..::Football III::..

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Iniesta: Pirlo is a global great but Xavi is No.1

Andres Iniesta thinks Andrea Pirlo is one of the great midfielders of the current game - but says Xavi is undoubtedly No.1 in his position.

Saturday's Champions League final sees two of modern football's top central midfielders come face to face as Xavi's Barcelona meet Pirlo's Juventus.Iniesta says the Italy veteran is undoubtedly an example for players across the world but is in no doubt that his long-time team-mate is top of the pile.

"One motivation is Xavi," he told reporters ahead of the game in Berlin. "It would be perfect [to win it for him]. It is spectacular for a player like him to be able to say goodbye to the best season possible.

"Pirlo has always had an impact on the teams he has played. He's a global reference.

"For me, the No.1 midfielder is Xavi. I have been fortunate to have him as a friend and companion all my life. As for Pirlo, his career and his impact are references for any player. The numbers speak for themselves and it will be nice to see the players face to face."Iniesta had been a doubt for the game with a slight injury problem but the 31-year-old says he is confident he will be fit to face Massimiliano Allegri's men.

"I had some discomfort and nothing more. Not being there on Saturday hasn't entered my mind," he said. "I hope everything will go well and I'll be available to play to finish this season in the best way we expect.

"The sensations are very good and we would end up with an excellent season if we get the Champions League. We face a team with quality, who don't just play defensively. If we do things right and we are as we should be, our chances will be higher but do not see us as favourites because that would be a mistake.

"I think Allegri has enormous respect for us, just as we have for the Juve players. Any situation can unsettle the team. We have to be aware of Pirlo, but also of all their players."

Giorgio Chiellini caused a stir when he claimed Lionel Messi would not be able to repeat his remarkable Copa del Rey final goal in Italy as Serie A's defending is better, prompting an assertive response from Luis Enrique.

And Sergio Busquets likewise insists the Argentine's talent would give him few problems playing abroad.

"I think that Messi can score anywhere," he said. "Athletic are a great opponent. He's the best player in the world, so never mind where he plays, he can always do that. The talent he has is what makes the difference."

He added of Juventus: "The match itself will be difficult but we will give everything to take the title."It will be a tough battle in midfield. They have a different system in midfield but I expect to win that battle because it is important to us.

"Juventus have four defensive players with great quality and experience. They are a team that can play in many ways so we'll see how the game goes."

 

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Costa: I've no reason to leave Chelsea

Diego Costa has moved to reassure Chelsea fans that he is going nowhere this summer.

The Spain international netted 20 goals in his debut Premier League campaign, but reports emerged on Monday linking him with a move back to former club Atletico Madrid.

Speaking after the Blues' 1-0 victory over Sydney FC in Australia on Tuesday, Costa rejected such rumours and insisted he 'loves' being at Chelsea.

"[It is] quite a simple answer," the striker told Chelsea TV. "It's always a bit more difficult in the first season for adaptation, but I have no reason to leave this place, I love it, the fans love me and I want to stay."

Costa played 41 minutes of Chelsea's friendly with Sydney before being replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek just before half-time.

The substitution was merely a precaution after Costa's injury troubles this term, and the player himself said he welcomed the game time.

"I was glad to play," Costa added. "I've been injured for a while, it's important to play and I was really glad to get a game in before finishing for the season.

"It's an amazing experience, two different cultures, firstly in Thailand [where Chelsea played Thailand All-Stars in Bangkok] and here in Australia. I have memories from this tour I will take with me for the rest of my life."

Costa's goals and performances helped Chelsea wrap up the Premier League title and League Cup this term.

And the 26-year-old claims he is pleased with how the season turned out.

"It's really good to come in the first season and win two things," he said. "It's really important and next year I'll be ready to come back and hopefully win a couple more trophies."

 

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Blatter resigns as Fifa president

Sepp Blatter has announced he will step down as president of Fifa, calling an extraordinary congress "as rapidly as possible" at which a successor will be selected.

The Swiss announced his decision at a hastily-arranged press conference on Tuesday after his secretary-general Jerome Valcke had earlier been implicated in the US Department of Justice's investigations into a $10 million payment to indicted former Fifa vice-president Jack Warner.

"I have thoroughly thought about my presidency and the 40 years Fifa has played in my life. I love Fifa more than anything else and I only want to do the best. I decided to stand again for election for the good of football," he told the gathered media.

"My mandate does not appear to be supported by everybody. This is why I will call an extraordinary meeting.

"I will organise an extraordinary congress for a replacement for me as president. I will not stand. I am now free from the constraints of an election. I will be in a position to focus on profound reforms. For many years we have called for reforms. But these are not sufficient.

"We need a limitation on mandates and terms of office. I have fought for these changes but my efforts have been counteracted."

Blatter has been president since 1998 and was re-elected for a fifth term only four days before his resignation.

However, the Fifa Congress at which he was given that mandate had been preceded by adverse publicity caused by the arrest of seven senior officials at a hotel in Zurich with a total of 14 people then indicted by the US Department of Justice under charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering.

On the same day, Swiss authorities announced an investigation into corrupt practices by unnamed persons during the bidding process for the hugely controversial 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar respectively.

Elections to replace Blatter are set to be held between December and March.

 

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Blatter resigns as Fifa president

Apo athi yantham Blatter ain wela​

 

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Van Persie: Fantastic Falcao will bounce back

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie believes Radamel Falcao is still a top player despite the Colombian's struggles at Old Trafford this season.

The Monaco loanee is set to return to his parent club this summer, with United having turned down the option to make his move permanent after a hugely disappointing campaign in England.

He netted just four goals in 26 Premier League appearances with the Red Devils, assisting more than he scored, and was hindered by injury problems and poor form.

Falcao competed with Van Persie for a starting spot and was occasionally forced to line up out of position, but the Dutchman believes his team-mate will still come good – even if he leaves United.

"I've got a lot of respect for Falcao," said the 31-year-old striker.

"In any position he was used, he kept doing his best, training extra hard. That's what a real professional does. Falcao is a fantastic football player. He'll always come back on top."

The Colombia international has been linked with a host of sides having returned to Monaco, with Chelsea and Real Madrid among those reported to be interested.

Russian champions Zenit have also emerged as contenders for his signature.

 

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Ancelotti turns down AC Milan job: I need some rest

Carlo Ancelotti has turned down the chance to return to AC Milan as coach, reiterating that he needs to take a break from the game.

The 55-year-old had revealed after being sacked by Real Madrid last week that he would be taking an 12-month sabbatical to recover from a back operation he will undergo in Canada this summer.

However, Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi nonetheless sent club CEO Adriano Galliani to Madrid for a series of meetings with Ancelotti, who spent eight seasons at the Giuseppe Meazza between 2001 and 2009.

Ancelotti admitted after the talks that the chances of him rejoining the Rossoneri were "50-50" but the former Italy international turned the job down on Tuesday.

The Rossoneri also confirmed the news on their official website: "Carlo Ancelotti has informed Milan that he will not be able to become the coach of the first-team squad for next season."Despite Ancelotti's rejection, Milan are still expected to part company with current boss Filippo Inzaghi, who could only manage to lead the San Siro side to a 10th-placed finish in his first season in charge.

Indeed, Parma coach and former Rossoneri midfielder Roberto Donadoni is believed to be Berlusconi's second choice to take the reins.

Milan have also been linked with Sevilla trainer Unai Emery, Sinisa Mihajlovic, who has just parted company with Sampdoria, Italy boss Antonio Conte and Fiorentina's Vincenzo Montella.

 

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Rodgers to remain as Liverpool manager

Brendan Rodgers is set to remain as Liverpool manager after holding positive talks with the club’s hierarchy.

The 42-year-old met with chairman Tom Werner and Fenway Sports Group president Mike Gordon on Tuesday and it is understood that Rodgers has been assured that his job is safe.

The Northern Irishman came under intense pressure following the club’s humiliating 6-1 defeat to Stoke City on the final day of the Premier League season and subsequently remarked that he would leave Anfield if he was asked to do so.

However, while both Werner and Gordon are said to have acknowledged the need for improvements to be made, they have agreed to continue with Rodgers at the helm.

Rodgers – who received a boost on Monday when mooted managerial target Jurgen Klopp announced that he is set to take a break from coaching – is now free to restructure his squad ahead of the 2015-16 season, and Goal understands that Burnley striker Danny Ings has already agreed to join the club ahead of fellow suitors Tottenham.

 

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Juventus talks are ongoing, says Witsel

Axel Witsel has revealed that talks over a potential move to Juventus are ongoing.
The Belgium international was part of the Zenit side that lifted the Russian Premier League title this season, but now has his sights set on plying his trade elsewhere.

Indeed, Witsel has admitted that he is excited by the prospect of linking up with Champions League finalists Juventus.

"I'm 26 years old, the best age to try a new experience," the midfielder told Sudinfo. "I always said that I did not want to leave Zenit without lifting the league title. It's done. "My favourite league? I don't have one. My goal is just to move to a top club in a top league.

"There have been discussions [with Juve] and they are continuing. This is a super team with a beautiful project to become again what it was in the days of [Zinedine] Zidane and [Pavel] Nedved."The contact is ongoing, with both me and Zenit. [Turin] is a destination that could suit me."

Witsel has long been touted as an ideal signing for Juve should they decide to cash in on Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal this summer.

 

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Van Persie on Manchester United future: It’s a strange, difficult situation

Robin van Persie admits he will have to consider his future at Manchester United, saying he is in a "strange and difficult" situation at the club.

The Dutchman was expected to become the main man at Old Trafford following the arrival of Louis van Gaal, but was snubbed for the captaincy and, partly due to injuries, started just 26 games in all competitions.

The 31-year-old ended the season with his lowest goal tally in five years, and, though wary of uprooting his family, admits he needs to be playing regularly in the coming years.

"It's a strange, difficult situation," said Van Persie. "A new situation, that's a better word. I have to think, in a realistic way. It's my ambition to play the next years."

The Dutchman, whose eight-year-old son, Shaqueel, currently plays for the Manchester City academy, continued: "I'm thinking about my family and my children with every decision I take. These are very important for me.

"I'm a real family guy. I think it's fantastic to see how happy my children and wife are. That's something I take in consideration when I'm thinking about my future."

Van Persie netted just 10 times in the Premier League this season and, while he was unhappy with his tally, believes the criticism he has received is simply a by-product of playing for a club of United's stature.

"That's at least seven goals short. But I think it's a compliment that people don't accept it," he added.

"Manchester United is a beast, and that has two sides. Manchester United is viewed and followed by more people than at other clubs and also more media. I have to deal with that. I made that choice and must accept the consequences."

 

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Thiyana situation 1ka hatiyata RVP th yaida mandaFalcao tath yanna una 1kata replacement 1kak hoyagannath one.Welawe hatiyata RVP th giyoth nam hena amaruwaka watenne​

 

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Blatter finally departs after scandal-ridden reign

On Friday the stage was all his. Sepp Blatter stood victorious under the bright lights on the stage of the Hallenstadion in Zurich after winning an unprecedented fifth term as Fifa president. He posed triumphantly for pictures with the delegates who returned him to office. He looked unassailable. Now something extraordinary has happened. What Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein could not do at the polls, Blatter has done to himself. He has resigned as Fifa president and will depart 40 years after first walking those corridors of power.

Blatter might well have had time to consider the implications of another four-year term over the weekend with much of the western world's ire directed against his organisation and him personally. Fifa and Blatter are detested. Any attempt by either to present an image of reform and transparency is taken as dubious. He might well have had a flash of conscience though and reasoned that now is the time for genuine reform while also recognising his own limitations in that regard. If so, good for him.

"Fifa needs a profound overhaul," he said on Tuesday. "While I have a mandate from the membership of Fifa, I do not feel that I have a mandate from the entire world of football – the fans, the players, the clubs, the people who live, breathe and love football as much as we all do at Fifa. Therefore, I have decided to lay down my mandate."

Or maybe he now feels the waters lapping at his ankles. The latest revelation in the fallout of last Wednesday's dawn arrests of seven Fifa officials and subsequent publication of US Department of Justice documents is that Blatter's right-hand man, general secretary Jerome Valcke, has finally been fingered.

Valcke, it is alleged, received in 2008 a request from the South Africa Football Association by order of the government to withhold $10m intended for the World Cup's local organising committee and divert it instead to Jack Warner's Concacaf accounts for something called the "Diaspora Legacy Programme". Fifa denied that Valcke was responsible for what the US DoJ have described as a bribe. The Swiss Office of Attorney General says that Blatter is not under investigation while the US DoJ will not comment.

Contrast Friday's euphoria with the sorrowfulness of Tuesday. If there was triumphalism in Sepp Blatter after he forced Prince Ali to concede the presidential election there was despair in his address to the few media representatives who managed to rush to Zurich for the hastily-convened conference.

It was seismic. It was unthinkable. It was low key and sombre. Sepp Blatter is the great survivor no more. There will be a Fifa presidential election soon and, for the first time since 1998, Blatter will take no part in it.

"Since I shall not be a candidate, and am therefore now free from the constraints that elections inevitably impose, I shall be able to focus on driving far-reaching, fundamental reforms that transcend our previous efforts," he said.

Fifa needs reform, better governance and a new way of doing things. It had grown monstrously big and bent under Blatter and he knows it. Any attempt to reform Fifa with Blatter still at its head would be doomed to fail. He has turned Fifa toxic and turned himself into a pastiche. Nobody can believe a word out of his mouth.

It is not strictly accurate though to say Blatter, as president, was a dictator. He presided over Fifa's rise from mere governing body to an entity sitting on $1.4bn cash reserves. The graft did indeed continue to flourish on his watch, of that there is no question, but he himself kept everybody sweet if not afraid.

He inherited his Fifa mandate from the altogether more threatening Joao Havelange, the Brazilian who defeated Englishman Stanley Rous in the 1974 presidential election to wrest control of world football from the traditional football nations of Europe. Havelange, through a combination of multiplying sponsorship and broadcast income and patronage of developing nations, enriched Fifa and himself. He stayed in power until 1998 when his self-appointed successor to the role, Blatter, came to the fore.

Blatter had been general secretary for 17 years but even in that job, as in his presidency, corruption happened around him. Fifa's broadcast partner International Sport and Lesiure collapsed in 2001 with Havelange, son-in-law Ricardo Teixeira and Paraguayan big-wig Nicolas Leoz all found to have taken lucrative bribes through the 1990s.

Blatter was alleged to have passed at least one such bribe intended by ISL to reach Havelange through Fifa accounts. This alleged misdemeanour was written off as "clumsy" by the adjudicatory chamber of Fifa's ethics committee in 2013 following American prosecutor Michael J. Garcia's investigations and no more was made of it.

The allegations would not cease as much as Blatter tried to make out they were attacks by bitter, spiteful American and British media. Former general secretary Michael Zen Ruffinen alleged in 2002 ahead of Blatter's first re-election victory that finances had been mismanaged on the Swiss's watch.

The 2011 presidential election was played out against the unedifying backdrop of Mohamed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner allegedly bribing Caribbean Football Union delegates in order to shore up votes for the Qatari candidate.

That country of Qatar has presented Blatter with the most profound, damaging episode of his Fifa career. Half of the Executive Committee members who were on the panel deciding the destination of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, in Russia and Qatar respectively, have resigned in disgrace since the vote was alleged to have been bought, their reputations in tatters over allegations and charges of impropriety. The Swiss OAG is now investigating the awarding of those tournaments for criminal mismanagement and money laundering.

"The Executive Committee includes representatives of confederations over whom we have no control, but for whose actions FIFA is held responsible," said Blatter.

He could not recover, politically, from the Fifa decision to award the World Cup to Qatar in particular. The tiny giant looks to be an unsuitable host for a global football tournament on this scale, both logistically and in terms of worker safety, and to put it there instead of more adequate candidate bids was seen as one step too far.

Blatter rode out the ensuing investigation by Garcia. He, in a sense, remained unimpeachable even as all his former allies dropped like flies around him. Blatter retained widespread support from the floor as evidenced by his decisive election win. One hundred and thirty three national associations returned him to office on Friday, but it was those among the 73 who went against him who ultimately held more sway.

It all began with accusations of bribery and that's how it ends. When Blatter defeated reform candidate Lennart Johansson in the 1998 elections, he did so amid murky allegations that 20 delegates were each paid $20,000 to secure their vote.

Blatter tried to the end to present himself as the man to see Fifa through stormy waters again. His resignation speech did similar. It highlighted the good he had done and the good he still intended to do.

"We need deep-rooted structural change," he said. "The size of the Executive Committee must be reduced and its members should be elected through the FIFA Congress. The integrity checks for all Executive Committee members must be organised centrally through FIFA and not through the confederations.

"We need term limits not only for the president but for all members of the Executive Committee. I have fought for these changes before and, as everyone knows, my efforts have been blocked. This time, I will succeed."

The trouble for Blatter is that, during his reign, people never believed he could nor would deliver genuine reform. There is that reported $15m salary and expense account, the private jets, the wining and dining with the world's well-heeled. He has grown accustomed to a lifestyle far out of the reach of the average football administrator. Change was a lot to ask for. It is the life he gave his loyalists too. The crumbs they dropped from their tables of plenty, however, have now attracted big, damaging pests.

That FBI investigation has been described as just the beginning. As far as the Sepp Blatter reign goes, it is the end. While the national associations in opposition congratulate themselves on a job well done, it is a victory for the Feds. They have fingered those close to Blatter and brought his house crashing down. The fallout of the investigation, which began with the capture of former Concacaf general secretary Chuck Blazer on tax charges, could yet lead all the way to the president's door.

 

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Monreal rejects exit talk: I want to stay at Arsenal

Nacho Monreal has rejected speculation that he is looking to return to Spain and insists that he wants to sign a new deal at Arsenal.

The 29-year-old has established himself as the Gunners' first-choice left-back this season, making 28 appearances in the Premier League.

Monreal has been linked with a move to Athletic Bilbao in recent days, but the Spain international has now moved to rubbish such reports.

"I have one more year on my contract and I would like to stay at Arsenal," he told Sport360 at Arsenal Soccer School Dubai. "I am very lucky to play for Arsenal, and am very happy to play for Arsenal.

"If the boss [Arsene Wenger] wants me to stay, I will do... I only have one more year left on my contract but I am in contact with the club. My main intention is to stay at Arsenal and I hope I can extend my contract."

 

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Prince Ali willing to run for Fifa president again

Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein has confirmed that he is willing to once again stand for Fifa president - but only if he has the adequate support to radically reform the organisation.

The Jordanian was the only man to challenge Sepp Blatter at last Friday's re-election and withdrew his candidacy after being comprehensively beaten during the first round of voting (73-133).

However, with Blatter having stepped down on Tuesday as the corruption scandal engulfing Fifa intensified, Prince Ali is now willing to put his name forward again at the Extraordinary Congress that will soon be arranged to find a new president.
"I'm a servant of football," he told CNN. "I love the sport and always have. So, we'll have to wait and see what happens.

"This [Blatter's resignation] was surprise news to me, as it was to everyone else.
"But, having said that, for sure, I will do my best to support national associations across the world to make a brighter future for football.

"That's the most important thing. I have to talk to national associations and see how they feel about this, as it's very early."But if they want me to do it, I will do it.

"I have to be careful about this. I don't want to see Fifa going down the wrong path again."

Dutch Football Association (KNVB) president Michael van Praag, who pulled out of the election race to throw his support behind Prince Ali, also intimated that he could re-enter the running.

"Blatter quitting is great news," he told De Telegraaf. "This weekend I will visit the Excecutive Committee in Berlin. There, I will talk with a few people that were involved in this case."After that, I will think about what decision I will take after the resignation of Blatter."

Fifa was rocked by the arrest of several officials last week as part of an FBI-led investigation into corruption while there was further controversy on Tuesday when it emerged that secretary general Jerome Valcke knew about an alleged bribe paid into an account owned by former vice-president Jack Warner for supporting South Africa's bid to host the 2010 World Cup.

Blatter, who has not been implicated in the scandal, subsequently decided to bring an end to his 17-year tenure, claiming that he felt he no longer had the full support of world football.

 

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Lukaku: I want Champions League football, but I'm happy at Everton

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku says he wants to play in the Champions League, but insists he is happy at Goodison Park.

The Belgium international cast some doubt on his future on Tuesday after saying it was time for him to start winning trophies and playing regularly in the biggest games.

But when asked whether he was hoping to move on this summer, the former Chelsea striker made it clear that he is enjoying life on Merseyside, though he would not rule out leaving the Toffees.

"At this moment I am at Everton. I have a contract there and I am happy. But you never know in football," he told Sky Sports.

"Every player wants to play in the Champions League. Every player wants to play at the highest level."

Lukaku only joined Everton on a permanent basis in July as he completed a €35 million move, but his future has come under question in recent months after hiring Mino Raiola as his new agent.

Raiola has been outspoken regarding his client's talent, saying he is better than Diego Costa and should be playing at the highest level.

"You have to be ambitious in life," Lukaku said. "Raiola has the right to say that and I support him in that because we are going to be working together."

 

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Blatter investigated by FBI

Outgoing Fifa president Sepp Blatter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Goal can confirm.

Blatter announced his intention to stand down as head of world governing body Fifa on Tuesday, just four days after being elected for a fifth term.

And it has now emerged he has come under scrutiny from the US law enforcement organisation.

Blatter was not originally named on a US Department of Justice document last week which indicted 14 people on charges of racketeering, fraud and money laundering.

Among those indicted were Fifa vice-president Jeffrey Webb and former president of the Brazilian Football Confederation Jose Maria Marin.

In a separate investigation, the Swiss Attorney General is studying alleged corruption into the awarding of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively.

Since Blatter's announcement that he will step down as Fifa president, a number of figures have expressed interest in the role, including former France midfielder David Ginola and Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, the rival he defeated in Friday's election.

Elections to replace Blatter are set to be held between December and March.

 

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Real Madrid confirm Rafa Benitez as coach

Real Madrid have confirmed that Rafael Benitez is their new coach, replacing the sacked Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 55-year-old Spaniard was the overwhelming favourite to be handed the role, and he announced last week that he was to end his two-year stint with Napoli after Sunday's final Serie A game against Lazio.

Madrid vice-president Eduardo Fernandez de Blas then admitted hours before Napoli's 4-2 loss that Benitez would be their next coach, telling a group of club members: "Until three days ago Ancelotti was the best coach in the world, as Jose Mourinho was two years ago and from this week onwards it will be Rafa Benitez."

And on Wednesday, Benitez finally signed a contract with the Blancos which ties him to the Spanish capital until the summer of 2018.

"Real Madrid will present Rafa Benitez as the new coach for the next three seasons on Wednesday, June 3," a club statement read.

"The event will take place at 13:00CET in the Royal Box of the Bernabeu, then Rafa Benitez will appear before the media in the press room."

Benitez takes over at the Bernabeu following the exit of Ancelotti, who was relieved of his duties after failing to win either the Champions League or La Liga in 2014-15.

The ex-Liverpool manager returns to Spain after an absence of 11 years - having previously won two La Liga titles with Valencia in the first half of the last decade.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Rafa!​

 

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Depay: Man United were unhappy with me playing PSV's last games

Memphis Depay has revealed Manchester United were unhappy that he played in PSV’s final two matches of the season.

The 21-year-old became United’s first signing of the summer window after the two clubs confirmed a deal worth around €27.5 million at the start of May.

PSV had already secured the Eredivisie title by then but Depay’s insistence on finishing as the division’s highest scorer - a feat he achieved with 22 goals - did not please United.

"I really wanted to play. For the coach, it was not a big issue. But PSV and Manchester United weren't happy with that,” Depay told De Telegraaf.

“They both wanted me not to play because of a risk of getting injured. I wanted to win that last game and finish top scorer as well as break the total points record with PSV. So I absolutely wanted to play.”

 

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Puyol: I hope Xavi has his dream Barcelona ending

Former Barcelona captain Carles Puyol hopes that his successor Xavi can have a dream ending to his career by lifting the Champions League.

The veteran midfielder will leave Camp Nou for Al Sadd at the season's end and has already crowned his final season at the club with the domestic double.

However, Puyol wants to see his former colleague triumph in Europe against Juventus on Saturday before he leaves the continent for Qatar."I really hope he can do it," he told Sport.

"I'm confident in the team and it'd be a great image for him to finish his time as a Barca player."Xavi has lifted trophies as captain, but I hope he can lift the Champions League, which is different."

Puyol was Barca skipper in 2011 when the club won their last Champions League and famously let Eric Abidal, who had just recovered from cancer, lift the cup.

"He had fought very hard and had shown us that you always have to fight. He deserved it. It takes a lot to explain what it feels like when he lifts the cup."
Barca and Juventus meet in Berlin at 20:45CET on Saturday.

 

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Cech ready to ask for Arsenal move

Petr Cech will tell Chelsea that he wants to join Arsenal this summer.

Cech looks set to leave the club in the transfer window in search of regular first-team opportunities after falling behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal have shown the most serious interest in Cech and believe they can strike a deal with Chelsea to sign the 33-year-old, despite initially being told that the Premier League champions would not sell to a direct rival.

Jose Mourinho has said that he would prefer Cech to move abroad but there is a growing sense that Chelsea will let him choose his next club out of respect for his 11 years of service in west London.

Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with the goalkeeper in the past while Manchester United are closely monitoring his situation should David De Gea complete his anticipated switch to Real Madrid this summer.

But Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is ready to tempt Cech with his ambitious plans to challenge for the Premier League title next season after the Gunners successfully retained the FA Cup last weekend.

Crucially, a move to Arsenal would mean the former Rennes keeper would be able to stay in London; he is keen to avoid uprooting his family, with his two children settled at school in the capital.

The Czech Republic international has only one year remaining on his contract but Chelsea are expected to demand at least €20 million for his services.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho suggested last month that he would urge the club to resist selling Cech, who made 16 appearances this season but just seven in the Premier League, particularly if his departure was to facilitate the improvement of a direct rival.

But the Portuguese also admitted that the decision might be taken out of his hands by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and the club’s board.

Mourinho said: “One thing is Jose Mourinho and another is Mr Abramovich, and another thing is the board, because the board is a little bit of me and a little bit of other people.

“If it was me, if it was my decision, the decision is Petr to stay. That’s it. It would be my decision for Petr to stay. Even against his will? Yes.

“For me, decision number one, Petr will stay. After that, second point, is for him to go but not to stay in England. The option I don’t want is for him to go to an English club.

“But, I repeat, I am just the manager and he means so much for this club and what he did in this club, I think he deserves everything from this club. If the club decision is different to mine I will accept it.”