..::Football III::..

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Zidane: Gerrard reminded me of myself

Zinedine Zidane says he sees elements of himself in Steven Gerrard as the Liverpool captain prepares to call time on his Premier League career this weekend.

Gerrard is set to play in his final domestic game against Stoke City on Sunday, bringing to an end a remarkable 17-year career at Anfield.

Zidane has now praised the 34-year-old, with the Real Madrid legend insisting that Gerrard was one of his favourite players to watch during his playing days.

"He's a player that I really thought a lot of, I had a lot of time for him and rated him. I can't say that about everyone," he told LFCTV .

"Why did I like him so much? Perhaps there was something about him that reminded me a little bit of myself.

"He made a lot of noise out there on the field but was quiet off it, meaning that he was someone down to earth and grounded away from the game who just said what needed to be said.

"He preferred to do his talking on the field, using his voice, his combative spirit and above all his ability on the ball that could make the difference in a game."

Zidane and Gerrard only ever shared a pitch as opponents, but the Frenchman admits that he would have loved to played alongside the ex-England captain at the Bernabeu.

"I would have really liked to have played alongside him. But he has always remained loyal to his own club, Liverpool, the club of his heart," Zidane added.

"That also is another characteristic that is particular to him, I don't think there are too many players who have spent their entire career playing for just one club.

"That is a great strength of his too. It was never possible, because of course he stayed with Liverpool, but I would have loved to play with a guy like him."

 

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Messi deserves Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or trophies - Bartomeu

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has suggested Lionel Messi deserved to win every Ballon d'Or award for which he has been nominated - which would put him on eight trophies and Cristiano Ronaldo on none.

The Argentine forward has been beaten to the accolade by Real Madrid rival Ronaldo for the past two years, leaving him rooted on four wins having been nominated every year since the 2007 edition.

However, his stellar performances for Barca in 2015 have left him in poll position to get his fifth award and it is something Bartomeu thinks should have happened years ago.

"Messi is the best ever," the Catalans chief told RAC1. "Other players [Ronaldo and Kaka] might have won the Ballon d'Or while he's been starring for Barca, but Messi deserved them all."Messi and Luis Enrique were reported in January to be not getting along, but Bartomeu suggests their working partnership is perfect and lauded the achievements of the Camp Nou coach.

"Messi and Luis Enrique's relationship is 10 out of 10," he added. "We are delighted with Luis Enrique, as are all of the players. Right now they feel strong and we look forward to the end of the season.

"Luis Enrique has a contract for the next year and I think he will stay at Barcelona. Right now we are focusing on the games we have left – and there is an election coming up – but I'd like him to stay here for many more years."

Barcelona have claimed La Liga already and have finals in the Champions League and Copa del Rey to look forward to in the coming weeks.

 

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'Sterling wouldn't stay at Liverpool for €1 million per week' - agent

Raheem Sterling's agent says the Liverpool forward will 'definitely' not sign a new deal at Anfield and expects every Premier League giant to bid for the 20-year-old.

The England international, whose contract expires in 2017, has been at the centre of a transfer saga in recent weeks, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City - as well as Manchester United - heavily linked with the forward.

Goal understands that Sterling is set to tell Liverpool on Friday that he plans to leave the club this summer, while the Reds are keen for a quick resolution over his future.

Sterling's representative, Aidy Ward, previously played down reports that Sterling was set to seek an exit from the club but he has now gone public, insisting that no amount of money could persuade his client - who previously turned down an offer of £100,000-a-week (€140,000) - to commit to a new contract at Anfield.

In quotes obtained by the Evening Standard, Ward said: “I don’t care about the PR of the club and the club situation. I don’t care.

“He is definitely not signing. He’s not signing for £700, £800, £900 thousand a week (€1.26m). He is not signing.

“My job is to make sure I do the best with them (my clients). If people say I am bad at my job, or they are badly advised it does not matter.”

Ward maintains he is relaxed about the situation and expects a flurry of bids for his client, whilst also appearing to aim a thinly-veiled jibe at Liverpool over the current furore surrounding Sterling's future.

He added: "How did all this occur? There is no smoke without fire.

“I am not worried. Worried is making a decision not knowing what is going to happen. Every Premier League club will make a bid for him.”

 

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Sterling ta Liverpool epama wela wage​

 

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Bayer Leverkusen extend Schmidt deal

Bayer Leverkusen have tied coach Roger Schmidt to a new contract that runs until June 2019.

Schmidt was appointed in June of last year following a successful spell at Austrian club Red Bull Salzburg, where he won a league and cup double in 2013-14.

He has been unable to enjoy league success in Germany just yet due to the dominance of Bayern Munich, but has ensured a third consecutive top-four finish for Leverkusen.

The former Paderborn coach also led the club to the last 16 of the Champions League, losing a dramatic penalty shootout to Atletico Madrid.Schmidt will look to celebrate his new deal on Saturday's final day of the Bundesliga season when Leverkusen visit Eintracht Frankfurt.

The result will not affect where they finish in the Bundesliga due to being five points adrift of third-placed Borussia Monchengladbach and 13 points ahead of fifth-placed Schalke.

 

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Xavi announces Barcelona exit

Barcelona legend Xavi has announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the season to join Qatari club Al Sadd.

The midfielder has been with the Catalans for 24 years, since joining La Masia as an 11-year-old, and has made over 750 appearances for the first team during that time - more than any other player in the club's history.

Although he has featured 41 times so far for Barca in their La Liga-winning campaign, he has been used as a substitute more often than a starter under Luis Enrique."I am announcing my departure from the club this season," Xavi told reporters at a press conference on Thursday. "This decision is final and difficult.

"The club offered me a renewal - a very good one - but I had already made my decision. I think it's time to leave Camp Nou now."I'll continue playing at Al Sadd, which is an exciting prospect. I have signed a deal for two seasons, but there's an option for a third.

"Failure to retire at Barca is not a blot on my career - I want to keep playing but I know I have to play at a lower level. I'll also be able to develop myself as a coach and sporting director in Qatar."

Xavi was going to leave Barca for Al Sadd a year ago, but the 35-year-old is overwhelmingly happy he delayed his departure until 2015 and pointed at treble glory as being a potentially perfect ending.

"I was going to leave last summer, but I'm happy I stayed another season," he added. "I've felt useful though it's strange not be part of the XI all of the time.
"I am very content, I couldn't have asked for a better career than the one I have had.

"I must thank the incredible treatment from fans and I look forward to saying goodbye to them this weekend.

"This Barca team has a great chance at completing a treble. We can make history. One couldn't have written a better way to bow out, it's like it was made for me."
In addition to Saturday's Liga game at home to Deportivo La Coruna, Barca have two finals to look forward to in the next couple of weeks.First up is a Copa del Rey showpiece against Athletic Bilbao before they take on Juventus - who are also chasing a treble - in Berlin's Champions League finale.

 

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'Carragher is a k***' - Ward hits out at Sterling critics

Raheem Sterling's agent Aidy Ward has rounded on the Liverpool forward’s critics, labelling former Reds defender Jamie Carragher a "k***".

Carragher blasted Sterling earlier this week, insisting that the England international needs to “keep his mouth shut” and change his agent.

"He needs to change his agent. That’s the one thing he needs to change. For a 20-year-old kid to be taking on Liverpool football club, it angers me to the pit of my stomach,” he said.

Ward, though, has now hit back at Carragher, and insists that the criticism of former players and pundits – including the likes of Emile Heskey and Phil Thompson – does not affect him.

"Carragher is a k***. Everybody knows it," he told the London Evening Standard. "Any of the criticism from current pundits or ex-Liverpool players - none of them things matter to me. It is not relevant."

Ward - who, following publication of the interview by the Standard, reportedly distanced himself from the quotes - also declared on Thursday that no amount of money will be able to persuade Sterling to stay at Anfield this summer, while he expects a flurry of bids for his client from Premier League clubs when the transfer window reopens.

 

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Xavi defends Qatar move: It's an exciting project

Xavi has defended his decision to move to Qatar at the end of the season, insisting it represents "an exciting project".

The 35-year-old confirmed on Thursday that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season to join Al Sadd in Qatar, bringing his remarkable career in Spain to an end.

Xavi's move is not without its controversy, however, with concerns persisting over the Gulf nation's bidding process for the World Cup in 2022 and its treatment of migrant workers.But the World Cup-winning midfielder says he has nothing but praise for what he has seen of Qatar in his visits so far.

"Qatar is an exciting project, the treatment of the local people has been extraordinary," he said at a press conference on Thursday."We went to visit the country and we liked the facilities. I can only speak highly of Qatar and it's ideal to go on with my football career.

"I'm waiting for a conversation with Pep Guardiola, we have exchanged messages. I've spoken with Raul and I am very excited. Both my brothers and my sister are very excited to be better in the future "

Having arrived as an 11-year-old, Xavi broke into the Barcelona first team in 1998 and went on to establish himself as an integral figure as Barca prospered with their tiki-taka style of play.

And he has no doubt the club will enjoy further success, pointing to the way they have coped with similar high-profile exits in the past.

"Barca will carry on winning, competing and playing well - history has shown that," he said. "We have seen big players leave before and [the club] always rebuilt and continued. "Barca will bring through new players from inside and outside the club so I don't think they'll be a problem. Barca will continue to be a great club, no doubt about that.

"It's difficult to say who will replace me. I came in for Pep and that was a huge responsibility, so nobody was a successor for him and nobody will be a direct successor of me.

"The team is more important than any individual. The team have played without me this season and been fantastic. There are always going to be home-grown players at this club."

 

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Hodgson excited after calling up Austin, Vardy and Heaton for England

Roy Hodgson is looking forward to learning more about his trio of new England recruits after selecting Charlie Austin, Jamie Vardy and Tom Heaton in his squad for June's matches against the Republic of Ireland and Slovenia.

The England manager named the three uncapped players in his 24-man squad on Thursday, with the likes of Harry Kane, Jack Butland, Saido Berahino and Danny Ings opening up places as they are expected to feature at the European Under-21 Championship.

And he spoke with particular relish about the two strikers - Austin and Vardy - with the QPR man having scored 17 Premier League goals this season, while the Leicester City forward has risen from the anonymity of non-League football to international recognition in just three years.

"We have always had our eye on Austin but, up to this point, we have had the full quota of forward players," Hodgson told reporters.

"But we now have space there because of the injury to [Daniel] Sturridge and we don't have Kane, Ings or Berahino on this occasion.

"He will get an opportunity to show us what he can do in training and in matches, though I can't promise him a game. I am pleased to welcome him into the fold. I have heard good things about him and know he is a good player."

On Vardy, who has scored only four times this season but, unlike Austin and Burnley goalkeeper Heaton, did avoid relegation, Hodgson added: "I had watched him at Fleetwood and know he had the pace and desire to run in behind players, which is always an interesting quality for coaches, and have seen his performances in the latter part of the season with Leicester.

"He is another player, alongside Austin, that will be nice to get to know him better."

Raheem Sterling is also included for the upcoming double-header - a friendly in Dublin on June 7 before a European Championship qualifier in Ljubljana a week later - as speculation continues to mount over his Liverpool future.

Asked if he had counseled Sterling over his future options, Hodgson explained: "I'm always available for players. Raheem has been with us a long while and, if he wanted to talk to me, that's fine.

"As far as I am concerned, a contract situation is between the player and the club and it is club business and I won't be poking my nose into club business. I'd expect him to do the job he has always done for us."

 

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Klopp: Don't believe every dumba** on Twitter

Jurgen Klopp has laughed off reports he was in Istanbul for talks with Fenerbahce, claiming you cannot believe "every dumba** who tweets something".

Klopp, whose exit from Borussia Dortmund was confirmed last month, was reported by some media outlets as having gone to Turkey to discuss a potential move to the Super Lig.

"You don't have to believe every dumba** who tweets something," he told reporters on Thursday. "I wasn't in Istanbul. Every bit of me is here."

A tenure that has seen Klopp win two Bundesliga titles, a DFB-Pokal and reach the Champions League final will come to an end when Dortmund face Wolfsburg in the Pokal final next week.

Before then, Klopp will coach BVB for the last time at Signal Iduna Park as they take on Werder Bremen on Saturday.If Dortmund secure victory and Augsburg lose their game to Borussia Monchengladbach, the hosts will seal a Europa League spot - something the 47-year-old is determined to secure.

"There will be a special atmosphere, because it is the last home match. It is also the last home match for Sebastian Kehl," Klopp said."I don't want to imagine what will be in my head when the match is over. It is not a nice thought. But I don't allow myself to think about it now.

"I want one last full-throttle-event at the Westfalenstadion. Getting into the Europa League means everything to me.

"The world won't go down if we don't qualify for the Europa League but it will be much nicer. You can't imagine how grateful I am that we are not part of this wild relegation fight."

Klopp also confirmed Sven Bender and Mats Hummels are back in training, but Jakub Blaszczykowski is unlikely to be fit for Saturday.

 

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Kane: I'm at Tottenham for the long haul

Tottenham striker Harry Kane insists that he sees his long-term future at White Hart Lane as he continues to be linked with a move away.

Manchester United have expressed an interest but Kane - who has hit 30 goals across all competitions for Spurs this season - wants to stay in north London.

"Spurs is where I'm at and where I plan to be for a very long time," he told BT Sport.

"We'll be looking to win some good trophies in the future. I want to keep progressing and keep getting better.

"This season has been crazy and more than what I ever expected to do so early on but it's happened and it's how you deal with it [that matters].

"I am hoping to go on and win many trophies for Spurs and England. That's always been the aim since I was a kid, dreaming of lifting the trophy one day for them.

"I want to be the player that does everything he can to reach his ability and I'll keep working hard. I want to win trophies."

Kane's form earned him a maiden England call-up in March and the 21-year-old scored within a minute of coming off the bench against Lithuania at Wembley.

Like Spurs, however, the forward's season has tailed off in the closing weeks, with only one goal from his last seven games.

 

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Former Manchester United star Sheringham named Stevenage boss

Stevenage have confirmed that former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham is to take over as manager at the Lamex Stadium.

The League Two side, who reached the play-offs this season, announced on Wednesday that talks had begun with the former England international about replacing departing boss Graham Westley.

Sheringham enjoyed a glittering playing career and was part of United's treble-winning team in the 1998-1999 season, scoring in the dramatic 2-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League final.

He also enjoyed spells with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Tottenham, Portsmouth and West Ham.

Sheringham has spent this season coaching West Ham's forwards and received praised from manager Sam Allardyce for the work that he had done in helping the team to lofty positions in the Premier League earlier this term.

And the club posted a fond farewell message on Twitter, which read: "West Ham United would like to wish attacking coach Teddy Sheringham all the very best in his new role as Stevenage manager.

"The Hammers would like to thank Teddy for his hard work and contribution to West Ham United during the 2014-15 season."

 

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Barcelona angered by Ancelotti rumours

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has hit out at suggestions the club could pursue Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti to replace Luis Enrique .

Luis Enrique has done a fine job in his debut season at Camp Nou, leading Barca to the Liga title and the finals of the Copa del Rey and Champions League.

However, he has yet to confirm that he will remain in the job next season and reports in Spain suggested that Ancelotti - whose future at the Santiago Bernabeu is doubtful - is on a shortlist of candidates to join Madrid's fierce rivals.

Bartomeu, who is confident Luis Enrique will stay, has now accused some sections of the media of wanting to cause unrest at the club."We are very angry about the Carlo Ancelotti situation," he told radio station RAC1.

"I say to our members that this is not true and it seems they want to destabilise the club.

"The club needs tranquillity because we have a cup final and a Champions League final. It seems someone wants to destabilise us. There is no list of coaches. Ariedo Braida and Carles Rexach are looking at players."

Bartomeu also revealed the club are unlikely to increase their contract offer to full-back Dani Alves and remains unsure if he will stay."Barcelona have made Alves the best offer we can. He will decide. I don't know if he'll stay or not," he said.

Bartomeu went on to confirm that Barca are keen to reach agreements over transfers this summer, even though they cannot field any new signings until next January.

The president added: "Barcelona can sign new players as of January 1, 2016. We can sign this summer and bring them in in January."

 

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Arsenal close in on Lens academy products

Arsenal are closing in on the signings of Lens academy products Yassin Fortune and Jeff Reine-Adelaide.

The Gunners have moved to secure the two highly-rated youngsters, aged 16 and 17 respectively, ahead of the summer transfer window, and it is understood that they would join the club’s youth development squads were the transfers to be finalised.

It has been reported that the fee for the duo could reach €4 million.

Fortune, a striker, has been capped seven times by the France Under-19 squad, scoring four goals.

Reine-Adelaide, meanwhile, is an attacking midfielder and has been capped by France at Under-16 and Under-17 level, and made the bench for Lens' 3-1 defeat to Metz in Ligue 1 earlier this season.

The recruitment of the pair would significantly bolster Arsenal's youth ranks, with the club's Under-21 side currently fourth in the Premier League, 13 points behind leaders Middlesbrough.

 

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Real Madrid striker Benzema suffers hamstring injury

Real Madrid are monitoring the progress of Karim Benzema after confirming the striker has sustained a hamstring injury.

Carlo Ancelotti's side revealed on Thursday that tests had discovered the France international has suffered a "tear in his right rectus femoris muscle".The injury means he is likely to miss the final Liga clash of the season against Getafe on Saturday, although Madrid will finish second in the table regardless of the result at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Benzema has endured a season hampered by injury problems and only made his return from an ankle problem in the Champions League semi-final second leg against Juventus last week.

Former Lyon star Benzema has scored 22 goals in 46 games in all competitions this season.

 

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Wilshere: I'm happy to play on the right for Arsenal

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere had no complaints with being asked to play from the right against Sunderland in his first start for the club in six months.

Having shaken off the ankle injury that he picked up in November to make three substitute appearances in the Premier League, the England midfielder returned to Arsene Wenger's first XI for Wednesday's 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Yet with Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey selected as the central midfield pairing, Wilshere initially took up a wider position, albeit one from which he regularly drifted infield as the game progressed.

The 23-year-old told reporters: "It's different. I have been playing in a defensive role for England and in a more attacking, central role for Arsenal.

"It is always good when you can play a number of positions - it gives the manager options and, if someone is playing well in one position, he knows you can fill in somewhere else - so I am happy."

Wilshere concedes that he had been desperate to feature from the start after his recent cameos off the bench.

"I enjoyed it. I have come on in three games so I was getting a little bit frustrated as I wanted to play but I am thankful for the boss playing me," he added.

"I was getting tired towards the 70th minute and the boss brought me off but it felt good. I am a footballer at the end of the day - I want to get on the pitch and show what I can do - but I understand that the team were playing well so I had to be patient. I came off the bench and thought I did well. I was lucky enough to start here."

Wednesday's result ensured that Sunderland secured their Premier League status for another season and a gracious Wilshere said: "Fair play to Sunderland, they came here to do a job and they needed a point and they did it.

"They are a big club and they deserve to be in the Premier League and I am happy for them."

 

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Chelsea star Hazard set to miss Sunderland game after dental surgery

Premier League champions Chelsea could be without Eden Hazard for Sunday's final game of the season against Sunderland after he underwent dental surgery.

The midfielder - an ever-present in the league this term - was due to collect the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year award at a dinner on Thursday but is still in pain after having three wisdom teeth removed.

An FWA statement explained: "Hazard tried to delay the surgery but had to have three wisdom teeth removed on Wednesday and is still in considerable pain.

"He is deeply sorry to miss the awards dinner and hopes to be at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, when the FWA will hand over the trophy.

"The surgery means Hazard will almost certainly miss Chelsea's final game against Sunderland - the first Premier League game he will have missed this season."

The Belgium international has been in sparkling form this term, scoring 19 goals to help Chelsea to the title and a League Cup triumph at Wembley.

 

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Ronaldo sends farewell message to Gerrard

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent Steven Gerrard a farewell message ahead of the midfielder’s final game for Liverpool on Sunday.

Having made over 700 appearances for the Reds, the 34-year-old will bow out in the club’s final Premier League game of the season against Stoke City.

And Ronaldo, who has faced Gerrard whilst playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Portugal, paid tribute to the outgoing Liverpool captain.

“Hello, Steve. Just to say it was a pleasure to play with you for many years when we play Manchester United against Liverpool,” Ronaldo said in a video posted on Liverpool’s official YouTube channel.

“You are a fantastic player. I wish you all the best for your career and for your life.”

 

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Giroud: I was an easy target for 'dull' Henry

Olivier Giroud has hit back at Thierry Henry, insisting the former Arsenal striker needed to say something controversial as he is too “dull” as a pundit.

Henry launched a scathing attack on the France international after the Gunners played out a 0-0 draw with Chelsea at the Emirates, claiming that Giroud does not have the ability to fire the club to the Premier League title.

"I think Giroud is doing extremely well but can you win the league with him? I wouldn't think so,” he told Sky Sports.

Arsene Wenger subsequently defended his striker, and Giroud has now personally hit back at Henry’s criticisms with a barb at the 37-year-old’s punditry skills.

“I heard he was saying too many dull things. That was a bomb and it had its desired effect,” he told L’Equipe.

“It was surprising to hear him take apart the team. I say 'team' because it wasn't just me, it was the spine. I think he's wrong.

“I didn't enjoy hearing it. Coming from an ex-France and Arsenal striker, it's a shame. It was a bit easy for him to say that after Chelsea game.“We were doing well, unbeaten in 10, my stats were good. It hurt my pride.”

He then added jokingly: “Maybe [Henry] was angry that I needed fewer games than him to score 50 goals for Arsenal.”

Giroud has not scored for Arsenal since the 4-1 victory over Liverpool in April.

 

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Xavi can lead us to glory - Al Sadd director

Al Sadd technical director Mohamed Ghanem Al Ali says he believes Xavi can help guide the team to silverware when he joins the club next season.The midfielder confirmed on Thursday that he will bring an end to a 24-year spell at Barcelona at the end of the current campaign to join the Qatari side.

Al Ali believes the 35-year-old will be an influential figure for the club and can lead them to continental glory.

"Xavi is a great player and one of football's legends," he told the club's website. "He has great experience, which will have a huge effect on our players, especially the young ones.

"Signing Xavi came from the club's philosophy to sign experienced players who can help the young players a lot on and off the pitch.

"That is what happened when former Real Madrid player Raul came here.

"We hope Xavi can help us to win the AFC Champions league for the third time in the club's history."