..::Football II::..

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QPR announce Park signing

QPR announce Park signing

Queens Park Rangers have announced the signing of Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung on a two-year deal in a press conference held at Loftus Road on Monday afternoon.

Park, 31, joins QPR after seven years at Manchester United, during which time he won a Champions League title, four Premier League titles and three League Cups.The former South Korea captain will now join the West London club as they look to build upon Premier League survival in the 2011-12 season.

Park told the assembled media ranks: "Their plan is great. I couldn't resist this plan and ambition. I know QPR want to improve and have ambitions to reach the next level and I will try my best to help. There were other offers but nothing compared to QPR."It was a difficult decision [to leave Manchester United]. It is time for a new challenge and I think it's a great decision so that both me and the club can progress.

"They want to be a bigger club and that ambition for me is a great challenge. They have great players and they are still hungry to get to the next level, to me that is very important."

Manager Mark Hughes added: "On a football level Ji is someone I have admired from afar for years. He wore the red shirt of Manchester United in a distinguished way and he will bring a great deal to the team, I can't wait to start working with him.

"Ji is a motivated guy, he feels there is success ahead of him, he ticks every box. It's a very exciting time for QPR. I said at the end of the season we didn't want to be in the same position next season and I stand by that, we are in a better place now.''"Every report we have had about his footballing ability and his demeanour of a person put him top of the pile.

"It's a really significant signing for us as a club and for me as a manager. It will really help us get to where we want to be."Park becomes Rangers' sixth summer capture, joining Ryan Nelsen, Andy Johnson, Rob Green, Samba Diakite and former Old Trafford team-mate Fabio at Loftus Road.

 

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Congratulations For Mancini & Park!

Congratulations For Mancini & Park!

Park Manchester United walin giya 1ka gana nam DukaiAnyway Good Luck Park!​

 

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United’s Luc-ky day

United’s Luc-ky day

MANCHESTER UNITED target Lucas Moura admits he could be heading for the exit door at Sao Paulo.

The Brazil star, 19, has been linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford this summer. Italian giants Inter Milan are also interested in the talented midfielder who looks set for a switch to Europe. Moura said: “I cannot guarantee that I will stay until the end of my contract.

“Much has changed and the situation is not up to me anymore. “I know my father and my agent had a meeting (with Inter) but I don’t know what was said.” Moura, an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, will get a taste of what life in England is like when he competes at the Olympic Games in three weeks.

He had originally warned off clubs from making a move for him by insisting he wanted to stay in Brazil until the country hosts the World Cup in 2014.

But the 15-capped international has since completed a dramatic U-turn and now seems open to a transfer. He added: “You never know what can happen. I don’t have a crazy desire to leave but, when the time comes, I will speak with my family and decide what is best for my future.

“When I go on the internet I see Inter, Real Madrid and I don’t know who else, wanting to come for me with a truck load of money. “Of course I think about it, but I can’t let it go to my head. I’m very calm and down to earth about it.

"My job is to play football so that these clubs continue to be interested.” Inter president Massimo Moratti has confirmed the Serie A outfit are interested in signing Moura. When asked if he still hoped to seal a deal for the Brazilian, Moratti said: “Yes. I don’t know if it’s a hope or more a target to keep tabs on, considering the times we’re in.”

 

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Spain's Andres Iniesta caps Euro 2012 winning week with wedding

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Congratulations Iniesta...!

 

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Liverpool close to signing Roma forward Fabio Borini

Roma forward Fabio Borini is expected to become Brendan Rodgers' first signing as Liverpool manager.
The 21-year-old Italy international worked with Rodgers at the Chelsea academy and on loan at Swansea.
Talks between the parties are ongoing and although the deal has yet to be agreed, the potential fee is likely to be in the region of £8m.
On Monday Rodgers had stated that he was close to making an "exciting" signing.
"We hope to complete a deal this week which will be a real exciting one for the club," he said.

“We don't have a wheelbarrow load of money, there is not the money flying about people think there is”
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Brendan Rodgers Liverpool manager


"He will be terrific, I'm sure. And the supporters will absolutely love him.
"Going forward hopefully we can bring maybe two or three more and then with the group of players that I already have it'll bode really well for us and provide us hopefully with that strength in the group to challenge in every competition."
Rodgers has admired Borini since the Italian scored scored six goals in just nine Championship appearances while with Swansea towards the end of the 2010-11 season.
The former Parma forward has one international cap and was part of the Italy squad that finished runners-up at Euro 2012.

Fabio Borini - The killer

 

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Leonardo: Paris Saint-Germain will not sell Nene

Paris Saint-Germain sporting director Leonardo has revealed that the club has received no offers for Nene, and insisted that the Brazilian is not for sale.

The former Monaco player had been reported to be attracting interest from Istanbul giant Galatasaray, but the 42-year-old has now moved to dispel such rumors.

"We have not received a single offer. He is not for sale," the former Inter coach wrote in his column for L'Equipe.

Nene will be keen to stay with the Parisians, having recently voiced his belief that the club can challenge the best teams in Europe next season, expecting a strong run in the Champions League as well as winning Ligue 1.

The 30-year-old is fresh from his most prolific season to date at Parc des Princes last season, netting 21 league goals in 35 appearances that saw him finish joint-top of the Ligue 1 scoring charts, alongside Olivier Giroud.

 

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Chelsea captain Terry 'not prepared to be called a racist'


Chelsea captain John Terry has refuted claims that he is in any way racist as the trial over whether or not he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand continues.

The 31-year-old is being tried over comments he is alleged to have made last October during the Blues' 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road, though Terry denies the racially-aggravated public order offense.

The court heard an interview which was recorded a week after the match, between the former England skipper and FA investigator Jennifer Kennedy, on Tuesday.

"I have been called a lot of things in my football career on and off the pitch, but being called a racist I am not prepared to take," Terry had said on tape. "That's why I came out and made my statement immediately."

He added, "I am not having Anton thinking that about me or anyone else. That's not my character at all."

The decision to prosecute Terry came about because the police received a complaint from a member of the public after the west London derby match.

Ferdinand has told the court he had not originally believed Terry had said anything racially abusive, but that his girlfriend showed him a video uploaded onto YouTube of the Chelsea defender midgame which changed his mind.

Terry denies any guilt of the summary offense, but if convicted would face a maximum punishment of a 2,500 pounds fine.
The trial continues.

 

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Roma confirms Liverpool bid for Borini

Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has admitted that the club are currently considering a bid from Liverpool for forward Fabio Borini.

It has been speculated that the proposed transfer could go through before the end of week but Sabatini explained that Roma has yet to make a decision on the forward's future.

"There is real interest in the player," he told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday. "We are evaluating the offer with [general manager Franco] Baldini."

Sabatini went on to admit that Roma is giving serious thought to parting company with the player, who netted nine times in 24 Serie A appearances last season.

"It's an option that we have," the 57-year-old mused. "We'll see how we work it."

Borini, who was included in the Azzurri's Euro 2012 squad, spent four years at Chelsea but joined Parma last summer after a successful loan spell at Swansea, where he worked under new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

 

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Luuk De Jong: I only want to go to Gladbach

Luuk de Jong has revealed he is dreaming of a move to Borussia Monchengladbach this summer, and that he has made his feelings perfectly clear to the Twente hierarchy.

The German outfit lost star striker Marco Reus to Borussia Dortmund this summer, and has long been linked with a move for the 21-year-old, as have Newcastle United.

De Jong has now revealed that the Bundesliga is his destination of choice, having had a series of conversations with Gladbach coach Lucien Favre.

"I have spoken to Favre several times," he told Bild. "We talked about how he wanted me to play. I'm sure his philosophy fits perfectly with the fast game that suits me.

"I've told Twente that I only want to go to Gladbach. Borussia are playing in the qualifying round of the Champions League, and it's best for me to take the next step in my career. The Bundesliga is one of the best leagues in Europe. I need to go there in order to take the next step with the [Dutch] national team."

Meanwhile, the Netherlands international has also revealed his frustration at being kept at Twente, stating that he had expected to have left the club by this point in the summer.

"I had hoped not to be here any more. Moreover, I did not want to say anything about it," he told De Telegraaf. "Everyone has read everything, so it seems to me that my point is clear.http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2...te-president-munsterman-dismayed-over-luuk-de

"I hope to get fit. That's why I'm here. I lost two kilos when I had my tonsils taken out, and you can really notice that."

De Jong scored 25 times in 33 Eredivisie appearances last season and was selected to take part in Oranje's Euro 2012 campaign, but failed to make an appearance.

 

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Seedorf: I want to be an example at Botafogo

Clarence Seedorf has stated his intention to act as a role model at new club Botafogo, and wants to aid in a charge for the Brasileiro title.

"I am just one of 11 players. I'm not alone. I want to be an example for them and I am convinced that I can add extra value to the team," Seedorf told Dutch publication NuSport.

After completing a protracted transfer from AC Milan, the 36-year-old was officially presented to the fans of the Rio de Janeiro club before their 3-0 win over Bahia on Saturday, and he stated his desire to help improve the team.

"I want to be competitive at the highest level. I hope I can contribute to the dream they have here at Botafogo to be national champions for the first time since 1995," Seedorf said.

"It will not be easy. We will need a little luck and will have to work hard."

Huge numbers turned out at Rio's Galeao airport to welcome Seedorf to Brazil, and he revealed his delight at the gesture and his pleasure at continuing to play in a country that he has an affinity with.

"When I was 10 years old I cried when Brazil were eliminated in the 1986 World Cup," he said. "This is a very nice moment in my career. To play in a country where so many great players come from.

"They told me the fans would be there [the airport] when I arrived on Friday. But it was a surprise. A very nice welcome."

 

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Cahill back in training at Chelsea following fractured jaw

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill is back in training with Stamford Bridge club after suffering a double-jaw fracture prior to Euro 2012, according to The Sun.

Cahill suffered the injury in an England friendly, as he collided with goalkeeper Joe Hart following a push by Belgium attacker Dries Mertens.

The defender was still hoping to partner Blues teammate John Terry at Euro 2012 in the center of defense, but was ruled out following scans that revealed the severity of his injury.

After winning the Champions League and FA Cup in his first season with Chelsea, missing the European Championship was a blow for the 26-year-old, but the England international will now look ahead to a new season with the Premier League side.

The former Bolton player returned for preseason training ahead of the Blues' tour of the United States, where they will face the Seattle Sounders, Paris Saint-Germain, an MLS All-Stars team, and AC Milan, before heading back to the UK for a friendly against Brighton before the season opener against Manchester City in the Community Shield.

 

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Del Bosque: I told Alba that he was the best full back at the Euros, and he looked at me funny

Vicente del Bosque has revealed that Jordi Alba was left dumbfounded when told by the Spain coach that he would be the best full back at the European Championship.

The former Valencia defender played a key role in his nation's successful defense of their continental crown - scoring the second goal in La Roja's 4-0 final win over Italy - and won a move to Barcelona shortly after.

And while Del Bosque was never in doubt of the 23-year-old's ability, the player was uncomfortable with the praise being lavished upon him by his coach.

"I told Alba that he would be the best full-back at the Euros, and he looked at me as if to say: 'What are you talking about?'" he said in an interview with Punto Pelota.

The former Real Madrid coach went on to speak about the supposed rivalry between the Blancos and Barca players inside the national squad, and insisted that everybody is united.

"In our midfield we have many Barca boys. There is no division between Barcelona and Madrid. This is Spain."

La Roja played much of the tournament using the 'false nine' system, with Cesc Fabregas playing as the focal point of the attack but dropping deep to create space behind him, due in part to David Villa's absence due to a broken leg.

However, Del Bosque does not believe he would have steered clear of the tactic, even if the 30-year-old was available for selection.

"Villa is used to playing on the left, rather than in the centre. In the tournament, it depended on the match, on whether we wanted a reference point up front, or a man who links up better, like Fabregas."

The 61-year-old also praised Jose Mourinho's coaching abilities, but conceded that he saw himself as a very different person to the current Madrid coach.

"I like him as a coach, but I don't see myself in his role. And I imagine he doesn't see himself in mine."

When asked whether he wanted to predict a who would be named the year's best player, the former Besiktas boss stated that he did not see the award as a matter of importance.

"I do not like the Ballon d'Or. It's a marketing thing. Our boys are good players and nice people," Del Bosque said.

"If they gave [the award for best coach] to me, I would accept it because I don't want to upset FIFA."

 

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Elia completes move to Werder Bremen from Juventus

The 5.5 million euro transfer of Eljero Elia from Serie A champion Juventus to Werder Bremen has been confirmed by the two clubs.

The 25-year-old Dutchman has struggled to make an impact on Antonio Conte's first team since moving to Turin from Hamburg last summer, and had long been linked with a return to the Bundesliga.

"I actually had several offers from England and from the Bundesliga," Elia told Bremen's official website. "However, I settled on Werder because I have very good feelings here.

"Werder are an offensive team and that will suit me. The Bundesliga is one of the strongest leagues and I'm looking forward to the season. The teams are more attacking here and my strengths will be better suited. It was difficult in Italy, where the teams are very concerned about a stable defense."


Bremen confirmed over the weekend that Elia had successfully undergone medical checks, but the transfer was put on hold due to a contractual issue with Juve.

However, the Bianconeri and the player have now come to an agreement, and Elia has moved to the Weserstadion in a deal that will be paid over a two-year period.

ADO Den Haag, Elia's first club, will receive around 300,000 euros for its part in nurturing the Netherlands international's talent. He also represented Twente in his homeland.

Werder Bremen has also brought in Theodor Gebre Selassie and Nils Petersen this summer.

 

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Luuk De Jong: I had hoped not to be here

Luuk de Jong has revealed his frustration at being kept at Twente, stating that he had expected to be at another club by this point in the summer.

The striker has previously hit out at his current employers following interest from Newcastle United and Borussia Monchengladbach, branding the Tukkers' negotiation strategy "indecent"after they stalled negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit.

Twente had reportedly been willing to accept a 14 million euro offer if De Jong was willing to waive his right to 20 percent of the fee, but the club reneged when the 21-year-old agreed to the clause.

"I had hoped not to be here any more. Moreover, I did not want to say anything about it," De Jong told De Telegraaf.

"Everyone has read everything, so it seems to me that my point is clear."

Both coach Steve McClaren and president Joop Munsterman had made their feelings about the situation known on Monday, and the Netherlands international is, for now, focusing on a return to fitness ahead of the new season.

"I hope to get fit. That's why I'm here. I lost two kilos when I had my tonsils taken out, and you can really notice that."

De Jong scored 25 times in 33 Eredivisie appearances last season and was selected to take part in Oranje's Euro 2012 campaign, but failed to make an appearance.

 

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Verratti will sign for Paris Saint-Germain, says agent

Marco Verratti's agent has revealed that the Pescara starlet has agreed to join Paris Saint-Germain, meaning the midfielder's proposed move to the Parc des Princes could now be completed by the end of the week.

The Delfini has reportedly accepted a bid of approximately 13 million euros for the 19-year-old regista, who had repeatedly stated that his preference was to remain at the Stadio Adriatico for another season before moving to Juventus.

However, with the Bianconeri having refused to increase their bid for his services, Verratti has, according to agent Donato Di Campli, decided to join PSG.

"Right now I am on my honeymoon, having got married on Friday," the player's representative explained. "But we can say that the signing should come early next week or by the end of this one [by July 15].

"Anyway, the guy is willing to say 'yes' to PSG."

Verratti, who is being touted as 'the new Andrea Pirlo', played a key role in Pescara's promotion-winning campaign in Serie B last season and was included in Italy's provisional squad for Euro 2012.

 

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Nicolas Anelka says he will play out his career at Shanghai Shenhua

Former Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka has refuted rumors linking him with a return to England and has declared he will retire at current club Shanghai Shenhua.

The 33-year-old, who has recently been linked with Premier League duo QPR and West Ham, has had an indifferent time in China since joining Shanghai on a two-year deal last December.

Anelka has only scored two goals for struggling Shenhua, while battling injury and leadership instability - having been given a coaching role following Jean Tigana's sacking before it was handed to Sergio Batista shortly after - as well as a spat with a fan last week.

However, Anelka dispelled rumors of his departure from China when he told the Oriental Sports Daily he was committed to the club for the rest of his playing career and excited by the imminent arrival of former Chelsea teammate Didier Drogba.

"I won't go back to the Premier League. If one day I leave Shenhua, it will be the day I retire," Anelka said.

"I will never go back, although I had a good time there. But now I'm in Shenhua and this is my own decision."

Drogba, who signed with Shenhua late last month, is expected to arrive in Shanghai on Friday or Saturday and Anelka said he would be boosted by the Ivorian's presence as the under-performing club try to move up the table.

"I am waiting for him," Anelka said. "There were a lot of games when I was alone in front, I would think if Didier was here the situation would be better. I could pass him the ball."

Shenhua is currently 13th in the Chinese Super League, one point above the drop zone, having managed only three wins and 13 goals in 16 games this term.

However, Anelka was optimistic with Drogba alongside him, Shenhua can avoid relegation and move well up the table.

"Although we're now at the bottom of the league, the gap with other teams is not big and we can climb up after even winning two games," Anelka said.

"I am not worried about relegation. I only think if we can have a better ranking."

 

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Liverpool close to signing Clint Dempsey

According to reports out of England, U.S. national team star Clint Dempsey could be making his home on Merseyside during the 2012-13 season and beyond.

Dempsey has long maintained he wishes to play for a Champions League club, and has reportedly made it clear he will not sign a new contract with current side Fulham. With his deal set to expire after the upcoming season, several big sides across Europe have been on high alert.

The Daily Mirror says that new Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers wants to snap Dempsey up this week, and hopes to lure him to Anfield with a 7.5 million pound bid, despite the fact the Reds will only be playing in the Europa League next season.

Rodgers reportedly wants to have Dempsey on board when Liverpool begins its three-match North American tour, which kicks off on July 21 in Toronto versus Toronto FC. The Reds will also face Roma at Fenway Park in Boston, and Tottenham in Baltimore.

According to the Daily Mail, Rodgers said an 'exciting' deal could be completed in the next few days, though he did not mention one player specifically.

 

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Hulk: I have nothing to prove to Romario

Porto striker Hulk has sought to put an end to the debate about his inclusion in Brazil's Olympic squad by claiming he has "nothing to prove".

Selecao legend Romario last week criticized Mano Menezes' 18-man party for the tournament, as he felt that using one of the places for a player over 23 years of age was a mistake.

In his initial reaction to those comments, Hulk demanded respect from Romario, but in a second response to the former striker, he has now declared that his quality is well documented.

"Everyone has their own opinion," he told reporters. "I admire Romario a lot, he was my idol together with Ronaldo, but I do not have anything to prove to anyone. What I have to do is play football.

"This is the first time that I join up with the national team in Brazil. I am happy. The fans' support is impressive. I am ready to help."

Brazil will take on Egypt, Belarus and New Zealand at the Olympics, with its first match scheduled for July 26, against the North African side.

 

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Rodgers hints Carroll could leave Liverpool on loan

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has indicated that record signing Andy Carroll could leave Anfield on loan this summer.

The former Swansea City boss has stated that he will use the club's preseason tour to analyse the 35 million pound striker before he makes any decision. The 23-year-old target man, who is currently on holiday after playing for England at Euro 2012, is one of many players who will have to fight for his place under Rodgers.

When asked if Carroll could leave on loan, the Ulsterman told reporters: "It’s something I would have to look at, I have to be honest. Is it going to be beneficial for the club, that’s the most important thing? Sometimes a player going out on loan — in general, not just Andy — can benefit the club in the long term.

"It gets them game experience, and they come back a better player, a more confident one. Certainly more so than if they’ve been sitting on the bench for the majority of the season.

"He's a good player, Andy. He'll always be linked whether he's here or not.

"I've spoken to him on his holiday, he's a very good young player but I haven't heard anything. It's a bit broken this year because of the European Championships but it'll just be a case of building a squad that can compete."

Rodgers conceded that he was assessing the merits of every player in the squad, but hinted that Carroll may currently lack the right mentality to feature regularly for the Anfield side.

"Time will tell for him and all the players whether they are in my plans, but my job is to assess that. Like every player, there are certain styles and systems which will allow them to flourish," he said. "He’s no different to any player we have here, they might have all the attributes but not the mentality to play. He’s a good kid, a good lad, so we will just see how the formation of the group shapes up.

"We’ll have a look over the summer and go from there."

 

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Luca Toni offered to Malaga

The agent of former Italy international Luca Toni has offered the forward's services to Malaga, Goal.com has learned.

The 35-year-old has been linked with a return to Europe after failing to impress in the UAE with Al Nasr, which is believed to be close to releasing the striker.

Malaga is currently on the lookout for a new man to lead the line following the retirement of Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Toni is one of the options for the cash-rich Spanish club.

"We are looking at several options for the attack, and there have been a lot of cases of players being offered to us," a Malaga source told Goal.com. "We are working calmly because we do not want to make a wrong decision."

Toni, who was part of the Azzurri's title-winning squad at the 2006 World Cup, signed for Al Nasr in January after leaving Juventus.