..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers delighted 'world class' Suarez is staying at Liverpool

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that there was concrete interest from other clubs in acquiring the services of forward Luis Suarez.



However the 25-year old penned a new long-term deal with the Anfield club earlier this week after returning from Olympic duty to bring an end to speculation surrounding his future.

Despite having four years remaining on his first Liverpool contract, Suarez has now tripled his wages to be one of the club's top earners on around 127,000 pounds per week.

"There was genuine interest from other clubs," Rodgers told Sky Sports. "I had only just come through the door when a fax came through about him.

"It is brilliant that someone of that quality has agreed to stay with the club. It is great for the Premier League. It is a new beginning for him. There are very few world class strikers around. He is a very important signing for the club. He is still young and has his best years ahead of him."

Liverpool begins the Premier League campaign on Aug. 18 away to West Bromwich Albion.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers confirms Liverpool in talks with Cardiff over Bellamy deal

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that Liverpool has been in talks with Cardiff City over a possible move for Craig Bellamy back to his hometown club.



The Welsh winger impressed for Team GB as it reached the Olympic Games quarterfinals but could be set for an Anfield exit, with the Ulsterman revealing Bellamy is looking to settle down as he approaches the end of his career.

"We have been in talks with him and Cardiff," Rodgers told reporters. "I had a really good meeting with Craig before I moved up here. He is a big Liverpool supporter but I also understand his thinking. He is 33 and has traveled around the country all his life, so there are compassionate reasons.

"We will look at it but we will wish him all the best and move forward."Despite Rodgers' claims, Bellamy refused to be drawn on the speculation, insisting that he had no pressing thoughts on the future.

"Look, you know me better than to expect me to talk publicly about that. I've no immediate plans at the moment. What will be, will be." Bellamy told the South Wales Echo. "I don't think too far into the future. At this stage of my career I just have to take things day by day."

Malky Mackay is said to want to complete the signing as quickly as possible with his side getting its Championship campaign underway against Huddersfield in just over a week's time and the signing of the Wales international would give his team an added boost.

The 33-year old spent the 2010-11 campaign on-loan with the Championship club which narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League following a semifinal playoff defeat, but could now spearhead a new charge to the top flight.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon: Juventus wants to win Supercoppa Italiana

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is determined to start the 2012-13 campaign on a high and win the upcoming Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli.

The Turin giants impressed last season as they won the Serie A title without losing a single game, and the veteran shot-stopper is eager to add more silverware to the club's trophy cabinet at the weekend.

"We’ve currently got an important target in front of us. We want to put on a good show and win this cup – it means a lot to us," Buffon was quoted as saying on the official Juve website.

The experienced Italy international missed his side's friendly against Malaga due to injury, but he stressed that he will be fit for the match versus Napoli.

"After turning 30 it is normal to have certain aches and pains during the first two weeks of preparation. Your body needs to get back into the swing of things.

"Now I feel better, I have started to train again, so the problem’s gone."

Saturday's Supercoppa clash will be held in Beijing, China.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Joselu leaves Real Madrid for Hoffenheim

Hoffenheim has announced on its official website that the club has completed the transfer of Joselu from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee. The striker has signed a contract until the summer of 2016.

The Rein Neckar Arena side was keen to add some more depth to the attack ahead of the new season, and head coach Markus Babbel has now grabbed the reinforcements he was after.

"Joselu has already shown his class at Real Madrid. But he's still young as well and has a lot of potential. He fits in perfectly in this team and at Hoffenheim," Babbel commented on the arrival of the 22-year-old.

The attacker is a product of the Celta Vigo youth academy, but joined Madrid in the summer of 2009. He made his official first team debut with the Liga champion in May 2011, when he scored once in the win over Almeria.

Joselu netted an impressive 26 goals for Real Madrid Castilla last term, helping the team win promotion to the Segunda Division.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Javi Martinez wants Bayern Munich move, claims agent

Ersin Akan, who works for Bahia Internacional, the company representing Athletic Bilbao midfielder Javi Martinez, has claimed that the Spain international is keen on a move to Bayern Munich this summer, but added that the transfer fee could be too much of an obstacle.

The versatile midfielder has been linked with a move to both the Allianz Arena and Barcelona in the past few weeks, but up till date stated that he intends to stay with his current club.

However, the 23-year-old has now supposedly set his sights on a move to the Bundesliga instead.

"He wants to go to Bayern, and Bayern are still interested in signing him," Akan was quoted as saying by Sport1.

"I know that they still want him, but the transfer fee is a problem. He's just waiting to see how things pan out, but he would like it if the transfer takes place. I'd say chances that it will go ahead are 50-50 now."

Martinez's contract with Athletic runs until the summer of 2016, and the Liga side has set a 40 million euros asking price for the midfielder.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Crouch urges Owen to seal Stoke switch

Stoke City forward Peter Crouch has admitted he would love Michael Owen to join him at the Britannia Stadium.

The 32-year old is currently without a club after Sir Alex Ferguson opted against renewing his contract at the end of last season and with the new campaign looming large the former Tottenham striker has claimed the Potters would be a good move for Owen.

Despite spending his career at Liverpool, Real Madrid, Newcastle United and Manchester United, Crouch feels that a move to Tony Pulis' side would not necessarily be a backward step in Owen's career.

“Coming to Stoke was never a step down," Crouch told The Sun.“I was really happy the manager could give me games when I was in and out of the Tottenham side. “I’d rather play a big part in something smaller than be a small part of something bigger.

“I know Michael has a big decision to make after leaving a club the size of Manchester United — but I had a similar decision to make last summer. At Tottenham we were challenging for a Champions’ League place every season. We’re not doing that at Stoke but we are building something worthwhile here."

Crouch also added that more playing time and the club's fans would make Stoke an attractive proposition for Owen.

“If you want to play regular football and enjoy playing again, this is a great place to be," he said. “Michael will obviously make his own decision but a player of that calibre would be fantastic to have around the place.

“And the fans will absolutely love him. They were amazing with me when I first signed and they’re still great with me now.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zapata joins AC Milan on loan

Villarreal has announced that Cristian Zapata has left the club to join AC Milan on a season-long loan.

The former Udinese defender completed a medical in Milan on Tuesday and will put pen to paper on a one-year loan arrangement, with the option to make the deal permanent come the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

Sky Sport Italia has also confirmed that Zapata will occupy the Rossoneri's last remaining non-EU spot in the team, meaning the likes of Edin Dzeko or Carlos Tevez will not be able to pitch up at San Siro this summer.

Milan has been on the hunt to find someone capable of replacing Thiago Silva, who departed the club earlier in the summer to sign for Paris Saint-Germain.

Links to Montpellier's Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Cagliari's Davide Astori have turned cold, prompting Milan CEO Adriano Galliani to turn his attention to Zapata, who is comfortable both in the center or on the flanks.

The Colombia international made 28 appearances in La Liga last season, but was ultimately unable to keep Villarreal afloat.

He joins former teammates Borja Valero and Gonzalo Rodriguez in making the switch to Serie A.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain confirms signing of Lucas Moura

Paris Saint-Germain has announced the signing of Lucas Moura from Sao Paulo for a reported fee of 35 million euros, with the Seleccao star set to move to Parc des Princes in January.

The 19-year-old has long been linked with a move to Europe, with Manchester United and Inter Milan the long-term front-runners for his signature.

However, the player admitted earlier this week that he was in advanced talks with Les Parisiens, and the the Ligue 1 outfit confirmed on Wednesday that a transfer had been agreed.

A statement on the club’s official website read: “Paris Saint-Germain and Sao Paulo FC have reached today an agreement for the definitive transfer of Lucas Rodriguez Moura Da Silva.

“The player and Paris Saint-Germain have also signed an agreement from January 2013 to July 2017. The player will join Paris Saint-Germain and his new teammates in January 2013 for the second half of the season 2012/2013.

“By signing a young talent of the quality of Lucas Rodriguez Moura Da Silva, Paris Saint-Germain is already preparing the future.”

Lucas becomes Carlo Ancelotti's fourth major signing this summer, following the arrivals of countryman Thiago Silva, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Argentina international Ezequiel Lavezzi.

He is believed to have signed a contract worth250,000 euros a month, putting him on a par with some of the club's top earners.

Lucas is currently on international duty at the Olympic Games, as Brazil's U-23 squad attempts to win gold for the first time when it takes on Mexico on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moura wa Manchester United ganna bariuna 1katanam Godak dukaiAnyway Good Luck Moura!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real issue €30m ultimatum for Modric

Real Madrid have handed Tottenham a €30 million 'take it or leave it' bid for Luka Modric, which has been rejected, according to ESPN sources.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has set the price for the Croatian midfielder at around £40 million, though £35 million (plus success-dependent add-on clauses) would be enough to clinch the deal.

But Real are refusing to bid that high, and have told Levy that their latest offer will be their last - meaning Spurs are now "stuck with" the unhappy Modric as there are no other clubs willing to meet the North Londoners' valuation. An ESPN source says: "A year ago Daniel Levy could have sold Modric to Chelsea for £40 million but turned it down, believing that in a year's time he would be worth £50 million.

"Well, the feeling was that he couldn't possibly have such a brilliant season as he had the year before, and his price has not gone up. Even if one of the big-spending clubs came in, they would be wasting their time as the player has made it clear he only wants to go to Real Madrid.
"Unless something gives, and it doesn't look that way at the moment, then Spurs are stuck with Modric."

Spurs fans might feel that Modric is a good player to be "stuck with", but new manager Andres Villa-Boas has his work cut out to motivate him if, as now looks likely, his dream move to Real collapses.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United 0-0 Barcelona (0-2 pens): Nani, Young & Rooney all miss penalties as Spaniards claim friendly win

Manchester United’s pre-season preparations continued with a 0-0 draw with Barcelona in Gothenburg in a game which saw Wayne Rooney miss a first-half penalty before losing in a penalty shoot-out.

Both teams fielded strong line-ups in a showpiece friendly which sold out in 45 minutes, saw the ball arrive on the pitch by helicopter and featured a firework display after the final whistle.

United included fit again Nemanja Vidic in defence with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck up front and new boys Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell starting on the bench.

Barcelona, meanwhile, were near full strength with Carles Puyol, joining Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez in the starting XI with David Villa amongst the substitutes.

Perhaps unsurprisingly it was the Spanish side who started strongly, characteristically dominating possession and enjoying the best chances of an entertaining first half.

Indeed it took less than a minute for Barcelona to get sight of goal, Iniesta firing goalward but his shot was easily saved by David de Gea, returning to the United team after his Olympic efforts.

Minutes later and the Spaniard was at it again, dinking a delightful ball over the United defence and into the area for Messi. De Gea came flying out of his goal but could only flap at the ball, but fortunately for the Red Devils it skipped out of play before Messi could tap it into the empty goal.

As the half wore on, Barcelona began to profit down the United right, with Tello exploiting Antonio Valencia at right-back and frequently finding acres of space but unable to pick out team-mates in the box.

United, meanwhile, were reduced to half chances. Indeed a Rooney header that flew wide and a low shot from Nani that flew past the post after a gorgeous cross-field pass by Scholes were all they had to show for their efforts in the first half an hour.

Whilst it may have been a friendly, that did not stop Scholes getting his name into the book after a sliding challenge on Sergio Busquets left the Spaniard in agony.

However, with time running out it was another late challenge that almost gave United an undeserved lead. Cristian Tello upending Nani in the penalty area, leaving the referee to point to the spot with just a minute left in the opening 45 minutes.

Up stepped Rooney but his poor effort was easily saved by Victor Valdes, who parried the ball straight back to the England international who put the rebound wide as the game went into half-time goalless.

The penalty miss was to be Rooney’s last contribution to the game, the striker being part of a whole raft of changes at half-time as Kagawa and Michael Carrick joined the fray for United whilst Xavi, Pedro, Gerard Pique, Pinto and Cesc Fabregas arrived for Barcelona.

Substitute Kagawa almost made an instant impact, a good lay-off from Welbeck allowed the Japan international to shoot low and force Pinto into a diving save, as he tipped his fizzing effort around the post.

Further changes followed with Dimitar Berbatov and Powell introduced by Sir Alex Ferguson who looked visibly frustrated on the touchline; irritation which only grew after Busquets pulled back Nani on a United break, only for the Portuguese international to kick out and force the referee to book both men.

Yet despite the attacking talent on view, there was to be no breakthrough, with the crowd treated to a penalty shoot-out after the 90 minutes ended goalless.

First up was Nani, but after a stuttering run up his effort rebounded off the crossbar and away to safety. Xavi then slotted home coolly for Barcelona before Ashley Young also missed for United, leaving Gerard Pique to roll home the ball for the winning goal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney thamath Unform neh!

 

[charitha chandi]

Paris Saint-Germain confirms signing of Lucas Moura

Man utd walata kawruwath na waga ma sara..! yako mu mechchara watinawada? balamu mokada wenna kiyala..!

 

[charitha chandi]

Manchester United 0-0 Barcelona (0-2 pens): Nani, Young & Rooney all miss penalties as Spaniards claim friendly win

yako penalty 3k eka digata miss kerala neda?

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Santos president: If Lucas is worth 44 million euros then Neymar is priceless

In the wake of Lucas Moura's huge transfer to Paris Saint-Germain, Santos president Luis Alvaro has declared that Neymar is "priceless".

The 19-year-old winger ended one of the summer's most intense transfer sagas by completing his move to the French club for a reported fee of 44 million euros.

With Lucas demanding such a price, the Peixe supremo has declared that the potential value of his side's superstar, Neymar, is incomprehensible.

"I am adamant in saying that Neymar is priceless," Alvaro told Lance!. "Millions and millions of euro, dollars and reais could not pay for him.

"He is a unique player. [He is] distinguished... [he] is the great idol of Brazilian football, [for whom it is] impossible to negotiate for.

"I also understand that the amount spent for Lucas is deserved. Both are players who represent a new stage of Brazilian football. Along with [Leandro] Damiao, they are impressing the world."

Neymar signed a new contract with Santos in December of last year that has a buy-out fee of 65 million euros. This could now be met by clubs such as Barcelona and Real Madrid but Alvaro remains unconcerned and is happy to have the mercurial forward tied down until 2014.

"I do not regret anything. On the contrary, I am even more convinced that the service paid to the history of Santos is priceless.

"We are seeing the affection of the fans, how important it was for the young fans to see Neymar remain at the [Vila] Belmiro. I am privileged to have secured Neymar until 2014, at the end of his contract."

Finally, the president offered his view on the transfer of Lucas to PSG, jokingly saying that he welcomes it.

"Sao Paulo has lost a player who always took great risks against Santos. His trip to Europe is a relief."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Canales seals permanent Valencia switch

Real Madrid has confirmed the sale of Sergio Canales to Valencia for an undisclosed fee, but has included a buy-back clause in the deal.

The 21-year-old originally joined Los Che on a two-year loan deal at the start of last season but only made 11 league appearances for the club as he struggled with injuries. However, Mauricio Pellegrino's side has still exercised its right to purchase the player permanently.

A statement on the Madrid club's official website read: "Real Madrid and Valencia have concluded the agreement for the transfer of Sergio Canales. Real Madrid reserves a right of repurchase."

The Santander-born youngster has represented Spain every level from Under-16 to Under-21 but is yet to make his first senior international appearance.

Canales struggled to make his mark during his time in Madrid and becomes the second player to swap the Santiago Bernabeu for Valencia this season after Fernando Gago made the switch on July 19.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho: I was wrong to stick my finger into Vilanova's eye

NEW YORK -- Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has conceded he was wrong to poke current Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a touchline altercation during the Spanish Supercopa last season.

Occuring during the two-legged competition when Vilanova was then-assistant coach to Pep Guardiola, the incident happened in a tie which Los Merengues went on to lose 5-4 on aggregate. Mourinho subsequently had a ban as punishment lifted.

"I should obviously not have done what I did," said Mourinho while on tour with his club in the United States. "Nevertheless, there was a whole story behind that that made me lose a little control.

"The one who failed there was me, and I place plenty of emphasis these days on my players just to continue concentrating on games themselves and controlling their emotions."

The outspoken Portuguese says there is no bad blood any longer between the two coaches.

"There lie no problems between Tito and myself," he said. "We greeted each other normally in subsequent matches. Thankfully, the story is over and we must just hope to avoid such instances in the future."

With his thoughts shifting to the season ahead, the 49-year-old was quick to state his objectives of building upon his club's La Liga triumph by eventually winning the Champions League.

"Last year, we were only eliminated on penalties in Europe. We're close, and if we keep trying, one day it will happen," he said.

The Santiago Bernabeu side crashed out to the eventual runner-up Bayern Munich in the semifinals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid 5-1 AC Milan: Ronaldo double leads the way

Real Madrid dispatched AC Milan 5-1 at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday to round off its penultimate match in the World Football Challenge in style.

Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show in New York City, finishing off a pair of counterattacks with aplomb to send the Spanish side on its way to a victory that it fully warranted. Angel Di Maria had earlier given Madrid the lead after 25 minutes with a swerving volley, but Robinho stabbed home a surprise equalizer eight minutes later to send the match into the break all square.

However, Ronaldo took over in the second half with his brace before a late header from Sergio Ramos and a goal from Jose Callejon at the death put matters beyond any doubt.

Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil were among those handed a start by Mourinho, who fielded a strong group to begin the match, with 22-year-old defender Nacho the only unfamiliar name.

Massimiliano Allegri followed suit with his XI, playing a host of regulars, with Kevin-Prince Boateng lining up just behind Robinho and Antonio Cassano to spearhead the Milan attack.
The Spanish champion kept Milan under pressure early, with its wide players in particular heavily involved early on, despite the narrow Yankee Stadium pitch.

Christian Abbiati could do nothing about Di Maria’sstrike after 25 minutes. The Argentine winger attacked a weak clearance from a corner on the edge of the box, ripping an unstoppable volley into the back of the net.

After 33 minutes, out of absolutely nowhere, Milan was level. A seemingly harmless move was sparked into life by a deft touch from Antonio Nocerino that released Robinho, who poked a classy first-time finish into the corner.

Five minutes after the restart, Madrid restored its advantage. A swift counterattack saw Lassana Diarra lead the charge through the middle, and his pass picked out Ronaldopeeling away to the left. The Portuguese did not hesitate, and lashed home a stinging left-footed finish.

With 66 minutes gone, the pressure from Los Blancos would again prove too much for Milan, which was taken apart once again on the counter. Higuain was the architect, marauding down the right and playing in Kaka at the top of the box, who slipped in Ronaldo with impunity for the finish and Madrid’s third goal of the evening.That seemed to finally coax Milan out of its shell. Kevin Constant came close with a header from a corner, before Stephan El Shaarawy’s shot was blocked as danger beckoned in front of the Madrid goal.

But the threat was short-lived, as a bullet header by Ramos from a corner made it 4-1 and ended the resistance of Milan once and for all.

Callejon should have extended the lead even further in the 86th minute, but steered his effort wide after being picked out in acres of space inside the box. But Callejon would not be denied, controlling a Kaka cross as Milan's defence fell apart once again, and lifting over Marco Amelia for the fifth.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sir Alex Ferguson hopeful over Van Persie signing: We've made a bid and we have to perservere

Sir Alex Ferguson is still hopeful that Manchester United can secure a deal for Arsenal star Robin Van Persie and believes the club must persevere if it is to seal the want-away striker's signature.

Van Persie has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with United, Manchester City and Italian giant Juventus all linked with the Dutchman after he announced that he would not be signing a new contract with the Gunners in early July.

However no club has been able to agree a fee with the North London club, and the prospect of the 29-year-old remaning at The Emirates Stadium for another year has begun to look an increasingly likely one.Still, Ferguson remains confident that a deal can be done to bring Van Persie to Old Trafford, and feels that perseverence will be key if United is to snap up his services.
Speaking after United's preseason penalty shootout defeat to Barcelona, he said: "We've made a bid, they've been trying to negotiate with other clubs. We have to persevere. Hopefully it comes our way."I don't know what Arsenal's thoughts are because they're not giving anything away."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'The game's gone mad!' - Sir Alex Ferguson 'amazed' by PSG's big-money move for Lucas Moura

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his amazement after Paris Saint-Germain beat Manchester United in the race to sign Sao Paulo starlet Lucas Moura.United had long been touted as the favorite to secure the 19-year-old's services, however the Brazil international agreed to join the big spending French side on a four-year-deal after PSG agreed a fee reported to be in the region of 45 million euros with the South American heavyweights.
PSG has already made a number of expensive signings this summer, with Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ezequiel Lavezzi all agreeing to join Carlo Ancelotti's side as it looks to secure its first Ligue 1 title since 1994 and mount a challenge for success in this season's Champions League.

Ferguson believes that PSG's spending is detrimental to the game, however, he accepts that the French giants must now be taken seriously as a force in European football.

He told the club's official website: "I find it quite amazing that a club can pay 45 million euros for a 19-year-old boy.

"To make a mark on everyone - to tell everyone that PSG are here - they've signed Thiago Silva from Milan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

"They must have spent about 150 million pounds in the last month. As you know, the only deterrent to that is UEFA.

"In the conditions of European football, you don't qualify for Europe by winning the league or coming second - you only get in by invitation.

"That's where, hopefully, UEFA can have some power. When somebody's paying 45 million euros for a 19-year-old boy you have to say the game's gone mad."