..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Kaka has '0.001 percent' chance of moving to AC Milan, says Ernesto Bronzetti

Kaka will almost certainly not move to AC Milan, says high-profile football representative Ernesto Bronzetti.

The FIFA agent has been influential in bringing players to and from Spain and Italy, especially in moves involving Real Madrid. However, he has warned that Kaka will be all but impossible to bring back to Italy.


Speaking on rumors that Milan is bidding for former fan-favorite Kaka, the agent told Sky Sport Italia that, "Adriano Galliani was right in saying he did not want to give the fans false hope."

"In Italy it’s impossible to pay 10 million euro net wages," he continued."When Real Madrid absolutely has to give him away, then they might have a chance, but unfortunately right now Kaka is a prisoner of his wages."

The Brazilian attacking midfielder made 260 appearances for Milan and scored 95 goals during his time at San Siro, becoming a football icon for the Rossoneri supporters. But he is yet to make the same impact with Real Madrid.Since his move to Spain in 2009, he has only made 93 appearances.

Bronzetti has also warned fellow Serie A club Juventus about the dangers of trying to sign players from Spain, as he feels many struggle to adapt to the game in Italy.

"You saw at Roma that Bojan Krkic and Jose Angel did not impress, while going further back Gaizka Mendieta was a flop at Lazio. It will not be simple to negotiate with Athletic Bilbao, as their President is tough," he explained.

"Other Spanish clubs are not behind Llorente’s decision not to sign a new contract, as they’ve got even less money than the Italians at the moment.”

 

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Fletcher returns for United

Darren Fletcher made his first Manchester United appearance in nine months after coming on as a substitute during a testimonial match at Aberdeen.

Fletcher, who has not played since November after being diagnosed with a chronic bowel condition, came off the bench in the second half as United were beaten 2-1 in Neil Simpson's testimonial.

Former Dons manager Sir Alex Ferguson included the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand in his side, while Dwight Yorke also made a cameo appearance for United.
Fletcher, who has been training with Scotland, took a big step towards a first-team return as he replaced Giggs as captain, completing the final half-an-hour at Pittodrie.

"It's been quiet progress for the boy," United boss Sir Alex Ferguson told MUTV before the match. "He joined in training a couple of weeks ago and it's one of those situations where you say: 'Let's see how he does' because he has had a really difficult time in the last year."

Ferdinand tweeted after the match: "Welcome back Darren Fletcher, great to see my man ratting round the pitch!! Deserves some luck now."

Aberdeen took an unexpected lead in the game after 38 minutes when Jonny Hayes pounced on a rare lapse by Scholes when he dispossessed the midfielder and coolly slotted the ball past David De Gea.

The Dons doubled their lead when Joe Shaughnessy turned the ball home from an Andrew Considine pass after United failed to deal with a Rob Milsom corner. Yorke had a strike ruled out for offside before Anderson pulled a goal back for United after 81 minutes with a neat finish, but Aberdeen held on for a surprise victory.

 

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Welcome Back Fletcher!

 

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Sneijder: I would be happy to captain Netherlands

Wesley Sneijder says his Netherlands teammates should put the past behind them, and has not ruled himself out of taking the captain's armband.


The Dutch experienced a disastrous Euro 2012 campaign as they lost all three of their groups games before heading home at the first hurdle.

Putting that experience firmly to one side, the Inter Milan playmaker says he is open to the prospect of leading his side as they look to qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
"Who should be the new captain? Somebody who can take the lead. Am I somebody like that? Well, I would not say no," he told Algemeen Dagblad.

Sneijder also spoke of his expectations with the Dutch squad in the future: "We all should accept things. It is hard when you play well at your club, but sit on the bench for the Oranje. But only if we accept these things, is it possible to make a new start."

Louis van Gaal replaced Bert van Marwijk as Dutch manager following the recent European Championship and the former Barcelona man took charge of his first training session on Monday afternoon as his side prepares for the friendly with Belgium on Wednesday.
Netherlands kicks off its 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with games against Turkey and Hungary in quick succession during September.

 

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Oxlade-Chamberlain promises to wow Arsenal fans

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has vowed to excite Arsenal fans this season, but acknowledges that entertaining the crowd and winning matches aren't always easily compatible.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a promising debut season for the Gunners earning a call to Roy Hogson's England squad for Euro 2012, as well as being nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Season award.

Now the teenager hopes to emulate the likes of Lionel Messi and enthrall the crowd, though is prepared to dilute some of that flair for the greater good of the team when required.

"You just have to look at somebody like [Lionel] Messi," Oxlade-Chamberlain told the club's official site. "Whenever I watch him play, I am expecting him to do something amazing.

"I like to take people on and be an exciting player, that is just my game. People expect you to be exciting all the time but sometimes you just have those matches where that side of the game is not coming off or you are working harder to defend for the team and keep it simple.

"Then some people might think 'oh, he didn't play well today' because they are expecting you to take players on all the time."

Oxlade-Chamberlain also spoke of the growing expectation on his shoulders, and how he plans to deal with the added burden, but was keen to stress that he placed as much pressure on himself.

"Everybody in the team has got massive expectations on them. Every time we step on to the pitch we are trying to do our best because we have a massive responsibility to try to get results," he added. "I wouldn't say you think about it too much because it is all part of your job and you have to deal with it. More than anything, I put that expectation upon myself."

 

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Graham Taylor: Hodgson should stay out of Terry case

Former England manager Graham Taylor has revealed that he was surprised by Roy Hodgson's public support of John Terry, with the FA currently probing into alleged racial abuse by the player.

The Chelsea defender has been cleared in court of allegedly using racially abusive language towards Anton Ferdinand of QPR, but the FA has re-launched its own investigation into the incident.

The current Three Lions boss, who has already insisted Terry's international career is not over, has now indicated that he hopes the Blues' man will be cleared once more, despite the new inquiry being held by his employer.

Taylor admitted he was shocked by the former West Brom manager's decision to talk openly about the case, stating his belief that Hodgson shouldn't have commented until a conclusion is found.

"I was surprised that Roy said that," Taylor told the BBC. "He shouldn't be getting involved in any comment on that until a decision [by the FA] has been made. I don't think it was a good thing for him."

The England head coach has also come under criticism from awareness group Football Against Racism due to his support of Terry.

Piara Powar, executive director of the organization, was unhappy that Hodgson, who works for the FA, spoke in favor of a party concerned by an ongoing investigation, suggesting it brings the governing body's impartiality into question.

"Hodgson's comments on Terry are foolish. It is not helpful to the process the FA has undertaken in any way," Powar said. "The England manager is employed by the FA, who have a dual role in running the national team and being the governing body. Whatever support Roy Hodgson wants to give to a member of his squad, he also has to remember the FA's wider role.

"For the England coach to go public with his view like this calls into question that dual function."

 

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Messi has to be Argentina's leader because he is the best, claims Mascherano

Lionel Messi's Barcelona teammate, Javier Mascherano, has labelled the 25-year-old as absolutely vital to any hopes of success with the Argentina national team, ahead of playing the Euro 2012 semifinalists.

Messi has been shortlisted among the top three candidates to win the UEFA Best Player in Europe award, and Mascherano is confident his countryman holds the key to inspiring their side to winning the 2014 World Cup.

"Inside us, we all think of Messi as our leader," the former Liverpool midfielder quipped to Argentine publication Clarin. "Who else could it be, but the best player in the world?"

He added, "Coach Alejandro Sabella believes we are capable of inflicting more damage to our opponents, certainly greater than the amount we can suffer. We are capable of fielding four players who are very direct at any time, including [Angel] Di Maria.

"Given the selections available to Germany at the moment, however, they must be one of the best teams, certainly only behind Spain. The match will prove to be an important test."

The World Cup 2010 semifinalists host Messi and co in Frankfurt.

 

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Podolski: Arsenal can challenge for title

Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski has stated that his team can challenge for the Premier league title this season.

The forward, who moved to the Emirates this summer along with Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, indicated that they are one of a number of teams that can win the league this season and hopes to play a major role in bringing the trophy to north London.

“The Premier League has five or six teams who can play for the title and we are one of them,” he told the club's official website.

“We really want to win this trophy and I hope I can score a lot of goals and make some assists to help the club in the Premier League.

“When you are a footballer you must be ready - you’re on the pitch to win. Whether it is against Koln or against Sunderland, you are a footballer and you must be ready to win matches.”

The Gunners forward promised supporters more of the same after netting twice in a preseason friendly against his former club, including a fine strike from outside the penalty area.

The 27-year-old got the Gunners' second and third in a convincing 4-0 victory against his former side, firstly from the penalty spot after 15 minutes and then finishing off a neat move with a powerful strike just before half-time.

The German international revealed that he has had no trouble fitting into his new team as he enjoys the way in which Arsene Wenger's side play football, insisting that it will enable him to reproduce the goods throughout the new season.

“That is the kind of goal Arsenal fans can expect from me,” he told the club's official website. “It was a good goal. We played very well with good combinations and it was fun.

“The passing and the movement of the team is very good - it is a good match. This is what I want and what I like. I like to pass quickly and, without the ball, to play and go. This is my style of football and we play this style."

 

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Barcelona is the only club that would tempt me

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger has admitted that Barcelona could be the only club to tempt him to move away from Anfield.

The 27-year-old, who was recently the subject of a failed bid from Premier League champion Manchester City, has claimed that it is an honor to play for a club like the Reds.

He did, however, express his admiration for the Catalan club and conceded that Barca would be difficult to resist if the team was to come calling.

"Barcelona would be great," he told reporters. "They are the one team who would make it difficult for me to stay.

"I have always considered it an honor to play for a club like Liverpool, and that feeling has been strengthened by the way people in the town have stayed solidly behind the team and me, even when things haven't always gone as they would have hoped.

"You get a sense of how good and how big this club is when you play for them in the Champions League. They are special games, and I believe we can recreate those great nights, hopefully soon."

Agger went on to predict great things around the corner for Liverpool, insisting that he was happy to stay at the club and not seek a move to a team with a more immediate chance of winning trophies.

"Everyone knows about the '80s team, and how they were winning titles every year, and I have a feeling we are not too far off doing the same," he claimed. "If I didn't have that feeling, I wouldn't still be there. But it is a special club, and it still has that feeling about it.

"I understand where Luka Modric and Robin van Persie are coming from because your career is short, you want to win things and be successful and you want to earn money. But I really do sense there are great things round the corner for Liverpool."

 

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Manchester United captain Vidic: My partnership with Rio Ferdinand can be the best in the Premier League

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic says that he and Rio Ferdinand can form the best defensive partnership in the Premier League again, and that his knee is in "perfect condition" after a long-term injury.

Vidic suffered the blow against FC Basel in December and missed the rest of last season, but says now that he has returned he is ready to be reunited with the England center back.

The duo formed a formidable partnership that helped United to Champions League glory in 2008 and the Serbia international sees no reason why they cannot return to that level.

"I have no doubt Rio and me can again be the best couple of central defenders in the Premier League," Vidic told ESPN. "That's the way it has been for a few years and now my dream is for us to return to the same level. People can think anything they like. But, all things being equal, it is very difficult for anybody to get the better of us.

"My knee is in perfect condition. My only challenge this season is to avoid more injury. I'm still not 100 percent, but this will come with more minutes on the field and more hard work. I've received a lot of confidence from the manager and this is the main thing for me."

Young defenders such as Chris Smalling and Phil Jones stepped in in Vidic's absence and the 30-year-old predicted that the club's trophyless campaign would motivate it to do better both domestically and in Europe during the 2012-13 season.

"We had some young players play a lot of games last season," he continued. "They'll have learned a lot. We all learned. In Europe we've had so much success in recent years and maybe relaxed a bit. We were punished and can't allow that to happen again.

"We had a few injuries last season too. I hope everyone can stay fit this time. To lose the league title was hard for us but is forgotten now and we are only thinking of becoming the owners of the English championship again."

 

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Song is unlike any other player, says Clemente

Javier Clemente has taken the time to praise Arsenal midfielder Alexandre Song and feels the Cameroon international is unlike any other player.

The 24-year-old has been linked with a move to Barcelona this summer, and his former international coach has plenty of positive words about Song, even though he's not convinced with the midfielder's defensive abilities.

"He has a very impressive physique and is a great guy. He is a very good player and is unlike any other player," Clemente told RAC-1.

"Song is a much better player in attack than he is defensively, though."

Clemente worked with Song during his spell in charge of Cameroon from August 2010 until October 2011. The powerful midfielder has a contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2015.

 

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El Shaarawy: I dream of playing at 2014 World Cup

Stephan El Shaarawy is eagerly anticipating his Italy debut in the international friendly against England, and is hopeful of making enough of an impact to convince coach Cesare Prandelli of his abilities.

The former Fiorentina boss revealed earlier this week that the AC Milan youngster will feature from the start against the Three Lions, and he is already dreaming of playing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"My dream is to be part of the 2014 World Cup, which must come as a result of my performances for Milan," El Shaarawy told reporters.

"This call-up means so much to me. This is the first call-up, I hope there will be a lot more. It is important to face such an established team like England. I am happy to have the chance to wear the Azzurri shirt. It’s an opportunity to show what I can do.

"[Massimiliano] Allegri and Prandelli are two great coaches who know how to motivate a team, especially young players like me."

 

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There's more to Argentina than just Messi, says Bender

Germany midfielder Lars Bender is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's international friendly against Argentina, and is relishing the prospect of locking horns with Lionel Messi again in particular.

The Bayer Leverkusen midfielder previously took on the Barcelona star in last year's Champions League, when the Argentine netted a stunning five goals in one game. Nevertheless, despite the memory of Messi's impressive performance last term, the gifted forward will not be the only player Bender will be keeping a close eye on.

"Of course, I am really looking forward to this game. But not just because we will be facing Messi. He has the ability to single-handedly decide games and has extraordinary qualities," Bender told the official DFB website. "However, he is only one component of a very strong team. A match against Argentina is something very special. They have a big reputation and a lot of quality in their squad.

"They have some outstanding individuals such as Messi, [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Angel] Di Maria. they struggled a bit at the 2010 World Cup, but they are back now."

 

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Ribery and Benzema to stand trial over underage prostitute allegations

French international stars Karim Benzema and Franck Ribery are to face trial for the alleged solicitation of an underage prostitute, prosecutors have confirmed.

The Real Madrid striker and Bayern Munich winger were first questioned two years ago over allegations that they had paid for sexual encounters with Zahia Dehar, who was under the age of 18 at the time. The scandal, which stemmed from a police investigation into a prostitution ring based around a Paris nightclub, rocked French football and destabilized Les Bleus ahead of their disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign.

The pair are now set to face the charges along with six others after judicial papers were submitted by investigating magistrate Andre Dando this week.

"Some of the defendants will be prosecuted for 'aggravated pimping,' although I cannot disclose which ones at this time," he told CNN. "The trial is months away and will be well into 2013, I expect."

Dehar has accused Benzema of paying for sex with her in 2008 when she was 16, and told investigators that Ribery flew her to Munich as a 'birthday present for himself' the following year.

The Paris state prosecutor has previously called for the charges to be dropped on the grounds that the players did not know that Dehar was underage, however, investigators have since decided to take it to trial.

If found guilty, Ribery and Benzema could face a three-year jail term. Lawyers for both players maintain their clients' innocence.

Sylvain Cormier, the legal counsel for Benzema, told Le Parisien: "There is other material in the record to prove the innocence of my client. I feel it pays to be young and famous."

Ribery's solicitor, Sophie Bottai, told the same publication: "This decision is unjust and also surprising in view of folder contents and submissions of the prosecution. But I remain confident for the rest of the procedure."

France coach Didier Deschamps has included both players in France's squad to face Uruguay on Wednesday.

Deschamps said: "It is in the court's hands. It will not change my demands about players' behavior on and off the pitch with respect to the French team."

 

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Lampard: England can learn from Olympic heroes

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has conceded that the England squad could learn from the example set by athletes at the Olympic Games as the team prepares for its friendly against Italy.

Wednesday's game is the last chance that Roy Hodgson's team has to experiment prior to the World Cup qualifiers that begin in September against Moldova and Ukraine.

The behavior of footballers has come under fire following the positive experience over two weeks in London and the Chelsea veteran has admitted that lessons could be taken from the Games.

"I don't know if it's fair or not that football seems to be getting a bit of a kicking," Lampard told The Sun. "Sure, we know we have our failures in the sport. But we're not the only ones. The Olympics went especially well. The contestants, the atmosphere, the interaction of different countries together in one place, it was great to see.

"If we can all take a lesson from that, every one of us, then we will have all learned a good lesson. It was great to be there and to sample the sort of happy atmosphere you don’t always get at football matches. It was very refreshing.

 

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Hodgson may be forced to select out of favor players

England manager Roy Hodgson has admitted that he may have to select players who are not regulars for their clubs in the Premier League during the Three Lions' World Cup qualification matches.

Despite naming Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell in the squad for the friendly against Italy in Switzerland, the former West Bromwich Albion boss has expressed doubt over the amount of playing time the 21-year old will receive at his new club.

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has also been included for the match despite appearing to be out of favor with new Reds manager Brendan Rodgers.

"I'll be honest, this year there will be quite a few times I have to select players who won't be in their team," Hodgson told reporters."Jack Rodwell, I don't know how many starts he'll get at City. That's a risk but it's the nature of the Premier League. So few English players in the league and many of them playing for the same club.

"Carroll's been good for us in training, he's been very enthusiastic. I spoke to Brendan Rodgers at length and he's training well, working hard, doing his best to break back into the team. As far as I'm concerned, that's good enough for me."

Goalkeepers are another issue for Hodgson to deal with, despite the presence of Manchester City regular Joe Hart as his established number one.

Aside from Hart, Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy is one of very few first choice English shot-stoppers in the top flight, while promising youngster Jack Butland is yet to play above League Two level after spending last season on loan at Cheltenham Town.

"The bottom line is we don't have that many goalkeepers to choose from anymore," said Hodgson. "Go through the Premier League and see who's playing in goal. It's mostly foreigners.
"There's Robert Green and John Ruddy. And there's young Jack Butland, who has done very well but has only played for Cheltenham. Let's hope someone like Jack pops up and puts Joe Hart under pressure."

With qualifiers against Moldova and the Ukraine approaching next month Hodgson is hopeful the younger players can battle with his more experienced internationals for places in the first XI.
"At the Euros I had quite a lot of players I don't have with me on this occasion," he explained. "Hopefully some of the younger players will kick on and make life difficult for some of the guys who have been playing for some years."

 

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Lampard uncertain over Chelsea future

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has revealed that he is still waiting for talks over a new contract to begin as he prepares to enter the final year of his current deal.

The 34-year-old has admitted that he is not sure where his future lies but has expressed his desire to remain with the Blues for the rest of his playing days. Lampard says he was told that discussions would kickoff when he returned for the 2012-13 campaign but acknowledged that he is still waiting for the club to make its move.

"We spoke once last season and it was a case of coming back - and it hasn't come back from their end," Lampard told reporters. "I don't know [what will happen]. At the minute I'm just playing. I'd like to sit down and speak with them. But at the minute I'm playing and it's up to the club to do that.

"I would like to end my career there. I feel I can play at the top level for a good few more years, but it's whether the club feels the same."

Chelsea is in the process of rebuilding its squad, with young stars Eden Hazard, Oscar and Marko Marin brought in over the summer. At 34, Lampard is one of the survivors of the club's previous title-winning team and believes he can still play at the top level.

"I know there are a lot of changes at Chelsea," he continued. "I'd love to be involved, and the youth coming into the squad this year has really freshened up our team. I'd love to carry on but it's a club decision to come and sit down with me. They used to sit down with me three years before the end of my contract! Now I'm waiting.

"People do look at you differently when you get the other side of 30. That's natural. I don't mind that at all. I want to keep myself as fit as possible, to live right, and keep my edge so I know I can keep competing at the top. That's what drives me on. If I don't feel I can do it, I wouldn't be happy playing football anyway."

 

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Hodgson hopes Terry is cleared of FA racism charge

England coach Roy Hodgson has admitted that he hopes the Football Association clears Chelsea defender John Terry so that Terry can continue to represent his country.

The Blues skipper has been hit with a charge of using racially abusive language towards QPR defender Anton Ferdinand by the FA. If found guilty, Terry could face a long ban similar to that of Liverpool forward Luis Suarez, despite being acquitted of the charges in a criminal court.

"I'm hoping, and I make no secret of that, the case will take its course; that John, hopefully, will be freed, as he was freed in a court of law, and will carry on playing for England," Hodgson toldreporters ahead of England's friendly against Italy."That's my hope. What will happen, I have no idea. As a member of the FA, it's a sub judice situation and I'm not prepared to say any more."

Hodgson praised the former national team captain's form at Euro 2012 but conceded that the outcome of the case was out of his hands. The former West Brom boss was reluctant to be drawn further on the matter in fear of influencing the case's outcome, despite revealing his support for the 31-year-old.

"I thought John did well in the Euros and I'd like to keep using him, but this is a case which is way out of my hands," he remarked. "John understands that. All I can do like many of his supporters, I suppose, is just hope he gets freed and can continue to play.

"It's a matter which is really as far as I am concerned working for the FA sub judice. Everything I say can be misinterpreted. As far as I am concerned, he has a case to answer with the FA and I'll wait and see what happens."

 

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Lukaku 'relieved' to have left Chelsea after frustrating debut season

Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has hit out at his parent club for the lack of playing opportunities he received during his first season at the club.


The Belgium international recently joined West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan and described his relief at finding a way to play regular football in the Premier League.

Lukaku revealed that he asked for a temporary switch away from Stamford Bridge immediately after returning for preseason training.

"I couldn’t see myself staying at Chelsea," Lukaku told The Sun. "I sacrificed a year of my career with them and didn’t want to put up with it any more.

"I am relieved to have found a solution. On the first day of preseason I told the manager I wanted to leave."

The 19-year old starlet went on to admit that he lost his appetite for the game last season despite being part of a squad which won both the FA Cup and the Champions League.

Lukaku added that Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo had asked him to consider staying at the club following the departure of Didier Drogba, but he believes his development will be best-served elsewhere.

"Roberto Di Matteo told me I ought to think about Chelsea as there weren't going to be many other strikers this season," he continued. "But this is the time for me to think about myself.

"I got sick of watching the others from the bench. I played only 12 games and when I was playing well they would take me off.

"I lost my hunger for the game over the past year. As regards getting minutes on the pitch, I wasted my time. I am very happy to join West Brom — it feels like liberation."

 

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Fabrice Muamba Retires from Football

Bolton has announced that Fabrice Muamba has retired from football.

The 23-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest after collapsing on the pitch during Bolton's FA Cup sixth-round match with Tottenham last season. Medics rushed onto the pitch to trued and resuscitate the midfielder, who was later rushed to hospital.The former Arsenal, Birmingham and Bolton man had been hopeful of returning to professional football after making encouraging early signs of recovery, but after being advised by doctors to give up the game he has decided to confirm his retirement.

In a statement on the club's official website he said: "Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again.

"As part of my on-going recovery, last week I traveled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football.

"Football has been my life since I was a teenage boy and it has given me so many opportunities. Above all else, I love the game and count myself very lucky to have been able to play at the highest level. While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for. I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me.

"I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career, and the Bolton fans who have been incredible. I am blessed to have the support of my family and friends at this time."