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Congratulations Manchester United U21!!!
Manchester United 3 Tottenham 2: Reds win Under 21 Premier League final after dramatic comeback at Old Trafford
The day after their senior team missed out on the Champions League, Tottenham’s youngsters felt similar pain after they squandered a two-goal lead as Manchester United fought back to win the Barclays Under 21 Premier League final at Old Trafford.Jonathan Obika and Alex Pritchard gave the visitors, who had to play the final away from home due to the way the semi-finals were drawn, a two-goal advantage at half-time.
Even with as many as a team’s worth of players out on loan at any one time, Tottenham walked both sections of the league, scoring 77 goals in their 26 matches, and had already beaten United home and away.But United defender Marnick Vermijl pulled one back just before the hour and a two more goals from Larnell Cole, who scored three against Liverpool last week, took the title for United.
The visitors had Obika denied with a stabbed effort that come back off the bar from a Harry Kane cross and Kane then crash a shot against the top of the post before they took a deserved lead.United goalkeeper Ben Amos failed to clear a Cristian Ceballos cross under heavy pressure from Obika and the Tottenham striker turned in when Pritchard headed the ball towards goal.
Just before the interval, United midfielder Will Tunnicliffe gave the ball straight to Obika midway inside the home team’s half and Pritchard thumped a drive into the corner to double the advantage.Warren Joyce chucked on Tom Lawrence to support Januzaj but it was the unlikely source of Vermijl that pulled one back just before the hour.
The Belgian right-back, 21, who featured in the Capital One Cup win over Newcastle in September, surged forward and scored with a powerful cross-shot.United continued to increase the pressure but Amos was forced into a smart save from Kenneth McEvoy’s powerful low effort.
'This is what dreams are made of. Next season I just want to push on and getting into the first team is the main aim.'United captain Tom Thorpe said: 'It’s fitting that it’s the boss’s last trophy, to win it like this. There was a lot of belief and we knew the goals were our fault and we could come out and make it right.'
Joyce said: 'The first-half the two goals we conceded were individual errors really. It’s probably the third team we’ve put together this season but the bulk of that side won the Youth Cup and won everything last season, won the senior Cup this year and they’ve shown a lot of character, that they can take criticism and come back and dig themselves out of holes and that’s what you need as a United player.
'Tottenham are an excellent passing side and have a lot of creative players and have several players that will make the grade. They’re a bit older and more experienced but the heart and character shone through in the end and we deserved to win. 'We said to the boys before the game that officially this is the gaffer’s last game at Old Trafford and it’s been a weird weekend for everyone concerned and this is another emotional day and to finish the way we’ve finished we’re delighted.
Manchester United 3 Tottenham 2: Reds win Under 21 Premier League final after dramatic comeback at Old Trafford
The day after their senior team missed out on the Champions League, Tottenham’s youngsters felt similar pain after they squandered a two-goal lead as Manchester United fought back to win the Barclays Under 21 Premier League final at Old Trafford.Jonathan Obika and Alex Pritchard gave the visitors, who had to play the final away from home due to the way the semi-finals were drawn, a two-goal advantage at half-time.
Even with as many as a team’s worth of players out on loan at any one time, Tottenham walked both sections of the league, scoring 77 goals in their 26 matches, and had already beaten United home and away.But United defender Marnick Vermijl pulled one back just before the hour and a two more goals from Larnell Cole, who scored three against Liverpool last week, took the title for United.
With outgoing manager Sir Alex Ferguson and his replacement David Moyes both at a League Managers Association dinner in London, it was left to coach Rene Meulensteen to report back to his bosses and after a difficult start, any text messages from the Dutchman would have brought smiles to their faces.United’s Belgian prospect Adnan Januzaj, who was an unused substitute in the 5-5 draw at West Brom on Sunday, looked sharp but cut an isolated figure in attack as the home side attempted to contain Tottenham.But in the opening period they simply had no answer to the quality, experience and power of Chris Ramsey’s team and only really threatened with a Cole effort in the first half.
The visitors had Obika denied with a stabbed effort that come back off the bar from a Harry Kane cross and Kane then crash a shot against the top of the post before they took a deserved lead.United goalkeeper Ben Amos failed to clear a Cristian Ceballos cross under heavy pressure from Obika and the Tottenham striker turned in when Pritchard headed the ball towards goal.
Just before the interval, United midfielder Will Tunnicliffe gave the ball straight to Obika midway inside the home team’s half and Pritchard thumped a drive into the corner to double the advantage.Warren Joyce chucked on Tom Lawrence to support Januzaj but it was the unlikely source of Vermijl that pulled one back just before the hour.
The Belgian right-back, 21, who featured in the Capital One Cup win over Newcastle in September, surged forward and scored with a powerful cross-shot.United continued to increase the pressure but Amos was forced into a smart save from Kenneth McEvoy’s powerful low effort.
Cole was booked for diving when he went down under a challenge from Tottenham goalkeeper Jordan Archer.But the equaliser came with 15 minutes remaining, when a quick break from Lingard saw one effort saved before Cole hit a shot high into the net from close range.The job was complete when Cole drilled in another low effort from a Vermijl cross with just over two minutes remaining.Ferguson may be on his way out but United’s youngsters are not about to shed their reputation for comebacks.
United goalscoring hero Cole, said: 'I’m over the moon. You can’t ask for more. The whole team has done well over the season so I’m happy. We’ve had different teams at different stages but we’ve won it two years in a row.'It was always going to be tough. They’re a good side and can really play but we had to get into them and we got forward and got the goals.
'This is what dreams are made of. Next season I just want to push on and getting into the first team is the main aim.'United captain Tom Thorpe said: 'It’s fitting that it’s the boss’s last trophy, to win it like this. There was a lot of belief and we knew the goals were our fault and we could come out and make it right.'
Joyce said: 'The first-half the two goals we conceded were individual errors really. It’s probably the third team we’ve put together this season but the bulk of that side won the Youth Cup and won everything last season, won the senior Cup this year and they’ve shown a lot of character, that they can take criticism and come back and dig themselves out of holes and that’s what you need as a United player.
'Tottenham are an excellent passing side and have a lot of creative players and have several players that will make the grade. They’re a bit older and more experienced but the heart and character shone through in the end and we deserved to win. 'We said to the boys before the game that officially this is the gaffer’s last game at Old Trafford and it’s been a weird weekend for everyone concerned and this is another emotional day and to finish the way we’ve finished we’re delighted.
Congratulations Manchester United U21!!!
Congratulations Manchester United U21
Niyama Comeback 1kak
Niyama Comeback 1kak
Messi: Neymar move would be wonderful
The star feels the Brazilian would add a different dimension to Barcelona's play and believes Pep Guardiola will be a huge hit with Bayern Munich.Lionel Messi believes Neymar would make a "wonderful addition" to the Barcelona squad should he opt to move to Camp Nou.
Speculation has intensified in recent weeks over where the Santos star will be plying his trade next season, with Barcelona currently attempting to negotiate a deal despite the player's insistence he will remain in Brazil until 2014.
However, should such a move materialize, Messi feels the starlet would add a different dimension to Barca's attacking threat.
"I do not know if he will end up at the club or not. However, it is true that he is a player who would bring a very different dimension to the team," he told Qatar Alkass. "Of course he would be a wonderful addition."
The Argentina international then looked ahead to next year's World Cup in Brazil and insists he wants to taste glory at the tournament irrespective of what it could mean for his reputation in the history of the game.
"All I care about is winning the World Cup," he said. "I won't be thinking about whether it will mean I am the best player ever or not."
The 25-year-old also praised former coaches Frank Rijkaard and Bayern Munich-bound Pep Guardiola, a man who Messi believes will be a huge hit with Bayern and wherever he chooses to go in future.
"He [Rijkaard] was the one who believed in me when I was 17," the Argentina skipper added. "It was one of the most important times of my life working under him, and Pep told me I was the best player he has ever coached.
"He will succeed at Bayern. He will succeed anywhere he goes because his understanding and reading of the game is like nobody else's."
The star feels the Brazilian would add a different dimension to Barcelona's play and believes Pep Guardiola will be a huge hit with Bayern Munich.Lionel Messi believes Neymar would make a "wonderful addition" to the Barcelona squad should he opt to move to Camp Nou.
Speculation has intensified in recent weeks over where the Santos star will be plying his trade next season, with Barcelona currently attempting to negotiate a deal despite the player's insistence he will remain in Brazil until 2014.
However, should such a move materialize, Messi feels the starlet would add a different dimension to Barca's attacking threat.
"I do not know if he will end up at the club or not. However, it is true that he is a player who would bring a very different dimension to the team," he told Qatar Alkass. "Of course he would be a wonderful addition."
The Argentina international then looked ahead to next year's World Cup in Brazil and insists he wants to taste glory at the tournament irrespective of what it could mean for his reputation in the history of the game.
"All I care about is winning the World Cup," he said. "I won't be thinking about whether it will mean I am the best player ever or not."
The 25-year-old also praised former coaches Frank Rijkaard and Bayern Munich-bound Pep Guardiola, a man who Messi believes will be a huge hit with Bayern and wherever he chooses to go in future.
"He [Rijkaard] was the one who believed in me when I was 17," the Argentina skipper added. "It was one of the most important times of my life working under him, and Pep told me I was the best player he has ever coached.
"He will succeed at Bayern. He will succeed anywhere he goes because his understanding and reading of the game is like nobody else's."
Juventus are interested in both Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic
Director Giuseppe Marotta earmarked the two strikers as potential transfer targets but stressed that the club are exploring "various options" in the market.Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club's interest in luring both Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic to Turin this summer.
Reports emanating from Italy suggests the Bianconeri will dispatch representatives to the Spanish capital on Wednesday in an attempt to thrash out a deal for Real Madrid striker Higuain after agreeing terms in principal with the Argentine earlier this month, while Fiorentina's failure to secure Champions League qualification this season has thrown Jovetic's future at the club into further doubt.
Speaking to Rai Sports, Marotta insisted the Old Lady were weighing up their options before making a move but could not disguise his affection for the duo.
"Jovetic and Higuain are both great strikers," he said. "We want to improve the playing staff available to [Antonio] Conte in the summer so we are exploring various options at the moment."
Juventus, which recorded back-to-back Serie A titles this season, has long been linked with moves for Europe's top striking talent - including the likes of Carlos Tevez and Luis Suarez - as it looks to bolster its forward line ahead of the coming campaign.
Director Giuseppe Marotta earmarked the two strikers as potential transfer targets but stressed that the club are exploring "various options" in the market.Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has confirmed the club's interest in luring both Gonzalo Higuain and Stevan Jovetic to Turin this summer.
Reports emanating from Italy suggests the Bianconeri will dispatch representatives to the Spanish capital on Wednesday in an attempt to thrash out a deal for Real Madrid striker Higuain after agreeing terms in principal with the Argentine earlier this month, while Fiorentina's failure to secure Champions League qualification this season has thrown Jovetic's future at the club into further doubt.
Speaking to Rai Sports, Marotta insisted the Old Lady were weighing up their options before making a move but could not disguise his affection for the duo.
"Jovetic and Higuain are both great strikers," he said. "We want to improve the playing staff available to [Antonio] Conte in the summer so we are exploring various options at the moment."
Juventus, which recorded back-to-back Serie A titles this season, has long been linked with moves for Europe's top striking talent - including the likes of Carlos Tevez and Luis Suarez - as it looks to bolster its forward line ahead of the coming campaign.
Pato aiming for Corinthians clean sweep
The former AC Milan forward is hoping the club's Campeonato Paulista triumph can act as a springboard for more titles in 2013.Alexandre Pato is confident that Corinthians can pull off a clean sweep of trophies this season.
The reigning FIFA Club World Cup champion wrapped up the Campeonato Paulista with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Santos on Sunday, and the former AC Milan striker is hoping the team will adhere to the club's mantra and push on in the remaining quests for silverware.
"Corinthians have a motto and that is: "We never stop." So let's go all out to fight for the Brasileiro, the Brazilian Cup and the Recopa Sudamericana," Pato told Arena Sport TV. "Coach Tite has great players and he will assemble the best team. We will fight to the end to claim all those titles."
The 23-year-old Pato, who returned to his native Brazil in January following a six-year spell with with Milan, went on to reveal his delight at collecting a winners medal so early in his Corinthians career.
"The feeling of being a champion is one that every player craves. I'm glad I found this feeling after joining just four months ago," Pato said. "It was wonderful and I'm celebrating too, but tomorrow we must remember all the hard work which needs to be done to secure the Brasileiro."
Pato could face former Rossoneri teammate Clarence Seedorf on Sunday when Corinthians hosts Botafogo in the first matchday of the Brasileiro campaign.
The former AC Milan forward is hoping the club's Campeonato Paulista triumph can act as a springboard for more titles in 2013.Alexandre Pato is confident that Corinthians can pull off a clean sweep of trophies this season.
The reigning FIFA Club World Cup champion wrapped up the Campeonato Paulista with a 3-2 aggregate victory over Santos on Sunday, and the former AC Milan striker is hoping the team will adhere to the club's mantra and push on in the remaining quests for silverware.
"Corinthians have a motto and that is: "We never stop." So let's go all out to fight for the Brasileiro, the Brazilian Cup and the Recopa Sudamericana," Pato told Arena Sport TV. "Coach Tite has great players and he will assemble the best team. We will fight to the end to claim all those titles."
The 23-year-old Pato, who returned to his native Brazil in January following a six-year spell with with Milan, went on to reveal his delight at collecting a winners medal so early in his Corinthians career.
"The feeling of being a champion is one that every player craves. I'm glad I found this feeling after joining just four months ago," Pato said. "It was wonderful and I'm celebrating too, but tomorrow we must remember all the hard work which needs to be done to secure the Brasileiro."
Pato could face former Rossoneri teammate Clarence Seedorf on Sunday when Corinthians hosts Botafogo in the first matchday of the Brasileiro campaign.
Stoke City confirms Pulis departure
The manager guided the club to a 15th-placed finish, but a haul of 42 points was the club's lowest in the Premier League since its arrival in the top flight in 2008.
Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu and Brek Shea will have a new coach next season.
Stoke City has confirmed Tony Pulis will leave the club by mutual consent with immediate effect, meaning the manager that brought all three Americans to Britannia Stadium will give way to a new boss on the sidelines.
The 55-year-old Pulis met with the club's chairman Peter Coates on Tuesday to discuss the side's struggling Premier League campaign that saw the Potters finish with a six-point cushion above the relegation places.
Stoke ended the season on 42 points, its lowest Premier League total since Pulis guided the club to promotion in 2008. During his second stint in charge at the Britannia Stadium, Pulis led Stoke to an FA Cup final in 2011 and oversaw the club's Europa League campaign the following season, where it exited the competition in the round of 32.
A section of Stoke fans had voiced concerns over Pulis' tactics this season, drawing particular emphasis on the club's record away from home, which consisted of just two league wins. Pulis' departure was confirmed in a brief two-line statement on the club's official website, while no replacement has been announced.
The manager guided the club to a 15th-placed finish, but a haul of 42 points was the club's lowest in the Premier League since its arrival in the top flight in 2008.
Geoff Cameron, Maurice Edu and Brek Shea will have a new coach next season.
Stoke City has confirmed Tony Pulis will leave the club by mutual consent with immediate effect, meaning the manager that brought all three Americans to Britannia Stadium will give way to a new boss on the sidelines.
The 55-year-old Pulis met with the club's chairman Peter Coates on Tuesday to discuss the side's struggling Premier League campaign that saw the Potters finish with a six-point cushion above the relegation places.
Stoke ended the season on 42 points, its lowest Premier League total since Pulis guided the club to promotion in 2008. During his second stint in charge at the Britannia Stadium, Pulis led Stoke to an FA Cup final in 2011 and oversaw the club's Europa League campaign the following season, where it exited the competition in the round of 32.
A section of Stoke fans had voiced concerns over Pulis' tactics this season, drawing particular emphasis on the club's record away from home, which consisted of just two league wins. Pulis' departure was confirmed in a brief two-line statement on the club's official website, while no replacement has been announced.
Nasri: Pelligrini would be a good fit at Manchester City
The French midfielder revealed to Goal that Malaga's head coach would be an ideal fit at the Etihad Stadium and also insists that he has no interest in returning to Ligue 1.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Manuel Pellegrini continues to be the assumed successor to Roberto Mancini as the next manager of Manchester City, but midfielder Samir Nasri insists that none of the Blues' players have been informed about the team's next head coach.
City fired Mancini last week after the club finished in second place in the Premier League but failed to get out of its Champions League group, just one year removed from winning its first league title in 44 years, and the current Malaga boss has been considered the favorite to fill the vacancy.
"The club is going to let us know as soon as they sign someone, but for the moment it's just talk," Nasri told Goal.
Nasri admitted that bringing on Pellegrini would be a good decision, though, if the club decides to go in that direction.
"If it is him, it's a good fit," Nasri said. "In the Champions League, he's always had success with Villarreal or Malaga. The way his teams play, it's always attractive and that's what we need at Manchester City."
Despite reports of a feud of between Nasri and Mancini, the French international revealed that he was sad to see the Italian leave the club. Nasri appreciated the fact that Mancini recruited him from Arsenal and provided him with an opportunity to win an Premier League title in their first year together. Still, Nasri knew that City's owners weren't happy with the team's results this year.
"It's a bit difficult ... but this season we had big expectations. We didn't achieve anything. We just qualified for the Champions League," Nasri said. "It was Mancini that brought me to Manchester City, so it's sad. But that's football. Before I was at Manchester City, when I was at Marseille, I knew five different managers ... that's football."
Nasri also addressed rumors that he wants out of Manchester after French media reported that Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco were interested in signing him. Nasri dismissed the reports as pure speculation and even joked that he hadn't heard of any interest from Monaco.
"Yeah, of course [I would like to stay at Man City]," Nasri said. "You know [the rumors], that's just talk. In Paris now, you have new owners and they just won a title in France, so they [the media] will talk about it. But I'm really happy in Manchester. I'm looking forward to the next season."
After qualifying for the Champions League for a third straight season, Nasri hopes that City can finally make noise in the competition after failing to exit the group stage for the past two years.
"Next year we won't have any excuses," Nasri said. "At some points, we had a lack of experience. We can have all of the talent in the world but you can't buy experience."
Nasri is hoping for a better better group draw this year though.
"To be honest, we were unlucky two times with the draw. In the group stage, to play Dortmund and Real Madrid is a bit difficult. But a team like Manchester City should expect to go on to the finals of the Champions League. I hope that next year, we are going to do it."
The French midfielder revealed to Goal that Malaga's head coach would be an ideal fit at the Etihad Stadium and also insists that he has no interest in returning to Ligue 1.STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Manuel Pellegrini continues to be the assumed successor to Roberto Mancini as the next manager of Manchester City, but midfielder Samir Nasri insists that none of the Blues' players have been informed about the team's next head coach.
City fired Mancini last week after the club finished in second place in the Premier League but failed to get out of its Champions League group, just one year removed from winning its first league title in 44 years, and the current Malaga boss has been considered the favorite to fill the vacancy.
"The club is going to let us know as soon as they sign someone, but for the moment it's just talk," Nasri told Goal.
Nasri admitted that bringing on Pellegrini would be a good decision, though, if the club decides to go in that direction.
"If it is him, it's a good fit," Nasri said. "In the Champions League, he's always had success with Villarreal or Malaga. The way his teams play, it's always attractive and that's what we need at Manchester City."
Despite reports of a feud of between Nasri and Mancini, the French international revealed that he was sad to see the Italian leave the club. Nasri appreciated the fact that Mancini recruited him from Arsenal and provided him with an opportunity to win an Premier League title in their first year together. Still, Nasri knew that City's owners weren't happy with the team's results this year.
"It's a bit difficult ... but this season we had big expectations. We didn't achieve anything. We just qualified for the Champions League," Nasri said. "It was Mancini that brought me to Manchester City, so it's sad. But that's football. Before I was at Manchester City, when I was at Marseille, I knew five different managers ... that's football."
Nasri also addressed rumors that he wants out of Manchester after French media reported that Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco were interested in signing him. Nasri dismissed the reports as pure speculation and even joked that he hadn't heard of any interest from Monaco.
"Yeah, of course [I would like to stay at Man City]," Nasri said. "You know [the rumors], that's just talk. In Paris now, you have new owners and they just won a title in France, so they [the media] will talk about it. But I'm really happy in Manchester. I'm looking forward to the next season."
After qualifying for the Champions League for a third straight season, Nasri hopes that City can finally make noise in the competition after failing to exit the group stage for the past two years.
"Next year we won't have any excuses," Nasri said. "At some points, we had a lack of experience. We can have all of the talent in the world but you can't buy experience."
Nasri is hoping for a better better group draw this year though.
"To be honest, we were unlucky two times with the draw. In the group stage, to play Dortmund and Real Madrid is a bit difficult. But a team like Manchester City should expect to go on to the finals of the Champions League. I hope that next year, we are going to do it."
Monaco expects to sign Falcao 'plus four or five more'The club's assistant coach Jean Petit has confirmed negotiations for the Colombian are progressing and that he hopes to see a number of other top players follow
Monaco assistant coach Jean Petit claims he expects the club to complete the signing of Radamel Falcao "as soon as possible."
The Atletico Madrid star has been linked with a shock move to the newly-promoted Ligue 1 outfit, despite reported interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester City.
Petit has now confirmed he expects the Colombian to seal a move to the principality club shortly, along with a number of other top-class players.
"Yes, we are expecting Falcao and four or five other players of his quality," he told Radio RCN. "We have spoken and we continue to speak with Falcao and his representatives, negotiations are ongoing. We hope to seal a deal as soon as possible.
"Monaco need a player like Falcao because he can help us a lot and because he can attract other top players, and that's the best way of confirming our project is big and interesting. Signing Falcao is a big coup, on sporting and media levels, for French football.
"As a footballer Falcao has everything. He has technique, good control of the ball and scores a lot of goals. We saw it here in Monaco in the [European] SuperCup final and we were impressed and surprised by his performance and clinical finishing. President [Dmitry] Rybolovlev likes Falcao a lot."
West Ham signs Razvan Rat from Shakhtar Donetsk
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that the 31-year-old Romanian fullback has joined the Hammers on a one-year deal after leaving the Ukrainian champion on a free transfer.West Ham has confirmed the signing of Razvan Rat on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 31-year-old, who has made 88 appearances for Romania, has penned a one-year contract with the Hammers having an option to extend the deal for a further two or three years.
Rat departs Shakhtar having made 248 appearances during his decade-long spell at the club, with 57 of those coming in the Champions League.
West Ham boss Sam Allarydce expressed his delight at the deal, telling the club’s official website: "I'm hugely happy that we've got a player of his experience and his character. He's been playing Champions League football this year and at the highest level for many years. Shakhtar had offered him a very good contract, but his ambition was to come and try his abilities and skills in England.
"When you hear somebody speak so positively about that, then you know they've got the mental character that's needed to do well in this division. We certainly know he's got the ability and he's at an age where he's still capable of producing at 31. He speaks perfect English, which he taught himself, and that shows the discipline and the character of the man.
"Discipline, character and ability are the three big things in the Premier League, and with a little bit of adjusting, we'll see him early on in the season giving hopefully his best performances for West Ham."
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that the 31-year-old Romanian fullback has joined the Hammers on a one-year deal after leaving the Ukrainian champion on a free transfer.West Ham has confirmed the signing of Razvan Rat on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 31-year-old, who has made 88 appearances for Romania, has penned a one-year contract with the Hammers having an option to extend the deal for a further two or three years.
Rat departs Shakhtar having made 248 appearances during his decade-long spell at the club, with 57 of those coming in the Champions League.
West Ham boss Sam Allarydce expressed his delight at the deal, telling the club’s official website: "I'm hugely happy that we've got a player of his experience and his character. He's been playing Champions League football this year and at the highest level for many years. Shakhtar had offered him a very good contract, but his ambition was to come and try his abilities and skills in England.
"When you hear somebody speak so positively about that, then you know they've got the mental character that's needed to do well in this division. We certainly know he's got the ability and he's at an age where he's still capable of producing at 31. He speaks perfect English, which he taught himself, and that shows the discipline and the character of the man.
"Discipline, character and ability are the three big things in the Premier League, and with a little bit of adjusting, we'll see him early on in the season giving hopefully his best performances for West Ham."
Sanogo relishing summer move to Arsenal
The 20-year-old is set to leave Auxerre to join the Gunners when his contract expires, and he has revealed he snubbed other offers to join the north London outfit.Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo says he is relishing his move to Arsenal in the summer, and believes the switch could improve his game.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger recently confirmed the Gunners were close to concluding a deal for the 20-year-old, who is set to move to the Emirates Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Sanogo is hoping to progress in English football, and revealed he snubbed offers from a number of other suitors in favor of Arsenal.
"Arsenal could be a great club for me," he told Sky Sports. "I scored nine goals this season with Auxerre and they think I can improve my level in England.
"I am pleased to be following in the footsteps of Abou Diaby who came through from Auxerre. There are many teams interested in me, but Arsenal is my choice."
The 20-year-old is set to leave Auxerre to join the Gunners when his contract expires, and he has revealed he snubbed other offers to join the north London outfit.Auxerre striker Yaya Sanogo says he is relishing his move to Arsenal in the summer, and believes the switch could improve his game.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger recently confirmed the Gunners were close to concluding a deal for the 20-year-old, who is set to move to the Emirates Stadium when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Sanogo is hoping to progress in English football, and revealed he snubbed offers from a number of other suitors in favor of Arsenal.
"Arsenal could be a great club for me," he told Sky Sports. "I scored nine goals this season with Auxerre and they think I can improve my level in England.
"I am pleased to be following in the footsteps of Abou Diaby who came through from Auxerre. There are many teams interested in me, but Arsenal is my choice."
Sherwood 'one million percent' sure Bale will stay at Tottenham
The 23-year-old’s future has come under speculation after Spurs failed to qualify for the Champions League, but the club’s coach is confident the star man is going nowhere.Tottenham youth team coach Tim Sherwood believes there is no chance Gareth Bale will leave the club over the summer.
The 23-year-old triple award winner has been linked with a big-money move away from White Hart lane after Spurs failed to qualify for the Champions League, with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid reportedly interested
However, following similar claims by manager Andre Villas-Boas, Sherwood has no fears Bale will seek pastures new ahead of the new season.
"He’s fantastically happy at Tottenham," Sherwood told talkSPORT. "I see him around the training ground every day, he’s got a good working relationship with the manager and he loves his teammates. They show him the respect that he deserves and he gives it back to them.
"I don’t see him banging the door down trying to get a move. I believe one million percent he will stay at Tottenham. It’s crucial for all teams when you’re at the level of the league that we are, pushing for Champions League football, that players like Gareth Bale stay at your club.
While Sherwood is aware that a number of clubs will be eying up a move for the former Southampton man, he feels Tottenham is the right club for his development.
"There will be a lot of clubs wanting to take Gareth but he’s 23-years-old and fortunately for Gareth and Tottenham, he’s got good advisers," he added. "They know that it’s not a flash in the pan, that he's got built in quality. Next year he will be exactly the same. There’s time for him to go overseas or to another Premier League club but I think he needs to stay here.
"He’s developing fantastically well, he just needs to put a level of consistency in his performance over a few seasons. He’s already shown he can do it week-to-week, he needs to kick on next year and produce the same quality that he has this year. The opportunities will arise for him in the future if he wants to go over there."
The 23-year-old’s future has come under speculation after Spurs failed to qualify for the Champions League, but the club’s coach is confident the star man is going nowhere.Tottenham youth team coach Tim Sherwood believes there is no chance Gareth Bale will leave the club over the summer.
The 23-year-old triple award winner has been linked with a big-money move away from White Hart lane after Spurs failed to qualify for the Champions League, with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid reportedly interested
However, following similar claims by manager Andre Villas-Boas, Sherwood has no fears Bale will seek pastures new ahead of the new season.
"He’s fantastically happy at Tottenham," Sherwood told talkSPORT. "I see him around the training ground every day, he’s got a good working relationship with the manager and he loves his teammates. They show him the respect that he deserves and he gives it back to them.
"I don’t see him banging the door down trying to get a move. I believe one million percent he will stay at Tottenham. It’s crucial for all teams when you’re at the level of the league that we are, pushing for Champions League football, that players like Gareth Bale stay at your club.
While Sherwood is aware that a number of clubs will be eying up a move for the former Southampton man, he feels Tottenham is the right club for his development.
"There will be a lot of clubs wanting to take Gareth but he’s 23-years-old and fortunately for Gareth and Tottenham, he’s got good advisers," he added. "They know that it’s not a flash in the pan, that he's got built in quality. Next year he will be exactly the same. There’s time for him to go overseas or to another Premier League club but I think he needs to stay here.
"He’s developing fantastically well, he just needs to put a level of consistency in his performance over a few seasons. He’s already shown he can do it week-to-week, he needs to kick on next year and produce the same quality that he has this year. The opportunities will arise for him in the future if he wants to go over there."
Scholes happy for retirement to 'fly under the radar'
The 38-year-old ended his Red Devils career for the second time on Sunday against West Brom and says he will not be tempted to return again.Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes is happy to have been "overshadowed by bigger names" after he retired from professional football for the second time.
The 38-year-old made his final appearance off the bench in United's 5-5 draw with West Brom on Sunday, and follows former England internationals Jamie Carragher, David Beckham and Michael Owen in hanging up his boots.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson also bowed out at the Hawthorns and Scholes, known for his reserved lifestyle, is glad to have been able to avoid much media attention.
"I was pleased to retire when I did because I was overshadowed by bigger names bowing out at the same time. I got out under the radar," he told The Times.
"I love football, have done since I first started kicking a ball as a boy. But I am not interested in the things that go with it. For me, it is about the game, the pleasure of striking a ball. It is not about having my name up in lights."
Scholes initially retired in 2011 before returning in January 2012, but he insists there will be no second comeback.
"It was obvious to us both [Scholes and Sir Alex] that I was off the pace," he continued. "I knew it deep down and the boss could see it. We didn’t need a long, drawn-out conversation. There will be no comeback this time."
He also praised Ryan Giggs who, like Scholes, has spent his entire career playing at Old Trafford, adding: "He is unreal. He is still one of the quickest and fittest players in the world, and he is almost 40.
“When Gary [Neville], Nicky [Butt], me and David [Beckham] came into the setup, we idolized him. In some ways, I still do. He could go on for as long as he likes. He’s in a league of his own."
The 38-year-old ended his Red Devils career for the second time on Sunday against West Brom and says he will not be tempted to return again.Manchester United veteran Paul Scholes is happy to have been "overshadowed by bigger names" after he retired from professional football for the second time.
The 38-year-old made his final appearance off the bench in United's 5-5 draw with West Brom on Sunday, and follows former England internationals Jamie Carragher, David Beckham and Michael Owen in hanging up his boots.
Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson also bowed out at the Hawthorns and Scholes, known for his reserved lifestyle, is glad to have been able to avoid much media attention.
"I was pleased to retire when I did because I was overshadowed by bigger names bowing out at the same time. I got out under the radar," he told The Times.
"I love football, have done since I first started kicking a ball as a boy. But I am not interested in the things that go with it. For me, it is about the game, the pleasure of striking a ball. It is not about having my name up in lights."
Scholes initially retired in 2011 before returning in January 2012, but he insists there will be no second comeback.
"It was obvious to us both [Scholes and Sir Alex] that I was off the pace," he continued. "I knew it deep down and the boss could see it. We didn’t need a long, drawn-out conversation. There will be no comeback this time."
He also praised Ryan Giggs who, like Scholes, has spent his entire career playing at Old Trafford, adding: "He is unreal. He is still one of the quickest and fittest players in the world, and he is almost 40.
“When Gary [Neville], Nicky [Butt], me and David [Beckham] came into the setup, we idolized him. In some ways, I still do. He could go on for as long as he likes. He’s in a league of his own."
No decision yet on Sagna future, says agent
The 30-year-old France international, who has a year left on his contract, has yet to be offered a new deal amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.Arsenal right back Bacary Sagna has yet to make a decision over his future, according to the player's agent.
The 30-year-old has one year left on his current contract and hasn't been offered a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Sagna is unlikely to be offered a long-term deal as Arsene Wenger has a policy of only allowing players over 30 to remain on short-term deals, and his representative, Christophe Mongai, has left the door open for an exit.
"This is not the best time to talk about Bacary's future," Mongai told Russian newspaper Izvestia. "He's contracted to Arsenal and the season is still not over. We'll see what happens in the summer."
Russian giant Anzhi Makhachkala, along with cash-rich French duo Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, have been linked with a move for the right back.
The Frenchman arrived at Arsenal from Auxerre in 2007 for an undisclosed fee.
The 30-year-old France international, who has a year left on his contract, has yet to be offered a new deal amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.Arsenal right back Bacary Sagna has yet to make a decision over his future, according to the player's agent.
The 30-year-old has one year left on his current contract and hasn't been offered a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.
Sagna is unlikely to be offered a long-term deal as Arsene Wenger has a policy of only allowing players over 30 to remain on short-term deals, and his representative, Christophe Mongai, has left the door open for an exit.
"This is not the best time to talk about Bacary's future," Mongai told Russian newspaper Izvestia. "He's contracted to Arsenal and the season is still not over. We'll see what happens in the summer."
Russian giant Anzhi Makhachkala, along with cash-rich French duo Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, have been linked with a move for the right back.
The Frenchman arrived at Arsenal from Auxerre in 2007 for an undisclosed fee.
Torres: Chelsea has shown more character under Benitez
The Spain striker says the interim manager did his best to bring the club back from a difficult situation, and believes the team performed much better after he took over.Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says the club has shown more character under the stewardship of Rafa Benitez, and has performed better as a result.
After taking over in November, Benitez led the west London club third place in the Premier League and won the Europa League after defeating Benfica 2-1 in the final.
Torres says the Blues relied too much on individuals in the early stages of the season, but Benitez has helped them to perform better as a team and prove they are good enough to fight for the title next year.
"[Benitez] helped to give the team confidence back after a difficult period in November," Torres told the club's official website. "Especially in the last couple of months the team has shown more character and as a team we have performed much better than in the beginning of the season when maybe individuality was the key for us. It is something to build up from and I think everyone wishes him all the best now.
"The only thing he wanted to do [was] his best and to try to help Chelsea to come back from a difficult situation, and credit to the players as well because it is not easy to play so many games in a season. We needed to prove to ourselves we are good enough to finish in the top three. We know we have to improve in the Premier League next season and try to fight for the trophy, not thinking about if we can qualify [for the Champions League] or not - but this is the first step and it is giving us a bit more confidence."
The Spain striker says the interim manager did his best to bring the club back from a difficult situation, and believes the team performed much better after he took over.Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says the club has shown more character under the stewardship of Rafa Benitez, and has performed better as a result.
After taking over in November, Benitez led the west London club third place in the Premier League and won the Europa League after defeating Benfica 2-1 in the final.
Torres says the Blues relied too much on individuals in the early stages of the season, but Benitez has helped them to perform better as a team and prove they are good enough to fight for the title next year.
"[Benitez] helped to give the team confidence back after a difficult period in November," Torres told the club's official website. "Especially in the last couple of months the team has shown more character and as a team we have performed much better than in the beginning of the season when maybe individuality was the key for us. It is something to build up from and I think everyone wishes him all the best now.
"The only thing he wanted to do [was] his best and to try to help Chelsea to come back from a difficult situation, and credit to the players as well because it is not easy to play so many games in a season. We needed to prove to ourselves we are good enough to finish in the top three. We know we have to improve in the Premier League next season and try to fight for the trophy, not thinking about if we can qualify [for the Champions League] or not - but this is the first step and it is giving us a bit more confidence."
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