..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Internacional reject €18m Napoli bid for Damiao

Club sporting director Luis Cesar Souto claims the offer was far below their valuation of the Brazil international who they maintain is not for sale Internacional sporting director Luis Cesar Souto has revealed the club have rejected an €18 million bid from Napoli for striker Leandro Damiao.

The 23-year-old has repeatedly been linked with a move to Europe, with Olympique de Marseille and Tottenham among those rumoured to be interested, with the latter believed to be leading the chase for his signature.

However, Souto - who recently slapped a €25 million price-tag on the Brazil international - has confirmed Napoli have since entered the race to sign the striker, but insists they remain determined to keep hold of their star man.

He told reporters: "We had a verbal offer presented by Napoli of €18 million. We do not accept that this is Leandro's true value. What Napoli have offered is very far from what we expected the bid to be.

"We believe he will be part of the Brazil national team for the 2014 World Cup. We have not yet given them a fixed price because it is not in our interest to negotiate for him.

"We have just sold Fred and Rodrigo Moledo. We don't have to sell Leandro and we won't be taking an offer for him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Suarez must stay with Liverpool or leave England, insists Poyet

The Reds' troubled frontman admits he is flattered to be linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, but his countryman believes a move elsewhere in England is not an option Luis Suarez must leave English football altogether if he manages to engineer a summer exit from Liverpool, according to countryman Gus Poyet.

Suarez has been vocal in his desire to leave Anfield and move to Real Madrid this summer, citing unfair treatment by the British media as one of his main reasons.

But recent weeks have seen Arsenal and Chelsea linked with bids for his services, and the Uruguayan admits he is flattered by the interest of two of the Premier League's Champions League representatives.

But Poyet, who is currently unemployed following his dismissal from Brighton, believes moving elsewhere in England's top flight should not be an option for Suarez.

"If I was Suarez, I would either stay at Liverpool or leave England for good," Poyet told Uruguayan radio station Sport890.

"Him going to Arsenal won't change a thing. If he wants to move, it's probably because of the way the media treats him as a Liverpool player, but that won't change if he moves to another club in England.

"If it's just for the sake of playing in the Champions League [possible Arsenal move], well, that's up to Luis to decide. But I'd be a lot more drastic: I'd stay put at Liverpool or leave England all together.

"I believe he has to be calm when making this decision. He shouldn't let emotions play a part. It has to be a decision that is well-thought and that will bring him good things for the future."

"Luis' numbers last season were out of this world. Liverpool, with all due respect, were a mediocre team last season, but Luis showed a great level."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Match Report: Sturm Graz 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Ongenda wonder-goal not enough to spare Blanc's opening-game blushes


Quick-fire goals before the break and a Nikola Vujadinovic strike condemned the Ligue 1 champions to defeat despite a sublime late strike from their young attacker
Laurent Blanc's reign as Paris Saint-Germain boss got off to a disappointing start as his side were beaten 3-1 by Sturm Graz on Tuesday, although there was a true moment to savour from starlet Hervin Ongenda.

Robert Beric and Marco Djuricin struck within two minutes of each other to hand the hosts a 2-0 lead before half-time and Nikola Vujadinovic extended their advantage late on.Ongenda did restore some pride for the French side with five minutes remaining with a stunning lob, leaving Blanc with a few things to ponder after he fielded a team that contained few first-choice stars.

The former France boss named a starting line-up shorn of the likes Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marco Verratti and Javier Pastore, though their hosts also experimented with the inclusion of new arrivals Beric and Djuricin.

And the Austrian side were treated to a preview of what they might expect in the coming season, as the pair both got on the scoresheet in quick succession with 25 minutes gone.Beric opened the scoring after deceiving goalkeeper Nicolas Douchez twice, before Djuricin doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a fine finish.

Darko Milanic's men were forced to wait until the 77th minute to add to their total, but did so when centre-back Vujadinovic poked in from close range.But Ongenda still had time to add respectability to PSG's defeat with a sublime finish, as he lifted the ball over goalkeeper Christian Gratzei from the edge of the area for a late consolation.

PSG continue their pre-season preparations in Austria with a clash against Rapid Vienna on Friday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Soldado will stay with Valencia, insists Djukic

The 28-year-old has been linked with moves to the likes of Atletico Madrid this summer, but his coach is confident he will not be tempted to quit the Mestalla
Valencia striker Roberto Soldado will remain the club beyond the summer, Miroslav Djukic has insisted.

Los Che's failure to secure a Champions League place last year has prompted speculation the Spain international will consider a move away from the Mestalla, with a number of clubs - including Atletico Madrid - understood to be keen on swooping for the 28-year-old.

However, Djukic is confident his talisman will opt to remain at the club beyond the end of the transfer window.

He told reporters on Tuesday: "I think Roberto is going to stay with us. I am very calm about that.

"Soldado is very important to us and I want him to lead this team."

The former Valladolid boss went on to state he was pleased with his current squad despite last season's agonising failure to land fourth spot, but has not ruled out some business this summer.

He added: "We have a good squad in place, but there is still some room to grow."

Soldado, whose current deal at the Mestalla expires in 2017 has scored 82 times in 141 appearances for los Che since his €10 million move from Getafe in 2010.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Match Report: Bayern Munich 3-0 Brescia: First strike for Kirchhoff makes it four wins from four for Guardiola

The youngster headed home in the dying minutes after Thomas Muller and Toni Kroos had earlier put the European champions in control of the friendly encounter
Bayern Munich continued their preparations for the new season with a 3-0 win over Brescia at the Stadion von Arco on Tuesday.

The Bundesliga champions named a strong side that included Franck Ribery, Mario Mandzukic and Thomas Muller, with the German getting the scoring under way against their Serie B opponents.It was Mandzukic who had the biggest part to play, though, seizing on a poor clearance from Brescia goalkeeper Alessio Cragno to play in Muller, who easily tapped home after 23 minutes.

Bayern doubled their advantage nine minutes later, with Ribery the architect, getting to the byline and squaring for Muller, who in turn set up Toni Kroos to add the finishing touch. That is how it remained until the 90th minute when Jan Kirchhoff, a recent signing from Mainz, put the game beyond any doubt.

The 22-year-old headed home after a penalty area mix-up to give new boss Pep Guardiola his fourth win from four friendlies.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villarreal complete Dos Santos signing

Club president Fernando Roig confirmed the 24-year-old is set to move to El Madrigal from Real Mallorca despite a number of other sides vying for his signature Villarreal president Fernando Roig has announced the club are set to complete a deal for Mallorca forward Giovani dos Santos.

The 24-year-old, who was relegated with los Bermellones last season, was reportedly keen on remaining in the Spanish top-flight in an attempt to strengthen his bid of being named in Mexico's World Cup squad next summer.

Reports emanating from Spain had suggested Valencia were the leading candidates to sign the former Tottenham man, while Atletico Madrid were also linked with a move, but the Yellow Submarine official was delighted to confirm his side had won the race for his signature.

He told reporters: "To make sure [new signing Tomas] Pino isn't on his own, one of his team-mates from Mallorca will be coming with him - Dos Santos."

The Mexico international will complete his switch to El Madrigal on July 18, with the player understood to have signed a four-year deal with the newly-promoted outfit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea sign Schwarzer on one-year contract

The 40-year-old Australia international was a free agent having been released by Fulham this summer, and will now serve as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech Chelsea have signed former Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer, the club have confirmed.
Schwarzer has signed a one-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and is expected to act as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech.
Jose Mourinho had been the in the market for a goalkeeper following the departures of Ross Turnbull and Hilario, and the announcement Thibaut Courtois will spend another season on loan with Atletico Madrid.
Reports had linked the Blues with a £7 million move for Norwich No.1 John Ruddy, but they have instead chosen Schwarzer, 40, who was released by Fulham following the arrival of Maarten Stekelenburg from Roma.

"It's a phenomenal club," he told the club's official website. "It's one of the biggest and best clubs in the world, and it's an honour to sign for Chelsea. I didn't take much convincing to come here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations for Dos Santos & Schwarzer!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Callejon set to join Napoli

The 26-year-old is on the verge of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu for the Partenopei, the Italian club have confirmed on Tuesday
Napoli have revealed they are set to sign Real Madrid striker Jose Callejon.

The 26-year-old came through the youth ranks at the Santiago Bernabeu but left the club for Espanyol in 2008 before rejoining los Blancos three years later.

But he is now edging towards departing the club for a second time after failing to secure regular first team football at the club, as Rafa Benitez's Naples revolution continues.

"In the early afternoon, Jose Callejon landed in Napoli and will carry out medical examinations tomorrow morning," Napoli confirmed on their official Twitter page.

The former Spain Under-21 international's impending arrival could pave the way for the Partenopei to finally sanction the sale of striker Edinson Cavani.

Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly linked with the Uruguay international following coach Laurent Blanc's revelation that the Ligue 1 champions are interested in his services.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kagawa only 'half satisfied' with maiden Manchester United season

The Japan international struggled for form and fitness in his debut campaign at Old Trafford following his move from Borussia Dortmund but he is keen to hit top form once again
Shinji Kagawa is hoping he can play a bigger role for Manchester United next season after admitting he was only "half satisfied" with his maiden campaign at the club.

The 24-year-old moved to Old Trafford from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund last summer but suffered a major knee injury early in the season.

However, he showed glimpses of his talent, netting an impressive hat-trick in a comfortable win over Norwich, and he is keen to re-find the form that saw United part with €20 million to sign him.

"It was great to win the title with United," Kagawa told Inside United. "But I feel I still have work to do. I would say I am half satisfied, half unsatisfied."

"You have to believe in yourself. If you don't, things can go wrong both on and off the pitch. Being positive and believing in yourself is important, not only in football but also in improving as a person."

New Manchester United boss David Moyes has a host of attacking options at his disposal including Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney and Kagawa says he relishes playing alongside such quality players.

"It is inspiring and exciting to play alongside such world class players," Kagawa continued.

"Wayne can do everything to the highest standard. He has everything a football player would need: team spirit, hard work, switching between attack and defence.

"You don't see such players very often. He plays for the team, plus he can score and assist. There is so much I can learn from him and I enjoy playing with him. Robin, of course, made the difference with his goals. He's wonderful."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Monaco not a mistake, insists Falcao

The Colombia star is convinced he has made the right decision in joining the club and believes they are capable of winning trophies next season Radamel Falcao has vowed to prove wrong the doubters who say he has made a mistake in joining Monaco by winning silverware with the Ligue 1 newboys.

The Colombia international stunned the footballing world by completing a €60 million move to Stade Louis II from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, having previously been tipped to join one of Europe's superpowers.

But he remains insistent that he has made the correct career choice and believes people will be eating their words once the club begin to win trophies.

"For us the goal is very clear, it is to win all the competitions," the 27-year-old told reporters at a press conference.

"Coming to an institution like Monaco is the wish of every player. Personally, to know that you are an essential part in a project gives a lot of confidence and serenity.

"The belief that I could win the important things in this project is the reason that convinced me to come here.

"Many people may believe that this is a mistake, but I'm sure they will not think that once we have won titles."

Falcao, who is widely considered one of the world's best strikers, scored 52 goals in just 62 appearances for Atleti and hopes he can continue his goalscoring exploits in France.

"As I have always said, my goal is to score as many goals as it will take to crown ASM the Ligue 1 champion. If I score a lot, I'll be happy."

The former Porto star then welcomed the club's newest additions, former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal and ex-Malaga midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who Falcao believes will have a positive impact on the newly-formed squad.

"I am very happy to play with Abidal and Toulalan. I had the opportunity to play with them, they are excellent players who are experienced, they will enhance the potential of the team."

Ricardo Carvalho - who joined after leaving Real Madrid - and Porto pair James Rodriguez and Joao Moutinho are Monaco's three other big name signings so far this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern: We will sign Lewandowski in 2014

The Bavarians' president has hinted the Poland international could still move to the Allianz Arena in 12 months' time Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says Bayern Munich will sign Robert Lewandowski on a free transfer next summer.

The Bavarians have so far been rebuffed in their attempts to sign the Poland international, after angering BVB by activating Mario Gotze's release clause in April, which saw the midfielder join their arch-rivals for €37 million on July 1.

But that does not appear to have put off the treble-winners and Rummenigge believes Dortmund already know FCB will be waiting for the Poland international in 12 months' time.

"I believe that Dortmund will be aware of that," the 57-year-old club president told Sport Bild.

"I have the impression that Watzke will stand by his words. He will have thoroughly thought about keeping Lewandowski [until 2014]."

Lewandowski has scored 54 times in 98 appearances for Klopp's side after joining BVB from Lech Poznan for a fee in the region of €4.5 million in 2010.

Bayern, Manchester United and Real Madrid have all been linked with the striker this summer, but it is Pep Guardiola's men who remain firm favourites to capture his signature.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern dominate Best Player shortlist

The treble-winners have secured four nominations for the individual prize following their record-breaking success last season Four Bayern Munich players have been named on Uefa's 10-man shortlist for the Best Player in Europe award.

Bavarian quartet Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Bastian Schweinsteiger are all nominated for the prize after their treble-winning 2012-13 campaign and join Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski in a Bundesliga-dominated line-up.

Also on the list are four-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi of Barcelona and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored a stunning 107 goals between them last season, with the Argentine lifting the Liga title with the Blaugrana.

The Premier League's Young Player of the Year Gareth Bale also features on the list after scoring 31 times for club and country last season and he is joined by Manchester United's Robin van Persie in players nominated from England.

The Dutchman enjoyed a prolific first season at Old Trafford, scoring 30 goals from 48 appearances in all competitions as he helped guide his side to the Premier League title.Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was a major force in helping Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1, is also in with a chance.

The imposing Swede grabbed 37 goals during his first season at the Parc des Princes - a campaign which also saw PSG reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League before bowing out on away goals to Barcelona.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal: Real Madrid could seduce any player

The Chile star is flattered by reported interest from los Blancos and says he has not yet renewed his contract with the Bianconeri Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal believes any footballer in the world would be "seduced" by Real Madrid and hinted that he could be interested in moving to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer.

The Chile international finished last season as the Bianconeri's joint-top goalscorer, prompting speculation that Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti could swoop for his services.

And the 26-year-old has admitted he is flattered by reports of their interest and refused to pour cold water on the latest round of transfer speculation.

"I am honoured that a big club [like Real Madrid] is interested. They would seduce every player [into joining them]," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

Vidal's current deal with Antonio Conte's side expires in the summer of 2016 and Vidal remains open as to what his next move will be.

He said: "I have not yet renewed my contract. My deal is still running, I'll just see what will happen now."

The midfielder arrived in Serie A from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of €12.5 million in 2011, with his price tag now likely to be more than double Juve's original outlay.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Raul set for Real Madrid return

The iconic attacker left the Spanish powerhouse for Schalke in the summer of 2010 and is in line for a comeback in August Real Madrid say club legend Raul will be wearing the Blancos jersey for 45 minutes in the upcoming Santiago Bernabeu Trophy clash against the forward's current club Al-Sadd this summer.

The Spanish giants host the Qatari champions on August 22 in the annual friendly game, with the 36-year-old playing one half for each side to celebrate his return.

"Al-Sadd will be the rival of Real Madrid in the next edition of the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy. The Qatari team will play against the Blancos on Thursday August 22 to contest the XXXV edition of the tournament (22:30 hours)," a Madrid statement on the club's official website reads.

"Raul will return to the stadium where he played for 16 seasons. To commemorate this occasion, the former captain of Real Madrid will play 45 minutes with each team."

The former Spain international left Madrid for Schalke in the summer of 2010 after well over 700 official appearances for the Liga giants.

He then spent two seasons at the Bundesliga outfit before joining Al-Sadd last year, helping them to secure their 13th league crown.

Real Madrid won the annual friendly fixture 8-0 against Colombian side Millonarios last year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Leonardo to resign from PSG role

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Leonardo will resign from his role as sporting director at the Ligue 1 champions once the summer transfer window closes in September.

French TV channel beIN Sport, which shares its president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, with the club, broke the news before official confirmation quickly followed via PSG's official website that Leonardo, 43, will step down following the close of the transfer window on September 2.

"The club's board regret the decision, but respect it," a statement read. "It would like to express its thanks for the remarkable work accomplished in constructing in Paris a centre-stage European club. It wishes for him to continue his brilliant career with success."

Appointed in the summer of 2011 when Qatar Sports Investments took charge at the Parc des Princes, the former Inter Milan and AC Milan boss orchestrated a spending spree which eventually led to the club picking up the Ligue 1 title last season under Carlo Ancelotti, a coach Leonardo had worked hard to bring to the club in January 2012.Following an incident in which he barged into referee Alexandre Castro in May, Leonardo was given a nine-month suspension from official matchday duties, which was then extended until June next year upon appeal.

The ban, however, would only have prevented him taking over from coach Laurent Blanc if necessary, but not carrying out his daily activities as sporting director.After Blanc's appointment in June, Al-Khelaifi praised Leonardo for his work in finding a successor to Ancelotti, who had requested in May that PSG release him from the final year of his contract in order to allow him to take charge at Real Madrid.

French media reported on Wednesday morning that Leonardo had met with representatives of PSG midfielder Marco Verratti just the previous day to discuss a pay rise for the Italy international.

 

[zome]

Manchester City 3rd kit for next season !!!

 

[zome]

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Manchester City 3rd kit for next season !!!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Miller: Canada ready for Mexican 'fight

Canada has dug itself into a massive hole ahead of Thursday night's contest against Mexico, but head coach Colin Miller is hopeful that his players can rise to the occasion.After losing to unfancied Martinique in the Gold Cup opener last Sunday, Canada's chances of advancing to the knockout round have fallen dramatically, especially with the next match coming against CONCACAF powerhouse Mexico on Thursday.

Just don't tell Canada's interim head coach that the task is impossible.

"If I go into this game with a negative approach and build Mexico up to be some superpower, then we might as well just give them the three points," Colin Miller said in a press conference on Wednesday. "I have been in many fights in my life. This is the biggest one I've been in. Our players are well aware of the task at hand."

Standing in front of the Canadian players is a Mexican side that is also coming off an unexpected loss. The Mexicans dropped their tournament opener to Panama, an historic defeat as Mexico had never lost to the Central American side in any previous match.

That puts both Mexico and Canada in desperation mode, as both countries will look to gain their first points before the group stage finales on the weekend.

“Both teams are fighting for survival here," Miller said. "It's a huge occasion for both countries. We have to be positive as Canadian players and Canadian staff.

"We have to be optimistic that we can still get something from this game.”

The task at hand got substantially tougher with the news that Canada will be without the services of several players. Team captain Will Johnson has returned home to Portland to recover from an illness that forced him to exit the opening match early, and attackers Simeon Jackson (contract negotiations) and Randy Edwini-Bonsu (knee injury) have also left the squad.

The trio joined defenders Nana Attakora and Dejan Jakovic as expected contributors who are unavailable to Miller. Both defenders were ruled out of the tournament just days prior to the opening match.

It has all led to some major selection headaches for Miller and his staff.

"As one door closes, another one is slamming in our faces at the moment," Miller said. "We have Russell Teibert in bed at the moment with some ailments, as well. He could be a doubt for [Thursday] night as well."

The absences mean that others on the squad will have to step up, Miller said. One player who could take advantage of the situation is D.C. United's Kyle Porter, who flew into Seattle as a replacement after initially being left off the 23-man final roster.

"It means that there's another opportunity for someone else to come in and take an opportunity to play in front of our new head coach," Miller said, referring to incoming gaffer Benito Floro, who is attending Canada's matches strictly as an observer before taking over on Aug. 1. "That's how the players have got to look at it."