..::Football II::..

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Mata bemused by Chelsea exit talk

With suggestions that Real Madrid could pounce on his availability, the attacking midfielder is adamant that he remains an important part of the Blues' plans for the future Chelsea attacking midfielder Juan Mata says that he is unsure as to where rumours linking him with a move away from Stamford Bridge originated.

The Spaniard's fine form in 2012-13 saw him rewarded with both the Players' and Supporters Player of the Year awards but it has recently been suggested that new manager Jose Mourinho club could be willing to offload him, with Germany international Andre Schurrle signed to bolster the attacking midfield ranks.

"I don't know where that come from," a confused Mata told AS when quizzed on the stories linking him with a move back to Real Madrid.

"The last time I spoke with the club they told me I was a very important player to them and transmitted confidence in me."The 25-year-old is keen on extending his stay with the Blues and will demand talks upon returning to England.

"I'm sure Mourinho will want to see everyone first then decide what he wants to do," the Spain international remarked. "You have to know people first before you can evaluate them. After the holidays and after I've rested I'll meet the new boss and I'm sure things will go well."

While Mata wishes to remain with the side with whom he won the 2012 Champions League, he was also happy to praise los Blancos.

"I only have good words for Real Madrid. I was there for four years and they brought me up, both as a player and as a person," he enthused.

"I have many friends there and I'm very grateful to the club but I've spent two great years in London and the only thing I'm thinking about now is continuing to enjoy this league and this city that I love."

 

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Ancelotti: Madrid the most prestigious club in the world

The Italian coach is over the moon with his appointment as the new man in charge at the Blancos and aims to guide them to success with an attacking style of play
Carlo Ancelotti is delighted to have joined Real Madrid as he feels the Santiago Bernabeu side are the most prestigious club in the world.

The Italian signed a three-year deal with Madrid on Wednesday after los Blancos and Paris Saint-Germain reached an agreement over Ancelotti's release on Tuesday and the 54-year-old is confident that he can lead his new club to success with an attacking brand of football.

"Real Madrid are the most prestigious club in the world and the most prestigious club in the world has to win, while playing spectacular football," Ancelotti said during his presentation.

"It's in the club's tradition and part of its history to play spectacular and attacking football. This is not an easy job, but I have the support of the president, the club and all the fans.

"I think this will be a season of happiness for Real Madrid. I am happy to be here."

Ancelotti replaces Jose Mourinho at the helm at the Bernabeu following the Portuguese's departure to Chelsea earlier this summer, while Laurent Blanc fills his vacant seat at Parc des Princes.

 

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Gomez has not agreed terms with Fiorentina, insists agent

The prolific attacker is keen to leave the Bundesliga champions this summer, but a transfer is still far away at this point Mario Gomez's agent, Uli Ferber, has dismissed claims that the Bayern Munich striker has already agreed personal terms with Fiorentina.

A number of reports suggested that the prolific striker had reached an agreement over a four-year deal with the Serie A side, but the 27-year-old's representative has insisted there's no truth in the aforementioned claims.

"Mario has not agreed terms with any team," Ferber told Sport1 when questioned about Fiorentina's interest.

"He will train with Bayern today and in the upcoming days just like the other players. Everything else is nothing but speculation at this point."

The striker's contract with the Bavarians runs until June 2016, but Gomez is keen to leave the club after warming the bench predominantly in 2012-13.

Aside from Fiorentina, Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the prolific striker, who would cost in excess of €20 million, though Bayern have yet to receive a formal offer for the former Stuttgart striker.

 

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Hummels baffled by Gotze departure

The defender has voiced his dismay with the 21-year-old's decision to say farewell to BVB in favour of a move to the treble winners Mats Hummels cannot believe Mario Gotze chose to leave Borussia Dortmund for Bayern Munich and he feels there are no "sporting reasons" to switch clubs.

The attacking midfielder will start the 2013-14 campaign at the Bundesliga champions as Bayern triggered his €37 million buyout clause.

Hummels is not amused with his former team-mate's decision to join BVB's domestic rivals and hinted that money was the overriding motivation behind the move away from Signal Iduna Park.

"I do not understand Gotze's decision and I have told him just that. Everybody at Dortmund was surprised. This only further shows that this was never an issue," Hummels told Sport Bild.

"Everybody can see how good our team has become. I simply do not believe that there were any sporting reasons to leave BVB.

"It was clear to see that the team had really made steps forward and Mario got along with all of us very well. That's why it annoyed me so much that he felt it was necessary to leave at such an early stage of his career."

Gotze, 21, is a product of the Dortmund youth academy and played a key role in their Bundesliga titles in 2011 and 2012.

 

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Chelsea new boy Schurrle wants to emulate Champions League triumph

The 22-year-old sets his sights high following the completion of his €21 million switch from Bayer Leverkusen, believing that Premier League clubs will be a force in Europe New Chelsea signing Andre Schurrle has set his sights on emulating the Blues' Champions League-winning side of 2011-12 after completing his €21 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 22-year-old attacker is the first acquisition of Jose Mourinho's second spell in west London and is already targeting success in Europe's premier club competition after signing a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

The Germany international believes that Premier League sides can be a force in the continental game again this season after a lack of impact from England last term.

"The Champions League is the greatest competition in elite football so I'm really looking forward to it," Schurrle told the club's official website.

"I'm hoping we can emulate the Chelsea side from two seasons ago but we'll see. I'm just happy to be involved in the tournament.

"I definitely think they [the English teams] have the quality and the players to be a serious threat in the Champions League.

"Last season Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich did very well, they are both great teams, but this time I hope it will be different. Premier League teams are always massive contenders to win the trophy."

 

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Cazorla expects tight PL title race

Despite three of last season's top four adapting to life under new managers, the Spaniard insists that the battle for the top flight will be as heated as ever Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla does not think that the managerial changes at the Premier League summit will make next season's title race any easier.

Champions Manchester United will begin the new term under the command of new boss David Moyes, while runners-up Manchester City are now steered by former Malaga coach Manuel Pelligrini and Jose Mourinho is once again at the reins of Chelsea.

Such extreme upheaval has led to suggestions that the top flight may become a more open competition but the Spain international insists that it will not make a lick of difference once the new men find their groove.

"The most radical change is at Manchester United because [Sir Alex] Ferguson has been there for so long," Cazorla told Arsenal's official magazine.

"It will be a little difficult at the start for a new manager but I don't think it influences too much in terms of being an advantage for other teams.

"There are great managers at those clubs and I'm sure [the title race] will be just as difficult."

 

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Manchester United confirm Meulensteen departure

The 49-year-old has followed in the footsteps of assistant manager Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele in leaving the club since Alex Ferguson's retirement Manchester United have confirmed that first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has left the club.

The Dutchman departs Old Trafford after serving 12 years on the coaching staff, which was interrupted briefly in 2006 for an ill-fated six month spell in charge of Danish club Brondby.

Meulensteen played an integral role in Sir Alex Ferguson's success over the last decade, but had been poised to leave the club ever since the Scot's retirement after seeing assistant manager Mike Phelan and goalkeeping coach Eric Steele depart following David Moyes' arrival.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward told the club's official website: "I'd like to thank Rene for his contribution to the club, particularly since he returned to Old Trafford in 2007.

"He has been first-team coach for five years and in that time has given great assistance to Sir Alex Ferguson and Mick Phelan in keeping the team at the top of the game not only in this country but in Europe as well.

"On behalf of everyone at United, I wish him well for the future."

Rene Meulensteen said: "I would like to thank Sir Alex Ferguson, the owners, all colleagues, players and fans who made my time at Manchester United very special and one I will never forget. I wish everyone at this great football club all the best."

Meulensteen originally arrived at Old Trafford from Qatari club Al Sadd as "skills development coach" in 2001, coaching all of the youngsters from age 9 to 21, before earning a promotion to reserve team manager following Ricky Sbragia's departure in 2005.

After leaving to take over at Brondby, he returned to the club in early 2007 and was appointed first-team coach when Carlos Queiroz's departure to manage Portugal led to Mike Phelan's promotion to assistant manager.

During his second spell at Old Trafford the club won four Premier League titles, two Capital One Cups and a Champions League in 2008.

 

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Meulensteen giya 1kanam aparade​

 

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Official Euro 2016 logo revealed

With three years to go until the tournament, Uefa has released the emblem at an event held at the Pavillion Cambon Capucines in the heart of the French capital
Uefa has unveiled the logo for the 2016 European Championship at a ceremony Paris' Pavillion Cambon Capucines in France.

The theme of the 2016 tournament is 'celebrating the art of football' and the design hopes to encapture both the artistic theme and the identity of the host nation.

Designed by Brandia Central, the Portuguese agency that designed the Euro 2012 logo, it is focused around the Henri Delaunay Cup with a strong red white and blue colour scheme, staying strong to French traditions.

The tournament will be the first to feature 24 nations, eight more than the current format, and the qualification stage will also see Gibraltar debut in an official Fifa commissioned tournament.

The draw for the qualifying round will take place on 9th March 2014, in Nice.

 

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Meulensteen backs Moyes to succeed at Manchester United

The Dutchman, who left the Premier League champions on Wednesday, believes the Scot can maintain the club's winning tradition but was unsure whether Wayne Rooney will stay Former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen has backed David Moyes to continue the winning tradition at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman's departure from the club was confirmed earlier on Wednesday after 12 years - over two spells - at the Premier League champions.

And with United set to start a new era under Moyes, Meulensteen wished the former Everton manager well, insisting he can maintain the club's winning mentality.

"I loved coming to Carrington, meeting all the guys, but this is football," Meulensteen told Sky Sports News. "You know in football sometimes changes take places for better or for worse.

"Let me put one thing straight, I hope United are going to experience as much success under David Moyes as I’ve had.

"I hope [United win the league]. I hope for United and for the fantastic fans. United is a club that has seen many, many successes over the years and know how to win.

"I’m sure David Moyes and the staff will be clever enough to use the experience and I’m sure with a couple of additions United will be very strong contenders to win the Premier League."

One of Moyes' first challenges at Old Trafford is to resolve Wayne Rooney's future, with Goal exclusively revealing the striker has held secret talks with two clubs over a summer move.

Meulensteen is unsure if the 27-year-old will stay, but is keen for him to do so.

"Wayne has his own agenda, he’s a young player still, in his prime," he added. "I hope he stays but its obviously not up to me to decide and whatever he decides to do I wish him all the best."

Meulensteen briefly left his role at United for an ill-fated short-lived spell at Brondby, but is hoping to branch out on his own again.

Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala have been linked as a possible destination for a coaching role, but the Dutchman was coy on a possible move.

"I've been speaking to various people," he said. "Obviously I know Guus Hiddink, he’s a fellow countryman, let’s see what the future brings.

"I know whenever I need Sir Alex Ferguson he’ll only be a phone call away."

 

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Juventus confirm Tevez signing

The Serie A champions have announced the capture of the Manchester City striker, who will wear the No.10 shirt in Turin next season after penning a three-year deal Juventus have confirmed they have signed striker Carlos Tevez from Manchester City on a three-year deal.

The Serie A side announced the news on Twitter saying: "Carlos Tevez joins Juventus! Send your welcome messages to our new champion", accompanied by a picture of the striker holding a Juventus shirt.

Goal understands Tevez will move to Italy for a fee of £10 million with an extra £5m to be paid if Juventus win the league and reach the Champions League semi-finals next season.

The Argentine had earlier revealed that he had chosen to move to Turin ahead of AC Milan because Antonio Conte's men had "wanted him more".

Tevez leaves City after four years having won both the Premier League and the FA Cup during his time at the Etihad Stadium, scoring 74 goals in 148 appearances.The Argentine managed 11 Premier League goals for City last season as the club finished runners-up to Manchester United.

 

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Real Madrid announce Isco signing

The club's president Florentino Perez has confirmed that the midfielder will move to the Santiago Bernabeu once he has passed a medical Real Madrid have confirmed that Malaga star Isco will sign for the club upon the successful completion of a medical.

The midfielder has been linked with a number of Europe's biggest clubs after starring for los Boquerones in their debut season in the Champions League last term.

Manchester City were strongly tipped to sign the 21-year-old, with the Premier League club reportedly keen on reuniting the player with coach Manuel Pellegrini after his arrival from Malaga earlier in June.

But Isco is now set to become Carlo Ancelotti's first signing at the Santiago Bernabeu after Florentino Perez's revelations on Wednesday, with the fee believed to be in the region of €30 million.

"Isco has signed from Malaga and must now pass his medical examination”, the president told Radio Nacional de Espana. The Spain international revealed earlier in June that he had received offers from both Madrid and Manchester City but hinted on Monday he was set to join the Bernabeu giants.

"Real Madrid are a club that excites me - they are one of the best teams in the world," he said.Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos spoke positively about the potential arrival of his Spain team-mate earlier this week."Isco is a great player and we always aspire to have the best. It's a joy to hear rumours of a transfer," he told Onda Cero. Isco scored 12 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions last season.

 

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Congratulations For Tevez & Isco!

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Uruguay boss Tabarez rues Forlan penalty miss

The 66-year-old coach felt that the Copa America holders could have upset the hosts had their No.10 not failed to convert from the spot early on Uruguay boss Oscar Tabarez rued Diego Forlan's penalty miss after their 2-1 Confederations Cup semi-final defeat to Brazil on Wednesday.

The Copa America champions were awarded a penalty just 14 minutes in when David Luiz pulled down Diego Lugano in the area, offering the underdogs an opportunity to take advantage of a very nervy start from the hosts.

However, Forlan's spot kick was saved by Julio Cesar and although Uruguay looked set to force extra time, with Edinson Cavani cancelling out Fred's opener, they ultimately succumbed to an 86th-minute header from Paulinho.

"I don’t like to talk about ifs and buts, but what I can say is that when we missed that penalty we gave Brazil the shot in the arm they’d been lacking up to that point," Tabarez told Fifa.com. "You just have to accept results, though, and we accept this defeat.

"That said, we could have taken the game into extra time and we even had chances to win it.

"I’m going away a proud man, though, because I know that if we can play like that, we can give anyone a game."

Uruguay will now meet the loser of Thursday night's clash between Spain and Italy in the play-off for third place in Salvador on Sunday afternoon.

 

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Tevez: Juventus wanted me more than Milan

The striker was spotted holding aloft the club's home shirt from his hotel balcony on Wednesday, emblazoned with the number 10, prior to completing his move to the Bianconeri Carlos Tevez says he has chosen to join Juventus over AC Milan because the Serie A champions "wanted him more".

The Bianconeri confirmed the signing of the striker on Wednesday after he was pictured holding aloft the club's home shirt, emblazoned with the number 10, with the two clubs having agreed an €11.8 million fee for the player on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old - whose contract was set to expire at the Etihad in the summer of 2014 - had long been rumoured to be the Rossoneri's main transfer target this summer.But the revelation from Milan chief Adriano Galliani that the club will have to sell before they can buy this summer, left Juve clear to secure his signature.
"I'm really happy to be here at Juve," Tevez told Sky Sport Italia.

"It's a really big satisfaction for me. I will tell the rest in the press conference - but Juventus wanted me more than Milan."Tevez joined City from rivals Manchester United in 2009 and endured a controversy-ridden time at the club, including a five-month absence for refusing to come on as a substitute away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.He scored 17 goals in 47 appearances last season and ended the campaign as City's joint-top goalscorer with Sergio Aguero.

 

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FIFA Confederations Cup Semi-Final 2 2013.06.27

FIFA Confederations Cup Semi-Final 2 2013.06.27

Spain Vs Italy

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In-demand Cavani wants Napoli talks

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has said he wants to clear the air with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis as speculation grows over a possible move to Chelsea, Manchester City or Real Madrid. The Uruguay forward, 26, has been the subject of much public discussion over a move away from Naples.Cavani has been representing his country in the Confederations Cup and scored in Wednesday’s 2-1 semi-final defeat to Brazil.

Afterwards, he said he wanted to sort his future out as soon as possible, adding: "I love Naples. It's my town, and my heart is there. But when I was here in Brazil, I've heard untrue rumours and things about me."For this reason, now I want to talk as soon as possible with president De Laurentiis. We must clear this [situation up] ourselves. I'll talk with him, as it's done between men, really soon."

Earlier this week, Cavani told his family to stop talking to the media about his future, saying he felt their comments were harming his reputation.Both his parents have given contrasting hints to the media about where he could end up playing next season, and he told Marca: “This is a good opportunity to tell the world that, when my family speaks, that isn’t Edinson Cavani speaking.

“I’ve asked my family thousands of times to please not talk any more because it harms me. I belong to Napoli, and everything depends on that club.”Cavani went on to reiterate his desire to join one of Spain’s top sides, and De Laurentiis has confirmed that he has an offer on the table from Real Madrid.“Real is one of the best clubs in the world and when we’re kids, we dream about playing at a team like Madrid or Barca,” Cavani said.“But there is no deal. Right now, I’m at Napoli and I’m very proud to be there. If I leave one day, I’ll be ready to move to a bigger club. We’ll see.”

 

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Cavani ge transfer 1ka gana Ikmanata Decision 1kak ai wage

Chelsea,Manchester City Or Real Madrid
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Spain U21 international Isco joins Real Madrid from Malaga

Real Madrid have confirmed that Spain Under-21 international Isco has joined the club from Malaga on a five-year deal.The playmaker becomes Real's third summer signing after Dani Carvajal arrived from Bayer Leverkusen and Casemiro completed a permanent deal.

"Real Madrid and Malaga have reached an agreement for the transfer of Francisco Roman Alarcon Isco, who will be tied to the club for the next five seasons," said a statement on Madrid's website.Isco, who has been on international duty in the European U21 Championship, will be presented on July 3 after undergoing a medical.

The 21-year-old previously admitted joining new boss Carlo Ancelotti's side would be an 'exciting option'.Ancelotti was on Wednesday confirmed as Jose Mourinho's successor at the Santiago Bernabeu, and had to face questions at his press conference about possible new arrivals.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur star Gareth Bale, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Napoli's Edinson Cavani are reportedly on Real's radar, while Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from the club.Ancelotti will be delighted to secure the services of Isco, who shone for Spain in their title-winning Under-21 campaign earlier in the summer.Isco had previously admitted that the idea of following Manuel Pellegrini from Malaga to Manchester City appealed to him, but the lure of Real has proved impossible to resist.