..::Football II::..

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Fenerbahce completes Alves transfer from Zenit

The Turkish club has announced the signing of the Portugal international for a fraction of the fee that saw him move to Russia three years ago.Fenerbache have finalized a deal to sign Bruno Alves from Zenit St. Petersburg for 5.5 million euros.

The 31-year-old Alves, who joined the Russian outfit in 2010 for a 22 million euro fee, has opted to join last season's Europa League semifinalists after signing a three-year deal with the Istanbul outfit, the club announced.

The Portugal international has been capped 63 times for his country and has made the switch to the Turkish side that finished second in the Super Lig last season and will play in the UEFA Champions League qualifying round.

Alves was twice a Russian Premier League winner with Zenit, having previously spent nine seasons with Porto in his homeland. He is currently with Paulo Bento's national squad in preparation for Friday's crucial World Cup qualifier with Russia.

 

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Wenger will remain at Arsenal 'for the long term,' says Gazidis

The chief executive was coy on whether the manager has already been offered an extension to his deal, but is confident that he will remain at the Emirates Stadium past 2014 Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis is confident Arsene Wenger will sign a new contract and remain with the club "for the long term."

The Frenchman has just 12 months to run on his current deal and has come under pressure from sections of the club's fans after another season without silverware, which has seen the Gunners' trophy drought extend to eight years.

Gazidis was coy on the details of an extension and even if one was already on the table, but the former MLS deputy commissioner believes Wenger is the right man to make Arsenal title challengers again.

"We think we have got a fantastic manager," Gazidis told reporters. "We hope that he wants to do what he is doing for the long term. I believe he does. I think he is still ambitious, still driven and sees the potential of the club as he looks forward and I think he is very excited by that.

"We have a great relationship and he has a great relationship with the board as well. So, quietly and at the right time I think we will make an announcement on that when things are all put in place.

"This is going to happen very quietly behind closed doors, privately and then there will be an announcement. We have got a lot of confidence in Arsene that he is the right person to take the club forward and I think he will want to do that."

Gazidis also dismissed claims that any lingering doubt over Wenger's drive for the job could affect Arsenal's appeal in the transfer market, and feels the "managerial musical chairs" at other clubs has halted business from being completed.

"If you are asking me, is that an issue with players, the answer is 'No,'" Gazidis said. "It is far more an issue with players signing at other clubs than it is at Arsenal. If players have that on their issue list, I think that’s a mark in our favor, not against us.

"I think players that are concerned about uncertainty probably think about Arsenal as the most certain place they could be in the world of football. This is a club that has had remarkable consistency in terms of its manager, its football philosophy, its direction and the consistent support from the board.

"It has been quite a slow start [to the transfer window] and I think that’s because there was such a managerial musical chairs going on that everybody is waiting for that to settle down.

"I think clubs, agents and players are, which means it has been quite an unusual beginning to the transfer window. I imagine once most of the managerial appointments settle in a little bit, we will see that starting to pick up."

 

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Bale happy playing under Villas-Boas at Tottenham

The Welshman credits the Portuguese for helping him to blossom into one of Europe's most sought-after stars in the past year.Tottenham star Gareth Bale says Andre Villas-Boas' tactical nous has helped him to grow as a player and created a "very exciting time for the club".

The 23-year-old scored 26 goals in all competitions last season, becoming the first Spurs player since Jurgen Klinsmann in 1994-95 to notch 20 Premier League goals in a single campaign, as he won both the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards.

Tottenham, meanwhile, once again suffered the agony of missing out on Champions League football on the final day of the campaign, but with Villas-Boas guiding the club to a record league point haul, Bale feels the future is positive at White Hart Lane.

"He has helped me in all aspects of my game," Bale told Spurs TV. "In training we have been working on things that I can do in games and in games he has given me the confidence to do what I want and do what I do best, which is a massive thing for a player.

"Everyone was excited about him coming in. He is a young manager and he has got a great past at Porto. Maybe not so much at Chelsea but given time, like he has been this season, he has shown what a good manager he is. It has been a very exciting time for the club.

"He has tried his new tactics, his new style of play with us. Sometimes it does take a bit of time just to get used to it and at the start of the season I think that was a bit difficult. But we adapted and got stronger and stronger."

Bale has been heavily linked with a move away from the club following his goalscoring heroics, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez publicly voicing his admiration of the forward.

Goal understands Spurs are keen to tie Bale down with a new contract and the Wales international says he is just keeping his feet on the ground in light of speculation and individual acclaim from elsewhere.

"You just keep focused on the job in hand," he said. "It has been an amazing season for me but it has been a great team effort. We have grown as a team all season and I think that helped me individually and that is why I am able to play so well and get my awards."

 

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Agent: Gomez 'leaning toward' leaving Bayern

The striker's representative has stated that he has set his sights on a move away from the European and Bundesliga champion after losing his starting berth.Mario Gomez's agent Uli Ferber said that the prolific striker is likely to leave Bayern Munich in the summer transfer window.

The Germany international lost his starting berth to Mario Mandzukic and has been linked with clubs such as Fiorentina and Napoli in recent weeks, while he has reportedly caught the attention of a number of Premier League sides, too. With Bayern also in the mix for Borussia Dortmund forward Robert Lewandowski, it would appear that Gomez's chances with Die Roten are going to be limited going forward.

Ferber has now admitted that a summer move is a realistic option, although Gomez, whose brace led the club to the DFB Pokal final triumph over his former club, Stuttgart, has yet to make a final decision on his future.

"Mario is clearly leaning toward a move away from Bayern," Ferber told Kicker. "We have not made a final decision on which club he wants to join, though."

Gomez, 27, has netted 113 goals in 174 official appearances for Bayern since joining the powerhouse from Stuttgart in the summer of 2009. The striker's current deal with the reigning European, Bundesliga and DFB Pokal champion runs until the summer of 2016.

 

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Ribery and Van Buyten extend Bayern deals

The French winger looks set to spend at least a decade at the Allianz Arena, while his veteran teammate has been rewarded with a one-year extension.Franck Ribery and Daniel Van Buyten have put pen to paper on extension deals with Bayern Munich, the club has confirmed.

The French winger, who has been at the Allianz Arena club since 2007, has extended his deal until 2017, while the Belgian's one-year contract will see him remain a Roten player for at least another season.

Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes that the duo played their part in an extraordinary 2013 so far, which saw the Munich outfit become the first German club to win the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal in a single campaign.

"They are two important cornerstones of our team and will continue to be part of it," he told the club's official website.

"Franck and Daniel have achieved a lot in recent seasons. [These deals are] thanks to both of them, as they have often made the difference - especially in crucial games."

Ribery has been sounded out by outgoing coach Jupp Heynckes as a Ballon d'Or frontrunner following his performances in 2012-13, the crowning moment of which was beating Borussia Dortmund at Wembley to be crowned European champion.

Compared to the 30-year-old Frenchman, who has been a permanent feature in Bayern's attack, Van Buyten's role has largely been covering for injuries in the center of defense - a role the 35-year-old has performed well.

The deals look set to ensure both players have futures in Pep Guardiola's reign at the Bavarian club, which is expected to start on June 21.

 

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Perez: Pepe is not for sale

The Spanish club has made it clear that the defender is not for sale, while also revealing that Jose Mourinho could have stayed put had he won silverware this term.Florentino Perez has insisted that Real Madrid has no intention to sell Pepe ahead of the 2013-14 campaign amid reports that the Portugal international could be on the move this summer.

The 30-year-old lost his starting berth at Madrid to Raphael Varane this season, leading to speculation that he could push for a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu side in order to get regular first-team action elsewhere.

Nevertheless, Perez has made it clear that Madrid aims to keep the center back - who has a contract until 2016 - on board for the foreseeable future.

"Pepe is not for sale. He is going nowhere this summer," the Madrid president told Onda Cero.

Perez then went on to reflect on Jose Mourinho's departure and stated that the Portuguese coach would probably have stayed put had the club won the Champions League, while adding that he sees Carlo Ancelotti as the ideal replacement.

"If we had won the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, Mourinho would probably have stayed put," he added.

"Ancelotti? He would fit in very well at Madrid. He is a good people manager and a great coach."

The current Paris Saint-Germain coach remains the Blancos' only option for the vacant position of head coach for now as the team is hopeful that PSG will eventually let go of the Italian.

 

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Van Persie confident of post-Ferguson success

The Manchester United striker has admitted he wishes he could have played under Sir Alex Ferguson for longer but is confident of success under new boss David Moyes.Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is confident of more success at Old Trafford despite Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to end his 26-year spell in charge of the Red Devils.

The Dutch striker proved to be Ferguson's final marquee signing, arriving from Arsenal for around 28 million euros last summer. He scored 26 league goals as United claimed its 20th championship. Van Persie realizes that there will be changes at the club following the Scottish coach's departure, but he is relishing the challenge of ensuring continued success under new boss David Moyes.

"I have a feeling we can do much more and that we can win many more trophies," van Persie told reporters. "I've had a year to work with everyone, and now the whole coaching staff is changing, which makes it a new challenge.

"I've got to know the players through and through and I've a feeling they have a lot more in them. A whole lot more.

"The season began as a nice challenge but you never know how these things will turn out. But now I have a sense of pride, it was a great season. A pressured year."

Van Persie was full of praise for his former manager and admitted that he only wished he had played under Ferguson for a longer spell.

"I'd have preferred it if he'd stayed a few more years, but I understand his decision," van Persie said. "I'm even prouder that I could work under him for a year. I could see he was a legendary man.

"If you saw how we worked every day. How we studied the opponents and the way they played. How we prepared. Every day we did extra work and watched videos.

"Every small step eventually delivered the championship. I think that the route to the title was nicer than the winning itself."

 

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Chelsea wants Cavani, says Napoli chairman De Laurentiis

The Uruguay international, who is also a target for Manchester City, is on the radar of the west London club, with the owner also confirming an approach for Andre Villas-Boas.Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis claims that Chelsea wants to sign striker Edinson Cavani.

The Uruguay international is also a target for Manchester City after notching 102 goals in 124 matches for the club in all competitions over three seasons.

Jose Mourinho was announced as Chelsea's new manager on Monday, signing a four-year deal, and looks close to completing a move for Schalke midfielder Andre Schurrle, but De Laurentiis has now claimed the Portuguese is after further attacking talents.

The Italian told Radio Marte: "Chelsea want Cavani. 'Blues' will call me in the next hours about it..."

De Laurentiis went on to say that if Cavani is sold, the club will reinvest the money from the move.

"If Edinson stays in Napoli I will be happy," he said. "If he goes, we'll replace him using the 63 million euros from his sale."

De Laurentiis also confirmed that Napoli made an approach for Andre Villas-Boas before appointing Rafael Benitez.

"I contacted Villas-Boas, but he had to go in the USA on tour, so I spoke with Rafa Benitez and he convinced me to choose him immediately," the chairman said.

 

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Manchester City signs Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk

The 28-year-old Brazilian midfielder was unveiled at the Etihad on Wednesday after completing a 34 million pound move from the Ukrainian champions
Manchester City has confirmed the signing of Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 28-year-old leaves Ukraine after eight successful seasons with Shakhtar, having won the league on six occasions.

“This is a change, a challenge and a chance that I have been waiting a long time for. Playing in the Premier League for City is like a dream," the Brazilian international told the club's official website.

“My ambition here is to win all the titles, the team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and the supporters. Professionally this is a spectacular thing. Playing for a huge club in a huge league makes me so happy. I hope I will be able to repay City for what they have done for me.

“I know I will face challenges but I am prepared for them. Every player at a high level faces pressure and must respond and I am ready for that too. I know a lot about City. Ever since they expressed an interest in me, I have been learning more."

Fernandinho, a former Atletico Paranaense man, has five senior caps for Brazil, and caught the eye with the winning goal against Chelsea in October's Champions League victory.

He is expected to be joined by Sevilla winger Jesus Navas, who has agreed to move to Manchester in a deal worth around 20 million pounds following the completion of a medical.

 

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Shakhtar signs Wellington Nem

The Ukrainian outfit has wasted little time in replacing Fernandinho by announcing the acquisition of the 21-year-old on Thursday.Shakhtar Donestsk has confirmed the signing of Fluminense midfielder Wellington Nem for a reported 9 million euros.

The 21-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Ukranian giant which will keep him at the Donbass Arena until 2018 and, speaking to a press conference, the Selecao international stressed he is "ready" for the challenge of European soccer.

"I'm very happy to have joined Shakhtar. I know this club is used to winning so that is why I signed, but the club's Brazilian contingent was also a factor," he said. "I understand that I need time to adapt to European soccer. But I'm ready for this."

The Brazilian went on praise Brazil-born former Portugal international and "best friend" Deco, who mentored him during his time with Flu.

"Deco helped me a lot," he added. "He was my best friend at Fluminense and he did so much for me."

Wellington's arrival will add to the club's roster of Brazilian talent, with Ismaily, Ilsinho, Alan Patrick, Alex Teixeira, Douglas Costa, Taison, Maicon Oliveira and Luis Adriano all with the club.

His arrival in Ukraine has coincided with the departure of compatriot Fernandinho, who completed his move to Manchester City earlier on Thursday.

 

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Monreal: We will never get tired of being the best

The Arsenal defender believes la Roja have the hunger to add another international title to their trophy cabinet later this month by going all the way in South America
Nacho Monreal has issued an ominous warning to Spain's Confederations Cup competitors by claiming his teammates "never get tired of winning."

The reigning world and European champion travels to Brazil in the coming days hoping to add yet another major trophy to their ranks. And the Arsenal defender believes his Roja teammates have an enduring hunger in international tournaments which gives them the edge over their counterparts.

"During the two training sessions we have done in Miami it is clear this team is made up of people who will never get tired of winning," he said. "Physically we are feeling very good and the change of climate [training in the USA] has not affected us."

Meanwhile, David Silva, who flanked Monreal at the press briefing, says Spain will go into the Confederations Cup with the weight of expectancy on them.

"Spain will have the role of favorite, but Italy and Brazil are two great teams who will also be there," he added.

The Manchester City playmaker also took a moment to welcome Jesus Navas to England after he completed his move to the Etihad earlier this week.

"Navas is a great player who will come in very handy," he added. "I am delighted to have him as a teammate next season."

Vicente del Bosque's men kick off their Confederations Cup campaign by hosting Uruguay on June 16.

 

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Damiao faces wait to discover Confederations Cup fate

The 23-year-old picked up a knock in training on Thursday which may rule him out of the international tournament later this month, as Jo comes in for the friendly with France.Leandro Damiao is set for an anxious wait to discover the extent of an injury which could potentially sideline him for Brazil's Confederations Cup campaign.

The 23-year-old injured himself during Thursday's training session ahead of Sunday's friendly with France and, although the striker has definitely been ruled out of the clash with les Blues, further tests are required to determine whether the Internacional forward can participate in his country's campaign, which begins with Japan on June 15.

Atletico Mineiro talisman Jo has been drafted in as cover for the visit of Didier Deschamps' men and Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari released a statement praising the club for its assistance.

Scolari said: "Once again we [Brazil national team] thank the Brazilian clubs, Atletico Mineiro in this case and its coach, Cuca, for understanding our needs and for the support shown to Selecao by giving us Jo."

Despite the injury, Damiao will reportedly remain with the squad but could still be left out pending his recovery from injury.

The forward, who is a reported transfer target of Premier League outfit Tottenham, has been capped 16 times for Brazil at senior level.

 

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Argentina faces nervous Messi wait

The Albiceleste coach has already decided who could replace his talisman in the starting XI but will leave it as late a possible to assess his fitness Alejandro Sabella has revealed that Walter Montillo will replace Lionel Messi for Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Colombia - if he fails to prove his fitness.

La Albiceleste can secure their place at World Cup 2014 in Brazil with a win at River Plate's Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on June 7.

The Argentina coach has one big injury concern in the shape of Messi, who was called up to the national side despite struggling with a hamstring injury since April.
And the 25-year-old was a notable absentee for Sabella's final training session before the clash, prompting concerns that the Barcelona star will be limited to a cameo role at best for Friday's game."If Messi can't play, the alternative is Walter Montillo," the Argentina coach told reporters at a press conference.

“His leg is OK. He looks quick and capable of taking on defenders, but we need to see how fit he is after so long without playing. The doubt is due to his inactivity.

"We will make the decision this afternoon; we will do a little very light training session to see how everyone in the squad is in general, particularly Messi."

Messi's importance to Argentina is obvious, with Celta Vigo midfielder Augusto Fernandez admitting that even a half-fit version of the Barcelona man can help the team.

“He can make the difference with one leg, that's why we want him to play,” said the 27-year-old.

The three time Ballon d'Or winner's possible replacement, Montillo, currently plays in Brazil with Santos and has made four appearances for the national team.

 

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Galliani: I wanted Neymar at Milan


The Rossoneri vice-president confirmed he was keen on bringing the former Santos striker to Italy this summer Adriano Galliani has revealed he was interested in bringing Neymar to AC Milan before the forward joined Barcelona in a 57 million euro deal.

The 21-year-old sealed his long-awaited move to the Camp Nou on Monday after a protracted transfer saga, with Barca vice-president Josep Bartomeu confirming the club had spent more than originally planned on the Brazilian as a result of interest from other clubs.

And while Real Madrid also had a bid accepted for the now former Santos man, Galliani has admitted the Rossoneri were keen on bringing the Brazil international to San Siro, only for financial restraints to bring an end to their interest.

"Neymar? We tracked him, which is something that nobody knew," he told reporters.

"We could not make it happen. He was just too expensive. They [Barcelona] have double the budget we have. No Italian team could have afforded him."

Milan has a long history of purchasing Brazilian talent, with the likes of Cafu, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Robinho and Thiago Silva all pulling on the red and black shirt in recent times.

 

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Chelsea away Kit for 2013/14 season

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World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2013.06.07

World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2013.06.07



Croatia Vs Scotland
Belgium Vs Serbia
Armenia Vs Malta
Austria Vs Sweden
Ireland Vs Faroe Islands
Albania Vs Norway
Iceland Vs Slovenia
Azerbaijan Vs Luxembourg
Portugal Vs Russia
Latvia Vs Bosnia
Liechtenstein Vs Slovika
Lithuania Vs Greece
Moldova Vs Poland
Montenegro Vs Ukraine
Finland Vs Belarus
Czech Republic Vs Italy

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Manchester United keeper David De Gea scores a quality goal in Spain U21 Training

Manchester United keeper David De Gea scores a quality goal in Spain U21 Training

 

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Manchester United sign Uruguay U20 defender Guillermo Varela

Manchester United have confirmed the signing of young defender Guillermo Varela from Uruguayan club Atletico Penarol.

The two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee for 20-year-old, who spent the final few weeks of last season on trial with the Premier League champions.Varela will join up with the United squad after featuring for Uruguay in the forthcoming FIFA U20 World Championship in Turkey.

He becomes the first signing for United since David Moyes replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as manager at Old Trafford.

 

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Congratulations Varela!

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