..::Football II::..

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Messi in no rush to sign new Barcelona deal

Lionel Messi insists he is in no rush to begin negotiations over a new contract with Barcelona.

The Argentine's current deal expires in 2016, and the 25-year-old says there is no need to panic as his long-term future lays with the club.

"I am not worried about my contract, I have repeated that on numerous occasions," Messi told Marca. "My objectives with the club are longstanding; to improve and to try to win everything that we have already won.

Messi is well on course to add yet more silverware to an already glittering CV, with the Blaugrana at the top of La Liga and the Argentina international in the running for a fourth consecutive Ballon d'Or crown, and he admits he is driven by a constant thirst for success.

"They say that I am very competitive," Messi said. "I like to train, I like to play and I like to win. I have always been like that since I was young, but it would make me very happy if one of my teammates won the Ballon d'Or, they also deserve it. Without my teammates I would not have won everything that I have won."

When questioned about his supposed running battle with Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi was quick to play down any talk of a rivalry between the pair and insisted it was nothing more than a media creation.

"I do not compete against Ronaldo, I try to do the best possible with Barca and with Argentina," Messi said. "That is something that the press have invented. Neither Ronaldo nor myself competes with the other."

 

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Luiz Adriano: I am very sorry about my goal

Shakhtar Donetsk striker Luiz Adriano has told Nordsjaelland that he is sorry for his controversial equalizer on Tuesday.


With 24 minutes gone, Morten Nordstrand received treatment for an injury, but with the ball passed back to the hosts' goalkeeper as an act of fair play, the ball was intercepted by Adriano who proceeded to burst through the watching defense, round the keeper and fire home.

"I did not see the start of the move, because I was standing with my back to the ball and my face towards the opposition goal," Adriano told the club's website. "I was in the attacking area and did not notice what had happened in our half. I was very focused on the game, and when the ball dropped near me the defenders did not show any initiative. I picked up the ball, beat the goalkeeper and scored - I am a forward, that is what I do.

"Later, after analyzing the replay of that episode and after talking to my teammates, I realized what had happened and I completely changed my view on the episode. I am very sorry about what happened, I apologize to all the fans and to UEFA."

The Brazilian has since been vilified in numerous quarters for his actions but has promised the incident will never be repeated.

"Nothing like this ever happened to me before, I have always respected and will respect the Fair Play rules," he continued. "Once again, I apologize and I promise that this will never happen again. I will be more focused and attentive on the pitch and I will abide by the rules of fair play."

Adriano went on to score another two goals as Shakhtar ran out as 5-2 winners.

 

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Lazio 0-0 Tottenham: Magnificent Lloris secures important point for Spurs

Hugo Lloris produced a man-of-the-match display to keep his side in control of its own fate with a string of impressive saves as Tottenham drew 0-0 with Lazio in the Europa League on Thursday night.


Emmanuel Adebayor retained his starting spot despite his red card in Saturday’s north London derby, with Clint Dempsey returning as Jermain Defoe dropped to the bench. Elsewhere Tom Carroll - who shined in the club’s 3-0 win over Maribor two weeks ago – started. For Lazio, talisman Miroslav Klose failed to recover from a knock picked up against Juventus so Libor Kozak came in.

Spurs should have been ahead with less than five minutes on the clock when youngster Carroll thread a perfectly weighted pass through to Gareth Bale, who rounded the goalkeeper and converted into the empty net only to be incorrectly waved offside.An entertaining end-to-end game continued to flourish as Lazio and then the Tottenham went close to breaking the deadlock. First Cristian Ledesma’s tested Lloris to his fullest with a swerving drive that the goalkeeper palmed onto the crossbar and away before Bale's out-swinging cross-cum-shot nearly caught out Federico Marchetti as the shot-stopper quickly readjusted his body to flick the ball away from danger.

Lazio grew more into the game as the first half cantered by, and Lloris, in arguably in best performance in a Spurs shirt, was called upon time and time again and came up trumps each time – most notably when Ledesma was played through a hesitant visitors defense to feed Kozak through on goal only for the France No.1 to rush out a avert the danger with apparent ease.Spurs started the second half with less impetus than what was on show during the opening 45 minutes, with the defense showing particular strain in the form of fullbacks Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker.

Lazio should have taken advantage of this hesitance when Sandro was caught in possession inside his own half and Caulker mistimed a follow-up challenge to leave Kozak with half the goal gaping to slot his side into the lead, but the striker managed to put the ball the wrong side of the post.

Defoe and Aaron Lennon were brought into the fray on the hour mark for the disappointing duo of Dempsey and Sigurdsson, but it was in defense where the visiting side needed bolstering as again Lloris had to be heavily relied upon to keep the scores level with two impressive example of quick thinking denying Kozak and Lulic in quick succession.

Dembele was introduced with 15 minutes left to play following a six-week absence in an attempt to tip the midfield battle back into his team’s favor but all three second-half substitutes failed to have the desired effect as Lazio continued to control the tie.

The home side would have been aggrieved to not claim all three points, but had secured its progression come to final whistle as Tottenham prepares to face Panathinaikos in matchday six to settle its fate.

 

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Lazio Match 1ke Tottenham lage 1ka Shot 1kakwath nahane

 

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Drogba refused permission to leave Shanghai Shenhua on loan

Didier Drogba has been refused permission by FIFA to make an immediate loan move away from Shanghai Shenhua.

The Ivory Coast striker was linked with a return to former club Chelsea as well as a potential move to Serie A champion Juventus following the conclusion of the Chinese Super League this month; however, his hopes of sealing this move were dashed by the world's governing body of the sport as he looked to build his fitness ahead of the African Cup of Nations, which starts in January in South Africa.


"We can confirm that the player Didier Drogba submitted a request for authorization to be registered outside an open registration period for a club on a loan basis," FIFA said in a statement. "FIFA has informed him about the relevant regulations... that players may only be registered during one of the two annual registration periods fixed by the relevant association."

FIFA has maintained its rules that state no player can move outside the international transfer window. This has been the case where MLS players such as Thierry Henry and Landon Donovan have been forced to wait until January to complete their short-term loan moves.

 

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Benitez: I'm at Chelsea to win trophies

Rafa Benitez insists he is at Chelsea to win trophies after taking over as interim manager until the end of the season following the club's dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo.

The Italian boss was sacked by Roman Abramovich after a 3-0 defeat to Juventus on Tuesday evening left Chelsea's hopes of retaining the Champions League in a dire position.

However, his Spanish replacement has hailed the west London side as a "massive club", and declared he took the job in order to add more silverware to the Stamford Bridge trophy cabinet.

"I am here because I want to be here, at a massive club that allows me to fight for trophies," he said speaking at his first Chelsea press conference.

"I don't care about short term. At this moment I am here - I got the job. I have more desire and hunger to win trophies than before."

The coach denies disrespecting the Stamford Bridge club while in charge of Liverpool, suggesting any fan would want to see their manager defending the club: "We were playing against Chelsea in the semifinals of the Champions League. If I was a fan I'd like to see my manager fighting to win.

"I don't see this as a lack of respect, I think it's defending my club [at the time]. Everyone has to do what they have to do."

Benitez said former boss Di Matteo did a "great job" after winning the Champions League and FA Cup after taking over from Andre Villas-Boas last season, but suggested winning is the only guarantee in football.

He continued: "Di Matteo was doing a great job, but you can win your game and still be out.

"It's very simple. Winning games is a guarantee for everything. Winning games in a row means winning trophies. We have five competitions, five opportunities to do well."

The manager will also link up with Fernando Torres, who was sold to the London club for 50 million pounds by the Anfield side in 2011, with the boss declaring: "He is a top-class player. His attitude was really good. With the players and staff together I think we can win important things."

And despite taking the role at a rival Premier League side, the Spaniard feels the Liverpool fans will forgive him.

"I can guarantee that a lot of Liverpool fans will wish me all the best - not against Liverpool - but they will wish me all the best," he added.

 

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Benitez: My main focus is winning the next game

New Chelsea interim boss Rafa Benitez has declared his focus is solely on winning the next game for the club - but stated a team of its nature should always be aiming for trophies.

The former Liverpool manager replaced Roberto Di Matteo on Wednesday afternoon following the Blues' 3-0 Champions League defeat to Juventus which left their European hopes in tatters.

However, the 52-year-old moved to calm doubts over his appointment from supporters, stating he wants success for the Stamford Bridge club just as much as they do.

"I think it's a top side who want to challenge for trophies. We will think about one game at a time so we'll just try to win the next game," he told Sky Sports News.

The Spaniard enjoyed success at Anfield by winning the Champions League in 2005, and club owner Roman Abramovich will be hoping he can rescue its European campaign and reignite a faltering Premier League challenge.

Benitez feels that he can win over fans at Stamford Bridge by showing he is passionate for victories, stating: "The fans all want the same thing as the manager - and that's to win games."

Chelsea has taken two points from a possible 12 in its last four league games, and a second defeat in five Champions League matches leaves it relying on Juventus to slip up against Shakhtar Donetsk to progress to the last 16.

 

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Rafa ta ayeth Torres set una neh

 

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Agent set for AC Milan talks over Pato exit

Alexandre Pato's agent is set for a meeting with the AC Milan board following reports the striker is unhappy at San Siro.

The 23-year-old came on as a second-half substitute in the Rossoneri's 3-1 win over Anderlecht on Wednesday night and scored his side's third and final goal, before reportedly threatening to quit the club after the game.

"If Alexandre said certain things, then he must have had his reasons,” Gilmar Veloz told TMW.

"I want to get a better understanding of the situation with Milan before anything happens.

“I will arrive in Italy on Tuesday, I will speak with Pato and then with the club to evaluate what to do next. I do not want to say anything more at the moment because I would not want to say inexact things.“I do not know if he can leave Milan. Ask me the same question once I have spoken to all parties.”Pato has made seven appearances for the Serie A giants this season, scoring two goals.

 

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Leonardo: Ibrahimovic as good as Messi and Ronaldo

Leonardo says Zlatan Ibrahimovic is just as good as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Sweden international has been in sparkling form since his move to Paris Saint-Germain during the summer and scored four times against England in his country's 4-2 victory over Roy Hodgson's men. His displays have led several figures to tip the striker as a darkhorse to lift the Ballon d'Or and Les Parisiens' sporting director lavished praise on his talents.

"Zlatan is a player of the caliber of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo," he told RMC. "You cannot separate Zlatan and the others. He is a team player, he gives his all for the club and he is a player that should be considered for the Ballon d'Or."

The 31-year-old has scored 18 goals in 19 appearances for club and country so far this season.

 

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Mexes: You only score a goal like that once in your career

Philippe Mexes was over the moon with his wondergoal in AC Milan's 3-1 UEFA Champions League win over Anderlecht on Wednesday, and stressed that he has never before scored such an incredible strike.

The France defender found the back of the net with a stunning overhead kick from outside the area to gift the Rossoneri a 2-0 lead in the 71st minute, and help them on their way to a crucial Group C victory.

"I didn't know what was going to happen before [I scored], but after controlling the ball with my chest, the only thing to do was to give it a go," Mexes told Uefa.com. "Happily, it worked out for me. I scored some beautiful goals with Roma, but they are nothing in comparison.

"You only score a goal like that once in your career, especially as a defender. It's something to savor."

Mexes' strike against Anderlecht was his first goal of the season.

 

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Guardiola in no rush to decide on future, says agent

Pep Guardiola will not decide on his future until the New Year, according to the former Barcelona manager’s agent.

The 41-year-old has been linked with a number of high-profile positions since opting to end his four-year spell in charge of the Catalan club in the summer – namely Chelsea in July and November before and after the hiring and firing of Roberto Di Matteo. But Guardiola has been adamant in his desire to see out a one-year sabbatical from the game as continues his stay in New York with his family.The former Spain international’s representative, Josep Maria Orobitg, said Guardiola has not ruled out an extension to that break.

"I was with him 15 days ago, and he told me that before January or February he won't decide which club he will coach or if he will be sitting on any bench next season,"Orobitg told Brazilian sports newspaper Lance. "It doesn't matter what happens, before that time he will not take any decision with any club or national team.

"He alone will decide his future because he has a lot of personality. Right now he is with his family, resting, reading, watching football. In January he'll start thinking about which team he will coach next season."

 

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Falcao: I want to win the Champions League

Radamel Falcao has voiced his desire to add the Champions League to his trophy cabinet in the future as he aims to be as successful as possible.

The Colombia international has already won plenty of silverware over the years, with Atletico Madrid’s Europa League victory over Athletic Bilbao and the European Super Cup win against Chelsea earlier in 2012 among the highlights of his career.

Falcao is not satisfied with what he has achieved so far just yet, though, and has set his sights on more trophies both at club and international level.

"I would like to be remembered for the titles," the striker told Goal.com. "I would like to collect plenty of trophies. In terms of trophies I covet the Champions League and the World Cup. You never get enough of that.

"There have been some special moments already, important games, finals … so far the European Super Cup against Chelsea and the Europa League final against Athletic Bilbao have given me great memories."

The 26-year-old seems to perform best when it really matters, with man-of-the-match performances in the 2011 and 2012 Europa League finals, and a hat trick in this year's European Super Cup, and he revealed that he indeed thrives under pressure.

"Perhaps my desire for victory makes me raise my level. I perform better than average at the critical moments. I had the chance to do it in three finals," he continued. "Have I ever felt that I achieved perfection? Yes. In some games I seem to do everything right and every shot I take ends up being a goal. I can’t define it. You are just gifted and you put in a perfect performance."

Falcao is one of the undisputed stars of the footballing world right now, but the attacker has stressed that he has had to work hard and make sacrifices to fulfill his dreams.

"Obviously there are some things I cannot get back. I never experienced certain things, but my dream was to play football at a professional level," he added. "I knew from the beginning that I was going to miss out on some life experiences in pursuit of my dream.

"Football takes things away from you but gives you many things back in return. I’m happy with the decision I made and I'm enjoying myself."

As well as leading the line for Atletico, Falcao is currently an ambassador for Western Union's PASS program, an initiative which turns every pass in the Europa League into funding for a day of school. The scheme intends to create one million school days over the next three years and builds on the work the company has already done to support education globally.

Speaking of his own childhood, the Colombia international always felt he was destined to become a professional soccer player, even if he struggled with defeat.

"Yes, [I was talented as a youngster]. I had the genetics of a player because my father was a footballer too. However, I also had plenty of dedication and this helped a lot," he said. "I don't know if I cried after defeats because I controlled my feelings well, but losing made me feel as if I was dying inside. I wasn't in peace when I lost."

 

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Barcelona, Real Madrid dominate FIFA FIFPro World XI defenders shortlist

The defensive nominations for the 2012 FIFA Fifpro World XI have been announced, with Barcelona and Real Madrid players dominating the selection.

The likes of Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, Jordi Alba, Dani Alves, Javier Mascherano and Marcelo have all been named among the 20 candidates for a place in this year's ultimate side.

Chelsea captain John Terry, Manchester City anchor Vincent Kompany, Borussia Dortmund star Mats Hummels and Paris Saint-Germain's summer signing Thiago Silva have also been nominated, while Giorgio Chiellini is surprisingly the only Juventus defender selected despite the Bianconeri's 49-game unbeaten streak in Serie A over the last 12 months.

The 50,000 players who belong to the professional footballers' union Fifpro were each invited to vote in a secret ballot to nominate their peers for the World XI, choosing the best goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards from 2012.

The nominees for the midfield and forward positions will be revealed on Nov. 26 and 29, respectively, with the final World XI selection announced at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony on Jan. 7, 2013.

Here is the full defenders shortlist:

Jordi Alba (Spain, Barcelona); Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham); Giorgio Chiellini (Italy, Juventus); Ashley Cole (England, Chelsea); Dani Alves (Brazil, Barcelona); David Luiz (Brazil, Chelsea); Patrice Evra (France, Manchester United); Rio Ferdinand (England, Manchester United); Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia, Chelsea); Vincent Kompany (Belgium, Manchester City); Philipp Lahm (Germany, Bayern Munich), Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid); Javier Mascherano (Argentina, Barcelona); Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid); Gerard Pique (Spain, Barcelona); Carles Puyol (Spain, Barcelona); Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid); John Terry (England, Chelsea); Thiago Silva(Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain).

 

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Mexes: You only score a goal like that once in your career

Philippe Mexes was over the moon with his wondergoal in AC Milan's 3-1 UEFA Champions League win over Anderlecht on Wednesday, and stressed that he has never before scored such an incredible strike.

The France defender found the back of the net with a stunning overhead kick from outside the area to gift the Rossoneri a 2-0 lead in the 71st minute, and help them on their way to a crucial Group C victory.

"I didn't know what was going to happen before [I scored], but after controlling the ball with my chest, the only thing to do was to give it a go," Mexes told Uefa.com. "Happily, it worked out for me. I scored some beautiful goals with Roma, but they are nothing in comparison.

"You only score a goal like that once in your career, especially as a defender. It's something to savor."

Mexes' strike against Anderlecht was his first goal of the season.

 

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Mancini hoping Kompany can shake off knee injury to face Chelsea

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini is sweating on the fitness of captain Vincent Kompany ahead of the trip to face title rivals Chelsea on Sunday after he picked a knee injury in Champions League play this week.
The Belgium international was hurt in the 1-1 Champions League draw with Real Madrid on Wednesday after a tussle with Cristiano Ronaldo during the latter stages of the game, and he recieved treatment after the final whistle before leaving the Etihad Stadium on crutches.
Kompany will be assessed on Saturday before a decision is made over whether he can play, but Mancini is remaining optimisitic that he will be able to lead the Premier League leaders out at Stamford Bridge in a crunch top-of-the-table clash.
“I hope Vinnie can recover but we won’t know until tomorrow,” Mancini told the club's official website. “He is strong so there is a chance, but we will make a final decision on Saturday."
Mancini also said that left back Gael Clichy will not be travelling to West London after failing to shake off an ankle injury, but there was better news after striker Mario Balotelli returned to training after sitting out the last two games with a back injury.

 

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Tottenham keeper Lloris: I need to keep playing

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris warns that he needs to play more regularly if his form and confidence are to be restored.

The France captain has started Spurs' last two matches against Arsenal and Lazio but had previously found himself on the bench behind the experienced Brad Friedel for 10 of the club's 12 Premier League games this season.

Goal.com revealed earlier in the month that Spurs told the shot-stopper that he will be going nowhere in January despite the former Lyon man bemoaning his "difficult" situation.

"I need to keep playing to get more confidence and play to my best," Lloris told reporters. "It's good to play in European games, but I need to keep playing and I hope that I will get to play more."

France coach Didier Deschamps has previously stated the importance of first-team action for his national No. 1, often arguing across the media with Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas. Lloris, though, is aware of the necessity of putting his new side's needs before his own.

"I hope I do play more games but at the moment we are concentrating on the aims of the club," Lloris said. "I am part of a team, a club and respect decisions and we are not here to create problems. Things are good between all four goalkeepers and the goalkeeping coach [Tony Parks] too. We have got some quality goalkeepers — Carlo Cudicini, Brad Friedel, and [Heurelho] Gomes too. We just train to our best and it's up to the club to then decide."

 

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Pato suffers thigh injury ahead of Juventus clash

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has received some disheartening news from the treatment table ahead of this weekend's Serie A clash at home against Juventus as he will probably have to make do without the services of Alexandre Pato due to injury.

The oft-injured Brazil international picked up a thigh problem in the 3-1 UEFA Champions League win over Anderlecht and underwent further examination on Thursday to clarify the extent of the knock.

Although Pato's injury is less serious than Milan initially feared, it seems unlikely that he will match fit in time for the match versus Juve.

"AC Milan communicates that Alexandre Pato has sustained a bruised thigh during the match in Brussels. Medical examinations have not revealed any muscular damage," a statement on the club's official website reads.

 

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Arsenal agrees new 150 million pounds deal with Emirates

Arsenal has announced a five-year extension to its shirt sponsorship deal with international airline Emirates, in a new 150 million pounds agreement.

The deal is one of the biggest of its kind and will net the Gunners a 30m pounds per season for the duration of the agreement.

In addition to maintaining shirt sponsorship rights, the club's ground will continue to be known as the Emirates Stadium until 2028.

The negotiations were formally concluded on Friday by Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis and Emirates vice-chairman Boutros Boutros, and Gazidis hailed the deal as a testimony of the club's approach to the future.

"This is an exciting day for Arsenal Football Club and all our supporters," he told the club's official website. "This agreement is a testimony to Arsenal’s approach and to the capabilities we have developed in recent years as well as the strength of our partnership with Emirates."

He added, “The original deal with Emirates was a key facilitator of our move from Highbury and this next phase of our relationship will be just as critical to keep us at the top of the game in England and Europe.

“Emirates is the perfect partner for Arsenal and we are delighted to have agreed a new partnership."

 

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Redknapp's representatives: Talks with QPR are imminent

Harry Redknapp's representatives have confirmed that the former Tottenham boss has been contacted by QPR about the vacant manager's role, with talks set to begin shortly.

The West London outfit axed Mark Hughes following 12 consecutive Premier League games without a win, a record that has seen the club fall to the foot of the table. Unrest amongst fans had been building for some time, with speculation linking the former Spurs coach as a potential replacement similarly gathering pace all the time.

The Loftus Road side finally pulled the plug on Hughes on Friday, with the home defeat against fellow relegation candidates Southampton proving to be his last game in charge, and it seems the club have not taken long to act.

Redknapp's representatives have now confirmed reports that the 65-year-old is being lined up as the Welshman's successor, and revealed talks are set to commence in the very near future.

"Contact has been made between QPR and us as Harry Redknapp's representatives," a spokesman for Paul Stretford's Triple S Sports and Entertainment company told reporters. "Talks will be beginning shortly."

The former Southampton and Portsmouth boss has been out of work since being relieved of his duties at White Hart Lane in June, apart from a brief role as an advisor to another ex-team of his, League One side Bournemouth.

The London-born manager was also in the frame to replace Oleg Blokhin as the Ukraine national coach, with his agent reportedly in advanced talks with their federation at one stage; however, it now looks as if a Premier League return is the most viable option, with the West Londoners facing a tough clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

QPR, which is four points from its closest rivals at the foot of the table, are in a similar position to that of Spurs in October 2008, when Redknapp took over in North London.