..::Football III::..

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Kramaric set to complete Chelsea switch

Croatia striker Andrej Kramaric is set to become a Chelsea player by the end of this week, Goal can reveal.

The Blues were preparing a bid worth up to €10 million for the Rijeka star, although they could get their man for significantly less with Kramaric's heart set on a switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Croatian side will only receive a fraction of the total fee, however, with Dinamo Zagreb, Kramaric's former club, due between 50 and 60 per cent of the final sum thanks to a clause in the 2013 transfer.

The 23-year-old will now finalise personal terms with the Blues and is expected to become Jose Mourinho's first signing of the January transfer window.

It has not yet been decided whether Kramaric will remain at Stamford Bridge for the second half of the season, however, with a loan deal a possible scenario, and potentially back to Rijeka to aid their title push.

Kramaric has scored 21 goals in 19 league appearances for Rijeka, who are currently second in the Croatian league, bringing him to the attention of the Premier League leaders.

AC Milan and Juventus were also linked with a move for the striker, but it is Chelsea who appear to have won the race to sign him, with the Blues having sent a delegation to Croatia on Saturday to meet with the player's father and agent, Joza, as well as representatives from Rijeka.

 

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Chelsea la danma wada patan gena​

 

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Ancelotti wins best coach of the year award

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has been named as the best coach of 2014 at the Globe Soccer Awards, held in Dubai.

In his first year at the Santiago Bernabeu the Italian guided the Spanish side to an elusive 10th European Cup with a 4-1 final defeat of city rivals Atletico in Lisbon.

It marked the continuation of the Italian's glittering coaching career, which has also seen him win domestic league titles in Italy (AC Milan), England (Chelsea) and France (Paris Saint-Germain).

Ancelotti saw off competition for the award from Joachim Low, who led Germany to World Cup glory in the summer, Pep Guardiola, whose Bayern Munich side claimed a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double in his first year in Germany and Antonio Conte, for guiding Juventus to a third successive Scudetto before taking charge of Italy during the summer.

Ancelotti was in attendance at The Palm Hotel, and said of the award: "Life is easy because we have many great players and wonderful staff which makes it a lot easier to coach Real Madrid than other clubs."

The win represented a night of success for Real Madrid, with Cristiano Ronaldo collecting the Player of the Year award. Madrid face AC Milan in a friendly on December 30.

 

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Congratulations Ancelotti!​

 

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Rojo closing in on Manchester United return

Marcos Rojo insists he cannot wait to return to action for Manchester United after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The Argentina defender has not featured for Louis van Gaal's side since December 8 due to a thigh injury, but he has now revealed that he is closing in on a first-team comeback.

United face Stoke City in the Premier League on New Year's Day, before travelling to Yeovil Town in the FA Cup three days later, and Rojo – who has made 10 appearances for the club - hopes to return in time for the club's busy start to 2015.

"Certainly there are a lot of games coming quickly, one after another," he told United Review. "That's what I want, to get fit as quickly as possible so I can lend a hand to the team.

"The manager is going to want as many players as possible for this busy period. It's an important part of the season with so many games in quick succession.

"I've had the misfortune to get injured recently and I really don't like it. It's terrible to miss training and be out of the team.

"I just hope I can regain my full fitness quickly and it doesn't happen again, as it's never good being injured."

Rojo has suffered two spells on the sidelines since arriving at Old Trafford in the summer, having previously sustained a dislocated shoulder in November.

 

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'Robben & Ribery aren't individuals'

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has rejected claims that Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery are individuals who don't work hard enough for the team.

The pair have often been accused of possessing a selfish streak and not working for the greater good of the side, despite being two of the club's star men during their success in recent years.

Sammer has leapt to the defence of both Robben and Ribery and pointed to their ability to balance individuality with work ethic.

He told the club's official website: "There's one thing I want to say about Arjen, and it also applies to Franck Ribery; both are often accused of not working hard enough for the team. That's utter nonsense when you see how team-oriented both of them are.

"They're both world-class players who've retained their individuality and inventiveness but are fully integrated members of the team. And they're both exemplary, in training and the way they look after their bodies.

"I can only advise every young player to watch them as they go about their daily work and learn from them."The former midfielder then lavished further praise on Robben and said the Netherlands international is an example for younger players to follow as he continues to shine ahead of his 31st birthday in January.

"Arjen is a perfect example of how an older player can still learn and develop, and refuse to be satisfied with what he's already achieved. He invests 100 per cent in every training session.

"In the past he often tried to pull tricks on his body, but that's not on. He's learned to stay more calm and relaxed and take a day for himself if necessary."He's given the idea of keeping on learning throughout life, including for players who are around 30, a basically perfect boost."

 

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January will be tough for Madrid - Isco

Isco has admitted Real Madrid face a difficult start to the New Year ahead of clashes with Valencia and Atletico Madrid in January.

The club sit top of La Liga after winning 13 of their first 15 games in the division, while they have also put together an incredible run of 22 consecutive victories in all competitions.

But if they are to prolong that streak they will firstly have to overcome Valencia, who lie fourth in the table, before a two-legged Copa del Rey last-16 tie against their city rivals.

"It will be a very difficult start to 2015 for us," said Isco on Monday. "We are still confident ahead of January and hopefully we can produce the same form and go beyond 22 wins."

Madrid are currently preparing to face AC Milan in the Dubai Cup on Tuesday, a friendly game in the Emirates which will help the squad maintain their levels of fitness over the winter break.

On Sunday Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi spoke of the importance of the game in bringing together two of Europe's most successful clubs and Isco added that his side would be taking the game seriously.

He continued: "It is the first time that I have visited Dubai, so I don't know much about the place! But I know plenty about Milan and we all know what a big club they are and their record over the years and I'm sure it won't be an easy game."

Madrid defender Dani Carvajal echoed the thoughts of his team-mate, adding: "The game brings together the two sides with the most European Cups, which will hopefully make for a good show. It's a game that will be good for us and prepare us for January."

 

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'Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined Birmingham'

Former Birmingham owner David Sullivan claims the Blues could have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £6 million (€7.6m) before he moved to Manchester United in 2003.

The Portugal international was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson as an 18-year-old and moved to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in a deal worth €15.5m.

Ronaldo went on to spend six years at United, winning the Champions League and three Premier League titles before signing for Real Madrid in 2009.

However, Sullivan claims Birmingham could have captured the teenager who was offered to the Blues before opting to sign for the Red Devils.

"Before he went to Man United, we were offered him for £6m, and he chose United ahead of us," he told Sky Sports programme 'Soccer AM'.

"There was a deal to be done. When he first went to United there were lots of doubts about him. He wasn’t the star that he is now."

Ronaldo is the current Ballon d'Or holder and the heavy favourite to win this year's award after firing Madrid to Champions League glory in May.

 

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Alexis: Am I the star at Arsenal? I'm just another player

Alexis Sanchez has rejected talk that he was been Arsenal's star so far this season, insisting he is "just another player".

The Chile international moved to the Emirates Stadium in a €40 million move during the summer, and leads the club's scoring charts with 15 goals this term - more than twice second-placed Welbeck's seven.

But Alexis feels Arsene Wenger has a number of "world class" talents at his disposal and has highlighted the strength in depth he feels the Gunners possess.

"Being 'the star' is all relative, I don't agree," he told La Tercera. "We have a squad with lots of great players, world-class ones, World Cup winners with Germany and others who play for England or France.

"In this group I'm just another player. I've been lucky to start well but you don't give the book a title until you've finished writing it."

Alexis also revealed how happy he is in north London and he is confident he made the right move after leaving Barcelona.

"When you take the decision, you have to know that it's the best choice. It's impossible to know what would have happened if you had made another decision. So far, I am happy at Arsenal," he added.

"I have arrived in a league that I love, my club is fantastic with great team-mates, a world-renowned coach who really cares about his players ... everyone is great!"

 

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Torres' Atletico return is great for world football - Cerezo

Fernando Torres' return to Atletico Madrid is not only great for the club, but for the rest of world football too, according to president Enrique Cerezo.

The Spanish champions announced on Monday that the striker has rejoined the club in a loan deal from AC Milan until the end of next season, with Alessio Cerci going in the other direction.

The former Chelsea and Liverpool striker has spoken of his delight at returning "home" to the club at which he started his career and Cerezo is ready to welcome the 30-year-old back with open arms.

"The deal is done. He will be unveiled on Sunday 4th," Cerezo told radio station RNE. "We want the stadium to be packed with Atletico fans, especially children, for the occasion.

"Torres coming back is great news for the football world and Atletico Madrid."
The Atleti chief says Torres will arrive in the Spanish capital on Tuesday or Wednesday to complete his medical, but admitted the negotiations were not easy, before insisting that Mario Mandzukic will not leave the club as a result of the signing."It has not been plain sailing. The coaching staff want him, the club wants him, the fans want him and now he is ours", he added."But Mandzukic won't leave - he is an important player."

Meanwhile, club CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, said the club are thrilled with the acquisition for what Torres can offer on the pitch.

"We are very happy with this decision," he said. "In 2007, the economic crisis in Spain began and Fernando and ourselves decided to go our separate ways, to grow on our own, and that’s what we did.

"He won, amongst other things, a World Cup, two European Championships and the Champions League, while we won four international titles and three in Spain, including La Liga.

"Now, in 2014, we meet again. We both did well individually and history brings us together once more."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Torres ta mona unada manda

Liverpool play karana kale hitapu Torres wa ayeth daka ganna athnam......

Good Luck Torres!

​

 

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Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Inter: Cabaye strikes to seal friendly victory

Yohan Cabaye's second-half strike was enough to hand Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 win over Inter in a friendly clash on Tuesday.

The France midfielder produced a composed finish shortly before the hour mark in Marrakech.

Both sides had been guilty of wasting presentable opportunities before that, but a combination of profligate finishing and good goalkeeping kept the game scoreless until Cabaye's intervention.

Mauro Icardi missed two chances for Inter in the first half, before PSG star Zlatan Ibrahimovic - facing one of his former clubs - brought a fine save out of Samir Handanovic shortly after the restart.

Both sides will now return to domestic competition in the new year, with reigning Ligue 1 champions PSG set to take on Montpellier in the Coupe de France on Monday and Inter due to take on Serie A leaders Juventus in a week's time.

Following a quiet start, PSG goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez was forced to rush from his line to deny Icardi's effort with his legs in the 28th minute.

Douchez's opposite number Handanovic was called into action 10 minutes later, keeping out Adrien Rabiot's effort from distance and then getting to his feet to parry Blaise Matuidi's rebound.

Icardi had another opportunity to open the scoring two minutes prior to the interval when he was played in by Mateo Kovacic's superb throughball.

But, after this time lifting the ball over the advancing Douchez, he was only able to hit the side-netting.

Ibrahimovic ought to have put PSG in the lead early in the second half but his close-range effort was well kept out by Handanovic.

The Inter keeper was then replaced by Juan Pablo Carrizo, who had to palm away Matuidi's deflected cross as it threatened to drop in at the far post.

PSG were rewarded for their strong start to the second period when Cabaye swept home the loose ball after Inter failed to clear Gregory van der Wiel's low delivery into the box.

 

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Real Madrid 2-4 AC Milan: World champions downed in Dubai

Stephan El Shaarawy scored twice as AC Milan defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in Tuesday's mid-season friendly in Dubai.

The Italy international netted once in each half as the Serie A giants overcame their La Liga counterparts in an entertaining encounter.

Both sides named strong starting XIs for the clash, with Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti coming up against his former employers.Jeremy Menez opened the scoring for Milan, taking advantage of an error from Real defender Nacho to coolly convert.

El Shaarawy produced a fine finish to add to that lead, before Ballon d'Or frontrunner Cristiano Ronaldo claimed his almost obligatory goal to pull one back for Ancelotti's men.

The Liga leaders created several chances in the second half, but Milan looked equally dangerous and further goals from El Shaaraway and Giampaolo Pazzini made for a convincing victory, despite Karim Benzema's late penalty.

Real came into the game on the back of a 23-match winning streak in competitive matches, and Ancelotti will expect an improved showing when they return to Liga action at Valencia on Sunday.After a low-key opening to proceedings, Milan capitalised on Nacho's mistake to take the lead midway through the first half.

The defender's ball back to goalkeeper Keylor Navas was woefully short and Menez took control, left Navas on his backside with a feint and tucked the ball into the bottom left-hand corner.

That advantage was doubled shortly after the hour-mark when El Shaarawy received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, cut inside on his right foot and drove a low finish into the same corner of the goal.Milan's double strike appeared to spark Real into life, and they halved the deficit 10 minutes before half-time through Ronaldo.

Jese Rodriguez drove forward from midfield and released the Portuguese, who took advantage of poor positioning from former Real keeper Diego Lopez to slot home at the near post.

Real made a raft of changes at the break and one of those, keeper Iker Casillas, was called into action almost immediately as he kept out El Shaarawy's effort with his legs.

El Shaarawy was not to be denied for long, however, as he swept home from close range after being teed up by substitute Andrea Poli's pass.Once again Real's response was positive, and almost resulted in a goal when Jese's deflected shot struck the base of the post and rebounded to safety.

With 17 minutes to go, Pazzini headed in M'Baye Niang's pinpoint cross, before the latter's foul on Nacho allowed Benzema to convert from the spot in the 84th minute.

It was too little, too late for the European champions, however, as Filippo Inzaghi's men held on for the victory.

 

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El Shaarawy: I'm staying at Milan

Stephan El Shaarawy insists he has no desire to leave AC Milan and is eager to bring success to the club in the new year.

The 22-year-old has been blighted by injury problems over the past 12 months but offered proof he is approaching top form again with a brilliant double in Tuesday's 4-2 friendly win over Real Madrid.

With the January transfer window approaching, El Shaarawy has poured cold water on speculation he could leave San Siro and is determined to enjoy a strong 2015.

"I've already said: I'm staying at Milan and I want to do well," he told reporters in Dubai. "In terms of the game, we did well. It was a great day for me.

"A game like this gives me a lot of confidence. Goals are important mentally for a striker, so I'm happy to have got two against Real Madrid.

"It was also very satisfying for the team - we've underlined that we're doing well after the Roma and Napoli games.

"Now we have to continue like this. We want to start the league well in 2015."

 

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'Simeone never asks for anything - but he asked for Torres'

A rare personal request from Diego Simeone led to Atletico Madrid re-signing Fernando Torres, according to the club's president Enrique Cerezo.

The Spain international has agreed to a loan switch to the Spanish champions after signing for AC Milan on a permanent deal from Chelsea, with Alessio Cerci bound for San Siro in exchange.

Cerezo claims talks for the former Atleti striker began after head coach Simeone asked for a deal to be brokered - something he says is rare for the Argentine to do.

"Simeone almost never asks us for anything, but he asked for Torres," Cerezo told Radio Cope. "It wasn't easy to get him but, with work and persistence, we managed.

"Milan pay Torres' salary and we pay Cerci's. But when we approached Torres we weren't speaking about money, we were talking from the heart. He is delighted, as are all the fans."

Torres has struggled in recent seasons to approach anything like the form which saw him become one of Europe's most feared strikers at Atleti and Liverpool, but Cerezo is confident his return will be a success.

"He wants to show he is in a good condition. He was and will continue to be a great player. He will give very important support to the team," he added.

"It will be some sight to see Torres play here again."

 

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Blanc: Cavani and Lavezzi's futures not yet decided

Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc says he is awaiting "explanations" before making a decision over the futures of Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Neither forward travelled with the PSG squad for their warm-weather trip to Morocco, prompting further speculation over whether the club will listen to offers during the January transfer window.

Cavani has been linked with a move to Arsenal next month, while Liverpool and Inter have been reported to be interested in taking Lavezzi.

Blanc, however, insists nothing will be decided until both Cavani and Lavezzi return to the French capital to resume training with the squad on January 2.

"We're waiting for certain explanations as they arrive and we will take decisions from a sporting perspective and from the club's," he told reporters in Morocco.

A goal from Yohan Cabaye handed PSG a 1-0 friendly win over Inter on Tuesday and Blanc believes the performance of his side capped what has been an encouraging few days in Africa.

"We worked very well. We focused on physical and tactical aspects twice a day. This match crowns the good work we've put in," he said.

The former France defender also backed Thiago Motta to recapture his best form when the season resumes in 2015.

"He's not at the top of his form, but we don't forget his performances of the past year. He's in a difficult period but he's trying to get back to his best. He has his place in the PSG side," Blanc added.

 

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Iniesta defends La Masia after Barcelona transfer ban is upheld

Andres Iniesta has defended Barcelona's youth system after the club's transfer ban over their method of signing young players from abroad was upheld.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected the club's appeal against their two-year suspension on Tuesday, initially handed down by Fifa following a breach of regulations concerning deals for youth players coming into Spain.

The decision means Barca will be unable to make any transfers until 2016 - something which Iniesta concedes is a problem - but, as a graduate of La Masia, he is adamant the club is a great place for youngsters to join.

"As a former member, I think the opportunity it [La Masia] gives to young players, not only on a footballing level but a personal one too, is very good," he told Marca.

"Not being able to sign anyone is a handicap. But I think the important thing is to focus on this year, to win and give the fans something to celebrate."

Iniesta also insists that the transfer ban will not hold Barca back as they aim to banish the memory of a trophyless 2014 in the coming year.

"It's not easy to assess objectively when you haven't reached your objectives. But things don't always go well," he said of the past 12 months.

"You want to recover the good feeling quickly. Another year without titles isn't going through our heads."

Iniesta's Spain team-mate Fernando Torres has returned to boyhood club Atletico Madrid on loan and the Barca attacker believes he has made the right choice to revive his faltering career.

"Atleti are the current champions and the rest have to try to take it from them. They've shown how good they've been in recent years has been no accident and they'll be fighting until the end, as we will," he added.

"I think it's good news for him to return to the club where he started and that they want him so much. I'm happy for him because he's my friend."

 

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AC Milan's goal is the Champions League - De Jong

Nigel de Jong is desperate to help AC Milan get back into the Champions League with a strong second half of the season.

The Serie A giants endured a miserable 2013-14 campaign, eventually limping to an eighth-placed finish as both Massimiliano Allegri and Clarence Seedorf failed to kick-start their season.

Milan have shown signs of recovery in Filippo Inzaghi's first season as head coach, and they reached the mid-season break in seventh position - just two points adrift of Lazio in third.

And Netherlands international De Jong believes a club of Milan's stature must be playing in Europe's premier club competition.

"My goal this year is to reach the Champions League with Milan," he said at a sponsor's event in Dubai.

"That is where Milan belongs and is what we're going to try to do this year to reach those places.

"We have to work hard to reach those places.

"But with the confidence that we have and the work methods we use, we have to reach those places."

Milan, who defeated Real Madrid 4-2 in a friendly in Dubai earlier on Tuesday, return to Serie A action against Sassuolo on January 6.

 

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Sterling escapes FA punishment

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling will face no retrospective action for his altercation with Swansea City defender Federico Fernandez.

Sterling and Fernandez were embroiled in a spat throughout Liverpool's 4-1 Premier League win at Anfield on Monday, and the England forward appeared fortunate to escape punishment from referee Andre Marriner after pushing the Argentine in the face in front of an assistant referee.

However, Liverpool fears that the 20-year-old may be charged by the Football Association have proved unfounded.

An FA spokesperson confirmed to Perform on Tuesday that Sterling will not face any action because the incident was seen by the match officials.

Sterling is therefore available to face Leicester City, who visit Anfield on New Year's Day.

Earlier on Tuesday, Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey was charged with violent conduct for a clash with Emre Can in the same fixture.

The 22-year-old caught Can with his elbow during the first half of Swansea's 4-1 Premier League loss at Anfield on Monday, when the pair were jostling for the ball inside Liverpool's penalty area.

Swansea manager Garry Monk stated that he did not think former Liverpool man Shelvey should be punished, claiming the incident was unintentional.

However, the Football Association (FA) charged Shelvey on Tuesday, and he has until Wednesday to respond.

"Swansea City's Jonjo Shelvey has on Tuesday been charged by The FA for violent conduct, following an incident in his side's fixture with Liverpool," read a statement from the FA.

"The incident, which was not seen by the match officials but caught on video, occurred during the fixture between the two sides at Anfield on Monday 29 December 2014.

"Shelvey has until 6pm on Wednesday 31 December 2014 to respond to the charge."

Monday's incident came just days after Monk urged Shelvey to "wise up" following what he felt was a series of needless bookings this season.

 

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Inzaghi hails 'brilliant' El Shaarawy after Real Madrid shock

Filippo Inzaghi paid tribute to Stephan El Shaarawy's "two brilliant goals" after his AC Milan side beat Real Madrid 4-2 on Tuesday.

The Italy international scored twice along with Jeremy Menez and Giampaolo Pazzini to hand the Rossoneri a friendly win over the European champions in Dubai.

Inzaghi was delighted with the efforts of his entire squad and believes the win is another encouraging sign of their recent form against strong teams.

"I am satisfied. It was, however, a friendly and we cannot get ahead of ourselves," Inzaghi told reporters after the match. "We've been playing like this for some time and tonight it all went very well.

"El Shaarawy did very well, he scored two brilliant goals. They all did well, even those that came on later off the bench. I'm spolit for choice.

"In the past three matches we've faced Napoli, Roma and Real Madrid, winning two and drawing one and playing on equal terms with all of them.

"We have the right spirit and desire. I'm hugely satisfied. I'm now thinking about Serie A and that will be the hardest match for us.

"I am happy for the president, Silvio Berlusconi, I spoke to him before the match. Seeing that we were competing with them will have made him happy.

"To have seen us grow so much gives me hope, but the biggest satisfaction was our attitude."