..::Football II::..

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Messi eyes 'dream' success with Argentina

Lionel Messi has revealed that it is his dream to become successful with Argentina, ahead of his side's 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.

The diminutive forward is regarded as arguably the best player of his generation, having enjoyed enormous acclaim at club level with Barcelona since his debut in 2004.

However, he has come in for criticism following his failure thus far to inspire Argentina to a major trophy - something the superstar is desperate to put right.

"I have had the good fortune to win trophies with my team and on a personal level," he told reporters. "I am missing one with the senior team. That is my dream. It is a difficult road to the World Cup."

The Albiceleste currently sit third of nine teams in the South American zone after three wins, one draw and a defeat in their first five games, and Messi insists his country must approach the next two matches with a positive mindset.

"Paraguay and Peru will be two difficult opponents, all the games in qualifying are difficult," he added. "The qualifiers are very tough and we must keep growing as a team. Against Paraguay we must have the ball and attack because we know they are a hard team.

"We are getting results and we can work calmly. We hope to continue like this in our next two games. You cannot drop points at home, and we want to play well, but the most important thing is to win. We will try and play well and excite the fans."

Nonetheless, Argentina seems to have turned the corner under new boss Alejandro Sabella, with five straight wins for the team, including emphatic friendly victories over Brazil and Germany.

Messi has played a key role in the recent run, recording hat tricks against the Selecao and Switzerland, and he attributes his improved form to the country's passionate support.

"I do not know if this is my best year with the national team," he remarked. "We have won a few games in a row and it is a while since we managed that. I played well at the Copa America, then there were some ups and downs, now I am enjoying how it is going.

"I appreciate the support of all Argentines. With our results they are getting behind the national team more. We are happy that they are with us in every game."

Argentina hosts Paraguay in Cordoba on Friday, before traveling to Peru on Tuesday.

 

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Defoe: Tottenham's summer activity was 'mad'

Jermain Defoe has labelled the transfer activity at Tottenham this summer as "mad".

Spurs saw key players Luka Modric and Rafael van der Vaart sold while Ledley King was forced to retire with the likes of Clint Dempsey, Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen brought in to replace them.

Six players were signed by Andre Villas-Boas while 11 squad members left and Defoe admits it was an uncertain period at White Hart Lane.

"It was a bit mad," the 29-year-old told reporters. "You walk into the changing rooms, see the lads and don’t know if you’re going to see them the next day.

"It’s funny. I had my wisdom tooth out one day, came in and Tom Huddlestone had gone to Stoke. Someone else went. I said to the lads: 'I miss one day and all the players are gone!'"

Huddlestone's move to Stoke fell apart, with the Trotters going for United States international Maurice Edu instead.

Spurs are yet to win a Premier League game this season, having lost one and drawn two, but Defoe is unconcerned, insisting it will take time for Villas-Boas' methods to be implemented at the club.

"When a player joins a new club it takes a while to bed in. It is no different for the manager," he continued. "When the new manager comes in, straight away you are going to be under pressure. It takes time. It is still early days and it is important to give managers a chance.

"We have got a good, strong squad and I’m sure it will be fine. People say it is the same personnel but it is a different way of playing, a different system this year, so that is going to take time.

Defoe backed Villas-Boas as a top manager.

"In my opinion, I think the manager is really good, really organized. Training has been fantastic, he knows exactly what he wants," Defoe said. "I honestly think he will do well. He just needs a little bit of luck and then we will be flying."

Defoe is in line to pick up his 50th England cap in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine, despite only ever starting 17 times for the Three Lions.

The forward, who netted in the recent friendly win over Italy, is looking forward to the occasion, while stating he feels in good shape.

"It will mean the world to get the 50th cap," he added. "It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a while, speaking with my family about. It is a good achievement.

"I was happy when I went to the Euros and to get the goal against Italy was good for my confidence. I feel sharp and ready to go."

 

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Ashley Young: Van Persie is a world-class striker

Ashley Young has hailed Robin van Persie's "world-class" talents following his hat trick in Manchester United's 3-2 win at Southampton on Sunday.

The former Aston Villa winger also praised the 29-year-old's all-round ability, feeling the Dutchman has settled in very well at Old Trafford.

"He's a world-class striker who can not only score goals, but lay on assists," Young told United's official magazine. "Robin's also great from set pieces. He's an all-round player and exactly the type a club like United should have. We want the best players.

"He's fitted in very well but it's easy for any player that joins United to fit in because the players here are so good at making you feel welcome and really help you settle in. It's still only early days, but you can already see he's formed some good link-ups in training and on the pitch. He's a great addition to the squad and I'm sure he will have a big impact this season."

Young also feels that United's entire strike force is one to be feared, joking that he is happy he does not have to choose between Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Chicharito.

"Any defender that comes up against the attacking options we have would be nervous," Young stated. "I would be!

"I must say, I'm glad I don't have to pick the team [although] it's great as a winger to see so many good strikers in front of you who can get in the box and finish. We're there to provide for them because we know every single one of them can score goals and we hope they all do that this season."

 

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Rodgers hopeful of swift Liverpool recovery for Cole and Assaidi

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed Joe Cole and Oussama Assaidi are both doing well on their road to recovery from injury.

Cole, who was on loan at French outfit Lille last season, suffered a hamstring problem on the opening day of the season in the clash with West Brom, and has been missing ever since.

The Reds boss indicated that the winger's rehabilitation is progressing well, but believes the 30-year-old is still a "little way" off a return to first-team action.

The Northern Irishman told the club's official website: "Joe is working well and the medical department are pleased with his progress.

"He was out onto the pitch over the weekend doing some work, so there's still a little way to go with Joe yet but he's on the right track, which is important."

Assaidi is a new signing at Anfield after joining from Dutch side Heerenveen in the summer for a fee reported to be around 2.4 million pounds, but has yet to make an appearance due to injury.

The Moroccan winger was forced to withdraw from Monday's reserve match with Manchester City, which ended as a 2-2 draw, after he felt tightness in his groin.

The former Swansea manager is confident that the 24-year-old, who scored 20 goals in 79 games for his former club, will take a part in training with the rest of squad in the near future.

The 39-year-old added: "He should train today. He was due to play in the reserve game, but after training with the reserves in preparation for the game on Sunday, he felt a little bit of tightness.

"We're hoping in the next couple of days he'll be ready to train and rejoin the group."

 

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Injured Aguero set to anger Mancini by playing for Argentina

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is set to anger Roberto Mancini by claiming he could be fit to play for Argentina next week.

Aguero has been ruled out of action since he injured his knee in the opening game of the season against Southampton, when he was stretchered off the pitch after only seven minutes.

However, the 24-year-old flew back to his home country to be assessed by his national team's doctors, and did not rule out representing his country next week.

"I'm here until the Peru game," he told reporters. "Today, the knee still hurts and it bothers me, but things might change in two or three days. I will see the doctors of the Argentine FA."

Although Roberto Mancini was not allowed to stop Aguero from flying to Argentina, the Manchester City boss has in the past voiced his frustrations regarding the FIFA rule that means players must be allowed to be assessed by national team doctors.

The Italian stated on Aug. 24: "It is ridiculous. These are the rules and we need to respect these rules, but they are ridiculous rules.

"It's impossible because Sergio needs a minimum of two weeks without training and then maybe he can start again. He can't go [to Argentina]."

Even though Aguero has been selected for the Argentina squad, coach Alex Sabella will not make any decisions about the fitness of the 34 million pounds striker until the weekend.

Even though Manchester City is said to be annoyed with the situation, the club has ensured that a good relationship is kept between the Argentinian FA and the Premier League club.

 

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AC Milan has option to sign Bojan on permanent deal, confirms Barcelona vice president

Barcelona Vice President Josep Bartomeu has revealed that AC Milan has an option to make Bojan Krkic's stay at the club permanent at the end of the season.

The attacker joined the Rossoneri from Roma on a one-year loan deal in the summer transfer window after moving to the Giallorossi from Camp Nou a year before, but the Catalans have a contractual obligation to re-purchase the 22-year-old in the summer of 2013.

Nevertheless, Bojan could very well stay at Milan if the club opts to exercise its option to buy, and Barcelona decides not to block the move.

"We sold Bojan to Roma for 12 million euros, and are obliged to resign him for 13m euros in the summer of 2013. However, Roma then decided to send him on loan to Milan," Bartomeu stated at a press conference. "Milan really wanted an option to make Bojan's stay at the club permanent. So Milan have the option to buy him at the end of the season, when he is due to return to Barca.

"However, we can block Milan's option to sign him. I can not not disclose any more information on this, though, as Milan have asked for it to remain confidential."

Bojan made his official debut at the weekend in the 3-1 away win over Bologna.

 

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Manchester United and Santos dismiss Neymar links

Manchester United and Santos have both dismissed rumors that the Premier League side made a lucrative offer for wonderkid Neymar on transfer deadline day.

Reports had suggested that the Red Devils were ready to splash 48.1 million euros for Neymar, who has scored 111 goals in 185 appearances for his club.Goal.com understands that United was priced out of a move for the Brazil international, who has a 63.3m euro buyout clause at Santos.

The Old Trafford outfit had previously pursued Neymar's fellow countryman Lucas Moura earlier this summer but was unable raise funds for a 38m euro move for the Sao Paulo attacker.

However, after the playmaker joined big-spender PSG, which also signed the likes of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic from AC Milan, the Premier League outfit reportedly turned its attention to Neymar and tabled a bid.

A Manchester United spokesperson dismissed the rumor, telling Goal.com: "It was total rubbish."

Santos' director of football Felipe Faro has also denied the speculation, insisting he does not know where the rumors came from and revealing that no transfer offer was received.

He told Globo Esporte: "I have no idea where that came from, but it's not true."

The South American has consistently been linked with a move to La Liga duo Real Madrid and Barcelona ever since he exploded onto the scene in Brazil, but the player has always indicated that he is happy in his native homeland for now, with the club also delighted to keep hold on him.

His father, Neymar Santos, also laughed off the reports that he was the subject of an offer, joking: "Neymar was sold two years ago but we are still here."

 

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Fabregas: I am not a bad teammate

Cesc Fabregas has admitted that he would like more playing time at Barcelona, but added that he will never negatively affect squad-morale if he has to settle for a spot on the bench.

"I cannot say I would be a great substitute. I like to play, and get minutes like everybody," Fabregas stated to Marca.

"But that doesn't mean I'm a bad teammate. If I feel bad, I won't show it in front of my teammates."

The former Arsenal star has been struggling to find his best form in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign and has received his fair share of criticism for his relatively disappointing performances.

"We would all like to play more, but it is hard. I am playing for the best team in the world, though. I have come here to enjoy it and not let it get to my head. I'm really happy at this team," he said.

"I'm not going to sit back and take it easy. If I don't get a chance, I'll carry on, carry on and carry on until things change. I came here with the intention of retiring at Barca."

Fabregas was taken off around the hour mark in Barca's 1-0 win over Valencia at the weekend after missing two big chances to double his side's lead.

 

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Barcelona is a happy club, says secretary Toni Freixa

Barcelona secretary Toni Freixa says Tito Vilanova's camp is a happy one, in response to questions regarding the troubles of Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo in the Spanish capital.


Speaking during an announcement regarding the club's finances, Freixa was asked whether Lionel Messi is treated better than Ronaldo, which he answered by stating that the Argentine star 'deserves everything,' while moving to insist a new contract was not yet in the offing for the player.http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3277...-not-discussed-a-new-contract-with-messi-says

The Barca spokesman told those in attendance that 'here at the club we are all very happy', in contrast to Ronaldo's recent media outburst.

The accounts revealed at the press conference showed revenue of 470 million euros and expenses of 427.29 million, leaving the club an estimated profit of around 35.9 million euros.

The previous year ended with a record profit of 48.8 million euros. All of the figures given by Freixa have been approved by Barca's board, but await ratification by the relevant authorities.

 

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David Villa will be important for Spain again, says Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso has voiced his delight with David Villa's return to the Spain fold and is confident that the Barcelona attacker will soon play a key role again.

The former Valencia star missed Euro 2012 due to a broken leg, but returned to match action for his club earlier this season, and received a recall from Vicente del Bosque for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

"Villa's return is great news. He has been fundamental for us before he got injured and it's great that he has made his comeback," Alonso stated at a press conference.

"He always creates a lot of danger and is a threat to any defense. He always scores a lot of goals, regardless of whether he plays from the wings or as striker.

"It is essential for us that he has returned. We have missed a player like him. I am sure that he will soon be important for the team again."

Spain takes on Saudi Arabia on Friday in an international friendly, before kicking off its 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to Georgia four days later.

 

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Manchester United wrap up Henriquez deal

Manchester United have completed the signing of promising forward Angelo Henriquez from Universidad de Chile for an undisclosed fee. The Chilean striker has been snapped up by the Red Devils after three years of close monitoring by the Premier League giants.

United reached an agreement with Universidad back in 2009 that offered them first choice on the teenager, and they have now decided to exercise that option.Sir Alex Ferguson believes Henriquez will be a useful addition to his Old Trafford ranks, with the 18-year-old having shown during his time in his homeland that he is capable of finding the target on a regular basis.

"Angelo has made a tremendous impact on the game in his short career so far," Ferguson told United's official website.

Profile

"His pace is a great asset and he reads the game really well for someone of such a young age."We have a proud record of developing young talent and Angelo fits the profile of a United player - skilful, attacking and someone who plays the game with real flair."

Henriquez has also taken the opportunity to express his delight at securing a switch to a global giant.He said: "I am thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world. Manchester United is a great team and has a great manager.

"To be able to be part of that is a huge honour and I can't wait to get started. I hope I can be part of many successful years with United."

 

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Congratulations Angelo!!!

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Fabregas: I want to retire at Barcelona

Cesc Fabregas has reiterated his loyalty to Barcelona, after expressing his disappointment at not being able to play a more prominent role in the first-team this season.

The 25-year-old midfielder was withdrawn after an hour of the Catalan giant's 1-0 victory over Valencia at the weekend, after missing two big chances to double his side's lead.

"I came here to have a long career," Fabregas was quoted as saying by Diari ARA.

"People ask a lot from me because I cost a lot. I won't give up, I want to retire at Barca.

"I knew I came here to compete with the best in the world. I will work hard to make things difficult for the coach," he added.

The Spain international also expressed the hope that the Blaugrana remain at Camp Nou for the foreseeable future, citing the belief that there was a loss of atmosphere after Arsenal left Highbury for the Emirates.

"New stadium? The Camp Nou is a brutal stadium," said Fabregas. "I wouldn't want the same thing to happen as with Arsenal. The Emirates is not Highbury.

"Highbury was very tiny, but it had its charm. Emirates is a great stadium, modern, but not Highbury," he added.

 

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Falcao rejects Real Madrid rumors with Twitter statement

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has reaffirmed his commitment to the club on Twitter after rumors linking him with a move away from Los Rojiblancos.

Goal.com revealed on Wednesday that Manchester City and Chelsea are both hoping to sign the Colombian star, who has a 60 million euro release clause in his contract, when the transfer window re-opens in January.

But Falcao has since taken to Twitter where he has declared his loyalty tothe club and the national side.

"So that everybody is clear, my dream is to keep on winning things with Atletico Madrid and help Colombia to get a place in World Cup 2014," he stressed on the social networking site.

Speculation surrounding his exit had been given further weight when his father claimed that Falcao had his eyes set on a move to Atleti's arch rival Real Madrid.

"His dream is to one day play for Real Madrid," Radamel Garcia told Colombian radio program El Gran Debate de Todelar."

"Always, since childhood, he has wanted to play there."

Garcia also admitted that were a move to to Los Blancos fail to come to fruition, the Premier League would be his son's next choice.

"Other international football teams like Manchester City and Chelsea have been interested in him. If he cannot go to Madrid, then he would go to English football," said Garcia.

Falcao's father then went on to say that he did not believe his son would remain at Atletico in the long term.

"Above all, he wants to go to Madrid. He will change his team at the end of the season," said Garcia, adding that he had not even known whether his son would be sold or not prior to Atletico's Super Cup victory over Chelsea.

 

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'Vilanova has clear ideas,' says Barcelona midfielder Xavi

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has praised the work of Tito Vilanova while speaking of his close relationship with Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

"Tito Vilanova can take this team (Barcelona) on to win many titles. He was already an important coach when Pep was here. He is a man of character," Xavi told RAC1.

"He (Tito) has very clear ideas and always wants to play a 4-3-3".

Speaking shortly after claiming the Prince of Asturias award alongside Casillas, the Spain international then spoke of his healthy relationship with his national teammate.

"I am very happy to be awarded this honor together with Casillas. I have never cut relations with him, we have always remained friends, speaking over the phone. We have great respect for each other," he continued.

The 32-year-old went on to express his desire to keep playing for Barcelona at the highest level.

"Physically, I feel better than last year. My desire is to continue playing with Barca. I love the role that I play in the team and I do not want to lose it. I am very competitive and I enjoy winning with Barca," he continued.

The midfielder then gave his support for teammate Cesc Fabregas who recently declared he was unhappy with his role at the club.

"I see him train and play. He is very important for us. He has been a great arrival. But, I understand how he wants to play more," he concluded.

 

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Sir Alex prepared to give Usain Bolt an opportunity to get on the pitch in a Manchester United jersey

As the U.S. national begins its travel preparations for a short trip from Miami to Jamaica for Friday's World Cup Qualifier in Kingston, a Jamaican sprinter is once again stealing the soccer headlines.

A longtime Manchester United fan, Usain Bolt has stated several times his intention of playing for the Premier League team, and Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to see what the world's fastest man can do on the pitch.

But don't get too carried away just yet. The best the legendary coach can offer is a spot in a charity match for Bolt, who won three Olympic gold medals at the 2012 London Games.

"He's been to Carrington a couple of times," Sir Alex told Inside United. "And he did help Cristiano Ronaldo with his sprinting, like he said. He took him aside one day.

"He's a bit of a character and a big United fan. But it's interesting he says he'd like to play in a charity game. It could be brilliant and next year, when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him up and see how he does.

"The people from these small islands, like Dwight Yorke from Trinidad & Tobago, they all play football and he probably played at school level or youth level or something like that. It'd be nice to get him up here, I think it'll be good."

Bolt was a guest of Man United before the recent 3-2 victory over Fulham and showed off his newest medals before the crowd at Old Trafford. He also recently asked Rio Ferdinand on Twitter to get him a trial.

The U.S. will meet Jamaica in Kingston on Friday in the first of two qualifying games between the CONCACAF teams this month.

 

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Casillas: Footballers are people like everyone else and have their own worries

Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has spoken out about the problems that footballers face, following teammate Cristiano Ronaldo's revelation that he is "sad" with life at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo created a media storm on Sunday when he said that he did not celebrate his two goals against Granada because of his dissatisfaction with a "professional issue" within the club.

That had led many observers, including former Barcelona player and coach Carles Rexach and ex-Madrid defender Pachin, to dismiss his concerns, but Casillas has said that everybody - even footballers - have issues to deal with.

"I understand that it is difficult for people to understand the situation that we face as players," the Spain No.1 told Madrid's official website. "But we are people just like everyone else and all have our own worries. We have family and friends and they are all important."

Casillas also shed light on his surprise at being named joint winner of the 2012 Prince of Asturias Award for Sport alongside Barcelona captain Xavi Hernandez, the first time the honor has been given to individual football players.

"There are some awards that seem unachievable and that you never think you could get to win," he continued.

"But the work that you do throughout your sporting career could mean that you get to be nominated and I think to get this award is a great thing that gives me a lot of personal satisfaction.

The 31-year-old also gave his take on the decision to award Barcelona and Madrid's respective captains the award.

"It's been a few years in which the Real Madrid-Barcelona rivalry has grown a lot, which I think is good for football, the sport and the fans, always in moderation of course.

"It is an award for which we are the two prominent faces from each team, and from the national team because of being the captains.

"But it is a prize that there are many people behind - teammates at our clubs and the national team, fans... it's a very nice award to win and it is great to be receiving it," he added.

 

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West Ham striker Carroll to miss the next six weeks

West Ham striker Andy Carroll is set to miss the next six weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury on his debut against Fulham last weekend.

The 23-year-old striker, who is on loan from Premier League rival Liverpool, had a great start to life at Upton Park, worrying the Cottagers' back line throughout as the Hammers opened up a three-goal lead before halftime.

Carroll limped off in the second half with the injury and West Ham co-owner David Gold has now confirmed how long the striker is set to miss on his Twitter page.

Gold tweeted: "Six weeks out. Back mid October. I think this would be the worst case scenario. DG."

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is under no illusion as to how important Carroll is to his side's chances this season.

"If Andy scores between 10 and 15 goals, it is going to give us a great chance to be out of the relegation zone," he told reporters. "If Andy gets 15 to 20 goals, we can get in the top 10 because all we have to do there is to produce enough clean sheets to make sure we get points on the board with the goals that he scores."

 

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Mannone targeting Arsenal first-team spot

Arsenal goalkeeper Vito Mannone has warned Wojciech Szczesny that he will have to fight to reclaim his place in Arsenal’s starting XI.

The Italian shot-stopper has kept a clean sheet in both his appearances against Stoke and Liverpool this season while deputizing for the injured Szczesny.

The Polish keeper is expected to be fit for Arsenal’s game against Southampton at the Emirates on Sept. 5, but Mannone’s impressive performances could see him retain his place between the sticks.

“I just roll up my sleeves and try to work because I know I can do well,” he told the club’s official website.

“When you are number one, you feel important and like the happiest man in the world, that sort of feeling gives me the chance to go onto the pitch with confidence.

“I would like to be involved more and more and establish myself.”

Mannone is relishing competing with Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski this season, and believes the added competition will benefit all three keepers.

“It is a good fight between the keepers because we know the level is quite high and you need to keep working and improve yourself to get the first spot,” he added.

 

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Menna Pancha Aiyata Good News 1kak