..::Football IV::..

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Morata agrees to €60m move as Milan meet Madrid in Cardiff

AC Milan have agreed terms with Alvaro Morata over a €60 million move and the club's sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli hopes to tie up a deal for the Spain striker with Real Madrid in Cardiff this weekend.

Mirabelli travelled to Wales on Friday and will attend Saturday's Champions League final clash between Madrid and Juventus at the Millennium Stadium, but the Milan director will also use the trip to negotiate for Morata.

Milan have money to spend this summer following the recent takeover by a Chinese consortium and the Rossoneri have made Morata their top target in the transfer window, with Carlos Bacca set to leave San Siro and the club in the market for a top-class replacement.Torino forward Andrea Belotti is also interesting Milan, but the Turin-based club are asking for €80 and Morata is their first choice, with wages of around €6.5-7m already agreed with the Spain striker.

Now Milan must convince Madrid, with a transfer fee yet to be settled. The Rossoneri are willing to pay €60m for the 24-year-old, although Real are keen to hold out for more and hope to earn closer to €70m for the player they brought back from Juventus last summer.

Madrid originally sold Morata to Juventus in 2014 after the striker appeared as a substitute in the 2014 Champions League final win against Atletico in May of that year. And history seems set to repeat itself as the player now looks likely to move on after another European showpiece in Cardiff this weekend.

Morata is due to marry Italian girlfriend Alice Campello in Venice later in June and she is known to favour a return to her homeland over a move to England, where Chelsea are interested in the Spain striker. Manchester United have also been linked with a move.

Juventus would also be keen to take back Morata, but the Italian champions are unwilling to buy back their former player for at least double the amount they received from Madrid last summer, when the striker returned home for a cut-price €30m.

Madrid may decide to accept a €60m deal given that they would still be doubling their money on a player who came through their youth system and has always behaved impeccably with the Spanish side, but will ask Milan to up their offer for the 24-year-old.
Morata has more goals (20) than starts (19) for Madrid in 2016-17 and his goal ratio is better than any other player in the squad. However, there remain doubts at Real over his ability to become one of the world's best strikers.

The player is frustrated at his lack of appearances this term, which is precisely what happened the first time around at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Madrid are happy with Karim Benzema and allowing Morata to leave will free up space for a big summer signing.

Madrid's top target is Monaco's Kylian Mbappe and the sale of Morata would go some way to funding a world-record move for the young French forward.

 

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Man Utd midfielder Fellaini refusing to rule out CSL transfer

Marouane Fellaini is not contemplating leaving Manchester United any time soon, but has kept the door open to the Chinese Super League.The Belgium international was among those to be linked with a lucrative move to Asia during the winter transfer window.

He was, however, to see a 12-month contract extension triggered by United after becoming a key figure in Jose Mourinho’s plans.Fellaini is delighted to be staying on at Old Trafford, but admits a switch to the CSL may appeal at some stage.

Asked by VTM News whether he could see himself following in the footsteps of countryman Alex Witsel, the 29-year-old midfielder said: “In China? Why not?
“I’m now Manchester United player, but I do not rule out such a transfer in the future.”

Fellaini initially struggled to make an impact at United after following David Moyes from Everton in a £27.5 million transfer in the summer of 2013.His versatility has, however, made him a useful asset to Mourinho and his 47 appearances in the 2016-17 campaign include outings in Community Shield, EFL Cup and Europa League successes.

Quizzed on why he has thrived under his Portuguese coach, Fellaini added: "He knows how to use me.“At the start of the season, I played as a No 6, then as a No 8 and then a No 10. I play wherever he needs me."He knows my qualities and knows how to use me. If he plays me, I will play there and give my best."

 

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Morientes not surprised by Zidane success as Real Madrid eye greatness

Zinedine Zidane has made the seamless transition from extraordinary player to successful coach and former team-mate Fernando Morientes is not surprised as Real Madrid look to make Champions League history in Cardiff.Zidane and his men head to the Principality Stadium to face Juventus on Saturday as defending champions and newly-crowned La Liga kings.

One of Madrid's favourite sons has been instrumental in dethroning Barcelona and putting the club on the verge of becoming the first in history to retain the European crown in its current format.

Since replacing Rafael Benitez in January last year, Zidane has gone from coaching Castilla – Madrid's reserve team – to a Champions League and La Liga-winning boss.

But Zidane's success does not come as a surprise to Morientes - who helped Madrid to Champions League glory in 1998, 2000 and 2002 - because of his knowledge of the Santiago Bernabeu.

Speaking about the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Morientes told Omnisport: "It is not a surprise for me because he is a good manager."He won La Liga and the Champions League last year. He also did very good work in Castilla.

"The most important thing is that he has very good players. That is the most important thing. It is no surprise. He was a footballer, he knows Madrid and the club very well and all the players. He has a strong mentality and is very calm.
"At Madrid, it is easier than another team [because of the quality]."While Zidane has already claimed four trophies since taking over from Benitez, Morientes believes the best is yet to come from the 44-year-old Frenchman.

"When you are coach of Madrid, you are always under pressure," Morientes said. "People now speak of Zidane as a very good manager. But in the future, when he has five, 10 years of more training, we will see the best of Zidane."
After achieving their objective of topping the Spanish standings for the first time since 2012, 11-time European champions Madrid now stand on the cusp of greatness.

Never before have a team gone back-to-back in the Champions League. If Zidane masterminds victory over former club and Italian title-holders Juventus, where would Madrid rank among the greatest sides?

Morientes said: "To win the title two times in a row is very difficult. They would be the first ones in history."At Madrid, they have always had very good teams. The Galacticos, Zidane, Roberto Carlos, [Luis] Figo, all those players. But in this moment, Madrid have an excellent team.

"Are they the best in history? It is very difficult but they have a very strong team."Madrid always have very good teams. If they won this Champions League, they would be in the best position of history."They are now legends. But if they won the title, we will always remember this team for Spanish and European football."

 

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Man City captain Kompany eyeing international retirement after 2018 World Cup

Vincent Kompany has suggested he could retire from international duty with Belgium after the 2018 World Cup.

The Manchester City captain has endured a difficult time with injuries in recent years, making just 25 Premier League appearances over the last two seasons, but he has now returned to the fold having finished the current campaign strongly under Pep Guardiola.

While Kompany is focused on performing at the World Cup in Russia - and maintains he will be able to - he has conceded that this could prove to be his last major international tournament.

"It's important for me to be back in this team," he told reporters. "I understand that there were doubts about me, but I know my level."I spend a lot of time - 30 minutes to an hour - doing extra exercises before or after a game and I'm lucky to play with the world's best players, of course.

"All this will serve me after my career. I will not stop here."The 2018 World Cup was always a big motivation for me, especially when I was down. There's a big chance that it will be my last season with Belgium.

"For me now, it's about reintegration. I have spoken with [coach Roberto] Martinez. I knew him a little from before."If I was afraid of hurting myself, I would have already stopped my career."

 

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OFFICIAL: AC Milan sign Premier League target Kessie from Atalanta

AC Milan have confirmed the signing of Franck Kessie from Atalanta on a two year loan deal which includes an obligation to buy.

Goal reported earlier in May that the 20-year-old had agreed a five-year contract worth €2.5 million-per-year at San Siro, and would subsequently become the club's first signing under the new Chinese ownership.The 20-year-old midfielder, who had attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, will be on loan at Milan until 2019 before they snap him up on a permanent deal.

"Franck Kessie is a new Milan player," a statement on their website read. "After undergoing medical examinations, the Ivorian midfielder has signed a contract until June 30, 2019."

Kessie has previously admitted that he dreams of one day playing for United, and his agent also named Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal as potential destinations.However, Milan have beaten off competition from overseas, as well as from Serie A rivals Roma, to secure the coveted signature of the athletic midfielder.

Kessie scored six goals and provided four assists in 30 league appearances as Atalanta finished fourth in Serie A, 19 points behind leaders Juventus.

 

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Morata agrees to €60m move as Milan meet Madrid in Cardiff

AC Milan have agreed terms with Alvaro Morata over a €60 million move and the club's sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli hopes to tie up a deal for the Spain striker with Real Madrid in Cardiff this weekend.

Mirabelli travelled to Wales on Friday and will attend Saturday's Champions League final clash between Madrid and Juventus at the Millennium Stadium, but the Milan director will also use the trip to negotiate for Morata.

Milan have money to spend this summer following the recent takeover by a Chinese consortium and the Rossoneri have made Morata their top target in the transfer window, with Carlos Bacca set to leave San Siro and the club in the market for a top-class replacement.

Torino forward Andrea Belotti is also interesting Milan, but the Turin-based club are asking for €80 and Morata is their first choice, with wages of around €6.5-7m already agreed with the Spain striker.

Now Milan must convince Madrid, with a transfer fee yet to be settled. The Rossoneri are willing to pay €60m for the 24-year-old, although Real are keen to hold out for more and hope to earn closer to €70m for the player they brought back from Juventus last summer.

Madrid originally sold Morata to Juventus in 2014 after the striker appeared as a substitute in the 2014 Champions League final win against Atletico in May of that year. And history seems set to repeat itself as the player now looks likely to move on after another European showpiece in Cardiff this weekend.

Morata is due to marry Italian girlfriend Alice Campello in Venice later in June and she is known to favour a return to her homeland over a move to England, where Chelsea are interested in the Spain striker. Manchester United have also been linked with a move.

Juventus would also be keen to take back Morata, but the Italian champions are unwilling to buy back their former player for at least double the amount they received from Madrid last summer, when the striker returned home for a cut-price €30m.

Madrid may decide to accept a €60m deal given that they would still be doubling their money on a player who came through their youth system and has always behaved impeccably with the Spanish side, but will ask Milan to up their offer for the 24-year-old.
Morata has more goals (20) than starts (19) for Madrid in 2016-17 and his goal ratio is better than any other player in the squad. However, there remain doubts at Real over his ability to become one of the world's best strikers.

The player is frustrated at his lack of appearances this term, which is precisely what happened the first time around at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Madrid are happy with Karim Benzema and allowing Morata to leave will free up space for a big summer signing.

Madrid's top target is Monaco's Kylian Mbappe and the sale of Morata would go some way to funding a world-record move for the young French forward.

 

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Ronaldo: I'm not a galactico

Cristiano Ronaldo believes he will go down in history at Real Madrid but says he does not consider himself to be "a galactico".

The Portugal ace has scored 40 goals in all competitions to help Madrid to a second Champions League final in a row and claim their first La Liga title since 2012.

Ronaldo netted the winning penalty in the shoot-out when Madrid won the Champions League against Atletico Madrid last season and scored from the spot when they beat their city rivals in the 2014 showpiece.

However, he says he has not considered any specific preparation for Saturday's match in Cardiff, when he will attempt to find a way past the imperious Juventus defence and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

"I'm not a typical player who likes to look at videos because I think that things come naturally. Obviously it's important to know one or two points but not to obsess," he said.

"For example, in penalties, thinking about which side you shoot more towards: when you're there, a lot of things go through your head and it's one moment to decide. It's instinct. And that's why I don't really like to plan what I'm going to do.
"A penalty in the final? It's not fear. I like to take risks. It's a calculated risk, not life or death. I can score or miss."But I'm not going to miss. You have to think positively. That's the difference between good players, very good players and galacticos.

"I don't consider myself a galactico. But I consider myself a player who has created history in Manchester, Madrid and with the national team."

Ronaldo also insists he will never be an out-and-out striker and admits that he prefers playing in a 4-4-2 system.

The 32-year-old has developed into more of a centre-forward during Zinedine Zidane's time in charge at Santiago Bernabeu and has often been partnered in attack with Karim Benzema this season.

The Portugal captain has admitted to changing the way he trains and plays in order to stay fresher for the decisive games in a campaign and his approach has paid dividends in 2016-17, given that he has scored eight goals in his last four Champions League games and six in their final four LaLiga matches as they clinched the title.

However, the former Manchester United star – who also played in a top two for Portugal when they won Euro 2016 – says it is wrong to consider him a number nine.

"People think I'm a striker. I'm never going to be a striker. I've scored nearly 600 goals playing in the position I do," he told La Sexta.

"It depends on the tactics the coach uses. I like to play with more freedom; when we play 4-4-2 I like it more. But that's not to say I don't like to play in a 4-3-3 because I do other movements and take up different positions."Of course I like to play more freely because it's a position in which I also play for Portugal, but obviously I also like the 4-3-3."

 

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France 5 Paraguay 0: Giroud hits hat-trick in friendly rout

Olivier Giroud scored his first international hat-trick as France defeated Paraguay 5-0 in Friday's friendly clash at Roazhon Park in Rennes.

The Arsenal striker was at his clinical best, netting with each of his three shots on target before Moussa Sissoko and Antoine Griezmann secured a deserved win for the home side in an impressive all-round performance.

Head coach Didier Deschamps named a strong starting line-up that included Hugo Lloris, who broke Fabien Barthez's record for France appearances as a goalkeeper as he won his 88th cap.

Giroud opened the scoring after six minutes following good work from Paul Pogba and Ousmane Dembele and he doubled his tally before quarter of an hour had been played, as France set about dismantling a side ranked 30 places below them by FIFA.

Griezmann, who this week appeared to commit his future to Atletico Madrid, missed a good chance before Giroud converted from close range midway through the second half to make it 3-0 and kill off any threat of a Paraguay comeback.

With the visitors looking deflated, France struck twice in quick succession to put some gloss on the scoreline, Sissoko turning in Alexandre Lacazette's low cross before Griezmann smashed in a goal of his own with 13 minutes left.

The victory was a welcome response to March's 2-0 home friendly defeat by Spain and will give the beaten Euro 2016 finalists plenty of encouragement ahead of next week's World Cup qualifier against Sweden.

Giroud headed a Dembele cross over after five minutes, but the Arsenal man had less than 60 seconds to wait before making the most of his next opportunity.Pogba slid a fine pass through to Dembele down the right and the Borussia Dortmund man's cross was volleyed in at the far post by Giroud, who arrived completely unmarked.

Seven minutes later, Giroud doubled France's lead, diving to head in from barely two yards out after Dimitri Payet had tricked his way past Gustavo Gomez and squared the ball across the box.

Dembele and Samuel Umtiti each missed a good chance to add to the scoreline as France continued to dominate the first half, with the movement of Griezmann causing particular problems for the Paraguay defence.

The visitors improved after the break, but Victor Ayala's wayward free-kick from 25 yards out was their only notable effort of the first hour, and they could have been 3-0 down had Griezmann hit the target when trying to loft the ball over goalkeeper Antony Silva following a pass from substitute Thomas Lemar.

France had looked a threat down the left-hand side throughout and it was through that channel that they made the win safe on 69 minutes. Substitute Lucas Digne raced into clear space and curled a low cross towards the six-yard box, where Giroud arrived to steer the ball first time beyond Silva and complete his hat-trick.

Sissoko made it 4-0 seven minutes later, steering low beneath Silva after being picked out in space 12 yards from goal by Lacazette, and Griezmann made the most of more slapdash defending to blast the ball high into the net soon afterwards and cap a dominant display.

 

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Juventus different to 2015, Allegri warns Real Madrid

Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus are a different beast to the one who stumbled in the Champions League final two years ago and he will accept nothing but victory against Real Madrid on Saturday.As they will be in Cardiff, Juve sought a treble when they faced Barcelona in Berlin, but they were left dented by a 3-1 defeat.

Allegri freely admits that his side then had not reached the final out of expectation, but he says - with a sixth straight Serie A title and the Coppa Italia in the bag - that this year feels much different.

He told a news conference: "In 2015 we got to the final but at the same time we were not strongly motivated, we were not confident enough because we had lots of years of struggle in the Champions League."We certainly didn't end up in the final by chance but we didn't expect to win.

"This year is different. Last year, we had a good season in the Champions League, lost to Bayern Munich [in the round of 16] just one minute before the end of the game and we have been growing gradually.

"Now it's completely different, Juventus has improved a lot."Dominant domestically once again, Allegri hopes Juventus can draw strength from pummelling their league.

"All I can say is we worked for a year and all the trophies and wins we've had this year have been training for tomorrow," he said.

"Tomorrow we have to win. It's a final, it's one game. "So like all one-game finals, you have to play in a certain way. You have to analyse when you need to attack and when you need to defend."If we can do that, with a bit of luck, we shall have a possibility but we need to be convinced and confident."

 

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Herrera happy at United despite Barca links

Ander Herrera has reaffirmed his commitment to Manchester United amid talk of interest from Barcelona.Former Athletic Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde was appointed Barca boss this week and, having worked with Herrera before, he has been linked with a move for the United midfielder.

But Herrera - who made 50 appearances in all competitions in 2016-17 as United won the Community Shield, the League Cup and the Europa League - is happy at Old Trafford, insisting he still strives to pay the club back for signing him.

"I'm very thankful with Manchester United because they came to Spain to sign me three years ago," the Spain international told Sky Sports."The only thing I have in my mind every time I'm on the pitch is that I want to give all the affection back.

"I think that's the right way. I try to go to the pitch and to finish the game and I cannot complain to myself. I can say I have given everything. I don't want to stop - I am very optimistic and a hard-working player."I want to keep playing, keep working hard, keep improving, not only personally but also with the club and the team; I want to keep improving to continue winning things.

"Of course, I'm happy with my development and I am happy with my time at the club so far, but I'm not going to stop here. I want to keep playing, keep improving, keep making our fans proud."

 

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Courtois hopes Lukaku joins him at Chelsea

Thibaut Courtois is hopeful Belgium team-mate Romelu Lukaku will join him at Chelsea, but concedes it is up to the Everton man to decide.

Lukaku has turned down a contract extension at Goodison Park, with agent Mino Raiola claiming this week that Everton have promised their star man he can leave for "certain clubs".

His former team Chelsea have been heavily linked and Courtois would welcome the 24-year-old back at Stamford Bridge.

"Romelu is a great player so if he decides to go to Chelsea or Chelsea decide to sign him, I would be happy to see him in the dressing room in July," the goalkeeper told Sky Sports."I guess if it's the right offer he might go. It's up to him to decide."

Meanwhile, Courtois is keen to commit his own future to Chelsea, where he is waiting on a new contract offer."I am very happy and there is no doubt I will stay," he said. "My contract runs out in two years so, obviously, I need a new deal.

"It's important I finish the season well with the national team and then maybe Chelsea will speak with my agent. If it's a good deal I will be very happy to sign."

 

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Wenger adamant Sanchez and Ozil will not leave Arsenal

Arsene Wenger is adamant that Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil will not be allowed to leave Arsenal in the transfer window.The future of the Gunners' star duo remains the subject of intense speculation, with both entering the final year of their contracts at Emirates Stadium.

Sanchez has been heavily linked with Manchester City and Bayern Munich, while Ozil has also been tipped for a potential move away following Arsenal's failure to qualify for the Champions League.But Wenger, who signed a new two-year contract to stay on as Arsenal manager this week, says neither player will be sold before next season begins.

"This summer, first of all they will stay at the club and hopefully we can extend their contract," Wenger told beIN SPORTS when asked about Sanchez and Ozil's futures.

When pressed on whether they would leave, he replied: "No. You cannot weaken the club and weaken the team. You want to strengthen the team. Unless you find a player of the same calibre and if they absolutely want to leave...
"I believe, at the moment, we're not on that front. We're focused on keeping the team together and to see how we can strengthen the team.

"When you sign a contract somewhere, you commit to give your best until the end of the last day of that contract. I would say 'why should they not give their best?'.
"The interest of any player is always to play football and well, even more so at the end of your contact. If you're a winner, you want to win the game you're playing."

 

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Ramos: Zidane gets the best out of 'complicated' Real Madrid

Sergio Ramos hailed Zinedine Zidane's ability to get the best out of a "complicated" Real Madrid side as Los Blancos prepare to defend their Champions League crown against Juventus.

Madrid are looking to become the first side to retain the famous trophy in the modern era in a battle between Spain and Italy's champion teams in Cardiff on Saturday.

A penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in Milan last year delivered an 11th European crown for the Bernabeu club, with Zidane turning around a season that began with rancour and poor performances under Rafael Benitez.Having presided over incredible success in his season-and-a-half in charge, Zidane now has the full backing of Madrid's squad and his captain Ramos.

The defender told a news conference: "I've known the coach for many years, I'm not going to tell you anything new, you've got the numbers, the results speak on their own.

"We were proud from the first day he came to our team. We know that many coaches come to our team and it's a complicated team to have success with. "We hope we have success as long as possible. For us he's a key component of our team."

Ramos does not believe that having won La Liga will give Madrid any benefit against Juventus - winners of six straight Scudetti."I think that in every final both teams go out there from zero," Ramos explained."I don't think that the fact we won La Liga will have a benefit, on the contrary.

"We enjoyed winning the league after a good season playing in La Liga so you feel even more satisfied because you achieved your goal.

"In that regard of course the team feels good because of the work, our dedication, our sacrifice over the whole season but tomorrow is a tough game."We know our opponent very well, we both have a 50-50 chance of.

 

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UEFA Champions League Final 2017.06.03

UEFA Champions League Final 2017.06.03​

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Juventus Vs Real Madrid

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Patta match 1kak yai adaGood luck for Both teams!

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UEFA Champions League Final 2017.06.03​

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Juventus Vs Real Madrid

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Juventus Starting Line-up

Gianluigi Buffon
Giorgio Chiellini
Leonardo Bonucci
Alex Sandro
Andrea Barzagli
Paulo Dybala
Sami Khedira
Miralem Pjanic
Gonzalo Higuain
Mario Mandzukic
Dani Alves

&

Real Madrid Starting Line-up

Keylor Navas
Sergio Ramos
Raphael Varane
Marcelo
Daniel Carvajal
Cristiano Ronaldo
Casemiro
Isco
Luka Modric
Toni Kroos
Karim Benzema
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