..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'He's a very experienced player, he will push forward' - Fabregas gives his verdict on Ronaldo

Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas has backed Cristiano Ronaldo to recover from his unhappiness at Real Madrid and move on.

Both players have come in for criticism during the early stages of the new season but the former Arsenal midfielder declared that while the Portuguese may get past his current issues, the Liga will take many more dramatic turns.

"He's a very experienced player, he'll certainly push forward," Fabregas told Radio Marca. "Playing football is 95 per cent of the happiness of each [player]. Then each one will know what you want or deserve.

"Last year we won quite a lot of points, but then got to the match at Camp Nou, which they won. This [season] has just started and will take many twists and turns."

Fabregas has been selected in the Spain squad for the forthcoming friendly fixture with Saudi Arabia on Friday September 8.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zambrotta will not be joining Roma, says agent

Gianluca Zambrotta's agent, Giuseppe Bonetto, has dismissed reports that his client is in negotiations with Roma, declaring that he does not fit in with its plans.

The Giallorossi ais keen on adding cover to the left back position following injuries to both Federico Balzaretti and Dodo, but the 35-year-old has been ruled out of contention by his representative.

"There is no evidence behind this story," Bonetto said to vocegiallorossa.it.

"There is no point asking director Walter Sabatini or coach Zdenek Zeman for their opinions on Zambrotta, as it's obvious they'll say he's a great professional, but for obvious reasons he is not in Roma's plans.

“I speak to Walter every day and he confirmed to me this move is impossible. Zambrotta is not part of the Roma project because of his age among other reasons."

Zambrotta is available as a free agent after his contract with AC Milan expired at the end of last season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vilanova names Abidal in Barcelona's Champions League squad

Barcelona has included full back Eric Abidal in its 25-man Champions League squad, even though the Frenchman is still recovering from a liver transplant.

The Frenchman has made remarkable strides in his recovery and the club is hopeful that he may well play a part in the competition.

Eighteen-year-old prospect Gerard Deulofeu has also been named, while new signing Alex Song is included, along with Cristian Tello, who was linked with a move away from the club over the summer.

David Villa is also handed a place after recovering from a broken leg which kept him out of football for eight months.

Full squad list:

Goalkeepers:
Victor Valdes
Pinto
Olazabal

Defenders:
Daniel Alves
Gerard Pique
Carles Puyol
Marc Bartra
Jordi Alba
Martin Montoya
Eric Abidal
Fontas
Sergi Gomez
Planas

Midfielders:
Cesc Fabregas
Xavi Hernandez
Andres Iniesta
Thiago Alcantara
Jonathan Dos Santos
Javier Mascherano
Sergio Busquets
Adriano
Alex Song
Sergi Roberto
Rafinha

Forwards:
David Villa
Alexis Sanchez
Lionel Messi
Pedro Rodriguez
Isaac Cuenca
Gerard Deulofeu
Tello

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fulham continues action against Liverpool over Dempsey approach

Fulham will continue to seek action against Premier League rivals Liverpool over its pursuit of Clint Dempsey.

The 29-year-old was the subject of intense interest from the Reds throughout the summer transfer window before eventually signing for Tottenham just hours before the window closed.

However, despite not joining the Anfield club, the Cottagers are determined to see the Merseysiders held to account for what they deemed an illegal chase of their player.

A Premier League statement confirmed: "We have received a complaint from Fulham regarding comments made by Liverpool FC officials and are looking into the matter."

The case relates to comments made by Brendan Rodgers during the club's preseason tour of America on the same day that Fenway Sports Group's official website erroneously claimed that Dempsey had joined the Reds.

Rodgers admitted Liverpool had made an approach for the USA international stating: "Clint is a player we've inquired about, it is as simple as that.

"Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club to see what the position is. That is where we're at. He's a very talented player but we don't like to talk about other clubs' players."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque: I do not understand the transfer market, but I do understand the ball

Spain trainer Vicente Del Bosque has admitted that he has never completely understood the transfer market and instead prefers to focus on his development as a coach.

The 61-year-old retired from professional football with Real Madrid in 1984 but remained at the club to undertake a career as a trainer and in an extensive interview with AS, he revealed that the quality of players and coaches at the Santiago Bernabeu molded him into the coach he became.

"I do not understand business, I don’t understand transfer fees, the market - what I do understand is the ball, and that is thanks to all these trainers and players to have passed through Madrid. With each I gave them my eyes and ears. I was a sponge," Del Bosque said.

"But I’ve learned a lot from everyone who passed through the club since I retired as a player too. People like Leo Beenhakker, John Toshack, Jupp Heynckes, all of them I have tried to learn from."

The Champions League, World Cup and European Championship winner also revealed his motivation to succeed as well as a passion for youth development.

"Well, for starters I have tried to earn a living and support my family well. I follow my passion, which is football," he added. "And then, professionally, the titles with Real Madrid and now with the national team, to see all those guys we were talking about earlier, to develop our footballers and as people too.

"But I think the most rewarding was working with the youth team, with the boys, their experiences, their families. During those years we gave back and I speak in plural because it was more than just me. Madrid had a gear to them where they cared and were generous, altruistic and often anonymous."

Del Bosque then picked out one of his current charges, Barcelona's Xavi, as a player he believes could well make the transition from player to coach.

"In Xavi I see a coaching future, really. He is an extension of the coach on the field, whilst his education is Barca," the Spaniard praised. "He has taken in all that is good and that makes Barcelona. I believe in him. He has common sense and is friendly."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ozil: If you play for Real Madrid, you learn to deal with critics

Mesut Ozil has revealed that he has learned to deal with criticism of his performances at Real Madrid and stated he is not worried by the arrival of Luka Modric.

The Germany international was picked out for below-par performances as Los Blancos failed to win their first three domestic games of the season and was replaced in the starting line-up by the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder for the visit of Granada.

Nevertheless, the 23-year-old insisted that he is not phased by such issues as they are part and parcel of playing for one of the world's biggest clubs.

"If you're playing for Real, you have to live with these kind of of critics," Ozil told Bild. "And the way in which the Spanish media speaks is quite a bit tougher than in other countries. But we, as players for Real, learned to deal with this. If you can't deal with it, you won't make it with Real.

"Every Madrid player is always under pressure and has serious competition. Real have got a minimum of 18 players, not only 11. You get used to it. But it's not about Ozil, Kaka or Modric...it's all about Real."

Ozil went on to offer his opinion as to why Madrid struggled in its opening games but affirmed that he and his teammates will be firing on all cylinders soon enough.

"It is certain, Madrid aims for the highest goal. We as a team don't have the right flow yet, but still it's nothing lost. But we have to move and make progresses quickly. We are a little bit unlucky and don't score enough goals. That's the nature of football, to fight starting problems at the beginning of a season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Piero to pick Sydney over Liverpool, according to club CEO

Sydney FC CEO Tony Pignata is positive that Alessandro Del Piero will agree to join his side despite late interest from Liverpool.

The 37-year-old has been a free agent since his contract with Juventus expired at the end of last season and has courted interest from clubs all across the globe, including Major League Soccer.

Liverpool was the latest side to be linked to the forward but its attempt to hijack a deal appear to have fallen short due to the former Italy international giving his word to join the A-League outfit, leaving the Sky Blues chief with little cause for concern.

"I am optimistic. He still hasn't signed, but he wants to. Between tonight and tomorrow we will settle the final details, it is a work in progress," Pignata told Sky Sport Italia.

"Offers from England? Liverpool is a great club, but Australia is a big country."

According to reports in major newspaper The Australian, Del Piero will sign a deal worth $2 million per season which will be a record for the domestic game with an official announcement expected on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Darren Fletcher named in Manchester United’s Champions League squad

Darren Fletcher has been included in Manchester United’s squad for the Champions League group stages starting in September.

The 28-year-old has not represented the club in a competitive match since appearing against Benfica on November 22 last year following medical advice.

Fletcher managed a short cameo during Neil Simpson's testimonial in preseason, and has now been included in 33-man squad, consisting of 25 ‘A-List’ players and eight ‘B-List’.

United has been drawn in Group H alongside Galatasaray, Braga and CFR Cluj and will be looking to improve upon last season’s disappointing group-stage exit.

Full squad (* denotes B list):

Goalkeepers:
David De Gea
Anders Lindegaard
Sam Johnstone*

Defenders:
Rafael Da Silva
Patrice Evra
Phil Jones
Rio Ferdinand
Jonny Evans
Chris Smalling
Nemanja Vidic
Alexander Buttner
Michael Keane*

Midfielders:
Antonio Valencia
Anderson
Ryan Giggs
Michael Carrick
Nani
Ashley Young
Paul Scholes
Tom Cleverley
Darren Fletcher
Nick Powell
Larnell Cole*
Jesse Lingard*
Marnick Vermijl*
Ryan Tunnicliffe*

Forwards:
Wayne Rooney
Chicharito
Danny Welbeck
Robin van Persie
Shinji Kagawa
Federico Macheda*
Josh King*

 

[Wolverine GTR]

People were criticizing Falcao in January, says Atletico chief

Atletico Madrid general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin has reminded the club's supporters that some sections of Vicente Calderon were criticizing Falcao back in January.

The former Porto man netted a hat trick as Diego Simeone's side defeated Chelsea 4-1 in the European Super Cup on Friday, and the Atletico chief was quick to comment on the club's critics from earlier in the year.

“Nowadays he's looking good,” he told Marca. “But I remember in January some sections of the public were jeering the player. After selling the likes of [David] De Gea and [Sergio] Aguero to fulfill commitments we had with the Inland Revenue, some thought that buying a player for 40 miilion euros was bordering on the irresponsible.”Marin also commented on the impact coach Simeone has made to the side.

“The arrival of the coach has been a blessing for us and for him. He has been able to balance a lot of different things, and that has worked for us. He is connected with the fans, the media and with our staff," he said.


"Simeone is smart enough to handle all those different aspects and make it work. Having these characteristics has meant Atletico have been able to compete at home and in Europe.

“Four straight titles [two Europa Leagues, two European Super Cups] in four straight seasons is incredible. It fills me with pride and satisfaction knowing that we can take risks, and are justified in doing so because we have a controlled coach who is constantly looking for success.”

 

[CrazyKitty]

elazzzz

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fergie Could Call on Bolt

Sir Alex Ferguson has offered Olympic champion Usain Bolt the chance to play for Manchester United in their annual charity match against Real Madrid legends.

A lifelong Manchester United fan, Bolt has already been to Old Trafford since his triple gold medal-winning exploits, telling the crowd ahead of last month's 3-2 win over Fulham that they needed to persuade Ferguson to sign him.That is clearly not going to happen.

However, Ferguson has raised the possibility of Bolt fulfilling his dream in a rather different way."He's been to Carrington a couple of times and he did help Ronaldo with his sprinting," Ferguson told Inside United.

"He's a bit of a character and a big United fan. But it's interesting he says he would like to play in a charity game.

"It could be brilliant, and next year, when we play Real Madrid's Legends again, there could be opportunities to bring him in and see how he does."

Bet

Ferguson certainly owes Bolt a favour after he took a rather personal interest in the Jamaican's stellar performances at London 2012.

"I must thank him because that was my biggest bet," he said. "Bolt was 4/5 to win each of them, the 100m and 200m, a week before the tournament started.

"It was a brilliant bet. I couldn't believe it."He's the fastest man in the world and the others would have to have taken half a second off their running to beat him. He is phenomenal."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sprint 1ka nam Thiyei Rocket wage

 

[DJU9]

කකුලට පිo පිනිස

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bertrand signs new five-year Chelsea deal

Chelsea has confirmed that Ryan Bertrand has signed a new five-year deal with the club.The left back has been at the Blues since 2005, when he joined their academy from Gillingham, but didn't make his debut until 2011 after five separate loan spells to the lower leagues.

The 23-year-old is seen as a long-term replacement for full back Ashley Cole but has recently been given a more attacking role on the left wing, a position he played in his biggest game for Chelsea - the Champions League final, and his European debut, against Bayern Munich.

Bertrand has now made 15 starts for the Stamford Bridge outfit, adding four more appearances from the substitutes' bench, while playing a role in the club's impressive start to this season's Premier League.

The player's form and continued selection saw him make Stuart Pearce's Team GB Olympic squad for the Games this summer, before also being his England debut by Roy Hodgson in a friendly victory over Italy in August.

The Englishman has also now been called to the senior squad for the upcoming World Cup 2014 qualifiers with Moldova and Ukraine.

Bertrand had formerly represented the Three Lions across the youth age groups, and has since expressed his delight at making the step-up

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Piero joins Sydney FC

Sydney FC has completed the signing of Alessandro Del Piero on a free transfer. The experienced attacker has signed a two-year deal with the A-league side, worth 2 million euros per season.

The 37-year-old was available on a free after Juventus opted not to renew his expiring contract this summer, and the former Italy international will now continue his career in Australia. Del Piero expressed his delight of moving to Australia.

"I thank Sydney for this opportunity and his fans that already adopted me. I will discover a fantastic city and a fantastic country. I am grateful to my family for being with me in every moment," Del Piero stated in a press conference.

The legendary Italian attacker also said that he will continue to root for Juventus: "I will continue to cheer Juventus. In Australia I will be able to deepen my passion for rugby. Above all I'm here to score a lot of goals and to try to improve Australian football with my experiences. I hope Australian people love football."

Sydney FC already announced on Friday that Del Piero had agreed to finalize a deal with the Sky Blues, with CEO Tony Pignata traveling to Italy this week to complete the move.

In Wednesday's press conference for Del Piero, Sydney FC's chairman David Barlow highlighted the significance of the player's decision to join the A-League.

“This signing is a major coup for Sydney FC and marks a historic day for football in this country,” Barlow said. “This is for all Australian football fans”.

“Alessandro Del Piero is a global icon of the game and we are honored he has chosen Sydney FC, ahead of many other options, as the club where he will begin the next chapter of his illustrious football career."

Liverpool made a late swoop for him on Tuesday, but its attempt has proven unfruitful as Del Piero has opted to join Sydney instead, and has inked a two-year deal with his new club.

Del Piero also attracted interest from Major League Soccer's Montreal Impact but the two parties failed to find an agreement.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gary Cahill expecting Sturridge success with England

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has hailed his teammate Daniel Sturridge's return to the England setup and hopes he can be a success with the Three Lions.

England begins its quest for World Cup qualification on Friday in Moldova, with both Chelsea players eager to play some part.

"Everyone knows about the talent that Daniel has and how sharp and dangerous he can be," Cahill told reporters. "It's great to see him here after missing the [Italy game] through injury and he's been lively in training over the last few days.

"It would be nice to see him do well."

Roy Hodgson's men face Euro 2012 opponent Ukraine at Wembley on Friday in their opening World Cup 2014 qualifier, and Cahill hopes the team can get three points on the board.

"We want to make a good start obviously and the aim and the goal is for two years’ time," he said. "But we've got two games now and the lads have played a few games at the start of the season so everyone is fit and ready to go, so I think just to make a positive start is the main message."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Meireles: Easy decision to join Fenerbahce

Raul Meireles says it was an easy decision to join Fenerbahce from Chelsea, after completing his transfer to the Sukru Saracoglu.

The 29-year-old made 42 appearances for the Blues last season, helping the side to FA Cup and Champions League honors, but slipped down the pecking order following a flurry of new arrivals.

He chose to sign a four-year deal with Fenerbahce on Monday, for a fee believed to be in the region of 10 million euros, and he claims he could not say 'no' to the Turkish club's advances.

"As soon as I heard of Fenerbahce's interest, it made me very excited," he told FBTV.

He added, "It was an easy decision to accept Fenerbahce's offer, because they have a long history and are universally recognized as a great club.

"I love to be heard on the field and I believe we can be successful in the future. Your personal achievements are important, but most [important] of all is that the team wins."

Meireles adds to a strong Portuguese contingent in the Super Lig, following the likes of international colleagues Ricardo Quaresma, Hugo Almeida and Manuel Fernandes.

However, he admits the inspiration behind his move came from former Liverpool teammate Dirk Kuyt, who he will reacquaint himself with at Fenerbahce.

"I have friends that play in Turkey, especially in Istanbul. Dirk Kuyt told me all about its beauty."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jonathan dos Santos added to Barcelona's Champions League roster

Jonathan dos Santos will be one of three Mexicans registered to play in the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League.

Barcelona assigned the midfielder to the competition just days after Dos Santos refused a loan deal to Sevilla, where he was being contemplated to accumulate minutes under manager Michel.

Failure of the deal to get done was a sore spot for Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, who said he was "disappointed" with Dos Santos' refusal to gain "valuable experience" with another team.

Nonetheless, the younger Dos Santos will join Manchester United's Javier Hernandez as well as Andres Guardado of Valencia as the third Mexican legionnaire in Europe's top club competition.

Sporting Braga, where Mexican striker Edson Rivera plies his trade, also qualified to the competition. Rivera, who is currently with the Portuguese squad's B team, was not registered.

Dos Santos debuted in the Champions League during the 2009-10 season and has played in four games for the Blaugrana in the competition throughout his career.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Balotelli may miss Stoke clash after eye surgery

Mario Balotelli should be ready to play again for Manchester City in 10 days after undergoing laser eye surgery, according to the surgeon who conducted the operation.

The Italian striker is likely to miss the Citizen's Premier League clash with Stoke after the international break, however, as he adjusts to the procedure.

Balotelli, who previously suffered from myopia, has used contact lenses on the football pitch for much of his professional career. However, he recently contracted conjunctivitis, rendering an operation necessary.

"He had a few problems with contact lenses some years ago," surgeon Emanuele Scuri told Sky Sports Italia. "We waited for the defect to stabilize over the last four years and this was the right time to have the operation.

"His eyes did not tolerate the contact lenses and had problems at the start of the season. I think in around 10 days he should be ready to play again. We brought the operation forward by a day to avoid paparazzi. This surgery will enable Balotelli to see very well. Already he asked if he could drive and I suggested he should get a lift until Thursday."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

New Sydney FC signing Del Piero: For the next two years I am Australian

Alessandro Del Piero has jokingly remarked he will assume Australian citizenship for the next two years, after being unveiled by Sydney FC on Wednesday.

"For the next two years, I am Australian," he said at his first Sydney FC press conference. "I'm happy to have signed with Sydney and for the next two years I will play with them.

The forward saw his 19-year allegiance with Juventus severed earlier in the summer, but will now continue his career with the A-League club, where he has agreed a two-year deal worth around 2 million euros per season.

Speaking at his official presentation, Del Piero talked of his excitement at being offered the chance to sample a new culture and write his own legacy into Australian football.

"A lot of clubs contacted me, Italian teams too and I thank all of them. Today my new adventure starts and my emotions are mixed," Del Piero said.

"I hope Australian people love football."

Del Piero had been reportedly coveted by the likes of the Montreal Impact, Celtic, Tottenham and Sion, while Liverpool was also credited with an interest following their failure to land a striker on transfer deadline day.

"They were one of the clubs, amongst the non-Italian sides [interested], and I was surprised to be contacted by them," Del Piero said of the Reds' interest.

But it appears the delegation of Sydney CEO Tony Pignata and Australia-based agent Lou Sticca, who visited Turin to clinch the signing, was enough to convince the World Cup winner that his future lies in the A-League.

"This signing is a major coup for Sydney FC and marks a historic day for football in this country," Sydney chairman Scott Barlow said in a club statement. "This is for all Australian football fans.

"Alessandro Del Piero is a global icon of the game and we are honored he has chosen Sydney FC, ahead of many other options, as the club where he will begin the next chapter of his illustrious football career."