..::Football II::..

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Sir Alex Ferguson calls for Manchester United to stand by Moyes

The outgoing Scottish boss has implored his adoring United fans to support the incoming boss.Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has called on the club to support his replacement, David Moyes, in his farewell speech at Old Trafford.

The Scot, who announced his decision to step down as boss after more than 26 years in charge on Wednesday, received a guard of honor before the match against Swansea, as well as a rapturous reception from the home support.

And Sir Alex, addressing the supporters after Rio Ferdinand wrapped up a 2-1 victory with a late strike, appealed to them to back Moyes in the same way that the club backed him when he endured a trophy-less spell between 1986 and 1990.

"I'd like to remind you that when we had bad times at the club, all the staff stood by me, all the players stood by me. Your job now is to stand by your new manager."

Moyes will take over from Sir Alex on July 1, with the latter stepping upstairs to take up a seat on the board of directors, and the Scot joked that he will now finally be able to enjoy watching United play.

"My retirement does mean the end of my life with the club," Sir Alex continued. "I'll now be able to enjoy watching them, rather than suffer with them. But, if you think about it, those last-minute goals, the comebacks, even the defeats are all part of this great football club of ours ... so thank you for that."

 

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Wayne Rooney has put in a transfer request to leave Manchester United

Following his final match at Old Trafford, Sir Alex confirmed that Wayne Rooney hopes to leave the club in the summer.Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Wayne Rooney recently asked to leave Manchester United.

The Scot announced his retirement on Wednesday and rumors quickly surfaced that the striker had asked for a transfer two weeks previously.

Rooney was left out of the squad for United's 2-1 victory over Swansea on Sunday, and speaking to Sky Sports after bidding farewell to the club's fans at Old Trafford, Sir Alex confirmed that the former Everton man wants to leave the club this summer.

"I don't think Wayne was keen to play simply because he's asked for a transfer," he said. "I think he wants to think things through in his mind; I think that's a good idea.

"We're not going to let him go. I think he's maybe a bit frustrated that he's been taken off once or twice in the last few weeks."

And speaking to the BBC, he added: "We've refused [the transfer request] - he needs to go away and think about it."

Rooney was left out of the Champions League last 16 second-leg clash with Real Madrid, sparking rumors that he would be sold at the end of the season.

United, however, is keen to keep hold of the 27-year-old and is planning on offering him a new contract.

 

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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes credits Sir Alex Ferguson

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes credited retiring manager Sir Alex Ferguson as the pair said goodbye to Old Trafford by beating Swansea 2-1.The veteran midfielder, 38, played over an hour of the game and received a rapturous reception from the Red Devils fans having helped the club to 11 Premier League titles.

Scholes, who insists that this time his retirement is final, said afterwards: "It's been a good day. We've won the game and that was all that mattered. It's always nice to pick a trophy up. We'll celebrate tonight and hope that there are more trophies to come for these players."I was worried about playing the game because I haven't played for four or five months so I'm just pleased to get through it.

"I know it's the right time to walk away. It's not been the season I would have liked to have had but we've won a trophy and it's a great day for the manager. We've won the game and the league and it's a great send off for him."

On Ferguson's post-match speech, the former England playmaker added: "He handled it quite well. You'd have thought it would have been a bit emotional for him but he spoke really well at the end of the game. He's done a fantastic job here. He's just happy now and looking forward."

Fellow veteran Ryan Giggs, who has signed a one-year contract to play on, said: "It's always special. It's a great achievement for this team to be as consistent as we have been this year - especially with what happened last year. Great credit to the manager, the fans and the lads.

"He said 'just play the game and not the occasion.' We wanted to win in his last game and do all the things that we've done over the years since he's been manager.
"All players have got a part to play. The young players, who've not achieved much or the older players who are driving on those young players.

"There's not one favourite time for me. The memories that stick out are probably when I was younger - 13 or 14. I was playing for Salford boys and I'd look over at the touchline to see the manager of Manchester United watching me."

 

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Fulham 1-3 Liverpool: Sturridge steals the show as Reds dominate

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Atletico Madrid 1-2 Barcelona: Messi hurt as newly crowned champions set sights on record points haul

 

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Gary Neville: Rooney exit would be a big mistake

The former Manchester United defender believes his old teammate should stay at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson's admission that the 27-year-old asked to leave the club.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has warned Wayne Rooney it would be a big mistake to leave the Premier League champion.

Sir Alex Ferguson revealed the 27-year-old, who was left out of the squad for the Red Devils' final home game of the season, wants to leave the club, and cited the former Everton striker's frequent substitutions as the reason.

But Neville believes the striker should take a break from the club over the summer after a frustrating period before reassessing his position.

“Believe me, I've seen football players go to Real Madrid, and other great clubs in Europe, and they always want to come back to this football club,” said Neville. “I would hope that Wayne Rooney settles down over the summer - Sir Alex Ferguson says he's not leaving this football club - that he gets his head down, brings himself back.

“He just needs to get away, come away with England over the next couple of weeks, play for England, have a summer off, and hopefully he'll get his head back to being a Manchester United player because there's nowhere else to go from here."

Neville is a a former teammate who now coaches Rooney for England

“I played with Wayne Rooney, I know Wayne Rooney and I'm a coach of Wayne Rooney," Neville said. "He needs to consider that. If he sees what's going on in this football club today [United lifting the Premier League trophy], he's an emotional lad.

“You can see in the last few months he's not been quite himself. When you see Wayne Rooney on the football pitch, challenging every single challenge, fighting for every refereeing decision, you can see he's not quite been himself.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve, however, if he's seen what's happened today, the reception before today - he's sat up in that box, he's 27 years of age: this football club - there's nowhere to go from here.”

 

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Vilanova: Messi to undergo tests on hamstring injury

The Argentine is believed to have sustained another hamstring injury and his coach has revealed that Messi will face further examination on Monday.Tito Vilanova has confirmed that Lionel Messi will undergo tests on Monday to examine the extent of a potential hamstring injury he suffered in Barcelona's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

The Argentine was hauled off the pitch halfway through the second period and could not be replaced as the Catalans had already used all three substitutes."He has been feeling discomfort lately and [on Monday], he will undergo tests to see how long he will be out for," he told reporters.

The Barca boss then claimed that he was not following Real Madrid's decisive draw with Espanyol but was delighted to lift the Liga title in his first season at the helm, despite failure in the Champions League semifinals and his two-month absence due to a cancer relapse.

"I didn't see the match. I was at home and was ready to go to sleep, but I quickly went online and saw that they got a draw. I did nothing because I was thinking about the game today," Vilanova continued."We are the best team in this league, by far. History shows that in recent years the big teams lose points at the start of the season. and the goal was to score the first points in the first 15 games.

"We value this title especially because we recovered from our title failure last year and did not let Madrid win two in a row."I can only wish that we had competed better in the Champions League, but we got to semi-finals for the sixth straight season.

"It's very important to the finish the season with 100 points, but I want the title to be valued for the work of everyone and not for health reasons. Still, it's hard to win when the coach is not around for two months."

 

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Iniesta: We couldn't afford to let Madrid challenge

The 29-year-old believes Barcelona could ill-afford to give their old rival the belief that it could successfully defend its Liga title this season.Andres Iniesta admits Barcelona would have had "big problems" this season had it let Real Madrid play its way into contention for the Liga title.

The Catalan giant has held a commanding lead over Jose Mourinho's men for much of the season and, having clinched its crown of Spain on Saturday due to the Blancos' draw at Espanyol, the Spaniard believes the Blaugrana's consistency stemmed from a fear of letting their rivals fight their way into the title race.

"The happiness levels in the squad are huge," he told reporters after the 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid on Sunday. "It has been a very long year and we have had to remained focused from start to finish because we would have had big problems if we let Madrid challenge."

The victory over Diego Simeone's side propelled the Liga giant to 91 points with three games to play and, having wrapped up the title, Gerard Pique says his teammates now have a new goal for the remainder of the season.

"To get 100 points would be very nice," he added. "It gives us a reason to put on the shirt for the next three games."

Barcelona continues its quest for the record-breaking points total by hosting Valladolid at Camp Nou on Sunday.

 

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Liverpool boss Rodgers: Sturridge can become a top European forward

The 23-year-old bagged a hat trick as the Reds coasted to a 3-1 win over Fulham and his boss says he can become one of the continent's best.Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers believes Daniel Sturridge can fulfill his potential and become a top European striker.

The former Chelsea and Manchester City forward has spearheaded the Reds' attack while Luis Suarez has been missing through suspension and has been prolific in the Uruguayan's absence.

His hat trick at Craven Cottage on Sunday saw his manager shower him with praise, suggesting the England international can go on to become one of the best marksmen on the continent.

"I've been mightily impressed by Daniel Sturridge. He is a young player who has got all the attributes to be a top European forward," he told reporters after Liverpool's 3-1 win over Fulham.The Reds could have scored plenty more but were wasteful with their finishing, though Rodgers emphasized the importance of focusing on the positives of his side's performance and has backed his team to challenge for the Champions League spots next season.

"We were very exciting. Going forward we were really creative. We scored three and could have had more. It was a terrific second half performance," he continued. "I think we can have an exciting season next year. We can build. We need more depth in the summer. We will be looking for a real sustainable challenge for the top four."

 

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Moyes 'very emotional' following final Everton home game

The 50-year-old will take over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United after spending 11 years with the Toffees, and was sad to say goodbye to the Goodison Park faithful.David Moyes has described his final home game as Everton manager as "very emotional" after a 2-0 win over West Ham.

The 50-year-old Scot will take over from the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United after an 11-year spell with the Toffees, having worked miracles on Merseyside with a shoestring budget.

And Moyes, who was recommended for the position at Old Trafford by Sir Alex himself, was thankful for the support shown by the Toffees' fanbase through his tenure.

“It was very emotional,” Moyes told reporters. “When I came in the stewards were all clapping me and I didn’t know what to do. I came here 11 years ago and I was emotional then when I walked out on the pitch.

“I’m really fortunate at the reception today. I’m gobsmacked very thankful and humbled at what the people at Everton have showed me today.

“The players didn’t get caught up in the occasion and were a credit.

“They’ve done great all season. For us to finish where we are without the resources is incredible. Up until two weeks ago you’re still talking about the Champions League.”

Moyes was brought to Everton by Bill Kenwright in March 2002 after a four-year period in charge of Preston North End, and was also quick to praise the Toffees chairman.

The 50-year-old continued: “The chairman [Bill Kenwright] took a big gamble on me at the time. He gave a young, British manager an opportunity to work and deserves enormous credit.”

 

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Olympique Lyonnais 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Menez goal clinches Ligue 1 crown

Paris Saint-Germain is the Ligue 1 champion after beating Olympique Lyonnais 1-0 at Stade Gerland on Sunday.

Jeremy Menez struck early in the second half to separate the sides in an encounter that the visitors edged without ever looking particularly comfortable against a vibrant young Lyon side which has yet to secure its place in the Champions League next season.

The opening period had been evenly balanced but PSG struck early in the second half. Thiago Motta won possession high up the field before exchanging passes with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and sliding Menez in to drill low under Anthony Lopes in the Lyon goal.

Late in the game, there was a moment of great controversy as Thiago Motta seemed to handle in his own box yet referee Stephane Lannoy rejected the hosts’ vehement appeals for a penalty, prompting an angry end to the match.

Although Ibrahimovic had gone closest in the early stages of the game, having a volley turned off the line after the young home custodian had failed to collect a corner, it was Lyon which had made the more vibrant start to the match, dominating the opening 15 minutes but failing to really exert Nicolas Douchez.

Eighteen-year-old Yassine Benzia went closest for Remi Garde’s men but his awkward long-range drive was kicked clear.

With the early storm weathered, PSG started to offer a threat of its own, most notably through Menez. The former Roma player mustered a low strike on goal but Lopes got his body firmly behind the effort and this typified the nature of the visitors’ efforts in the opening period.

Seven minutes into the second period Menez drew another block from Lopes before the attacker drove PSG into the lead moments later, after Thiago Motta had caught Maxime Gonalons napping in the center of the pitch.

The closing stages were fraught with controversy. The hand-ball incident in the box seemed to only increase the nerves in the Parisians’ ranks but they nearly had the last word as Menez had another chance parried away in stoppage time.

Seven points clear of second-placed Olympique de Marseille with only two rounds of action remaining, PSG now has an unassailable lead in Ligue 1 and will wear the crown for the first time in close to two decades. Lyon, meanwhile, has an anxious couple of weeks ahead as it tries to secure Champions League football next term.

 

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Congratulations PSG!​

 

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Balotelli racially abused by Roma fans

Play was halted during AC Milan's clash with the capital club after visiting supporters aimed abusive chants at the former Manchester City striker
AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli was subjected to racist chanting from Roma supporters midway through Sunday's clash with the Giallorossi at San Siro.

The referee was forced to temporarily call a halt to proceedings just after halftime following an announcement made via the tannoy stating the game would remain suspended until the abuse stopped.

Roma skipper Francesco Totti was asked by the official to use his influence with the supporters by speaking to a number of them in a bid to put an end to the singing, which appeared to prove effective.

Earlier this year, Balotelli's former club Inter was fined for its fans' treatment of the Italy international during the Milan derby in February.

Milan has been involved in several similar incidents this season, with Kevin-Prince Boateng leaving the pitch during a friendly against Pro Patria in January.

More recently, Juventus fans were fined after subjecting the former Ghana midfielder to racist chants.

Tempers flared throughout Milan's clash with Roma, which finished 0-0, with both Sulley Muntari and Francesco Totti being sent off.

 

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AC Milan 0-0 Roma: Match overshadowed by racist abuse directed at Balotelli

AC Milan's 0-0 draw against Roma on Sunday had to be temporarily brought to a stop, after racist chants in the direction of Mario Balotelli took the luster from the game.

A win would have mathematically assured the Rossoneri of Champions League football next season as Massimiliano Allegri welcomed captain Massimo Ambrosini back to the fold in place of the injured Riccardo Montolivo, while Erik Lamela, Francesco Totti and Pablo Osvaldo started in attack for the visitors.

Marquinho showed they wouldn't be sitting back with a shot down Cristian Abbiati's throat in the third minute. Giallorossi icon Francesco Totti drove a free-kick straight into the Milan wall, before Abbiati calmed teammates' nerves by smothering another Marquinho drive in a lively opening exchange.

Abbiati proved the savior again by denying the Brazilian attacking midfielder when a slick pass found the Roma man advancing beyond the attention of Milan's backline, before he just failed to place his chance beyond the advancing custodian's outstretched palms.

The hosts finally succeeded in breaking out of their own half and Sulley Muntari fired over in the 25th minute for his side's first significant effort on Roma's goal. Kevin Prince-Boateng squandered a golden opportunity to seize the lead for Milan at point-blank range, before a lightning counterattack culminating in a brilliantly-struck Totti shot forced Abbiati into action again.

Balotelli had struggled all evening to breach the Roma rearguard but then struck a fierce free-kick around the wall to force Bogdan Lobont to get down and punch away. Racist chants by the capital fans managed to rile the enigmatic striker sufficiently however, and just as he received a yellow card for a late tackle, teammate Sulley Muntari was sent off for a bizarre altercation with the referee on the stroke of halftime.

The Ghanaian midfielder tried to prevent the referee from giving Balotelli a yellow card, restraining his arm. Instead of just a yellow for Balotelli, the referee was forced to also produce a red for Muntari.

Play was suspended briefly following the restart after racial abuse threatened to get out of hand, but once it resumed Marquinho continued his personal duel with Abbiati, looping his header into the 35-year-old's hands from Totti's cross. Osvaldo then fired wide after showing good strength to hold off a couple of challenges.

Simone Perrotta's crude stop on Balotelli allowed the Italy international to pick himself up and rifle in another free-kick that Lobont again proved equal to. In end-to end action, Marquinho thought he had finally beaten Abbiati from Totti's measured chip, but Philippe Mexes got back in the nick of time to clear the goal-bound punt.

Mathieu Flamini looked to extend his recent hot-scoring streak when good work in Lobont's area led to a shot which the Romanian parried. As exhaustion set in though, play became stranded in no man's land, as missed opportunities by Mexes and Lamela alongside wayward passing typified the remainder of the second period.

Totti's red card in stoppage-time for an elbow on former teammate Mexes summarised the foul-tempered air about the game, before the referee called time on proceedings.

The stalemate heaps renewed pressure on Milan's Champions League quest, thanks in no small part due to Fiorentina's 1-0 win against Palermo earlier on Sunday.

Allegri's men remain in third two points clear of the Viola, although they will have have to wait till the final fixture to be absolutely assured of qualification to Europe's premier cup competition next term.

 

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Fergie's Farewell

Fergie's Farewell


Sir Alex Ferguson takes charge of his last game at the Theatre of Dreams when the title winners-elect face Swansea City.

Fans gather outside Old Trafford to thank Sir Alex but the message from the club looks to the future.

There is a buzz around the ground as 80,000 inside the Theatre of Dreams wait for one man to appear.

The stadium erupts and chants ring out around Old Trafford for a true football legend.

Sir Alex looks slightly uncomfortable with all the attention as he walks through the guard of honour.

After 26 and a half years, this looks like the last time Sir Alex Ferguson will step out as Manchester United manager.

Some very lucky punters get autographs on their merchandise, which will be worth a few bob after today.

The Old Trafford crowd create an impressive mosaic with a tribute to their 20 league titles...

Astonishing 13 have been won with Sir Alex in charge.

Trending: Sir Alex is likely to be unaware of the tributes flowing on social media.

This banner held by a young supporter says it all.

The stadium is full of banners which pay thanks for the Scot's achievements. He has already been immortalised in the form of a statue outside the stadium

Moving upstairs, Ferguson will be watching Manchester United from a different perspective from now on.

Sir Alex stands on the pitch while a standing ovation at Old Trafford pays tribute to what he has achieved with the club.

Down to business and another reason to celebrate as Manchester United take the lead in the first half thanks to Javier Hernandez.

Michu hadn't read the script though so it was left to a late winner from the unlikely Rio Ferdinand to top off the champions-elect last home game.

Once Fergie Time had been played, Sir Alex steps into the centre circle to address the Old Trafford faithful.

It almost like a team talk as he asks the players never to let themselves or the club down.

He salutes the never say die attitude of Manchester United.

And The boss calls on the supporters your job now to get behind the new manager and show the same belief in him.

A final thanks from the Ferguson family including his 11 grandchildren then Sir Alex heads inside out of the rain.

Fergie you are the Best!

​

 

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Manchester United 2012/13 Premier League Title Celebrations

Manchester United 2012/13 Premier League Title Celebrations

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Balotelli must stay focused, says Prandelli

The 55-year-old hopes the striker is not affected by the efforts of opposition fans and players to put him off his game Cesare Prandelli has urged AC Milan star Mario Balotelli to maintain his focus when faced with provocation from opponents.

The striker's career to date has been marred by displays of indiscipline on and off the field, with opposition players often targeting the striker's short temper.

But since arriving at San Siro from Manchester City in January, Balotelli has scored 11 goals in 12 games and allowed his football to do the talking and Prandelli is eager for him to continue in that vein, while offering his backing to Stephan El Shaarawy.

“I am convinced that the leaders of Milan and [Massimiliano] Allegri have talked to him about this," he told Tuttosport.

"Mario must think only of playing. He should not lose the right attention and concentration, often things happen just to try and get a great player to lose patience.

“Do not worry [about El Shaarawy]. El Shaarawy has given so much, his season is extraordinary.”

On Sunday Milan's clash with Roma was suspended after racist chants were aimed towards Balotelli, with Prandelli quick to condemn the actions of supporters.

“Yesterday a clear signal was given. I think that in the face of upcoming episodes there will be temporary suspension and the interruption of the competition," he added.

“It is not Balotelli’s problem, but on the credibility of our football.

“We must not just get angry, but there are suitable ways of going to the stadium. A stadium made in a certain way helps a lot, like that of Juventus. If the fan feels at home, they think twice before doing horrible things.

“We are all responsible. Even the fans should get angry in front of the offensive chants.”

 

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Brighton 0-2 Crystal Palace (Agg 0-2): Manchester United-bound Zaha smashes Eagles into playoff final

The English U-21 international single-handedly fired Crystal Palace into the Championship playoff final, where it will face Watford at Wembley Stadium in two weeks.

Crystal Palace is within 90 minutes from a return to the Premier League after two second-half goals from Wilfried Zaha booked the club's place in the League Championship playoff final with a 2-0 aggregate triumph over Brighton & Hove Albion.

The highly rated England U-21 winger, who is headed for Manchester United next season, proved to be the difference over two fiercly contested games to send the Eagles to Wembley Stadium for the first time at the expense of their fierce rivals.
With no fresh injury concerns to contend with, Gus Poyet opted to field the same side that secured a goalless draw in the first leg but his Palace counterpart Ian Holloway wasn’t so lucky. The visitors were without the services of top-scorer Glenn Murray after he suffered a nasty knee injury during Friday’s stalemate and was replaced by Aaron Wilbraham.

A tight first half gave way to some more open play, spurned on by Zaha. He saw more of the ball as the half went on, and it was his low cross which caused a moment of uncertainty in the Brighton rear-guard before Matthew Upson cleared the danger from under his crossbar.

Zaha then provided Jon Williams with a glorious opportunity to draw first blood, but with only Tomasz Kuszczak to beat, the Welsh international fired narrowly wide.

It was the wakeup call that the hosts needed as the tie came to live for the first time. Gus Poyet responded by introducing Ashley Barnes, and the substitution almost paid immediate dividends.Julian Speroni pulled off a superb save to tip Barnes’ first-time effort onto the crossbar, and from the resulting corner, Dean Moxey hacked the substitute’s header off the line.

Having soaked up the pressure, Palace went down the other end and landed the killer blow. Yannick Bolasie’s in-swinging cross from the left was met perfectly by Zaha, who escaped the attention of Wayne Bridge to send the away fans into raptures.

Despite the introduction of Kazenga Lua-Lua and the best efforts of a packed Amex Stadium, the Seagulls couldn't find the cutting edge to muster a late rally.
Instead, it was Zaha who had the final say as he turned away from Gordon Greer before smashing in a left-footed shot via the under side of the crossbar to ensure Palace's place in the final against Watford.