..::Football II::..

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Meireles set for Turkey move

Turkish giants Fenerbahce have confirmed they are in transfer talks with Chelsea regarding midfielder Raul Meireles. Meireles, 29, is seen as a replacement for Emre Balozoglu, who left the Turkish club for Atletico Madrid in the summer.

A statement from the club said: "Fenerbache have begun official transfer talks with Chelseafootballer Raul Meireles."The Portugal international moved to West London from Liverpool in 2011 for a fee of €13.5 million, and went on to play 28 games for the club last season, but was suspended for the Champions League final win over Bayern Munich.

Fenerbahce have until September 5, when the Turkish transfer window closes, to complete the deal.

 

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Meireles ta Transfer wenna dunnoth AparadeMeireles Patta Player neh

 

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Henry sends open letter

Liverpool's principal owner John W Henry has declared he is fully committed to the club despite the failure to bring in a replacement striker for Andy Carroll before the close of the transfer window.

In an open letter to fans, Henry has backed manager Brendan Rodgers and dismissed claims that the transfer policy at Anfield is about cutting costs, but he did acknowledge that owners Fenway Sports Group had made mistakes in a "difficult" two years since taking change at Anfield.

Rodgers has been left with two senior forwards after allowing Carroll to leave for West Ham on a season's loan.The manager had been hoping to bring in Clint Dempsey as a replacement, but Liverpool could not raise the funds to buy the forward from Fulham, and he joined Tottenham instead.

Rodgers insisted after Sunday's 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal that he had not been misled by Fenway Sports Group over the affair, but admitted he wouldn't have sanctioned Carroll's departure if he knew he wouldn't be replaced.

Henry states that he was as frustrated as Rodgers over the failure to add a forward.He wrote: "I am as disappointed as anyone connected with Liverpool Football Club that we were unable to add further to our strike force in this summer transfer window, but that was not through any lack of desire or effort on the part of all of those involved.

"They pushed hard in the final days of the transfer window on a number of forward targets and it is unfortunate that on this occasion we were unable to conclude acceptable deals to bring those targets in."

Henry pointed to the summer signings of Joe Allen, Nuri Sahin, Fabio Borini, Samed Yesil and Oussama Assaidi - plus the retention of Luis Suarez, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel - as evidence of FSG's financial commitment.

However, he accepted that mistakes had been made in trying to steer Liverpool back on course after the difficulties the club had faced under the ownership of Tom Hicks and George Gillett.

He added: "The transfer policy was not about cutting costs. It was - and will be in the future - about getting maximum value for what is spent so that we can build quality and depth.

"We are avowed proponents of UEFA's Financial Fair Play agenda that was this week reiterated by Mr Platini - something we heartily applaud. We must comply with Financial Fair Play guidelines that ensure spending is tied to income," Henry explained in the statement. "We have been successful in improving the commercial side of the club and the monies generated going forward will give us greater spending power in the coming years.

"We are still in the process of reversing the errors of previous regimes. It will not happen overnight. It has been compounded by our own mistakes in a difficult first two years of ownership. It has been a harsh education, but make no mistake, the club is healthier today than when we took over."

 

[panchaz]

Bayawenna Epa Aiya,Mokakhari Podi awlak attheath Discuss karala Settle karaganna bari wena 1kak nahaAnith 1ka Real Madrid president Florentino Perez CR7 ta Kohomatath Club 1ken Quit wenna dena 1kak naha

ehema unoth hodai nathnam aparadey

 

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If Cristiano Ronaldo is sad, people should go into the streets and cry, says former Barcelona coach Carles Rexach

Former Barcelona player and coach Carles Rexach believes Cristiano Ronaldo has as close to a perfect life as a footballer can have, and says the Real Madrid attacker should not be so vocal about his sadness.

The 27-year-old sad that he did not celebrate his double strike against Granada on Sunday because he was "sad" with a "professional" issue, within the club.

But Rexach, who has coached Barca's youth team and 'B' team as well as guiding the senior squad in caretaker and full-time capacities, was unsympathetic about the recent plight of Madrid's prized asset.

"If Cristiano is sad, people should go into the streets and cry," the Catalan sarcastically remarked.

"Ronaldo can't ask for more from life. He's a top player, he has everything.

"He is physically fit, well-built, has money, success, is one of the best players in the world.

"I don't know what else he wants, so for him to be sad is sacrilege."

Rexach also discussed Cesc Fabregas' slow start to the season, and urged fans and pundits to have patience with the former Arsenal man.

"Cesc has to find his place within the team," he continued.

"When he first arrived he had a great start, scoring goals, but now that Messi is playing a bit deeper he cannot find his ideal position on the field.

"People must have patience."

Considering the task ahead of Tito Vilanova, Rexach offered his advice: "I believe that better than improving, what he has to do is change things up, to vary things a bit, because everybody already knows how Barcelona play, the people know that Messi plays a little deeper."

 

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Lloris did not appreciate the statements of Andre Villas-Boas, reveals Deschamps

Didier Decshamps has expressed his concern over Tottenham Hotspur coach Andre Villas-Boas' comments regarding France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

In France, the unofficial but commonly accepted rule is that a player must start for his club team in order to play for the national side, but the Spurs coach had admitted after their weekend draw with Norwich that Brad Friedel would not necessarily be replaced by the incoming shot-stopper.

And Deschamps, the former Olympique Lyonnais man's national team boss, was clearly alarmed at the words of the Portuguese trainer, though he tried not to give too much away.

"Lloris did not appreciate Villas-Boas' statements," he was reported as saying by Telefoot.

"I saw what Villas-Boas said. If I comment on this, it is going to echo on the other side of the Channel, but it surprised me.

"I'm not going to create a problem that I'm not part of, but if it happens [he is No.2] then it will be worth talking about.

"You all know the value of Hugo. I do not know what will happen but I hope everything goes well for him."

Deschamps also discussed his team's upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign, which starts against Finland in Helsinki on Friday.

"Our objective is clear, to qualify for the World Cup and it starts with the first match," he continued.

"We will first think of the first game. The goal is to start well and ideally win in Finland."

Les Bleus have also been drawn against Georgia, Belarus, and reigning champion Spain in Group I.

 

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Giovinco: I have never considered myself a top player

Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco has stated that he has never considered himself a top player, and that he needs to improve his confidence in front of goal.

Giovinco scored twice in the 4-1 win over Udinese on Sunday, and has impressed with his overall performances since returning to Juve from Parma this summer.

However, the 25-year-old believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.

"Am I a top player? I never thought of myself as one, to tell you the truth," he told Corriere dello Sport. "I must learn to be more confident in front of goal."

After loan spells at Empoli and Parma, as well as being sold to the Gialloblu in 2011, the Bianconeri repurchased 50 percent of the player's rights for 11 million euros this summer.

 

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It's like Ibrahimovic mocks you, says Lille goalkeeper Landreau

Lille goalkeeper Mickael Landreau talked about the difficulty of going up against Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the Swede bagged two goals in Paris Saint-Germain's 2-1 victory on Sunday.

The Frenchman compared the striker to other players that have troubled him in recent years, and said that the former AC Milan man may be the best of them all.

"He almost mocks you. In the first match against Pauleta, I conceded three. In the first game against Lisandro, I conceded three as well. Here, Ibrahimovic scored two in 21 minutes!" he rued.

"Ibra is of the same caliber and perhaps even a little better."

The Dogues No.1 also complained that no matter how well-prepared he thinks he is, the 30-year-old striker always comes out on top.

"In one-on-one situations, I felt ready and in place to stop him, but he finds the net every time.

"You rage because you say that next time it will improve."

Meanwhile, PSG sporting director Leonardo stated that he was pleased with the manner of victory on Sunday evening, especially given his side's poor record against Lille.

"We're happy, not only with the victory, but also the way it was won," he said.

"It's been 15 years since the club won at Lille.

"This is the beginning of what we are imagining. It's hard to put everything in place immediately. We made a lot of changes; the coach, 17 players. We tried to change everything, right away."

As well as Ibrahimovic, les Parisiens brought in Thiago Silva, Marco Verratti, Lucas Moura and Ezequiel Lavezzi this summer, and announced on Monday that they had concluded a deal for Ajax right back Gregory Van der Wiel.

 

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Hazard: Belgium must qualify for World Cup

New Chelsea star Eden Hazard insists qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is a must for his native Belgium.

Hazard, who signed for the European Champions for 32 million pounds in the summer, believes his national side has the quality to qualify for the World Cup, but need to start performing on the pitch.

Belgium’s qualifying campaign begins with clashes against Wales and Croatia, and Hazard believes his side needs a good start to give them a chance of reaching Brazil.Hazard told Belgian paper Le Suir: “We have talked enough. It's time for action now. The talent is here, we know that. But we have to show that with results.

“It's all or nothing and we absolutely have to qualify for the World Cup. We have to gain at least four points against Wales and Croatia.”

Hazard has faced criticism in recent times for failing to replicate his scintillating club form on the international stage, but he insists he is satisfied with his performances.

He added: “I think I have played some good matches for Belgium. At club level I may be more decisive, but that's normal. It's not possible to score three goals in every match, but people do expect that."

 

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Atthatama Belgium meetawada Hoda Place 1kakata anna one inna Team 1kath 1kka gatthama

Mama Kamathima Team 1kak

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidic unhappy with Manchester United defending against Southampton

Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic has criticized his side's defending against Southampton, despite coming away with all three points, and believes the club will improve over the next few games.

The Red Devils' center back was finally reunited with Rio Ferdinand in the heart of defense for the first time since last December, however United was still unable to keep a clean sheet against the newly-promoted Saints.

"It was a difficult game and we conceded two goals we're not happy with at all," Vidic told the club's official website. "We've been told before the game what Southampton's strengths are, what their game is and what they're trying to achieve. In the end, they did it, so it's disappointing.

The 30-year-old believes that getting players back from injury and re-establishing partnerships in defense is very important, but that the team will improve in their next game as they work together and build their fitness.

Vidic continued: "I think it's only the second time in a year myself and Rio have played together so it's a long time and obviously it's tough as everyone needs more games.

"I have to say, we are not really pleased with the goals we've conceded. There was a lack of concentration, I think, for all four goals we lost [in the last two games] but we have to work on it. You have to say we've had a lot of turbulence in defence with so many changes and people going in and going out.

"We didn't have a constant back four and sometimes it causes a problem, but we look forward to the next games. We have over a week to improve our fitness and obviously our form so we are going to be right for the next game in the Premier League."

 

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Unhappy kiyanakota baya una

 

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Dzeko: Manchester City does not fear anybody in the Champions League

Edin Dzeko has insisted that Manchester City will not be fazed by their tough draw in this season's Champions League.

The Premier League champion has been drawn alongside three other title holders in the shape of Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Ajax in Group D this season after facing Bayern Munich and Napoli last term.

But the Bosnia international is confident that Robert Mancini's side can progress to the knockout rounds after being eliminated at the group phase last year.

He told SportSport: "We were in the group of death last season and now we are in it again."

"The group will be great to watch, but not so great to play in. But we know what we are capable of and we don't fear anybody.

"I believe it will be a tight race and it will be interesting to see who will go to the next round.

The former Wolfsburg striker believes that Roberto Mancini's side could go on to win the competition if they qualify from the group, but admits Real Madrid are obvious favorites to go through.

He added: "Whoever finishes first and second in the group will be big favourites to win the competition. I hope we don't make the same mistakes as last season.

"Who are the favorites? Real Madrid, of course. I can't wait for the opening match at Santiago Bernabeu.

"That will be a great spectacle and I hope that we can show in Madrid what we are capable of and how strong we are."

 

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I'm not Arsenal's new Song but more like Yaya Toure, claims Diaby

Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby insists he is not the one to replace Alex Song in the Gunners' squad, claiming he is more like Yaya Toure.

The Frenchman starred in his side's 2-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, in which new-boys Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla got a goal each.

The 26-year-old has struggled to keep fit for long enough to make any real impact at the Emirates, after joining in 2006 from Auxerre, however if the midfielder can stay injury-free then he has a big part to play in north London this season.

"In our teams, Yaya Toure and me have very similar roles," he told reporters. "I am not like Alex Song. We have many players who can take his place like Francis Coquelin or Mikel Arteta, who likes to play deep. I want to get forward - that's me.

"I have defensive duties as well so I need to have a good shape defensively and, as soon as we get the ball, go forward."

With Jack Wilshere still sidelined and expected to remain out for at least another month, if Diaby manages to stay fit then he should enjoy a chance to hold a steady place in Wenger's team.

The midfielder, who only managed four substitute appearances in the league last term due to numerous injuries, paid tribute to his manager for the faith and patience shown in him, while he is looking forward to the season ahead.

"I have to thank the manager because I have had tremendous support and as a player it is really important to have that support," he said. "Support from your team-mates as well - I have to say that during this period, they helped a lot.

"I want to enjoy myself because I love football and to pay back the club, manager and team-mates as well.

"Mentally it was a hard time but I love football. Football is my passion so it doesn't matter what happened, I need to look forward and that is what I have done in this situation."

 

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'I already knew about Cristiano Ronaldo's statements and they don't surprise me' - Jorge Mendes

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, has insisted that he always knew about his client's shock admission that he was unhappy with life at Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old stunned the football world after claiming he was left saddened by a 'professional issue' at the club after refusing to celebrate his two goals in the 3-0 Liga victory over Granada on Sunday.

Speculation has intensified over the past 24 hours as to what prompted Ronaldo's comments, but his agent has since released a statement to clarify both his and the player's position on the matter.

"Following [Monday's] reports published by some media outlets, which claim that I have been surprised and bothered by the statements made by Cristiano Ronaldo, I clarify the following," he began. "Firstly, Ronaldo's declarations are based on reasons that are the best of my knowledge. It is at the discretion of Cristiano whether he discloses them or not.

"Secondly, these statements have not surprised me and, much less, caused me any discomfort. The relationship that binds me to Cristiano Ronaldo means he will always count on me with total solidarity."

Meanwhile, former Portugal winger Paulo Futre dismissed the notion that Ronaldo's statements were motivated by money, instead claiming his discontent could be down to a possible lack of support following his failure to win the 2011 Ballon d'Or.

"I left Madrid this morning and the radios [in Spain] are crazy," the ex-AC Milan and Atletico Madrid star told reporters. "They say Ronaldo said what he said because he wants to renew his contract and make more money, but I don't believe that.

"He did not win the Ballon d'Or last year and, perhaps, he did not feel the full support of his club."

 

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I scored with my hair, claims Hamsik after Fiorentina victory

Marek Hamsik has claimed that his goal in Napoli's 2-1 success over Fiorentina on Sunday bounced off his hair.

The Slovakian midfielder put the Partenopei 1-0 up in the second half, but replays showed that Borja Valero may have gotten the last touch as the ball looped over Emiliano Viviano and into the net.

Nonetheless, in a cheeky way to keep the 'headed' attempt attached to his name, Hamsik believes his signature mohawk played a significant role in giving his side the lead.

"An own goal? I hit the ball with my hair," said Hamsik after the match. "We've registered two major victories, so we can now move forward. As always, the objective is to win. I am glad to have scored, but it does not matter who does. Collecting points is the main thing, and so far we have succeeded."

The state of the San Paolo pitch on Sunday has since come in for widespread criticism, and Hamsik admitted the playing surface was not up to scratch and must be rectified quickly.

"We are just at the beginning of the season, and we have to continue like this and correct the mistakes we made in the first half, especially in midfield," he added. "We saw little of the ball, but then we were able to break the deadlock and come out of our shell. The pitch was terrible and we hope it gets better soon, it's hard to play on such a surface."

Hamsik's match against Fiorentina was his 221st for Napoli, and the Slovakian vowed to continue give his all, while also voicing his delight at his teammate Edinson Cavani's signing of a new deal at the club.

"Edi is a champion and I'm glad he is staying. As for me, I always want to win, and I want to do so with Napoli," he commented. "I don't know if it's for the best, but I'm happy here, playing for the team and working hard to improve. I want to win with this shirt."

 

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Xavi: Fabregas is an important player for Barcelona

Xavi has assured his "important" Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas that he will have a big role to play for the club across the course of the season.

The midfielder enjoyed a blistering start to his return to Camp Nou last year, but lost form towards the tail end of the campaign due to a 'mental block' and difficulty in adapting to then-coach Pep Guardiola's methods.

However, under Tito Vilanova, he has seen his place further threatened by the recent arrival of former Arsenal colleague Alex Song, but the playmaker insists his compatriot remains a valuable asset to the club.

"Cesc is important for the team," he told AS. "He will make a difference over the course of the season and score some vital goals."

The 32-year-old then discussed Barca's slender 1-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday, courtesy of Adriano's first-half strike, and was delighted to have overcome such stern opposition

"I do not play for man-of-the-match awards," he continued. "I do so to win with the team, and we did.

"We have earned three very important points. It was not a great game, but we got a good result against a strong team."

 

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Ashley Cole ruled out of England clash with Moldova

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifying clash with Moldova on Friday due to an ankle injury.

The 31-year-old has returned to his club in order to receive further treatment on the knock which is described as "minor" by the FA's official website.

Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson remains hopeful that the left back could make a return in order to feature in the second qualifying clash next Tuesday against Ukraine.

Cole, who helped Chelsea to its maiden Champions League success last term, featured in every game at Euro 2012 as England was knocked out by Italy at the quarterfinal stage.

The upcoming games mark Hodgson's first qualifiers with England after he succeeded Fabio Capello in the national team hot seat.

 

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Schweinsteiger glad to be back on scoring trail for Bayern

Bastian Schweinsteiger has talked of his happiness at being back among the goal scorers following Bayern Munich's 6-1 victory over Stuttgart on Sunday.

The midfielder is not known for his scoring prowess, having last netted in the Bundesliga eight months ago against Borussia Monchengladbach, but capped off his side's emphatic win at the weekend.

"I had a good opportunity to score in Furth but I generally don't get that many," he explained to FCB News.

"That's why I must try to score when I get those rare chances. [On Sunday] I did just that with my first attempt, but I hope that we will score many goals as a team."

The 28-year-old has suffered a succession of injuries over the past year, but he believes he is now on the road to recovery and helping his team-mates once more, despite Germany coach Joachim Low not yet being convinced of his fitness.

"Everything is okay, I’m a little bit tired from yesterday’s minutes on the field," Schweinsteiger added.

"There are matches when I’m being chased by opponents all the time, so that the other players get more touches and find bigger spaces but generally I try to organize our game.

"I distribute the ball and try to bring my teammates into good positions."

Schweinsteiger also commented on new signing Javi Martinez, and claims it is for the best that the former Athletic Bilbao man will spend the international break in Munich, rather than with Spain.

"It's good for him [to stay in Munich]. He has played at the Olympics after a long season with Bilbao and Spain," he noted.

"It's good for him to train for 10 days and acclimatise to his new environment. You get to know the players better. He already knows some words in German, he's very friendly."

 

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Mertesacker hails Arsenal's belief after win over Liverpool

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker has hailed his side's belief after the Gunners earned their first win of the new Premier League campaign against Liverpool on Sunday.

The north London side ran out a 2-0 victor against Brendan Rodgers' side at Anfield thanks to goals from summer recruits Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, and the Germany international revealed the pride among his teammates following the win over the Merseyside outfit.

“We believed in ourselves [against Liverpool] - that was the most important thing and we played fantastic,” he told the club's official website. “We had to believe a lot, because our squad has had many changes and some important players have moved. We didn't know where we stood, but we are very happy now. You could see it in the dressing room directly after the match. We are very proud to play for Arsenal. We had a great opportunity here to show everybody what Arsenal is.

“We now have to focus on our strengths and that is vital for the next few weeks, to stay near the top of the league. A lot of challenges are coming after the international break but we are looking forward to them because we are full of confidence. We showed that against Liverpool.”

Arsenal remains the only top flight side which has yet to concede a goal this season.