..::Football II::..

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Torres flattered by Barcelona interest


The 29-year-old is pleased to be linked with the Catalans but insists he remains loyal to Chelsea and is looking forward to working with new boss Jose Mourinho.
Fernando Torres admits he is flattered by reports linking him with a summer move to Barcelona, but he insists he wants to stay at Chelsea and will talk with new manager Jose Mourinho before deciding his future.

Torres enjoyed his most productive season at Stamford Bridge last season, scoring 23 goals in all competitions, but he still fell way short of the expectations that have dogged him since his 50 million pound arrival from Liverpool and his exit from London has been been touted as a possibility.

Chelsea's alleged offer of Torres plus 40 million euros for Napoli striker Edinson Cavani was rejected, while Barcelona has also been linked with bringing the Spaniard back to his homeland. While Torres revealed in an interview with AS that he is pleased to still be linked to top European clubs, he is determined to talk with Mourinho before making any firm decisions.

"It's always nice a club like that is interested," Torres said of Barcelona. "But I want to stay and will talk to Mourinho later."

Mourinho has pledged to help Torres rediscover his best form if he remains at Stamford Bridge, and this is an idea that appeals to Torres, too.

"Mourinho's words are motivation for me," Torres said. "I want to stay at Chelsea, I have contract, I want to be the best at my position, and I don't think there is a better place to be.

"Mourinho has won far more than many of us. It's a new challenge and I am looking forward to it."

 

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Del Piero warns Italy against Confederations Cup complacency

The Azzurri flopped at the last edition of the tournament in 2009 and their former striker is desperate to see the current side learn from their predecessors Alessandro Del Piero has urged Italy not to underestimate the strength of its rivals at the Confederations Cup.The Azzurri went into the 2009 edition of the tournament as favorites, having lifted the World Cup just three years prior, but they crashed out of contention at the group stage.

This year they are in Group A alongside Brazil, Japan and Mexico - with their opening clash against Mexico on Sunday, and the former Juventus attacker is keen to see the current crop banish their demons while in Brazil.
"It's happened in the past. I think there is always a small dip in form during this time of the year. There is every chance that the other teams will take this Confederations Cup seriously," Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia. "Let's not forget that Italy were runner-ups in Euro 2012. They are a team of hopefuls who must take every opportunity to grow and improve.

"When you play certain games at certain stages, determination and concentration come to the fore."

Del Piero's current employers Sydney will spend the majority of the summer in Italy ahead of the new A-League season, and the forward says he is happy to be returning to his motherland.

"I am particularly glad to have the chance to come back, and will be nice to get back in contact with so many people," the 38-year-old added.

"Where [abouts am I going]? I cannot say yet, but soon you'll know about it, along with the friendlies [Sydney] will play in."

 

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Schuster named new Malaga coach


The former Real Madrid boss has been appointed as Manuel Pellegrini's successor following the Chilean's departure.Malaga has announced on its official website that Bernd Schuster has been appointed as the club's new head coach on a five-year deal.

The Primera Division side, which will be serving a one-year European ban, was in the market for a new coach due to the departure of Manuel Pellegrini, who said farewell to Malaga and is seemingly on his way to Manchester City, and the club sees the 53-year-old Schuster as the ideal replacement.

Schuster had been out of work ever since he resigned at Besiktas in March 2011 and will now be looking to relaunch his coaching career at Malaga.

He previously managed teams such as Koln, Xerez, Shakhtar Donetsk, Levante, Getafe and Real Madrid and enjoyed spells at Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico during his active career.

The former West Germany international's first major task at Malaga will be to make a decision on the future of Isco together with sporting director Armando Husillos.

The Spain international, 21, inked a new deal with Malaga until June 2016 earlier this season, but he is continually being linked with a move to a bigger club as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are closely monitoring his situation.

Schuster will be presented to the press next week.

 

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Agent says Drenthe will sign with Reading

The representative of the Netherlands international has confirmed his client is set to return to English football with a move to the Madejski Stadium in the coming days.
Royston Drenthe has agreed upon a deal to join Championship side Reading, his agent has confirmed.

Drenthe, who spent the 2011-12 season on loan at Everton, will sign a three-year deal to return to English football at the Madejski Stadium. The Dutchman's representative, Fabian Veldwijk, revealed his client is excited at the prospect of joining the Royals as they bid to make an instant return to the Premier League.

“The contract has been signed,” Veldwijk told NUsport. “A few small things have to be arranged before it's official.

“He has a good feeling with the club and wants to play in England.”

Drenthe rose to prominence at Feyenoord but has endured a nomadic career since, including spells with Real Madrid, Hercules, Everton and Russian minnows Alania Vladikavkaz.

 

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Abidal: Many clubs are interested in me


The Frenchman says he has been approached by plenty of teams after Barcelona decided against giving him a new contract and remains keen on a Monaco move.
Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal says there has been plenty of interest in his signature this summer.

The 33-year-old is currently a free agent after the Blaugrana decided against extending his contract and, while he is yet to receive any formal offers, he has been sounded out by several clubs.

"I'm on holiday now and I have not received any offers yet. I have had contact with a number of clubs, but nothing concrete," he is quoted as saying by Le10Sport. "I have heard from clubs based in Spain and France, and there are many more interested in me.

"I want to take the time to consider the offers. I have a wife and kids. I'm 33. It is not like when I was 20. There are now many other factors which now come into play."

Earlier this month, Abidal expressed a desire to call time on his career at Monaco, where he made his Ligue 1 debut, and the former France international is still keen on a move to Stade Louis II.

"Moving to Monaco may be a nice way to close the loop and end my career," he continued. "This is a team who have worked hard to move up. They have already recruited many players. They could be an option.

"When I started at the age of 21, my children were not even born and it would allow them to discover where their dad began his career."

 

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Neymar ignoring Confederations Cup pressure


The Brazil star says he is a "cool guy" and insists that any focus on him from the press will not affect his performances in the tournament Brazil striker Neymar insists that he does not feel pressure as his country prepares to host the Confederations Cup.

The Selecao begin their campaign against Japan on Saturday and the 21-year-old says he is trying to ignore any praise or criticism that comes his team's way.

"I'm a cool guy. I don't care about pressure," Neymar said at a press conference. "I always try to keep it normal, even with all praise and criticism. It's up to me and my teammates to guide the Selecao to important titles."

Neymar has been the talk of the soccer world since signing with Barcelona earlier this month, but he understands that it's going to take a team effort for Brazil to win the Confederations Cup.

"Every player has his importance for the group. If one is more talked than the other, it doesn't matter in here," he said. "It's a group where everybody will get together to take Brazil the the Confederations Cup title.

"Brazilian football is blessed, because it always has great players representing the team, and not just one. We have 10, 15 important players, even more."

Neymar, who signed a five-year deal with Barcelona from Brazil's Santos, would welcome the opportunity to face Spain in the final of the competition.

"[Spain is] a great national team, with players that are out of this world. They are one of the favorites," he said. "It would be a dream to play them on a final but I would do my best to help the Selecao win the title."

Brazil goes into the competition as defending champions having triumphed in 2009.

 

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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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Martinez keen to reward 'phenomenal' Everton stalwart Baines

The left back featured in every minute of the Toffees' Premier League campaign last season before being awarded both of the club's end-of-season awards.New Everton manager Roberto Martinez is keen to reward Leighton Baines for his "phenomenal" contribution to the club.

The left back played every minute of the Toffees' Premier League campaign last season, which added fuel to the speculation that former boss David Moyes would want to bring him to Manchester United. Martinez, with the support of chairman Bill Kenwright, feels Baines - who has two years remaining on his current contract - deserves recognition for his efforts for Everton and could be set to hand the 28-year-old a new deal to remain at Goodison Park.

"It is very important and it’s [a case of] rewarding players who have been phenomenal for the football club, and I think Leighton is in that category," Martinez told the club's official website. "The chairman is very keen to express that and obviously I’m desperately looking forward to meeting the players.

"For Leighton, as the top performer he has been in the last few years, it is important that we reward his work and make sure that he can look forward to kicking-on and go into the next chapter of his career with Everton.

"That’s important for the club as a whole, not just the dressing room."

Baines was included in the Professional Footballers' Association's Team of the Year before being named both Everton's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the Year last season.

 

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Whelan expecting to announce new Wigan manager on Friday

The Latics chairman has been interviewing candidates all week following massive interest in the position and is hoping to announce Roberto Martinez's successor imminently.Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan says he expects to unveil the club’s new manager on Friday, following a week of interviews.

The Latics owner claimed to have received more than 50 applicants following Roberto Martinez’s departure for Everton, and he has met with around 10 of the frontrunners since Monday.

Whelan told BBC Sport that the process has almost reached completion, saying: "I still have two more lads to see but I expect to announce something tomorrow."

"I've seen some great lads, top managers and it could be we have to speak to one or two of them again, but I'd say it's likely we will make an announcement tomorrow."

Former Bolton boss Owen Coyle and ex-England manager Steve McClaren are thought to be the two favorites for the vacancy, with Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen and suspended Brighton boss Gus Poyet also in the running.

The new manager will have Europa League football to contend with at the DW Stadium following last season's FA Cup triumph, as well as the club's first promotion campaign in eight years.

The challenge to regain Wigan's Premier League status may be made even more daunting by the loss of some of the Latics' key players, with Shaun Maloney and Arouna Kone both linked with moves away.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pele: I love Balotelli's style


The legendary Brazilian has hailed the flamboyant attacker and feels that Italy could spring a surprise at the Confederations Cup.Brazil legend Pele has praised mercurial forward Mario Balotelli and feels the AC Milan star is a "real striker" who causes his opponents problems with his physical approach.

The Italy international made the headlines for all the wrong reasons earlier this month when he was booked twice within four minutes in a scoreless World Cup 2014 qualifier against Czech Republic, but Pele nonetheless speaks highly of the former Manchester City attacker.

"I really love Balotelli's style of play. He is a real striker," Pele told reporters. "He uses his physicality to create space for himself and harass opponents."

Balotelli joined Milan from City in the winter transfer window and helped the San Siro giants to third spot in the table with 12 goals in 13 Serie A appearances.

Pele then went on to have his say on Italy's chances at the upcoming FIFA Confederations Cup and insisted that the Azzurri are a dangerous side in the competition.

"I like Italy, because they always get the best out of themselves at the big occasions," Pele said.

Cesare Prandelli's men meet Mexico in their first group game on June 16 before also meeting Japan and host Brazil in the opening stage.

 

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César Azpilicueta believes Roberto Soldado a good fit for EPL

Chelsea's right back stated to Goal that his Spain teammate could excel in any league in the world including England and is excited to see Jesus Navas join Manchester City. BRONX, N.Y. -- Roberto Soldado scored the game-winner for Spain against the Republic of Ireland and his international teammate César Azpilicueta believes Premier League clubs should take notice.

"He [Soldado] could play in the Premier League and every league [in the world] because he's a very good player," Azpilicueta told Goal after La Roja's 2-0 win at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night.

Soldado came on in the second half for starting striker David Villa and had an impressive performance, opening up the scoring for Spain in the 69th minute when he beat Ireland's defense for a precise finish. It was a rare chance for the Valencia striker, who made his eighth appearance for the national team.

Soldado has scored 60 goals in just 101 appearances for the La Liga side. It has been speculated that if the 28-year-old could see more national team minutes if he were to move to a bigger club. La Roja have yet to find a solution at striker with David Villa returning from injury and Fernando Torres' inconsistent form.

But Azpilicueta isn't sure if that is the reason why Soldado isn't seeing more playing time with the national team, pointing to high level of competition at each position.

"I'm not the manager of Spain," he explained. "The competition for this team is very high and every player would try to play but we know that it's difficult to play because we have a lot of very good players. So we try to do our best."

Azpilicueta knows Soldado well as the two played together when the Real Madrid youth product was loaned to Osasuna during the 2006-07 La Liga season. The Chelsea right back has been impressed with Soldado's career since. However, Azpilicueta believes Soldado's current club won't make it easy for him to leave.

"It's tough. Right now, he's a player of Valencia," he stated.

Whether or not Soldado moves to the Premier League, Azpilicueta is very happy with his own decision to play in England and is impressed with the league's growing contingent of Spanish players. When the 23-year-old defender learned of Chelsea's interest in him, he revealed it was a very easy decision to leave Marseille and join the London side.

"When I had the chance to go to Chelsea, I wanted to go there. I wanted to develop as a player and be in the Premier League," Azpilicueta said. "I wanted to help the club grow and win trophies. I am very proud to be a part of Chelsea."

Azpilicueta wouldn't talk about what he expects from Jose Mourinho's arrival at the club but admitted that he is looking forward to playing international teammate Jesus Navas when the Blues face Manchester City next year.

"I'm happy because we have new Spanish players in the Premier League. It's good for him and I'm very happy that he's [Navas] joined Manchester City," Azpilicueta said.

"I'm happy to play against him and other Spanish players because we have a lot now in the Premier League. Every day we are more and more and are enjoying our football in England."

 

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De Gea: Sir Alex is the best coach in history

The Spaniard insists he is looking forward to working with new manager David Moyes and claims he still needs to improve to be considered as one of the world's best goalkeepers Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea believes Sir Alex Ferguson is the best manager of all time.

The 71-year-old Scot called an end to his career last season after 26 years at Old Trafford.

David Moyes will officially take over from Sir Alex on July 1 and the 22-year-old is looking forward to a change in manager at United.

"He [Sir Alex] is the best coach history," De Gea told reporters. "I remember that the best advice he gave me is simply to give it everything. He's asked me to continue with this mentality.

"I have wanted to start a new phase in Manchester and hopefully it will go well."

After arriving at United from Atletico Madrid in June 2011, De Gea came under criticism following some of his early performances.

De Gea, who is currently with Spain's Under-21 squad for its European Championship campaign in Israel, believes he has developed during his time at Old Trafford but insists he still has much to learn to be considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

"I've grown a lot," he continued. "I think I still must grow to be among the best."

 

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Valdes enjoying 'healthy' Casillas competition

The Barca goalkeeper was wary of his fellow stopper's ability, despite his exile from the Real Madrid team last season, while he reiterated his desire to leave Camp Nou next term Victor Valdes has revealed that he is enjoying the "healthy" battle to become Spain No.1 with club rival Iker Casillas.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper fell out of favor last season following a reported bust-up with then-coach Jose Mourinho, thus prompting fears that the 32-year-old could no longer be regarded as indispensable by La Roja.However, the Barcelona man insists Casillas is in "top form" despite his lack of match sharpness and is ready to prove his worth to Spain boss Vicente del Bosque during the Confederations Cup.

"[Casillas is] doing well, he's the same as always; on top form and raring to go. He's very motivated, on and off the pitch. It's important we have a healthy competition, because that will benefit the team."I cannot reveal [who is No.1]. I am just another member of the squad and that has been the key of this team's success.

"I will do what I am asked, and Del Bosque will decide. I am just grateful to be here, I have felt like the happiest child in the world since I was called up to the squad for the World Cup."It is a privilege to play with Spain and to be part of this team."

Valdes announced at the tail end of the 2012-13 campaign that he would not renew his contract with Barca beyond next season, but while he admits his stance has not changed, he will see out the remaining year of his deal in Catalunya."My situation at Barcelona has not changed. I have one year left on my contract, which I'm going to complete, and I'm not going to renew," he added.

"I am grateful for the club’s offer but nothing has changed. I have always been honest with the club."The Blaugrana recently concluded a deal to bring Neymar to the Camp Nou outfit and Valdes - despite his intention to move on in the coming year - is chomping at the bit to play alongside the Brazilian forward next term.

He said: "He is one of the best footballers around at the moment and I celebrate the fact he has joined us because the best players in the world need to play for Barca. He will help us to keep winning."

 

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Arsenal appoints Sir Chips Keswick as new chairman

Peter Hill-Wood has stepped down from his role after as a board member for over half a century and is to be replaced by the former Bank of England director Arsenal has confirmed Sir Chips Keswick as its new chairman following Peter Hill-Wood’s decision to stand down for health reasons.
Hill-Wood, who is recovering from the heart attack he suffered last year, took over as chairman from his father Denis in 1982 and had served as a member of the board for a total of 51 years.
“This has been a difficult decision as Arsenal Football Club has been a huge part of my life. Although I am feeling better I feel this is the right time for me to stand down," said Hill-Wood, whose grandfather Sir Samuel also served as Arsenal chairman in the 1920s.
"I would like to thank our majority owner, Stan Kroenke, for the respectful and dignified way he has handled this and I know Sir Chips is the right person to take the club forward."

Hill-Wood is succeeded by 73-year-old Sir Chips, a former chairman of Hambros Bank and a director of the Bank of England who has been a member of the Arsenal board for the last eight years.

He said: "Firstly, I am sad to see Peter standing down due to his health and we all hope he continues well in his recovery. The Hill-Wood family has made an extraordinary contribution to Arsenal over many decades. They have been central to the club’s many achievements during this time.

"I am greatly honored to have been appointed chairman of Arsenal Football Club. This is one of the great clubs in the game, recognized and loved by millions. I am looking forward to leading the club to future success."

Arsenal majority shareholder Stan Kroenke added: "I am delighted that Sir Chips has agreed to become chairman. He has a well respected track record in business and he will provide further direction and support in our ambition to compete at the top of the game here and in Europe and to win trophies."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Son: I turned down BVB for Leverkusen


The 20-year-old says he wants to play regularly at the BayArena after sealing a 10 million euros move from Hamburg earlier this week Son Heung-Min has revealed that he turned down Borussia Dortmund to join Bayer Leverkusen from Hamburg on Thursday.

The 20-year-old was linked with a variety of clubs after enjoying a spectacular season at the Imtech Arena and says he rejected the advances of the Champions League runners-up to play regular football.

"I wanted to stay in the Bundesliga and Leverkusen and Dortmund wanted me," he told reporters. "Both teams play in the Champions League but I thought Dortmund would use rotation more than Leverkusen. That's why I chose Leverkusen over Dortmund. It's really important to play regularly in my age.

"Any player would want to play in the big games in the Champions League. I know there will still be plenty of competition at Leverkusen and I will prepare for the season well and try to put in good performances when it begins."

Son also said he was flattered to be compared to fellow South Korean Cha Bum-Kun, who also spent the final six years of his career at B04 during the 1980s.

"It's already an honor for me to be mentioned with a legend like Cha. I feel the pressure but I'll do my best to satisfy the fans expectations of me."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain U21!!!

Spain U-21 3-0 Norway U-21: Isco stunner the highlight as holders return to final

Spain is through to the Euro Under-21 Championship final after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Norway at the Netanya Municipal Stadium in Israel.

The current holders were unplayable in the first half but only went into the break with the one goal, and it took two late efforts to seal their place in the final, where they will play either Italy or the Netherlands.The tournament favorites started brightly and could have been ahead twice through Isco in the opening 20 minutes. The Malaga midfielder went close inside 10 minutes when he created some space for himself on the edge of the Norway area before curling his effort just wide.

He was denied once more after 16 minutes after being set up by Cristian Tello. Isco took his teammate’s pass inside the area and evaded his marker with some tidy footwork before hitting a fizzing shot on the spin. Orjan Nyland Haskjold in the Norway goal provided a stunning one-handed stop to deny the much sought-after Spaniard.It wasn’t the only time Norway’s shot-stopper was called into action in the opening half as effort upon effort had to be kept out by the Molde custodian.

He produced a fine stop from Tello after Isco had returned the favor to set up the Barcelona forward, diving low to keep out a rasping effort that was sneaking inside the post and moments later a fine double stop frustrated his opponents further yet.

Spain kept knocking at Norwegian goal and eventually it gave way right on the stroke of halftime. A corner was delivered into the Norway area and after being headed straight into the air, Bartra rose highest to nod the ball down into the path of Rodrigo, and the Benfica forward provided a clever finish with the outside of his left boot.The timing of the goal was cruel on Norway, and especially Nyland Haskjold, who had put in an incredible first-half display to keep the Spanish attacking trio at bay, but the Scandinavians came out in the second half with renewed purpose and almost got themselves on level terms.

Markus Henriksen had an opportunity early in the second half but he took too long to take aim and his effort was deflected over the bar for a corner as Norway pressed.Stefan Standberg then had two chances to draw his side level from set pieces. The center back nodded over from a corner when he rose highest in the Spanish area and then fired wide when the ball landed at his feet in the six-yard box from a free kick.

Norway was made to pay for those misses and, just three minutes from time, Isco confirmed Spain’s place in the final. The Malaga magician danced his way into the area before poking the ball into the top right corner with the outside of his right boot.Substitute Alvaro Morata then sealed the victory with a well-taken third. The Real Madrid forward burst clear and, after rounding Nyland Haskjold, clipped the ball in from an acute angle to put a gloss on the scoreline.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain U21

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Aubameyang open to Monaco switch

Aubameyang th ahenam monaco yai wage

mara set ekak monaco yanwane

 

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Barcelona join Lewandowski race

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Prandelli: Balotelli should play against Mexico


The Italy coach has revealed the striker was on his way back from injury, and shrugged off criticism received for the team's latest performances Cesare Prandelli believes star forward Mario Balotelli will be ready when Italy takes on Mexico in Confederations Cup action on Sunday.

The enigmatic striker appeared a doubt due to injury approaching the Group A match, but appears to have shaken off the knock to reprise his role in Prandelli's lineup.

"We've taken into account the team's physical conditions. There's a good chance Balotelli can play," the 55-year-old told reporters.

"Our players have great quality, and we have built our team around keeping possession. We are excited to play in a legendary stadium [Rio de Janeiro's Maracana]."

Prandelli was asked to explain Italy's draws against Czech Republic and Haiti recently, but the trainer insisted they would not affect the team against Jose Manuel de la Torre's men.

"We worked on our tactics as well as pride and motivation after that," he said. "We want to play a great game [against Mexico] and win.

"I'm convinced everyone will peak at the right time."

Group rivals and tournament hosts Brazil kicked proceedings off by strolling to a 3-0 win against Japan on Saturday.