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    :love:Manchester United confirms open-top bus to parade Premier League trophy scheduled for May 13

    The trophy will be presented to the Old Trafford outfit after its final home game of the season, against Swansea, and the parade will take place the following day.
    Manchester United has confirmed they will hold an open top bus parade to celebrate its 20th top-flight title success on May 13.

    Sir Alex Ferguson’s side clinched the championship crown in spectacular fashion courtesy of a first-half hat trick from Robin van Persie against Aston Villa.

    But it will have to wait until the final home game of the season, against Swansea, before it can get its hands on the trophy.

    The presentation will begin shortly after the final whistle on Sunday May 12, and an open top bus parade is scheduled for the following day.

    The team will parade the trophy through Manchester, beginning at Old Trafford in the early evening and finishing in the city center.

    Exact details of the timings and tour route have yet to be disclosed.
     

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    UEFA Europa League 2013.04.25 Semi-Finals 1st Leg Fixtures

    UEFA Europa League 2013.04.25 Semi-Finals 1st Leg Fixtures


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    Basel Vs Chelsea
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    Fenerbahce Vs Benfica
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    De Sanctis: Territorial discrimination against fans should also be punished

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    The former Juventus goalkeeper feels that fans from the south of Italy are discriminated against and is calling on the powers that be to intervene.Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis has had his say on the current debate in Italy over racist abuse, arguing that football authorities should also punish those who sing derogatory songs about his club's supporters.

    The issue of racism raised its ugly head again last weekend when AC Milan's Ghanaian midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng was targeted by Juventus fans ahead of the two sides' meeting in Turin.

    The Bianconeri were subsequently fined over the behavior of their supporters, but De Sanctis wants similar sanctions against those who racially abuse Napoli fans, and indeed other people from the south of Italy.

    "There are so many types of discrimination," he told reporters at a pre-game press conference on Thursday. "The Neapolitans are the subject of a territorial discrimination that is not considered as racial discrimination, but it is just as bad.

    "Vulgar songs about our fans should also be punished."

    Turning his attention back to action on the pitch, De Sanctis believes that the Partenopei deserve to hold on to second place in Serie A and the automatic Champions League berth that comes with it. Even so, he has called on Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and his colleagues to strengthen Walter Mazzarri's squad this summer so that it can challenge for Europe's premiere club cup next season.

    "We deserve to be in the Champions League, but it requires a competitive team [to stay in it]," the former Bianconeri shot-stopper pointed out. "It will be the responsibility of the directors to put together a squad that can do well in a tournament that is the most important stage in world football."

    Napoli, which plays Pescara this weekend, is currently seven points ahead of third-placed AC Milan, and eight clear of Fiorentina, in the battle for Champions League football.
     

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    Dortmund confirms Gotze fee

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    BVB disclosed the details of the 37 million euro deal Thursday, which will see the playmaker become the most expensive German player in history when he joins Bayern Munich.

    Borussia Dortmund boss has confirmed that it will receive 37 million euros from Bayern Munich for attacking midfielder Mario Gotze.

    After details of the transfer were leaked to the press on Monday night, Die Schwarzgelben announced the following morning that the Germany international would be moving to the Allianz Arena this summer, with their Bundesliga rival following suit later in the day.

    It was widely reported at the time that the buy-out clause Bayern had agreed to meet was 37 million, and on Thursday, Dortmund confirmed that this was the case in an ad-hoc press release. The timing of the announcement of the Gotze deal, coming as it did on the eve of Dortmund's Champions League first leg semifinal clash with Real Madrid, caused great controversy.

    Gotze, for his part, has apologized for the furoe caused by the deal and thanked his club's fans for sticking by him in Wednesday night's sensational 4-1 rout of Los Blancos through social media.

    "[It's been] a turbulent few days for you, the club and me," the Germany international wrote on his Facebook page. "Thanks a lot for your support yesterday ..."

    Gotze's transfer to Bayern will make him the most expensive German player in history.
     

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    Huntelaar: I'll stay at Schalke no matter what

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    The prolific Dutch striker says he will remain at the Veltins Arena even if the side does not qualify for the Champions League, which he concedes would be a "disaster" Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has underlined his commitment to Schalke by declaring that he will remain in Gelsenkirchen even if the club fails to secure European football for next season.

    Die Knappen are still on course to qualify for the Champions League, as they currently sit fourth in the Bundesliga, but just two points separate Jens Keller's men from eighth-placed Hamburg, which they face at the Veltins Arena this weekend.

    Consequently, a place in Europe is far from assured but Huntelaar has moved to ease the fears of his club's fans by saying that he will stay put no matter what happens between now and the end of the season.

    "To not qualify for Europe would be a disaster for us players and the club," the striker conceded. "But I will stay anyway. I am very comfortable at this club and in the Bundesliga."

    Schalke general manager Horst Heldt recently lashed out the players over their inconsistent form this term and Huntelaar concedes that the criticism was justified.

    "This season we have not had the stability, irrespective of the opponent, of the previous year," the former Real Madrid forward confessed.

    "I'm certain that all the players are eager to finish fourth. Horst Heldt wants to win and we want to win.

    "He is the boss and he has the right to criticize. We now have to concentrate all our energy on achieving our goals as a team."
     

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    Casillas: Madrid must be willing to 'die on the field' against Dortmund

    The benched Blancos skipper says that Tuesday's second leg is more important than this weekend's Spanish derby with city rival Atletico Madrid.Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas says his teammates must be willing to "die on the field" if they are to have any hope of turning their Champions League semifinal tie against Borussia Dortmund.

    Los Blancos were routed 4-1 in Wednesday night's first leg at Signal Iduna Park, with Robert Lewandowski scoring all of the home side's goals, and will need to perform quite the comeback next week at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu to progress.

    Madrid now faces a monumental challenge in trying to keep its hopes of a 10th European Cup success alive, but Casillas still believes his club can do it, provided both the club's players and supporters are ready to give their all for the cause.

    "I ask for the public's help," he told reporters on Thursday. "Tuesday will be the most important game of the season.

    "To lose 4-1 in the semifinal of the Champions League is always painful, but the locker room is already fired up by the knowledge that there is still a second leg to play.

    "We have to fully understand the situation, as should our fans. They must understand how important this game is and how important it is for them to be heard.

    "It's even more important than the derby in the next round of the championship. We must die on the field, because there is a final at Wembley at stake."

    Some Madrid fans, of course, might be alarmed by Casillas' comments on Saturday's trip to Estadio Vicente Calderon, but the currently benched Blancos skipper is adamant that the return leg against Dortmund takes precedence.

    "Of course, the derby is important," the Spain international acknowledged. "Atletico have not won one for 14 years, but against Dortmund, I repeat, it's the most important match of the season."

    Meanwhile, even though Casillas is currently kicking his heels on the sidelines, he insists that there has been no falling out with Blancos boss Jose Mourinho.

    "From the professional point of view, there is a lot of respect for Mourinho," Casillas said. "And like Xabi Alonso has said, the team comes first."

    "I am continuing to help the team, from the dressing room. I help in a different way, but I am there and I am training as usual."

    Madrid must win Saturday's derby with Atletico if it is to ensure that Barcelona will have to wait another weekend to clinch the Liga title.
     

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    Rodgers: Don't throw Suarez to the garbage

    The Liverpool boss strongly defends the under-fire forward after what he sees as an excessive 10-game ban for biting Branislav Ivanovic, insisting that he has not been let down.

    Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has strongly defended Luis Suarez, insisting that the forward should not be "thrown to the garbage" over his bite on Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

    The Reds star was hit with a 10-game ban for sinking his teeth into the Serbian on Sunday. The club had fined him and indicated that they would accept a punishment from the Football Association but hasreacted with shock at the length of the suspension.

    Asked by reporters if he had been let down by Suarez, Rodgers replied: "No, not at all. I believe if I had half a dozen more players with a similar mentality then we would be in a different position as a football club.
    "He hasn't let me down one bit. He's a player that, the standards that are set at the club, he fell way below those because this is a club that's based on that respect and standard.

    "But that doesn't mean he should be thrown to the garbage, which is what has happened with a lot of people in these last couple of days, and it's certainly something I won't be prepared to do.

    "He's a boy that's working tirelessly, him and his family, to fit in to the life and the way it is in this country, and unfortunately for him he's made a mistake and he's got a sanction that I don't believe fits what he did."

    Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina blasted the FA on Thursday for what he sees as different treatment for Suarez because of his Uruguayan background or personal history and Rodgers agreed that the ban seemed to be targeting the striker specifically.

    "For me, I can't help but look at it, and look at the sanction that's been put on Luis for the incident, and I honestly feel that the punishment has been against the man, rather than the incident," he argued.

    "I think of course there was a lot of euphoria around the time it happened but whenever you come away from it and you look at the cold light of day and assess it, then it's violent conduct.

    "Maybe you need a bit of help. The player needs a bit of help and that's something we'll look to provide here as a football club and our supporters and our city - and something that I would expect any football club or business to do."

    When questioned as to whether Suarez might have a specific psychological issue, Rodgers insisted: "No. What I'm saying is, is in modern life, whether you're a football player, a plumber, a joiner, a bricklayer, you work in a warehouse, you're not immune to your issues and problems, especially if you're a footballer.

    "Because you might have a bit more money than someone else, it doesn't rule out that sometimes there might be something clinical that is wrong with someone.

    "All we're saying is that whatever the issue is - the behavioral issue - we will do everything we can to support that person and that person now is Luis Suarez."
     

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    Lennon back in Tottenham contention, confirms Villas-Boas

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    The England winger has not seen any action for Spurs since April 4 because of a knee injury, but has returned to training ahead of Saturday's visit to Wigan.
    Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon is "back in contention" for Saturday's Premier League visit to Wigan, head coach Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed.

    The England midfielder has not played for his club since April 4 thanks to a knee injury and had been hopeful of returning to face Manchester City on Sunday but is finally training again and ready to play.

    "Aaron has trained with the team and is back in contention. It's good to have him back," Villas-Boas told reporters. "He's a player who has had a great impact this season."

    Villas-Boas added that his side would have to stay motivated against the relegation-battling Latics, just the same as for its stunning 3-1 comeback win against City.

    "It's a totally different proposition [to City] but just as important," Villas-Boas said. "Wigan's ambitions are as important as Manchester City's and ours. We expect a difficult game.

    "We have to understand that only the same motivation as playing against the champions will give us the conditions to win this game.

    "All of our remaining five games are vital. Our destiny is in our hands and we will try to get as many points as possible."
     

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    Hazard: Mata has been Chelsea's best player

    Both Blues attackers have been shortlisted for the PFA Player of the Year, but the Belgian says winning the Europa League would be far more important than individual success.Chelsea attacker Eden Hazard says teammate Juan Mata is the club's best footballer, after both were nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.

    The pair, two-thirds of the Blues' "Three Amigos", have excelled this season, though Hazard is adamant that the Spain international is more deserving of the award.

    The Belgian has also been nominated for the Young Player of the Year award and would be happy to see countrymen Romelu Lukaku and Christian Benteke take the prize, while stressing that individual accolades are less important than silverware for the team.

    "In France I was voted the best player by other players, which was a big honor," Hazard told the club's official website. "It is good for me, but it is not so important. It is very nice to be nominated, but I am just happy to play well this season. But maybe we can win in the Europa League, which would be more important.

    "It is about the team, not individual personal performances. Players want to win trophies, and so the Europa League would be better, and hopefully we can be back in the Champions League next season. Juan is nominated also and he played very well this season, scoring and making assists. For me he has been our best player.

    "On the young list there is Lukaku and Benteke, the Belgians! Whoever wins I will be happy for them, but like I said, the team winning is more interesting to me."

    Chelsea facse Basel in the semifinal of the Europa League, in hopes of going on to play either Fenerbahce or Benfica in the final in Amsterdam.

    While Hazard admits he does not know much about Chelsea's opponent, he knows his club will have to be wary against the team that knocked out Tottenham in the last round.

    "I admit I don't know too much about Basel but they have good players, and I know they have some rapid and dangerous wingers," he said. "Thursday is a big game and of course we have to try to win, but it is very important for the second leg that we score one goal, maybe two goals, and we do not lose the away game. We have lost too many away in Europe."
     

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    Iniesta: Bundesliga not necessarily better than La Liga

    The Spain international believes it would be a mistake to read too much into the significance of the Blaugrana's beating in Bavaria and Dortmund's mauling of Madrid.Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta insists that this week's Champions League results do not prove that the Bundesliga has overtaken La Liga as the dominant domestic competition in European football.

    It has been argued that Bayern Munich's stunning 4-0 rout of the Blaugrana on Tuesday, coupled with Borussia Dortmund's 4-1 demolition of Real Madrid, represents a significant continental power shift; however, Iniesta feels it would be a mistake to read too much into the outcome of two games.

    "[Like Bayern], Borussia Dortmund are also in a very good spell but it's not that the Spanish league is below [the Bundesliga]," Iniesta told reporters on Thursday. "It's just that the Germans have outscored their opponents.

    "But there are second legs to play and we can try to match those results."

    Indeed, despite the one-sided nature of their meeting with Bayern in Bavaria, Iniesta still feels that Barca can, at the very least, salvage some pride at Camp Nou next week.

    "We must believe if we are to have a chance," he stated. "Overturning four goals is very difficult, but you have to have the mentality that you must first go and win the game, and then see what might happen.

    "We have 90 minutes to try to achieve something very difficult. The result [at the Allianz Arena] was terrible and I'm not saying we're going to do it, but if we are to have a chance, we must play with the conviction that we can.

    "They were better than us in every way, and not for lack of attitude or wanting on our path. They outplayed us.

    "Let's face it, it hurts but we have to just focus on the second leg at home, trying to adjust as much as possible to get a great result. Even if we go out, we must leave everything on the field."

    Iniesta, though, is glad that Barca do not have to dwell on their Bavarian beating for too long, given the Catalans could clinch the Spanish title this weekend should they win at Athletic Bilbao and Atletico Madrid beat the Blancos later in the day.

    "After the Champions League, we have had to start thinking about the league, so we have no choice but to get back up and start focusing on clinching the title as soon as possible," he explained.

    "And it's never a bad year when you win the league, as it's the most important title.

    "It is clear that the Champions League is the most prestigious and it's very difficult to win, but one would be mistaken if they thought that this would be a bad season if we do not win it."

    Iniesta admitted, though, that winning Europe's premiere club cup competition could be about to become even more daunting a task, given former Barca boss Pep Guardiola is set to take the helm at Bayern this summer.

    "Guardiola is obviously taking over a super team and he will improve them," Iniesta said.
     

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    Barcelona will sign four or five players, says vice president

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    The Camp Nou side is keen to add some fresh blood to the squad this summer and intends to hold on to current head coach Tito Vilanova.Barcelona vice-president Josep Bartomeu has said that the Catalans intend to sign four or five new players in the summer transfer window.

    The Primera Division leader has been linked with players such as Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels and Santos forward Neymar in the past few months, but Bartomeu has stressed that they have not reached an agreement with the latter just yet.

    "We'll make four or five signings in the summer. We need to shake up the squad. We've also got players from the B team," Barca's vice president told Catalunya Radio. "We haven't signed Neymar. He's a player we are interested in, we've said that before, and we'll see what happens when the season finishes."

    Bartomeu also had his say on the future of Tito Vilanova and insisted that the 44-year-old will continue to be Barcelona's head coach, succinctly saying, "Tito will continue next year."

    Vilanova replaced Pep Guardiola as Barca coach at the start of the 2012-13 campaign and guided the club to its best-ever start in La Liga.

    The Camp Nou side currently sits atop of the league table, holding a 13-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid while closing in on a league title in the wake of its 4-0 loss to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie.
     

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    Neymar: Booing is getting boring

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    Following the Selecao's draw with Chile, the star forward has stressed that supporter criticism does not get to him as he feels being booed is part of the game.
    Brazil international Neymar says he is growing bored of supporters jeering his performances in the wake of the Selecao's 2-2 friendly draw against Chile on Wednesday.

    The Santos star was booed throughout by fans, despite scoring once and creating Brazil's other goal, but he has made it clear that he has become accustomed used to the public's critical approach.

    "Obviously no one likes to be jeered and booed. I don't care about it any more, though. I get booed each game with the national team. It's getting boring," Neymar told Reuters. "We always give our utmost for the team. All our opponents try do something extra when they meet Brazil. It's up to us do even better.

    "We have to get used to being jeered. That's football. One day you're booed and the next day people praise you. That's the way it is."

    Brazil's next match is the Confederations Cup match against Japan on June 15.
     

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    Madrid couldn't deal with us, says Lewandowski

    The striker believes his side's attacking style of football left Los Blancos stunned and says the win marks a great stride forward for the club.Robert Lewandowski has claimed Real Madrid simply did not know how to deal with him and Borussia Dortmund after the 4-1 destruction of Jose Mourinho's side on Wednesday night.

    The Poland international gifted Dortmund an early lead in the first-leg of their Champions League semifinal, before Cristiano Ronaldo leveled the scoring in the dying minutes of the first half. Dortmund stepped up its game after the break as Lewandowski netted three more to leave BVB on the brink of the Champions League final.

    "We played really well in the second half and Real Madrid had no idea how to deal with us. We scored three goals and played unbelievably well," Lewandowski told Uefa.com. "It was almost perfect. Obviously I'm delighted because we won 4-1 and it was an outstanding performance, but we're not in the final yet.

    "We've made great strides tonight, but we need to be alert from the very first minute in Madrid, because they're still very dangerous.

    "We're a good team and we're not afraid of Real Madrid, but we're going to have to play very well over there."

    Lewandowski, 24, has netted 10 goals in 11 Champions League appearances so far this term, trailing only Ronaldo, who has 12 goals.
     
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