..::Football II::..

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Dominguez: I can help Gladbach beat Guardiola

The Spanish defender triumphed over the coach when playing for Atletico Madrid and hopes to repeat the achievement in the Bundesliga in August Alvaro Dominguez has suggested that his experiences playing in Spain mean that he can help Borussia Monchengladbach beat Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich.

The Spanish defender, 24, triumphed over the new Roten coach's Barcelona side while playing for Atletico Madrid and he believes that he can repeat the feat in the Bundesliga this coming season.

"Yes, I know how to beat Pep. I beat Barcelona with Atletico when Guardiola was coach in 2011, two goals to one," Dominguez told Bild.

"I hope that I'll be able to do the same with Gladbach. We have the chance to win there."

However, the Spaniard recognised that there is a big difference between optimism and reality and that triumphing over Bayern would be a difficult task given their treble-winning achievements last season and the Catalan trainer in charge.

"Guardiola is simply a super coach. He has precise ideas about football," he added. "He will change little things such as the nature of their defence pressing off the ball. This will make a Bayern a little stronger."

Bayern will open the season against Dominguez and his Gladbach team-mates on August 9 at the Allianz Arena.

 

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Fabregas: The only thing left for Spain to do is beat Brazil

The midfielder believes that triumphing over the Selecao would stand them in good stead going into the World Cup Cesc Fabregas has stressed the importance of Spain beating Brazil in the Confederations Cup final and indicated his belief that the winner will have a major advantage in next summer's World Cup.

La Roja reached Sunday's showpiece by beating Italy on penalties in the semi-finals while the Selecao needed a late winner from Paulinho to send them through the last four at Uruguay's expense.

The Barcelona playmaker believes that victory would both confirm Spain's international dominance of late and give them a vital psychological boost over the coming 12 months against the tournament's hosts.

"It could be a very important step for them and for us too," Fabregas told AS. "We know that the only thing left for us to do is beat Brazil and if we achieve that we will give ourselves a new challenge to see if we can win the World Cup again.

"We would then be plotting the conquest of our second World Cup with more confidence, knowing that we can beat the World Cup hosts. It would be a big mental step in our favour and against them.

"They are the best national team of all time because of everything they’ve won and it would be amazing to beat them. It’s the dream final. None of us have ever played against Brazil and there’s no better game for this generation of players."

However, Fabregas is wary of the dangers that come with playing against a side with significant home support and hinted his perception that their status as world No.1s is working against them.

"In every stadium we’ve played in, the crowd have wanted us to lose," the ex-Arsenal skipper noted.

The 26-year-old also had words of praise for new Barca team-mate Neymar, who has been widely considered to be one of the players of the tournament, while also hailing Liga full-backs Dani Alves and Marcelo for their ability to attack.

"Neymar’s a great player, he’s unpredictable, decisive, he’s great at dribbling, has a great pass and reads the game well," he continued. "I like him.

"Alves and Marcelo are two secret weapons, because if the team can’t create then they are the ones that drive their teams forward and attack. They are both brilliant full-backs."

 

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Napoli close in on Santos goalkeeper Rafael

According to the player's agent, the 23-year-old's discussion with Rafa Benitez was "fundamental" in his decision and a deal is nearly done Santos goalkeeper Rafael looks set to join Napoli following decisive talks with head coach Rafa Benitez.

The 23-year-old's agent Paulo Afonso believes that the promising shot-stopper's destination this summer will be Naples and that a deal will soon be completed.

"The conversation that he had with Rafa Benitez was crucial. He [Rafael]'s decided, negotiations are moving very well and should be done soon," Afonso told reporters.

Roma reportedly made an offer for Rafael but the Brazilian - whose contract runs out in 2014 - looks set to opt for the Serie A side with Champions League football this coming season, with the transfer expected to be worth around €11 million.

The goalkeeper has been capped three times for the Selecao senior squad and has so far spent his entire youth and professional career at the Brasileirao giants.

 

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Isco: Why my dog is called Messi

The highly-rated youngster is set to complete his move to Real Madrid, but is seemingly a keen admirer of Barcelona and their players New Real Madrid signing Isco might have some explaining to do at his new club as the Spain Under-21 international seems to be a keen admirer of the club's arch-rival Barcelona and Lionel Messi.

The attacking midfielder not only feels the Argentina international is in a league of his own, but he has even gone as far as to name his dog after the four-time Ballon d'Or winner.

"I named my dog 'Messi' because Messi is the best in the world, and so is my dog," explained Isco when questioned about his labrador's unique name earlier this summer.

The 21-year-old previously made headlines when an old interview surfaced from his time at Valencia where he described himself as an anti-Madridista due to the club's arrogant attitude.

Additionally, Isco took a swipe at then Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho on Twitter during the 2011 Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United, voicing his support for the Catalans in the process.

The youngster has also previously voiced his admiration for Barcelona duo Xavi and Andres Iniesta, while admitting that Blaugrana legend Ronaldinho is one of his inspirations.

Isco will sign a five-year deal with Real Madrid upon completion of his medical on July 3, before he's presented to the press at the Santiago Bernabeu.

 

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De Guzman returns to Swansea on loan

The Welsh side have confirmed that the Dutchman will re-join the Swans on a one-year loan deal after the club reached an agreement with Villarreal Swansea have agreed a deal with Villarreal for the season-long loan of Jonathan de Guzman, his second spell at the club after a successful stay in south Wales last season.

The 25-year-old played in 37 league matches for the Swans in 2012-13, bagging five goals, and struck from the penalty spot in the Capital One Cup final win over Bradford.

Swansea have now confirmed that the Canadian-born playmaker will return to the Liberty Stadium for a second loan spell after striking a deal with parent club Villarreal.

“Everyone is happy the loan is continuing,” Swans chairman Huw Jenkins told the club's official website.

“Then Jonathan will review his long-term future next summer.”

De Guzman had recently hinted that he would like to return to Swansea, explaining how much he had enjoyed his original loan spell at the club.

“My ears are always open,” said De Guzman when asked about the possibility of rejoining the Swans. “I had a great year there. The people around the club and the fans treated me well.

“It was not just the results we had, it was more about showing we can also compete with the big teams. We played better against the bigger teams.

“We played well in a lot of games. We played good football and it's refreshing playing in a team that has a good football mind.

“I'm very satisfied with what happened. We did very well - we were very creative. We really put Swansea on the map.”

De Guzman, who is the third signing of the summer for Swansea after Jordi Amat and Jose Canas, scored eight goals and notched a further nine assists in 45 appearances for Swansea in all competitions, earning his first cap for the Netherlands national team in the process.

 

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Carrick targets positive pre-season

The England international is gearing up to get back in shape for the new campaign, and is excited by the prospect of travelling to Asia and meeting fans Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is eyeing a productive pre-season ahead of the Red Devils' 2013-14 title defence.

The 31-year-old believes building up fitness and staying injury free is “vital” to ensuring the squad hit the ground running in August.

“A good pre-season gives you that base you need to keep going throughout the season,” Carrick told the club's official website.

“If you miss pre-season, you have to play catch-up. Every player is different - some can come back [from the summer break] and get straight back into it but others take a bit more time.

“I think it’s a vital part of the year – it’s important to get through pre-season and steer clear of injuries and be ready for the games at the start of the campaign.”

The Old Trafford outfit travel to Asia as part of their preparations, and Carrick is blown away by the support for United in the region.

“It’s crazy. One of the reasons I enjoy going there is just to see the reaction of the fans,” Carrick continued.

“It can take you back a little bit sometimes – even though they live a long way from Manchester the reaction the people give us is amazing.”

 

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Al Jazira lock horns with Premier League side for €12m-rated Belhanda

The attacking midfielder is widely expected to leave his current club this summer and is set to make a decision on his future shortly Younes Belhanda appears to be set to leave Montpellier this summer and is considering offers from Emirati side Al Jazira and an unnamed Premier League side believed to be Aston Villa.

Club president Louis Nicollin already revealed earlier in June that he has received five offers for the Morocco international, including bids from Inter, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.

Al Jazira recently joined the race for Belhanda's signature and two offers have now seemingly been accepted, with the midfielder set to make a decision on his future shortly.

"My decision is imminent, I have still got the time to think a bit but I will stand by the decision I will take," he told reporters.

"I wanted to play in the Premier League, I have the opportunity, so let’s see."

Belhanda has a contract with Montpellier until June 2014 and the Ligue 1 side are ready to cash in on the playmaker this summer if a fee in the region of €12 million comes in.

The 23-year-old is a product of the club's youth academy and guided them to their first-ever French title in 2011-12.

 

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Lavezzi: I am nothing like Maradona

The PSG star has taken the time to discuss comparisons with the Argentine legend and is desperate for World Cup success in Brazil Paris Saint-Germain star Ezequiel Lavezzi has stressed that he is not on the same level as fellow Argentine Diego Maradona, but is proud to have followed in the footsteps of his legendary compatriot at Napoli.

The 28-year-old was a key player at the San Paolo during his time at the club, earning comparisons to the Partenopei icon, but he has insisted that he never felt that he could emulate the 1986 World Cup winner.

"The Maradona comparisons are things for the journalists and for the fans. I am well aware and realistic, and the truth is that I am nothing like the player that Maradona was," Lavezzi told The Green Soccer Journal.

"I am a simple football player, some may like me and others not, but Maradona represents part of the history of football, so I could never compare myself with him or try and occupy his place. I simply tried to do what I do best, which is to play football.

"Following Maradona did not signify a burden; I never thought about it that way. I decided to go there because I liked the idea of playing where so many Argentines had gone before and because the football there is lived in a similar way to how it is experienced in Argentina.

"I chose Napoli because they are a team that, given the history of the club, for us as Argentines, the fact that Maradona had played there, were something special."

The attacker then went on to discuss Argentina's chances at the 2014 World Cup and stressed that they will do their utmost to give their fans reason to celebrate again.

"The feeling, the responsibility we have is large, but that shouldn't work against us. We are aware that we have a great sentiment, but we are also aware that Argentina, for some time, have not won anything, and that the people want that – and the Argentine people are waiting.

"So we go out and play, with the mentality to approach it in the best way and give that joy to the people that have been waiting for that for some time now.

"Us Argentines have a weakness for the national team. And the chance to represent our country is a reason for pride and an opportunity that very few have. Every one of us knows the importance it has."

Argentina last won the World Cup in 1986 when they beat West Germany 3-2 in the final.

 

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Tevez's Juventus move will not break community service rules, insist lawyers

The Argentine, who made the switch from Manchester City to Turin on Wednesday, has yet to complete the 250 hours of community service he was given in April Juventus new boy Carlos Tevez's lawyers insists “no rules have been broken” following his transfer from Manchester City to Turin, despite having outstanding community service to serve in the United Kingdom.

The 29-year-old finalised a deal to join the Serie A champions on Wednesday after spending four seasons at Manchester City, for a fee of around €12 million.

But the Argentina international still has a significant portion of the 250 hours of community service he received in April to carry out, and will be unable to complete his sentence before pre-season starts with Juventus in two weeks' time.

But Tevez's lawyer, Gwyn Lewis, insists the former West Ham and Manchester United striker has done nothing wrong and will endeavour to follow the appropriate procedures.

“No rules or regulations have been broken in relation to Carlos Tevez's community service order,” a statement from his legal team reads.

“We are acting on behalf of Mr Tevez to make sure he abides by all the rules.”

Tevez was banned from driving for six months, fined £1,000 and given 250 hours' community service in April after admitting to driving while disqualified and without insurance.

 

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Pirlo ruled out of Uruguay clash

The Euro 2012 finalists will miss both the Juventus midfielder and Andrea Barzagli as they take on the Copa America holders on Sunday Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will be without the services of Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli ahead of their clash with Uruguay.

The defender is being plagued by a tendon problem that recurred in the Confederations Cup semi-final defeat against Spain on Thursday and was replaced at half-time due to his physical problems.

Pirlo, on the other hand, lasted for the full 120 minutes against Spain, but muscular problems now see him miss the game versus Uruguay.

"Pirlo was coming off a muscular problem and did brilliantly to resist throughout the entire match with Spain," team doctor Enrico Castellacci was quoted as saying on the official FIGC website.

"However, as a precautionary measure and in agreement with the coach, we have decided not to risk him for the next game.

"Barzagli is suffering from a recurring tendon problem that had already affected him recently."

Italy will also be without star striker Mario Balotelli in the third place play-off as the AC Milan attacker was sent home earlier this week due to injury.

 

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Casillas: Diego Lopez deserved starting berth

The Spain international feels his Madrid team-mate's performances merited continuing as the club's first-choice goalkeeper Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has admitted that he understands Jose Mourinho' decision not to drop Diego Lopez from the starting XI last season.

The 32-year-old missed a large part of the second half of the 2012-13 campaign due to injury, but was widely expected to be reinstated between the sticks once he had regained full match fitness again.

However, Mourinho opted to stick with Lopez instead and Casillas had to settle for a spot on the bench, leading to a conflict between the Spain international and the controversial coach.

"Diego Lopez was superb and he deserved to continue playing. He had a brilliant season," Casillas told Marca.

"He is a fantastic person and a great goalkeeper."

Casillas has made over 650 official appearances for Madrid since making his first team debut in 1999-2000.

 

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I will convince Cavani to stay at Napoli, says Maggio

The Italy international remains optimistic that his team-mate could stay at the San Paolo amid ongoing speculation linking him with a big-money move Christian Maggio is hopeful of convincing team-mate Edinson Cavani to stay at Napoli for another season amid strong interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

The Uruguay international recently voiced his frustration with Napoli's €63 million asking price following Aurelio De Laurentiis' comments that interested clubs will have to meet his buy-out clause and demanded face-to-face talks with the club president once he returns from his holiday after the Confederations Cup.

Nevertheless, Maggio is refusing to give up on the prolific attacker and wants Cavani to stay put.

"We have not spoken to each other recently. There has simply not been any time. But we will have a calm and relaxed talk about his situation," Maggio told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I don't know yet when we will meet, but we have always had a good relationship. I will try to convince him to stay put. It's then up to him to make a decision, but I obviously want him to stay at Napoli."

The 26-year-old Cavani's current Napoli deal is due to expire in the summer of 2017.

 

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Alexis: Neymar is a rival

The Chile international is not afraid that he will be confined to the bench in 2013-14 as he is confident he has what it takes to compete with the Brazilian Alexis Sanchez has insisted that he does not fear the competition for places at Barcelona following the arrival of Neymar from Santos this summer.

The former Udinese attacker has been struggling to live up to expectations at Camp Nou after joining the club in 2011, but says he is looking forward to the challenge of competing with the Brazilian.

"I like the competition for places. I have the quality to play alongside Neymar and [Lionel] Messi," the Chile international told reporters.

"It will be great to play together with Neymar and Messi. It's not that I'm dreaming of playing alongside them, though. I'm a Barcelona player myself and I'm here because of my quality.

"The competition for places only makes me stronger. Neymar is a rival in some ways, but I will do my utmost to help the team. I have the desire to do well."

The 24-year-old scored eight goals in 29 La Liga appearances last season.

 

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Bomb found at new stadium in Stockholm

Police confirmed an operational device was discovered outside the new Tele2 arena ahead of a charity match scheduled to be played on Thursday
Allsvenskan clubs Hammarby and Djurgarden have been summoned to a crisis meeting after a bomb was found outside the new stadium they are due to share.

An explosive device was discovered on Thursday prior to a charity match at the new Tele2 arena in Stockholm, in which a Djurgarden masters side was due to compete.

"According to our technicians, it was operational and not a dummy," police spokesman Sven-Olof Olsson told reporters in Sweden.

Disputes had surfaced between sets of supporters ahead of the match, with some Hammarby fans claiming their rivals were attempting to hijack the opening of the new ground before the first official clash between Bajen and Orgryte on Saturday.

Djurgarden strongly denied the suggestion, insisting the charity match was simply a useful test for the new venue.

"It was a test event," Djurgarden's communications manager Gunnar Gidelfeldt told Sportbladet.

"We did not inaugurate the stadium. A premiere is supposed to be an important football game."

The match was cancelled after the device was found, and both clubs have since been called to an emergency meeting with police.

 

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Arbeloa hits back at Benitez in Real Madrid 'values' row

The Napoli boss claimed Jose Mourinho damaged the reputation of Spain's most successful club during his three-year spell, something the defender has strongly refuted Alvaro Arbeloa has hit back at claims from Rafa Benitez that Jose Mourinho damaged the reputation of Real Madrid.

The Napoli boss suggested new Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti would be able to "restore the values" of the club after Mourinho's turbulent three-year tenure, but Arbeloa believes such claims are simply used as a "weapon" to undermine the side.

"I think that this issue about the club’s values has been used as a weapon against Real Madrid," he told Efe. "It has conveniently been used on occasion.

"I feel that the most important thing is that the team has given everything it has got out on the field to win. I might add that Santiago Bernabeu was a president who always spoke his mind.

"If you look back at everything that Mourinho has said, you’ll see that those values are present in the words he says – to win by giving everything to defend the Real Madrid crest.

"When you spend three years at a club like Real Madrid you cannot always make the right decisions. We all make mistakes, I make mistakes every day. When you are Real Madrid’s coach and you have to make many big decisions, you are bound to get some wrong. I am sure that Mourinho made mistakes but he made them with the belief that he was doing the best for the team and without any bad intentions. Nobody is perfect.

"Now with Ancelotti, the same could happen. I am sure he will get a lot of decisions right and some, he’ll get wrong."

Arbeloa caused a stir in the Madrid camp when he chose to side with his former boss during his row with Iker Casillas, but the Spain international insists sincerity in football is not something to be ashamed of.

When asked if his defence of Mourinho had caused some problems in the squad, he said: "Sometimes, but it’s something I have to accept. I know that I am not the most affable player as far as the press in concerned. For one reason or another I have tried to ignore what the press say – even when they are saying something positive.

"I have always told them what I thought when they have written something which I don’t like. Not many footballers can say the same – a lot of players keep quiet, fearing they will be punished. I have never been afraid to speak my mind and when the press write something which isn’t true, I have always responded with respect. But that has caused me to make many enemies.

"In the football world and in the world in general, today it seems that being sincere is viewed badly."

 

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Toni urges Fiorentina to swoop for Gomez

The Italian has hailed the wantaway Bayern Munich forward as one of the best in the world and insists he is leaving the club at the right time Luca Toni has urged Fiorentina to make a move for Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez this summer.

The Germany international is set to leave the Allianz Arena after slipping behind Mario Mandzukic in the pecking order last season, and la Viola have been earmarked as one of the favourites for his signature.

And Toni, who scored eight goals in 28 appearances for Vincenzo Montella's side last season, believes Gomez could be the man to take the club to the next level.

"We are talking about a fantastic player," he told Lady Radio. "We must see how he will adapt to Italian football, but he is a top player. I don't know if they could challenge for the Scudetto [with him] but they would have one of the best strikers in the world."

Fiorentina are likely to lose star forward Stevan Jovetic this summer as the likes of Juventus and Arsenal consider making a move for his services, but Toni believes the club would suffer more should they allow midfielder David Pizarro to leave.

"Jovetic is great but I realized that he wants to leave. I hope Pizarro stays because there are not many others like him," he stated.

Toni went on to stress he has no regrets over leaving Stadio Artemio Franchi this summer after enjoying a superb campaign in 2012-13 - although he feels the club were unfortunate to miss out on Champions League qualification.

"It was fantastic," he said of the team's season. "It was too bad not to be able to reach the Champions League but we played great football. Am I disappointed to say goodbye? No, I thank Fiorentina and the Della Valle family and wish them all possible success, there is a great project in Florence."

 

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Arshavin slams 'boring' Arsenal

he Russia international was allowed to leave the club on a free transfer after losing his place in the side, and has expressed his frustration with life on the substitutes bench Zenit winger Andrey Arshavin has claimed he "nearly suffered depression" because he was so bored during his final season with Arsenal.

Arshavin became the clubs’ record signing after arriving in a €17.5 million deal from Zenit St Petersburg in 2009 but re-joined the Russian club on Thursday following the expiration of his Gunners contract.

The 32-year-old featured in just seven league games in the 2012-13 campaign and suggested it felt like "punishment" to train each week knowing a first-team place was out of reach.

"The fact is I didn’t want to stay in England, this was clear since January," Arshavin told Sport Express.

"I don’t regret anything, but I had to leave.

"It was a punishment sat on the bench. To train even though you know you won’t play – it is psychologically difficult.

"I nearly suffered depression, but I didn’t because I’m mentally strong. The monotony of life there was crushing me."

Arshavin was the highest profile name in a list of 14 players not offered new contracts at the club this summer, allowing him to officially join his former club on July 1.

Zenit are looking to regain the Russian Premier League title from rivals CSKA Moscow, who trumped them to the prize by just two points last season.

 

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Suarez: Italy a threat without Balotelli

The Azzurri lost their top forward to injury at the end of the group stages but the Liverpool hitman feels Cesare Prandelli has a number of worthy replacements
Luis Suarez says Italy can "hurt" Uruguay in Sunday's Confederations Cup third-place decider without star striker Mario Balotelli.

The AC Milan attacker is back at home, having been ruled out of the tournament with an injury sustained in the group stage defeat by hosts Brazil.

The Azzurri missed 'Super Mario' in their semi-final shoot-out defeat by Spain on Thursday, but Suarez still says Cesare Prandelli's men have more than enough firepower in reserve.

"Even if they do not have Balotelli, there are a lot of players of the same quality, like [Sebastian] Giovinco," the Liverpool hitman told Globoesporte.

"Besides, Italy are always the same. They love to exploit the space left by opponents. If we do not play a great game, they can hurt us."

Suarez strengthened his argument by citing the way in which Italy came from behind to beat Japan 4-3 in an epic encounter in the group stages.

"We should not be surprised that they did that," he said. "Italy are a team that you have to put away when you have the chance; otherwise they will always find a way to come back."

Suarez admitted Uruguay's primary concern is making sure they are back in Brazil next summer for the World Cup, but insisted that they intend on finishing their Confederations Cup campaign on a high.

"Getting third would be very important for us , even if we are also already thinking of the qualifiers," the 26-year-old added.

Uruguay sit fifth in the Conmebol qualification standings.

 

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Ribery signs new Bayern Munich deal

The France international, whom Pep Guardiola is considering employing as a No.10 next season, has put pen to paper on a four-year contract extension
Bayern Munich have confirmed Franck Ribery has formally committed himself to the European champions until 2017.

The France international, who has been at the club since 2007, had agreed a four-year contact extension with the Bavarians at the start of the month and has now signed on the dotted line.

"I'm very happy," Ribery told die Roten's official website. "I've always said that I feel at home at Bayern.

"I have a good feeling here, for both myself and my family, and I hope things continues like last year!"

The 30-year-old winger was one of the key performers in Bayern's historic treble success and has already been asked by new boss Pep Guardiola if he would like to occupy a more central attacking role next season.

 

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Iniesta saves Albacete from drop by stumping up €240k

The Segunda Division B outfit would have been demoted had their former youth team player not bailed them out at the 11th hour Andres Iniesta has rescued Albacete from relegation by stumping up €240,000 owed to the club's players.

The cash-strapped Segunda Division B outfit would have been demoted to the fourth tier of Spanish football on administrative grounds had they not settled the debt by noon on Friday.

However, Iniesta, the largest shareholder in the club at which he began his career, came to their aid, paying the outstanding wage bill out of his own pocket.

It is not the first time the 29-year-old has come to the rescue of Albacete as he injected €420,000 into the club in 2011.

Iniesta, who lined up for Spain in Thursday night's Confederations Cup semi-final clash with Italy, spent two years at Albacete before joining Barcelona's youth academy as a 12-year-old in 1996.