..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Diego may be banished to Wolfsburg II in German fourth tier

Wolfbsurg is prepared to demote Diego to its reserve side, which would mean competing in the fourth tier of German football.

The Brazilian attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at Atletico Madrid, and is eager to leave the Bundesliga team on a permanent basis.

Despite a move to Flamengo being speculated, Diego is back in training with Felix Magath’s men and may well be stuck in Germany if a transfer does not materialize before the end of the summer trade period.

As such, the 27-year-old could face the prospect of playing in the fourth division at Wolfsburg II, with coach Lorenz-Gunther Kostner stating that the playmaker will not be given the star treatment.

"If Diego comes to us, I will tell him that he will be used like any other squad member,” the reserve trainer told Bild.

Magath recently admitted that he is not happy with the manner in which Diego is conducting himself in training.

 

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Del Piero still undecided on next move

Alessandro Del Piero has confessed that he still does not know where he will be plying his trade next season.

The World Cup winner is looking for a club after parting company with Juventus earlier this summer and has been linked with moves to the United States, Argentina and Asia.

Del Piero was in Japan on Saturday for a friendly match arranged to raise funds for those affected by the tsunami which devastated the country last year but when asked about the possibility of him continuing his career in the 'Land of the Rising Sun', the legendary forward was non-committal.

"I still don't know where I will play next season, but the fact that I don't already have a club allowed me to be here tonight, so it was probably destiny that it had to be this way," the 37-year-old told reporters after the charity clash.

"It will be a big decision after 19 years [with Juventus] but I am very serene, and with my next club I will start another great adventure, again with the joy of playing football, as was the case here tonight."

Del Piero, who has 91 Italy caps to his name, joined Juventus from Padova in 1993 and left Turin as the Bianconeri's all-time record goalscorer and appearance holder.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Manchester United!!!

Ajax Cape Town 1-1 Manchester United: Bebe grabs late equaliser as Kagawa impresses in first start for Premier League side

Bebe scored a late equaliser to save Manchester United's blushes as they drew 1-1 against Ajax Cape Town in their second pre-season game.

The striker pounced on a loose ball in the South African side’s area to fire into an empty net after keeper Sander Westerveld and his defenders were beaten by Marnick Vermijl’s accurate cross.

Ajax thought they had won the game in the 87th minute when Alcardo van Graan looped Khama Billiat’s cross over Ben Amos and into the net after beating his marker inside the six-yard box, but the 22-year-old’s strike saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s side from defeat.

Sir Alex made several changes from the United team that beat AmaZulu 1-0 in their opening pre-season fixture, with starts handed to Shinji Kagawa, for his full debut, Anderson and Antonio Valencia.Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick, Rio Ferdinand and Javier Hernandez also retained their places from the opening game.

The Red Devils struggled for rhythm in the early stages of the match, often giving the ball away cheaply in the final third of the pitch, with Anderson being particularly wasteful when in an advanced position.

Ajax Cape Town should have taken the lead when Billiat was played behind the United defence and put one-on-one with Ben Amos, but he could not find the target when unleashing a left-footed effort.

The home side were looking dangerous and Sir Alex’s men were grateful to Tyler Blackett for making a great block to deny Thembinkosi Fanteni’s goal-bound effort after the striker had found space inside the area.

United finally carved out an opening in the 34th minute when Wootton raided down the right and hit a sublime cross towards the penalty spot to find Hernandez who, in turn, headed the ball towards goal but Westerveld made an excellent save in tipping the effort round the post.

Carrick and Scholes were struggling to take control of the midfield with many misplaced passes often putting the visitors on the back foot, with Paul Rusike taking full advantage when intercepting and starting a counterattack which led to the midfielder hitting the bar from the edge of the area.

United came out in the second half with more impetus and Kagawa, who was anonymous for most of the opening period, came to life and found Hernandez with a lovely through-ball but the Mexican slipped at the crucial moment spurning the opportunity.

Valencia was finding space on the right with ease and he used this freedom, along with his pace, to float a cross towards an unmarked Hernandez, only to see the ball evade the striker by inches.

The Red Devils were really starting to hit their stride and should have taken the lead through Kagawa – only for the Japan international to inexplicably miss the target with a header from five yards out.

Despite United’s dominance in the second half, Ajax still looked dangerous on the break and Fanteni almost broke the deadlock after being put behind the opposition defence, but Amos was equal to his shot and made a good save to turn the ball past the post.

And the hosts finally made their pressure count by taking the lead with just three minutes left to play when Van Graan met Billiat’s corner and managed to loop the ball over Amos into the net, much to the delight of the home crowd and his team-mates.

However this joy was short-lived as Bebe latched on Vermijl’s cross to fire a right-footed volley into the net from six-yards to save the Red Devils' blushes.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bebe's Manchester United career not over yet, says Ferguson

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has hinted that Bebe will be given a chance to impress at Old Trafford next term.

The Portuguese attacker was surprisingly signed by United two years ago but struggled to make an impact in his first term before injury blighted a loan spell at Turkish club Besiktas last season.

However, the former Portugal Under-21 international featured in the Red Devils' pre-season match with Ajax Cape Town and managed to net a late equalizer to secure a 1-1 draw.

Ferguson said: “We’ll see how the season progresses for him, but it gives me a headache in terms of number of strikers we have there. That’s not a bad thing, though.

“He had his loan at Besiktas and then picked up the bad injury which kept him out for most of the season.

“That is probably his first game for about eight months, so he will be pleased to be back playing and pleased he scored a goal.”

Bebe's equalizer came in injury time to deny the South African side a shock victory and despite nearly losing, the Old Trafford supremo was happy with his side's exertions.

“They nearly beat us.” Sir Alex continued. “It was a very competitive game, Ajax pressed the ball very well and gave us a lot of uneasy moments on the counter attack.

“It was good to get some more game time and no injuries, which is another blessing, so we are very pleased with the game.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Premier League clubs must up their bids to land Lewandowski, admits agent

Leading Premier League clubs have been warned by the player's agent that it will take a money-spinning offer to tempt Borussia Dortmund into selling Robert Lewandowski, Goal.com has learned.

The striker's representative Maik Barthel has confirmed that offers have been received from some of England’s top flight sides but insisted that, with interest continuously growing, clubs will need to up their bids in order to land the forward.

"Unofficially there are offers from English top clubs." Barthel told Goal.com. "We respect the contract situation in Dortmund and don't want to take part in speculation. A 13 million pound transfer fee is not suitable."

The 23-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, where a deal would see him link up with former teammate Shinji Kagawa, who joined the Red Devils from Dortmund in June.

However, Sir Alex Ferguson has recently confirmed the club's interest in Arsenal's wantaway striker Robin van Persie, who revealed his desire to leave the club in an open statement to fans, possibly instead paving the way for the Gunners to bid for the Polish forward.

Reports on Saturday morning also suggested that last year's Champions League winner, Chelsea, has joined the race to secure Lewandowski's signature, but that it had an offer of around 13 million pounds turned down.

The Blues are thought to be looking to replace Didier Drogba after his departure to Chinese club Shanghai Shenua and turned to the Pole after Napoli's Edinson Cavani proved an unviable option.

Lewandowski scored 22 times in 34 games in the Bundesliga last season, adding seven goals from six appearances in the German Cup, including a hat trick in the final as Dortmund crushed Bayern Munich 5-2.

The player has been the subject of speculation since before Euro 2012, and went on to impress for co-host Poland during its short-lived time in the competition, netting in the opening game of the tournament against Greece and firmly putting his name in the shop window.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers looking for more penetration from Liverpool after Toronto draw

Brendan Rodgers wants better penetration from his new Liverpool side.

The 39-year-old coached his first LFC game in a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC. Especially in the first half, the Premier League side held the majority of possession but struggled in the final third.
"I think we've still got a long way to go," Rodgers said after the match. "It's very important that we dictate games, we control games, we dominate games. You've seen for large parts of the game in terms of our domination we forced Toronto back.

"It's just that wee bit of penetration that'll get better as the time goes on. Because possession's no good on its own, you've got to be able to penetrate."

Liverpool's one moment to pierce the Canadian backline came late in the second half, already down a goal. Youngster Raheem Sterling squirmed away from three defenders in the box and slinked a slow shot-cum-cross past the goalkeeper. Adam Morgan finished off the open chance.

That goal came to the delight of the 33,000 in attendance. Most of the crowd in Toronto's Rogers Centre rooted for the Reds from across the Atlantic. The ferocity and tenor of the support impressed Rodgers.

"I thought it was phenomenal. You travel this far away from Liverpool, I've got to say it was like being at home," the former Swansea City coach said. "On record I'd like to say a massive thank you for them. It's those supporters – that's why we do it. We do it for the badge and the pride and the club and a big part of that is the supporters. It was fantastic to see so many there."

Now Liverpool will look ahead to the match against AS Roma at Fenway Park on Wednesday. Among those who will receive a run-out against the Italian club will be defender Daniel Agger.

"He's obviously had four weeks off. It was just too early for him to come into the game. I didn't want to put him in that situation," Rodgers said of Agger, who participated in Euro 2012 with Denmark. "Daniel will have some involvement on Wednesday against Roma."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Totti hopes Roma signs Destro: We're talking about a very promising young man here

Franceso Totti is hoping that Roma will be able to seal the signing of Mattia Destro because he feels that the Genoa striker has all the ability to become a top player.

The 20-year-old, who was selected as part of Italy's preliminary squad for Euro 2012, caught the eye with his performances last season for Siena, which co-owns the player.

He has since been widely linked with a move to one of Serie A's top clubs, and although his transfer to the Italian capital looked to be a done deal, Genoa CEO Pietro Lo Monaco claimed that Juventus had turned the player's head with a lucrative offer. However, the veteran Giallorossi captain is still hoping that the Italy Under-21 international will soon arrive at the Stadio Olimpico.

"I hope we can get Destro," he admitted at a press conference. "We're talking about a very promising young man here. The atmosphere at Siena is very different to that of Roma, but I think that within a couple of years, he could become a top player."

Totti went on to comment on his current state of fitness, and says that he will soon be comfortable with returning coach Zdenek Zeman, who took up the reins at in Rome this summer over a decade after leaving the post.

"The coach told me that I'm in better shape now than I was 13 years ago, but I think he was joking," he added. "My role? I'll play where the coach tells me to. I have always adapted, and will do so again."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson defends Glazer ownership of Manchester United

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the Glazer family against criticism over their ownership of the club.

The Americans have become unpopular with fans of the Red Devils after racking up enormous debts at Old Trafford since taking over in 2005. But Ferguson has spoken out in the owners' defense, saying that he has never encountered any problems during their time in charge and has pointed out the success the club has enjoyed during their leadership.

"I am absolutely comfortable with the Glazer situation. They have been great," he told The Daily Mirror. "It will always be contentious with them [the fans] whoever owns us.

"When I first came, Martin Edwards was always getting pelted because he was going to sell first to [Robert] Maxwell and then to [Rupert] Murdoch and Michael Knighton.

"When the club became a PLC there was a disaffection and again when the Glazers took over. So there has always been wee pockets of supporters who have their views, and there is nothing wrong with that.

"But I think the majority of real fans will look at it realistically and say it's not affecting the team. We've won four championships since the owners came and also the Champions League.

"They have always backed me whenever I have asked them. I have never encountered opposition. They have always been as sensible as they can in terms of financing the team and they have to invest in the team to maintain the value of their asset."

"I think the problem for the Glazers is they aren't publicists. They don't go out of their way to seek good publicity. They are happy to stay in the background, like [Roman] Abramovich at Chelsea."

The 70-year-old has also praised the Glazers' plans for the future, with an upgrading of the team's training facilities in the pipeline.

"Look at what they are spending on the training ground," the Scot continued. "It's going to be fantastic. It's a bit of a bomb site at the moment, but we are hoping it will be finished on time in October.

"When you start a project like that it just gets bigger and bigger. They'll be spending 30 million pounds - and it's all down to the owners."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chicago Fire 1-0 Aston Villa: Premier League side takes tepid friendly

Aston Villa won a second consecutive match by a 1-0 scoreline on its U.S. preseason tour, this time dispatching the Chicago Fire. Earlier the Premier League club had beaten the Philadelphia Union in Paul Lambert's first game as coach.

In the first half Gabriel Agbonlahor powered a header home for the opening goal after muscling aside Arne Friedrich.

In perhaps the only lasting storyline from a sluggish friendly marked by copious amounts of substitutions, the goalscorer was stretchered off midway through the second half with an apparent knee problem.

Late in the second half U.S. international goalkeeper Brad Guzan was given a cursory run-out in his hometown of Chicago. The game took place in Bridgeview, Ill.'s Toyota Park.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Toronto 1-1 Liverpool: Lucas returns for LFC as Rodgers starts with a draw

Brendan Rogers' first game in charge of Liverpool ended with a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC in the World Football Challenge clash at the Rogers Centre on Saturday.

Chances remained at a premium in a tepid first half, and the ex-Swansea boss' debut did not seem to be going according to plan after a 58th minute opener from Quincy Amarikwa. However, Adam Morgan restored parity 11 minutes later, profiting from a great run by Raheem Sterling to salvage the result for the English side in the first game of its preseason tour of North America.

Rogers opted for a mix of youth and experience to begin the match, with prospects such as Dani Pacheco and Nathan Eccleston starting alongside more experienced heads like Jose Enrique and Jamie Carragher. Meanwhile, Toronto coach Paul Mariner named a strong XI featuring captain Torsten Frings in midfield, though leading scorer Danny Kovermans was absent after suffering a season-ending knee injury in a league fixture last Saturday.

The former German international fashioned the first opportunity of the match after seven minutes, slipping in Ryan Johnson in space, but Brad Jones was alert to tip his effort around the post.

Liverpool survived the early scare and soon settled into a rhythm, adopting the comfortable passing game that was a hallmark of Rogers’ time as Swansea City. However, its possession failed to reap rewards in front of goal, as Toronto’s numbers at the back prevented the Premier League outfit from finding a way through.

The second half saw Rogers, as expected, send out an entirely different XI, with the likes of Martin Skrtel and Joe Cole making an appearance amid another crop of youngsters.

Mariner followed suit, making 10 changes at the break, including forward Amarikwa, who only signed for Toronto earlier in the day as cover for the injured Kovermans. And Amarikwa would make an instant impact with his new club just before the hour mark, pouncing on the rebound from a Peter Gulasci save to power the MLS side into the lead.

Liverpool would not be down for long though, and drew level in the 69th minute. Sterling did all the hard work, squeezing past three defenders before dragging a shot across goal that was turned home by Morgan.

There was more good news for the English side on 75 minutes, as Lucas was summoned from the bench to replace Krisztian Adorjan, the Brazilian's first appearance since a cruciate ligament injury suffered last December.

Liverpool almost snatched a winner with the last kick of the game, but Quillian Roberts held on well to Sterling's powerfully struck effort from distance.Liverpool will square off against Roma next Wednesday, and Toronto returns to league action against the Houston Dynamo in one week’s time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fergie - Glazers are great

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the club's owners, the Glazer family, by insisting they are 'great'.United's American owners have been fiercely criticised by sections of supporters since buying the club seven years ago.

That stems from the fact that more than £500million has been spent on interest, debt repayments and fees since 2005.But Ferguson takes a long-term view and believes there would have been criticism whoever had purchased the club."I'm absolutely comfortable with the Glazers situation," said the 70-year-old boss.

"They've been great. So if you're asking me for my views, I don't have any complaints."I've never encountered opposition. They've always been as sensible as they can in terms of financing the team, and they have to invest in the team to maintain the value of their asset.

Factions

"I think there are a whole lot of factions at United that think they own the club. They will always be contentious about whoever owns the club and that's the way it has always been.

"When I came to the club, Martin Edwards was always getting pelted because he was going to sell to (Robert) Maxwell, then to (Rupert) Murdoch, Michael Knighton and when they became a plc there was disaffection.

"Then, when the Glazers took over, there was disaffection, so there have always been wee pockets of supporters who have their views... and there's nothing wrong with that.

"But I think the majority of the real fans will look at it realistically and say it's not affecting the team. We've won four championships since they've been there, one European Cup.

"I think the problem is they are not publicists. They don't go out of their way to seek good publicity. They are quite happy to stay in the background. Roman Abramovich (Chelsea owner) is the same."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rafael tells Lucas to join Utd

Rafael has urged Lucas Moura to join Manchester United and has claimed his fellow Brazilian is excited about the prospect of moving to Old Trafford.Teenage midfielder Lucas is one of world football's most coveted talents and has reportedly been the subject of an offer from the Red Devils.His current club Sao Paulo claim to have turned down a bid of €35million (£27m) for the 19-year-old, who is also a target for Inter Milan.

Lucas is presently part of Brazil's squad for the Olympics, alongside Rafael, and it appears the two have spoken about the chance to sign for United.

Full-back Rafael said in the Daily Star Sunday: "Yes, I have told Lucas he should come to Manchester United, of course."And, when asked whether Lucas was excited about coming to United, Rafael replied: "Yes, yes!"

Another member of Brazil's Olympic squad who could be on his way to the Premier League is Oscar, who has undergone a medical at Chelsea.Oscar has confirmed he will make a final decision on his future after the Olympics and Rafael feels the midfielder can enjoy an impact in English football.

He added: "I have heard about Oscar coming to Chelsea and he is a good player and very important to Brazil."I really think he will do very well in the Premier League because he is a talented player."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lucas Moura wa ganna Puluwan unoth nam Patta!but gana thamai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villas-Boas - Modric is wrong

Reports in Spain suggest Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has criticised Luka Modric as rumours of the player's exit intensify.

Modric attempted to quit Spurs a year ago to join Villas-Boas at Chelsea but was told to stay by chairman Daniel Levy.This summer the Croatian midfielder reportedly appears set on a move to Spanish champions Real Madrid.

Reports have suggested that the 26-year-old refused to travel with Spurs on the tour of America - and Villas-Boas referred to this decision in the Spanish press on Sunday."I think Modric is wrong," Villas-Boas was quoted as saying in AS.

"This will go against him. He has worsened the situation with what he's doing and now the chairman is very angry."This is also not a good time for Daniel Levy, who is in the USA at the moment, because his wife is ill."

Big loss

But Villas-Boas was complimentary about Modric's playing ability and admitted his exit would be a blow to Spurs."He's good, very good," added Villas-Boas. "I tried to sign him last summer for Chelsea. He will be a big loss.

"He's a player who can make the difference, who gives a lot of clarity to the play when the team needs it and who can play in several positions."

 

[charitha chandi]

Rafael tells Lucas to join Utd

muwa ganna puluwan wunoth Hazard gatta waga thama..!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol resumes Barcelona training after two months out

Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova has received some encouraging news from the treatment table, as experienced defender Carles Puyol has resumed training again after spending the past two months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 34-year-old picked up the knock in the closing stages of the 2011-12 campaign, and missed Euro 2012 after undergoing surgery to correct the problem.

However, the Barca captain trained away from the rest of the squad in its penultimate session before flying out to Germany on Tuesday for a preseason friendly against Hamburg.

Puyol will undergo further medical tests next Monday to confirm he is fit enough to return to full training – the same day that the team's Spanish internationals rejoin preparations.

The Blaugrana have reportedly scheduled talks with Puyol for later this week to discuss a contract extension. His current deal is due to expire in June 2013.

 

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Ancelotti: Paris Saint-Germain controlled the game against Chelsea

Paris-Saint Germain manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised his side after it drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Sunday night at New York's Yankee Stadium.



Les Parisiens went a goal up midway through the first half as Nene tapped in from close range, before a late Lucas Piazon strike handed the Champions League winner a draw.But the Italian coach was pleased with his side's efforts, and was particularly impressed by the pace at which the game was played.

"It was a good, intense game," he told Eurosport. "It was a very good test against a very strong team. We controlled the game well."This game gives us the experience of playing against a top European team, and that is the level we want to get to."

The French side will play Kansas City and D.C. United as it continues its American tour, before facing off against Juventus and Barcelona in August.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard aiming to help Chelsea repeat 2011-12 success

Eden Hazard has set his sights on a successful season with Chelsea and hopes to build on last year, when the English giant won the Champions League and FA Cup.


The versatile attacker joined the Blues from Lille in the summer transfer window and he is keen to become a key figure at his new club.

"Chelsea's goals for the new season? We have not discussed it with the coach yet, but I guess that we want to do as well as last season," Hazard stated to reporters. "I do not really have any personal objectives. I just hope to play as many games as possible. I am not the type of person to set certain goals. The most important thing for me is to get regular first-team action and do well."

The attacker then went on to discuss Salomon Kalou's move from the Blues to les Dogues, and Hazard hopes the Cote d'Ivoire international can help his former side to Ligue 1 glory again.

"His move is a good thing. He is a great player, a big star. I hope that he can do at Lille what he did at Chelsea, and help the team to more trophies."

Lille was crowned Ligue 1 champion in 2010-11, but had to settle for third spot last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard aiming to help Chelsea repeat 2011-12 success

Eden Hazard has set his sights on a successful season with Chelsea and hopes to build on last year, when the English giant won the Champions League and FA Cup.


The versatile attacker joined the Blues from Lille in the summer transfer window and he is keen to become a key figure at his new club.

"Chelsea's goals for the new season? We have not discussed it with the coach yet, but I guess that we want to do as well as last season," Hazard stated to reporters. "I do not really have any personal objectives. I just hope to play as many games as possible. I am not the type of person to set certain goals. The most important thing for me is to get regular first-team action and do well."

The attacker then went on to discuss Salomon Kalou's move from the Blues to les Dogues, and Hazard hopes the Cote d'Ivoire international can help his former side to Ligue 1 glory again.

"His move is a good thing. He is a great player, a big star. I hope that he can do at Lille what he did at Chelsea, and help the team to more trophies."

Lille was crowned Ligue 1 champion in 2010-11, but had to settle for third spot last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sturridge feared for Olympic place after illness

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has revealed that he feared that he would be unable to compete at the Olympic Games with Team GB even after recovering from viral meningitis.

The Blues star made a dramatic recovery from the illness to feature in the unified side's warmup defeat to Brazil and will now go on to feature at the Games.

"When you play football you feel invincible," Sturridge told The Sun. "You don't think this can happen to you.

"I thought that all my hopes and dreams of taking part in the Olympics were over. I left the hospital on the Friday and the following Tuesday I went to the club and did a jog. I still had a headache and I was worried, thinking 'If we are meeting up next Monday there is not a chance I will be able to be involved'. But, fortunately, as the days went by I started feeling a lot better and did a lot of things at the club with no reaction. I was delighted with how things went but still feared I would not be able to recover quickly enough."

Sturridge thought that he might have picked up the illness when visiting a school.

"I just remember going along to a school one Thursday, handing out medals to kids," he explained. "I think I must have caught the bug there. I felt absolutely fine before that.

"I don’t know exactly where I caught it from but I just remember that day was the first day I felt the symptoms, which then got progressively worse over the next few days. I was just unfortunate. What happened to me could actually happen to anybody. But I would not wish what I have had on my worst enemy."

The striker was also thankful that the illness was caught early enough to allow him to make a full recovery.

"I was fortunate enough to have a doctor who saw the warning signs straight away and got me off to a hospital bed immediately, not everyone is as lucky as me to have that privilege," he said. "They caught it quite early and I am delighted that was the case and that they acted so quickly."

The 22-year-old acknowledged that football will not be the main attraction of the Games but insisted he was delighted to be taking part in a rare opportunity.

"The Olympics are a lot bigger than football," he continued. "It is not just about football. It is about being part of a huge spectacle.

"I have made the decision to be here because it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."