..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi's father rubbishes Real Madrid tale

It has long been suggested that the Argentine star could have ended up at the Santiago Bernabeu prior to signing for Barcelona as a teenager Lionel Messi's father has ended suggestions his son could have joined Real Madrid as a youngster.The forward has become a Barcelona icon since signing for the club as a 13-year-old, though it has long been rumored that he may have made the switch to los Blancos, had the Blaugrana not swiftly secured his signature.

But in an interview with Kicker, Messi's father, Jorge, has closed that tale and says his son only ever wanted to play at Camp Nou - even if his first contract was signed on a paper napkin.

"It is the most famous napkin I ever saw. Barca demanded to be told what was happening because I was uncertain with my work. Leo had only a certain license in school and could not miss anything, and we knew nothing more than Barca," Jorge Messi said."We had to fix a lot of things so they demanded to be told something, otherwise everything was cut."

The 25-year-old has since gone on to lift the Ballon d'Or four times and Jorge admits he cannot bring himself to imagine the day that Messi hangs up his boots.
"The day Leo stops playing, I will think of it as an illusion and I will not come back to football," he said. "I love football more than anything. I don’t want to think about the day that Leo will stop playing.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez praises 'professional' Chelsea as it progresses to Europa League semifinals despite defeat

The Spaniard says he is glad to be involved in Friday's semifinal draw despite a 3-2 defeat in what had originally looked like a comfortable game for the Blues in Moscow Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez says he is proud of his team's 'professional' display against Rubin Kazan which proved enough to secure advancement into the semifinals of the Europa League, despite suffering defeat in the second leg.

The Blues had taken an early lead through Fernando Torres, but the Russian side piled on the pressure in a manic second half to fight back and claim victory on the night, but fell just short of progressing to the semifinals.

Benitez says the defeat is inconsequential because Chelsea managed to reach the last four with a heavily rotated squad but he admitted disappointment over how his side fared in the second half.

"It doesn’t matter too much because of the circumstances like the pitch and people like Paolo [Ferrerira] and [Nathan] Ake playing. It was a professional job even though the second goal was disappointing," he told ESPN.

"I am disappointed a little because they were pushing and pushing but the atmosphere was not easy so credit to the players."

The 52-year-old also insisted he did not pick his team solely with Sunday's FA Cup semifinal against Manchester City in mind but admitted the crucial cup clash did play some part in his thinking.

"This game is not preparation for the next game but we have to manage both. Some players will not play on Sunday but there is competition for places and that is good for the squad," the Spaniard added.

Frank Lampard was reluctant to make excuses after the defeat but felt the artificial surface at the Luzhiniki Stadium hindered the Blues' short passing game.

"It’s a different bounce on the artificial pitch – it’s more spongey. It holds up on short passes a bit. There’s no excuse we did ok on it in the end," the midfielder told ESPN.

While looking ahead to a potential final at the Amsterdam ArenA, Lampard reiterated the importance of taking one game at a time.

"We just need to concentrate on every game now but we have a big squad and today is a confidence boost for us. We want to get to the final now," he added.

"I think when we get out there we are very professional and the closer you get to the final the more special it gets."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere & Walcott set for Arsenal return against Norwich

The England stars have not played a game since March due to their respective injuries, but are now in line to make an appearance during the game at the Emirates.

Arsenal duo Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott are both expected to return from injury against Norwich City on Saturday, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

"Jack has joined normal training since Wednesday and Theo should join in tomorrow. They are 90 percent available for Saturday," Wenger told the club's official website.

Wilshere has been out of action for about weeks since aggravating an ankle injury during the North London derby defeat at the beginning of March, and it had been feared that he could be out for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old has been undergoing a special rehabilitation program at the club's new medical center in Colney, and he is now ahead of schedule to return to the first team.

Walcott has been sidelined since injuring his hip while away on duty with England last month, but he is now ready to be involved alongside his fellow international for Norwich's visit to the Emirates.

There is less positive news concerning the fitness of Tomas Rosicky, who scored both goals in last weekend's victory over West Brom, with the club confirming he is expected to miss out.

"The other uncertainty we have from last Saturday is Tomas Rosicky, who has a little hamstring irritation," Wenger said. "His involvement is yet to be decided as well but it's fair to say that he is a big doubt for Saturday."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Borussia Monchengladbach signs Max Kruse

The versatile attacker will join the Fohlen in the summer transfer window after agreeing to four-year deal with his new club.Borussia Monchengladbach has announced on its official website that its has secured the services of Max Kruse from Freiburg for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old has signed a contract until the summer of 2017 with the Fohlen and will join his new club at the end of the 2012-13 campaign.

Gladbach was keen to add some more creativity to its squad ahead of next season and sees the versatile Kruse as the ideal signing.

"We're really happy that Max Kruse has decided to join us," sporting director Max Eberl told the Gladbach website. "He's a quick, versatile player with excellent technique, who's certainly going to give us more options up front."

Kruse has been in sublime form so far this term, netting nine goals in 28 Bundesliga appearances, while assisting on eight more.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tests confirm Messi did not aggravate injury in substitute appearance

The Argentine attacker is expected to miss this weekend's league game, but the forward's injury did not get worse following his substitute cameo against PSG.
Barcelona has received some encouraging news from the treatment table as a series of tests have confirmed that Lionel Messi has not suffered an injury relapse.

The Argentina international suffered a hamstring injury in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against Paris Saint-Germain and consequently started the return leg from the bench as he had not fully recovered.

Messi was brought on in the 62nd minute, though, as Barcelona was trailing 1-0 and facing elimination. The Blaugrana managed to restore parity after the prolific attacker's entrance, with Messi playing a major role in the build-up to Pedro's goal, thus securing qualification for the semifinals.

There were fears that the forward's substitute cameo had worsened his injury, but a series of tests have made it clear that is not the case.

"Tests have confirmed that Wednesday's appearance has not aggravated the injury. The player will continue his recovery process and his progress will mark his availability for the next few games," an official Barcelona statement reads.

Messi is likely to be rested for this weekend's La Liga match against Zaragoza.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Roberto Carlos: Casillas must fight for his place

The former Blancos defender has stressed that the goalkeeper will have to work for his place if he is to return to the starting XI.

Former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has urged Iker Casillas to fight for his place after losing his starting berth to Diego Lopez as he cannot expect Jose Mourinho to reinstate him right away.

The goalkeeper recently got the green light from the medical staff after a spell on the sidelines due to a hand injury but has had to settle for a spot on the bench so far due to the January signing's fine form.

"Iker has always been a starter and I wasn't expecting him to be injured. Neither was I expecting Diego Lopez to return to the club and perform so well," Roberto Carlos told Marca.

"Mourinho is his own man, he has his own way of doing things and you have to respect that. Now Iker will have to fight for a spot because nowhere in his contract does it say that he will be in the starting XI for the next 40 years."

Casillas' last match for Madrid was the 1-1 Copa del Rey draw against Valencia on January 23 when he fractured his hand.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ya but Radamel Falcao is 27 years old. so porawa ganne nathi wei.
Robin van Persie 29
Wayne Rooney 27
so young striker kenekwa ganna eka hodai.

Ow bro habai ahema unoth Robert Lewandowski thamaiKohomahari kamak naha elatama performance thiyana Worldclass attaker kenek thamai bro onenathuwa baha

 

[shanehbrsj]

get well soon \

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Niyama Banner 1ka bro

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Maru gemak gihin neh

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich to face Barcelona, Real Madrid draws Dortmund in Champions League semifinals​

The Bavarians will host the Blaugrana in the first leg, while Jurgen Klopp's men will play Los Blancos in a pair of group stage rematches.Bayern Munich will face Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League, while Real Madrid has been paired with Borussia Dortmund, setting up the possibility for an all-German or all-Spanish final.​

The Bavarians have claimed the continent’s top prize on five previous occasions and are desperate to atone for defeat in last year’s tournament decider against Chelsea.​

Meanwhile, Barcelona, semifinalists for the sixth year in a row, is seeking its third Champions League title in five seasons. The pairing pits together former Barcelona player and manager Pep Guardiola's old side against the one he is set to take over at the end of the season, as Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes makes way for the Spanish boss.​

Barca's Liga rivals Madrid is bidding for its 10th European Cup, while Blancos boss Jose Mourinho is hoping to become the first coach to lift the trophy with three clubs, having previously prevailed with Porto and Inter.​

Dortmund has made just one previous appearance in the final, in 1997, when it upset Juventus in Munich. The pairing sets up a two rematches from the group stage, as both Madrid and Dortmund got through this season's Group of Death. Dortmund won the first meeting 2-1, and the two teams played to a 2-2 draw in their second encounter.​

The first legs will be played on April 23 and 24, with the return fixtures to come on April 30 and May 1. The final, meanwhile, will take place at London's Wembley Stadium on May 25.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Semi-Final Draw 1ka Patta!Hena gemak yai

​

 

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Rubin Kazan 3-2 Chelsea (Agg 4-5): Torres on target as Blues reach last four


Chelsea secured progress into the last four of the Europa League with a 3-2 defeat the second leg of the club's quarterfinal against Rubin Kazan.

Fernando Torres' goal inside five minutes got the Blues off to the perfect start leaving the home side with a mountain to climb.

Ivan Marcano gave the Russians hope with a thumping header after the break but Victor Moses quickly put Chelsea back in the driving seat with the team's second minutes later, only for Gokdeniz Karadeniz to then level the score with another header.

Bribas Natcho gave Rubin the lead on the night from the spot but Chelsea managed to hold on thereafter to reach the semifinals.

Rafa Benitez made seven changes to the side which beat Sunderland on Sunday with Juan Mata and Eden Hazard dropping down to the bench. Nathan Ake came in to midfield to make only his second start for the Blues while Paulo Ferreira also made a rare appearance at left back.

The Russian side made one change from the first leg at Stamford Bridge as Jose Rondon replaced Vladimir Dyadyun in attack.

Rubin started the game on the front foot and came close when Roman Eremenko's shot was blocked inside the box inside the first five minutes.

Chelsea was ahead moments later when Torres chased Frank Lampard's long ball over the home side's defense while managing to lose his marker, before embarrassing Sergey Ryzhikov by cheekily lifting the ball over his head from 30 yards out.

From then on the first half was all Chelsea's. Benitez's men kept the ball for long periods and were quick to close down their opponents whenever they tried to pass through midfield.

Kurban Berdyev's men had one or two promising moments later on in the half - Alan Kasaev in particular caught the eye - but in truth the home side never looked like threatening Chelsea's lead.

Instead it was the Blues who looked more likely to add a second, something they might have managed had they been a bit more clinical in the final third.

Right on the stroke of halftime the Russian side had its best moment of the first period. Keredeniz brought down Natcho's pass inside the box but Petr Cech got down superbly to touch the Turk's prod past his far post.

That late first-half chance gave the home team plenty of belief going into the second and Rubin made it count six minutes after the break.

Marcano towered high over Ramirez and powered a header past Cech into the far post from a well-taken free kick out wide on the right.

The response from Benitez's men was emphatic as Moses, after a clever one-two with Ramires, curled a fine effort past Ryzhikov shortly after to dash any hopes the home team had of a comeback.

Rubin, though, provided an instant reply of its own. Captain Karadeniz came up big, sneaking in behind David Luiz and heading in from close range.

The Russians then pulled another back from the spot. Cesar Azpilicueta needlessly brought down Aleksandr Ryazantsev in the area allowing Natcho to dispatch his second penalty of the tie.

Rubin threw everything it had at Chelsea in the final stages but it wasn't enough to break the Blues' resolve, with the English club hanging on to move into the semifinals.

torres ayi form wela ne

 

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Messi happy to have taken Champions League risk

 

[rcccc]

Maru gemak gihin neh

Wilshere & Walcott set for Arsenal return against Norwich

The England stars have not played a game since March due to their respective injuries, but are now in line to make an appearance during the game at the Emirates.

Arsenal duo Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott are both expected to return from injury against Norwich City on Saturday, Arsene Wenger has confirmed.

"Jack has joined normal training since Wednesday and Theo should join in tomorrow. They are 90 percent available for Saturday," Wenger told the club's official website.

Wilshere has been out of action for about weeks since aggravating an ankle injury during the North London derby defeat at the beginning of March, and it had been feared that he could be out for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old has been undergoing a special rehabilitation program at the club's new medical center in Colney, and he is now ahead of schedule to return to the first team.

Walcott has been sidelined since injuring his hip while away on duty with England last month, but he is now ready to be involved alongside his fellow international for Norwich's visit to the Emirates.

There is less positive news concerning the fitness of Tomas Rosicky, who scored both goals in last weekend's victory over West Brom, with the club confirming he is expected to miss out.

"The other uncertainty we have from last Saturday is Tomas Rosicky, who has a little hamstring irritation," Wenger said. "His involvement is yet to be decided as well but it's fair to say that he is a big doubt for Saturday."

 

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Bayern Munich to face Barcelona, Real Madrid draws Dortmund in Champions League semifinals​

The Bavarians will host the Blaugrana in the first leg, while Jurgen Klopp's men will play Los Blancos in a pair of group stage rematches.Bayern Munich will face Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League, while Real Madrid has been paired with Borussia Dortmund, setting up the possibility for an all-German or all-Spanish final.​

The Bavarians have claimed the continent’s top prize on five previous occasions and are desperate to atone for defeat in last year’s tournament decider against Chelsea.​

Meanwhile, Barcelona, semifinalists for the sixth year in a row, is seeking its third Champions League title in five seasons. The pairing pits together former Barcelona player and manager Pep Guardiola's old side against the one he is set to take over at the end of the season, as Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes makes way for the Spanish boss.​

Barca's Liga rivals Madrid is bidding for its 10th European Cup, while Blancos boss Jose Mourinho is hoping to become the first coach to lift the trophy with three clubs, having previously prevailed with Porto and Inter.​

Dortmund has made just one previous appearance in the final, in 1997, when it upset Juventus in Munich. The pairing sets up a two rematches from the group stage, as both Madrid and Dortmund got through this season's Group of Death. Dortmund won the first meeting 2-1, and the two teams played to a 2-2 draw in their second encounter.​

The first legs will be played on April 23 and 24, with the return fixtures to come on April 30 and May 1. The final, meanwhile, will take place at London's Wembley Stadium on May 25.​

Semi-Final Draw 1ka Patta!Hena gemak yai

​

niyema widiyata team watune

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea to face Basel, Fenerbahce draws Benfica in Europa League semifinals

First leg matches are scheduled to be played on April 25, while the return fixtures will be decided a week later, on May 2, ahead of the final in Amsterdam.
Chelsea has been drawn against Tottenham-conquering Basel in the Europa League semifinals, while Fenerbahce will meet Benfica.

The Blues will travel to Switzerland for the first leg on April 25, and welcome Murat Yakin's side to Stamford Bridge on May 2.

Fenerbahce, meanwhile, will host Benfica, who eliminated Newcastle, for the first leg, before playing out the decider in Lisbon's Stadium of Light.

Chelsea, should they make it to the Amsterdam final, will be classed as the away team, and if Chelsea is to win the Europa League, it would technically hold both the Champions League and Europa League trophies, until one of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund wins the 2012-12 Champions League.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mancini declares Manchester City title hopes 'impossible'

Although the Italian manager is looking forward to the FA Cup clash with Chelsea on Sunday, he concedes that the 12 point gap to Manchester United is unassailable.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has waved the white flag in the Premier League title race, suggesting the 12 point gap to Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United side is too large to overcome.

City won 2-1 at Old Trafford on Monday night thanks to a late Sergio Aguero goal, but Mancini admits with seven games remaining that the the club's chances are slim.

Mancini even joked that they would need points from the FA Cup run, which continues this Sunday against Chelsea at Wembley, to mount any serious challenge to the title.

"If United lose against Stoke and we win against Chelsea in the FA Cup and win against Wigan [in the league next Wednesday] - six points, it could be possible," Mancini told reporters. "But we need to have three points for the FA Cup!

"It is impossible. They did better than us, they deserve to win. The championship is not important, it is finished, but it is important we showed we are like them. Twelve points is too much. We hope to get closer. We have seven games, so we hope."

The 48-year-old Italian also has injury concerns ahead of this weekend’s semifinal with David Silva and Sergio Aguero’s fitness being monitored.

"We will decide [on Silva], I think, on Sunday morning," he added. "We don't know if it is possible and if there is a risk he will not play, but if there is not then maybe.

"He is getting better. Yesterday he ran, so I think we have a chance. I don't think he can play 100 percent but it is important he is very close. I am happy because he [Aguero] had a good impact in the game on Monday night and it is important he didn't have any problems in his knee. Probably he is not 100 percent but Sergio for us at 80 percent is important."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sammer will speak with Guardiola, claims Klopp

The Borussia Dortmund boss believes his side's arch rival will tap into the knowledge of its future coach in its bid for European success Jurgen Klopp is convinced Bayern Munich president Matthias Sammer will seek the wisdom of Pep Guardiola after the Bavarians were drawn against Barcelona in the semifinals of the Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund has been handed a Spanish test of its very own after being paired with Real Madrid in the last four of the competition.

But with Guardiola set to take over from Jupp Heynckes at the Allianz Arena during the summer, Klopp gave his thoughts on the test facing FCB and is adamant Sammer will look to use any advantage possible to advance to the final at Wembley in May.

"I would bet my life that Sammer and Guardiola will talk very well. But it does not matter because Guardiola cannot play on the pitch," Klopp told reporters after the draw.

And after an intense week of pre-draw speculation, Klopp admitted he was glad the suspense was finally over.

"I am delighted it is now clear who we will meet, now football can be played!" he continued.

BVB president Michael Zorc believes his side will still go into the clash with Madrid as an underdog - despite defeating the reigning Liga champion in the group stages of the competition.

"It's a good draw, both pairings are optimal for European football. We will be slight underdogs, but we have already beaten them this season," he told the club's official website. "We earned a lot of respect from those two games and the only shame is we don't play away from home first."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Carragher: Suarez is vital and will be staying at Anfield

The veteran center back expects the Uruguayan hitman to remain at the club for the foreseeable future despite continued speculation linking him with a move away from Merseyside Jamie Carragher believes that Luis Suarez will remain at Anfield despite mounting speculation that he is set to leave the club this summer.

Suarez, 26, has been in devastating form for Brendan Rodgers' side this season and has already bagged 22 goals in the league for the club.

However, Carragher, who is retiring from the game after this campaign, believes that Suarez will remain at the club, despite the high probability that they won’t see Champions League football for at least another season.

"He [Suarez] is vital. He is one of the top players, not just in the Premier League, but in world football," Carragher told Sky Sports News. "We are desperate to keep him, I'm sure he will be staying, I think he loves it here and the fans love him.
"It would be a big surprise to me if he is not PFA Player of the Year. I think the Premier League has been good for him and he has been a star in the Premier League."
Carragher also gave a positive assessment of the squad and insisted that Rodgers must look to improve it over the summer.

"It's not just Suarez, we have got lots of top players and we want to keep hold of them all. That is important for the club.
"Where we are in the league, it's important that we improve the squad and bring in some additions.”

Liverpool currently lies seventh in the table, nine points adrift of Tottenham, and faces an away fixture at relegation-bound Reading this weekend.

"Where we are at the moment is not where we want to be and the club next season will be looking to strengthen." Carragher added.