..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

England match at Maracanã in doubt due to Brazil safety fears


ENGLAND’S game with Brazil on Sunday has been SUSPENDED after a court ruling that the Maracana Stadium is unsafe.

Wayne Rooney and Co arrived in Rio to be told that the 2014 World Cup final venue did not have the necessary safety certificates. A local judge ordered the suspension after the state prosecutor highlighted safety concerns such as piles of debris and building materials around the ground that could be used as missiles in the event of crowd

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The shock came as builders swarmed over the site yesterday attempting to finish work ahead of Sunday’s game — a key test event for next year’s World Cup finals. Turnstiles were still being installed and scaffolding was still in place at the ground. Even if the match goes ahead, this farce casts huge doubts on Brazil’s ability to host the finals. ​

The iconic Maracana, which has a 79,000-seat capacity, was reopened just a month ago after a two-year, £286million re-build. A test event took place at the end of April for local construction workers. But a second run-out was cancelled to allow further technical tests. The Brazilian FA is expected to fight the decision today, claiming they do have the relevant safety papers. But Judge Adriana Costa dos Santos insisted: “Despite numerous requests made by prosecutors, the reports were not fully delivered.” ​

The decision was made as Roy Hodgson’s England players took to Copacabana beach for a training session. An FA source, in agreement with FIFA, said the England camp was confident the game would take place. Last night the State Government of Rio joined in the row. They released a statement, saying: “All security requirements for the Brazil v England friendly have been met. “Through a bureaucratic failure, the prosecutor’s report that proves compliance with the safety rules in the Maracana had not been delivered.”

 

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Mexico 2-2 Nigeria: 10-man El Tri comes back to draw in Houston

Mexico is unbeaten in 2013. El Tri also hasn't won in the calender year, posting six straight draws. The latest came in a 2-2 tie with Nigeria in a friendly in Houston.

A pair of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez goals bookended two first-half Nigeria strikes.

El Tri played with 10 men for an hour after Pablo Barrera was ejected.

"In adverse situations, this group showed its strength," Javier Aquino said.

Barrera had only played once for Mexico since August 2012, as he struggled to find fitness upon returning from Europe. But the winger very quickly showed that his sizzling form for Cruz Azul would carry over, creating El Tri's best chances of the opening half.

In the 10th minute, Barrera skimmed a low cross deep into the box. Hernandez clipped the ball over the goalkeeper from close range, and the shot rattled the crossbeam before bouncing out.

Five minutes later, Barrera stood the ball up to the back post. Aldo De Nigris hung in the air and directed his header on goal, where Austin Ejide plucked it out of the air.

Straight away, Nigeria put the ball in the back of the net, but Ideye Brown tapped in John Ogu's header from an offside position.

Barrera's creativity paid off in the 21st minute. From the end line, the 25-year-old curved in a grounded cross. Chicharito slipped between the two central defenders and one-timed his shot into the inside netting. Hernandez joined Enrique Borja with 31 goals for El Tri, fifth on the Mexican national team scoring charts.

A handful of minutes later, Barrera's game was over. Mexico blocked two shots in the box, the first by Jesus Corona and the second by Barrera. Referee Baldomero Toledo thought the ball hit Barrera's arm, which was tucked next to his torso, and awarded the penalty and sent off the Cruz Azul winger.

The ejection was the first red given to Mexico under Jose Manuel 'Chepo' de la Torre. In all, El Tri went 36 games and over two years without playing a man down.

Ideye easily finished the spot kick.

As the game settled down, effectively ruined as a contest, Nigeria scored another freak goal. John Ogu took a long-range shot which deflected off Gerardo Torrado and past Corona with five minutes remaining in the half.

In first-half stoppage time, De Nigris' poor finishing continued when he spurned an open shot fashioned by Andres Guadado.

"I've had the opportunity to score some, and I've missed some," De Nigris said. "The important thing is to play well for the team."

Mexico made three changes at halftime, including hooking De Nigris. Nigeria swapped out two players.

Throughout the half, the substitutions persisted and the pace of the game dropped in front of 61,000 in Reliant Stadium.

"61,000 came out to watch a friendly match," de la Torres said. "It's a clear indicator of the support we have."

With 20 minutes remaining, Chicharito met a Carlos Salcido cross at the near post and stabbed it past the goalkeeper. The Manchester United striker claimed fifth on the all-time El Tri scoring list outright, with 32 international goals in 47 appearances.

 

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Italy 4-0 San Marino: Pirlo provides highlight of easy win for Azzurri

Italy warmed up for its crucial World Cup qualifier against Czech Republic with a predictably facile 4-0 win over San Marino at the Renato Dall'Ara on Friday night.

Andrea Poli broke the deadlock - and his international duck - with a smart finish before Alberto Gilardino struck his first goal for the Azzurri since 2010 shortly before the interval.

Andrea Pirlo added a stunning free kick in early stages of the second half and set up Italy's fourth with another set piece that led to Alberto Aquilani converting from close range with just over 10 minutes remaining.

Pirlo had been the best player on the pitch all evening, playing a key role in Italy dominating possession and territory right from the first whistle.

However, Aldo Junior Simoncini was in inspired form early on, denying Giacomo Bonaventura from close range, after the Atalanta man had latched onto a knockdown from Luca Antonelli, before pulling off an even better stop to Alberto Aquilani, who must have thought that he had scored after connecting with a Pirlo cross just six yards out.

The Azzurri had the ball in the net moments later, but Christian Maggio was stood in an offside position when he stroked home from two yards out, seconds after Simoncini had pulled off another great stop, this time from Alessandro Diamanti.

Italy had another goal disallowed at the midway point of the first half, with Alberto Gilardino having failed to sufficiently check his run before turning in a low cross from Bologna teammate Diamanti.

Gilardino did nearly everything right in the 25th minute, demonstrating fine technique in volleying Maggio's right-wing cross goalwards, but Simoncini saved once again, before gathering the loose ball at the second attempt.

It was clear that a goal was coming, though, and it belatedly arrived 27 minutes in when Poli pounced on a loose ball on the edge of the area, lifting it over a trailing leg before coolly firing through the legs of Simoncini.

Cesare Prandelli's men doubled their advantage 10 minutes later, Gilardino finally getting the goal he was so desperately craving when he was on hand to follow up, after Aquilani had drawn another wonderful reaction save out of Simoncini.

Italy unsurprisingly rung the changes in the second half but it did little to upset its rhythm and went three up courtesy of the most pinpoint 30-yard free kick from Pirlo five minutes after the break.

Mario Balotelli, who had taken over up front from hometown hero Gilardino, nearly repeated the trick on 65 minutes but his low strike around the San Marino wall came back off the post.

However, Italy would get a fourth on 79 minutes when Aquilani deservedly got his name on the scoresheet by tapping home from barely a yard out, after San Marino's substitute goalkeeper Federico Valentini had failed to hold another Pirlo set piece.

Balotelli very nearly added a fifth but he fired wide after a powerful surge from deep before then heading an Ignazio Abate cross against the bar. As it was, Italy had to settle for just the four goals in a routine win that sets it up nicely for next weekend's trip to Prague.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal to quit Netherlands after World Cup

The 61-year-old has confirmed he will stand down from his role with the Oranje after the showpiece event in Brazil next summer and is plotting a move to England
Netherlands head coach Louis van Gaal says he will quit his job after the 2014 World Cup next summer, a year after taking charge of the national side for a second time.

The 61-year-old had previously suggested he could retire following the showpiece event in Brazil, but has now hinted at a possible move to the Premier League once he stands down from the Oranje.

"It's never irreversable. If a nice Premier League club were to knock on my door, I would reconsider [my decision to retire]," he told reporters. "If that would be the case, I would consult my wife about it.

"With the Dutch team the World Cup is my ambition. I never accomplished that. I'm counting on it to happen this time and after that I will certainly retire as a national team coach."

When discussing his current position, Van Gaal revealed his frustration at not being able to spend the same amount of time working with his squad as a club coach would enjoy.

"I have to lend those players from other coaches. I don't like that very much. I would rather be with them on the field every day," he added.

 

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Manchester City set to confirm Pellegrini appointment

Man City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak says the club will announce its next coach within the next couple weeks Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak expects to appoint the club's new manager within the next two weeks.

Goal understands Manuel Pellegrini will succeed Roberto Mancini at the Etihad Stadium after the 59-year-old claimed earlier this week that he already has a verbal agreement with the club.

"We’re pretty much done," Al Mubarak told the club's official website. "We’re very close. I expect to make an appointment probably in the next two weeks."

Pellegrini takes charge of his final game as Malaga boss on Saturday as the club faces Barcelona at Camp Nou. The Chilean confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he will announce his decision regarding his future on Monday.

“On my future I will speak next week. On the Monday I will announce where,” Pellegrini told reporters on Friday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona VP: 'Mourinho will be a disaster at Chelsea'


Carles Vilarrubi anticipates trouble at Stamford Bridge should Mourinho be installed as the Blues' new manager after a tumultuous three years at the Santiago Bernabeu.Barcelona vice president Carles Vilarrubi has warned Chelsea that bringing Jose Mourinho back to the club could end in disaster.

The soon-to-be former Real Madrid boss is widely speculated to be on the verge of returning to Stamford Bridge for a second spell in charge and is expected to have his appointment confirmed in a matter of days.But Vilarubi believes his second stint with the club will only spell trouble for the Europa League winners.

"It's not good for English football; there is nothing positive in what he leaves in Spain," Vilarrubu told The Telegraph. "Chelsea can think they had a good time with him, but now is when they will see the real Mourinho. If he acts the same way he has done in Spain, the relationship between them will be just unhappy.

"Mourinho will be a disaster at Chelsea; he is not going to change at his age. I don't talk this way only because he was a rival, but also because how he acted and what he did. His three years in Spain only left us arguments and disagreements."

The Barcelona official dislikes Mourinho's mentality against his opponents, saying the Portuguese is too often out on a personal mission for vengeance.

"He has always been like this," Vilarrubi said. "What kind of coach wins the Champions League twice and does not fly home on the same airplane as his players?"

"A coach you would think wants to celebrate with his players, enjoy the moment. Not him. He is thinking of himself. I don’t know what is wrong with him. In his mind there is something wrong."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic: This has been one of my best seasons ever

With a Ligue 1 title in the bag, the forward has branded Maxwell as the best Parisians player in 2012-13 and praised David Beckham's career Zlatan Ibrahimovic has labelled his debut season at Paris Saint-Germain as one of the best of his illustrious career.

The Swedish striker has won league and cup titles in Serie A and La Liga, but the 31-year-old has revealed that PSG's Ligue 1-winning year is up there with the very best.

"It is without a doubt one of the best of my career. I'm very happy because I won the title here," he told the club's official website. "If we hadn't won the league I wouldn't be able to say that.

"Last year I finished as top goalscorer in Italy with AC Milan, but I have always said it wasn't a good season for me because I didn't win a trophy with the team. When I win, it's like a reward for all my hard work."

David Beckham announced his retirement this summer, having joined the Parc des Princes side on a five-month contract in January, and the 31-year-old lauded his outgoing teammate.

"[Beckham's retirement] is a huge loss for football," Ibrahimovic continued. "I understand his choice. He is a lovely person. I didn't know him personally before he signed here, but I got to know him. I only have positive things to say about him.

"His influence goes well beyond the playing field. He is an example to follow, a great professional. He came here and he won. Now we all wish him the very best of luck for the future and hope that he stays in football in some form to share that experience."

The Parisians have had plenty of stars in their trophy-winning campaign but Ligue 1's top goalscorer this year has highlighted the performances of defender Maxwell.

"I think Maxwell had a fantastic season," Ibrahimovic said, when asked whom he would say has been the club's best player in 2012-13.

"He managed to maintain such a high standard of performance in every single match and he played in nearly every match, so for me, it has to be Maxwell."

 

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Inter had Mourinho agitation problems, reveals Thiago Motta


The Brazilian believes the frustration at Real Madrid is reminiscent of the Portuguese's Nerazzurri spell and praised current PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Jose Mourinho had similar problems with his Inter squad to what he has experienced at Real Madrid, according to midfielder Thiago Motta.

The coach is set to take charge of his final Blancos game on Saturday following a turbulent season which has seen him fall out with a number of players, most notably club captain Iker Casillas.

Thiago Motta, who now plays for Paris Saint-Germain, revealed that Mourinho's spell at San Siro was also plagued by problems behind the scenes, but believes he was helped by the press being kept from finding out about from it.

"I'm familiar with the agitation in the Madrid dressing room," the 30-year-old told Onda Cero. "Maybe it's a strategy of his, because the same thing happened to us at Inter.

"It was different, because there wasn't so much talk [in the press] - things did not leave the dressing room as much."

Thiago Motta had kinder words to say about his current boss at PSG, Carlo Ancelotti, whose man management skills he has praised following a season which has seen the club win Ligue 1.

The Brazilian added: "He's a great coach. He's done such a great job; we have a phenomenal atmosphere in the dressing room.

"Out of all of the coaches that I've had, he's different one-to-one. He's more natural."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Klose deserves Germany record' - Gerd Muller

The iconic former West Germany striker insists that he hopes the Lazio frontman surpasses his goalscoring tally.Legendary striker Gerd Muller believes that Germany forward Miroslav Klose deserves to break his international goalscoring record.

The Lazio attacker, 34, is one goal shy of equaling the tally of 68 set by the Bayern Munich icon, which has stood for 39 years.

Ahead of Germany's friendly with USA - which is coached by another former Germany striker, Jurgen Klinsmann - this weekend, Muller praised Klose's character and insisted that his compatriot has earned the accolade.

"It has long since just been a matter of time before he breaks my record. I am pleased for him," the 67-year-old known as der Bomber told SID.

"Miro is a great striker and a great guy, who I met a few times when he played for Bayern Munich. He's deserved it."

Joachim Low's men head into the friendly with Klinsmann's side on the back of a 4-2 win over Ecuador, in which Lukas Podolski scored after just nine seconds.

Klose joined up with the Mannschaft squad after the Biancocelesti's Coppa Italia win on Sunday and is expected to feature in the USA clash.

 

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Pellegrini: Barcelona nearly hired me instead of Guardiola


The outgoing Malaga coach, who is in line to replace Roberto Mancini at Manchester City, insists he no longer has eyes for the Camp Nou job
Manchester City-bound Manuel Pellegrini has revealed he was almost hired by Barcelona instead of Pep Guardiola.

The Blaugrana went on to enjoy incredible success under the Spaniard - including two Champions League trophies - while Pellegrini spent a year in charge at Real Madrid before being ousted in favour of Jose Mourinho.

Pellergrini's reputation has grown since his move to Malaga in 2010 and ahead of his last game in charge of the Andalusians against Tito Vilanova's Barca, the Chilean has claimed the past few years could have turned out very differently for him and Guardiola.

"Before Pep Guardiola took charge of Barcelona, I was very close to signing," he told Television Nacional de Chile. "I'm very happy that it isn't currently possible for me to manage Barcelona, because if it were, it would mean that Tito Vilanova was in poor health," he told the largest television network in his country.

 

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Mourinho thanks Madrid fans for support

The outgoing Blancos boss has sent out a message ahead of his final game in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has sent out a message of thanks to the club and its fans ahead of his final game in charge on Saturday.

The Portuguese coach and Spanish giant reached a decision to tear up his contract at the end of the season, meaning that the outgoing Santiago Bernabeu boss is free to return to Chelsea in the summer.

Mourinho will take charge of his last game as Blancos coach against Osasuna on Saturday and stressed that he wishes the club all the best going forward.

"I wish everyone associated with Real Madrid much happiness in the future," he said in a statement on the club's website. "I appreciate the support of lots of fans and respect the criticism of others. Once again, a lot of happiness to everyone and, above all, good health. Hala Madrid!"

Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes and Carlo Ancelotti are currently favorites to replace Mourinho - the former is being replaced by Pep Guardiola in the summer despite having won the Champions League this season while Madrid has inquired to Paris Saint-Germain about the latter.

 

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City chairman Al Mubarak: 'Fantastic' Moyes will be a Manchester United success

The Emirati owner of the 2011-12 Premier League champions endorses the new Red Devils boss in a season review that also praises the work of Roberto Mancini and explains his sacking Manchester City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has lent his support to new Manchester United manager David Moyes, hailing him as ‘fantastic’.

Moyes takes the reigns at Old Trafford following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement at the end of this season following 10 years of steady progress at Everton.

And in a video interview posted on the City official website, Al Mubarak reviewed the season before casting an eye towards their crosstown rivals.

“David Moyes is a manager that I have absolutely the highest regard for. He is a fantastic manager,” he commented. “He did a phenomenal job at Everton and I think he will be a success with Manchester United.”

Al Mubarak also touched upon the decision to part company with Roberto Mancini, City’s manager for the past four years.

“We all felt it was time for a change,” he added. “Roberto has done a great job for the club. Everybody associated with Manchester City should be deeply appreciative with what Roberto has done for this club.

“He’s won us, at least in our era, the first cup then winning the Premier League, Charity Shield. It’s been a wonderful ride and Roberto has done an incredible job.

“I have the highest regard for Roberto. But it was time for a change. We need something new. We need a change of direction.”

 

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Vilanova: Barcelona looking for Puyol successor


The Blaugrana coach also spoke about the recent acquisition of Neymar, Eric Abidal's imminent exit from Camp Nou and defended his decision to stay despite health issues Tito Vilanova has revealed that Barcelona is looking to sign a center back successor to club captain Carles Puyol this summer.

The Spain international, who has been a Blaugrana player his entire professional career, is 35 years old and has been ravaged by injury this season, triggering calls for Vilanova to plug the gap in his side's defense.

The coach has revealed that a center back will be one of Barca's targets in the upcoming transfer window but insisted he wants Puyol to recover from his injury and remain at Camp Nou regardless of his age.

"We'll be looking for a player in that position - in the middle of defense," he told reporters on Friday. "We hope Puyol recovers but we'll still be looking for a new player in that position. He's said he wants to play until he's 40 and I hope he does!"

Two players who have been linked with a move away from the club are David Villa and Thiago, but Vilanova has stressed that no decision has been made about the pair.

"We haven't talked about whether Villa's going to leave the club," he added. "As for his performance over the last three years, he's been very good. It's been a pity about the serious injury he had [in December 2011]. He has a good relationship with the fans, he scored a goal in the Champions League final.

"I don't know anything about Thiago wanting to leave. Thiago has a future here at Barcelona. We want him to stay but it depends on him. There's a lot of competition in midfield. It's up to the player if he wants to continue but it's not only us having confidence in him, but him having confidence in himself."

The first player who has been confirmed as leaving is defender Eric Abidal - Vilanova admitted that the club's decision was hard, but hopes he can find success away from the Liga champions.

"I feel bad that Eric Abidal won't stay on, but it's a decision the club has taken," he said. "We won't find another player like Abidal. The decision was very difficult. I hope he finds a good club and proves us wrong."

Barca made its first signing of the summer in the past week by signing up Santos starlet Neymar, beating Real Madrid to his signature, and Vilanova had plenty of praise for his new forward.

"Well I think Neymar's a player who can play in many positions, not only on the left," he said, when asked where he would play the 21-year-old.

"He's a really top player, he combines well with other players. He's good defensively and tactically he's going to help us as well. Every club in Europe wanted to get him but we're convinced that he's a player who can score goals for us."

Vilanova swatted aside rumors that he will quit and brushed off comments from Barca legend Johan Cruyff that he should step down to concentrate on recovering from cancer.

"I can't make it any clearer, I can't say it any louder - I'm staying at Barcelona," he insisted. "People talk about things - Mr Cruyff talked about my health and the club. When he makes these kind of declarations then people listen."

Barca faces Malaga on Saturday in what will be its final game of a successful Liga season, though star attacker Lionel Messi - who was called up to Argentina's squad for matches in June - remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and will not feature according to the coach.

Vilanova said: "No, Messi won't be playing tomorrow. He doesn't have the green light from the doctors.

"If he can play for Argentina then he will get to play, but obviously we don't want to take any risks with him. We don't want him to get injured again."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Grenier: I've made a decision on my future

The 22-year-old, who is being tracked by the Gunners, revealed he has already made a decision on his future but refused to confirm where he will be playing next season Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier insists he has already made a decision over his future amid interest from Arsenal.

Earlier in May, Arsene Wenger confirmed to Telefoot that he was monitoring the 22-year-old, likening the playmaker to former Gunners player Samir Nasri.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas warned Arsenal they would need to pay 36 million euros in order to sign Grenier this summer, but the in-demand midfielder has now confirmed he has made a decision on his next destination.

"Have I made a decision? Yes. More or less. I keep it for myself as I care for my discussions I have had with the president and the coach," Grenier told Le Progres. "I just want to say that I've never had demands. Moreover, either with the club or with my advisors, figures were never mentioned. My choice is a sporting one."

Grenier, who has recently been called up to the France national team for les Bleus' upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Brazil in the absence of Nasri, insists he is unfazed by speculation surrounding his future and will not be perturbed by competitions for places at the Emirates Stadium.

"A fight between Arsenal and Lyon for me? Maybe. The competition at Arsenal? There is already that here [at Lyon]," Grenier continued.

"It is the same in all the major clubs and it is not a hindrance in my decision making. I'm still a young player. But I always set goals and do everything to surpass myself. Whether it is at Lyon or elsewhere.

"For now, I'm still a Lyon player and I may stay next season. I do not know myself what will happen. The only thing I expect is really at a sporting level, and my desire is to progress."

 

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Gervinho wants Arsenal stay

The 26-year-old has set his sights on earning a regular spot in Arsene Wenger's first team next season after starting just 12 Premier League games for the Gunners last term Arsenal forward Gervinho insists he has no intention of leaving the club this summer despite a frustrating campaign with the Gunners.

The 26-year-old started just 12 Premier League games last season and struggled to secure a regular place in Arsene Wenger's side.

The Ivory Coast international has been linked with a return to his former club Lille, as well as a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce, but the forward eager to prove his worth in north London.

"I have a contract until 2015 with Arsenal and I intend to honor it," Gervinho told Sky Sports. "There is always speculation in the papers, but I am looking forward to a good holiday and to come back to Arsenal.

"I want to win my place in the starting line-up week in, week out."

Gervinho scored just five Premier League goals in 18 appearances in the 2012-13 season, following on the back of an underwhelming maiden season in England.

 

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I will retire at 40, says Puyol

The Barcelona veteran claims he will hang up his boots when his current contract at Camp Nou expires despite ongoing problems following knee surgery.Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has revealed he plans to retire from football at the age of 40, when his current contract at Camp Nou expires.

Puyol, who has played in the Barcelona first team since making his debut in 1999, says he has no plans to call it a career in the near future despite struggling with problems following knee surgery.

"I have four years to run on my contract and my plan is to complete them and retire when I am 40," Puyol told reporters on Friday. "My idea is to continue working on my fitness. The important thing is to be ready for when the league starts again.

"The players who are in form are the ones who have to play and I have been having ongoing problems with my knee.

"My knee operation, which lasted two and a half hours, revealed more problems than we expected.

"My knee was full of liquid and blood, and after four weeks I still couldn't even walk properly."

The Spaniard also gave his thoughts on rumors linking him with a move to AC Milan at the end of the season, insisting there is no truth whatsoever in the speculation.

"The idea of joining AC Milan has never entered my mind. When my playing days are over, I'll study other options," Puyol said.

The Blaugrana captain also spoke about teammate Eric Abidal, whose illness-hit career at Barcelona will draw to a close against Malaga on Saturday.

"He was an example to all of us, a good friend and I thank him for everything he showed us," Puyol said.

 

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Monaco announces Falcao deal

The principality club has confirmed that it has secured the services of the Colombian on a five-year deal, seeing off competition from the Premier League
Monaco has confirmed that the club has reached a deal to sign Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid this summer on a five-year deal.

The Colombian has been in fine form for Diego Simeone's side, scoring 31 goals in all competitions as the capital club sealed Champions League football and won the Copa del Rey.

He had been widely linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester City and Chelsea vying for his signature, but has elected to continue his career in Ligue 1.

"Monaco are happy to announce that they have reached an agreement with Atletico Madrid and the player Radamel Falcao," a club statement read.

"Falcao, 27, has signed for five seasons. He will be presented to the media and start training with the group at a date to be confirmed by the club."

For his part, the Colombian said he was looking forward to the challenge at the club.

"I am very happy to join Monaco and very happy to wear these new colors," he said in a video message to fans.

Monaco president Dmitry Rybolovlev said that he was delighted that the former Porto man has chosen to represent the ambitious principality outfit.

"We are very happy that Falcao has chosen the challenge of Monaco for the future," he said. "It's a source of pride for us to have one of the best players in the world in the Monaco ranks."

Falcao joins former Porto teammates Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez at Stade Louis II.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Falcao!

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La Liga 2013.06.01 Final Match Day Fixtures

La Liga 2013.06.01 Final Match Day Fixtures


Rreal Madrid Vs Osasuna

Barcelona Vs Malaga

Celta Vigo Vs Espanyol

Deportivo La Coruna Vs Real Sociedad

Granada Vs Getafe

Levante Vs Real Betis

Mallorca Vs Real Valladoid

Rayo Vallecano Vs Athletic Bilbao

Real Zaragoza Vs Atletico Madrid

Sevilla Vs Valencia​

 

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Neymar to be presented as a Barcelona player on Monday


The Brazil forward has sealed his move to Camp Nou from Santos and will undergo a medical before an official unveiling after the international match against England.Neymar will be officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Monday after he has played for Brazil in its match against England this weekend.