..::Football III::..

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'Wenger was very interested in Real Madrid'

Arsene Wenger was once "very interested" in leaving Arsenal for Real Madrid, according to the Spanish club's former president, Ramon Calderon.

The Frenchman has spent the the last 19 years in charge of the Gunners but has been linked with Madrid on several occasions throughout his tenure.

Though the speculation has never come to fruition, Calderon says there was a time when Wenger gave serious consideration to a fresh start at the Bernabeu.

He said: “I imagine that anyone – be it a coach or a player – at some time in their career is interested in coming to a club like Real Madrid, especially when you have been at a club for 15 years, or however long, in England.

"Anyone working in any other industry would be interested in change. I think it’s a good idea to have a coach who has a long-term plan.

“He was talking to me about Real Madrid and, at that time, he was very interested in the club and what was happening. I remember he said: 'Are you going to Hollywood again, or to make a football team?' He meant are you going for film-star Galacticos or to make a proper football team.

“It’s something you have in England that is a very good thing. You have it at Arsenal, you had at Manchester United [with Alex Ferguson], that the manager could stay at the club for a very long time. It’s impossible here."

 

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Pique to break silence over Spain controversy

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has called an impromptu press conference for Thursday at which he is expected to break his silence on being booed by Spain fans last weekend.

The defender was subjected to jeers by a certain section of the home fans every time he touched the ball in Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Slovakia in Oviedo, while he was also castigated in the media for being photographed emerging from a nightclub in the early hours of the following morning.

A number of Pique's Spain team-mates, including Cesc Fabregas, subsequently came out in support of the Blaugrana centre-half, while La Roja coach Vicente del Bosque called for an end to the "shameful" behaviour of some fans, stating: "If people came along to watch football, they would appreciate him and not boo him."

However, the 28-year-old's conduct, his public support for the pro-Catalan movement and alleged anti-Madrid sentiment continue to cause much controversy in Spain, with his international colleague Sergio Ramos only adding fuel to the fire when he claimed that Pique has not "helped" himself with his recent behaviour.

Consequently, Pique is now expected to defend himself at a specially arranged press conference on Thursday, with the former Manchester United ace expected to face the media approximately 30-60 minutes after Barcelona's morning training session, which is scheduled to get under way at 11:00CET.

 

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Juventus can have no excuses for poor start, says Hernanes

New Juventus signing Hernanes says the Serie A champions can have no excuses for their poor start to the season.The Bianconeri have been beaten by Udinese and Roma in the opening weeks of the campaign, having strolled to a fourth straight league title last season.

However, the summer departures of Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo appear to have hit Juve hard, though Hernanes - an €11 million signing from Inter - says they must improve and fast.

"If we're talking about the level we play at, then it might take some time to know each other and do things naturally," he told Sky Sport Italia."In terms of results there are no excuses and we have to start picking up three points. Juve are still the team to beat, we have maintained a strong base and are the strongest team in Italy.

"But we are ready, we have trained well together these last few days. We are in good condition and we're ready."Juve also won the Coppa Italia last season, but were losing finalists in the Champions League.

However, Hernanes is confident Juve can challenge again in Europe's premier club competition, adding: "At Juve you have to try and win everything so we're definitely one of the favourites."

 

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Wenger believes in Giroud and Arsenal fans have to trust him - Anelka

Nicolas Anelka has called for Arsenal fans to trust Arsene Wenger after the Gunners boss failed to sign a striker to compete with Olivier Giroud during the summer transfer window.

Wenger insisted he would only sign exceptional players this summer and was interested in Karim Benzema, but Real Madrid would not entertain offers for the 27-year-old.

With Danny Welbeck now sidelined for a period of months after undergoing knee surgery, Giroud looks set to remain Arsenal's lone striker.

However, Anelka, who helped fire Arsenal to a 1997-98 Premier League and FA Cup double following an injury to Ian Wright, says he benefited from being shown the same kind of faith by Wenger.

“Arsene did the same with me - when Ian Wright was there, he didn’t buy anyone and I had to do the job up front,” Anelka told the National. “He believed in me and in the end I played regularly and played well. He made the same choice with Giroud.

“Arsene believes in his team, that’s why he hasn’t spent money. He believes in Giroud because he thinks he will score a lot of goals, which he already has done.

"When you look at the statistics he’s not so bad. Arsenal won something last season, won something the season before, so why not again?

“But people have to wait and see and then speak at the end of the season. If they don’t win anything, then you can say something. However, people have to trust Arsene. He knows what he is doing.”

Giroud has scored one goal - against Crystal Palace - in four Premier League appearances so far this season.

 

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De Gea returns to Manchester United ahead of potential start against Liverpool

David de Gea returned to Manchester United on Wednesday ahead of potentially his first competitive start of the season for the club against Liverpool on Saturday.

The goalkeeper was back at United's Carrington training base following international duty with Spain, but rather than join in with the scheduled training drills he took part in a special sponsors' question and answer session with manager Louis van Gaal.

Following the event, the two men posed for photographs together amid what Goal understands was a friendly atmosphere.

De Gea has been frozen out of the United squad since the beginning of the Premier League season, with Van Gaal claiming that the Spaniard was not mentally prepared for action after an approach from Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old's move to La Liga collapsed on September 1, with Madrid failing to present finalised documentation to authorities until 28 minutes after the Spanish transfer deadline.

And the timing of the failed transfer coincided with the international break to ensure that De Gea's future at Old Trafford would not be addressed before his return from Spain duty against Macedonia on Tuesday.
The Q&A for United's main sponsor Chevrolet brought De Gea and Van Gaal together on the day they were set to discuss the goalkeeper's future, with his reintegration back into the first-team fold due to be the central topic of conversation.

De Gea's contract is due to run out in June 2016 and the Spain international has yet to discuss the possibility of extending his stay at Old Trafford, casting doubt over his long-term plans.

But his understudy Sergio Romero has so far failed to convince that he is capable of holding down the position on a regular basis, sparking speculation De Gea will be brought back into the fold for Saturday's crucial home fixture against Liverpool.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea ta aniwa chance 1ka denna one​

 

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Mourinho wins GQ award

Jose Mourinho may not be enjoying too much success with Chelsea in 2015-16, but has added a personal trophy to his collection after winning the Editor's Special Award at the GQ Men of the Year gala on Tuesday.

The event, hosted by Hollywood superstar Samuel L. Jackson was attended by a number of sporting stars, including former England striker Gary Lineker and Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton.

Chelsea manager Mourinho was joined on the red carpet by his daughter, Matilde, and the pair turned heads as they entered the event, with the Blues boss cutting a smart figure in a tailored suit accompanied by a bow tie, and his eldest child wearing a chic black dress.

Having won the award, Mourinho can now focus on the football, with the Blues currenty languishing in 14th in the Premier League ahead of their clash with Everton this weekend.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho ta award 1kak hamba una kiwwata mokada matanam focus une wena kenek

Anyway congratzzzzzz Mourinho​

 

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Rooney's knockout blow among Fifa 16's new celebrations

Wayne Rooney's knockout celebration made headlines when it was unveiled against Tottenham last season, and EA Sports obviously enjoyed it after it was revealed as part of Fifa 16.

Manchester United striker Rooney was filmed being knocked out by Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley in a home video, but responded to newspaper reports by punching the air and falling to the ground after netting against Spurs in March.

And gamers will now be able to recreate the move as well as a number of other popular celebrations from the rest of the Premier League and around the globe.

Daniel Sturridge's trademark 'Riding the Wave' dance is included, and Arsenal fans can recreate Olivier Giroud's 'Glamour Slide'.

Players can also now interact with cameramen and substitutes as part of their celebration, while a 'Kneeslide fail' is also included for those in need of a laugh.

But which is your favourite? Check out the video of the latest additions ahead of the game's release at the end of September.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

machan league matches ai patan ganne me weekend eke neda?.

Ow bro September 12th idala ayeth league matches patan gannawa​

 

[rcccc]

Mourinho ta award 1kak hamba una kiwwata mokada matanam focus une wena kenek

Anyway congratzzzzzz Mourinho​

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...-Year-Awards-racy-dress-picks-one-prizes.html

 

[rcccc]

Ow bro September 12th idala ayeth league matches patan gannawa​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbi...-Year-Awards-racy-dress-picks-one-prizes.html

GQ Award ceremony 1ke Mourinho ta award 1kak set unata mokada famous une Mourinho ge daughterMourinho ta no chance
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Herrera: Manchester United midfielders must support Rooney and Martial

Manchester United's midfielders must take some of the goalscoring load off Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, according to Ander Herrera.

United have only scored three goals in the Premier League this season, with one coming from Tottenham defender Kyle Walker as an own goal and one from Adnan Januzaj, who is now on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

With Rooney yet to score in the league this term, attacking midfielder Juan Mata is the only player currently in Louis van Gaal's squad to have hit the back of the net.

Herrera, who struck six times in the Premier League in his maiden campaign at Old Trafford, refused to blame Rooney for United's lack of goals, and warned against building up the expectations on new striker Martial.

"We don't have to give all the responsibility on scoring to Wayne or Anthony Martial," the 26-year-old former Athletic Bilbao man said on Wednesday.

"We have to help. It is very important as a midfielder to score. We all have to help."

The likes of Mata, who netted nine goals in 2014-15, Marouane Fellaini and Bastian Schweinsteiger all have the ability to score regularly from midfield, while Memphis Depay racked up 22 goals for PSV Eindhoven and is also expected to be one of Van Gaal's main attacking weapons.

Although for Herrera, one man remains the number one forward at Old Trafford.

"Wayne is very important to us," he said.

"Normally the biggest stars, as Wayne Rooney is, are selfish but he is not. You saw that when he gave Chicharito [Javier Hernandez] the penalty in Bruges. We are very proud of him. We are lucky because he is with us.

"Most of the times he will score but when he doesn't he is helping the team and he is always fighting for the team. He runs for the rest of the team and he likes to provide assists. We are very lucky to have him."

Herrera has already opened his account this season with a goal in United's 4-0 win at Club Brugge in their UEFA Champions League play-off.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Herrera: Manchester United midfielders must support Rooney and Martial

Mid fielders lage support 1ka kochchara thibbath wadak naha goal finishing hari nathnam​

 

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Hodgson: Shaw can become next Cole

England manager Roy Hodgson believes Luke Shaw can become the next Ashley Cole and earn over 100 international caps after making a strong start to the season.

Shaw's first season at Old Trafford was curtailed by injury and fitness issues but the left-back is beginning to justify his £31 million price tag, as he has been among Manchester United's best players in their opening four Premier League matches.

The 20-year-old carried over his form onto the international stage, with an outstanding performance in his sixth national appearance as England emerged 2-0 winners over Switzerland in Euro 2016 qualifying on Tuesday.

And Hodgson has backed Shaw to follow in the footsteps of former international Cole, who earned 107 caps, the fifth-highest tally in England history alongside captain Wayne Rooney.

"We've always believed in him [Shaw]," Hodgson said. "He played in the last game in the World Cup against Costa Rica and I thought he played very well, bearing in mind that was his first [tournament] game.

"After that, he was pencilled in as the player who could give Leighton Baines a run for his money but he had a tough season and I think one thing will undoubtedly be proven true. That tough season – and it must have been tough for him and his family – might benefit him in the long run.

"He's still only 20 and if he keeps going then he's on track to be another Ashley Cole – a 100-cap man. I would advise him to study Ashley Cole, look at what Ashley did for England and set my sights on the same thing."

 

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'De Bruyne can match Messi, Ronaldo & Hazard'

The manager who handed Kevin De Bruyne his Belgium debut believes the midfielder can reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and international team-mate Eden Hazard.

De Bruyne moved to Manchester City this summer for a club record fee worth around £55 million following 18 blistering months with Wolfsburg, where he was named player of the year in the Bundesliga for 2014-15.

Goal revealed how De Bruyne, anxious to keep his counsel in public, was privately desperate to move to the Etihad Stadium, where he will get the chance to prove himself in the Premier League after an ill-fated spell with Chelsea.

Georges Leekens gave the 19 year-old De Bruyne his first international cap and also worked with him as a youngster at RAA Gent, where he first showed the impatience which perhaps counted against him at Stamford Bridge but fuelled his return to England, and the veteran coach believes his former protege is ready to become one of the game's biggest stars.

“I think he can go to the highest level.” he told Goal. “I mean on the Messi, Ronaldo and Hazard level. He has already shown what he can do.

“He will grow. Wolfsburg are a good club but Manchester City is bigger and now it’s the big jump. He’s at the age now where he can start a big career at club and international level."

De Bruyne's up-front transfer fee is the second largest ever paid by an English club, behind the £59.7m Manchester United shelled out for Angel Di Maria last summer, and comes just a year and a half after he left Chelsea due to a lack of opportunities under Jose Mourinho.

The Blues boss has suggested this summer that De Bruyne could not handle competition for places at Stamford Bridge, and while Leekens admits the Belgian can be too impatient for his own good at times, he says he proved himself by moving to Wolfsburg and will put up a fight for a starting spot at the Etihad.

“Sometimes you can think you take one step back, but I don’t think it was a step back for him," he continued.

“It was good to experience another kind of football in Germany and now he will prove he can play in England at the highest level.

“He went to Wolfsburg after Chelsea to prove himself and he will fight to be successful [at City], of that I’m sure. He’s that kind of player.

“Financially Chelsea did a very good job, but maybe Kevin was not ready at the time or they had players in that position.

“I know Kevin, he’s not patient. He will not wait until he gets a chance. He likes to get that chance today, he doesn’t wait until tomorrow and that’s Kevin’s character.

“I remember him at RAA Gent and he was like this, he knows what he wants and he likes to play.

“He was 14 at Gent but then he went to Genk. We knew that we had a big player but we didn’t have the money to hold on to him.

“At that moment he was good but, following his moves, I think he’s excellent and now he will show he’s world class in England. He likes to play, he never thinks about money. He always thinks about playing and that’s one of his biggest qualities.

“I hope that he adapts as soon as possible with Manchester City because they’re doing well and they’ll get some more quality. That I’m sure.”

De Bruyne's up-front transfer fee is the second largest ever paid by an English club, behind the £59.7m Manchester United shelled out for Angel Di Maria last summer, and comes just a year and a half after he left Chelsea due to a lack of opportunities under Jose Mourinho.

The Blues boss has suggested this summer that De Bruyne could not handle competition for places at Stamford Bridge, and while Leekens admits the Belgian can be too impatient for his own good at times, he says he proved himself by moving to Wolfsburg and will put up a fight for a starting spot at the Etihad.

“Sometimes you can think you take one step back, but I don’t think it was a step back for him," he continued.

“It was good to experience another kind of football in Germany and now he will prove he can play in England at the highest level.

“He went to Wolfsburg after Chelsea to prove himself and he will fight to be successful [at City], of that I’m sure. He’s that kind of player.

“Financially Chelsea did a very good job, but maybe Kevin was not ready at the time or they had players in that position.

“I know Kevin, he’s not patient. He will not wait until he gets a chance. He likes to get that chance today, he doesn’t wait until tomorrow and that’s Kevin’s character.

“I remember him at RAA Gent and he was like this, he knows what he wants and he likes to play.

“He was 14 at Gent but then he went to Genk. We knew that we had a big player but we didn’t have the money to hold on to him.

“At that moment he was good but, following his moves, I think he’s excellent and now he will show he’s world class in England. He likes to play, he never thinks about money. He always thinks about playing and that’s one of his biggest qualities.

“I hope that he adapts as soon as possible with Manchester City because they’re doing well and they’ll get some more quality. That I’m sure.”

 

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Bale choosing Wales over England cost him millions - agent

Gareth Bale's decision to play for Wales instead of England has cost him millions of pounds, his agent says.

The 26-year-old is the star of the Wales side, who sit top of Group B in Euro 2016 qualifying with two games left to play.

Bale, however, could have played for England instead and his representative, Jonathan Barnett, believes he has lost a lot of money because he opted to feature for his native country.

"When we first got together when he was 15, we talked about whether he was going to play for England or Wales," he said at Soccerex. "I nearly got my head bitten off by his dad, who is fanatically Welsh, and his mum.

“He could have qualified to play for england through his grandmother and I tell you that it has cost him millions and millions of pounds.

"You can imagine what it would have been like if he were playing for England next summer in the Euros, but he does love playing for Wales.”

Barnett had said on Tuesday that Bale had no intention of leaving Real Madrid and is happy in the Spanish capital and added that he is looking forward to playing a more central role this term.

“Now, he is not playing wide right, he is playing more centrally and that is going to suit him more and give him the sort of freedom he has with Wales," he added. "He enjoys that role because he was getting a little frustrated.

“Last season he didn’t get the ball that much and when he did get it was slow. By the time he received it, there were already three men on him.

“He doesn't get appreciated at Madrid because the fans love Ronaldo. If you watch the way Real Madrid play this season, I think you will see a shift.

"I think things are maybe changing.”

 

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Spain fans are wrong to boo Pique - Perez

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has defended Gerard Pique, after the Barcelona defender was subjected to boos from the home crowd in Spain's 2-0 Euro 2016 qualifying win over Slovakia.

Pique has courted controversy with his public views on Catalan independence, with Spain team-mate Sergio Ramos suggesting he needs to think about his actions for the benefit of the national team.
Ramos' words sparked fears of another split in the Spain camp, with worries of a reignition of tension between the Real Madrid and Barca contingents of the squad.

However, a number of other Spain stars, such as Cesc Fabregas, Santi Cazorla and Jordi Alba, have voiced support for the centre-back, and Perez is the latest to back him.

"The only thing that I can say is that I'm sure that sometimes he gets things wrong, like everybody," the Real Madrid president told the Spanish radio programme The Twelve O' Clock Match.

"But it doesn't seem right to whistle anybody and even less so somebody for the national team.

"Pique is how he is but it seems bad to me that he's whistled."

 

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'I'm very happy here' - Fabregas reflects on Spain career

Chelsea and Spain star Cesc Fabregas has shared his happiness at having etched out a place in La Roja folklore as he closes in on a century of caps for the European champions.

The 28-year-old made his 98th appearance for the national team against Slovakia, though sat out the narrow 1-0 victory over Macedonia three days later.

Though born in Catalonia, and having turned out three times for la Seleccio, Fabregas is immensely proud to have achieved so much for Spain and says he is very happy in the current setup.

“Time goes by and it goes by very quickly. I consider myself very lucky in football and in life,” the midfielder told C+ Liga when asked to recall his experiences with the national team.

“To see yourself playing a part in the quarter-finals of a European Championship, taking a very important penalty, in a semi-final giving two assists, winning a European Championship, the national team’s first, being one of the key players in the final of a World Cup, being involved in the most important goal in Spain’s history…”

He continued: “That moment – the quarter-finals between Spain and Italy – was one of the best that I have experienced in my career.

“At just 21 to be able to experience that unique moment, and that winning the World Cup is the top level for a footballer and there’s nothing bigger, so that European Championship, those moments were very, very nice.”

On the opportunity to play in his third Euros, he added: “It doesn’t happen every day and to be able to play my third European Championship, the same as three World Cups, is something that doesn’t happen a lot.

"It would be very nice. Hopefully I can carry on like this because I’m very happy here.”