he thinks can make an even stronger challenge next season for Premier League and Champions League glory.

As revealed by Goal, the west Londoners have already agreed a €43m deal for Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa and they are now focusing their attention on central midfield.

Chelsea now want to bring in a dominant player there, capable of scoring goals, with Frank Lampard, who is in talks over a one-year contract extension, expected to feature even less next season should he agree fresh terms.

They are also considering Tottenham's Paulinho, who is highly regarded by Mourinho despite a mixed first campaign in England following his €20m switch from Corinthians.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

SAF karapu lokuma mistake 1kak thamai Pogba wa sell karapu 1ka

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola is happy at Bayern Munich, insists Nadal

Former Barcelona defender Miguel Angel Nadal has laughed off suggestions that Pep Guardiola is unhappy at Bayern Munich.

A number of recent reports suggested that Guardiola could be on his way out of Bayern this summer after he received criticism following the Bavarians' Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Nevertheless, Nadal - who played alongside Guardiola at Barca between 1991 and 1999 - has insisted his former team-mate is happy with life at his current club.

"Is Guardiola happy at Bayern? Absolutely," Nadal was quoted as saying by the official Bundesliga website.

"After leaving Barcelona, it was very important to Pep to join the right club. One that matched his own standards and aspirations. And Bayern are one of the best football addresses in the world game.

"I got to know Pep as a fairly straightforward kind of guy. He always demanded a lot of himself, especially at work. Although football isn't just his job, he loves it and he'll leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of success.

"We're close friends, he's a good bloke, tapped into his emotions and a family man. For all the success he's had, he's remained human."

Guardiola guided Bayern to the domestic double in his first season at the Allianz Arena.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van der Vaart ruled out of World Cup

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal will have to make do without the services of Rafael van der Vaart at the 2014 World Cup due to a calf injury.

Van der Vaart picked up the knock during Tuesday's training session at Netherlands' camp in Portugal and he has now been ruled out of the finals as a result.

The 31-year-old was widely expected to make Holland's final 23-man squad for the tournament in Brazil, but his physical problems will now prevent him from making it to the third World Cup of his career after previously featuring in 2006 and 2010.

Van der Vaart was the most experienced player in Oranje's squad, having made 109 appearances for the national side since making his debut under Van Gaal back in 2001.

The Hamburg star's withdrawals is yet another blow for the 2010 World Cup runners-up after the previously confirmed absence of Kevin Strootman and Gregory van der Wiel due to injury, too.

The midfielder will likely be replaced by either PSV skipper Georginio Wijnaldum or Feyenoord youngster Tonny Vilhena.

Netherlands meet Spain, Australia and Chile in Group B this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giroud: I'm in contract negotiations with Arsenal

Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has revealed that he is in negotiations with the club with a view to extending his contract beyond 2016.

The 27-year-old scored 22 goals last season in all competitions as Arsene Wenger's side again secured Champions League qualification and ended their nine-year wait for a trophy by winning the FA Cup final against Hull City.

Giroud, who signed from Montpellier for €12 million two summers ago, has become an integral part of the Arsenal side since the departure of Robin van Persie and is intent on building on recent successes.

"I have two years left on my contract [until June 2016] but we are in negotiations to extend. For now, I am here. There are many great things to do," he told footmercato.net.

"I feel comfortable in the Premier League. My first season not too bad, I had a pretty good second. I hope to do even better [next season]. I am progressing from year to year, the same as the team."

Giroud was part of the Montpellier team who made history by winning Ligue 1 in 2011-12, his performance as top scorer earning his move to the Emirates Stadium.

He scored two goals for France on Monday night as Les Bleus warmed up for the World Cup with a 4-0 friendly victory over Norway.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain still hungry for success, says Iniesta

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has insisted that Spain are still hungry for success as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup.

Vicente del Bosque's men will be looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their world title and Iniesta is confident Spain have what it takes to go far at this summer's tournament in Brazil.

"We’ll be on a different stage, it’s a different moment but what hasn’t changed is our determination to do things well," Iniesta told reporters.

"We’ve got an extra, additional responsibility this time – we’re the defending champions; we’ll be going to Brazil hoping to play an important role.

"We’ve got a great side to be able to do that and like before, we’ll be taking it one step at a time."

Spain meet Netherlands, Chile and Australia in Group B at this summer's finals.

Their tournament kicks off against the Dutch on June 13 in Salvador.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer dies at 85

Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has died at the age of 85.

The American businessman, who also owns American football franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, passed away on Wednesday.

A statement on the Buccaneers' website confirmed: "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of Owner/President Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85."

Glazer purchased United in 2005, with the Red Devils going on to win five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup under his stewardship.

And the club expressed expressed their condolences to the Glazer family in a short statement on their website, which read: "The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with the Glazer family tonight following the news that Malcolm Glazer has passed away.

"Malcolm leaves behind his wife Linda, six children and 14 grandchildren. Staff at Manchester United extend deep and sincere condolences to them all at this difficult time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

R.I.P Malcolm Glazer!​

 

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Tottenham appoint Mauricio Pochettino as head coach

congratz pochettino

 

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Van Persie: Spain are still the best in the world

Group B patta Spain,Netherlands,chile

 

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I'm ready to replace Sagna at Arsenal, insists Jenkinson

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Jenkinson hariyanne naehodha right-back kenek ganna wenawa

 

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Ozil: I want to become Germany legend at World Cup

 

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Chelsea make Pogba top transfer target

pogbawa sell karayida

SAF karapu lokuma mistake 1kak thamai Pogba wa sell karapu 1ka

 

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Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer dies at 85

R.I.P

 

[unicornx]

Forza Espana...Phone ekat anduwa Spain Jersey ekak