..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo Returns To Manchester United

Manchester United will face Real Madrid in the last-16 of the Champions League, Arsenal will travel to Bayern, while Celtic have been handed a tie against Italian champions Juventus.

The tie of the round sees Cristiano Ronaldo return to his old club for the first time since leaving for £80 million in 2009 - while it will also pit Jose Mourinho against Sir Alex Ferguson, with many considering the Portuguese to be the natural successor to Ferguson at Old Trafford.Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 appearances for United, but it was another Ronaldo - the Brazilian striker - who took the honours when the clubs last faced each other in 2003, scoring a hat-trick at Old Trafford as Real went through 6-5 on aggregate.

The clubs, who both have a rich history in the competition, first met in the European Cup in April 1957, when Real triumphed 5-3 in the semi-final.United defender Rio Ferdinand immediately made it clear he was excited at the draw, tweeting: "Oh yes, Madrid!! What a great couple a games that'll be!! @Cristiano see u soon bro!!"

United's club secretary John Alexander hoped there was a lucky omen in the draw. He told Sky Sports News: "Out of several standout ties, I think this is the one. It's the tie that everyone wanted to see - but that nobody wanted to see, they wanted to save it for later in the competition.

"When you think about the traditions of these two clubs they have both been incredibly successful, but of course the past is history. One thing going in our favour is that our one victory over Real Madrid in this competition was in the year we won the final at Wembley [in 1968] so let's hope that is a lucky omen.''

Arsenal, meanwhile, will face last year's runners-up Bayern Munich for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition - while Celtic will face Italian champions Juventus, who helped knocked holders Chelsea out of the competition at the group stage.Elsewhere in the draw, a glamour tie sees two European heavyweights, AC Milan and Barcelona, go head-to-head for the right to reach the quarter-finals.

In a remarkable coincidence, all eight draws exactly matched those made during Wednesday's rehearsal - with Malaga facing Porto and Shakhtar Donetsk going up against Borussia Dortmund.

The two remaining matches see Galatasaray facing Schalke, while Paris St Germain have been drawn against Spanish side Valencia.

First legs: February 12, 13, 19 and 20
Second legs: March 5, 6, 12 and 13

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata meh news 1ke Heading 1ka dakka welawe 1kaparatama hithune wena deyakHithaganna puluwan neda Kattiyata

Anyway Kalyak thisse balagena hitapu deyakNiyama match 1kakRonaldo returns

Manchester United Vs Real Madrid

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid to face Man United, Barcelona to take on AC Milan in Champions League knockout stage draw

The draw for the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League took place in Nyon, Switzerland, on Thursday, and some enticing ties await in the first knockout stage.

Spanish Primera Division champion Real Madrid has been paired with Manchester United as Cristiano Ronaldo is slated for a return to Old Trafford.

Spain's current leader, 2011 winner Barcelona, will have to deal with Italian giants AC Milan in what promises to be yet another mouthwatering tie.

Last season's finalist Bayern Munich take on Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, aiming to make it to a third final in four years.

Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain has been pitted against Valencia, whereas 2004 winner Porto locks horns with Oguchi Onyewu's Malaga.

Serie A powerhouse Juventus will have to deal with Celtic in the first knockout round, while Jermaine Jones' Schalke meets Turkish giant Galatasaray.

Finally, German champion Borussia Dortmund takes on Ukrainian titan Shakhtar Donetsk.

Group winners will be away in the first legs on February 12-13 and 19-20 and at home in the return matches on March 5-6 and 12-13.

The draw for the quarterfinals will be held on March 15, and the tournament concludes at Wembley Stadium on May 25.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Champions League Last 16 Draw in Pictures

UEFA Champions League Last 16 Draw in Pictures​

The House of European Football in Nyon ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The pots and balls are sorted out behind the scenes ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The pots and balls for FC Barcelona are readied behind the scenes ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

A close-up of the Manchester United FC draw ball and its contents ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

A close-up of the FC Bayern München draw ball and its contents ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

A view of the hall where the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw will take place today

The balls ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The UEFA Champions League trophy has pride of place ahead of the round of 16 draw

The draw hall in Nyon ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw pots and balls ahead of the selection in Nyon

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, UEFA Champions League final ambassador Steve McManaman and UEFA director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino shows the name of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

Steve McManaman picks out the name of Manchester United FC during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

UEFA director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti conducts proceedings during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The result of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw are displayed on the big screen in Nyon

​

 

[Banks PLK]

UEFA Champions League Last 16 Draw in Pictures​

The House of European Football in Nyon ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The pots and balls are sorted out behind the scenes ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The pots and balls for FC Barcelona are readied behind the scenes ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

A close-up of the Manchester United FC draw ball and its contents ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

A close-up of the FC Bayern München draw ball and its contents ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

A view of the hall where the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw will take place today

The balls ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The UEFA Champions League trophy has pride of place ahead of the round of 16 draw

The draw hall in Nyon ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw pots and balls ahead of the selection in Nyon

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, UEFA Champions League final ambassador Steve McManaman and UEFA director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino shows the name of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

Steve McManaman picks out the name of Manchester United FC during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

UEFA director of competitions Giorgio Marchetti conducts proceedings during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw

The result of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 draw are displayed on the big screen in Nyon

​

tHANKS FOR SHARING

 

[charitha chandi]

Yesterday i saw many facebook status msgs that saying Falcao has decided to join chelsea this january

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benzema doesn't have Falcao's finishing instinct, says Celta Vigo boss Paco Herrera

Celta Vigo boss Paco Herrera has claimed that Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema does not have the same striking instinct as his Atletico counterpart Radamel Falcao.

The Colombian has been in fine form this season, and has been linked with a host of clubs across Europe, including the Spanish champions.

The Galicians go up against Diego Simeone's side on Friday, and Herrera is in no doubt as to who his side will have to keep quiet.

"Falcao is now the world's best pure No.9. Another striker who I also love is Benzema, although he's perhaps not an 'old-fashioned' striker," he told reporters at a press conference."He does not have a finisher's brain like Falcao does. We'll have to do very well to defend against him because in the area he is a phenomenon."

Falcao has enjoyed an excellent start to his Liga campaign, scoring 17 goals in 15 games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Figo hoping for swift Sneijder resolution

Luis Figo has called on Wesley Sneijder and Inter to resolve their ongoing contractual dispute before it begins to impact negatively on the side's fortunes.



The Dutch playmaker's refusal to accept a both a wage cut and extension is widely understood to be reason behind his prolonged exile from the Nerazzurri first team, despite his lack of fitness.

"Seeing a situation like this is difficult for the team and for the player. Hopefully it will be resolved in the best way possible," he told reporters. "Then in February he can help the team move forward. But all that depends on the choice made by the coach."The Italians were pitted against Cluj in the draw for the first knockout stage of the Europa League, and Figo believes the Champions League dropouts pose his side an unpredictable threat.

"We do not know if this is a favorable draw or not," the former World Player of the Year added. "We will only know that if we win. Cluj were in the Champions League and are the champions of their country.

"They have similarities to Rubin Kazan, but I believe we can deal with their strengths."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo threatens legal action following 'false news' reports

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a threat to sue anyone who publishes false information about his career and personal life.

The Portuguese has been subject to media scrutiny throughout his career, but has now warned that he will no longer tolerate fictitious stories.

"Again there is news published about me that is false. I do not want such nonsense to be published but if it does continue, I am going to have a talk with my lawyers," he wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.

Despite los Blancos' difficult start to the current Liga season, Ronaldo has scored 23 goals in all competitions this term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pardew uncertain of Ba future at Newcastle

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has admitted he cannot guarantee striker Demba Ba will still be at the club following the conclusion of the January transfer window.



The former West Ham striker has a clause in his contract which would allow him to leave the Magpies should another club lodge a bid in the region of 7 million pounds.Pardew has conceded that due to the terms of the 27-year-old's contract it will be up the him whether he decides to stay at St James’ Park or not.

"It's unfortunate that the contract he has leaves open a lot of questions because we have this clause and every window that comes around, I have to answer the same questions," Pardew told reporters.

"It would be disappointing for him to leave in this window for this club and for his teammates here, but the decision will be his, ultimately, because that clause is there.
"The most important things we have got with Demba is he is someone who is a goalscorer and he is scoring goals, and that's very, very important to a side. His commitment to and work-rate for the team, I don't fault."

Ba recently insinuated that a move to Arsenal, which has a reported interest in him, would be an attractive proposition should he wish to leave Newcastle.Pardew has revealed no disciplinary action will be taken against the striker for the interview which he believes was taken out of context due to a poor translation into English.

He said: "I have had to because it was quoted in England not correctly, and that's unfair on Demba and unfair on us."There will be no disciplinary procedure against him. There was one procedural matter where he could have informed us and should have, really, but that's neither here nor there.

"We are professional people, we want to win. That's what we are paid for and I have got no problem with anything he said in that interview."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City’s Yaya Toure retains CAF African Player of the Year title

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has retained the African Footballer of the Year title.

The Ivory Coast international held off competition from compatriot Didier Drogba and Cameroon’s Alex Song, who plays for Barcelona.

The 29-year-old was adjudged winner of the continent’s highest individual football prize for 2012 by coaches of national teams affiliated to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

“This night is so special for me,” Toure said after receiving the prize in Ghana’s capital, Accra on Thursday. “Thanks to all of you. Even my captain is here today. Thanks to everyone and we are happy for this award.”

The Ivorian was in powerful form for Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the season, and was unfortunate to see his side lose in the final to Zambia, in a penalty shootout.

Toure returned to his club, however, in inspired form and helped City to a first Premier League title in 44 years - a double at Newcastle in the penultimate game of the season proving vital to the cause.

The midfielder has taken that form over to 2012-13 and has scored six goals in 23 appearances so far this season, as well as captaining the side in Vincent Kompany's recent absence.

Winners of the other categories are:

National Team of the Year – Zambia

National Women’s Team of the Year – Equatorial Guinea

Club of the Year – Al Ahly

Fair Play Award – Gabon Supporters Union

Coach of the Year Award – Herve Renard

Most Promising Talent Award – Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Women’s Footballer of the Year – Genoveva Anonma (Equatorial Guinea)

Referee of the Year – Gamal Hymoudy (Algeria)

CAF Legend of the Year Award – Rigobert Song (Cameroon) and Mahmoud El Gohary (Egypt)

African Player of the year – Based in Africa - Egypt's Mohamed Aboutreika - Al-Ahly
Zambia's Rainford Kalaba - TP Mazembe
Zambia's Stoppila Sunzu - TP Mazembe

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chiellini expected out for three months with calf muscle tear

Juventus could have to make do without the services of Giorgio Chiellini for up to three months after it emerged that the defender had suffered a calf injury.

The Italy international underwent tests on Thursday to examine the severity of knock, and the 28-year-old faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"Unfortunately a lesion on my calf muscle has been confirmed. I’ll have to be out for a while ... But I'll do everything I can to return as soon as possible and stronger than ever," he wrote on Twitter.

"I thank you for the many get well soon messages I received over the last few hours. A hug to all of you."

Juve recently released Lucio on a free transfer, meaning the club might be in the market for a defender in January.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers expects Sterling to agree new Liverpool deal within 24 hours

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Raheem Sterling is set to sign a new contract within the next 24 hours.

Goal.com reported that the Reds youngster is on the brink of penning a five-year deal that is expected to begin with a weekly wage of 30,000 pounds. Speculation had been mounting that the young England international could move away from Anfield, but Rodgers has now confirmed that a new deal has been agreed and should be signed within the next day.

"Hopefully that will be concluded within the next 24 hours," Rodgers told reporters. "I have said before that there was never a real issue, it was just a matter of timing and we hope that over the next couple of days that can be complete.

"We were always calm. I speak a lot with Raheem and his representatives and there has never been any issues from their side. It was just making sure that we take care in terms of the financial and football plan for the player."

Sterling has come on leaps and bounds in the few months since the season started, and has evolved from a promising youth player to an integral part of Rodgers' first team, having also appeared for the national team. The Liverpool boss is adamant that Anfield is the ideal environment for the winger to continue in his development, with him only having turned 18 this month.

"This was about a young player who has rocketed from playing in the youth teams and the reserves into becoming a full England international, so a lot has happened in his young life and it was just about making sure that there was that protection for him going forward," Rodgers said.

"I have always been confident that this was going to be the best place for him. The kid is very focused and devoted to Liverpool. His representatives know this is the best place for him. Once it gets concluded, he can start the next part of his development and hopefully he can keep progressing."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City midfielder Rodwell suffers injury setback

Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell has confirmed he has suffered an injury setback and will not be back in action until the calendar turns to 2013.

The 21-year-old England international moved to City from Everton in the summer, but he has managed just six appearances so far due to a litany of injuries. Rodwell returned to training recently after initially recovering from a hamstring strain that has kept him out since October, but he suffered a relapse of the injury, which will keep him out until January.

"It will probably be another few weeks, so I'm looking into the new year. I'm doing quite a lot of training at the minute though, so I'm keeping busy," Rodwell told the club’s official website. "It's down to strengthening now, so I'm doing a lot of work in the gym and am just getting it right to prevent another injury."It's been a frustrating start to the season and to my City career, but I'm focused now and I'm ready to get back."

Rodwell will miss games against Reading, Sunderland and Norwich, and, depending on his comeback date, he could also miss matches versus Stoke, Arsenal and Fulham in the coming weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol: Milan-Barcelona will be a fantastic tie



Barcelona star Carles Puyol has spoken of his delight after the Catalan club was paired with AC Milan in the Champions League round of 16 draw.

The two-legged tie will be the fifth and sixth time the clubs have met in the Champions League in the last two seasons.

"Personally I am really happy, not because it will be in any way easy, quite the opposite in fact," the 34-year-old was quoted as saying by UEFA's official website.

"I am happy because Milan are a team I have always liked and I like playing there. They have an incredible stadium and I am sure this will be a fantastic tie.

"[Last season] we lost the UEFA Champions League and the Liga in practically the same week. This time around we have started really well and we hope to continue along that path into 2013."

Barcelona will be hoping for a repeat of last season's encounter between the two sides in the knockout stages, when the Blaugrana progressed to the semifinals 3-1 on aggregate.

Meanwhile, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his side is due more luck this time after conceding two penalties last time around.

The spot kicks were converted by Lionel Messi in that match and it helped him to move into third on the all-time goalscorers list in the Champions League.

The Rossoneri trainer knows his club will be in for a difficult game in a couple of months time.

"Once again we will be facing the best team in the world. Hopefully we will have more luck this time," he said.

The first leg will take place at San Siro on Feb. 20 next year, with the return fixture scheduled for March 12.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham to face Lyon, Liverpool gets Zenit St Petersburg in UEFA Europa League draw

The draw for the rounds of 32 and 16 of the UEFA Europa League has offered some interesting ties, as several of Europe's finest are aiming to win the second-tier competition.

Premier League representatives Tottenham and Liverpool will have to deal with French foe Lyon and Russian champion Zenit St Petersburg, respectively. Should Tottenham get by Lyon, then Clint Dempsey and Brad Friedel could face Inter Milan for the right to play in the quarterfinals. The Serie A giant has been paired with Romanian outfit CFR Cluj, which finished third in its Champions League group behind Manchester United and Galatasaray.

As for the other American in the competition, Steve Cherundolo's Hannover will face Russian power Anzhi Makhachkala.

Elsewhere, Lisbon giant Benfica meets Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen, while defending Europa League champion Atletico Madrid faces Russian outfit Rubin Kazan.

Ajax, who hosts the final, was paired with Steaua Bucharest, whereas last year's Champions League winner Chelsea will have to deal with Sparta Prague.

The Round of 32 takes place on Feb. 14 and 21, while the Round of 16 will be played on March 7 and 14. The final will be held at the Amsterdam ArenA on May 15.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'I'll need to order some good wine' - Sir Alex Ferguson looking forward to Mourinho reunion

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is looking forward to a reunion with Jose Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo after being drawn with Real Madrid in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

Ronaldo will be making the trip to Old Trafford for the first time since leaving in a world-record 80 million pound move in 2009, when the second leg comes around on March 5.

"[It will be a] great opportunity for our fans to see Cristiano again and also for me to meet up with Jose again - I'll need to order some good wine," Ferguson said upon seeing his side paired with the record nine-time Champions League winners.

His outlook was far more positive than his previous attitude towards Los Blancos, whose pursuit of Ronaldo once prompted him to say, "Barcelona, have far better morals than Real Madrid will ever have."

The Red Devils will be hoping to do better than rival Manchester City, which took just one point from the two Group D clashes against Mourinho's men before crashing out of the competition in the opening stage.

Madrid and United have not faced each other since the Champions League quarterfinals in 2004, when a hat trick from magnificent Brazilian Ronaldo in the second leg at Old Trafford inspired the Spaniards to a 6-5 aggregate victory.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sterling signs new Liverpool deal

Liverpool has confirmed that 18-year-old winger Raheem Sterling has signed a new long-term contract with the club.

Earlier this week, Goal.com reported that Sterling was on the brink of signing a five-year-deal with the Reds, and on Thursday, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said he was confident that a deal would be completed within 24 hours. Friday, Liverpool announced that the talented youngster has pledged his future to the Merseyside club.

"It's every 18-year-old's dream. I'm just really grateful to be at such a big club like this," Sterling told the club's official website. "There's a lot more to be done. I haven't begun yet, as the manager has said. Hopefully I can kick on after the New Year and try to do my best for the team and the football club."

Sterling was signed from QPR in 2010 for an initial fee believed to be around 500,000 pounds and has since gone on to become a first-team regular at Anfield. Having chalked up 25 appearances so far this term, Sterling's form was impressive enough to earn him his first international call-up for Roy Hodgson's England side in November.

"This is another positive step forward for the football club in securing the long-term future of one of the country's brightest young talents," Liverpool's managing director Ian Ayre said. "The negotiations were very positive and both parties acted in a very responsible way to reach an outcome that benefits both Raheem and Liverpool FC."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vilanova leaves intensive care after surgery

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova left the intensive care unit of the Vall d'Hebron hospital in Barcelona on Friday morning.

The 44-year-old underwent surgery on Thursday after he suffered a relapse of the tumor in his mouth which he suffered for a large part of the 2011-12 campaign.

The operation went according to plan, and Vilanova has now been moved to a regular unit for the next three to four days.

The Spaniard will start with chemotherapy and radiation treatment that is scheduled to last around six weeks in the upcoming days.

Jordi Roura will take Vilanova's place on the Barcelona bench for its last Liga match of 2012 away against Valladolid at the weekend, and will remain in charge until the his boss has recovered fully.

Vilanova took over from Pep Guardiola ahead of the 2012-13 campaign and guided Barca to its best ever start in La Liga, dropping only two points from its opening 16 games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Schweinsteiger: I could leave Bayern Munich

Bastian Schweinsteiger has suggested he could leave Bayern Munich once his current contract with the Bavarians expires.


The influential midfielder is a product of the Bayern youth academy and has spent his entire career at the Allianz Arena, yet he has made it clear it is not a certainty that he will stay put until the end of his active career.

"My contract with Bayern Munich runs until June 2016. I signed it with the intention to fulfill it. I can imagine all kinds of things after that. You cannot rule anything out in football," the Germany international was quoted as saying by Bild.

The 28-year-old has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United, Inter and Real Madrid in the past, but has so far shown no intention of moving elsewhere.

Schweinsteiger has made well over 400 official appearances for Bayern over the years, winning five Bundesliga titles in the process.