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Wenger: Walcott injury could force Alexis tinkering
Arsene Wenger admits he may be forced to tinker with Alexis Sanchez's role at Arsenal because of Theo Walcott's injury.
Walcott ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in an FA Cup clash with Tottenham at the turn of the year but returned to training earlier this week as the Gunners step up their preparations for the new season.
However, Wenger says Walcott is still injured and claims he may have to play his new €40 million signing from Barcelona on the right flank instead of through the middle at the start of the season to compensate.
“He can play through the middle, he can play on both flanks and he has the qualities that I think are needed in England,” he told Arsenal's official website. “He's brave, works hard and all these qualities together made me go for him.
“At the moment he might play on the flank because Walcott is injured. As well [he can play] through the middle in some games; we can play with Giroud, we can play without Giroud in a 4-4-2 or in a 4-3-3.
“That's why he is a major signing for us [and] that's why we spend a lot of money on him. He has the quality to be efficient everywhere he plays.”
Wenger also feels Sanchez's natural desire to improve will stand him in good stead once the 2014-15 season kicks off.
“We have seen at the World Cup the South American teams have shown a great passion, great desire and true love for the game,” he added. “That is a very important quality in the success of a player.
“Our society maybe doesn't give a natural toughness anymore as much as South American society does and it's always an asset in your life when you have to work hard to get where you are. It means at least you are capable of finding the resources to do it.”
Arsene Wenger admits he may be forced to tinker with Alexis Sanchez's role at Arsenal because of Theo Walcott's injury.
Walcott ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in an FA Cup clash with Tottenham at the turn of the year but returned to training earlier this week as the Gunners step up their preparations for the new season.
However, Wenger says Walcott is still injured and claims he may have to play his new €40 million signing from Barcelona on the right flank instead of through the middle at the start of the season to compensate.
“He can play through the middle, he can play on both flanks and he has the qualities that I think are needed in England,” he told Arsenal's official website. “He's brave, works hard and all these qualities together made me go for him.
“At the moment he might play on the flank because Walcott is injured. As well [he can play] through the middle in some games; we can play with Giroud, we can play without Giroud in a 4-4-2 or in a 4-3-3.
“That's why he is a major signing for us [and] that's why we spend a lot of money on him. He has the quality to be efficient everywhere he plays.”
Wenger also feels Sanchez's natural desire to improve will stand him in good stead once the 2014-15 season kicks off.
“We have seen at the World Cup the South American teams have shown a great passion, great desire and true love for the game,” he added. “That is a very important quality in the success of a player.
“Our society maybe doesn't give a natural toughness anymore as much as South American society does and it's always an asset in your life when you have to work hard to get where you are. It means at least you are capable of finding the resources to do it.”
Official: Chelsea sign Filipe Luis
Chelsea have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid on a three-year deal, the Premier League club have confirmed.
Luis will wear the No.5 shirt and will fill the void left by Ashley Cole, who departed Stamford Bridge after eight years on a free transfer this summer to join Roma.
"This move is a dream come true for me. I now have the opportunity to play for Chelsea, and also in the Premier League," said the 28-year-old left-back.
"I’m very happy and looking forward to getting started and giving my best for the team during the coming seasons."
The Brazilian won four trophies in as many seasons at Atletico Madrid and played a key role in last season's remarkable Liga triumph and Champions League run, though he could not earn a place in Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup squad.
Filipe Luis becomes the third member of that Atletico side to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, after Diego Costa completed a €44m move earlier this month and Thibaut Courtois returned from a two-year loan spell.
Chelsea have completed the signing of Brazilian defender Filipe Luis from Atletico Madrid on a three-year deal, the Premier League club have confirmed.
Luis will wear the No.5 shirt and will fill the void left by Ashley Cole, who departed Stamford Bridge after eight years on a free transfer this summer to join Roma.
"This move is a dream come true for me. I now have the opportunity to play for Chelsea, and also in the Premier League," said the 28-year-old left-back.
"I’m very happy and looking forward to getting started and giving my best for the team during the coming seasons."
The Brazilian won four trophies in as many seasons at Atletico Madrid and played a key role in last season's remarkable Liga triumph and Champions League run, though he could not earn a place in Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup squad.
Filipe Luis becomes the third member of that Atletico side to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, after Diego Costa completed a €44m move earlier this month and Thibaut Courtois returned from a two-year loan spell.
Ow machan competition 1kak yai wage
Khedira sure nae machan Chelsea th try karanawane.
Ow aiya Benatia City interest 1kak nehah ehemada.. ganna puluwan num supiri.. Benatia deal eka hari yanna nathin nisa wenna athi varane ganna try keranna..!
anith 1ka Jose Mourinho hodata Varane gana dannawane
Dan thiyana situation 1ka hatiyata Varane thamai top favouriteMa sarath Chelsea hodna deals tiakak da gatta.. Costa , Fabrgas ,Filipe Luís..
mama godak kamathi Filipe luis ta.. last season dekema LB position eka honda player kenek hetiya na.. not a selfish play... and good crosser with nice pace..
habi Fabrigas Oscar, Schurrle waga selfish wunoth gatta eken wadak nathi wenawa...
thawa defender kenek ona.. Ivanovic tath CB gahanna puluwan nisa echcharama awulak na.. habi thawa defender kenek hetiya num hondai..!
My starting team...!
------------------Cech ------------------
Ivanović --- - Cahill ----Terry---- Filipe luis
-------------Matic----------Oscar---------
William-----------Fabregas --------Hazard
------------------Costa------------------
balamu mokak weida kiyala& Chelsea side 1ka dan thawath strong
Lahm retires from international football
Lahm retire wena 1kanam aparade& mama asama defender kenek
Schneiderlin or Lars Bender aniwa ganna oneArsenal open talks over Schneiderlin move
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Sabella to decide Argentina future before next week
Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella says he will make a decision on his future over the weekend.
The 59-year-old guided the Albiceleste to their first World Cup final in 24 years in Brazil this summer, where they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra-time.
Sabella has now revealed he will consider his role with the side in the coming days and will only continue if he feels he can sustain his level of energy.
"First of all, I don't know what the idea of the AFA [Argentine Football Association] is about my future, and I have to rest a few days. I won’t hold things up much because I'm a responsible person. I'll think about it this weekend and I'll call [AFA president] Julio Grondona to meet him," he said to TV channels C5N and TyC Sports.
"I will only continue being the manager if I can give 100 per cent of my energy, as I ask of my players."
Sabella went on to praise the contribution of Lionel Messi at the World Cup, claiming the Golden Ball winner was selfless in his performances as he sought to get the best out of his team-mates.
"Messi is a good example of what the team has done. He thought plural and not singular, the team before him, to give before receiving," said Sabella.
"He made a huge sacrifice being the best player in the world. He's been a really important support for us to move past the first round, and he understood that in the other part of the tournament it was necessary to change our way of playing.
"We have to applaud him, we have to congratulate Messi because he sacrificed himself for the team. Thank you for being Argentine, thank you for choosing to play for Argentina and thank you for being always able to play."
Sabella added that he has yet to watch back the final defeat to Germany, brought about by Mario Gotze's 113th-minute volley, but admitted his side had the chances to win.
"I've not seen the match against Germany again. I want to rest. We could have won that match," he said.
"I congratulate Germany because they have been the best team."
Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella says he will make a decision on his future over the weekend.
The 59-year-old guided the Albiceleste to their first World Cup final in 24 years in Brazil this summer, where they were beaten 1-0 by Germany after extra-time.
Sabella has now revealed he will consider his role with the side in the coming days and will only continue if he feels he can sustain his level of energy.
"First of all, I don't know what the idea of the AFA [Argentine Football Association] is about my future, and I have to rest a few days. I won’t hold things up much because I'm a responsible person. I'll think about it this weekend and I'll call [AFA president] Julio Grondona to meet him," he said to TV channels C5N and TyC Sports.
"I will only continue being the manager if I can give 100 per cent of my energy, as I ask of my players."
Sabella went on to praise the contribution of Lionel Messi at the World Cup, claiming the Golden Ball winner was selfless in his performances as he sought to get the best out of his team-mates.
"Messi is a good example of what the team has done. He thought plural and not singular, the team before him, to give before receiving," said Sabella.
"He made a huge sacrifice being the best player in the world. He's been a really important support for us to move past the first round, and he understood that in the other part of the tournament it was necessary to change our way of playing.
"We have to applaud him, we have to congratulate Messi because he sacrificed himself for the team. Thank you for being Argentine, thank you for choosing to play for Argentina and thank you for being always able to play."
Sabella added that he has yet to watch back the final defeat to Germany, brought about by Mario Gotze's 113th-minute volley, but admitted his side had the chances to win.
"I've not seen the match against Germany again. I want to rest. We could have won that match," he said.
"I congratulate Germany because they have been the best team."
Morata excited for 'new adventure' as he arrives for Juventus medical
Alvaro Morata says he is excited to start his "new adventure" in Serie A after arriving in Turin to complete his transfer from Real Madrid to Juventus.
The 21-year-old has long been expected to complete a move to the Italian champions after seeing first-team football hard to come by under Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish capital last season.
Morata has now arrived in Italy to complete a medical on Wednesday and the Spain Under-21 striker says he is looking forward to life with the Bianconeri.
"I am very happy to be here," he told Sky Sport Italia on his arrival.
"I will have my medical tomorrow and can't wait to start my new adventure."
Juventus also took the time to welcome Morata to the club, posting a picture of the player wearing a Juve scarf through their official Twitter account.
Morata's transfer is expected to cost €18 million, with Madrid including a buyback option in the player's contract.
Alvaro Morata says he is excited to start his "new adventure" in Serie A after arriving in Turin to complete his transfer from Real Madrid to Juventus.
The 21-year-old has long been expected to complete a move to the Italian champions after seeing first-team football hard to come by under Carlo Ancelotti in the Spanish capital last season.
Morata has now arrived in Italy to complete a medical on Wednesday and the Spain Under-21 striker says he is looking forward to life with the Bianconeri.
"I am very happy to be here," he told Sky Sport Italia on his arrival.
"I will have my medical tomorrow and can't wait to start my new adventure."
Juventus also took the time to welcome Morata to the club, posting a picture of the player wearing a Juve scarf through their official Twitter account.
Morata's transfer is expected to cost €18 million, with Madrid including a buyback option in the player's contract.
I want to emulate 'Barca's best ever' Valdes, says Masip
Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip says he is looking forward to the competition for the No.1 shirt next season as he looks to emulate Victor Valdes, whom he believes to be the best keeper in the club's history.
The Spain international, currently sidelined with a knee injury, opted to leave Camp Nou this year at the end of his contract after a remarkable 12 years in the senior side, during which time he won 21 major titles - including three Champions Leagues.
Barca moved quickly to replace the 32-year-old, bringing in Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo, while new head coach Luis Enrique made it clear B team stalwart Masip would be part of his plans for the 2014-15 campaign.
And Masip says he is relishing the prospect of fighting for the first team - especially since Valdes himself named him as his potential long-term successor.
"What Victor said flatters me a lot. I have a lot of respect for him, he is a mirror in which I look at myself," he told reporters.
"I will try to someday achieve what he has. I know it will be difficult because he is the best keeper in Barca's history and an idol for me.
"I'm very excited to get some minutes and to help the team win every title, play a good game and make the fans happy.
"I've always played with competition, ever since I was young. It's good because it helps you improve.
"He's [Ter Stegen] a good guy who wants to learn a lot, to learn Catalan and Castillian. He's a very good goalkeeper with good footwork, strong in the air and with plenty of room to grow."
Masip, who worked with Luis Enrique during the former midfielder's time as B team coach at Camp Nou, said the club's new head coach has evolved during his time with Roma and Celta Vigo in recent seasons.
"The idea is the same as when we were in the B team, the same intensity and enthusiasm. The idea is the same but something has evolved, as he has been at more teams.
"But he has a great character, he helps us a lot, he talks to us."
Finally, Masip admitted he was relishing the prospect of Luis Suarez's arrival at the club and refused to comment on the Uruguayan's four-month ban from football for biting during the World Cup.
"I will not judge the penalty because it's a matter for the club. I want him here as soon as possible to help the team and give a lot of joy."
Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip says he is looking forward to the competition for the No.1 shirt next season as he looks to emulate Victor Valdes, whom he believes to be the best keeper in the club's history.
The Spain international, currently sidelined with a knee injury, opted to leave Camp Nou this year at the end of his contract after a remarkable 12 years in the senior side, during which time he won 21 major titles - including three Champions Leagues.
Barca moved quickly to replace the 32-year-old, bringing in Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo, while new head coach Luis Enrique made it clear B team stalwart Masip would be part of his plans for the 2014-15 campaign.
And Masip says he is relishing the prospect of fighting for the first team - especially since Valdes himself named him as his potential long-term successor.
"What Victor said flatters me a lot. I have a lot of respect for him, he is a mirror in which I look at myself," he told reporters.
"I will try to someday achieve what he has. I know it will be difficult because he is the best keeper in Barca's history and an idol for me.
"I'm very excited to get some minutes and to help the team win every title, play a good game and make the fans happy.
"I've always played with competition, ever since I was young. It's good because it helps you improve.
"He's [Ter Stegen] a good guy who wants to learn a lot, to learn Catalan and Castillian. He's a very good goalkeeper with good footwork, strong in the air and with plenty of room to grow."
Masip, who worked with Luis Enrique during the former midfielder's time as B team coach at Camp Nou, said the club's new head coach has evolved during his time with Roma and Celta Vigo in recent seasons.
"The idea is the same as when we were in the B team, the same intensity and enthusiasm. The idea is the same but something has evolved, as he has been at more teams.
"But he has a great character, he helps us a lot, he talks to us."
Finally, Masip admitted he was relishing the prospect of Luis Suarez's arrival at the club and refused to comment on the Uruguayan's four-month ban from football for biting during the World Cup.
"I will not judge the penalty because it's a matter for the club. I want him here as soon as possible to help the team and give a lot of joy."
West Brom sign Brown Ideye for club record fee
West Brom have confirmed they have signed Nigeria international Brown Ideye from Dynamo Kiev for a club record fee.
The 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract at the Hawthorns and will wear the No.9 shirt after agreeing personal terms and completing a medical.
Head coach Alan Irvine says the striker will bring great experience to the West Brom attack as he becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer in a deal believed to be worth in the region of €12 million.
"Brown is a quality striker and I'm looking forward to working with him," he told the club's official website.
"He's a strong, quick, powerful player who likes to get in behind defences and has plenty of Champions League and international experience."
Ideye joins the club from Dynamo Kiev, where he spent three seasons, scoring 34 goals in 74 appearances and technical director Terry Burton is backing him to bring goals to the Hawthorns.
"It is a fantastic signing because of the quality and the potential of the player," he added.
"I can see that he really wants to be here and that he really wants to be playing in the Premier League.
"He's a dynamic player who likes to get in behind defenders and he has the pace to do so.
"He gets himself into good scoring positions in the box and if there are opportunities then he will get on the end of them.
"We're looking forward to seeing him play for the club and scoring goals."
Ideye has 23 senior caps for Nigeria, though he missed out on the World Cup this summer.
West Brom have confirmed they have signed Nigeria international Brown Ideye from Dynamo Kiev for a club record fee.
The 25-year-old has signed a three-year contract at the Hawthorns and will wear the No.9 shirt after agreeing personal terms and completing a medical.
Head coach Alan Irvine says the striker will bring great experience to the West Brom attack as he becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer in a deal believed to be worth in the region of €12 million.
"Brown is a quality striker and I'm looking forward to working with him," he told the club's official website.
"He's a strong, quick, powerful player who likes to get in behind defences and has plenty of Champions League and international experience."
Ideye joins the club from Dynamo Kiev, where he spent three seasons, scoring 34 goals in 74 appearances and technical director Terry Burton is backing him to bring goals to the Hawthorns.
"It is a fantastic signing because of the quality and the potential of the player," he added.
"I can see that he really wants to be here and that he really wants to be playing in the Premier League.
"He's a dynamic player who likes to get in behind defenders and he has the pace to do so.
"He gets himself into good scoring positions in the box and if there are opportunities then he will get on the end of them.
"We're looking forward to seeing him play for the club and scoring goals."
Ideye has 23 senior caps for Nigeria, though he missed out on the World Cup this summer.
Robinho in talks to follow Kaka to Orlando City
Robinho could be set to follow Kaka from AC Milan to Orlando City, his agent has confirmed.
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani stated last week that talks with the MLS club over the Brazilian had taken place, though he warned any potential deal was some way off being agreed.
Compatriot Kaka has already finalised a deal to join the Florida-based side ahead of the 2015 MLS season after spending six months on loan with Sao Paulo, and the former Manchester City man's representative has now revealed a loan or permanent transfer could be on the cards.
"There has been a formal offer from Orlando City, as confirmed by Adriano Galliani," Marisa Ramos told Globoesporte.
"The two parties are negotiating. If the move does go through, moving to Brazil for six months first is certainly an option. He couldn't go six months without playing.
"His contract with Milan expires in 2016 and discussions are at initial stages. He could be loaned to Orlando City or even sold. We'll listen to the proposals and see what is to be done."
The 30-year-old Robinho joined Milan from Manchester City in 2010 for an €18 million fee, but has struggled to secure a starting spot in the past two seasons at San Siro.
Robinho could be set to follow Kaka from AC Milan to Orlando City, his agent has confirmed.
AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani stated last week that talks with the MLS club over the Brazilian had taken place, though he warned any potential deal was some way off being agreed.
Compatriot Kaka has already finalised a deal to join the Florida-based side ahead of the 2015 MLS season after spending six months on loan with Sao Paulo, and the former Manchester City man's representative has now revealed a loan or permanent transfer could be on the cards.
"There has been a formal offer from Orlando City, as confirmed by Adriano Galliani," Marisa Ramos told Globoesporte.
"The two parties are negotiating. If the move does go through, moving to Brazil for six months first is certainly an option. He couldn't go six months without playing.
"His contract with Milan expires in 2016 and discussions are at initial stages. He could be loaned to Orlando City or even sold. We'll listen to the proposals and see what is to be done."
The 30-year-old Robinho joined Milan from Manchester City in 2010 for an €18 million fee, but has struggled to secure a starting spot in the past two seasons at San Siro.
Hearts 1-2 Manchester City: Sinclair and Kolarov earn first pre-season win for Pellegrini
Manchester City registered their first victory of pre-season as they saw off Hearts 2-0 on Friday.
After an even start, City took the lead in the 25th minute as Alvaro Negredo, previously marked out of the game by the hosts' attentive back line, found space to slip in an excellent ball for Scott Sinclair to finish.
The Spain international limped off injured just before the break, though, and became one of 10 half-time changes as Pellegrini looked to wrap up the game.
Hearts got back in it, though, midway through the second period with a lightning counterattack. After new City signing Fernando lost the ball, Dale Carrick played a splitting pass through the centre-backs onto which ran Osman Sow to thrash it past Willy Caballero.
But the English champions found a winner from the penalty spot. After youngster Emyr Huws was brought down, Aleksandar Kolarov buried the spot kick to give City their first win of the summer.
Manchester City registered their first victory of pre-season as they saw off Hearts 2-0 on Friday.
After an even start, City took the lead in the 25th minute as Alvaro Negredo, previously marked out of the game by the hosts' attentive back line, found space to slip in an excellent ball for Scott Sinclair to finish.
The Spain international limped off injured just before the break, though, and became one of 10 half-time changes as Pellegrini looked to wrap up the game.
Hearts got back in it, though, midway through the second period with a lightning counterattack. After new City signing Fernando lost the ball, Dale Carrick played a splitting pass through the centre-backs onto which ran Osman Sow to thrash it past Willy Caballero.
But the English champions found a winner from the penalty spot. After youngster Emyr Huws was brought down, Aleksandar Kolarov buried the spot kick to give City their first win of the summer.
Godak durata oya dennama ganna chance 1ka thiyanawa broSchneiderlin or Lars Bender aniwa ganna one
Joao Miranda Chelsea join wei kiyala thiyanawa aluthma reports wala& D.Drogba geth Chelsea return 1kak wenna puluwan kiyalath kiyanawa
& D.Drogba geth Chelsea return 1kak wenna puluwan kiyalath kiyanawa
Fabregas didn't want Arsenal return - Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims Cesc Fabregas wanted to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, rather than return to former club Arsenal.
The Spain international completed his move to the Blues in June from Barcelona for a fee believed to be in the region of €38 million.
Former side Arsenal did have the option to re-sign the midfielder but opted against activating the buyback clause in his Barcelona contract, though Mourinho insists that Fabregas was never interested in rejoining the Gunners.
"I spoke with him for 20 minutes," said Mourinho, speaking in his role as a football expert and ambassador for BT Sport.
"I think he really wanted to come to us. As you know, Arsenal had an option where they could interfere but I think he was not open to that. He was very much in our direction. It was an easy job for me."
Fabregas will be joined at Chelsea by Atletico Madrid duo Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, with Mourinho thrilled by his club's dealings in the transfer market, which he says are now "closed".
"I have to say my club did a fantastic job and not just because of what we bought but a fantastic job because we did it almost in record time," the Portuguese added.
"The market closes at August 31 and we close our market on July 19. We finished our market. The club did fantastic. We knew the targets, we knew the players.
"The club attacked them and their clubs at a very early stage. We got exactly what we need. The squad is a squad I like very much."
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims Cesc Fabregas wanted to move to Stamford Bridge this summer, rather than return to former club Arsenal.
The Spain international completed his move to the Blues in June from Barcelona for a fee believed to be in the region of €38 million.
Former side Arsenal did have the option to re-sign the midfielder but opted against activating the buyback clause in his Barcelona contract, though Mourinho insists that Fabregas was never interested in rejoining the Gunners.
"I spoke with him for 20 minutes," said Mourinho, speaking in his role as a football expert and ambassador for BT Sport.
"I think he really wanted to come to us. As you know, Arsenal had an option where they could interfere but I think he was not open to that. He was very much in our direction. It was an easy job for me."
Fabregas will be joined at Chelsea by Atletico Madrid duo Diego Costa and Filipe Luis, with Mourinho thrilled by his club's dealings in the transfer market, which he says are now "closed".
"I have to say my club did a fantastic job and not just because of what we bought but a fantastic job because we did it almost in record time," the Portuguese added.
"The market closes at August 31 and we close our market on July 19. We finished our market. The club did fantastic. We knew the targets, we knew the players.
"The club attacked them and their clubs at a very early stage. We got exactly what we need. The squad is a squad I like very much."
Ibrahimovic: Lahm has gone out on top
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has defended Philipp Lahm's decision to retire from international football with Germany, claiming he has gone out on top.
The 30-year-old defender shocked many when he announced his retirement from international football on Friday, less than a week after die Mannschaft defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup in Brazil.
However, Ibrahimovic, speaking after Paris Saint-Germain's 4-2 pre-season defeat to Red Bull Leipzig on Friday, believes the 113-cap veteran and Bayern Munich skipper bowed out at precisely the right time."I don't know what to say because he won the World Cup, so why not?" the Sweden striker told reporters.
"He did his job and to stop now is the best way, if he wants to stop. But it's his own decision and you stop when you're on top."He can't give more than this, so I think he finished nicely."
Lahm ends his international career as Germany's fourth most capped player in history, with only Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Lothar Matthaus boasting a greater number of appearances.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has defended Philipp Lahm's decision to retire from international football with Germany, claiming he has gone out on top.
The 30-year-old defender shocked many when he announced his retirement from international football on Friday, less than a week after die Mannschaft defeated Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup in Brazil.
However, Ibrahimovic, speaking after Paris Saint-Germain's 4-2 pre-season defeat to Red Bull Leipzig on Friday, believes the 113-cap veteran and Bayern Munich skipper bowed out at precisely the right time."I don't know what to say because he won the World Cup, so why not?" the Sweden striker told reporters.
"He did his job and to stop now is the best way, if he wants to stop. But it's his own decision and you stop when you're on top."He can't give more than this, so I think he finished nicely."
Lahm ends his international career as Germany's fourth most capped player in history, with only Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose and Lothar Matthaus boasting a greater number of appearances.
Juventus are still Serie A favourites without Conte - Benitez
Rafael Benitez has dismissed any idea that Napoli will be able to exploit a weakened Juventus after Antonio Conte left his role at the champions last week.
The 44-year-old ended his tenure at the club by mutual consent on Tuesday after guiding the Old Lady to three consecutive league titles in four years in charge.
Despite the shock departure, Benitez stressed that the news has not opened up a chance for Partenopei to capitalise, adding that new Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri will maintain his side's reputation as the best in the league."The rose of Juventus has always been the strongest and it will be again," the 54-year-old Spaniard told a press conference.
"[Conte's departure] has not changed much. I do not think that we have become the favourites. Allegri is as good a coach as Conte. We'll see what happens but the level will always be high. "
The Azzurri have recently bolstered their squad with the arrivals of defender Kalidou Koulibaly and forward Michu and Benitez insisted that he is looking to do more business, but denied their will be any high-profile departures from his side.
"We will not sell [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Jose] Callejon is also a big player for us," the former Valencia boss stressed."They still have plenty of room for growth, can do more for us and it is important to retain them. For the fans is easy to say we are aiming at something, but you have to prove on the field of can win against anyone.
"Michu can do two roles and will score 10-12 goals. Koulibaly is fast, he is elastic and can play with both feet.
"We are looking for a midfielder who understands the game and knows how to be a director. Everyone is talking about [Javier] Mascherano but he is at Barcelona. If he was for sale I tell the president to make an effort, but they are not selling."
Napoli continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Italian lower-league side FeralpiSalo on Monday.
Rafael Benitez has dismissed any idea that Napoli will be able to exploit a weakened Juventus after Antonio Conte left his role at the champions last week.
The 44-year-old ended his tenure at the club by mutual consent on Tuesday after guiding the Old Lady to three consecutive league titles in four years in charge.
Despite the shock departure, Benitez stressed that the news has not opened up a chance for Partenopei to capitalise, adding that new Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri will maintain his side's reputation as the best in the league."The rose of Juventus has always been the strongest and it will be again," the 54-year-old Spaniard told a press conference.
"[Conte's departure] has not changed much. I do not think that we have become the favourites. Allegri is as good a coach as Conte. We'll see what happens but the level will always be high. "
The Azzurri have recently bolstered their squad with the arrivals of defender Kalidou Koulibaly and forward Michu and Benitez insisted that he is looking to do more business, but denied their will be any high-profile departures from his side.
"We will not sell [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Jose] Callejon is also a big player for us," the former Valencia boss stressed."They still have plenty of room for growth, can do more for us and it is important to retain them. For the fans is easy to say we are aiming at something, but you have to prove on the field of can win against anyone.
"Michu can do two roles and will score 10-12 goals. Koulibaly is fast, he is elastic and can play with both feet.
"We are looking for a midfielder who understands the game and knows how to be a director. Everyone is talking about [Javier] Mascherano but he is at Barcelona. If he was for sale I tell the president to make an effort, but they are not selling."
Napoli continue their pre-season preparations with a friendly against Italian lower-league side FeralpiSalo on Monday.
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