..::Football II::..

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Bendtner set for Arsenal exit


The Gunners have agreed a deal with several 'good' clubs for the Denmark international, and he expects to decide on his destination in the next fortnight
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is on the verge of the leaving the north London club, with a decision on his future to be made in the next two weeks.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan with Juventus, but made just three starts for the Serie A winners in all competitions and failed to score a single goal.

Bendtner has now revealed that five clubs have had bids accepted by Arsenal for his services, and he will pick his next club within the next fortnight.

“Arsenal have agreed with five clubs so now it is up to me to make a choice,” Bendtner told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet. “I will make that choice within the next 14 days. They are all good clubs.

“It is a hugely important choice I'm faced with. I must go where I am wanted. As a footballer, there is only one thing that can make you happy: playing time.”

Bendtner has not featured for Arsenal since August 2011, with his loan spell in Italy following a season-long stint at Sunderland, and says his number one priority is starting matches.

“Will it be good for me to go to a big club where I risk the bench? No, I'd rather go somewhere where the club is located just below the top where I can play every week,” he added.

“I can take a step back to take three forward.”

 

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Congratulations Spain U21!!!

Spain U-21 3-0 Netherlands U-21: Morata, Isco and Vazquez clinch top spot in Group B

Spain eased past Netherlands 3-0 to claim top spot in Group B at the Under-21 European Championship.

Two early goals by Liga starlets Alvaro Morata and Isco comfortably put Spain's youth selection ahead midway through the first half.

Alvaro Vasquez then secured the third goal late in the match, while Netherlands failed to find a way to recover.

Despite having already secured qualification for the semifinals of the competition before the match, La Roja's coach Julen Lopetegui opted to incorporate big guns Thiago Alcantara, Isco and Morata into the starting XI.

Meanwhile, the Oranje opted for a significantly weakened selection, resting the team's skipper Kevin Strootman as well as in-form strikers Luuk de Jong and Georginio Wijnaldum for this encounter.

Early on, the sides looked to be evenly-matched, but Spain was increasingly creating more chances, and was able to open the scoring in the 26th minute.

Pablo Sarabia ran down the right flank and was lucky enough to pick up a poor clearance by the opposition's defense, before laying the ball to the unmarked Morata at the far post, who tapped in to give his side the lead.

And just over five minutes later, Spain added its second when Muniain tore apart the Oranje's back-line with an accurate pass to Isco, who then displayed great composure as he brilliantly dinked the ball over a stunned Marco Bizot.

After the break, Ignacio Chamacho picked up a knock on his ankle and had to be replaced by Asier Illarramendi.

Shortly after, an excellently struck free kick could have easily put Netherlands back into the match, but David de Gea was on hand to deflect it on to the crossbar.

In the 71st minute, Adam Maher was introduced to replace Tonny Vilhena, and almost immediately made an impact as he blasted an effort from the edge of the penalty area towards De Gea's box, but it flew just wide.

However, again Spain was ruthless in attack, as it added a third goal thanks to a tap-in by Vazquez, who came on in the 71th minute to replace Isco and once again displayed his excellent finishing.

With the result, Netherlands moves on to face Italy in the semifinals of the tournament in Israel, while Spain is set to face Norway.

 

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Rosell: Messi is innocent

The Barcelona president is convinced the Argentine will clear his name following accusations of tax evasion towards the forward and his father Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has come out in support of Lionel Messi after the player was accused of tax fraud.

The Argentina international, as well as his father Jorge, stand accused of defrauding the state of some 4 million euros between 2007 and 2009.

The 25-year-old soon voiced his surprise at the allegations and the club has expressed confidence that its star is completely innocent.

"I've spoken to [Messi]'s family and they're very calm," Rosell said at a press conference.

"They have our full support because we believe Messi is innocent in this whole case."

Spanish law dictates that anyone found guilty of tax fraud exceeding 600,000 euros faces a stretch of between two and six years in jail and a hefty fine.

 

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Joaquin: I've always wanted to play in Italy

The Spanish winger is relishing the prospect of linking up with compatriot Borja Valero and the "extraordinary" Guiseppe Rossi as he moves to Fiorentina from Malaga.Joaquin has revealed his excitement at playing in Serie A as he moves from Malaga to Fiorentina.

The two clubs agreed on a deal for the 31-year-old earlier this week, with the former Valencia star heading to Florence on Thursday to complete a medical with La Viola and sign a three-year deal with his new club.

Joaquin, who has spent his entire career in La Liga to date, could barely contain his delight at the prospect of plying his trade in Italy's top flight.

"Serie A has always attracted me," he told Radio Blu. "I waited a long time to play in Italy; it will be a good experience. I know Borja Valero and Guiseppe Rossi, who is an extraordinary player. I'm very happy to come here.

"Eduardo Macia, technical director at Fiorentina, has spoken length to me about how football is played here. It is a philosophy which I embrace. I've reached a good moment in my career and hope to exploit it here."

Speculation has linked Bayern Munich forward Mario Gomez with a move to Florence of late, and Joaquin feels the Germany international would be a great addition to the squad at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

"He would be a great buy. He's a very strong forward," Joaquin said.

 

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Benfica confirms Djuricic swoop

The Serbian will be linking up with a host of compatriots in the Portuguese capital after sealing a move from Heerenveen on a five-year deal Benfica has confirmed the signing of Filip Djuricic from Heerenveen on a five-year deal.

The 21-year-old moved to the Eredivisie outfit in 2010 from Radnicki Obrenovac and was a key member of Marco van Basten's side as it finished eighth in the league in 2012-13.

However, the attacking midfielder has elected to make the move to Lisbon, where he will link up with fellow Serbs Miralem Sulejmani, Lazar Markovic and Nemanja Matic, whom he consulted about the club.

"I've known Matic since I was a boy because we played together from a young age," he told Benfica TV.

"Matic told me I can adapt to Portugal and Portuguese football. That helped in my decision."

Djuricic has represented Serbia on 11 occasions, scoring four goals in the process.

 

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Fabregas: This generation wants to win everything

The Roja midfielder is targeting yet another triumph in the FIFA Confederations Cup this month, claiming it is tough to kick the habit of winning titles Cesc Fabregas has stated his intent to complete a clean sweep of international titles by winning another trophy for Spain at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

La Roja were dumped out in the semifinals after a shock defeat to USA in the previous tournament in 2009, the only major trophy Spain has failed to win in that time after collecting two European championships and a World Cup. The Barcelona midfielder is determined to add the Confederations Cup title to the his nation's past crowns to complete a stunning series of triumphs for the current generation of players.

"It's seems a less significant competition but for us it's very important," the 26-year-old Fabregas told Marca. "I'm very proud with what we've done, but we need to continue. This team never settles. We want the Confederations Cup. This generation deserves to have all the titles.

"The more you win, the more you want. We have the advantage of knowing what it takes to win, what it means to win. The team is ready to continue along this line."

Spain has been drawn in Group B in the tournament along with Uruguay, Nigeria and Tahiti and begins play on Sunday against Uruguay.

 

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Marcos Senna signs with New York Cosmos

The Spanish veteran has left Villarreal for the USA's second division, becoming part of the reincarnated New York franchise.The New York Cosmos have made the biggest splash in their journey back to being a recognized club, signing veteran Spanish midfielder Marcos Senna, the club announced Thursday.

Senna, a key member of Spain's 2008 European championship-winning side, left Villarreal after 11 seasons, with his final act helping the club gain promotion back into La Liga. The 36-year-old joins the second-tier NASL team, which is slated to begin play in August after almost 30 years since the first rendition of the club folded.

“This is a very special moment for me in joining the Cosmos, because I face a new challenge, but at the same time it has been a difficult decision to leave Villarreal after 11 seasons,” Senna said in a team statement.

Senna had been with Villarreal since 2002, and he becomes the most noteworthy signing for manager Giovanni Savarese's side, which also includes Spanish midfielder Ayoze, Japanese winger Satoru Kashiwase and former MLS products along the lines of goalkeeper Kyle Reynish, defenders Hunter Freeman, Carlos Mendes and Korey Veeder and forward Peri Marosevic.

 

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Thiago Silva: I'll speak to Ibrahimovic before deciding my future

The Brazil defender has said he is devastated to see speculation linking Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid and will consider his own plans along with his teammate
Thiago Silva has revealed that he will speak to Zlatan Ibrahimovic before committing his future to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazil international admits that speculation linking coach Carlo Ancelotti with Real Madrid is proving unsettling, and claims he will discuss his plans with teammate Ibrahimovic once the Swede returns from holiday.

"Since I've been in Brazil, I haven't spoken to Ibra on the phone," explained the 28-year-old to Sky Sport Italia.

"He's on holiday and I'm making sure to leave him be because he should be relaxing. I don't speak that often with him, but when he gets back from his holidays we'll surely talk about our future because it's something that's very important to us.

"I've always spoken with Carlo about my plans, because I came to Paris Saint-Germain largely for him and [sporting director] Leonardo. So the doubt surrounding him at the moment is hard to take.

"I hope that an agreement will be reached as soon as possible, because the situation is tough for us players as well. We're hoping that next season we'll still have a strong team capable of fighting it out in the Champions League."

Thiago Silva has been linked with Barcelona and a possible return to AC Milan, but his agent recently insisted he would be staying with the Ligue 1 champion this summer.

 

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Shakhtar signs Gremio's Fernando

The young midfielder has joined the Brazilian contingent at his new club as he will be looking to establish himself in Europe.Shakhtar Donetsk has secured the services of Brazil international Fernando from Gremio in a deal worth 11 million euros, according to the club's official website.

The midfielder has signed a five-year contract with the Ukrainian champion.

Mircea Lucescu's side was in the market for a new midfielder due to the departure of Fernandinho to Manchester City, and it sees the 21-year-old as the ideal replacement. Fernando is a product of the Gremio youth academy and had developed into an important member at the Porto Alegre side since breaking into the first team in January 2010.

The midfielder has already been capped at the senior level for Brazil and joins compatriots such as Alex Texeira, Taison, Douglas Costa, Luiz Adriano and recent signing Wellington Nem at his new club.

 

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Chelsea agrees to Schurrle deal with Leverkusen

The Blues' long-running pursuit of the German international seems to have reached its conclusion, after the club announced on Thursday that a deal has been agreed.
Chelsea has confirmed that it has reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over the transfer of Germany international Andre Schurrle.

The Blues' interest in the 22-year-old stretches back to last summer, and it appears that a deal is now finally in place to bring the forward to Stamford Bridge.

A statement on the club's official website on Thursday read: "Chelsea Football Club and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of André Schürrle, subject to the completion of legal documentation and related matters, including personal terms and passing a medical."

Previous reports had suggested that Kevin de Bruyne could move the other way, but the Belgian winger is not thought to be part of the deal, which is estimated at around 18 million pounds.

Schurrle admitted to conversing with new Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho during last week's 'World XI' v 'Ballack and friends' friendly fixture, and hinted that a move to the Premier League could be just around the corner.

The former Mainz man scored 11 Bundesliga goals for Sami Hyypia's side this season, and he has played 24 times for his country -- including against the USA earlier this month -- hitting the back of the net on seven occasions.

Schurrle is Mourinho's first signing since returning to Chelsea, with Vittesse Arnhem's Marco Van Ginkel also thought to be on his way after the Netherlands' European Under-21 Championship campaign.

 

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Messi's lawyers ready for legal battle after tax evasion claims

The Barcelona star's legal representatives have not been notified of any complaint, but have insisted they will vehemently defend the forward's rights.Lionel Messi's legal and fiscal council Angel Juarez has stressed the Barcelona star has not been notified that a complaint has been filed over his alleged tax fraud, and added that they are ready for a potential legal battle with the Spanish tax authorities.

Prosecutor Raquel Amado is investigating claims that the Argentine and his father have avoided paying the charges due from sales of the 25-year-old's image rights by operating through companies based outside of the country and filed a complaint with the courthouse in the Gava district of Barcelona on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Messi expressed his surprise at the accusatinos and is adamant they have not committed any infringement, adding that his legal representatives are equally confident about the outcome of the case.

"We'd like to express our surprise with the news published by several media outlets. Neither us, nor our client has received any notification from the prosecutor in relation to what has been reported," a statement signed by Juarez reads. "As his legal and fiscal council, we will take all the appropriate legal action against the complaint of the prosecutor and we are confident that justice will prevail."

Under Spanish law, Messi could face a maximum penalty of six years in prison if found guilty.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo denies signing new Real Madrid contract

Cristiano Ronaldo has denied that he has signed a new contract extension to keep him at Real Madrid until 2018.

The Portugal international was responding after a day of speculation surrounding his future at Santiago Bernabeu, with some reports claiming he had put pen to paper on a new three-year deal.But Ronaldo took to Twitter to dismiss the claims that he had already signed fresh terms.

"All the news about my renewal is false," Ronaldo wrote.The speculation came after Madrid president Florentino Perez announced earlier in the week that his intention was to make the Portugal international the highest paid player in the world.

Ronaldo has been linked with a €100million (£85m) move to free-spending Ligue 1 outfit AS Monaco, while former club Manchester United are also said to be monitoring his situation.In a bid to ward off any interested parties, however, Madrid were thought to be preparing an offer that would see the player earn €80million over five seasons and cost the club €166million in total when tax is included.

 

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Barcelona join Lewandowski race

http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1475549/barcelona-join-lewandowski-race?cc=5739

Barcelona have made preliminary contact with Robert Lewandowski’s representatives, as the race for the Borussia Dortmund forward escalates.

Manchester United had also recently been given encouragement by the 25-year-old’s camp that a deal may be possible and retain significant interest, but are understood to now be concerned about Barcelona’s clout.

Given Lionel Messi's status as Barca's talisman over the last two seasons, as well as the need to slightly alter the dynamic of a team in danger of growing stale, the Catalans are seeking to add extra spark and angles to their forward line - with this summer's purchase of Neymar the first step.They are now considering a move for Lewandowski that would potentially give them their strongest collective forward line since the Messi-Samuel Eto’o-Thierry Henry trio of 2008-09.

Meanwhile, Lewandowski's agent has played down a report in German tabloid Bild that suggested the striker's relationship with Dortmund had reached breaking point.Dortmund announced at the weekend that Lewandowski, who has been linked with a move away from the club, will not be allowed to join Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich this summer.

It has since been suggested the stance has soured matters between the Poland international and his current side, with Bild reporting that he would prefer not to return for pre-season.However, on Thursday, German news agency SID quoted Lewandowski's agent Maik Barthel as saying: "We don't know anything about this [the Bild report]. Besides, all that needs to be said from our side has already been said."

 

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Balotelli will only become more important for Milan, says Pazzini

The Rossoneri attacker has nothing but praise for his club and international teammate as Balotelli gets set for his first full season with AC Milan.Giampaolo Pazzini has insisted that he has a good relationship with Mario Balotelli and is confident that the 22-year-old will only become more important for AC Milan next season.

The Italy star joined the Rossoneri from Manchester City in the January transfer window and immediately became a key figure at the San Siro side, netting 12 goals in 13 Serie A appearances and helping the club to a third-place finish and a berth in the UEFA Champions League.

Pazzini is confident that there's more to come from the volatile Balotelli, though, and he has high expectations of his teammate.

"Mario is a good lad and I have never had any problems with him, more so I have an excellent relationship with him," Pazzini told reporters. "You’ll see in the future he’ll be even more useful to the team. He knows how to give the team even more."

The striker also bid farewell to Massimo Ambrosini, who is leaving the club this summer after 18 years.

"It has been an honor that he was my captain and my teammate," Pazzini said. "I thank him for everything he's done and wish him all the best."

Pazzini recently underwent knee surgery and could be out of action for five to six months.

 

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Madrid cannot afford to go trophy-less, admits Modric

The Croatia international has stressed that a team of Los Blancos' stature should do better, but he has nothing but praise for former manager Jose Mourinho.
Luka Modric has admitted that the 2012-13 campaign was a major disappointment for Real Madrid as Los Blancos ended the season without any silverware.

The Santiago Bernabeu side was beaten by Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final after Borussia Dortmund ended its Champions League dreams, while Barcelona proved to be too strong in La Liga.

"We cannot be pleased with how this season went in general," Modric told Marca. "A club like Real Madrid cannot afford to go trophy-less."

The 27-year-old midfielder then had his say on Jose Mourinho, who left Madrid for Chelsea this summer after three years at the Bernabeu.

"I can only speak well of Mourinho. He's a fantastic coach. It was a pleasure to work with him. He taught me how to play more aggressively," Modric said. "He always tries to get more than the best out of every player. If you give 100 percent, he asks for 110. If you don't play to the best of your ability, someone will come and take your place."

Real Madrid has yet to hire Mourinho's successor, although PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti is widely thought to be a leading candidate for the role.

 

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Wigan hires Owen Coyle to replace Roberto Martinez

The Scot is set to return to management at the DW Stadium, with Latics owner Dave Whelan confident he is the man to send the club back into the Premier League.Wigan owner Dave Whelan has confirmed that Owen Coyle will be appointed as the club's next manager, succeeding Roberto Martinez at DW Stadium.

The Latics owner says a deal has been agreed with the Scot, who he thinks can take Wigan out of the League Championship and back into the Premier League, following their relegation last season.

"Out of all the candidates who applied I just thought he was the best. He took Burnley to the Premier League," Whelan said. "If anybody can get us back in the Premier League, it's Owen Coyle."

Coyle's last managerial role was with Bolton Wanderers from 2010-2012, but the 46-year-old, who signed Americans Stuart Holden and Tim Ream at his time at Reebok Stadium, was sacked in December and replaced by Dougie Freedman.

Whelan will hope for happier times and sees Coyle, who led Burnley to promotion in 2009, the first time the club had achieved top flight status for 33 years, as the ideal man for the job.

In terms of the new season, the reigning FA Cup winner, which will also partake in the UEFA Europa League, will hope for a swift transition between managers, and both players and fans are expected to support the new manager.

Wigan midfielder James McArthur revealed his delight at the appointment, he wrote on Twitter: "Happy with the new appointment in Owen Coyle another scot. Hopefully everyone can get behind him and the team for new season."

 

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Dortmund: No Madrid approach for Lewandowski

The Bundesliga giant has insisted that the Spanish power has not made an offer for the Poland international.Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has insisted that the club has not received an offer from Real Madrid for Robert Lewandowski.

Sky Italia claimed on Thursday that BVB had accepted a 30 million euro offer from Madrid, only for Lewandowski to turn down the Spanish giants as he wants to join Bayern Munich; however, Watzke has stressed that Dortmund has not been in touch with the Santiago Bernabeu side over the 24-year-old.

"I can only say that we don't know anything about an alleged Madrid offer for Lewandowski," Watzke told Sport1. "At the moment, there has not been any contact with Real Madrid about Lewandowski. There have been rumors that Madrid are interested in Robert for a number of weeks now, but he has always been clear that he wants to join Bayern."

Watzke stated earlier this week that Dortmund will not allow Lewandowski to join Bayern this summer and he has once more stressed that the striker will not make the move to the Allianz Arena ahead of the 2013-14 campaign, regardless of the Poland international's claims that BVB promised him he would be allowed to move.

"There will not be a transfer to Bayern this summer," Watzke reiterated.

Lewandowski has a contract with Borussia Dortmund until June 2014, but he is desperate to leave the club this summer and follow in the footsteps of BVB teammate Mario Gotze, who has already sealed a switch to Bayern Munich.

 

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Messi desperately needs rest, says fitness coach

The former Argentine physician has voiced his concerns over the forward's physical state in light of recent injuries.Fernando Signorini, Argentina's fitness coach at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, has warned that Lionel Messi is in desperate need of rest if he is to make it to next year's World Cup in Brazil in top condition.

The Barcelona star has been plagued by physical problems in the past few months, and Signorini feels the attacker needs a prolonged holiday in order to leave his fitness issues behind him.

"Messi plays over 100 games a year with Barcelona and Argentina. That brings the risk with it that he will not be in peak condition at the 2014 World Cup," Signorini told Telam. "Messi had not had any injuries for three years or so, but when he picked up an injury toward the end of the season, he was played almost right away again.

"He then got injured again and is now playing for the national team. What he needs is a lengthy holiday with his wife and son. It's impossible to play over 100 games in modern football and still be in top condition."

Messi made 50 official appearances for Barcelona in all competitions in 2012-13.

 

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I want to stay at Inter, says MLS target Stankovic


The 34-year-old insists he is not thinking of leaving the Nerazzurri, despite making just three appearances for the club last season.Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic says he would be happy to remain at San Siro, provided that coach Walter Mazzarri is happy to keep him.

The 34-year-old found himself on the fringes of Andrea Stramaccioni's team last season, with the veteran making only three appearances for the Nerazzurri during the 2012-13 campaign.

However, the former Serbia international says he is prepared to fight his way back into contention with the Italian giants.

"It is not true that I want to leave Inter," he told reporters.

"I would like to start the season with the Nerazzurri, but we will see how the coach feels."

Stankovic first joined Inter in 2004 from Lazio and has won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia medals and one Champions League with the club.

MLS was a rumored destination should the Serb leave Inter.

 

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Agent: PSG to offer Verratti new deal


The Italian's representative claimes the Ligue 1-winner will offer his client an improved contract in a bid to curtail interest from Real Madrid.Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti will be offered a new contract next week amid interest from Real Madrid, according to his agent.

The 20-year-old has enjoyed an impressive debut season in the French capital last term, making a total of 27 league appearance and setting up four goals in the process.

The Italy international has been widely linked with a move to the Bernabeu this summer but the Ligue 1 champion is determined to make him stay put.

"He's happy with PSG and will meet the company next week to talk about his future and request an adjustment," Donato Di Campli told Mediaset.

"There is interest from Madrid in the boy. I read a lot of newspapers and I am very pleased that Marco is being sought by big clubs like Real Madrid."

Verratti moved to PSG in a 12 million euro deal from Pescara.