Aniwa bro
Moura ge Price 1ka gatthama Neymar sell karanawanam Ayata dena Price 1ka Hithannath amarui
Latest ads
-
Power Lifting Lever Belt- SkullVamp
- Updated:
-
port.lk Domain for sale
- Lankan-Tech
- Updated:
-
Colombo Kaduwela - Two Storey House for Sale- dilrasan
- Updated:
-
Wechat qr verification
- Pawan2005
- Updated:
-
🚀 GOOGLE AI PRO 18 MONTHS ACTIVATION 🚀- sayuru bandara
- Updated:
..::Football II::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Pirlo eyeing successful Champions League run with Juventus
Juventus' Andrea Pirlo has expressed his desire for his side to make its mark in Serie A and the Champions League during the upcoming season.
Speaking ahead of the Supercoppa clash with Napoli in Beijing on Saturday, the Italy star hopes that the Bianconeri will build on their successful 2011-12 season, where they clinched the Serie A title by going through the entire campaign unbeaten.
“We have just started our new season, and we are just as determined as we were last year,” Pirlo told reporters at a press conference in China.
“We really hope Juventus can win the Serie A title again, and take our chance in the Champions League. The Champions League is an attractive opportunity,” he said.
The former Milan midfielder also identified Italy’s victorious World Cup 2006 campaign as his fondest memory, though he was quick to move on from their loss to Spain in the recent Euro 2012 final.
“The World Cup in 2006 was definitely the most exciting moment in my life. But for me, the Euro 2012 final was heartbreaking. But we need open a new page in our lives, and look forward,” Pirlo commented.
Pirlo also maintained that the 2012 Ballon d’Or would be given to a player who performs well in the 2012-13 Champions League, and named Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta as his favorites to win the award.“I think the Ballon d’Or will be given to someone who is successful in the Champions League. I think that it may be won by [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo or [Andres] Iniesta.”
The 33-year-old also joked about his video game exploits with former Milan teammate Alessandro Nesta, enthusing: “I played for about 10 years with Alessandro [Nesta] because we stayed in the same hotel room. But in Juventus, I did not find a new partner to replace him!”
Juventus' Andrea Pirlo has expressed his desire for his side to make its mark in Serie A and the Champions League during the upcoming season.
Speaking ahead of the Supercoppa clash with Napoli in Beijing on Saturday, the Italy star hopes that the Bianconeri will build on their successful 2011-12 season, where they clinched the Serie A title by going through the entire campaign unbeaten.
“We have just started our new season, and we are just as determined as we were last year,” Pirlo told reporters at a press conference in China.
“We really hope Juventus can win the Serie A title again, and take our chance in the Champions League. The Champions League is an attractive opportunity,” he said.
The former Milan midfielder also identified Italy’s victorious World Cup 2006 campaign as his fondest memory, though he was quick to move on from their loss to Spain in the recent Euro 2012 final.
“The World Cup in 2006 was definitely the most exciting moment in my life. But for me, the Euro 2012 final was heartbreaking. But we need open a new page in our lives, and look forward,” Pirlo commented.
Pirlo also maintained that the 2012 Ballon d’Or would be given to a player who performs well in the 2012-13 Champions League, and named Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta as his favorites to win the award.“I think the Ballon d’Or will be given to someone who is successful in the Champions League. I think that it may be won by [Lionel] Messi, [Cristiano] Ronaldo or [Andres] Iniesta.”
The 33-year-old also joked about his video game exploits with former Milan teammate Alessandro Nesta, enthusing: “I played for about 10 years with Alessandro [Nesta] because we stayed in the same hotel room. But in Juventus, I did not find a new partner to replace him!”
Neymar: Brazil is very lucky that Giovani dos Santos won't play
Word of Giovani dos Santos' injury reached Brazil camp quickly, and the then-possibility of the Tottenham man missing the Olympic final became a talking point for the Scratch du Oro.
"We would be very fortunate [if he didn't play]", said Neymar to ESPN on Thursday, hours before Mexico's medical staff indicated that Dos Santos would indeed miss the final.
Neymar will go into his first final with Brazil at any level, meaning the 20-year-old star will have an added responsibility as he will be one of the key players expected to deliver Brazil's first Olympic gold medal.
"It will be my first final with Brazil and I'm proud to be here representing the country in such an important moment like this, our first Olympic final in 24 years," said the Santos star.
With added pressure from Brazilian media, a silver medal has been deemed useless by players and coaches throughout the tournament run, with Neymar reiterating the sentiment while stating there is no secret to the team's success thus far.
"We have to keep doing what we have been doing so far in the tournament. It has been working," he said.
Along with Lucas Moura and Leandro Damiao, Neymar has been one of the stars Brazil is relying on not only to bring home the gold, but to bring Brazil's senior national team back on top when it hosts the 2014 World Cup.
Meanwhile, with the World Cup two full years away, Neymar's eyes are clearly on the prize at stake.
"No Brazilian has ever won this and I feel I'm prepared to help the team leave with the gold medal," he finished.
Word of Giovani dos Santos' injury reached Brazil camp quickly, and the then-possibility of the Tottenham man missing the Olympic final became a talking point for the Scratch du Oro.
"We would be very fortunate [if he didn't play]", said Neymar to ESPN on Thursday, hours before Mexico's medical staff indicated that Dos Santos would indeed miss the final.
Neymar will go into his first final with Brazil at any level, meaning the 20-year-old star will have an added responsibility as he will be one of the key players expected to deliver Brazil's first Olympic gold medal.
"It will be my first final with Brazil and I'm proud to be here representing the country in such an important moment like this, our first Olympic final in 24 years," said the Santos star.
With added pressure from Brazilian media, a silver medal has been deemed useless by players and coaches throughout the tournament run, with Neymar reiterating the sentiment while stating there is no secret to the team's success thus far.
"We have to keep doing what we have been doing so far in the tournament. It has been working," he said.
Along with Lucas Moura and Leandro Damiao, Neymar has been one of the stars Brazil is relying on not only to bring home the gold, but to bring Brazil's senior national team back on top when it hosts the 2014 World Cup.
Meanwhile, with the World Cup two full years away, Neymar's eyes are clearly on the prize at stake.
"No Brazilian has ever won this and I feel I'm prepared to help the team leave with the gold medal," he finished.
Lahm and Podolski excluded from Germany squad for Argentina friendly
Germany coach Joachim Low has chosen to rest a number of high-profile players after naming his 19-man squad for the friendly against Argentina on Aug. 15.
Captain Philipp Lahm misses out due to the impending birth of his child, while Arsenal pair Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker are omitted to help them prepare for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Sunderland on Aug. 18.
“Philipp [Lahm] wanted to play, but after speaking to him on the phone, I made the decision to leave him to his private life,” Low told the German Football Association’s official website. “Three days after the international match in Frankfurt, the Premier League season starts in England, so it's important that Per [Mertesacker], who was injured for a long time, and Lukas [Podolski], who is fighting for a regular place in the team, are able to prepare for the tasks ahead with their club.”
Hoffenheim goalkeeper Tim Wiese has also been cut, with his international future now in serious doubt as Germany looks to proceed with a younger understudy to current No. 1, Manuel Neuer.
"Hansi Flick and I had a long conversation with Tim [Wiese] in Hoffenheim, and we have informed him that we are planning to use a younger goalkeeper for World Cup qualifying," revealed goalkeeping coach Andreas Klope.
Bayern Munich pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez have also been excluded due to injury, with Low naming only one recognized striker in his squad in the form of Lazio’s Miroslav Klose.
Germany coach Joachim Low has chosen to rest a number of high-profile players after naming his 19-man squad for the friendly against Argentina on Aug. 15.
Captain Philipp Lahm misses out due to the impending birth of his child, while Arsenal pair Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker are omitted to help them prepare for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against Sunderland on Aug. 18.
“Philipp [Lahm] wanted to play, but after speaking to him on the phone, I made the decision to leave him to his private life,” Low told the German Football Association’s official website. “Three days after the international match in Frankfurt, the Premier League season starts in England, so it's important that Per [Mertesacker], who was injured for a long time, and Lukas [Podolski], who is fighting for a regular place in the team, are able to prepare for the tasks ahead with their club.”
Hoffenheim goalkeeper Tim Wiese has also been cut, with his international future now in serious doubt as Germany looks to proceed with a younger understudy to current No. 1, Manuel Neuer.
"Hansi Flick and I had a long conversation with Tim [Wiese] in Hoffenheim, and we have informed him that we are planning to use a younger goalkeeper for World Cup qualifying," revealed goalkeeping coach Andreas Klope.
Bayern Munich pair Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez have also been excluded due to injury, with Low naming only one recognized striker in his squad in the form of Lazio’s Miroslav Klose.
Cristiano Ronaldo: It would be 'fantastic' to win another Ballon d'Or
NEW YORK -- Cristiano Ronaldo has been collecting a lot of awards with Real Madrid so far in 2012, but he admits that there's one accolade he hopes to see at the end of the year.
That would be another Ballon d'Or award.
"It would be fantastic [to win the trophy]," Ronaldo told Goal.com.
Ronaldo admitted that at the start of last season he targeted winning as many trophies as possible for Madrid and himself. So far so good for the Portuguese superstar, who led his club to a La Liga title and more recently topped the Goal.com 50.
But after losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Barcelona striker Lionel Messi the past two years, Ronaldo is hoping to be awarded soccer's highest individual honor this winter.
"It would mean a lot, I've worked all season for that to win both collective and individual trophies," he said.
Real Madrid is currently spending part of its preseason in North America for a handful of friendlies. Through three games, the Spanish club has been perfect with victories over the LA Galaxy, Santos Laguna and Milan.
After scoring two brilliant goals against Milan at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, Ronaldo was named Man of the Match. The winger was greeted with loud cheers every time he touched the ball and was clearly in a celebratory mood after being presented with the top-performer trophy.
Earlier this week, Goal.com named Ronaldo the top player in the world. Goal.com USA editors Eric Gomez and Zac Lee Rigg were on hand to present Ronaldo with the award on the campus of UCLA.
“It’s a matter of pride for me to win this award," said the two-time Goal.com 50 winner. "I would not have been able to do it without the support of my teammates.”
Ronaldo is looking to build off what was his best season in Spain so far in 2011-12. The former Manchester United player won his first La Liga crown as a member of Los Merengues, while scoring 60 goals across all competitions in 55 games, including 46 strikes in the domestic championship. He also scored 10 times in as many matches during Real Madrid's Champions League run to the semifinals.
Since manager Jose Mourinho's arrival in 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo and Los Blancos have won the Copa del Rey and La Liga, with an eventual 10th Champions League title still looming, a trophy Real Madrid has not been able to win since the 2001-02 season.
“My immediate goals are to work to the fullest with my team in order to fight for all the available championships. I don’t prioritize one because I want to conquer however many I can, but to do that we’ll have to fight our hardest and do it with humility," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo secured his first Ballon d'Or in 2008 after leading Manchester Untied to an impressive double, winning both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
NEW YORK -- Cristiano Ronaldo has been collecting a lot of awards with Real Madrid so far in 2012, but he admits that there's one accolade he hopes to see at the end of the year.
That would be another Ballon d'Or award.
"It would be fantastic [to win the trophy]," Ronaldo told Goal.com.
Ronaldo admitted that at the start of last season he targeted winning as many trophies as possible for Madrid and himself. So far so good for the Portuguese superstar, who led his club to a La Liga title and more recently topped the Goal.com 50.
But after losing out on the Ballon d'Or to Barcelona striker Lionel Messi the past two years, Ronaldo is hoping to be awarded soccer's highest individual honor this winter.
"It would mean a lot, I've worked all season for that to win both collective and individual trophies," he said.
Real Madrid is currently spending part of its preseason in North America for a handful of friendlies. Through three games, the Spanish club has been perfect with victories over the LA Galaxy, Santos Laguna and Milan.
After scoring two brilliant goals against Milan at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, Ronaldo was named Man of the Match. The winger was greeted with loud cheers every time he touched the ball and was clearly in a celebratory mood after being presented with the top-performer trophy.
Earlier this week, Goal.com named Ronaldo the top player in the world. Goal.com USA editors Eric Gomez and Zac Lee Rigg were on hand to present Ronaldo with the award on the campus of UCLA.
“It’s a matter of pride for me to win this award," said the two-time Goal.com 50 winner. "I would not have been able to do it without the support of my teammates.”
Ronaldo is looking to build off what was his best season in Spain so far in 2011-12. The former Manchester United player won his first La Liga crown as a member of Los Merengues, while scoring 60 goals across all competitions in 55 games, including 46 strikes in the domestic championship. He also scored 10 times in as many matches during Real Madrid's Champions League run to the semifinals.
Since manager Jose Mourinho's arrival in 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo and Los Blancos have won the Copa del Rey and La Liga, with an eventual 10th Champions League title still looming, a trophy Real Madrid has not been able to win since the 2001-02 season.
“My immediate goals are to work to the fullest with my team in order to fight for all the available championships. I don’t prioritize one because I want to conquer however many I can, but to do that we’ll have to fight our hardest and do it with humility," Ronaldo said.
Ronaldo secured his first Ballon d'Or in 2008 after leading Manchester Untied to an impressive double, winning both the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Giovani dos Santos will miss Olympic final vs. Brazil
Mexico will be without its best player in the Olympic final against Brazil.
Giovani dos Santos has officially been ruled out of contention for Saturday's gold medal match against the Selecao, after it was determined that the muscle injury he sustained on Tuesday would not heal in time.
With three goals and three assists in the tournament, the Tottenham player had turned in one of the best performances for any player in the Olympic campaign and appeared at key times for Mexico along the way.
Dos Santos missed practice on Thursday in London and a member of El Tri's medical team told press that the full results from his tests would be released later that afternoon.
However, it was apparently leaked to the press that the prognosis was negative.
"It's a shame because Dos Santos had been giving the team so much," said wing back Miguel Ponce, one of the early candidates to replace Giovani in the starting lineup. "It's sad, but in the end if he's not there we'll play for him and for the country."
In the first half of Tuesday's semifinal match against Japan, Dos Santos suffered a muscle tear in his right leg that the player himself noted was serious enough to have him exit the game after the first half.
"I'm very sad. I'm out of the final due to a muscle tear, now I just have to recover and support my teammates this Saturday," Dos Santos wrote on his Twitter account after being told of the extent of his injury.
Mexico and Brazil will meet at Wembley on Saturday. The winner will take home its first gold medal in men's football.
Mexico will be without its best player in the Olympic final against Brazil.
Giovani dos Santos has officially been ruled out of contention for Saturday's gold medal match against the Selecao, after it was determined that the muscle injury he sustained on Tuesday would not heal in time.
With three goals and three assists in the tournament, the Tottenham player had turned in one of the best performances for any player in the Olympic campaign and appeared at key times for Mexico along the way.
Dos Santos missed practice on Thursday in London and a member of El Tri's medical team told press that the full results from his tests would be released later that afternoon.
However, it was apparently leaked to the press that the prognosis was negative.
"It's a shame because Dos Santos had been giving the team so much," said wing back Miguel Ponce, one of the early candidates to replace Giovani in the starting lineup. "It's sad, but in the end if he's not there we'll play for him and for the country."
In the first half of Tuesday's semifinal match against Japan, Dos Santos suffered a muscle tear in his right leg that the player himself noted was serious enough to have him exit the game after the first half.
"I'm very sad. I'm out of the final due to a muscle tear, now I just have to recover and support my teammates this Saturday," Dos Santos wrote on his Twitter account after being told of the extent of his injury.
Mexico and Brazil will meet at Wembley on Saturday. The winner will take home its first gold medal in men's football.
Muamba set for another heart surgery
Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba is set to undergo another heart surgery but remains hopeful he will be able to return to the game.
The 24-year-old has traveled to Belgium where he is due to have more treatment and a ‘minor but necessary procedure’.
The midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest in March during an FA Cup tie against Tottenham, when his heart stopped beating for 78 minutes, but he has since made a good recovery and even admitted to playing football recently while on holiday.
Since then Muamba has been monitored daily and has had a device implanted in his chest which would restart his heart should it fail again.
Sir Alex Ferguson concerned about options at center back
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is concerned about the amount of options he has available at center back ahead of the club's opening game of the Premier League season against Everton.
Rio Ferdinand is fit and Nemanja Vidic has returned during preseason from a long-term knee injury sustained in December, but elsewhere the Red Devils have been plagued by problems.
Jonny Evans is recovering from an ankle operation he underwent in the summer, Chris Smalling will miss three more months and Phil Jones picked up a back injury while the club was on tour in Norway.
These issues resulted in the manager repeating his experiment of utilizing Michael Carrick in the center of defense during the friendly against Barcelona and he was pleased with how the central midfielder performed.
"Evans is recovering from an operation. Smalling is out for three months," Sir Alex told the club's official website. "Jones got a muscle injury in his back and was sent home from Norway. So the area we're concerned about is center back. Evans won't be ready for the start of the season. He won't be far away but he won't be ready.
"Smalling is out and I can't give you an update with Jones because we've not fully diagnosed that. But Michael Carrick was absolutely brilliant [in Sweden] with his passing the ball and his interceptions. He was fantastic."
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is concerned about the amount of options he has available at center back ahead of the club's opening game of the Premier League season against Everton.
Rio Ferdinand is fit and Nemanja Vidic has returned during preseason from a long-term knee injury sustained in December, but elsewhere the Red Devils have been plagued by problems.
Jonny Evans is recovering from an ankle operation he underwent in the summer, Chris Smalling will miss three more months and Phil Jones picked up a back injury while the club was on tour in Norway.
These issues resulted in the manager repeating his experiment of utilizing Michael Carrick in the center of defense during the friendly against Barcelona and he was pleased with how the central midfielder performed.
"Evans is recovering from an operation. Smalling is out for three months," Sir Alex told the club's official website. "Jones got a muscle injury in his back and was sent home from Norway. So the area we're concerned about is center back. Evans won't be ready for the start of the season. He won't be far away but he won't be ready.
"Smalling is out and I can't give you an update with Jones because we've not fully diagnosed that. But Michael Carrick was absolutely brilliant [in Sweden] with his passing the ball and his interceptions. He was fantastic."
Mark Clattenburg to referee men's Olympic final
Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been chosen to officiate the 2012 Olympic Games men's football final on Saturday, contested between Brazil and Mexico at Wembley Stadium.
The 37-year-old will be joined by fellow Englishmen Stephen Child and Simon Beck, who will be his assistant referees.
Clattenburg has taken charge of two other Olympic matches during these games, including Mexico's 4-2 victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals.
David Elleray, Chairman of the Football Association Referees' Committee is delighted with the appointment and thinks the English refereeing team should be considered as another gold for Team GB.
"The appointment of Mark Clattenburg to referee the Olympic Final with his English assistants Steve Child and Simon Beck is wonderful news and is in keeping with the outstanding achievements of so many people from Great Britain in these Olympics," Elleray said to the FA's official website. "Match officials in all sports make an important contribution to the success of sport and the appointment of the English referee team to the final match should be seen as another 'gold' for Team GB.
"This appointment means that English officials have controlled the World Cup Final, Champions League Final and Olympic Final in the space of two years - a remarkable achievement which reflects well on the health of refereeing in this country. As with Howard Webb's World Cup Final appointment, this will be an inspiration to our young referees and will mean that the 2012 Olympics will have a lasting legacy in refereeing."
Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has been chosen to officiate the 2012 Olympic Games men's football final on Saturday, contested between Brazil and Mexico at Wembley Stadium.
The 37-year-old will be joined by fellow Englishmen Stephen Child and Simon Beck, who will be his assistant referees.
Clattenburg has taken charge of two other Olympic matches during these games, including Mexico's 4-2 victory over Senegal in the quarterfinals.
David Elleray, Chairman of the Football Association Referees' Committee is delighted with the appointment and thinks the English refereeing team should be considered as another gold for Team GB.
"The appointment of Mark Clattenburg to referee the Olympic Final with his English assistants Steve Child and Simon Beck is wonderful news and is in keeping with the outstanding achievements of so many people from Great Britain in these Olympics," Elleray said to the FA's official website. "Match officials in all sports make an important contribution to the success of sport and the appointment of the English referee team to the final match should be seen as another 'gold' for Team GB.
"This appointment means that English officials have controlled the World Cup Final, Champions League Final and Olympic Final in the space of two years - a remarkable achievement which reflects well on the health of refereeing in this country. As with Howard Webb's World Cup Final appointment, this will be an inspiration to our young referees and will mean that the 2012 Olympics will have a lasting legacy in refereeing."
Oscar targets Brazil No.10 shirt
Chelsea midfielder Oscar is hoping that he will be able to make the Brazil No.10 shirt his own in the near future.
The youngster completed a switch from Internacional to Stamford Bridge this summer, and is currently representing his country at the 2012 Olympics.
He has already made six appearances for the Selecao at full international level, and is hoping that he can see off competition from the likes of Ganso to claim the famous shirt.
"I know that I've been helping the team quite a lot," he told FIFA.com, reflecting on his performances at the Games.
"I need to put in some high-level performances in friendlies. And I think that I've proved that I've got the ability to become the No.10 for the senior Selecao too."
Oscar played a key role for Brazil as Ney Franco's side won the Under-20 World Cup in 2011, scoring a hat trick in the final, but incidentally wore the No.11 shirt during that tournament in Colombia.
He has also been given the No. 11 shirt at Chelsea, with Juan Mata currently occupying the No. 10 for the Premier League club.
Chelsea midfielder Oscar is hoping that he will be able to make the Brazil No.10 shirt his own in the near future.
The youngster completed a switch from Internacional to Stamford Bridge this summer, and is currently representing his country at the 2012 Olympics.
He has already made six appearances for the Selecao at full international level, and is hoping that he can see off competition from the likes of Ganso to claim the famous shirt.
"I know that I've been helping the team quite a lot," he told FIFA.com, reflecting on his performances at the Games.
"I need to put in some high-level performances in friendlies. And I think that I've proved that I've got the ability to become the No.10 for the senior Selecao too."
Oscar played a key role for Brazil as Ney Franco's side won the Under-20 World Cup in 2011, scoring a hat trick in the final, but incidentally wore the No.11 shirt during that tournament in Colombia.
He has also been given the No. 11 shirt at Chelsea, with Juan Mata currently occupying the No. 10 for the Premier League club.
Van Gaal admits he was tempted by Liverpool job
New Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has admitted that he was attracted by the opportunity to work in the Premier League with Liverpool.
The 61-year-old was linked with both the manager's job and a role as sporting director at Anfield following the dismissal of Kenny Dalglish, but Brendan Rodgers was eventually appointed.
Van Gaal has claimed that he had always set his sights on a job with a national team but said the Reds' offer was the only one that tempted him to return to club management.
"I've only spoken with Liverpool about a job," the Dutchman told reporters. "My aim was to be manager at a national team.
"That it turned out to be Holland is the best thing that could happen. I had a lot of chances to sign with other clubs, but I rejected it.
"Only Liverpool came with a plan that I liked, because I've never worked in the Premier League and I always wanted to become champion in England."
The former Bayern Munich boss refused to play down the expectations around the Netherlands team after its poor performance at Euro 2012.
The country crashed out of the tournament at the group stage under Bert van Marwijk but Van Gaal insisted that it should still be aiming for the latter stages of major tournaments.
"Our goal in the Netherlands is very high," he continued. "I want to set the aim high because that's the only way to achieve those goals.
"We want to qualify for the World Cup and reach the semifinals."
New Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has admitted that he was attracted by the opportunity to work in the Premier League with Liverpool.
The 61-year-old was linked with both the manager's job and a role as sporting director at Anfield following the dismissal of Kenny Dalglish, but Brendan Rodgers was eventually appointed.
Van Gaal has claimed that he had always set his sights on a job with a national team but said the Reds' offer was the only one that tempted him to return to club management.
"I've only spoken with Liverpool about a job," the Dutchman told reporters. "My aim was to be manager at a national team.
"That it turned out to be Holland is the best thing that could happen. I had a lot of chances to sign with other clubs, but I rejected it.
"Only Liverpool came with a plan that I liked, because I've never worked in the Premier League and I always wanted to become champion in England."
The former Bayern Munich boss refused to play down the expectations around the Netherlands team after its poor performance at Euro 2012.
The country crashed out of the tournament at the group stage under Bert van Marwijk but Van Gaal insisted that it should still be aiming for the latter stages of major tournaments.
"Our goal in the Netherlands is very high," he continued. "I want to set the aim high because that's the only way to achieve those goals.
"We want to qualify for the World Cup and reach the semifinals."
Mancini: Manchester United is the favorite for the title
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has stated that he think rival Manchester United is the favorite for the Premier League title going into the new season.
The two clubs went head-to-head for most of last season and took the race right down to the final game of the season, with Sergio Aguero's 95th minute winning strike against QPR deciding the destination of the league crown.
However, ahead of the new term, the Italian boss believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be the team to look out for.
"I think United are the favorite team this year,” he told reporters.
“I am confident with my players because we won the league and also because last year we beat a fantastic team like United.
“But you do need to improve at every level. We are a young team and we need to get better, every month, every year."
With the season's traditional curtain-raiser against Chelsea in the Community Shield just days away, Mancini is nursing a few selection headaches ahead of the game, with the likes of Mario Balotelli and David Silva still requiring rest and Gareth Barry and Micah Richards consigned to the treatment table.
"Mario [Balotelli] and David [Silva] have had a busy summer, they need more time. They will probably be on the bench," he added.
"[Micah] Richards, I think will be out for just this game, he has a small ankle problem. Gareth [Barry], I don’t know. I hope that maybe three or four weeks, or one month, but I don’t know.”
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has stated that he think rival Manchester United is the favorite for the Premier League title going into the new season.
The two clubs went head-to-head for most of last season and took the race right down to the final game of the season, with Sergio Aguero's 95th minute winning strike against QPR deciding the destination of the league crown.
However, ahead of the new term, the Italian boss believes Sir Alex Ferguson's side will be the team to look out for.
"I think United are the favorite team this year,” he told reporters.
“I am confident with my players because we won the league and also because last year we beat a fantastic team like United.
“But you do need to improve at every level. We are a young team and we need to get better, every month, every year."
With the season's traditional curtain-raiser against Chelsea in the Community Shield just days away, Mancini is nursing a few selection headaches ahead of the game, with the likes of Mario Balotelli and David Silva still requiring rest and Gareth Barry and Micah Richards consigned to the treatment table.
"Mario [Balotelli] and David [Silva] have had a busy summer, they need more time. They will probably be on the bench," he added.
"[Micah] Richards, I think will be out for just this game, he has a small ankle problem. Gareth [Barry], I don’t know. I hope that maybe three or four weeks, or one month, but I don’t know.”
Arsenal confirms Carlos Vela exit
Arsenal has confirmed that striker Carlos Vela has completed a permanent move to Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee, having spent a last season on loan at the Liga club.
The switch brings to an end to a seven-year stint in north London for the Mexican, where he scored 11 times in 62 appearances for the Gunners after making his first-team debut in 2008.
Vela scored 12 times in 35 matches last season for the Spanish outfit, and also contributed seven assists as Sociedad finished 12th in the Primera Division table.
The 23-year-old is believed to have signed a four-year deal at the club, and his first game as a permanent Sociedad player will come in the Liga clash with Barcelona on August 19.
Vela failed to break into the the Gunners starting XI, spending much of his time out on loan at clubs such as Osasuna and West Brom.
Arsenal has confirmed that striker Carlos Vela has completed a permanent move to Real Sociedad for an undisclosed fee, having spent a last season on loan at the Liga club.
The switch brings to an end to a seven-year stint in north London for the Mexican, where he scored 11 times in 62 appearances for the Gunners after making his first-team debut in 2008.
Vela scored 12 times in 35 matches last season for the Spanish outfit, and also contributed seven assists as Sociedad finished 12th in the Primera Division table.
The 23-year-old is believed to have signed a four-year deal at the club, and his first game as a permanent Sociedad player will come in the Liga clash with Barcelona on August 19.
Vela failed to break into the the Gunners starting XI, spending much of his time out on loan at clubs such as Osasuna and West Brom.
Pique: Barcelona will try and win everything
Gerard Pique is confident that Barcelona can contest for silverware on every front this season as it looks to bounce back from the disappointment of 2011-12.
The Catalans were unable to retain their Liga and Champions League crowns last time out, and at the end of the season saw coach Pep Guardiola leave the club to take a break from the game.
However, the former Manchester United defender is confident that his side will be competitive in 2012-13 under the tutelage of Tito Vilanova.
"So far, things under Tito have been very good," he told El Mundo Deportivo. "He has qualities that are similar to Pep, but that was already obvious to us. He has his own style, and that's important.
"The whole team has played two games together [in pre-season], and although there is still some work to do, the balance is very good.
"The whole team have started on a high note, and we also have Leo [Messi], who is an essential player, who will be decisive throughout the season. This club should go out and challenge for honours and win titles forever, and I guarantee that this will not change now."
Barcelona recently triumphed in a friendly match against Manchester United on penalties, and Pique was happy with the performance his teammates put in, despite a stalemate after 90 minutes.
"It was a friendly, so you can't assume that much, but we did well in games like this one and against PSG. We created many chances, we dominated, we had a strong presence up front. I think that this is very good at the start of the season."
Vilanova's side starts its Primera Division campaign at home to Real Sociedad on August 19.
Gerard Pique is confident that Barcelona can contest for silverware on every front this season as it looks to bounce back from the disappointment of 2011-12.
The Catalans were unable to retain their Liga and Champions League crowns last time out, and at the end of the season saw coach Pep Guardiola leave the club to take a break from the game.
However, the former Manchester United defender is confident that his side will be competitive in 2012-13 under the tutelage of Tito Vilanova.
"So far, things under Tito have been very good," he told El Mundo Deportivo. "He has qualities that are similar to Pep, but that was already obvious to us. He has his own style, and that's important.
"The whole team has played two games together [in pre-season], and although there is still some work to do, the balance is very good.
"The whole team have started on a high note, and we also have Leo [Messi], who is an essential player, who will be decisive throughout the season. This club should go out and challenge for honours and win titles forever, and I guarantee that this will not change now."
Barcelona recently triumphed in a friendly match against Manchester United on penalties, and Pique was happy with the performance his teammates put in, despite a stalemate after 90 minutes.
"It was a friendly, so you can't assume that much, but we did well in games like this one and against PSG. We created many chances, we dominated, we had a strong presence up front. I think that this is very good at the start of the season."
Vilanova's side starts its Primera Division campaign at home to Real Sociedad on August 19.
Tottenham target Damiao will not leave cheaply, warns Internacional
Tottenham transfer target and Internacional striker Leandro Damiao will not leave the club this summer unless they receive a bid close to the player's 60 million euro release clause, according to the club's president.
After finding the back of the net six times in Brazil's four matches to date so far at the Olympic Games, the race for his signature has hotted up and with striking options currently at a minimum at White Hart Lane, he has reportedly been targeted by manager Andre Villas-Boas.
However, Internacional president Giovanni Luigi was keen to dampen down any talk of a proposed move involving the talented forward, highlighting the club's financial strength as the reason.
"I think it's very hard for the transfer to happen unless Tottenham pay the 60 million euro buyout fee that is included in his contract," Luigi told O Jogo
"Leandro Damiao has four more years on his contract. He is a very well paid player and has nothing to complain about.
"And we don't need to sell. We are a rich club with an enviable structure."
As revealed by Goal.com, Tottenham is thought to be preparing a 15 million pound offer for the player this week, which would fall well short of the club's valuation.
Tottenham transfer target and Internacional striker Leandro Damiao will not leave the club this summer unless they receive a bid close to the player's 60 million euro release clause, according to the club's president.
After finding the back of the net six times in Brazil's four matches to date so far at the Olympic Games, the race for his signature has hotted up and with striking options currently at a minimum at White Hart Lane, he has reportedly been targeted by manager Andre Villas-Boas.
However, Internacional president Giovanni Luigi was keen to dampen down any talk of a proposed move involving the talented forward, highlighting the club's financial strength as the reason.
"I think it's very hard for the transfer to happen unless Tottenham pay the 60 million euro buyout fee that is included in his contract," Luigi told O Jogo
"Leandro Damiao has four more years on his contract. He is a very well paid player and has nothing to complain about.
"And we don't need to sell. We are a rich club with an enviable structure."
As revealed by Goal.com, Tottenham is thought to be preparing a 15 million pound offer for the player this week, which would fall well short of the club's valuation.
Xavi not in Spain squad for Puerto Rico friendly
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has announced his 19-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against Puerto Rico on Aug. 14.
The reigning European and world champions will be without Barcelona playmaker Xavi due to physical problems, while players such as Jordi Alba, Javi Martinez and Juan Mata have been left out following their participation at the London Olympics.
Malaga defender Ignacio Monreal makes his return to the national team after missing out on Euro 2012.
Pepe Reina, Santi Cazorla, David Silva and Fernando Torres are the only four players who ply their trade outside of La Liga included in Del Bosque's squad.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas-Real Madrid
Pepe Reina-Liverpool
Victor Valdes-Barcelona
Defenders:
Raul Albiol-Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa-Real Madrid
Ignacio Monreal-Malaga
Gerard Pique-Barcelona
Sergio Ramos-Real Madrid
Juanfran Torres-Atletico Madrid
Midfielders:
Xabi Alonso-Real Madrid
Sergio Busquets-Barcelona
Santi Cazorla-Arsenal
Cesc Fabregas-Barcelona
Andres Iniesta-Barcelona
David Silva-Manchester City
Attackers:
Pedro-Barcelona
Jesus Navas-Sevilla
Fernando Torres-Chelsea
Fernando Llorente-Athletic Bilbao
Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has announced his 19-man squad for the upcoming international friendly against Puerto Rico on Aug. 14.
The reigning European and world champions will be without Barcelona playmaker Xavi due to physical problems, while players such as Jordi Alba, Javi Martinez and Juan Mata have been left out following their participation at the London Olympics.
Malaga defender Ignacio Monreal makes his return to the national team after missing out on Euro 2012.
Pepe Reina, Santi Cazorla, David Silva and Fernando Torres are the only four players who ply their trade outside of La Liga included in Del Bosque's squad.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers:
Iker Casillas-Real Madrid
Pepe Reina-Liverpool
Victor Valdes-Barcelona
Defenders:
Raul Albiol-Real Madrid
Alvaro Arbeloa-Real Madrid
Ignacio Monreal-Malaga
Gerard Pique-Barcelona
Sergio Ramos-Real Madrid
Juanfran Torres-Atletico Madrid
Midfielders:
Xabi Alonso-Real Madrid
Sergio Busquets-Barcelona
Santi Cazorla-Arsenal
Cesc Fabregas-Barcelona
Andres Iniesta-Barcelona
David Silva-Manchester City
Attackers:
Pedro-Barcelona
Jesus Navas-Sevilla
Fernando Torres-Chelsea
Fernando Llorente-Athletic Bilbao
Jesus Navas Mid nathuwa Attaker kenek widiyata dala Thiyana 1ka Niyamai
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany major doubt for Community Shield clash with Chelsea
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is a major doubt for Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Chelsea as he continues to struggle with a calf problem.
The central defender joined the full squad in a training session on Thursday evening but had previously been working alone on rebuilding his fitness.
He is described as ‘touch and go’ for the Community Shield but City will take no risks with such an important player.
Kompany, 26, flew home early from City’s tour of Malaysia last month to deal with the injury but the Premier League champions fully expect him to be fit for their title defense opener against Southampton a week on Sunday.
With Micah Richards struggling with a back problem sustained during the Olympics, it means Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott are likely to start at the heart of City’s defense against Chelsea at Villa Park.
City manager Roberto Mancini is looking to bolster his defensive options before the transfer window closes, with Liverpool center back Daniel Agger the club’s top target.
Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany is a major doubt for Sunday’s Community Shield clash against Chelsea as he continues to struggle with a calf problem.
The central defender joined the full squad in a training session on Thursday evening but had previously been working alone on rebuilding his fitness.
He is described as ‘touch and go’ for the Community Shield but City will take no risks with such an important player.
Kompany, 26, flew home early from City’s tour of Malaysia last month to deal with the injury but the Premier League champions fully expect him to be fit for their title defense opener against Southampton a week on Sunday.
With Micah Richards struggling with a back problem sustained during the Olympics, it means Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott are likely to start at the heart of City’s defense against Chelsea at Villa Park.
City manager Roberto Mancini is looking to bolster his defensive options before the transfer window closes, with Liverpool center back Daniel Agger the club’s top target.
Dani Alves misses Barcelona training with ankle injury
Barcelona has confirmed that Dani Alves picked up an ankle injury in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday, and faces a brief spell on the sidelines.
The full back complained about pain in his lower leg in the aftermath of the preseason friendly, and sat out of training a day later because of the knock he was later found to be carrying.
The club has since announced on its official website that the injury does not seem to be too serious, but it is unlikely that the 29-year-old will feature in the Catalans' final preseason game against Dinamo Bucharest on Saturday.
Nevertheless, the Blaugrana is confident that Alves will have recovered from his ankle sprain in time for its Liga opener against Real Sociedad on Aug. 19.
The Brazil international recently returned to full training after a two-month lay-off due to a shoulder injury.
Barcelona has confirmed that Dani Alves picked up an ankle injury in the 0-0 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday, and faces a brief spell on the sidelines.
The full back complained about pain in his lower leg in the aftermath of the preseason friendly, and sat out of training a day later because of the knock he was later found to be carrying.
The club has since announced on its official website that the injury does not seem to be too serious, but it is unlikely that the 29-year-old will feature in the Catalans' final preseason game against Dinamo Bucharest on Saturday.
Nevertheless, the Blaugrana is confident that Alves will have recovered from his ankle sprain in time for its Liga opener against Real Sociedad on Aug. 19.
The Brazil international recently returned to full training after a two-month lay-off due to a shoulder injury.
- Status
