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Team GB 1-0 Uruguay: Sturridge sends hosts through as group winners to set up South Korea tie
Team GB has progressed to the knockout phase of the Olympics as Group A winners after a fairly comfortable 1-0 win over the disappointing Uruguay.
Stuart Pearce's men controlled much of the match before some late pressure from the South Americans and although there weren't many clear-cut chances in the first period, GB went into the break in the lead as Daniel Sturridge netted in stoppage time.
In a similar fashion to the first period, chances hardly flowed after halftime, but Sturridge almost got a second late on as he forced Martin Campana in the Uruguay goal to tip his effort round the post.The hosts started in positive fashion with Craig Bellamy getting plenty of involvement from the off, as the Welshman crossed in from the right, but Scott Sinclair’s back-post header was blocked at the critical stage.
GB continued to press the Uruguayans and some good work by Aaron Ramsey down the left won a corner from which Alexis Rolin was forced to clear just in front of the goal line after Steven Caulker beat Sebastian Coates in the air.
However, moments later Coates did triumph in the air and came close to giving his side the lead as the Liverpool man nodded Luis Suarez’s left-wing free-kick over the bar, but he should have at least hit the target.
Bellamy and Ramsey were having an impressive first-half and they linked up excellently down the right as the forward played a disguised pass inside to the Arsenal man who fizzed a smart ball across the penalty area, but it sailed through without anyone getting contact on it.
Coates was soon causing aerial problems once again for GB, connecting with Diego Rodriguez’s corner, heading it downwards towards goal before it bounced up and struck Joe Allen, leading to intense calls for a penalty, however replays showed the ball quite clearly hit the Swansea man in the chest.After imposing a significant amount of control over Uruguay, GB finally took the lead in first-half added time, and it was brilliantly worked.
Scott Sinclair cut inside before slipping an inch-perfect pass in behind the defense for Allen. The Wales international cut the ball back for himself and found Sturridge amidst a crowd of players in the area, but the Chelsea man was able to poke the ball into an open goal, allowing Stuart Pearce’s side to go into the break in the lead.
With just over a minute played in the second-half GB looked destined to double igs lead as Ramsey fantastically released Bellamy down the right, and Sinclair headed the 33-year-old’s cross back across goal to Sturridge who somehow knocked the ball onto the post from a yard out, however his blushes were spared as the linesman flagged for offside.
After a quiet opening 53 minutes, pantomime villain Suarez burst into life as he out-muscled Caulker, before breezing past Richards and running across Jack Butland, but his shot was smothered well by the 19-year-old goalkeeper and the hosts were able to clear as Uruguay threatened to come alive.
GB were still looking comfortable, however Uruguay attacked with promise again just past the hour mark as Suarez shot left-footed from the edge of the area, but Butland got down very well to his left, while the desperately poor Edinson Cavani smashed the rebound into the side-netting from a narrow angle.The hosts were straight back on the attack a few moments later and Neil Taylor’s curling left-footed strike from the corner of the penalty area almost snuck inside the far post, but it sailed narrowly wide.
With victory and three points in sight, GB began to sit back an unnecessary amount, inviting Uruguayan pressure and Suarez almost had a chance following a Gaston Ramirez knock down, but the Liverpool man was given a yellow card for catching the ball, yet amazingly he still had the audacity to contest the decision.
Uruguay’s newly-found attacking belief was testing GB’s defensive quality, with the South American side’s main threat coming from Coates and set-pieces, but the young defender first headed on to the back of Micah Richards’ head, and he then nodded wide.A brilliant solo run from Sturridge almost ended in the forward doubling his tally for the night as he marched on by himself from the halfway line before beating Rolin and shooting towards the far post, but Campana tipped it round his right-hand post.
Tabarez's men were continuously attempting to wind-up their hosts, and although they to hit the bar through Ramirez in stoppage time, they were unable to get the goals they needed and GB held on for the win.
Team GB has progressed to the knockout phase of the Olympics as Group A winners after a fairly comfortable 1-0 win over the disappointing Uruguay.
Stuart Pearce's men controlled much of the match before some late pressure from the South Americans and although there weren't many clear-cut chances in the first period, GB went into the break in the lead as Daniel Sturridge netted in stoppage time.
In a similar fashion to the first period, chances hardly flowed after halftime, but Sturridge almost got a second late on as he forced Martin Campana in the Uruguay goal to tip his effort round the post.The hosts started in positive fashion with Craig Bellamy getting plenty of involvement from the off, as the Welshman crossed in from the right, but Scott Sinclair’s back-post header was blocked at the critical stage.
GB continued to press the Uruguayans and some good work by Aaron Ramsey down the left won a corner from which Alexis Rolin was forced to clear just in front of the goal line after Steven Caulker beat Sebastian Coates in the air.
However, moments later Coates did triumph in the air and came close to giving his side the lead as the Liverpool man nodded Luis Suarez’s left-wing free-kick over the bar, but he should have at least hit the target.
Bellamy and Ramsey were having an impressive first-half and they linked up excellently down the right as the forward played a disguised pass inside to the Arsenal man who fizzed a smart ball across the penalty area, but it sailed through without anyone getting contact on it.
Coates was soon causing aerial problems once again for GB, connecting with Diego Rodriguez’s corner, heading it downwards towards goal before it bounced up and struck Joe Allen, leading to intense calls for a penalty, however replays showed the ball quite clearly hit the Swansea man in the chest.After imposing a significant amount of control over Uruguay, GB finally took the lead in first-half added time, and it was brilliantly worked.
Scott Sinclair cut inside before slipping an inch-perfect pass in behind the defense for Allen. The Wales international cut the ball back for himself and found Sturridge amidst a crowd of players in the area, but the Chelsea man was able to poke the ball into an open goal, allowing Stuart Pearce’s side to go into the break in the lead.
With just over a minute played in the second-half GB looked destined to double igs lead as Ramsey fantastically released Bellamy down the right, and Sinclair headed the 33-year-old’s cross back across goal to Sturridge who somehow knocked the ball onto the post from a yard out, however his blushes were spared as the linesman flagged for offside.
After a quiet opening 53 minutes, pantomime villain Suarez burst into life as he out-muscled Caulker, before breezing past Richards and running across Jack Butland, but his shot was smothered well by the 19-year-old goalkeeper and the hosts were able to clear as Uruguay threatened to come alive.
GB were still looking comfortable, however Uruguay attacked with promise again just past the hour mark as Suarez shot left-footed from the edge of the area, but Butland got down very well to his left, while the desperately poor Edinson Cavani smashed the rebound into the side-netting from a narrow angle.The hosts were straight back on the attack a few moments later and Neil Taylor’s curling left-footed strike from the corner of the penalty area almost snuck inside the far post, but it sailed narrowly wide.
With victory and three points in sight, GB began to sit back an unnecessary amount, inviting Uruguayan pressure and Suarez almost had a chance following a Gaston Ramirez knock down, but the Liverpool man was given a yellow card for catching the ball, yet amazingly he still had the audacity to contest the decision.
Uruguay’s newly-found attacking belief was testing GB’s defensive quality, with the South American side’s main threat coming from Coates and set-pieces, but the young defender first headed on to the back of Micah Richards’ head, and he then nodded wide.A brilliant solo run from Sturridge almost ended in the forward doubling his tally for the night as he marched on by himself from the halfway line before beating Rolin and shooting towards the far post, but Campana tipped it round his right-hand post.
Tabarez's men were continuously attempting to wind-up their hosts, and although they to hit the bar through Ramirez in stoppage time, they were unable to get the goals they needed and GB held on for the win.
Senegal 1-1 UAE: Konate nets fourth goal of Olympics as Diouf's side reaches the quarters
COVENTRY, England -- Moussa Konate scored his fourth goal of the Olympic Games to rescue a 1-1 draw for Senegal against the United Arab Emirates and set up a meeting with Mexico in the quarter-final.
Konate's header shortly after half-time ensured that Senegal finished the group stage on five points, with Uruguay's defeat against Great Britain meaning that they would have been sent through to the next round regardless of the result at the City of Coventry Stadium.
Ismaeil Matar opened the scoring against the run of play in the first half with a delicate chip but Mahdi Redha's team could not hold out for their first win at the Games meaning the UAE finished the tournament bottom of Group A with two points having also drawn with Uruguay.
Konate was selected to lead the line for Senegal, with Magaye Gueye joining the attack on the left flank as Pape Souare reverted to left-back. Kara Mbodji replaced the suspended Abdoulaye Ba.
The UAE, meanwhile, replaced Abdulaziz Hussain with Mohamed Fawzi at right-back, while Khalid Eisa came in for Ali Khaseif in goal.
After a muted start, Konate found some space for the first time on the left-hand side. The striker skipped past Fawzi's challenge and fired a tantalizing cross into the six-yard box but Hamdan Al Kamali did well to clear with his head.
Souare showed off his potent left boot by first curling in a low cross that just evaded Konate at the back post before delivering a similarly dangerous ball that Cheikhou Kouyate could only head wide after a flick-on by Papa Gueye.
Just as the African side seemed to be cranking up the pressure, the UAE advanced up the pitch and stunned their opponents by opening the scoring.
Rashed Eisa got away from right-back Zargo Toure on the left and drove into the box before cutting back and sliding a pass into the path of Matar. The captain kept his cool despite the onrushing presence of Ousmane Mane, gently dinking the ball over the goalkeeper to give his country the lead.
Senegal remained well on top but still the breakthrough eluded them. Konate was again denied a tap-in when Al Kamali intercepted a low cross from the right, while Toure, who, like Souare, adventured forward from full-back whenever the opportunity presented itself, had a goal-bound shot blocked.
Stephane Badji's powerful effort from 25 yards took a deflection and required a good save from Khalid Eisa as the UAE preserved their lead until half-time.
Abdoukarime Diouf introduced Ibrahima Balde at the break, with Magaye Gueye making way and Konate subsequently shifting to the right flank.
The change paid off immediately. Souare, turning in a fine display at full-back, received a pass in space high up the field and ignored Balde's run to the near post to pick out the entirely unmarked Konate, who made no mistake with his header from six yards.
Senegal promptly set about adding a second, and came agonizingly close three times in quick succession. Ismaeel made a vital interception to stop Konate converting Sadio Mane's cross before the Maccabi Tel Aviv striker was played in by Balde but denied by Khalid Eisa.
Badji tried his luck once more from range and seemed to surprise the goalkeeper, who was late in dropping to his left to keep the shot out but did so in the nick of time.
As they sensed that their opponents might be there for the taking, though, the Lions lost all patience in their build-up play and were guilty of attempting too many difficult through balls, slowing down their momentum. Chances for the UAE remained few and far between, however, with Omar Abdulrahman thumping one shot well over.
Two headers that missed the target aside, Senegal grew increasingly frustrated in their efforts to carve out a winning goal as the match wore on. Matar could have added a second after good play from substitutes Ismail Al Hammadi and Ali Mabkhoot but failed to keep his shot from the edge of the box down.
Souare's crosses from the left had been sublime but Toure provided arguably the best delivery of the match after 69 minutes, only to see both Balde and Konate fail to make a connection.
The UAE desperately appealed for a penalty when Omar Abdulrahman dodged Cheikhou Kouyate's foul around the edge of the penalty area before going over when challenged by Mbodji, but referee Svein Oddvar Moen elected to book the Al Ain midfielder for diving when it appeared contact had been made.
Mbodji had time to hit the post from a Souare corner before Senegal turned to the 6' 5" frame of Kalidou Yero in the closing stages.
Redha's team clung on for a second point, though, with Matar's selfless performance in attack earning loud applause upon his substitution for Habib Fardan late on.
COVENTRY, England -- Moussa Konate scored his fourth goal of the Olympic Games to rescue a 1-1 draw for Senegal against the United Arab Emirates and set up a meeting with Mexico in the quarter-final.
Konate's header shortly after half-time ensured that Senegal finished the group stage on five points, with Uruguay's defeat against Great Britain meaning that they would have been sent through to the next round regardless of the result at the City of Coventry Stadium.
Ismaeil Matar opened the scoring against the run of play in the first half with a delicate chip but Mahdi Redha's team could not hold out for their first win at the Games meaning the UAE finished the tournament bottom of Group A with two points having also drawn with Uruguay.
Konate was selected to lead the line for Senegal, with Magaye Gueye joining the attack on the left flank as Pape Souare reverted to left-back. Kara Mbodji replaced the suspended Abdoulaye Ba.
The UAE, meanwhile, replaced Abdulaziz Hussain with Mohamed Fawzi at right-back, while Khalid Eisa came in for Ali Khaseif in goal.
After a muted start, Konate found some space for the first time on the left-hand side. The striker skipped past Fawzi's challenge and fired a tantalizing cross into the six-yard box but Hamdan Al Kamali did well to clear with his head.
Souare showed off his potent left boot by first curling in a low cross that just evaded Konate at the back post before delivering a similarly dangerous ball that Cheikhou Kouyate could only head wide after a flick-on by Papa Gueye.
Just as the African side seemed to be cranking up the pressure, the UAE advanced up the pitch and stunned their opponents by opening the scoring.
Rashed Eisa got away from right-back Zargo Toure on the left and drove into the box before cutting back and sliding a pass into the path of Matar. The captain kept his cool despite the onrushing presence of Ousmane Mane, gently dinking the ball over the goalkeeper to give his country the lead.
Senegal remained well on top but still the breakthrough eluded them. Konate was again denied a tap-in when Al Kamali intercepted a low cross from the right, while Toure, who, like Souare, adventured forward from full-back whenever the opportunity presented itself, had a goal-bound shot blocked.
Stephane Badji's powerful effort from 25 yards took a deflection and required a good save from Khalid Eisa as the UAE preserved their lead until half-time.
Abdoukarime Diouf introduced Ibrahima Balde at the break, with Magaye Gueye making way and Konate subsequently shifting to the right flank.
The change paid off immediately. Souare, turning in a fine display at full-back, received a pass in space high up the field and ignored Balde's run to the near post to pick out the entirely unmarked Konate, who made no mistake with his header from six yards.
Senegal promptly set about adding a second, and came agonizingly close three times in quick succession. Ismaeel made a vital interception to stop Konate converting Sadio Mane's cross before the Maccabi Tel Aviv striker was played in by Balde but denied by Khalid Eisa.
Badji tried his luck once more from range and seemed to surprise the goalkeeper, who was late in dropping to his left to keep the shot out but did so in the nick of time.
As they sensed that their opponents might be there for the taking, though, the Lions lost all patience in their build-up play and were guilty of attempting too many difficult through balls, slowing down their momentum. Chances for the UAE remained few and far between, however, with Omar Abdulrahman thumping one shot well over.
Two headers that missed the target aside, Senegal grew increasingly frustrated in their efforts to carve out a winning goal as the match wore on. Matar could have added a second after good play from substitutes Ismail Al Hammadi and Ali Mabkhoot but failed to keep his shot from the edge of the box down.
Souare's crosses from the left had been sublime but Toure provided arguably the best delivery of the match after 69 minutes, only to see both Balde and Konate fail to make a connection.
The UAE desperately appealed for a penalty when Omar Abdulrahman dodged Cheikhou Kouyate's foul around the edge of the penalty area before going over when challenged by Mbodji, but referee Svein Oddvar Moen elected to book the Al Ain midfielder for diving when it appeared contact had been made.
Mbodji had time to hit the post from a Souare corner before Senegal turned to the 6' 5" frame of Kalidou Yero in the closing stages.
Redha's team clung on for a second point, though, with Matar's selfless performance in attack earning loud applause upon his substitution for Habib Fardan late on.
Pearce praises 'outstanding' Team GB
CARDIFF, Wales -- Team GB boss Stuart Pearce praised his side for its "outstanding" football as it secured a quarterfinal berth at the Olympics men's football tournament with a 1-0 win over Uruguay.
Daniel Sturridge's goal on the stroke of halftime was enough to give the hosts a narrow but fully deserved victory which ensured they would top Group A. And Pearce was delighted with his side's efforts against a side containing the likes of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez as picks over the age of 23.
"When you play anyone in a situation where it is them or us in the last group game, for all intents and purposes, it was a knockout really," the coach said.
"I thought we played some outstanding football, especially in the first half. The second half we tired slightly and they came into the game which was to be expected but I think overall we are delighted that we beat a very good Uruguay side 1-0.
"They’ve got some outstanding players especially in the defensive half of their team. We kept a clean sheet. We’ll have a look and a check to see if everyone is okay for the next game."
Team GB would have had to travel from Cardiff to London to play at Wembley had it finished second in the group but Pearce insisted that outcome had never been a concern."We were organized either way," he said. "The recovery would have been done tomorrow and we would have traveled to the Reading area if we moved to Wembley. That would not have been a problem.
"Maybe the good thing about tomorrow is that one or two of players who have not featured as much will go down to training and we will recover the other ones. They’ve looked after us really well here at Cardiff and we are pleased to be staying.
CARDIFF, Wales -- Team GB boss Stuart Pearce praised his side for its "outstanding" football as it secured a quarterfinal berth at the Olympics men's football tournament with a 1-0 win over Uruguay.
Daniel Sturridge's goal on the stroke of halftime was enough to give the hosts a narrow but fully deserved victory which ensured they would top Group A. And Pearce was delighted with his side's efforts against a side containing the likes of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez as picks over the age of 23.
"When you play anyone in a situation where it is them or us in the last group game, for all intents and purposes, it was a knockout really," the coach said.
"I thought we played some outstanding football, especially in the first half. The second half we tired slightly and they came into the game which was to be expected but I think overall we are delighted that we beat a very good Uruguay side 1-0.
"They’ve got some outstanding players especially in the defensive half of their team. We kept a clean sheet. We’ll have a look and a check to see if everyone is okay for the next game."
Team GB would have had to travel from Cardiff to London to play at Wembley had it finished second in the group but Pearce insisted that outcome had never been a concern."We were organized either way," he said. "The recovery would have been done tomorrow and we would have traveled to the Reading area if we moved to Wembley. That would not have been a problem.
"Maybe the good thing about tomorrow is that one or two of players who have not featured as much will go down to training and we will recover the other ones. They’ve looked after us really well here at Cardiff and we are pleased to be staying.
Inter agrees deal with Chinese company over building new stadium
Inter has announced that it entered into a joint venture with a Chinese company over the construction of a new stadium and that a group of Chinese investors is poised to become the second largest stakeholder in the club.
The Nerazzurri currently share the council-owned San Siro with AC Milan but it has already been widely reported in recent months that president Massimo Moratti is intent of moving the club to its own arena inside the next five years.
The Serie A giant has now revealed that it is set for a significant injection of funding from Asia.
"Internazionale Holding S.r.l. announces that today it has reached an agreement which envisages the acquisition of a stake in F.C. Internazionale by a group of Chinese investors," a statement on the club's official website read.
"The Moratti Family will keep the control of the company and the group of Chinese investors will became the second largest shareholder.
"At the same time, China Railway 15th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., a company controlled by China Railway Construction Corporation, and F.C. Internazionale have started a joint effort for the construction of a new proprietary stadium expected to be completed by 2017.
"In the upcoming months the parties will jointly select the potentially suitable locations, define the project team and start the filing process to obtain the required authorizations."
Inter is looking to follow the example set by reigning Italian champion Juventus, which last summer moved into its own purpose-built arena.
Inter has announced that it entered into a joint venture with a Chinese company over the construction of a new stadium and that a group of Chinese investors is poised to become the second largest stakeholder in the club.
The Nerazzurri currently share the council-owned San Siro with AC Milan but it has already been widely reported in recent months that president Massimo Moratti is intent of moving the club to its own arena inside the next five years.
The Serie A giant has now revealed that it is set for a significant injection of funding from Asia.
"Internazionale Holding S.r.l. announces that today it has reached an agreement which envisages the acquisition of a stake in F.C. Internazionale by a group of Chinese investors," a statement on the club's official website read.
"The Moratti Family will keep the control of the company and the group of Chinese investors will became the second largest shareholder.
"At the same time, China Railway 15th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., a company controlled by China Railway Construction Corporation, and F.C. Internazionale have started a joint effort for the construction of a new proprietary stadium expected to be completed by 2017.
"In the upcoming months the parties will jointly select the potentially suitable locations, define the project team and start the filing process to obtain the required authorizations."
Inter is looking to follow the example set by reigning Italian champion Juventus, which last summer moved into its own purpose-built arena.
Mexico is ready for the big stage at the 2012 Olympic Games
CARDIFF, Wales -- There's a bonus to reaching the quarterfinals of the 2012 Olympic Games. Mexico players will visit the Olympic Village for the first time during the tournament and play their next game in one of soccer's most legendary venues.
With a majority of soccer matches being played outside of London, the players haven't had a chance to see what the full Olympic experience is all about. Mexico played its first three games outside of England's capital in Newcastle, Coventry and Cardiff.
After knocking off Switzerland 1-0 at Millennium Stadium on Wednesday night, El Tri is headed to London's famed Wembley Stadium.
"We are really looking forward to living in the Olympic Village," said defender Hiram Mier. "I have never been to one in my life and I'm sure it will be an extraordinary experience. The fact that we are going to play at Wembley is very special."
"It's a legendary stadium to play in," added forward Marco Fabian. "Our first objective is to qualify and for Mexico to be remembered in this championship."
Mexico drew against South Korea in its opener last week before beating Gabon and Switzerland to finish first in Group B. The Mexicans haven't allowed a single goal during the tournament.
"We made it through to the knockout stage because we are playing with the right attitude and we never give up," Fabian said.
Mexico will have to be at the top of its game if it is to earn a medal, however, says coach Luis Fernando Tena. There are still several solid teams remaining in the competition, including Team GB and Brazil, who Mexico may have to face down the road.
"The key factor is that we know things are going to get difficult in the next phase," Tena said. "The opponents will get difficult - Great Britain and Senegal. It's good to move forward and have the Olympic flavor."
CARDIFF, Wales -- There's a bonus to reaching the quarterfinals of the 2012 Olympic Games. Mexico players will visit the Olympic Village for the first time during the tournament and play their next game in one of soccer's most legendary venues.
With a majority of soccer matches being played outside of London, the players haven't had a chance to see what the full Olympic experience is all about. Mexico played its first three games outside of England's capital in Newcastle, Coventry and Cardiff.
After knocking off Switzerland 1-0 at Millennium Stadium on Wednesday night, El Tri is headed to London's famed Wembley Stadium.
"We are really looking forward to living in the Olympic Village," said defender Hiram Mier. "I have never been to one in my life and I'm sure it will be an extraordinary experience. The fact that we are going to play at Wembley is very special."
"It's a legendary stadium to play in," added forward Marco Fabian. "Our first objective is to qualify and for Mexico to be remembered in this championship."
Mexico drew against South Korea in its opener last week before beating Gabon and Switzerland to finish first in Group B. The Mexicans haven't allowed a single goal during the tournament.
"We made it through to the knockout stage because we are playing with the right attitude and we never give up," Fabian said.
Mexico will have to be at the top of its game if it is to earn a medal, however, says coach Luis Fernando Tena. There are still several solid teams remaining in the competition, including Team GB and Brazil, who Mexico may have to face down the road.
"The key factor is that we know things are going to get difficult in the next phase," Tena said. "The opponents will get difficult - Great Britain and Senegal. It's good to move forward and have the Olympic flavor."
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sirigu: Ibrahimovic is simply the best
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is enthused by the club's acquisition of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, describing the striker as "simply the best".
The former Palermo man is, of course, very familiar with the Swede, who was a part of six Scudetto-winning campaigns during seven seasons in Italy.
Consequently, he is even more excited than most about Ibrahimovic's arrival in the French capital from AC Milan earlier this month.
"Zlatan is a player of such a high level; he's simply the best," the Italy international told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.
"This is one of the best strikers in the world. He has a fantastic athletic strength, in addition to extraordinary technical quality.
"This is the type of player who is almost perfect and he will bring a lot to PSG.
"Very important players have arrived and they will allow us to take a leap in quality. For me, all of those who have joined us are top level players."
Ibrahimovic, who followed former Milan team-mate Thiago Silva to the Parc des Princes, needed less than three minutes to net his first goal for PSG in last weekend's friendly clash with DC United.
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu is enthused by the club's acquisition of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, describing the striker as "simply the best".
The former Palermo man is, of course, very familiar with the Swede, who was a part of six Scudetto-winning campaigns during seven seasons in Italy.
Consequently, he is even more excited than most about Ibrahimovic's arrival in the French capital from AC Milan earlier this month.
"Zlatan is a player of such a high level; he's simply the best," the Italy international told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.
"This is one of the best strikers in the world. He has a fantastic athletic strength, in addition to extraordinary technical quality.
"This is the type of player who is almost perfect and he will bring a lot to PSG.
"Very important players have arrived and they will allow us to take a leap in quality. For me, all of those who have joined us are top level players."
Ibrahimovic, who followed former Milan team-mate Thiago Silva to the Parc des Princes, needed less than three minutes to net his first goal for PSG in last weekend's friendly clash with DC United.
Roberto Carlos announces retirement
Anzhi Makhachkala left-back Roberto Carlos has announced his immediate retirement from professional football.
The 39-year-old defender has taken the decision to hang up his boots after previously announcing that he would call time on his career at the end of the season.
He has been working actively to promote Anzhi in recent months and is expected to become an assistant coach at the big-spending Russian side once he gets his license.
"I have had talks to play a farewell match between Real Madrid and Anzhi," he is quoted as saying by EFE.
Roberto Carlos moved to Inter in 1995 after two years at Palmeiras, but he spent only one season with the Nerazzurri before signing for Madrid.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, the Brazilian achieved iconic status as he helped Los Blancos to win four La Liga crowns, three Champions League trophies and three Spanish Supercopas, among other pieces of silverware.
After 11 years at the Spanish capital club, spent two years at Fenerbahce before signing for Corinthians - the last club he represented before signing for Anzhi in 2011.
He won 125 international for Brazil and was part of the Selecao side who won the World Cup in 2002 and the Copa America in 1997 and 1999.
Anzhi Makhachkala left-back Roberto Carlos has announced his immediate retirement from professional football.
The 39-year-old defender has taken the decision to hang up his boots after previously announcing that he would call time on his career at the end of the season.
He has been working actively to promote Anzhi in recent months and is expected to become an assistant coach at the big-spending Russian side once he gets his license.
"I have had talks to play a farewell match between Real Madrid and Anzhi," he is quoted as saying by EFE.
Roberto Carlos moved to Inter in 1995 after two years at Palmeiras, but he spent only one season with the Nerazzurri before signing for Madrid.
At the Santiago Bernabeu, the Brazilian achieved iconic status as he helped Los Blancos to win four La Liga crowns, three Champions League trophies and three Spanish Supercopas, among other pieces of silverware.
After 11 years at the Spanish capital club, spent two years at Fenerbahce before signing for Corinthians - the last club he represented before signing for Anzhi in 2011.
He won 125 international for Brazil and was part of the Selecao side who won the World Cup in 2002 and the Copa America in 1997 and 1999.
Suarez blasts Team GB fans
Luis Suarez has accused Team GB supporters of showing a "lack of respect" following Uruguay's 1-0 loss in their London 2012 Olympics clash at Millennium Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Suarez was repeatedly booed throughout the match, while jeers from the crowd interrupted the playing of the Uruguay national anthem when the Liverpool striker was shown on the big screen.
Uruguay were eliminated following the defeat, and Suarez claimed the attention he received from the fans is simply because they fear the impact he can have on a match.
"I think they jeer me and they boo me because they must be scared of facing a player like me," said Suarez. "They fear me, but that doesn't affect me. I'm just hurt because we lost and we are going home.
"I can take the abuse ... but I think it was a total lack of respect from the crowd to boo when we were trying to sing our national anthem. I think those things should not happen."
Suarez has encountered jeers since being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a Premier League match at Anfield last October. He re-opened the row last month by claiming his eight-match ban was handed down because of United's "political power".However, Suarez's club and country team-mate Sebastian Coates says the crowd reactions toward the striker have now "gone too far".
"I'm tired of this situation with Luis," Coates said. "I think it has gone too far and I don't like to see him treated like this.
"I know the kind of person he is and I think the abuse he gets is very unfair. He knows all his team-mates and a whole country are fully behind him and I think fans over here should leave him alone."
Luis Suarez has accused Team GB supporters of showing a "lack of respect" following Uruguay's 1-0 loss in their London 2012 Olympics clash at Millennium Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Suarez was repeatedly booed throughout the match, while jeers from the crowd interrupted the playing of the Uruguay national anthem when the Liverpool striker was shown on the big screen.
Uruguay were eliminated following the defeat, and Suarez claimed the attention he received from the fans is simply because they fear the impact he can have on a match.
"I think they jeer me and they boo me because they must be scared of facing a player like me," said Suarez. "They fear me, but that doesn't affect me. I'm just hurt because we lost and we are going home.
"I can take the abuse ... but I think it was a total lack of respect from the crowd to boo when we were trying to sing our national anthem. I think those things should not happen."
Suarez has encountered jeers since being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra during a Premier League match at Anfield last October. He re-opened the row last month by claiming his eight-match ban was handed down because of United's "political power".However, Suarez's club and country team-mate Sebastian Coates says the crowd reactions toward the striker have now "gone too far".
"I'm tired of this situation with Luis," Coates said. "I think it has gone too far and I don't like to see him treated like this.
"I know the kind of person he is and I think the abuse he gets is very unfair. He knows all his team-mates and a whole country are fully behind him and I think fans over here should leave him alone."
Milan to meet over Kaka
Adriano Galliani will meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in New York to negotiate a deal for Kaka, the AC Milan chief confirmed.
Kaka has been heavily linked with a move back to the San Siro after spending a six-year stint with the club earlier in his career.
The stumbling block since the start of the summer has been the player's wages, but Galliani confirmed he will meet with Perez to discuss the transfer while Real Madrid tour the United States.
"I will speak with Florentino Perez in New York," Galliani told Sky Sport Italia. "It will be very hard for us to sign Kaka because of his high wages, but he is a player who is part of our history."When asked about the potential move, Madrid boss Jose Mourinho said he expected Kaka to be a part of his squad as the club aim to defend their La Liga title next season.
"While Kaka is a Real Madrid player, and he will probably be a Real Madrid player next season too, then he'll continue training with the rest of the squad and travelling with us. In any case, it has been good for me to work with him up until now," Mourinho said.
Adriano Galliani will meet with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez in New York to negotiate a deal for Kaka, the AC Milan chief confirmed.
Kaka has been heavily linked with a move back to the San Siro after spending a six-year stint with the club earlier in his career.
The stumbling block since the start of the summer has been the player's wages, but Galliani confirmed he will meet with Perez to discuss the transfer while Real Madrid tour the United States.
"I will speak with Florentino Perez in New York," Galliani told Sky Sport Italia. "It will be very hard for us to sign Kaka because of his high wages, but he is a player who is part of our history."When asked about the potential move, Madrid boss Jose Mourinho said he expected Kaka to be a part of his squad as the club aim to defend their La Liga title next season.
"While Kaka is a Real Madrid player, and he will probably be a Real Madrid player next season too, then he'll continue training with the rest of the squad and travelling with us. In any case, it has been good for me to work with him up until now," Mourinho said.
Cazorla set for medical as Gunners close in on £17.3m deal
Santi is coming to town: The Malaga ace is set for a medical at Arsenal
Malaga's Santi Cazorla is due to fly into London this week for a medical with Arsenal once a £17.3million fee is agreed.
With Robin van Persie poised to leave, the capture of Cazorla, 27, is the major signing of the summer that Arsene Wenger has been promising.
Wenger was beaten to the signature of the Spain midfielder last year by Malaga, who had been seemingly enriched by their purchase by Qatari Sheik Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani.
But the club now have to clear huge debts by the end of the month or face relegation to Spain's second tier, the loss of their UEFA licence and Champions League expulsion.
Adding Cazorla to the signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud represents the most significant summer strengthening since Arsenal imposed financial constraints on transfers in 2004.
Santi is coming to town: The Malaga ace is set for a medical at Arsenal
Malaga's Santi Cazorla is due to fly into London this week for a medical with Arsenal once a £17.3million fee is agreed.
With Robin van Persie poised to leave, the capture of Cazorla, 27, is the major signing of the summer that Arsene Wenger has been promising.
Wenger was beaten to the signature of the Spain midfielder last year by Malaga, who had been seemingly enriched by their purchase by Qatari Sheik Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani.
But the club now have to clear huge debts by the end of the month or face relegation to Spain's second tier, the loss of their UEFA licence and Champions League expulsion.
Adding Cazorla to the signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud represents the most significant summer strengthening since Arsenal imposed financial constraints on transfers in 2004.
United and Arsenal to watch £7m-rated Celtic ace Wanyama in action again
Manchester United and Arsenal are stepping up interest in Victor Wanyama with another check on the Celtic midfielder planned for Wednesday night.
Scouts from both clubs are due to watch the £7m-rated Kenyan play for Celtic in their Champions League qualifier with Helsinki which will be the third time in recent weeks.
Representatives from both clubs also watched him against Norwich and Inter Milan where he impressed in his preferred midfield role. QPR are also in the running for the 21-year-old.
Wanted: Victor Wanyama (right) is attracting interest from the big guns
Manchester United and Arsenal are stepping up interest in Victor Wanyama with another check on the Celtic midfielder planned for Wednesday night.
Scouts from both clubs are due to watch the £7m-rated Kenyan play for Celtic in their Champions League qualifier with Helsinki which will be the third time in recent weeks.
Representatives from both clubs also watched him against Norwich and Inter Milan where he impressed in his preferred midfield role. QPR are also in the running for the 21-year-old.
Wanted: Victor Wanyama (right) is attracting interest from the big guns
City move for £35m-rated Higuain as chase for Van Persie goes quiet
Roberto Mancini is looking to boost Manchester City's striking options by making a £35million bid for Real Madrid star Gonzalo Higuain.
City are in a three way battle for the Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin van Persie along with Manchester United and Juventus.
And now City are looking elsewhere with executive Brian Marwood keen on a move for Argentine striker Higuain instead.
Wanted man: Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain is a target for Manchester City
Higuain has also been a target for Chelsea and Tottenham, but money-bags City have the spending power to blow them away.
Mancini is belived to prefer Van Persie, but the Dutch striker is understood to be reluctent to join a host of former Gunners at The Etihad.
Higuain struggled to hold down a first team place at Madrid last season and despite Jose Mourinho keen to keep the striker it seems Karim Benzema is ahead of him in the pecking order.
Changes: Roberto Mancini is keen to strengthen his frontline
If City were to make a move for Higuain then they would need to ship out one of their highly paid strikers in order to fall in line with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.
Emmanuel Adebayor looked set to move to Tottenham, but that deal is on the brink of collapse over his £150,000-a-week wage demands.
Carlos Tevez is another striker who could leave and Roque Santa Cruz - City’s forgotten £17m striker - is being offered around.
Roberto Mancini is looking to boost Manchester City's striking options by making a £35million bid for Real Madrid star Gonzalo Higuain.
City are in a three way battle for the Arsenal's Dutch striker Robin van Persie along with Manchester United and Juventus.
And now City are looking elsewhere with executive Brian Marwood keen on a move for Argentine striker Higuain instead.
Wanted man: Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain is a target for Manchester City
Higuain has also been a target for Chelsea and Tottenham, but money-bags City have the spending power to blow them away.
Mancini is belived to prefer Van Persie, but the Dutch striker is understood to be reluctent to join a host of former Gunners at The Etihad.
Higuain struggled to hold down a first team place at Madrid last season and despite Jose Mourinho keen to keep the striker it seems Karim Benzema is ahead of him in the pecking order.
Changes: Roberto Mancini is keen to strengthen his frontline
If City were to make a move for Higuain then they would need to ship out one of their highly paid strikers in order to fall in line with UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.
Emmanuel Adebayor looked set to move to Tottenham, but that deal is on the brink of collapse over his £150,000-a-week wage demands.
Carlos Tevez is another striker who could leave and Roque Santa Cruz - City’s forgotten £17m striker - is being offered around.
Agent claims RVP deal done
An agent has made the claim that Juventus have already sealed a deal to sign Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
Netherlands forward Van Persie told Arsenal last month that he had no desire to sign a new contract, which has prompted a transfer frenzy.
Juventus have been in the chase, along with Manchester City and Manchester United, but Van Persie remains an Arsenal player as the club mull over their options.Should Arsenal sell, it is believed that their preferred option would be to let him go abroad. There would appear to be a strong likelihood of that happening, if Fabio Parisi is to be believed.
Parisi has no connection with the deal - he represents Tayo Taiwo - but claims that a contract is already under lock and key."I think Juventus have had a signed contract with Van Persie for some time locked away in a notary's desk," Parisi is quoted as saying in the Italian media.
"It is just my opinion but I think there is an eight out of ten chance the Dutchman will join the Bianconeri."Juventus want to win and he is considered the ideal addition to achieve that."
An agent has made the claim that Juventus have already sealed a deal to sign Arsenal striker Robin van Persie.
Netherlands forward Van Persie told Arsenal last month that he had no desire to sign a new contract, which has prompted a transfer frenzy.
Juventus have been in the chase, along with Manchester City and Manchester United, but Van Persie remains an Arsenal player as the club mull over their options.Should Arsenal sell, it is believed that their preferred option would be to let him go abroad. There would appear to be a strong likelihood of that happening, if Fabio Parisi is to be believed.
Parisi has no connection with the deal - he represents Tayo Taiwo - but claims that a contract is already under lock and key."I think Juventus have had a signed contract with Van Persie for some time locked away in a notary's desk," Parisi is quoted as saying in the Italian media.
"It is just my opinion but I think there is an eight out of ten chance the Dutchman will join the Bianconeri."Juventus want to win and he is considered the ideal addition to achieve that."
Rodgers honored to lead Liverpool to victory in first competitive match
Brendan Rodgers has maintained that he is honored to manage Liverpool after guiding the Reds to victory in his first competitive match in charge of the club.
The Reds overcame FC Gomel of Belarus 1-0 on Thursday night in a Europa League qualifier and Rodgers was delighted with their players as they balanced a competitive fixture with pre-season preparations.
"I'm pleased and it was an excellent test for us," the 39-year-old told reporters. "Gomel are well into their season so for us it was a great game for our fitness, but it was also competitive.
"It was really special for me as it was the first competitive game. It wouldn't have mattered where the game was, whether it was in Belarus or Brazil, it's an honour for me to manage the club and I'm very proud to lead the players and be their manager."Hopefully this can be the start of many more wins and positive games for us."
The Reds did not have the game all their own way and were pushed back by Gomel several times in the match before Stewart Downing popped up to score a long-range effort, just his third for the club since signing last summer.
Rodgers added: "It was difficult and Gomel's tactical idea for the game was to sit back, close the spaces and play on the counter attack. You have to be patient. My message to the players at half-time was continue to be patient and the spaces will start to open up as Gomel tire."I was delighted for Stewart Downing. It was a wonderful strike and that's why we put him on that side so he could come in and shoot."
Joe Cole was substituted during the first half of the match and Glen Johnson departed at the interval, but Rodgers was not worried by the changes, revealing Johnson had been due to only play 45 minutes.
"Glen was only scheduled to play 45 minutes anyway so he was taken off as planned," added the manager. "Joe just felt his hamstring a little bit. I don't think it is totally pulled and it was just a little bit of tightness so we had to take him off. It disrupted our plans a little bit but it was better to have him come off rather than risk injury."
The former Swansea manager has spoken at length about implementing his passing philosophy at Anfield, after finding great success with similar methods at the Liberty Stadium, and admitted that the squad were still getting to grips with how he wants them to play.Rodgers said: "How you play the game is based on the players you have. At this moment in time our squad isn't complete and we still have work to do.
"It won't happen overnight and it's going to take time. What I was really pleased with tonight, which is a vital ingredient for success, is desire and commitment. For a lot of the players it was their first 90 minutes so when you have that you have something to build from."We have a lot of improvement to make but I am excited in the future we will make those improvements."
Reds striker Luis Suarez, who has been representing Uruguay at the Olympic games, tweeted his well wishes to his club mates.Suarez said: "I want to congratulate all my colleagues of Liverpool for the win today, congratulations!!"
Brendan Rodgers has maintained that he is honored to manage Liverpool after guiding the Reds to victory in his first competitive match in charge of the club.
The Reds overcame FC Gomel of Belarus 1-0 on Thursday night in a Europa League qualifier and Rodgers was delighted with their players as they balanced a competitive fixture with pre-season preparations.
"I'm pleased and it was an excellent test for us," the 39-year-old told reporters. "Gomel are well into their season so for us it was a great game for our fitness, but it was also competitive.
"It was really special for me as it was the first competitive game. It wouldn't have mattered where the game was, whether it was in Belarus or Brazil, it's an honour for me to manage the club and I'm very proud to lead the players and be their manager."Hopefully this can be the start of many more wins and positive games for us."
The Reds did not have the game all their own way and were pushed back by Gomel several times in the match before Stewart Downing popped up to score a long-range effort, just his third for the club since signing last summer.
Rodgers added: "It was difficult and Gomel's tactical idea for the game was to sit back, close the spaces and play on the counter attack. You have to be patient. My message to the players at half-time was continue to be patient and the spaces will start to open up as Gomel tire."I was delighted for Stewart Downing. It was a wonderful strike and that's why we put him on that side so he could come in and shoot."
Joe Cole was substituted during the first half of the match and Glen Johnson departed at the interval, but Rodgers was not worried by the changes, revealing Johnson had been due to only play 45 minutes.
"Glen was only scheduled to play 45 minutes anyway so he was taken off as planned," added the manager. "Joe just felt his hamstring a little bit. I don't think it is totally pulled and it was just a little bit of tightness so we had to take him off. It disrupted our plans a little bit but it was better to have him come off rather than risk injury."
The former Swansea manager has spoken at length about implementing his passing philosophy at Anfield, after finding great success with similar methods at the Liberty Stadium, and admitted that the squad were still getting to grips with how he wants them to play.Rodgers said: "How you play the game is based on the players you have. At this moment in time our squad isn't complete and we still have work to do.
"It won't happen overnight and it's going to take time. What I was really pleased with tonight, which is a vital ingredient for success, is desire and commitment. For a lot of the players it was their first 90 minutes so when you have that you have something to build from."We have a lot of improvement to make but I am excited in the future we will make those improvements."
Reds striker Luis Suarez, who has been representing Uruguay at the Olympic games, tweeted his well wishes to his club mates.Suarez said: "I want to congratulate all my colleagues of Liverpool for the win today, congratulations!!"
Ribery: Bayern is better than Barcelona and Real Madrid
Franck Ribery has stated his belief that Bayern Munich is a better side than Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The 29-year-old winger has developed into a key player at the Allianz Arena since joining the Bundesliga outfit from Olympique de Marseille in 2007 in a 25 million euro deal.
His performances for Bayern caught the eye of Madrid in the summer of 2009, but the German club rejected all offers for the Frenchman.
Ribery has now declared that he does not regret that a transfer to Spain did not come to fruition, telling Sport Bild: "There was a time when I would have been drawn towards Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"But that is over. Bayern are at the same level as Barca and Real Madrid, and I think that if you look at the complete package, then Bayern are even better."
Jupp Heynckes's side enters the new season looking to claim the Bundesliga title which its lost to Borussia Dortmund in the last two campaigns, and Ribery acknowledged that his side's status as favourites.
"We are the team with the biggest potential in Germany," he explained. "Therefore, it should be clear to all that winning the Bundesliga is a must this season. Dortmund certainly have a good team and have developed into a rival that should be taken seriously. But I believe we have a better squad."
The France international then repeated that he plans to retire at Bayern as he enters his sixth season at the German outfit.
"In my mind, that is clear," Ribery continued. "You should listen to what my wife said in France about the city of Munich and this club. She is excited. I see myself retiring at Bayern. I am convinced that I could not be happier anywhere else."
Ribery was also asked about his dressing room bust-up with team-mate Arjen Robben in April, which ended with the Dutchman getting a bruise on his face after the duo came to blows.
"That was wrong," he noted. "We express ourselves and draw the right conclusion. It does not matter who takes the free kick or who gets the assist. At the end of the game, we want the three points.
"This is not FC Robben or FC Ribery. This is FC Bayern. We have to put all of our egos together to be successful as a team.
"A little aggression is often crucial. It makes the difference on the pitch. Opponents must feel that you are ready to do everything to be successful. I know it is up to players like me to take more responsibility."
Franck Ribery has stated his belief that Bayern Munich is a better side than Real Madrid and Barcelona.
The 29-year-old winger has developed into a key player at the Allianz Arena since joining the Bundesliga outfit from Olympique de Marseille in 2007 in a 25 million euro deal.
His performances for Bayern caught the eye of Madrid in the summer of 2009, but the German club rejected all offers for the Frenchman.
Ribery has now declared that he does not regret that a transfer to Spain did not come to fruition, telling Sport Bild: "There was a time when I would have been drawn towards Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"But that is over. Bayern are at the same level as Barca and Real Madrid, and I think that if you look at the complete package, then Bayern are even better."
Jupp Heynckes's side enters the new season looking to claim the Bundesliga title which its lost to Borussia Dortmund in the last two campaigns, and Ribery acknowledged that his side's status as favourites.
"We are the team with the biggest potential in Germany," he explained. "Therefore, it should be clear to all that winning the Bundesliga is a must this season. Dortmund certainly have a good team and have developed into a rival that should be taken seriously. But I believe we have a better squad."
The France international then repeated that he plans to retire at Bayern as he enters his sixth season at the German outfit.
"In my mind, that is clear," Ribery continued. "You should listen to what my wife said in France about the city of Munich and this club. She is excited. I see myself retiring at Bayern. I am convinced that I could not be happier anywhere else."
Ribery was also asked about his dressing room bust-up with team-mate Arjen Robben in April, which ended with the Dutchman getting a bruise on his face after the duo came to blows.
"That was wrong," he noted. "We express ourselves and draw the right conclusion. It does not matter who takes the free kick or who gets the assist. At the end of the game, we want the three points.
"This is not FC Robben or FC Ribery. This is FC Bayern. We have to put all of our egos together to be successful as a team.
"A little aggression is often crucial. It makes the difference on the pitch. Opponents must feel that you are ready to do everything to be successful. I know it is up to players like me to take more responsibility."
Keita loss is a big blow, says Busquets
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has acknowledged that the departure of Seydou Keita is a heavy blow to his side.
The Malian midfielder joined Chinese Super League side Dalian Aerbin earlier in the summer after becoming disillusioned with life at Camp Nou as he often had to settle for a place on the bench.
Earlier on Thursday, Keita lamented that he did not play more often under Barca coach Pep Guardiola, and Busquets thinks that the 32-year-old's absence will leave a gap in his team.
"With Keita gone, we lose a lot, both on and off the pitch." Busquets explained at a press conference. "He is a great player, very strong and physical, and a great person, and everyone liked him in the dressing room."
Busquets then commented on Spain's surprising early exit at the Olympic Games, insisting that he never asked coach Luis Milla not to include him in the squad for the United Kingdom.
"I did not renounce to anything," the 24-year-old noted. "I always said I wanted to go, I spoke with the coach and he gave me his opinion. There were many team-mates of mine in the team and I really would have like them to win.
"They are a great team and they always proved it. But in such small tournaments, you cannot afford to make mistakes, and they lost the first two matches due to minor details."
Barcelona has been credited with an interest in Athletic Bilbao starlet Javi Martinez, who can play in Busquets' position, but the Blaugrana midfielder underline that he is not fearing for his place in the starting team.
"If a player who has the same characteristics as me or who can play in the same position arrives, he will always be welcomed," Busquets added. "Whether the club sign anyone or not, I will continue to give my best to win a starting berth."
Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets has acknowledged that the departure of Seydou Keita is a heavy blow to his side.
The Malian midfielder joined Chinese Super League side Dalian Aerbin earlier in the summer after becoming disillusioned with life at Camp Nou as he often had to settle for a place on the bench.
Earlier on Thursday, Keita lamented that he did not play more often under Barca coach Pep Guardiola, and Busquets thinks that the 32-year-old's absence will leave a gap in his team.
"With Keita gone, we lose a lot, both on and off the pitch." Busquets explained at a press conference. "He is a great player, very strong and physical, and a great person, and everyone liked him in the dressing room."
Busquets then commented on Spain's surprising early exit at the Olympic Games, insisting that he never asked coach Luis Milla not to include him in the squad for the United Kingdom.
"I did not renounce to anything," the 24-year-old noted. "I always said I wanted to go, I spoke with the coach and he gave me his opinion. There were many team-mates of mine in the team and I really would have like them to win.
"They are a great team and they always proved it. But in such small tournaments, you cannot afford to make mistakes, and they lost the first two matches due to minor details."
Barcelona has been credited with an interest in Athletic Bilbao starlet Javi Martinez, who can play in Busquets' position, but the Blaugrana midfielder underline that he is not fearing for his place in the starting team.
"If a player who has the same characteristics as me or who can play in the same position arrives, he will always be welcomed," Busquets added. "Whether the club sign anyone or not, I will continue to give my best to win a starting berth."
FFF strips Nasri, Menez, Ben Arfa and M'Vila of Euro 2012 bonuses
The French Football Federation (FFF) has decided against handing over unpaid Euro 2012 bonuses to disgraced quartet Samir Nasri, Jeremy Menez, Hatem Ben Arfa and Yann M'Vila.
All four players were taken to task over their behavior in Poland and Ukraine, with Nasri and Menez receiving three and one-match bans respectively, and Ben Arfa and M'Vila being warned over their future conduct.
Consequently, the FFF has to decided to deny the players the 100,000 euro bonuses they were entitled to on account of France's qualification for the knockout stages, while at the same time withholding 25 percent of the money owed to their teammates.
The FFF now intends to distribute 60% of the money within the amateur game and give the remaining 40% to the Football Foundation.
Manchester City midfielder Nasri was banned for aiming a foul-mouthed tirade at the press box after scoring in France's tournament opener against England, before then becoming embroiled in a heated exchange with a journalist after his country's quarter-final elimination at the hands of Spain.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Menez insulted the referee after the defeat by La Roja before then shunning team captain Hugo Lloris.
Ben Arfa clashed with then France boss Laurent Blanc after the loss to Sweden, while M'Vila refused to shake the hand of either his replacement, Olivier Giroud, of his coach after being substituted against Spain.
The French Football Federation (FFF) has decided against handing over unpaid Euro 2012 bonuses to disgraced quartet Samir Nasri, Jeremy Menez, Hatem Ben Arfa and Yann M'Vila.
All four players were taken to task over their behavior in Poland and Ukraine, with Nasri and Menez receiving three and one-match bans respectively, and Ben Arfa and M'Vila being warned over their future conduct.
Consequently, the FFF has to decided to deny the players the 100,000 euro bonuses they were entitled to on account of France's qualification for the knockout stages, while at the same time withholding 25 percent of the money owed to their teammates.
The FFF now intends to distribute 60% of the money within the amateur game and give the remaining 40% to the Football Foundation.
Manchester City midfielder Nasri was banned for aiming a foul-mouthed tirade at the press box after scoring in France's tournament opener against England, before then becoming embroiled in a heated exchange with a journalist after his country's quarter-final elimination at the hands of Spain.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Menez insulted the referee after the defeat by La Roja before then shunning team captain Hugo Lloris.
Ben Arfa clashed with then France boss Laurent Blanc after the loss to Sweden, while M'Vila refused to shake the hand of either his replacement, Olivier Giroud, of his coach after being substituted against Spain.
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