..::Football II::..

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Ancelotti ready to quit PSG with Real Madrid interested in his services

The 53-year-old admits he has informed the Ligue 1 champion that he plans to relinquish the reins at the club, as he reveals that an the Blancos are interested in him.Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that he has received interest from Real Madrid after announcing his intention to leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

The Italian has long been rumored to be set to depart the Parc des Princes this summer despite guiding the Parisians to their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years, and the Blancos have repeatedly been mooted as his likeliest destination.

Ancelotti was voted the French top flight's joint-best coach along with Saint-Etiennes' Christophe Galtier on Sunday, but after the award ceremony he underlined his desire to leave PSG, though he did not provide an explanation.

"I had a meeting with the president and Leonardo and I asked to leave the club. Now, I must wait for their response to discover my fate," Ancelotti told Canal+ after picking up his UNFL accolade. "I turned off my phone [before I arrived at the award ceremony]. I have opportunities [from other teams] and Real Madrid are one of them.

"We will make a decision together because my intention is to leave the club. It's not easy because I have a very good relationship with everyone [at PSG], especially the players. This is not the right time to explain the reasons and maybe I will never explain why."

PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was voted Ligue 1 Player of the Year at the same event after a blistering first season in France, in which he scored 29 goals.

 

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Inter 2-5 Udinese: Stramaccioni's side ends dismal season in ninth

Inter ended their campaign on another sour note as Udinese announced itself in next season's Europa League with an emphatic 5-2 victory at San Siro on Saturday.

After surging to fifth in the table on the back of seven consecutive wins, all the Zebrette needed was three points to secure European qualification for the third time in a row, and goals from Giampiero Pinzi, Maurizio Domizzi, Antonio Di Natale, Gabriel Silva and Luis Muriel set the club on its way in spectacular fashion.


Inter coach Andrea Stramaccioni had to contend with his side's ongoing injury crisis, and his misery was compounded when, not a minute in, Allan fed Pinzi for the midfielder to leave Juan Jesus standing and rifle home past Samir Handanovic.

Juan attempted to redeem himself by blasting in Inter's first shot of the night, which Zeljko Brkic got down well to parry, but right after, Di Natale stole in undetected to connect with a deep cross, leaving the home side thanking Esteban Cambiasso for his timely intervention off the line.

From the ensuing set piece, swung in by the Udinese captain, Domizzi rose highest in the area to head home and double his team's advantage in the ninth minute, breaking the San Siro's spirits.

The Nerazzurri were not ready to be done in however, and a penalty area rebound allowed Juan to stab home for his debut Serie A goal. Tommaso Rocchi then conspired to miss Inter's equalizer, firing a well-weighted Alvaro Pereira pass wide.

Handanovic denied Di Natale after the 35-year-old was put through by Dusan Basta's sumptuous pass, the Slovenian mightily standing his ground to thwart his former teammate.

Di Natale was not to be denied though. As Udinese piled forward on the brink of halftime, the evergreen striker produced a moment of magic by curling off the far post to take the wind out of Inter's sails and prompt the crowd to its feet in grudging applause.

The second period brought no respite for Strmaccioni's men as Muriel produced a magnificent run from deep to feed Silva, the Brazilian obligingly dinking neatly over Handanovic. Rocchi next compounded Inter's slump by hitting the post after good work by Fredy Guarin.

Substitute Rodrigo Palacio's squared pass nevertheless allowed Rocchi something to show for his efforts, with the January arrival firing home before being replaced himself. But even that was not enough to stem the Udinese tide, as a defensive mixup between Yuto Nagatomo and his keeper allowed Muriel to capitalize on a loose ball and roll it past Handanovic.

As proceedings petered out, Stramaccioni's dismal end to the campaign leaves his position untenable despite being confirmed by president Massimo Moratti earlier this week, as the club prepares to contend in the Coppa Italia playoffs in August after finishing a woeful ninth.

There was no such heartbreak for Udinese as the Fruili outfit was left to dream of rubbing shoulders with the continent's elite once again.

 

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Pescara 1-5 Fiorentina: Ljajic hat trick not enough as Viola suffer Champions League heartbreak

Fiorentina smashed Pescara 5-1 at the Adriatico on Sunday, but it was not enough to pip AC Milan to Serie A's third and final Champions League spot.

An Adem Ljajic hat trick, along with strikes from Matias Fernandez and Stevan Jovetic easily saw off Marco Vittiglio's late consolation effort, and it appeared that the club would end its three-year European hiatus at the Rossoneri's expense.

However, it was to be in vain as Massimiliano Allegri's side turned around its match against Siena in the dying embers to disappointingly consign Fiorentina to the group stages of next season's Europa League.

The Tuscans knew that a victory over the basement boys coupled with AC Milan's inability to beat Siena would result in them securing Italy's last remaining ticket to Europe's elite club competition, and they promptly took the lead after 16 minutes when Ljajic tucked away Juan Cuadrado's cross with a delightful touch.

Within eight minutes Ljajic doubled his tally in unorthodox fashion as his cross deceived Mattia Perin and crept under the crossbar.

The goal rush kept coming as Fernandez cut in from the right side and fired home from outside the area four minutes later.

The halftime break offered welcome respite to the home side, but under 10 minutes after the restart Jovetic was on hand to net from a rebound.

The match may have been out of Pescara's reach from the word 'go', but Fiorentina still showed no signs of letting up as Ljajic sealed his hat trick with another fine strike.

Nevertheless, Pescara did grab a consolation prize via youngster Vittiglio who mopped up Cristiano Lupatelli's parry from Eugenio Togni.

 

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Siena 1-2 AC Milan: Mexes the hero books Champions League qualification in dramatic fashion

AC Milan dramatically secured a Champions League berth next season as the club's 2-1 success in Siena ensured it third in Serie A, despite Fiorentina’s emphatic victory over Pescara.

After surviving intense early pressure, the home side grabbed an unexpected lead when Claudio Terzi was left unmarked to convert a free kick delivered by the highly-impressive Alessandro Rosina. Milan rather lost its discipline and saw captain Massimo Ambrosini dismissed as the club struggled to fashion chances, but Christian Terlizzi’s red card left the door open and late strikes from Mario Balotelli and Philippe Mexes gave the visiting side three scantly-deserved points.

Already consigned to Serie B next season, little was expected of the home side, yet when Rosina was allowed time after a quick free kick to pick out a dangerous cross, Terzi was able to head into the net with relative ease.

Milan really toiled thereafter but Balotelli breathed life into the game with eight minutes left as he converted from a penalty after being softly awarded the kick following a tussle with Felipe.

With three minutes left, Mexes scrambled a vital goal after steering the ball into the net at the second attempt following a free kick.

In the early stages the star of the show had been home goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo, who was called into serious action several times in the opening 10 minutes. Balotelli started in a particularly explosive manner and was unfortunate to see a fierce drive turned over by the goalkeeper. Before the break, the Italy striker would also see a free kick pushed wide by Pegolo.

In the opening quarter of an hour, Milan’s front three were electric but would ultimately pay for Mbaye Niang’s lack of composure in front of goal. The young Frenchman headed a decent chance wide and then failed to make contact when Robinho’s low cross invited the opening goal. Shortly afterward the Brazilian had an effort of his own, yet Pegolo athletically parried clear.

Shortly after conceding to Terzi, Balotelli had a golden chance to level the match but headed against the underside of the bar from an Ignazio Abate cross.

This proved a pivotal moment in the game as Milan would quickly lose their way and would be increasingly stifled by the well-organized home side.

Only after Stephan El Shaarawy was introduced after an hour did Milan even begin to offer a renewed threat, but the recovery seemed to have ended when Ambrosini was dismissed for a second booking. Terlizzi was stupidly sent off shortly afterwards, though, giving Milan a lifeline.

The mercurial Balotelli was having an erratic game but reminded the home side of his threat from a free kick saved by Pegoto before finally beating the goalkeeper after being awarded a dubious spot kick.

Now the momentum was firmly with Milan and Mexes struck decisively with three minutes remaining to send the club into the Champions League at the expense of Fiorentina in the most remarkable circumstances.

 

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Barcelona 2-1 Valladolid: Barca continues hunt for 100 points

Barcelona sauntered to a largely straightforward 2-1 victory over Valladolid in La Liga on a sodden Sunday night at Camp Nou.

Pedro opened the scoring after some sloppy play from the Pucela and former Blaugrana defender Marc Valiente inadvertently sent the ball into his own net for the second. Victor Perez pulled one back in the final moments of normal time but Barca had already done enough to bag all three points and remain on target for 100 at the season's close.

The aftermath of the title-winning celebrations seemed to have taken its toll on Barca as a low-key start was in keeping with the subdued atmosphere inside the stadium.

In the absence of Lionel Messi, David Villa lead the way for the home side during the early exchanges but his curling effort flew harmlessly wide of the goal.

The Blaugrana were in control of possession and despite showing a distinct lack of urgency in their play, they opened the scoring after 21 minutes.

Jesus Rueda's misplaced pass fell straight to the feet of Xavi, who broke quickly and rolled the ball to Pedro to his right. The winger did not manage to find the corner but instead guided the ball underneath Jaime and into the back of the net.

Soon after Oscar was unable capitalize on a similar gift from the home side and restore parity on the night as he blazed over from distance when he could have carried the ball forward.

Valladolid continued to readily surrender possession close to its own goal and was let off the hook as a deflection sent Andres Iniesta's 33rd-minute strike over the bar.

The reprieve did not last long, though, and three minutes before halftime Mirsolav Djukic's men fell two behind as Valiente inadvertently turned Xavi's corner into his own goal.

The captain of the Catalan club almost got one himself eight minutes after the restart with a curling side-footed attempt from 25 yards but Jaime got down to his right and parried the ball aside.

There was no letup in Barca's monopolization of possession but Valladolid was doing a good job of remaining compact and repelling each probing move from Vilanova's men.

In the 63rd minute the Blaugrana finally broke through and Cesc Fabregas squared the ball to Pedro inside the area. He feigned to shoot first time, beating a defender in the process, but had to watch as his effort skimmed off the top of the bar.

Jaime produced a great stop from Martin Montoya in the 79th minute and continued to thwart the home team in the closing stages. After batting Villa's effort aside moments later he breathed a sigh of relief as Pedro sent the rebound into the side netting.

There was a late consolation for Valladolid, though, as Montoya brought down Manucho in the area and Perez lashed in from the penalty spot.

Nevertheless, Barca was triumphant at the final whistle, remaining on track to reach the record 100 point tally set by Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid last season.

 

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Carrick: Sir Alex Ferguson can retire satisfied

The Manchester United midfielder insists that the Scot can walk away from the game happy, despite a hectic 5-5 draw with West Brom on the final day of the season.Manchester United's Michael Carrick insists that outgoing manager Sir Alex Ferguson can "retire satisfied", despite the Red Devils drawing 5-5 with West Brom in the veteran's final game in charge.

United was 3-0 up after 30 minutes but a sensational hat trick from Romelu Lukaku helped the Baggies get back into it late in the game.

Shinji Kagawa, Alexander Buttner and an own goal from Jonas Olsson had put daylight between the two sides and at one point United was 5-2 up, but it was not to be the perfect end to Ferguson's 1,500th game as boss.

However, Carrick believes that the Scotsman can walk away from the touchline fulfilled, telling reporters: "Ferguson can retire satisfied. It has started sinking in now and there is a new challenge ahead for us now."

The 31-year-old also insists that the changes through which the club will go over the summer will not be particularly drastic and that the team is experienced enough to stay at the top.

"I don't think the changes will be too difficult for us," he added. "As a squad we're experienced. I'm sure the same teams will be at the top.

"We've thanked Sir Alex for everything he's done and he's thanked us. We're ready to move on."

One of United's goalscorers at the Hawthornes, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, was left irritated with the draw and admits that the team was craving a perfect sendoff for the retiring manager, as well as Paul Scholes, who was also bowing out of professional football.

The Mexican striker told the press: "We are frustrated. We wanted to win this game for the boss and Scholesy. Gaffer said he will remember this game."

 

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La Liga 2013.05.20 Fixture

La Liga 2013.05.20 Fixture


Mallorca Vs Betis​

 

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Pique: Barcelona wants 100-point milestone

The center back insists that the last two games mean a lot to the club as it sits two wins away from the triple-figure milestone.Gerard Pique believes Barcelona still has plenty to play for in the final two weeks of the season and is hoping that the team can break the 100-point barrier for the first time.

Wins in the final two games at Espanyol and home to Malaga would take the Catalunya club into triple figures, above its current record of 99 points.

"We’re attracted by [the 100-point challenge] because in every match we have to go out to win, above all for the honor of the club we represent," Pique told El Marcador. "For us it’s a challenge. If we can reach 100 points, and beat the club record, all the better."

The next challenge standing in their way is a trip to the Cornella to take on city rival Espanyol, and Pique believes it will be a unique clash, despite the season winding down.

"It’s always special to go there, because of the rivalry between the two teams and because of the stadium, where there’s always a great atmosphere," Pique said.

Not reaching the milestone would not change the fact that Barca has had a successful season, according to Pique, who is proud of the club for winning La Liga, even though that is the only trophy making its way to Camp Nou this campaign.

"I give our season a high mark," Pique said. "We’ve got used to the good times. We’ve won a lot over the last few years and we and the coaching staff know that. Winning titles is very difficult and we’ve got used to the good times but winning the league is never easy.

"The fans were looking forward to enjoying the league with us and once again they proved it by coming on a difficult day [against Valladolid]."

 

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Dunga interested in bringing Robinho back to Brazil

The former Selecao coach and current Internacional boss admitted his interest in signing the AC Milan forward this summer and bringing him back to his native country.Dunga has reached out to AC Milan forward Robinho in an attempt to get him to sign with Internacional this summer.

The Rossoneri attacker has been rumored to be leaving the club for a while, with a return home to his homeland the expected scenario.

"He’s a different player and many clubs have been following him long enough to try to bring him back to Brazil," Dunga told Radio Gaucha. "I was asked to make an inquiry. I've got the contacts who work with Robinho, passed them on towards my contacts to see which setting appeals to him.

"He has shown interest, but it depends on certain situations. The lawyer and his father will decide for him."

Many players have elected to leave Europe and return to Brazil to play lately, while the likes of Neymar and Leandrio Damiao have shown reluctance to leave, and Dunga offers his reasoning behind this trend.

"This is the right time, because many players are willing to return to Brazil for economic reasons," he said. "The country is very good and also the World Cup will be here next year.

"Exposure also increases playing for Brazil. Inter have a very good structure and excellent working conditions.

"Another factor that weighs heavily in the clubs of Rio Grande do Sul is that there no delay with payments and fulfillment of what was promised [in contracts] from the beginning."

Robinho scored just two goals for Milan this campaign and struggled for playing time with the emergence of Stephen El Shaarawy and the winter signing of Mario Balotelli.

 

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Roberto Carlos on brink of Turkey move to become manager

The former Fenerbahce man looks set to take the reins at Turkish club Sivasspor in a deal that could be finalized in the next few days.Brazil legend Roberto Carlos is on the brink of joining Sivasspor as coach, the Turkish club has confirmed.

The 40-year-old is currently a director at Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala, but reports suggest he will relinquish himself of the duty and step into coaching. Mecnun Odyakmaz, president of the Turkish club, has announced that while nothing is definitive just yet, talks are at an advanced stage.

"We are engaged in serious discussions with Roberto Carlos," Odyakmaz told the Ankara Haber. "The interviews are positive and the transfer will become clear in the next two days."

The agent of the former Brazilian left back, Ozkan Dogan, was also extremely confident that the deal is set to be completed.

"Roberto Carlos and Sivas have reached an agreement in principle. He will sign the contract on Tuesday or Wednesday," Dogan told Milliyet.

Sivasspor finished 12th in the Turkish league table this season after gaining promotion into the top flight in 2005.

 

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Milan denies Berlusconi has sacked Allegri

The AC Milan president reportedly revealed that there will be a "complete change in coaching staff" but the club has dismissed that statement was made.AC Milan has denied that club owner Silvio Berlusconi has sacked Massimiliano Allegri and his coaching staff in a bizarre turn of events Monday.

The former Italy prime minister essentially revealed that the coach was to be given his marching orders despite having taken the Rossoneri to third in Serie A this season, but the club has insisted on its official website that no such statement has been publicized.

Not long beforehand on Monday, it was reported that Berlusconi had penned a message revealing that the entire Milan coaching staff was set to be replaced, with no mention that Allegri would be spared.

"There will be a complete change in the coaching staff. We will also, if necessary, re-organize the club structure," Berlusconi is said to have written to Il Processo di Biscardi. "After the disastrous start to the season, I met with the coach and directors to tell everyone this situation had to be overturned.

"I also specified that the team had to step on to the field with a different tactical set-up, as I have a lot of experience in this area.

"The results were seen straight away, modesty aside, starting from the comeback to draw 2-2 with Napoli. From the relegation zone we climbed to third place, earned yesterday by the skin of our teeth.

"I have already called for tomorrow a complete revamp of the coaching staff and, if it were needed, a more efficient and complete re-organisation of the club structure."

 

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Ancelotti one of several candidates to succeed Mourinho, says Perez

The Real Madrid president has confirmed the club approached Paris Saint-Germain to poach Carlo Ancelotti and says that no compensation will be given to the outgoing Jose Mourinho.Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has revealed that the club is targeting Paris Saint-Germain boss Carlo Ancelotti as one of "several candidates" to replace the outgoing Jose Mourinho.

The club revealed on Monday that the Mourinho will leave the Santiago Bernabeu this summer and the search for his successor has already begun. Perez confirmed that an approach had been made for Ancelotti - who has expressed his desire to leave Parc des Princes for the Liga giants - but that Les Parisiens are keen to hold on to the Italian.

"I want to express my utmost respect for the PSG and their owner," Perez said in a press conference on Monday, after revealing that Mourinho was set to leave. "A few days ago, the club's director general spoke to PSG to see whether it was possible that he could come and they told us no.

"That is an issue that we will address tomorrow, we have a few days to think about it. There are several candidates [not just Ancelotti]."

PSG sporting director Leonardo resisted any temptation to attack the Blancos for their pursuit of Ancelotti, who led the French club to its first Ligue 1 title in 19 years this season.

"We do want to condemn anyone," Leonardo told French radio station RTL, when asked about Madrid's approach for Ancelotti. "The best way forwards is always to speak [to each other]."

Perez also confirmed that no buyout will be paid to Mourinho upon his exit, with the club and the coach - whom it is believed will return to Chelsea - having agreed to part ways amicably.

"No compensation will be given [to Mourinho] upon his departure from the club," Perez said.

 

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Torres: I can be even better next season

After a much-improved campaign in front of goal, the forward is showing signs of being back to his best and is calling for consistency to help Chelsea challenge for the title.Chelsea striker Fernando Torres says he will be asking more from himself next season despite admitting he is rediscovering his old form.

The Spain international bagged 22 goals in 64 appearances for the Blues this term, including a strike in their Europa League final triumph against Benfica, showing signs of the form that sparked his 50 million pound move to Stamford Bridge from Liverpool.

The 29-year-old Torres signed off the season with the winning strike against Everton, which secured third place in the Premier League, and he is now targeting even more goals next season.

"[It is] more goals than last season and closer to my normal statistics," Torres told Chelsea TV. "I'm happy for the end of the season, for the statistics this season, but I'm asking much more from myself and hopefully next season can be much better."

Despite a raft of changes in the Chelsea squad, including an influx of young talent, the Blues’ league finish is a marked improvement on their domestic achievements last season, and Torres is hoping they can build on their success this year, admitting consistency is key.

"The Premier League is tough, because as soon as you lose a couple of games you're out of the race for the league," Torres said. "[Manchester] United were very consistent this season and even Man City couldn't keep winning games the same way, and Man United won the league maybe two months before.

"We're good enough to be consistent. We need to learn from what we have done badly this season, it's a young squad and hopefully the experience of this year can help the team for the next one. I don't think we're too far away [from challenging for the title]."

 

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Atletico Madrid gives green light for Falcao exit


Following Atletico's qualification for the Champions League, general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin says the club will not stand in the striker's way if he opts to leave Atletico Madrid general manager Miguel Angel Gil Marin has stated that any decisions attacker Radamel Falcao will make regarding his future will be backed by the club - even if it means allowing him to leave.

The Colombia star has scored on 28 occasions during his 33 appearances this season, heavily contributing to Atleti's third-place finish as well as the club's Copa del Rey final triumph over Real Madrid.

Marin revealed that Falcao has been given the green light to decide over his future, amid speculation linking him with Premier League duo Chelsea and Manchester City as well as Ligue 1 financial behemoth Monaco.

"Before the start of the season, we spoke with Falcao," Marin told reporters in Singapore. "We promised if he helps us to qualify for the Champions League, Atletico will support all his decisions."

Atletico currently enjoys a 10-point cushion over fourth-placed Real Sociedad ahead of the final two Liga matches this season, ensuring participation in next season's elite European cup competition.

 

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Hummels denies Barcelona contact

The Borussia Dortmund defender has revealed that the Blaugrana have not yet approached him in order to secure his services.Borussia Dortmund center back Mats Hummels insists he has not been contacted by Barcelona over a possible move this summer.

The big defender has reportedly sparked the interest of the Catalan club, which is looking to bolster its options in central defense after a number of injury problems this season.

The Germany international, who said in April that he would be open to a Barca switch, has now revealed that the Liga champion has not yet come forward with a concrete offer.

"There has been no contact, neither with Barcelona nor with any other clubs," the 24-year-old told Kicker.

"Should these rumors become a reality at one point, I will talk about it. And when I say now that there isn't any truth to them, people should believe me. It's not my duty to cool off rumors other people have made up."

Regarding BVB's upcoming Champions League final against Bundesliga rival Bayern, Hummels feels the teams are in for a heated encounter, although he does not believe spectators will witness a scoring fest on May 25.

"It's going to be extremely intense. I couldn't imagine that there will be a lot of goals at Wembley," he opined.

 

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Hummels nam patta

Ganna puluwannam niyama defender​

 

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Messi: I never thought of leaving Barcelona

The Argentine ace has reiterated switching clubs has never crossed his mind to date and is confident defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League will make his side stronger.Barcelona star Lionel Messi has once again made it clear that he has never considered quitting Camp Nou for another major club.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner joined the Catalan giant's youth academy in 2000 and has won the Champions League three times and La Liga on six occasions since breaking through to the first team in 2003.

Speaking at a press conference in Qatar, the 25-year-old again stated that leaving the Blaugrana has not once crossed his mind.

"I never thought about playing anywhere else than this club," he told reporters.

Barcelona is on course to equal the record of 100 points in La Liga having clinched the title already, but the club suffered a humiliating 7-0 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League - something which Messi believes will help to make his side stronger.

"Winning the league is very good though our goal is always to win everything," he added. "Bayern were the superior team this year, now we must prepare for next year."

 

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Lampard: I would not have stayed in the Premier League if I had to leave Chelsea

The midfielder recently became the club's record goalscorer before signing a new deal, but admitted he thought he would be on the way out of Stamford Bridge this summer.Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard says he would not have stayed in the Premier League if he had to leave the club this summer.

The 34-year-old recently became the club's all-time leading goalscorer before captaining the team to victory in the Europa League final, and signing a one-year contract extension.

Speculation linked the midfielder with a move to places such as Manchester United and the LA Galaxy among others, and Lampard revealed he could not face the prospect of playing against Chelsea.

"It wouldn't have been in the Premier League," Lampard told talkSPORT. "I think there was a couple of opportunities but I can't imagine playing for anyone else [in England] after 12 years at Chelsea.

"I've got a lot of respect for Premier League clubs but I'm not sure I could have done that."

However, Lampard admitted that it looked likely he could leave west London this summer.

"In January it looked like I might be leaving," he added. "I'd been injured, to be fair to the club, for nearly two months. The manager changed and there wasn't stability at the club - they were looking to the future.

"I would say that from January to March/April I thought this would be my last season at Chelsea."

Lampard also hinted that he may not retire at the end of next season, even if his time at Chelsea does come to an end at the end of his new deal.

"I feel like I can keep playing at the top for another two or three years," he said.

 

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Alves not ruling out a possible move away from Barca

The Barcelona star says his door is always open if a club has interest in his services.Barcelona right back Dani Alves has revealed that he would consider joining either Paris Saint-Germain or Monaco in the Summer, should one of them make an offer.

Last summer the Brazilian confirmed that les Parisiennes asked about his services, but a move was not possible at the time due to an exorbitant transfer fee demanded by Barca.

However, Alves has now stated that he would be open to leave the Catalan club at the end of the campaign, should a new offer from Ligue 1 come his way.

"I am a Barca player and very happy here, but I never close the door to Paris or another club," the 30-year-old told Canal+.

"Paris are a very ambitious young club, with a great desire to claim a place in the world of football. They recruit great players to make something beautiful in football. They lack a little continuity but they are on the right track. Some media stars and other high quality players have joined already."

He also did not rule out a switch to Monaco, who have been linked with the likes of Radamel Falcao and Carlos Tevez since securing their return to France's top flight.

"I know there is a project similar to that of Paris," Alves added on Claudio Ranieri's side. "The door to my house is always open and I do not rule out anything."

 

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Sir Alex Ferguson named Manager of the Year

The retiring 71-year-old becomes the first manager to win the award four times after a season in which he guided Manchester United to a record 20th league title.
Sir Alex Ferguson has been named Premier League Manager of the Year by the League Managers' Association.

Ferguson, who retires this summer after 26 years in charge of Manchester United, becomes the first manager to win the prestigious award, which is voted for by fellow managers, four times.

Receiving the award from West Ham manager Sam Allardyce at the LMA awards dinner on Monday evening, Ferguson joked that West Brom boss Steve Clarke should have been given the honor for scoring five times against his United side on Sunday.

"It was the perfect sendoff," Ferguson said. "5-5. Everyone will remember it, that's for sure."

Commenting on the reaction to his retirement, Ferguson added: "It's overwhelming. In a way I'm glad it's over, because it's hard work."

And asked when he thought United was going to win a record 20th league title, he jokingly replied: "August 17!"

Malky Mackay was named Championship Manager of the Year for overseeing Cardiff's first-ever promotion to the Premier League. Gary Johnson picked up the League One award for guiding Yeovil to victory in the playoff final against Brentford on Sunday, while Gillingham boss Martin Allen picked up the League Two award.