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England 2-1 Italy: Substitute Defoe strikes to earn morale-boosting win
England came from behind to beat ifz Euro 2012 conquerors, Italy, 2-1 in a friendly in Switzerland.
Italy captain Daniele De Rossi's header gave his side the lead before Phil Jagielka equalized with a similar effort. The Three Lions' victory was completed by Jermain Defoe's stunning 25-yard effort.
Jack Butland and Tom Cleverley made their senior international debuts from the start, the former becoming England's youngest-ever goalkeeper in the process, while the returning Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard lined up alongside the Manchester United man in the center.
The Azzurri also included a debutant pairing in attack, AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia Destro, recently signed by Roma, making their bow for Cesare Prandelli's side.
In a quiet opening, the best chances were found from set-pieces, including Angelo Ogbonna's thumping a header over in the opening minutes, while Andy Carroll also got too much on his headed effort from Lampard's corner.
The Azzurri took the lead on 15 minutes, again from a set-piece. Alessandro Diamanti's corner was drifted into the center and De Rossi lost Carrick before flicking his header over Butland and into the net.
Hodgson's men continued to press, however, and grabbed an equalizer just before the half-hour through Jagielka as the Everton man's diving header from Lampard's corner zipped into the net with no man on the post for the Italians.
England looked energized after the goal. A flowing move between Young and Cleverley found Lampard, who forced Sirigu into a smart save from distance, but Butland had to be alert to turn away Diamanti's dangerous cross with Destro again lurking.
Substitutions were predictably seen at halftime with Defoe and John Ruddy replacing Carroll and Butland for England while Atalanta's Federico Peluso came on for his Italy debut in place of Balzaretti.
Destro forced a good save out of Ruddy with a low effort and the forward's grit was again on show as he blustered his way into the area only being denied by a last-ditch Cahill challenge that fell to Aquilani but the former Liverpool man's ball to Abate was poor and the chance was wasted.
A trio of debutants were introduced by the Azzurri as Manolo Gabbiadini, Andrea Poli and Paris Saint-Germain new boy Marco Varratti came on in place of El Shaarawy, Aquilani and Diamanti while James Milner and Joleon Lescott also came on for Young and Jagielka as Hodgson looked to inject impetus into the Three Lions.
Ryan Bertrand was brought on for Baines for his senior England bow and was immediately called upon to hack the ball off the line from an Italian corner.
In an instant, England burst up the other end with Defoe found in the channel. With few available, the Tottenham striker cut inside and unleashed a swerving shot from the corner of the box that Sirigu could only palm into the net.
The Azzurri had half-hearted shouts for a penalty turned down as Abate's shot deflected up onto Lescott's midriff, with the Italians claiming in vain for a handball.
Defoe was close to notching another in stoppage time, but Astori was on hand to turn away Milner's cross with the Tottenham man awaiting a tap-in and the Three Lions held on for their first win over Italy since 1997.
England came from behind to beat ifz Euro 2012 conquerors, Italy, 2-1 in a friendly in Switzerland.
Italy captain Daniele De Rossi's header gave his side the lead before Phil Jagielka equalized with a similar effort. The Three Lions' victory was completed by Jermain Defoe's stunning 25-yard effort.
Jack Butland and Tom Cleverley made their senior international debuts from the start, the former becoming England's youngest-ever goalkeeper in the process, while the returning Michael Carrick and Frank Lampard lined up alongside the Manchester United man in the center.
The Azzurri also included a debutant pairing in attack, AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy and Mattia Destro, recently signed by Roma, making their bow for Cesare Prandelli's side.
In a quiet opening, the best chances were found from set-pieces, including Angelo Ogbonna's thumping a header over in the opening minutes, while Andy Carroll also got too much on his headed effort from Lampard's corner.
The Azzurri took the lead on 15 minutes, again from a set-piece. Alessandro Diamanti's corner was drifted into the center and De Rossi lost Carrick before flicking his header over Butland and into the net.
Hodgson's men continued to press, however, and grabbed an equalizer just before the half-hour through Jagielka as the Everton man's diving header from Lampard's corner zipped into the net with no man on the post for the Italians.
England looked energized after the goal. A flowing move between Young and Cleverley found Lampard, who forced Sirigu into a smart save from distance, but Butland had to be alert to turn away Diamanti's dangerous cross with Destro again lurking.
Substitutions were predictably seen at halftime with Defoe and John Ruddy replacing Carroll and Butland for England while Atalanta's Federico Peluso came on for his Italy debut in place of Balzaretti.
Destro forced a good save out of Ruddy with a low effort and the forward's grit was again on show as he blustered his way into the area only being denied by a last-ditch Cahill challenge that fell to Aquilani but the former Liverpool man's ball to Abate was poor and the chance was wasted.
A trio of debutants were introduced by the Azzurri as Manolo Gabbiadini, Andrea Poli and Paris Saint-Germain new boy Marco Varratti came on in place of El Shaarawy, Aquilani and Diamanti while James Milner and Joleon Lescott also came on for Young and Jagielka as Hodgson looked to inject impetus into the Three Lions.
Ryan Bertrand was brought on for Baines for his senior England bow and was immediately called upon to hack the ball off the line from an Italian corner.
In an instant, England burst up the other end with Defoe found in the channel. With few available, the Tottenham striker cut inside and unleashed a swerving shot from the corner of the box that Sirigu could only palm into the net.
The Azzurri had half-hearted shouts for a penalty turned down as Abate's shot deflected up onto Lescott's midriff, with the Italians claiming in vain for a handball.
Defoe was close to notching another in stoppage time, but Astori was on hand to turn away Milner's cross with the Tottenham man awaiting a tap-in and the Three Lions held on for their first win over Italy since 1997.
Puerto Rico 1-2 Spain: Cazorla and Fabregas strikes save La Roja's blushes
cazorla dan arsenal neh...!
Defoe ge Goal 1ka Patta!
& Panama Match 1ke CR9 ge Goal 1kath kiyala wadak naha Rocket 1kak wage
Santi Cazorla ge Goal 1kath Lassanai!
& Panama Match 1ke CR9 ge Goal 1kath kiyala wadak naha Rocket 1kak wage
Santi Cazorla ge Goal 1kath Lassanai!
Wenger: I'd have preferred to sell Van Persie to PSG, not Manchester United
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he would have preferred to have sold Robin van Persie to Paris Saint-Germain rather than Manchester United.
The Netherlands international striker is set to seal a 24 million pound switch to the Red Devils and may move in time to make his debut on Monday in their Premier League opener against Everton.
Wenger revealed he was frustrated to lose the 29-year-old to a division rival and admitted he would have rather sold him to a foreign club.
"We wanted to avoid that at all cost, but we weren't able to," Wenger told French TV station TF1. "Honestly, I'd have preferred to sell him abroad, to PSG, for example, over Manchester United.
"They have the advantage of having played against him and knowing his great class. He's truly an exceptional player in every sense of the word."
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he would have preferred to have sold Robin van Persie to Paris Saint-Germain rather than Manchester United.
The Netherlands international striker is set to seal a 24 million pound switch to the Red Devils and may move in time to make his debut on Monday in their Premier League opener against Everton.
Wenger revealed he was frustrated to lose the 29-year-old to a division rival and admitted he would have rather sold him to a foreign club.
"We wanted to avoid that at all cost, but we weren't able to," Wenger told French TV station TF1. "Honestly, I'd have preferred to sell him abroad, to PSG, for example, over Manchester United.
"They have the advantage of having played against him and knowing his great class. He's truly an exceptional player in every sense of the word."
Uli Hoeness: Bayern Munich board has given green light for Javi Martinez transfer
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has revealed that the club has been given the “green light” by its governing board to pursue the signing of Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao.
The Spain international midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Allianz Arena, as the Bavarian giants look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new domestic and European campaign.
Hoeness' comments signal an impending end to one of the summer’s longest running transfer sagas, with Bayern set to meet the 23-year-old's 40-million euro release clause in order to complete the deal.
“The board has given the green light, and in the coming days we will tell if the transfer is done or not,” Hoeness explained to Sportbild.
Barcelona had made the player a transfer priority at the end of last season, but was reluctant to meet his buy-out clause, while Spanish tax laws would have forced the Blaugrana to pay around 7m euros extra for the transfer.
Bayern had also been cautious about spending big money, but appears to be in pole position to sign Martinez, with Hoeness hoping to come to a financial agreement with Bilbao, which has stood firm to its valuation of the player.“The coach and the sporting director are convinced that he [Martinez] will solve our problems," he said. "The sporting decision has been made, but now we have to find an economic solution. I will be pleased if it comes off.”
Javi Martinez, who can also play as a central defender, has made over 200 appearances for the Bilbao first team, while winning eight caps for his country.
Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has revealed that the club has been given the “green light” by its governing board to pursue the signing of Javi Martinez from Athletic Bilbao.
The Spain international midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Allianz Arena, as the Bavarian giants look to bolster their midfield options ahead of the new domestic and European campaign.
Hoeness' comments signal an impending end to one of the summer’s longest running transfer sagas, with Bayern set to meet the 23-year-old's 40-million euro release clause in order to complete the deal.
“The board has given the green light, and in the coming days we will tell if the transfer is done or not,” Hoeness explained to Sportbild.
Barcelona had made the player a transfer priority at the end of last season, but was reluctant to meet his buy-out clause, while Spanish tax laws would have forced the Blaugrana to pay around 7m euros extra for the transfer.
Bayern had also been cautious about spending big money, but appears to be in pole position to sign Martinez, with Hoeness hoping to come to a financial agreement with Bilbao, which has stood firm to its valuation of the player.“The coach and the sporting director are convinced that he [Martinez] will solve our problems," he said. "The sporting decision has been made, but now we have to find an economic solution. I will be pleased if it comes off.”
Javi Martinez, who can also play as a central defender, has made over 200 appearances for the Bilbao first team, while winning eight caps for his country.
Rodgers: Agger wants to stay at Liverpool
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed Daniel Agger wants to remain at the club despite speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.
The Denmark international has been at the club for six years since moving from Brondby in 2006 and has made over 100 league appearances for the Reds.
Rodgers is adamant the Merseyside club want to keep the defender and the former Swansea boss admitted Agger has told him he wants to remain at Anfield.
"For me there has been no big change," Rodgers told reporters. "The first point is we don't want to sell him. Secondly, I believe he will be a player who will thrive in this way of working and thirdly he doesn't want to leave - which is a great help as well. He is a top player and I want to keep him here.
"Over the last couple of months we have been able to sell the project and vision to a number of senior players. They are very happy to move forward with it and I would expect Daniel to be the same. He made that clear in the very first conversation we had that he wanted to be part of our revolution here in terms of moving forward and he hasn't wavered from that in any single way whatsoever. Other reported clubs have made bids for him, which is natural, because he is a top player. But for us nothing has changed. He doesn't want to go and we don't want to sell him."
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed Daniel Agger wants to remain at the club despite speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City.
The Denmark international has been at the club for six years since moving from Brondby in 2006 and has made over 100 league appearances for the Reds.
Rodgers is adamant the Merseyside club want to keep the defender and the former Swansea boss admitted Agger has told him he wants to remain at Anfield.
"For me there has been no big change," Rodgers told reporters. "The first point is we don't want to sell him. Secondly, I believe he will be a player who will thrive in this way of working and thirdly he doesn't want to leave - which is a great help as well. He is a top player and I want to keep him here.
"Over the last couple of months we have been able to sell the project and vision to a number of senior players. They are very happy to move forward with it and I would expect Daniel to be the same. He made that clear in the very first conversation we had that he wanted to be part of our revolution here in terms of moving forward and he hasn't wavered from that in any single way whatsoever. Other reported clubs have made bids for him, which is natural, because he is a top player. But for us nothing has changed. He doesn't want to go and we don't want to sell him."
Merkel: AC Milan has definitely become weaker
Genoa starlet Alexander Merkel believes AC Milan has lost a lot of quality this summer, but insists the club will continue to compete at the highest level.
Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva left San Siro for Paris Saint-Germain in July, but while the former Rossoneri midfielder lamented their departures, he says the side is too big to struggle without the prized pair.
"Milan have certainly become weaker. They've lost two fundamental players in Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva," Merkel was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "However, we should not forget that Milan are a big club. They will also do well without these two players."
Merkel left Milan for Genoa on a permanent basis earlier in the summer, but he admits he would have been happy to stay put.
"It would have been great to stay at Milan, but now I'm only thinking about Genoa," added Merkel.
Merkel is a product of the Stuttgart youth academy, but left the Bundesliga side for Milan in 2008.
Genoa starlet Alexander Merkel believes AC Milan has lost a lot of quality this summer, but insists the club will continue to compete at the highest level.
Both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva left San Siro for Paris Saint-Germain in July, but while the former Rossoneri midfielder lamented their departures, he says the side is too big to struggle without the prized pair.
"Milan have certainly become weaker. They've lost two fundamental players in Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva," Merkel was quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "However, we should not forget that Milan are a big club. They will also do well without these two players."
Merkel left Milan for Genoa on a permanent basis earlier in the summer, but he admits he would have been happy to stay put.
"It would have been great to stay at Milan, but now I'm only thinking about Genoa," added Merkel.
Merkel is a product of the Stuttgart youth academy, but left the Bundesliga side for Milan in 2008.
Hummels sustains neck injury
Mats Hummels could face a brief spell on the sidelines after sustaining a neck injury during Germany's 3-1 international friendly defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.
The center back was forced to leave the pitch on the 25th minute following a collision with Gonzalo Higuain earlier in the match.
It is not yet known how long Hummels will be out of action as he has yet to undergo further examination, but the center back is doubtful for Borussia Dortmund's DFB-Pokal clash with Oberneuland at the weekend.
Marcel Schmelzer, Ilkay Gundogan, Mario Gotze and Marco Reus also featured for Germany in Wednesday's match, but came out unscathed.
Dortmund opened the 2012-13 campaign with a 2-1 loss against Bayern Munich in last weekend's DFL-Supercup.
Mats Hummels could face a brief spell on the sidelines after sustaining a neck injury during Germany's 3-1 international friendly defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.
The center back was forced to leave the pitch on the 25th minute following a collision with Gonzalo Higuain earlier in the match.
It is not yet known how long Hummels will be out of action as he has yet to undergo further examination, but the center back is doubtful for Borussia Dortmund's DFB-Pokal clash with Oberneuland at the weekend.
Marcel Schmelzer, Ilkay Gundogan, Mario Gotze and Marco Reus also featured for Germany in Wednesday's match, but came out unscathed.
Dortmund opened the 2012-13 campaign with a 2-1 loss against Bayern Munich in last weekend's DFL-Supercup.
Benzema: It was important not to lose against Uruguay
Karim Benzema insists it was imperative that France avoided defeat against Uruguay on Wednesday night.
Les Bleus were unable to find the net in their first game under new national team coach Didier Deschamps, as both sides fought out a stalemate, but the Real Madrid striker is satisfied with the final outcome of the match.
"We lacked a bit of freshness, but it was essential not to lose the game. Overall, it was a positive performance," Benzema told L'Equipe. "We have a new team with some new players. We did our utmost to win the match, and got some chances toward the end."
Meanwhile, Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue was thrilled to make his first official appearance for France.
"Even if we didn't score, we played a good game," he continued. "For my first cap, my teammates made me comfortable. Didier Deschamps told me to be myself and to enjoy it. It was great to be here."
France takes on Finland in its next match on Sept. 6.
Karim Benzema insists it was imperative that France avoided defeat against Uruguay on Wednesday night.
Les Bleus were unable to find the net in their first game under new national team coach Didier Deschamps, as both sides fought out a stalemate, but the Real Madrid striker is satisfied with the final outcome of the match.
"We lacked a bit of freshness, but it was essential not to lose the game. Overall, it was a positive performance," Benzema told L'Equipe. "We have a new team with some new players. We did our utmost to win the match, and got some chances toward the end."
Meanwhile, Toulouse midfielder Etienne Capoue was thrilled to make his first official appearance for France.
"Even if we didn't score, we played a good game," he continued. "For my first cap, my teammates made me comfortable. Didier Deschamps told me to be myself and to enjoy it. It was great to be here."
France takes on Finland in its next match on Sept. 6.
Redknapp: Van Persie could be the difference for Manchester United in title race
Harry Redknapp believes that the imminent arrival of Arsenal striker Robin van Persie at Manchester United "could be the difference" in the Premier League title race.
It was announced by both clubs on Wednesday that a fee, thought to be in the region of 24 million pounds, had been agreed for the sale of the 29-year-old with the forward due to travel to Manchester on Thursday to complete a medical and put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
The former Tottenham manager has predicted that the goals Van Persie is capable of bringing to Sir Alex Ferguson's side could see the Red Devils reclaim the title from their local rival."I could see Manchester United winning the league next year, now they've got Van Persie," Redknapp told BBC Sport. "He could be the difference. He really is a great signing."
Van Persie and Wayne Rooney - first and second respectively in last season's goalscorer rankings - notched 57 goals between them in the Premier League during 2011-12, which is more than 15 of the division's clubs achieved in total.
Redknapp believes the prospect of the pair linking-up is mouth-watering.
"If he performs like he did last year then him and Rooney will just be an incredible partnership," he remarked.
Harry Redknapp believes that the imminent arrival of Arsenal striker Robin van Persie at Manchester United "could be the difference" in the Premier League title race.
It was announced by both clubs on Wednesday that a fee, thought to be in the region of 24 million pounds, had been agreed for the sale of the 29-year-old with the forward due to travel to Manchester on Thursday to complete a medical and put pen to paper on a four-year deal.
The former Tottenham manager has predicted that the goals Van Persie is capable of bringing to Sir Alex Ferguson's side could see the Red Devils reclaim the title from their local rival."I could see Manchester United winning the league next year, now they've got Van Persie," Redknapp told BBC Sport. "He could be the difference. He really is a great signing."
Van Persie and Wayne Rooney - first and second respectively in last season's goalscorer rankings - notched 57 goals between them in the Premier League during 2011-12, which is more than 15 of the division's clubs achieved in total.
Redknapp believes the prospect of the pair linking-up is mouth-watering.
"If he performs like he did last year then him and Rooney will just be an incredible partnership," he remarked.
Newcastle sign Anita
Vurnon Anita has completed his move to Newcastle United from Ajax, signing a five-year deal.
Anita, 23, is a defensive midfielder who is also capable of operating in defence and Newcastle boss Alan Pardew believes he can be a major asset.
"We are delighted to secure the services of Vurnon," he told the club's official website. "He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability, which is exactly what I'm looking at in a player, and, at 23-years-old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle.
"He has come through the Ajax youth system, which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here."
Pardew also said that Anita will be ready for action immediately, meaning he is likely to play some part of the weekend's fixture against Tottenham Hotspur."Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he's up to speed and ready to play when I need him."
Prior to signing his deal with Newcastle, Anita had revealed that he had sought confirmation of his role in the side.
"I talked to the manager and the coach and they know that I want to play in a defensive midfield place and that's why they brought me here," Anita said, "but I can play at left-back or right-back, so that's also no problem." The midfielder, who has represented Netherlands three times, also said he had spoken with compatriot Tim Krul prior to moving to Tyneside. "He told me to join Newcastle, and said it was a very nice club with great supporters and everything is nice and that he would like me to come here," he said. "I trust him so I think we can have a nice time here."
Meanwhile, Ajax manager Frank De Boer has backed the player to do well in the Premier League:
Speaking to the Evening Chronicle, De Boer said: "Newcastle fans will see a player who can deal with the game in England.
"He goes to Newcastle United with my best wishes. He is one of the hardest working young players I have ever seen. He deserves a move to a club like Newcastle United. He gives 300% for you. He is always concentrating on his game and he never ever gives up. He has a bright future ahead."
Vurnon Anita has completed his move to Newcastle United from Ajax, signing a five-year deal.
Anita, 23, is a defensive midfielder who is also capable of operating in defence and Newcastle boss Alan Pardew believes he can be a major asset.
"We are delighted to secure the services of Vurnon," he told the club's official website. "He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability, which is exactly what I'm looking at in a player, and, at 23-years-old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle.
"He has come through the Ajax youth system, which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here."
Pardew also said that Anita will be ready for action immediately, meaning he is likely to play some part of the weekend's fixture against Tottenham Hotspur."Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he's up to speed and ready to play when I need him."
Prior to signing his deal with Newcastle, Anita had revealed that he had sought confirmation of his role in the side.
"I talked to the manager and the coach and they know that I want to play in a defensive midfield place and that's why they brought me here," Anita said, "but I can play at left-back or right-back, so that's also no problem." The midfielder, who has represented Netherlands three times, also said he had spoken with compatriot Tim Krul prior to moving to Tyneside. "He told me to join Newcastle, and said it was a very nice club with great supporters and everything is nice and that he would like me to come here," he said. "I trust him so I think we can have a nice time here."
Meanwhile, Ajax manager Frank De Boer has backed the player to do well in the Premier League:
Speaking to the Evening Chronicle, De Boer said: "Newcastle fans will see a player who can deal with the game in England.
"He goes to Newcastle United with my best wishes. He is one of the hardest working young players I have ever seen. He deserves a move to a club like Newcastle United. He gives 300% for you. He is always concentrating on his game and he never ever gives up. He has a bright future ahead."
Liverpool agree Assaidi deal
Assaidi, 24, is set to undergo fitness tests at Melwood before sealing his transfer to Liverpool from Eredivisie side Heerenveen.
The Morocco international had been linked with a move to Fulham earlier this summer only for the Reds to swoop for his services as manager Brendan Rodgers prepares for his debut season at the helm.
Rodgers has already signed Joe Allen and Fabio Borini while it is reported that he is closing in on the capture of Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin.
Assaidi, who has 22 caps for Morocco to his name, scored 20 goals in 68 appearances for Heerenveen in the Dutch top flight.
Assaidi, 24, is set to undergo fitness tests at Melwood before sealing his transfer to Liverpool from Eredivisie side Heerenveen.
The Morocco international had been linked with a move to Fulham earlier this summer only for the Reds to swoop for his services as manager Brendan Rodgers prepares for his debut season at the helm.
Rodgers has already signed Joe Allen and Fabio Borini while it is reported that he is closing in on the capture of Real Madrid's Nuri Sahin.
Assaidi, who has 22 caps for Morocco to his name, scored 20 goals in 68 appearances for Heerenveen in the Dutch top flight.
Sunderland signs Louis Saha on one-year deal
Sunderland has completed the signing of France striker Louis Saha on a one-year-deal following his release by Tottenham at the end of last season.
The 34-year-old becomes the Black Cats second signing of the summer following Carlos Cuellar's move from Aston Villa.
Saha joined his teammates in training on Thursday and is expected to make his debut in his side's Premier League opener against Arsenal on Saturday.
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is delighted to have signed the former Manchester United striker and feels he will bring a wealth of experience to the club.
"Louis is a striker whose abilities have been proven at the very highest level and he brings with him a raft of experience of top-flight football," O'Neill told the club's official website. "I'm sure he will be a great addition to our squad in an area we recognize needs strengthening and I'm delighted we have been able to complete the deal ahead of our first game of the season."
Sunderland has completed the signing of France striker Louis Saha on a one-year-deal following his release by Tottenham at the end of last season.
The 34-year-old becomes the Black Cats second signing of the summer following Carlos Cuellar's move from Aston Villa.
Saha joined his teammates in training on Thursday and is expected to make his debut in his side's Premier League opener against Arsenal on Saturday.
Sunderland boss Martin O'Neill is delighted to have signed the former Manchester United striker and feels he will bring a wealth of experience to the club.
"Louis is a striker whose abilities have been proven at the very highest level and he brings with him a raft of experience of top-flight football," O'Neill told the club's official website. "I'm sure he will be a great addition to our squad in an area we recognize needs strengthening and I'm delighted we have been able to complete the deal ahead of our first game of the season."
Fergie hails new Utd strikeforce
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the signing of Robin van Persie will give him a strikeforce to compare with the prolific quartet who helped fire Manchester United to Champions League glory in 1999.
United have had a £24 million bid accepted for Arsenal captain Van Persie, who is likely to complete his move to Old Trafford on Thursday.
Ferguson expects the Dutchman to make his debut in Monday's match at Everton, where he could join Wayne Rooney in a partnership comprising the two top scorers in the Premier League last season.
"They are two fantastic players and it's great to have the both of them," Ferguson said. "It's great to have a player of Van Persie's qualities coming into the squad. He is on his way up from London, he will have a medical later this afternoon and we hope that goes according to plan. "His agent is in talks with David [Gill]. Hopefully everything will be tied up by the end of the day. I am sure he will be available for Monday's game."
Together with Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, plus Shinji Kagawa, Ferguson feels he has a group of forwards to rival the class of 1999.
Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke started the Champions League final win over Bayern Munich, while Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came off the bench to score the goals.
Ferguson added: "If you go back to 1999 season and we had Dwight and Andy and Teddy and Ole Gunnar - the four best strikers in Europe - and we are getting back towards that now. "We have got Chicharito, we have got Wayne, we have got Robin, we have got Danny Welbeck and we have got Kagawa. That is a fantastic combination of players. Hopefully I pick the right combinations."
Ferguson was speaking as Manchester United announced a three-year partnership with bwin, now the club's official gaming partner.
Sir Alex Ferguson believes the signing of Robin van Persie will give him a strikeforce to compare with the prolific quartet who helped fire Manchester United to Champions League glory in 1999.
United have had a £24 million bid accepted for Arsenal captain Van Persie, who is likely to complete his move to Old Trafford on Thursday.
Ferguson expects the Dutchman to make his debut in Monday's match at Everton, where he could join Wayne Rooney in a partnership comprising the two top scorers in the Premier League last season.
"They are two fantastic players and it's great to have the both of them," Ferguson said. "It's great to have a player of Van Persie's qualities coming into the squad. He is on his way up from London, he will have a medical later this afternoon and we hope that goes according to plan. "His agent is in talks with David [Gill]. Hopefully everything will be tied up by the end of the day. I am sure he will be available for Monday's game."
Together with Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez, plus Shinji Kagawa, Ferguson feels he has a group of forwards to rival the class of 1999.
Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke started the Champions League final win over Bayern Munich, while Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer came off the bench to score the goals.
Ferguson added: "If you go back to 1999 season and we had Dwight and Andy and Teddy and Ole Gunnar - the four best strikers in Europe - and we are getting back towards that now. "We have got Chicharito, we have got Wayne, we have got Robin, we have got Danny Welbeck and we have got Kagawa. That is a fantastic combination of players. Hopefully I pick the right combinations."
Ferguson was speaking as Manchester United announced a three-year partnership with bwin, now the club's official gaming partner.
අනිවා.but Fernando Torresවගේ වෙයිද දන්නේ නෑ
Apooo ahemanam wenna epa
Habai Torres dan Form 1ke inne bro
Iker Casillas: Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the best
Spain captain Iker Casillas has labeled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's two best players.
The goalkeeper avoided having to choose either Messi or Ronaldo, though he did concede that if he had to, it would be the Portuguese, solely for the fact that he "knows him more."
In an interview with Mexican television station, Univision, Casillas said: "We are talking about the two best players in the world now and this always make for a great debate. Some think Messi, others think Ronado is better. I cannot opt for any."
Yet the Real Madrid star did eventually allude to who he rated more highly.
"If I had to choose one, it would be Cristiano, because I know him more for we play together at club level," he continued.
Casillas went on to say he believed having two great players in the world is better than having one.
"We are talking about the two best players in the world right now, and I think that if there were only one, it wouldn't be as good for football," concluded the 31-year-old.
Spain captain Iker Casillas has labeled Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's two best players.
The goalkeeper avoided having to choose either Messi or Ronaldo, though he did concede that if he had to, it would be the Portuguese, solely for the fact that he "knows him more."
In an interview with Mexican television station, Univision, Casillas said: "We are talking about the two best players in the world now and this always make for a great debate. Some think Messi, others think Ronado is better. I cannot opt for any."
Yet the Real Madrid star did eventually allude to who he rated more highly.
"If I had to choose one, it would be Cristiano, because I know him more for we play together at club level," he continued.
Casillas went on to say he believed having two great players in the world is better than having one.
"We are talking about the two best players in the world right now, and I think that if there were only one, it wouldn't be as good for football," concluded the 31-year-old.
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