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    Klopp vows to stand by youth at Dortmund

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    Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has highlighted the importance of the club's decision to bet on young homegrown talent.

    The Bundesliga champion had four players in the Mannschaftparty at the European Championship in Poland and Ukraine, with new signing Marco Reus also part of Joachim Low's plans.

    Julian Schieber, Leonardo Bittencourt and Oliver Kirch have also joined Dortmund's ranks this summer, boosting the German contingent in the squad to 73.3 percent.

    When asked to compare his team with Bayern Munich, in which 57.7 percent of the players hail from Germany, Klopp disputed the notion that the Allianz Arena outfit is a feeder club for the national team.

    "[Bayern president] Uli Hoeness once wanted to tie down Ilkay Gundogan," Klopp told Bild. "He thought Ilkay could develop as well he did with us. In Munich he would have already been broken.

    "We are committed to having young players for our first and second teams. We do not lose track of our future needs."

    Klopp also backed recent arrival Schieber, who cost Dortmund 5.5 million euros from Stuttgart, to become the side's next player to break into Germany's senior team.

    "Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose. Who is next? Julian is certainly a candidate in the coming years," the trainer added.

    "He scored seven goals at Nurnberg last season, including two against us!"
     

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    Adriano is happy at Barcelona and will stay with the club, says agent

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    The agent of Barcelona's Adriano revealed that the 27-year-old will not leave the club, putting an end to speculation regarding his future.

    The versatile Brazilian started just 13 games last season, and it was believed that he could be headed for the exit door in the summer. However, Adriano's representative Paolo Alfonso moved quickly to dismiss that notion and revealed that negotiations over an extension will soon commence.

    "Adriano is very happy at Barca and will continue there next season. It was very difficult for him to finally arrive at this club and he will continue here. Furthermore, the relationship with the board is great," the agent told Radio COM. "As is normal for a player with two years on his contract, Adriano will be negotiating a renewal. But there is no hurry."

    "Right now, the player is on vacation and I will be with him in a few days."

    Adriano joined Barcelona from Sevilla in the summer of 2010.
     

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    Villas-Boas: I am absolutely counting on Van der Vaart

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    Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas insists that Rafael van der Vaart is a key part of his plans for the coming Premier League season.

    Questions had been raised over whether the playmaker would fit into the new manager's system, with the Portuguese having made attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson his first signing after taking charge. The Netherlands international has been strongly linked with a move to former club Hamburg but, with Luka Modric seemingly edging closer to an exit, the 34-year-old says he wants to keep Van der Vaart.

    “With Van der Vaart, at the moment I am absolutely counting on him,” Villas-Boas told The Sunday Telegraph. “It's a totally different situation from Luka, who has been chased by different clubs in the past two seasons and is continuing to drag interest.

    “We have to make sure the club's interests are met, and it's up to the chairman to decide that.”

    Tottenham finished fourth twice during former boss Harry Redknapp's reign and the Englishman insisted that the club should go on to challenge for the title under his successor. And Villas-Boas' says he is using the 65-year-old's words as motivation for his players, even though he says chairman Daniel Levy has not made such demands.

    "Harry said last year that Tottenham could go on to win the title, and we have to take that on if we want to go forward as a club," the ex-Porto boss continued. "That is basically the challenge I have put to the players, although it is not a challenge the chairman has put on to me.

    "But the chairman wants continual success and that can only happen when you put trophies in your cabinet and hopefully we can do that.

    "The club must be in the top four, and for us to bridge the gap to the title is a tremendous step, but it is one that the club is willing to make based on what Harry built from last year. Treating other competitions in another way is another thing I want to do and have told the players that."

    Villas-Boas' also went on to express his belief that he can be a success at White Hart Lane, despite following the widely popular Redknapp.

    "A good start is always very important," he added. "The departure of Harry might leave some fans reluctant, as always happens when you have managerial changes, because people [managers] create empathy and success.

    "This club recognised Harry's success, but eventually decided to make changes and I was appointed. I want to make sure we move forwards rather than look backwards, and winning games is the best way to win over the fans."
     

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    Ancelotti wants Sakho to stay at Paris Saint-Germain despite Thiago Silva's arrival

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    Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti wants Mamadou Sakho to stay with the club, despite the arrival of Thiago Silva.

    The Brazil international completed his move to the French capital earlier on Saturday for a reported fee of 42 million euros.

    Sakho, who featured sporadically for PSG since Ancelotti took over the team, has threatened in the past to leave the club, should another defender arrive at Parc des Princes.

    The coach, however, has moved quickly to dismiss the notion that the France international is surplus to requirements, and stated that he would like to see the center back remain in Paris.

    "With [Thiago] Silva and Alex, we have good central defenders and I will choose the best possible option for each game. I will not forget the other defenders who train hard," Ancelotti told AFP.

    "I will not talk about a player who leaves the club in a stand-off. Sakho may request to move, but our decision is that we want him to stay."

    The coach then took time to praise the new arrival, saying that Thiago Silva will make a big impact at the club.

    "He is a fantastic player. Everyone knows he is one of the best defenders in the world. I'm very happy. It will improve the quality of the team. The club has done a fantastic job. It was not easy to take a player like him."

    Thiago Silva will join his new club in late August after the Olympics in London, where he will represent Brazil.
     

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    Gary Neville not expecting Manchester City domination

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    Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes that Manchester City will struggle to match the era of success enjoyed by his former club.

    City snatched the title from Sir Alex Ferguson's men in dramatic fashion in May, with Sergio Aguero scoring an injury-time winner against QPR to hand Roberto Mancini's men first place on goal difference. However, despite witnessing City's first league championship win since 1968, Neville thinks it will be difficult for the Etihad Stadium outfit to repeat the triumph on a frequent basis.

    "Very rarely does a team run away with it," he told BBC Sport. "It's a tough league to win and the idea that a team will go on and dominate, it's too early to start speculating about that.

    "Manchester United have done it through the '90s and last 10 years, Liverpool did it in the 1970s and 1980s. It's very difficult to dominate over 15 to 20 years. We will see what happens next year. The easiest thing to say, and I've heard it a lot of times before, is that City will dominate.

    "If City had lost the league on the last day people would have been saying United would dominate. It happens every year, the sort of up and down reaction we get. The reality is that there will always be a challenge to whoever will be champions."

    Neville also expressed his belief that his former club will bounce back strongly next season, as it seeks to reclaim the title.

    "I think Manchester United will be up there again. I don't think anyone is kidding themselves over that," he added. "[Sir Alex Ferguson] being there obviously helps because he knows full well what it's been like to succeed, but also what failure has tasted like in this last 20 years - you can't win the league every year.

    "The group of players that are there are also experienced and have been round the block, so they know it is [about] fine lines - you can't win every single game all the time and you will have disappointments.

    "It's how you respond to that. All clubs have aspirations and Manchester United are no different. You realize that you are competing with other clubs and you can't be arrogant about that."
     

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    'I need to show what I can do' - Manchester United's injury-hit Anderson

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    Anderson is concentrating on making an impact at Manchester United in the Premier League this season after injuries have hindered his career in England so far.

    The 24-year-old had a promising start to his time with the Red Devils, converting a penalty in the 2008 Champions League final shoot-out victory over Chelsea as well as featuring in the World Club Cup final that followed.

    However, the Brazilian suffered ruptured ligaments in his knee in 2010, forcing him out of action for six months, and although he returned to the team towards the end of that title winning season, injury once again limited his involvement last term, making just 16 appearances due to his troublesome knee.

    Despite United running low on central midfield cover, with Paul Scholes having to be re-called mid-way though the last campaign, reports have linked the former Porto man away from Old Trafford.

    Anderson is keen to prove his worth to the manager though, insisting he is ready to work hard and help bring success to the club that has shown belief in him, while blaming his past injuries on misfortune.

    "For me, this season is very important," he told the Manchester Evening News. "I know I have to be very focused on my football. I'll still have a laugh and a joke with my teammates, but I know I must be really focused.

    "I want to show what I can do this season, produce my best and help the team. I need to prove what I can do. I know the boss and my teammates believe in me, I've just had bad luck.

    "I want to improve as much as I can and help the team win trophies. I feel good. I had a nice holiday and I've had no problem with my leg.

    "I started last season with no problems but then I started to feel my knee a bit. It's just one of those things, some players have injuries and others don't."
     

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    Podolski hopeful Van Persie will stay at Arsenal

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    New Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski is hopeful that Robin van Persie will stay at the Gunners, despite stating he would not sign a new contract to remain at the Emirates.


    The German striker joined Arsene Wenger's side this summer from Koln in a 10 million pounds deal after spending three seasons in his second spell at his hometown club.

    Podolski feels it would be great to play alongside the Dutchman, but admitted he has no say in the matter of whether the skipper decides to leave the club.

    "All I can say is Van Persie had an amazing record last season and hopefully there is a way he can stay with Arsenal. It would be great to play with him, but obviously this is not in my control," Podolski told ESPN.The 27-year-old believes criticism that has come the way of Wenger is incredibly harsh considering his record with the Gunners, and feels the Frenchman is under-appreciated.

    Podolski explained: "He has a record getting Arsenal into the Champions League every season and his reputation in Germany and all over Europe is very strong. What I like about him is his passion for attacking football. He aims to play with style and flair all the time.

    "Those are his principles and he'll never compromise on them. Some people are disappointed with him, but they need to realise what a great coach they have.

    "Mr Wenger could have moved on to another club, I am sure, but instead chose to stay and build something over the long term. He lives and dies by his own ideas and Arsenal is his baby.
    "His reputation has been built on improving players and if he can help me take my game up a notch or two I'll be delighted. Back home in Germany, football people think very highly of Arsene Wenger. They listen to what he has to say and admire his achievements."

    The striker is determined to end the Gunners' seven-year trophy drought but Podolski also feels the players need to perform better in the Premier League than they have in previous seasons as he thinks Champions League qualification is the least they should aim form.

    He continued: "We have to try and achieve both. Arsenal have a quality squad and they should not aim to finish behind the rest or just settle for top four. Champions League football is the minimum requirement at Arsenal, but we should aim higher.

    "For me, we have as good a chance as anyone in the Premier League. The key will be to start well and, unlike Manchester City or United, there will not be as much pressure on us."The German international admitted it was a difficult decision to leave Koln but felt it was the right time in his career to do so although he has not ruled out a return to his former club in the future.

    "Koln are the club of my heart. How could it be any other way when I've spent 14 years of my life there. They will always be special to me and it was a real wrench to tear myself away," Podolski said.

    "Hopefully one day I'll return, but I just felt that, at the age of 27, I'd come to a crossroads in my career. The time was right for something new.

    "With all respect to Koln, they couldn't offer me the Champions League and I wanted to test myself again at a top European club. Arsenal fit the bill in every way."
     

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    Messi: My Barcelona teammates thought I was dumb when we played at La Masia

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    Lionel Messi has revealed that his teammates in Barcelona's La Masia youth set-up thought he was dumb.

    The Barca forward scored a record 73 goals in 60 appearances in a stellar 2011-12 season as the club won four trophies, but his ability on the pitch was questioned early on in his career by his teammates.

    "Cesc Fabregas told me that when I was little, I dressed in silence and they thought I was dumb," the 25-year-old told Hungarian magazine Kepes Sport.

    "Now I am more open, and not so shy in the locker room as it was before in La Masia."

    The Argentine international, who admitted that he did not watch any Euro 2012 matches, also revealed his pleasure at recent comments made by Brazilian wonderkid Neymar, who labelled the Barcelona forward as "the best in the world".

    "I am very grateful for the comments of Neymar about me. It is always nice when it comes from another player," he continued.

    Messi will start pre-season training with the Blaugranaon Monday, ahead of the first friendly against Hamburg on July 24.
     

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    Demba Ba slams speculation that he will leave Newcastle

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    Demba Ba has slammed talk that he may quit Newcastle United this summer, following renewed speculation about his future.

    Ba appears to be edging towards committing his future to the club after rumors had linked him with a possible move to Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur or Turkish giant Galatasaray.

    A release clause in his contract of just 7 million pounds is still active until July 31, but speaking after Newcastle's shock 1-0 defeat to Chemnitzer FC on Friday night, Ba told the Evening Chronicle: “What can I say? They [the Magpies fans] see me on the pitch in a Newcastle shirt – that’s my message to them. “In the papers there’s been a lot of c**p!“Like I said I said on Twitter, it’s just rumors. People talk, but what I can say is that none of the teams that have been talked about have approached me. I’m still a Newcastle United player.”

    Ba enjoyed a stunning start to last season, and despite a loss of form in the latter half of the campaign, owing perhaps to his strike partner Papiss Cisse's sensational form, he still ended up as the club's 16-goal top scorer.

    The 27-year-old wants to carry on this form personally and collectively into next season and insists that he is loving life on Tyneside.

    He said: “Life is brilliant – I always have a smile on my face. That’s how I am.“Football is my job, but it’s also a lot of funhttp://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/ for me. If it wasn’t, I wouldn’t do it. I enjoy putting on a black and white shirt.

    “I don’t set targets, I just always try to do better than the season before. For the collective, it would be good if we could achieve something great.“Most important is being in the Europa League, and doing something great in that competition.“If we add a couple of players to the squad, then I think we’ll be OK.”

    Reflecting on Friday's surprise defeat in Germany, Ba didn't appear overly fussed and instead concentrated his thoughts towards competitive football next season.He added: “This season, if we can be around the places we were last season, it will be great.
     

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    Gary Neville: I don't want to be a manager

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    Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has stated that he has no intention of becoming a manager in the future, insisting that he is happy being a coach.

    Neville, who retired from playing professional football in January 2011, was a surprise appointment to England manager Roy Hodgson's backroom staff for this summer's European Championship after forging a career for himself as a pundit.

    Several of Neville's former teammates at Manchester United such as Roy Keane and Mark Hughes have gone on to become club managers, but Neville has dismissed the idea of following them into the job.

    "I have no aspiration to be a football manager. I want to do what I am doing and make as big an impact as I can," he told the Daily Mail.

    The 37-year-old impressed at Euro 2012, making a positive impact on the squad despite England going out at the quarterfinal stage, and he believes that this is only the beginning of a long learning curve in coaching.

    He added: "I really enjoyed it [Euro 2012]. Who would not enjoy being part of a tournament? It was an incredible experience for me.

    "But I am acutely aware it is only the very beginning. I am ambitious and young and I want to learn more."

    Neville is set to return to his role as a pundit in time for the new season, but will continue in his coaching role for England which faces a friendly with Italy on August 15.
     

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    Pescara demands 12 million euros for Paris Saint-Germain target Verratti

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    Pescara are willing to sanction Marco Verratti's transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, providing the French side pays 12 million euros for his services.

    After Juventus pulled out of the race to sign the Italy Under-21 international, Verratti has been strongly linked with a move to the Parc des Princes, but the fee appears to be somewhat of a stumbling block.

    Speaking on Saturday, Delfini president Daniele Sebastiani vowed that he will not accept anything less than his asking price as the newly-promoted side refuse to be held to ransom by PSG.

    "Paris Saint-Germain want Verratti, but we want 12 million euros," the supremo told reporters. "If PSG offer 11.9 million euros, we will not sell."

    The Parisians are also nearing a deal for AC Milan duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva for a combined 65 million euros, with agent Mino Raiola in Paris to discuss personal terms with sporting director Leonardo.
     

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    Roma close to signing Mattia Destro

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    Roma is advancing in its pursuit of Siena striker Mattia Destro, and is willing to spend 12 million euros in bringing the Italy Under-21 international to Stadio Olimpico, according to the Corriere dello Sport.

    Fabio Borini completed his 13.5 million euros move from the Stadio Olimpico to Liverpool on Friday, and the Giallorossi have already earmarked the former Inter man as a potential replacement for the 21-year-old.

    They have reportedly reached a deal with Genoa, who co-own the player, and sporting director Walter Sabatini is set to meet his agent Renzo Contratto later on Saturday to commence negotiations.

    Destro scored 12 goals in Serie A for Siena last season, is also being courted by Juventus, Inter and AC Milan, who have see him as a potential replacement for PSG-bound Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

    Genoa is reported to be willing to pay 6 million euros for 100 percent of Destro's ownership rights previously
     

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    Berbatov seeking exit

    :sorry:Berbatov seeking exit

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    Dimitar Berbatov has indicated his desire to leave Manchester United, claiming Sir Alex Ferguson has told him he can leave for £5 million.

    Berbatov, 31, became increasingly marginalised at Old Trafford last season, starting only three matches after the turn of the year; in total he made 12 league appearances, scoring seven goals.

    Berbatov has grown tired of being a bit-part player at Old Trafford, with Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck all ahead of him among United's striking options, and now he wants the club to stick to their promise of asking for no more than £5 million.

    "The truth is I love this club, but I am not going to be useful to anyone if I am not playing," Berbatov wrote on his Facebook page. "And I want to play, I want to help, but for unknown reasons it's not going to happen, or my chances will be limited, so it's better for everyone if we say goodbye.

    "If not, I am professional and I will keep doing everything I can to help my team and my team-mates, whenever I have opportunity to do so. I am tired of speculation. I read the papers and I see they say £10 million is my price. I go and talk with Sir Alex, and he says to me £5 million... So who is telling the truth, what do you think?"Ferguson last offered comment on Berbatov at the start of July, when he revealed he expects the forward to be among the travelling party for United's pre-season tour.

    "I don't think I treated Dimitar unfairly but he can feel disappointed that he didn't get more football," Ferguson told MUTV. "He's a fantastic footballer. It wasn't a great season for him last season, partly because I settled more with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck... and Chicharito [Hernandez].

    "He's a fantastic talent. Nothing has happened with Dimitar and he'll join the tour to South Africa and China."
     

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    Monawa £5 million?:eek::shocked::shocked::shocked:

    Anemanda Berba wa wadiya matches walata play Karanna dammeth nahane giya Season 1ke:(Anyway Berba giyoth mata Hithena hatiyatanam aniwa Striker kenekuth ganna wenawa,mokada Rooney ta hoda Partner kenek one:yes:Chicharito or Welbeck Ok ath Form 1ke inna Worldclass Striker kenek nathuwanam Team 1ka Complete naha:(:sorry:
     

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    Mascherano set to sign new Barcelona deal

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    Javier Mascherano is close to signing a new contract with Barcelona, Sport claims.

    The Argentina international has developed into an important first-team player at Camp Nou since his 22 million euro transfer from Liverpool in the summer of 2010, where he was originally drafted in as a midfield reinforcement following Yaya Toure's exit.

    However, he was frequently deployed as a center back in his second season at Barca, and it is now understood that he will commit his future to the club once he returns from holiday, having recently stated his willingness to extend his stay in Catalunya.

    The 28-year-old's agent, Walter Tamer, reportedly received positive signs from sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta during a first meeting in May, and was told that everything would be sorted out before the start of the new campaign.

    According to the publication, Mascherano will add two years onto his contract with the Blaugrana, which presently expires in 2014.
    :):):):):):cool::cool::cool::cool::cool:
     

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    Podolski hopeful Van Persie will stay at Arsenal

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    New Arsenal signing Lukas Podolski is hopeful that Robin van Persie will stay at the Gunners, despite stating he would not sign a new contract to remain at the Emirates.


    The German striker joined Arsene Wenger's side this summer from Koln in a 10 million pounds deal after spending three seasons in his second spell at his hometown club.

    Podolski feels it would be great to play alongside the Dutchman, but admitted he has no say in the matter of whether the skipper decides to leave the club.

    "All I can say is Van Persie had an amazing record last season and hopefully there is a way he can stay with Arsenal. It would be great to play with him, but obviously this is not in my control," Podolski told ESPN.The 27-year-old believes criticism that has come the way of Wenger is incredibly harsh considering his record with the Gunners, and feels the Frenchman is under-appreciated.

    Podolski explained: "He has a record getting Arsenal into the Champions League every season and his reputation in Germany and all over Europe is very strong. What I like about him is his passion for attacking football. He aims to play with style and flair all the time.

    "Those are his principles and he'll never compromise on them. Some people are disappointed with him, but they need to realise what a great coach they have.

    "Mr Wenger could have moved on to another club, I am sure, but instead chose to stay and build something over the long term. He lives and dies by his own ideas and Arsenal is his baby.
    "His reputation has been built on improving players and if he can help me take my game up a notch or two I'll be delighted. Back home in Germany, football people think very highly of Arsene Wenger. They listen to what he has to say and admire his achievements."

    The striker is determined to end the Gunners' seven-year trophy drought but Podolski also feels the players need to perform better in the Premier League than they have in previous seasons as he thinks Champions League qualification is the least they should aim form.

    He continued: "We have to try and achieve both. Arsenal have a quality squad and they should not aim to finish behind the rest or just settle for top four. Champions League football is the minimum requirement at Arsenal, but we should aim higher.

    "For me, we have as good a chance as anyone in the Premier League. The key will be to start well and, unlike Manchester City or United, there will not be as much pressure on us."The German international admitted it was a difficult decision to leave Koln but felt it was the right time in his career to do so although he has not ruled out a return to his former club in the future.

    "Koln are the club of my heart. How could it be any other way when I've spent 14 years of my life there. They will always be special to me and it was a real wrench to tear myself away," Podolski said.

    "Hopefully one day I'll return, but I just felt that, at the age of 27, I'd come to a crossroads in my career. The time was right for something new.

    "With all respect to Koln, they couldn't offer me the Champions League and I wanted to test myself again at a top European club. Arsenal fit the bill in every way."
    :yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes::yes:
     

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    'I need to show what I can do' - Manchester United's injury-hit Anderson

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    Anderson is concentrating on making an impact at Manchester United in the Premier League this season after injuries have hindered his career in England so far.

    The 24-year-old had a promising start to his time with the Red Devils, converting a penalty in the 2008 Champions League final shoot-out victory over Chelsea as well as featuring in the World Club Cup final that followed.

    However, the Brazilian suffered ruptured ligaments in his knee in 2010, forcing him out of action for six months, and although he returned to the team towards the end of that title winning season, injury once again limited his involvement last term, making just 16 appearances due to his troublesome knee.

    Despite United running low on central midfield cover, with Paul Scholes having to be re-called mid-way though the last campaign, reports have linked the former Porto man away from Old Trafford.

    Anderson is keen to prove his worth to the manager though, insisting he is ready to work hard and help bring success to the club that has shown belief in him, while blaming his past injuries on misfortune.

    "For me, this season is very important," he told the Manchester Evening News. "I know I have to be very focused on my football. I'll still have a laugh and a joke with my teammates, but I know I must be really focused.

    "I want to show what I can do this season, produce my best and help the team. I need to prove what I can do. I know the boss and my teammates believe in me, I've just had bad luck.

    "I want to improve as much as I can and help the team win trophies. I feel good. I had a nice holiday and I've had no problem with my leg.

    "I started last season with no problems but then I started to feel my knee a bit. It's just one of those things, some players have injuries and others don't."
     

    Wolverine GTR

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    Playing for England was never an option, says Team GB captain Giggs

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    Team GB captain Ryan Giggs has reiterated the option of representing England as a full international was never open to him.

    Giggs played for England Schoolboys before going on to represent Wales over 60 times in his illustrious career.

    But the Manchester United midfielder was never eligible at a senior level and has corrected those who believe he should have been an England player, rather than feature for his country of birth.

    "There was a lot of confusion about the situation because I played for England Schoolboys," he told the Team GB website. "Then, because of the problems England had on the left of midfield, people would say to me 'you should have chosen England.' But I was never able to choose England."

    While Giggs has been part of a dominant Manchester United side throughout his time at Old Trafford, the 38-year-old has never taken part in an international tournament with Wales, and is eagerly anticipating the opportunity at the London 2012 Olympics.

    "My career for my country has obviously been the total opposite to the one for my club," He added. "I've been so successful with United but not so with Wales. I would always watch the other lads, especially those ones I grew up with, go away on international tournaments and wish that I could do the same."
     

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    I would love to return to Benfica in the future, says Coentrao

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    The Portuguese international Fabio Coentrao has professed his love for his former club Benfica, and promised to return there before the end of his career.

    Coentrao left Benfica 12 months ago in a 30 million euro move to Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid, and has five years left to run on his six-year contract.

    The player's versatility made him a key figure for the Spanish giants last season, and he justified his hefty transfer fee with some fine performances over the course of the campaign, playing in a variety of different positions, including left back, right back, left midfield and center midfield.

    Still, it is clear where the player's allegiances lie following his interview with O Jogo.

    "Benfica is the club I love, the club of my heart.

    "I will come back while I am still fresh, not when I am just finishing my career," he added.

    In the same interview, Coentrao spoke of his belief that his former club would challenge for trophies this season. "We have great quality and this year will be that of Benfica. Reinforcements will arrive, and without a doubt that will help us to return to win the title," he explained.
     

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    Hamburg's Jarchow: We cannot finance a move for Van der Vaart

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    The Hamburg chairman Carl Edgar Jarchow has said his side will not make a move for Tottenham's Rafael Van der Vaart, despite pressure from the club's fans to secure the player.

    The Dutch international has been heavily linked with a transfer to his former club, after failing to hold down a regular starting place in the Tottenham lineup under Harry Redknapp towards the end of last season.

    Van der Vaart also suffered a disappointing European Championship with the Netherlands national team as he was confined to the bench for the majority of the tournament, despite scoring one of best goals in the competition in the group stages against Portugal.

    With a number of clubs reportedly interesting in securing the 29-year old's signature, Hamburg-based billionaire Klaus-Michael Kuhne called on the club's fans to help finance a move for the attacker, but Jarchow has come out and said that such a move is not possible.

    "We cannot finance a move for Rafael Van der Vaart."

    On Kuhne's intervention, Jarchow commented: "We as a board at Hamburg make our policy."

    "We will not accept that an investor intervenes," he then added.

    Jarchow's quotes suggest that any chance of signing the Dutchman is now gone, especially after the new Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas made it clear that he would like the player to remain at White Hart Lane.

    Van der Vaart, who joined Tottenham from Real Madrid in 2010, has two years remaining on his four-year contract at the London club.
     
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