..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Depay: I can be Manchester United's new Ronaldo

Memphis Depay is planning to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo after sealing a move to Manchester United.

Depay will join United ahead of the 2015-16 season after PSV agreed a deal thought to be worth £22.3 million with the Old Trafford club earlier in May.

United boss Louis Van Gaal has already compared the 21-year-old with Lionel Messi as a player who scores goals from the wing.

Now Depay has welcomed comparisons to former United star Ronaldo, and has vowed to 'fight' to reach the level of the Real Madrid forward.

"I heard people compare me to Cristiano Ronaldo," he told Goal at the launch of the Under Armour Speedform boot.

"It's great to hear other people say that but I'm still 21 and I hope one day I can reach the level of Cristiano Ronaldo.

"I'm the same player as him in style and he's a big hero for me. He scored so many goals and I have to fight to be the same."

Goal exclusively revealed last July that Depay had been advised by Van Gaal to stay with PSV for another season before making the move to the Premier League.

And Depay has confirmed conversations with the former Netherlands boss helped him make the decision to remain in the Netherlands for another year.

"He [Van Gaal] is different," Depay said. "His performance on the training ground is different from other trainers. After the World Cup he told me to stay hungry and I told myself to stay hungry.

"When I made the decision to stay I wanted to be champion and top scorer. I set those goals and I hope to achieve them. It will be great to have an opportunity to train with him and work with him.

“I made the choice to stay an extra year together with my manager at PSV and the people around me. It was a good choice, I think?

"We became champions in the Dutch league and with one more game left I can become top scorer. That’s a good choice, yeah?

“I have learned more every day. It is to do with how many games you play and how many situations you face on the pitch.”

Depay helped PSV seal the Eredivisie title this season and is now eagerly anticipating a dream move to the Premier League.

"I'm very excited. I always dreamed about the Premier League. It's a dream come true but I'm not finished and I stay hungry."

 

[panchaz]

congrats Juve

Hala Madrid

 

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Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus (agg 2-3): Morata strikes on Bernabeu return to send holders out

Alvaro Morata returned to haunt Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu as his goal sent the Champions League holders out of the tournament and put Juventus in the final.

Juve went into Wednesday's second leg of their semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu holding a 2-1 advantage, but they were on the back foot throughout the first half in Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave the hosts an away-goal advantage from the penalty spot in the 23rd minute after Giorgio Chiellini had felled James Rodriguez in the area, and at that stage they looked good value for their lead.

Carlo Ancelotti's men continued to threaten at the beginning of the second period too, but it was Morata - who played in last year's final for Madrid before being allowed to leave the club - who proved the difference.

Having also scored in the first leg, he found the net against the run of play shortly before the hour mark this time to stun a partisan crowd into silence.

Real pushed hard for the goal that would have forced the match into an additional 30 minutes and preserve their hopes of a mouthwatering Clasico final, but Juve clung on to book their meeting with Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 with the 1-1 draw.

The Madrid team bus was welcomed to the stadium by the kind of throng usually reserved for a victory parade ahead of the match and Marcelo, roared on by an equally fervent crowd inside the Bernabeu, carved out the hosts' first opportunity.

The full-back raced down the left before whipping in a cross for Gareth Bale, but the Welshman – in need of a strong showing following heavy criticism of his first-leg display – headed harmlessly over.

Madrid continued to look the more likely to break the deadlock in the early stages and, after bringing the ball down well in the box, Karim Benzema, who was back in the team following seven matches out with a knee injury, fired high and wide.

Ronaldo saw a free kick drift over off the arm of Arturo Vidal, although there were few Real appeals for handball, before the Chilean drew a diving save from Iker Casillas with Juve's first shot at goal.

A dipping Bale effort had Gianluigi Buffon sprawling after 20 minutes, but the goalkeeper was unable to keep out Ronaldo's spot-kick soon afterwards – diving right as the ball flew straight down the middle.

The penalty had been awarded for Chiellini's clumsy tackle on James, and chances for Ronaldo and Benzema threatened to compound Juve's misery as Madrid ended the half in the ascendancy.

James went down in the box again shortly before the break, but this time he was shown a yellow card for simulation having tumbled under the challenge of Vidal.

Claudio Marchisio sent an effort just wide of the left-hand post at the beginning of the second period, but Marcelo reminded Juve of the threat posed by the home side with a shot that veered just off target.

However, the visitors re-established their aggregate advantage three minutes from the hour. And it was that man Morata who took centre-stage.

Casillas punched clear from a cross, but Juve kept the ball alive and Morata eventually sent a shot bouncing over the head of the Spanish goalkeeper and into the back of the net from Paul Pogba's nod down.

As had been the case when he opened the scoring in the first leg, Morata opted not to celebrate.

Bale saw numerous chances to test Buffon come and go as Real sought the goal that would bring about extra-time, while Marchisio had a golden opportunity to put the match beyond doubt kept out by Casillas.

That missed chance mattered little at the final whistle, though, as Juventus, who survived late penalty appeals for a Patrice Evra challenge on substitute Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, celebrated a first final since 2003, having last won the tournament back in 1996.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea is worth 'many points' to Manchester United - Mata

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is desperate to see goalkeeper David de Gea shun a move to Real Madrid and remain at Old Trafford.

De Gea has enjoyed a stellar campaign, regularly catching the eye with a string of impressive saves as United have worked their way back into the Premier League's upper echelons, keeping 10 clean sheets in 36 outings.

Such form has reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid, where Iker Casillas's performances continue to underwhelm but Mata – a product of the Spanish giants' youth academy – wants to see the keeper remain as Louis van Gaal's men plot an assault on the title next term.

"I don't know," Mata replied when asked by IBTimes if his compatriot will remain at Old Trafford. "To be honest, I don't know. Ask him because I don't know.

"I understand how important he is for us. Against Crystal Palace he proved it again with a save that gave us the three points.

"I want him to stay. Being selfish, I obviously hope he remains with us. He gives us many points."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon: Juventus will not be tourists in Champions League final

Gianluigi Buffon says Juventus "will not be tourists" in next month's Champions League final against Barcelona in Berlin and will do their utmost to win their third European title.

The Serie A champions recorded a 1-1 draw against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday to book their ticket for the showpiece on June 6 after a 2-1 home win last week.

Cristiano Ronaldo gifted Carlo Ancelotti's side the lead in the first half when he converted a spot-kick, only for former Madrid man Alvaro Morata to level the scoring with a volleyed shot from close range.

The 3-2 aggregate win saw Juventus reach their first Champions League final since 2002-03 and Buffon is confident they can cause an upset against Barca, who knocked out Bayern Munich.

"We will not be tourists in Berlin," the veteran goalkeeper told the official Uefa website.

"When you have the chance to play a Champions League final, you have to win it."

Juventus last met Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2002-03, when they beat the Catalans 3-2 on aggregate, before eventually losing the final to AC Milan after penalties.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos rues profligate Madrid as defending champions crash out

Sergio Ramos conceded Juventus were worthy Champions League finalists and blamed wastefulness in front of goal for the reason why Real Madrid's title defence ended on Wednesday.

Madrid went into the second leg of their semi-final 2-1 down but Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty put them back on level terms on aggregate.

The Portuguese star then had another chance to put Madrid in complete control but opted to cross instead of shoot and the opportunity went begging, before Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema also narrowly missed out on scoring a crucial second.

Juve made the most of their good fortune when former Madrid striker Alvaro Morata pinched a second-half equaliser to put the Italian champions through and leave Ramos in reflective mood.

He told Canal+: "Juventus deserve to be in the final. We had the opportunity in the first half, not just the goal, but we failed and we paid for that. After Morata's goal the team went down mentally, we were knocked down."

It has been a damaging few days for Madrid, and coach Carlo Ancelotti in particular, with Wednesday's European exit following hot on the heels of Saturday's home draw with Valencia which means they are unlikely to reclaim the Liga crown.

"It hurts to throw away the season. After paddling so much we will stay on the shore. The defeats stay longer than the victories and if you lose, you go home," added defender Ramos.


"There was a brilliant atmosphere in the Bernabeu. We are grateful and indebted to our fans."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

It was hard not to celebrate 'bittersweet' Bernabeu goal, admits Morata

Juventus striker Alvaro Morata struggled to contain mixed emotions after eliminating boyhood club Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

The 22-year-old opted to leave the Santiago Bernabeu side for the Serie A champions in July 2014 after failing to win over head coach Carlo Ancelotti, and has since reignited his career in Turin.

Madrid's decision to let go of Morata came back to haunt them in the Champions League, with the attacker scoring in both Juventus' 2-1 home win as well as Wednesday's 1-1 draw in the return which saw their title defence come to an end.

"This is exceptional. I was very emotional to score a goal, but it was a bittersweet feeling," Morata told Canal+.

"It was quite hard not to celebrate the goal. It was a weird feeling. But I would react the same again a thousand times.

"It was hard to play against Madrid. I have to thank the fans who have always supported me."

The striker went on to admit that Barcelona will be tough opponents in next month's final but is adamant there are no favourites in such a game.

"We have fought hard to make it to the final, but it does not end here. We now want to win the Champions League and make history.

"The match against Barcelona will be different because they are a great team. But we must not stop dreaming. They are not favourites when one game decides it all. We are a great team as well."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti: Talks over Real Madrid future will happen in the summer

Carlo Ancelotti refused to speculate over his Real Madrid future following their Champions League exit on Wednesday.

Ancelotti's side were unable to overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit against Juventus, with the 1-1 draw in Spain enough to send the Serie A champions through to a final clash with Barcelona.

The setback comes just four days after a 2-2 draw with Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu which meant Madrid's Liga title challenge is all but over, with Barca now odds-on to reclaim the Liga title from Atletico Madrid.

Ancelotti's future is subsequently the subject of intense speculation once more but the Italian was not giving any hints as to his plans after the final whistle.

He told Sky: "I don't know, we have 15 days to work for two games. Then we close out the season and, after that, we can talk to the club.

"Today, speaking about the future doesn't matter. We have to finish the season as best as possible."

On the game itself, former Juve boss Ancelotti felt defending champions Madrid had not had the rub of the green.

"We lost the tie in the first game," he said. "Tonight we played at our best but we had no luck. We had control and a lot of opportunities. We were a little bit unlucky in the game. We should not just focus on their goal, we had plenty of chances but weren’t able to score that second goal."

He added on Canal+: "Who failed, it's hard to say. The team did everything we had to do. We attacked a lot and had chances to score the second. If we have to blame something it was our intensity in the first match in Turin.

"Football is about small details. Last year we won thanks to a goal in the last minute and everyone said it was luck. In this round we have not had much luck. Overall I'm proud of these players."

Gareth Bale turned in another disappointing performance which earned him sporadic jeers from the home faithful but Ancelotti stuck up for his record signing.

"He played better, he worked hard, as did all the team," he said. "We did our best but it was not enough to reach the final."

 

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Kroos: Ancelotti not to blame for Champions League exit

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has refused to point the finger at head coach Carlo Ancelotti following the titleholders' Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Juventus.

The Santiago Bernabeu side needed to overcome a 2-1 first-leg defeat in Wednesday's return at home and appeared to be on their way to the final in Berlin halfway through following Cristiano Ronaldo's penalty.

Alvaro Morata then dealt Madrid a huge blow with his 57th-minute equaliser and Madrid failed to find a second to force extra-time.

Wednesday's result means Madrid are likely to end the 2014-15 campaign trophyless, with Barcelona four points clear at the top of La Liga with two games to play, yet Kroos feels Ancelotti should not be blamed for what looks set to be a disappointing season.

"It is not up to the team to decide the coach's future," the Germany international told Sky.

"All I can say on the matter is that Ancelotti is a great coach.

"We came very close to reaching the final and when you look at the way we played, this would not have been possible had we had a bad coach. I hope everybody realises that."

The former Bayern Munich midfielder admits his side were too wayward with their finishing after creating a number of chances against Juventus in each half.

"We put in a very good performance in the first half. We should have scored more goals as we created a lot of chances, just like we did in the second half.

"Our inability to convert our chances was decisive in the end. We had every chance of making it to the final here.

"Our goal this season was to win titles, so it is clear that his is very bitter."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I must improve on rusty finishing, admits Bale

Gareth Bale has admitted that his finishing has let him down this season in the wake of Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Juventus.

The reigning European champions needed a win at the Santiago Bernabeu to turn things around after their 2-1 first-leg loss in Turin last week, but they eventually had to settle for a 1-1 draw as Juventus progressed.

Bale had a number of chances to find the net - both before and after Alvaro Morata cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's opener - but he failed to add his name to the score sheet and incurred the wrath of sections of the home support once again.

And the world's most expensive player accepts he must work on improving his finishing heading into next season.

"I haven't scored as many important chances as I would like this season," Bale told Sky Sports.

"I feel my general play has been good, but my finishing has been a bit rusty this year and it's something to work on for next year.

"I was unlucky not to score one versus Juventus. As long as I keep trying usually one goes in, but unfortunately one didn't now.

"I think the back-post header was the most frustrating miss. I think I slightly got a touch, I couldn't quite get over the ball which was disappointing but it’s one of those things that happen in football and you move on."

The 25-year-old went on to stress that he is happy with his performances this season, irrespective of all the criticism, and he is confident he will only be better in 2015-16.

"There have been some ups and downs this season, but I feel I've played well in general," he added.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I'll learn from this season a lot, take it into next season and have a good season."

 

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Allegri hails 'extraordinary result' as Juventus see off Real Madrid

Massimiliano Allegri was happy to delay talk of a treble for Juventus and focus on an "extraordinary result" for his side against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Allegri masterminded a 1-1 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu which put Juve through 3-2 on aggregate to set up a meeting with Barcelona in the Champions League final in Berlin on June 6.

Both teams could come into the match needing to win to land a domestic and European treble. Barca are on the cusp of reclaiming the Liga title and will meet Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey, while Scudetto champions Juve will take on Lazio in the final of the Coppa Italia.

Allegri, however, is happy to celebrate the triumph in the Spanish capital for the time being.

He told Mediaset: "It is an extraordinary result, to eliminate Real Madrid. This team has overcome lots of hurdles. Apart from the Monaco game we always played well. The team is very secure in itself and improving all time.

"Getting to the final is a great satisfaction for us, we deserved this result. We played a great match and perhaps we could have taken advantage of our opportunities in the first half.

"It is not easy to play at the Bernabeu but the boys played with great concentration and for this they deserve praise. I think it's important for our football to have an Italian team in the Champions League final."

As for the treble, Allegri added: "I'm not thinking about that. On Wednesday we have the Coppa final, another important objective."

Allegri accepted facing a Barcelona side that beat Bayern Munich in the last four looks a daunting prospect, but he retains hope that the trophy can return to Italy for the first time since 2010.

"We know Barcelona are a team against which it is almost impossible to play but we aware of our capabilities. In a single match anything can happen. They are deadly in front of goal but we know what we can do and will try to bring home the cup."

 

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Butragueno refuses to back Ancelotti

Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno refused to ratify coach Carlo Ancelotti after the club's Champions League elimination at the hands of Juventus on Wednesday.

Ancelotti admitted he would like to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu after Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by the Italian champions and lost 3-2 on aggregate, but his future is in the balance as Real end the current campaign without a major trophy.

Asked whether he could confirm the Italian - who led Madrid to four titles in 2014 - would be at the club next season, Butragueno told Canal +: "Today we have to be together. We all win and we all lose. The feeling of sadness is a general one.

"We congratulate Juventus for the way they played the tie. We have two league games left and now we have to concentrate on that."

Pressed again on the future of the Italian and the Madrid players, Butragueno was non-committal once more.

"Tonight we have lost and that is the important thing at the moment," he said. "We are all sad and everything else is secondary."

And he added: "We felt we had the opportunity to get to the final. The atmosphere was sensational. But it didn't work out as we had wanted.

"We deserved more. After all that effort, scoring only once leaves you cold. We haven't had luck lately, but when you give everything, there can be no reproach. The players gave everything and I would also like to thank the fans for their support."

 

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Tevez: Messi is from another planet - but Juventus are ready for Barcelona

Carlos Tevez says compatriot Lionel Messi is "a player from another planet" - but is looking forward to facing Barcelona in the Champions League final.

Juventus secured a place in their first European final since 2003 following a 1-1 draw with Real Madrid on Wednesday which sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory.

Messi helped inspire Barcelona to a 5-3 aggregate triumph over Bayern Munich in the other semi-final but, while Tevez admits the 27-year-old can do "crazy things", he is confident in his own side's chances.

"Messi is the best player in the world, even in the semi-finals he did crazy things. He is a player from another planet. I never had problems with him," Tevez told Sky.

"We deserve this final. Now we go to Berlin for a big challenge against Barcelona. Ours is really a team, no one would have bet on us but we've done something great."

Tevez was also keen to praise the tactical planning of head coach Massimiliano Allegri as Juve continue to chase an historic treble.

"Allegri prepared these two games perfectly. He always gives all the credit to us but much of it belongs to him," he said.

The former Manchester City striker has been linked with a return to Argentina in the summer but he insists his future remains far from certain.

"I've not decided anything," he said simply.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bellerin: How I became Arsenal's fastest

Right-back Hector Bellerin has revealed the secrets behind his arrival as Arsenal's new fastest player.

England international Theo Walcott has previously held the crown as the speediest man at the Emirates Stadium but the 20-year-old usurped him over the summer.

"Some people are born fast," Bellerin told the club's official website. "I've always been pretty quick for my whole career. It gets to the point that you have to do something about it.

"For the past two years I've been working a lot on the power in my legs - all of that has helped me.

"Everything you do off the pitch always shows so you have to work on yourself physically as well, it's not just working on your touch. That's probably the secret. I doubt I'm the fastest player in the world!

"We took a test in the summer and I broke the club record so I guess I am the fastest at the club but, throughout the season, injuries come along and you never know whether you are the fastest player at that exact time.

"It was a surprise for me but it proves that the hard work you do behind the scenes helps you on the pitch.

"I've never raced. I've only ever played football so I've never done athletics. It's helped me throughout my career because speed is a good asset to have."

 

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Evra warns Suarez: I'll shake your hand, but you'll feel my presence!

Juventus left-back Patrice Evra has hinted that Barcelona striker Luis Suarez is in for a rough ride when they cross paths in the Champions League final.

Suarez was banned for eight matches by the Football Association during his time at Liverpool after he was found guilty of racially abusing Evra while playing against Manchester United at Anfield in October 2011.

The Uruguay striker has always maintained his innocence, however, and upon returning from his suspension he refused to shake the defender's hand ahead of a match at Old Trafford.

The two are now set to face off once again when Juve take on Barca in Berlin in June and Evra has suggested that it could be a lively affair.

"A lot of people ask me this question; it doesn't matter," he replied when asked by reporters about the prospect of playing against Suarez, who will also cross paths with Giorgio Chiellini, the Italy defender whom he bit at the World Cup.

"The most important thing is I play the final, you know. I am proud to be what I am, I am proud about my colour and I will shake his hand, it is no problem, but I will make sure he will feel me on the pitch."

Having played in the 2004 final for Monaco, as well as three during his time at United, Evra is set to line up for his fifth Champions League final in Berlin.

And the France international has insistsed Juve have nothing to fear despite facing a Barcelona team spearheaded by the prolific trio of Suarez, Neymar and Lionel Messi.

"They are human beings. People forget that on Juventus' team a lot of players have already won the Champions League. They play as well in [other] finals, like myself, my fifth final.

"You never know. I believe in everything because, if I don't believe we can win against Barcelona, I will ask the manager not to play me."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ayeth Evra & Suarez meet 1kak​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kagawa: I'll struggle without Klopp

Shinji Kagawa says life at Borussia Dortmund will be difficult for him without Jurgen Klopp, just as it was at Manchester United following Sir Alex Ferguson's exit.

The Dortmund boss signed Kagawa from Japanese club Cerezo Osaka in 2010 and made him a key part of BVB's Bundesliga-winning sides of 2011 and 2012.
The 26-year-old then left for United after winning his second league title in Germany, only for Klopp to bring him back to Signal Iduna Park following a disappointing spell at Old Trafford.

Kagawa showed glimpses of promise in his first season in England but didn't score a single goal last season as David Moyes left him on the bench for much of the campaign.

And with Klopp set to depart Dortmund this summer, Kagawa fears he will struggle without his long-time mentor."A new boss is coming, that means it is difficult for me like it was in Manchester," Kagawa said.

"But the most important thing is to trust each other and set the same goals, then go forward in the same direction and work together. "We have to work hard before the season starts. That's the only thing we can do. We must have the same target and believe in him, I'll do my best."

The Japan international has scored just five times in 30 appearances in all competitions since rejoining the club last summer and admits he is unhappy with his performances."It was a very difficult season because I wasn't able to play well consistently, neither was the team," Kagawa added.

"I have struggled through the season but towards the end of the season we have been able to get some wins. "So as a team, it's clear we are getting better. Personally, I can't be happy with my performance because I didn't score much."

Dortmund are fighting for a spot in next season's Europa League and sit two points behind sixth-placed Schalke with two games to play.

Klopp's men can also seal a European place by beating Wolfsburg in the DFB Pokal final on May 30, but a loss would render their current standing in seventh as a Europa League ticket.Dortmund travel to Wolfsburg in the league on Saturday in a dress rehearsal of their cup final and Kagawa is expecting a unique challenge.

"Playing against the same team twice in a short period will be difficult, despite the fact it's two different tournaments."They are two very important matches.

"The boss has said they are different games and firstly we have to prepare well to get the three points on Saturday. "We are thinking of that now rather than the DFB Pokal final."

 

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Gerrard: I have thought about managing Liverpool

Steven Gerrard says he has thought about one day returning to Anfield as Liverpool manager.

The 34-year-old is set to make his final appearance at Anfield on Saturday, ending his 17-year professional association with his boyhood club before joining MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy.

Gerrard has penned an 18-month contract in America but admits the prospect of one day standing on the other side of the white line has crossed his mind.

"We will have to wait and see. I don't want to jump into conclusions and create headlines," Gerrard told Premier League Productions.

"Being the manager of this club is probably one of hardest jobs in the world. First and foremost you have to be good enough, got to be prepared for it and got to be offered it.

"A lot of things would have to happen from now until then so we will have to wait and see. But it is something I have thought about so maybe one day."

Gerrard has won 10 trophies with Liverpool, including the Champions League, but never lifted the Premier League crown, coming closest last season when leading the table with three games to go only to finish two points off the pace.

He added: "A career is always full of high and lows the biggest regret is not having a Premier League winners' medal I would have loved one of those.

"That would have been the icing on the cake. But in life you can't have it all. In a perfect scenario I would have that, so of course I have had some low moments, some cruel moments as well along the way.

"But I think sometimes to achieve the good things and some highs you have to go through setbacks and feel disappointment and pain to bounce back and get the highs as well."

 

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Juninho tells Pogba to join Barcelona

Former Lyon midfielder Juninho has warned Juventus star Paul Pogba against signing for Paris Saint-Germain and believes a move to Barcelona would be his best option.

Pogba is expected to be a target for the majority of Europe's top clubs this summer, with PSG leading the chase having agreed an €80m fee with Juve for the 22-year-old.

The France international, who again impressed as Juve reached the Champions League final on Wednesday night with a 3-2 aggregate win over Real Madrid, is believed to have reservations about playing in Ligue 1 and Juninho says he should explore the other options available to him.

The Brazilian told RMC: "Barca, if they are able to buy him, would be good. Andres Iniesta's level has started to drop a bit and Barca could continue to win for years with Pogba in the team.

"With their style of play, a 4-3-3, it would be ideal. At Real Madrid he would need more time to adjust. I would choose Barca and I would never return to France."
Pogba signed a new five-year deal at Juve in October 2014 but that has not stopped the speculation regarding his future.

Talk of a move intensified last week when his agent Mino Raiola was spotted at Real Madrid's training base in Turin ahead of the first leg of their semi-final tie with the Bianconeri.

The player's representative was later quizzed over the former Manchester United man's future and refused to rule out a move to Carlo Ancelotti's side.

 

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Bayern are wasting Gotze's talent, says Kahn

Former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn believes his old club are wasting Mario Gotze's talent by leaving him on the bench.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has struggled to find his best form this season and was left out of the starting XI for both legs of Bayern's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Gotze was heavily criticised by Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer for giving the ball away too much earlier this month, but Kahn says the 22-year-old isn't entirely to blame and wants head coach Pep Guardiola to resolve the issue and make the most of the Germany international's ability."Guardiola gives Gotze minutes when the game is already over," he said to ZDF. "They don't take advantage of his talent.

"Muller is playing in the wrong position as well. These problems, with two big players from Germany, must be resolved."It was only last summer that Gotze scored the winning goal in the World Cup final and Germany boss Joachim Low has hit back at his critics.

"Until recently Mario was the best and everything was going well and now everything is supposedly bad," he said in an interview with the DFB's official website. "You can't meet everybody's expectations.

"For me it is clear that Mario is an exceptional talent, a player who can make a difference. For me he is without doubt one of the best players in the world."