..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

David Moyes begins work as Manchester United manager and will meet Wayne Rooney

David Moyes has arrived at Manchester United's training ground to officially begin work as manager - and is preparing to meet unsettled star Wayne Rooney.Moyes arrived at Carrington shortly after 8am, rubber-stamping the start of a new era for United following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in May.

The former Everton boss will have just over a week to settle into his new role before the Premier League champions head to Thailand for the first leg of their tour of the Far East and Australia.Moyes' first game in charge will come on 13 July, when United take on the Singha All Stars in front of a sell-out 48,000 crowd at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok.

But his first move as manager was to appoint Steve Round as his assistant manager, reprising their relationship at Goodison Park, with Chris Woods joining the staff as goalkeeping coach and Jimmy Lumsden taking on a coaching role.The new boss is now ready to end the ongoing uncertainty over Rooney's future.

The majority of his new squad are not due back until Wednesday but Sky sources understand Moyes plans to meet with the England striker on Tuesday.
Securing new arrivals as well as staving off unwanted exits will be high on the agenda, with Everton defender Leighton Baines still on the radar of his former manager.Barcelona midfielder Thiago, PSV's Dutch international Kevin Strootman and Benfica defender Garay have all been additionally linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

Delighted

Commenting on his backroom appointments, Moyes told United's official website: "I have worked with Steve, Chris and Jimmy for a number of years and I am delighted they have decided to join me at this great club.

"They bring great qualities in their respective fields and I know that, like me, they feel that this is a challenge to relish. I have great faith that together, we can build upon the success this club has enjoyed over many years."Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said: "I believe with David and his new team in place, along with our current backroom staff, we can now start preparing for the new season ahead.

"This is an exciting and challenging time for the club and I have great belief that David and his team will have all the energy and attributes needed to help this club continue in its long-standing traditions."Moyes can now start building up to the opening game of the Premier League season against Swansea City on August 17, although there are several other key dates in his diary over the first few weeks of his United reign.

There are a number of challenges in store for the new manager and he will have a fairly full in-tray to work though as he settles into the role.The club confirmed a new regional partnership, with Thai telecommunications company True Corporation Plc to be an associate match sponsor of the All Stars fixture.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck David Moyes!

Lets starts the work!

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[unicornx]

 

[Banks PLK]

Navas can be Manchester City's Bale - Iniesta

The Barcelona star believes Tottenham's flying Welshman is the only player in England who can be compared to his Spain team-mate, and insists he will make a big impact Jesus Navas can become Manchester City's Gareth Bale, according to Spain team-mate Andres Iniesta.

Navas completed a €17.4 million move to the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer to become City's first signing since the sacking of Roberto Mancini.

And Iniesta, who is training with the 27-year-old every day while the World Cup holders are in Brazil for the Confederations Cup, believes he shares many qualities with Tottenham star Bale.

“Navas is a very special player,” Iniesta told reporters. “He is going to cause the defences in the Premier League a real problem when he plays for City.

“Jesus has so much speed, and his feet are so quick, that it becomes nearly impossible to stop him without fouling him.

“The only player that I can compare him with that is already playing in England is Gareth Bale.”

hard working player.
didnt watch him before but i watched him playing for confederation cup
promising player

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Paris Saint-Germain must strengthen' - Lucas

The Brazil international has called for reinforcements ahead of defending their league championship next season, with free-spending Monaco expected to launch a title charge Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lucas Moura believes the club must strengthen this summer if they are to successfully defend their Ligue 1 title next season.

The Parisians coasted to their first league championship in 19 years under coach Carlo Ancelotti last season, with some 12 points separating themand second-placed Marseille in the final standings.

However, having lost their Italian trainer to Real Madrid this summer, coupled with the emergence of big-spending Monaco to Ligue 1, Lucas believes PSG can ill-afford to rest on their laurels if they are retain their crown.

"PSG are already a great team, but with new players we will be even stronger," he told Le10Sport. "The goal is to be champions again and go further in the Champions League than we did last season."

Meanwhile, the Brazil international has reflected on his move to Europe from Sao Paolo in January and, while the 20-year-old admits a degree of homesickness, Lucas insists he is "very happy" with European football.

"I am very happy to have discovered European football. I have already won a title and I'm adapting very quickly," he said.

"The club and supporters are fantastic but it is not always easy. I miss my country and family, but I feel really good in Paris."

 

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Fifa delay World Cup 2014 ticket price announcement

The governing body has postponed its announcement of ticket pricing for next year's tournament but say demonstrations seen at the Confederations Cup are not linked to the decision Fifa has delayed the announcement of ticket costs for the 2014 World Cup following further civil unrest on the streets of Brazil on Sunday.

The governing body was scheduled to release pricing details of tickets for next summer's tournament on Monday.

Instead, the announcement will now come on July 19 but, despite Fifa's secretary general Jerome Valcke citing ticketing issues for the delay, it is thought the postponement could be linked to fears the public demonstrations could intensify.

Valcke said: "We want to look at all the issues we have faced at the Confederations Cup.

"We want to avoid having 10,000 tickets that are not collected two days prior to the game."

Meanwhile, the protests continued to grab headlines in the country despite the Selecao winning the Confederations Cup, with rubber bullets and tear gas used by police to combat the marchers.

But Fifa president Sepp Blatter insists the tournament was a "success" on a sporting level.

"Thanks to all those who have helped to make this competition such a success, despite the unrest and protests," he said.

"I am happy to come to the conclusion now, with the sporting results and also — with at least the impression that — the social unrest is now resting. I don't know how long but it is now resting."

Host nation Brazil triumphed at the Confederations Cup, with Luis Felipe Scolari's men beating Spain 3-0 to win their third successive title, and fourth overall.

 

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Fluminense play down Fred to Manchester City reports

The Brazilian side cool talk linking the striker with a move after his impressive display in Confederations Cup triumph, the forward needing "a really great offer" to be tempted Fluminense have played down reports suggesting that Brazil striker Fred could move to Manchester City this summer.

With Carlos Tevez having left the Premier League for Juventus, Manuel Pellegrini is in the market for new blood up front, with Napoli striker Edinson Cavani the subject of an offer.

Fred is one of several names to be linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium due to his impressive display at the Confederations Cup, including two goals during Sunday's 3-0 final win over Spain but Fluminense's director of football, Rodrigo Caetano, insists that the 29-year-old is happy to stay.

"Fred is under contract with Fluminense, he is very happy at the club and we are very satisfied with him," Caetano told ESPN Brazil.

The striker, who returned to his homeland from Ligue 1 side Lyon in 2009, would only have his head turned by "a really great offer".

"I am doing great at Fluminense and I will only leave the club if there is a really great offer," he declared.

The striker finished top goalscorer in the Brasileiro Serie A last season to help his side clinch their fourth title, netting 20 in 28 appearances.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gilardino flattered by Roma interest

The 30-year-old has expressed his delight having being linked with some of Italy's leading clubs this summer, but will not decide his future until he returns from his holiday Genoa forward Alberto Gilardino admits he is flattered by the speculation linking him with a move to Roma this summer.

The 30-year-old has reportedly courted interest from some of Italy's leading clubs after impressing during a loan spell with Bologna last season, netting 13 times in 37 appearances.

However, both the Giallorossi and Inter are said to have been alerted by the Rossoblu's failure to secure a permanent deal for the talisman and, while Gilardino concedes it is a "pleasure" to be linked to such clubs, he says his future will not be resolved until after his holidays.

"Every time your name is put up alongside big teams it is pleasure," he told reporters. "Now I am going on holiday and we will see what will happen when I return."

The former Milan striker, whose contract at Stadio Luigi Ferraris expires in 2016, has spent the last fortnightwith Italy in the Confederations Cup, where Cesare Prandelli's men finished third.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar and Alba set for surgery

The Blaugrana duo are to undergo a minor operation on Friday as it has emerged both have been suffering from Tonsillitis, while David Luiz will also have his nose operated on Barcelona stars Neymar and Jordi Alba are set to undergo surgery to remove their tonsils on Friday.

The operation, which will be presided over by the club's medical staff, is expected to sideline the duo for an estimated nine days while they recover.

The Brazil international will go under the knife in Rio de Janeiro on Friday, while team-mate Alba will be operated on in Catalunya on the same day.

Both of Tito Vilanova's men came face-to-face for the Confederations Cup final on Sunday, which the Selecao emerged as comprehensive 3-0 winners courtesy of a Neymar strike in between two goals from Fred.

The former Santos star, who arrived in Camp Nou for €57 million earlier this summer, is expected to make his competitive debut for the Blaugrana in the Spanish Super Cup against Atletico Madrid on August 21.

The 21-year-old's international colleague David Luiz is also scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming days, with the Chelsea defender set to be operated on this Thursday, having sustained a broken nose in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Mexico a fortnight ago.

 

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Franco urges Dos Santos to join Villarreal

The 36-year-old says he will convince the Mexico international, who has failed to live up to the promise shown as a teenager, to join the newly promoted Liga side this summer Former Villarreal striker Guillermo Franco says he would love to see Giovani dos Santos at El Madrigal next season.

The 24-year-old, who was relegated with Mallorca this year, is reportedly seeking a move away from the Islanders during the summer in a bid to boost his chances of being selected for Mexico's World Cup campaign.

Valencia, as well as MLS outfit LA Galaxy are also monitoring the former Barcelona starlet, but ex-international team-mate Franco says he will persuade Dos Santos to join newly promoted Villarreal.

He told Marca: "I have not spoken with him, but I have spent lots of time with him in the Mexico team and I can say he is a great player.

"Gio is fast, strong and has some great qualities and if I speak to him I will try convince him to join Villarreal."

Franco enjoyed a three-year spell with the Yellow Submarine from 2006 until 2009, netting 20 goals in just over 100 appearances.

Dos Santos has a contract with Mallorca until June 2016.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dragovic excited by Inter interest

The Austrian talent has expressed his delight about the speculation linking him to the Italian giants, but remains focused ahead of the upcoming season Basel defender Aleksandar Dragovic says the prospect of joining a club like Inter is "a dream".

The Nerazzurri enquired about the youngster's services, according to the Swiss side's president Bernhard Heusler, and the Austria international has expressed his excitement about a possible switch to the San Siro outfit.

"It is the dream of every player to go to Inter, and I'm no different," the 22-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.

"My agent told me two-three weeks ago that there was interest from Inter, they are a great team with a great history."

Although Dragovic remains focused on the upcoming season in the Super League, he conceded he would have no qualms about a switch to the Serie A side.

He added: "At this moment I am only thinking about being in shape for the upcoming season and resuming my training. However, I must admit, I would be happy if a move went through."

Meanwhile, Heusler revealed the club are in negotiations with the Nerazzurri and have already started searching for a replacement for Dragovic.

Heusler said: "With Inter the deal is not yet complete, but we started to look around for a replacement for Dragovic. It would be unprofessional not to."

Dragovic, who joined Basel from Austria Wien in 2011, still has a contract with the Swiss champions until 2015.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere excited by prospect of Higuain & Rooney joining Arsenal

T
he midfielder feels the Real Madrid and Manchester United strikers can see the Gunners challenge for the Premier League title, while insisting he is ready for the 2013-14 season Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has admitted he is excited by rumours the club are looking to sign Gonzalo Higuain and Wayne Rooney this summer.

Goal revealed in June the Gunners were close to sealing a deal for the Real Madrid striker and Rooney recently admitted he is open to a move to the Emirates Stadium as Arsene Wenger looks to build a side that can challenge for the Premier League title.

"I've never played against [Higuain] but anyone who plays for Real Madrid and Argentina has to be quality," Wilshere told ESPN.

Regarding a move for England team-mate Rooney, Wilshere said: "If it happens, it would be amazing. He's the type of player who can win you trophies. And just to see his name on the team sheet brings fear to the opposition. We could do with a little more of that.

Arsenal launched a late-season surge for the second season running to again usurp rivals Tottenham to the final Champions League qualification spot on the final day of the campaign.

While Wilshere accepts it was vital the Gunners secured their place amongst Europe's elite, the 21-year-old is keen for the club to challenge for major honours and believes players in the mould of Higuain will help the cause.

He said: "You look at the type of players like Higuain we're trying to bring in and you've got to be encouraged. I think we need a few more, not to step right into the team but to add to the squad.

"We need our squad to be as deep as United's and City's. They can change their back four completely and still win. There's no way United would have won the Premier League trophy with 18 players.

"It's no secret we need to win a trophy. How long has it been now, seven or eight years? The players feel the pressure and we've gotten close a few times like with the Carling Cup a couple of years ago. I think once we win one, others will follow."

Wilshere returned to first-team football midway through last season following an injury-induced 17-month absence.

Despite making 33 appearances for Arsenal, the midfielder underwent ankle surgery in May in an attempt to solve lingering ankle, heel and foot troubles and he insists he is now ready for the 2013-14 season.

"I'm really looking forward to having a solid pre-season," Wilshere continued. "I haven't had one in two years and once you miss it, you're always playing catch-up.

"It's a chance to show the manager that you deserve to be in the team and I think there's going to be competition for a few spots. But that's a good thing.

"If you're going to challenge for trophies, you need a big squad. You can't expect 11 players to do it every week."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon's career far from over, says agent

The Italy skipper's representative is adamant his client can stay in the game until he is 40 and says the Azzurri are back among the top-five teams in the world
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has at least another five years ahead of him, according to his agent Silvano Martina.

The 35-year-old came in for criticism during Italy's Confederations Cup campaign and was even labelled a "pensioner" by Franz Beckenbauer after the Bianconeri's 2-0 loss to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena.

However, Martina is certain his client will ease towards 40 and possibly even appear for the country during the World Cup 2018 in Russia.

"Gigi can reach 40 quietly and without a fuss," the player's representative told Radio Sportiva.

"He can even make it to the World Cup in 2018. Gigi is an absolute champion and still the strongest goalkeeper of them all.

"The penalty shoot-out against Spain was unlucky, those were simply unstoppable. A goalkeeper can't really be judged by a shoot-out."

Martina also feels Italy are back at the highest level following their third-placed finish at the Confederations Cup and can be considered one of the favourites to win the World Cup in Brazil next year.

"The Confederations Cup was an event which prepared the team well for next year," he added.

"Italian football has got back to its optimum level, we are back among the top five in the world."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon Patta!​

 

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Gotze: I joined Bayern out of conviction

The Germany international believes he will progress as a player at the Allianz Arena following his switch from Borussia Dortmund this summer Mario Gotze has stressed he joined Bayern Munich from Borussia Dortmund "out of conviction".

The 21-year-old's controversial switch across Germany was announced at the beginning of May and he is adamant that he made the right decision to move to the Allianz Arena.

"I'm very excited about this new challenge," the 21-year-old was quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"I made the switch out of conviction, I want to take the next step in my career."

Gotze is also excited about playing under Pep Guardiola next season, as he believes the Spanish coach can help the players reach their full potential.

"Pep is superb. I can relate to his philosophy. He is very easy going and treats players in a friendly manner. He will push us very far, everyone will benefit from him.

"However, I focus on my recovery right now, as I want to get back into training, finally. The coach will make these decisions when the time has come."

Many have speculated that Guardiola will deploy Gotze as a Lionel Messi-esque 'false No.9' the Germany international is ready to play in a new position.

"I've played as a false nine for the national team recently and I've done so a lot during my youth career. It's imaginable."

 

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Arsenal could hijack Tottenham deal for Jedvaj and Halilovic, hints Zagreb executive

The north London rivals could go head-to-head for the two highly-rated 17-year-olds as the Croatian club insist their futures are still to be finalised Dinamo Zagreb executive director Zdravko Mamic has insisted that a deal to sell Croatian duo Tin Jedvaj and Alen Halilovic to Tottenham is not yet complete, and hinted that Arsenal could yet hijack the deal.

Reports emerging from Croatia on Sunday suggested that Spurs had wrapped up a €20 million deal for the two 17-year-olds, who are considered to be among the brightest prospects in European football.

But Mamic explained that talks with Spurs have yet to be finalised, and also admitted that the Gunners are in the frame.

"Negotiations with Spurs are in progress - the deal is not yet done," he told reporters. "We are negotiating with Tottenham. We hope and believe the transfer of those two to Spurs will happen, but it's not yet done.

"There are a lot of things that are open. None of our players have seen a single Tottenham representative.

"The Croatian public will be informed when the job is done. We cannot talk hypothetically. Countless times the media have ruined a deal or made it much more expensive [by reporting it prematurely]."

When asked if Arsenal were one of the teams involved in negotiations, Mamic simply replied: "Yes".

Mamic insisted that he wants the best possible outcome for the two teenagers, who could be loaned back to Dinamo, and that he is proud of the club's dealings.

"What Dinamo are doing these days cannot be taught in any school or college," he continued. "You can't learn it from any book or magazine.

"We have an opportunity to make big transfers for two 17-year-olds, which is a rarity in the whole history of mankind."

However, Dinamo president Mirko Barisic had claimed earlier on Monday that a deal was in place to sell the youngsters, though he would not confirm which club had been successful.

 

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Thiago Silva: Barcelona tried to sign me

The Brazilian defender has claimed that Blaugrana boss Tito Vilanova approached him after the club's Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain in April
Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Thiago Silva has revealed that Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova tried to convince him to join the Catalan giants.

The two clubs faced one another in the Champions League quarter-finals back in April and the Brazilian says he was approached by the Blaugrana one of the matches.

"Tito is a guy I admire," the 28-year-old was quoted as saying by Sportyou.

"After the match between PSG and Barcelona in the Champions League I had a chat with him and he invited me to come play for Barcelona.

"There have been no negotiations yet though, I remain calm for now and want to enjoy my holiday.

"In football you never know, but right now I'm happy at PSG, I'm very quiet, I speak daily with the president, it is very difficult to get out of there."

The former AC Milan man went on to say that French champions are not in a position where they are forced to sell players for financial reason.

"PSG do not sell players, it is a very different situation to that at Milan."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Koscielny: I'm happy at Arsenal

The France international has dismissed rumours linking him with a move away from the Emirates Stadium and insists he is enjoying his time with the Gunners
Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny has dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from the club this summer.

Koscielny has been reportedly interesting the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich following a strong second half of the season.

But the 27-year-old says he has no intention of leaving Arsenal and is happy with life at the club.

Asked if he was seeking a move from Arsenal, Koscielny told reporters: "I never said that. I feel very well at Arsenal.

"I am aware it’s a great club and I have a four-year contract. I know there’s talk about me and Barcelona and Bayern, but people make their own conclusions.

"The facts are simple: I have a contract at a club where I am happy. Full stop. We all know how situations change in football but I repeat that I’m not one to make castles in the sky.

"I live in the moment, I seek nothing but to play the best I can.

"In my mind my goal is to win trophies with Arsenal with whom I’m about to start pre-season training. I’ve no ulterior motives.

"I’m at a healthy club, which plays beautiful football, doesn’t lose money every year, sticks to its own budget and plays in the Champions League. Not many players can say the same."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sacchi: Ancelotti no pushover

The former Madrid sporting director is confident that his compatriot will succeed at the Liga giants and won't be pushed around by his superiors Arrigo Sacchi believes Real Madrid have appointed a strong coach in Carlo Ancelotti who will be more than just a puppet for the Blancos boardroom.

The Italian has been described a peacemaker after three years of controversy under Jose Mourinho, but Sacchi has insisted that the former Paris Saint-Germain boss is no pushover.

"Once, before a Champions League game, Silvio Berlusconi said that Filippo Inzaghi ought to start, leading Ancelotti to quip at the press conference: 'Here's hoping the president has got the selection right and we win'," the former Madrid sporting director told Marca.

"The next day he didn't play Inzaghi and they won. He listens to everyone, but he doesn't give in to pressure."

Sacchi then went on to voice his opinion that Ancelotti's teams generally not only get good results, but play attractive football, too.

"I've told him not to forget that winning alone isn't enough in Spain. Carlo is a good, intelligent person who knows football and understands that Real are the most famous club in the world. It's an honour and a source of pride for him, but the same goes for Real Madrid.

"He's a winner as a coach, but his teams don't just get results – they play football the right way, too. When Florentino Perez asked me about him, I told him he shouldn't think twice about signing Carlo."

Ancelotti signed a three-year deal with Madrid last week.

 

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Llorente targets Champions League glory with Juventus

The Spain striker is pleased to have completed his move to the Bianconeri and has identified European success as his number one target Fernando Llorente has set his sights on Champions Leage glory with Juventus following his free transfer from Athletic Bilbao.

The 28-year-old underwent his medical at the weekend having already agreed a four-year deal with the Serie A champions in the wake of his decision not to extend his expiring contract with Athletic and is hungry for honours next season.

"Juventus are the strongest team in Italy and one of the best in Europe as well," Llorente was quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"The club's project is spectacular. Juventus want to win the Champions League. That's one of the reasons why I came here.

"I never thought that I would leave Athletic, but things have turned out differently. I cannot wait to start this new adventure."

Llorente had made over 300 official appearances for Bilbao over the past nine years.