..::Football III::..

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It's tough for Sterling, but he needs a thicker skin - Hodgson

England manager Roy Hodgson believes Raheem Sterling has been subject to such immense criticism that it is difficult for him to simply shrug off, but told the winger to develop a thicker skin.

The Liverpool man has been at the centre of an increasingly bitter contract dispute in recent weeks and was booed by the home support at the Aviva Stadium, many of them Reds fans, during a goalless draw between Hodgson's men and the Republic of Ireland on Sunday afternoon.

Sterling was described as "not mentally prepared" to face Stoke City on the final day of the Premier League season by Brendan Rodgers, but even as a substitute he faced the wrath of the angry travelling support at the Britannia Stadium.

That capped a difficult final few weeks of the season for the 20-year-old, who again failed to make a mark in Dublin. However, Hodgson, who himself struggled with the local press during his time as boss at Anfield, says the increased scrutiny is too much to handle.

"I think he's going through a bad time publicly," he told reporters. "I think you can't just expect people to shove off the criticism he's getting, not least from the local press up in Liverpool.

"That tends to fan out and become national pretty quickly. I think he does ever so well because he tries pretty hard to let his football do the talking.

"I think he probably needed this game to realise that if he is to fully get it out of his system, then he has to work even harder still, and he has to get an even thicker skin than he has at the moment."

Hodgson substituted Sterling and replaced him with Tottenham's Andros Townsend for the final 25 minutes on Sunday but the England boss says it was not a question of him losing faith in the youngster.

"The only reason we took him off today wasn't because we were particularly dissatisfied with his performance vis-a-vis others, but I wanted to give a chance to others," he added.

"I have no reservations, I trust Sterling. Players are not robots. He's done some fantastic things for us, and today he maybe didn't hit those heights. But we have a long way to go and it will take a lot before I, and the English national team, lose faith in Raheem Sterling."

 

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Pique: I'm sure Luis Enrique will stay at Barcelona

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says he is "sure" that Luis Enrique will still be in charge of the team next season.The former Celta coach saw his side complete a European and domestic treble on Saturday when they beat Juventus 3-1 in the Champions League final in Berlin.

After the game, though, he admitted that he does not know if he will still be in charge of the team beyond the summer, but Pique has no such fears over his boss' future.

"It's not my place to say whether he'll stay or not. But look at the way he celebrated, he loves this club. I'm sure he'll stay," Pique said.

The win over the Italian side saw Pique claim his third European crown with the Catalan side and his second treble, having achieved the feat before in Pep Guardiola's first season in charge.

But the 28-year-old says that the achievement feels better this time around.
"I've enjoyed this Champions League win the most. It's my third with Barca and it's probably because we've gone a few years without winning it that it feels so good.When you haven't won it for a while it's a little sweeter.

"When you're small you dream of things like making your debut for Barcelona and winning trophies, but nothing like this."We've made history and won two trebles. It's a unique generation. We have to enjoy ourselves and go for every trophy we can."

The final was Barca and Spain legend Xavi's final game for the club as he prepares to join Qatari side Al Sadd in the summer, and Pique was full of praise for his team-mate.

"He deserves everything, absolutely everything. He's leaving us but also leaving us a footballing legacy, a way of playing the game."

 

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Iniesta out of Spain training camp

Andres Iniesta will not take part in the start of Spain's training camp ahead of their upcoming internationals due to "muscular discomfort".

Spain face Costa Rica in a friendly on Thursday before taking on Belarus in a Euro 2016 qualifier three days later.

Iniesta had been a doubt for Barcelona's Champions League final with Juventus because of a calf injury sustained in the Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao, but the midfielder recovered in time to deliver an instrumental performance in the 3-1 victory in Berlin on Saturday, earning the man of the match award as Barca secured the treble.

However, a statement on the Spain national team's official website read: "The FC Barcelona and Juventus players who took part in the Champions League final had permission to join the Spain squad on Monday 8th [June] at 6pm.

"Jordi Alba, [Marc] Bartra, [Sergio] Busquets, Pedro and [Gerard] Pique, as well as [Alvaro] Morata will arrive to Las Rozas where they look to take part in practice at 7:30pm.

"Midfielder Andres Iniesta will no take part on Monday 8th June."The Medical Services of the Spanish National Team have taken the decision that the muscular discomfort suffered by the player throughout the past week are sufficient for him to miss practice."

 

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Official: Aleix Vidal signs for Barcelona

Barcelona have confirmed the signing of Sevilla winger Aleix Vidal on a five-year contract.

The 25-year-old, who only joined the Europa League winners last summer, has enjoyed a highly impressive campaign as he helped Unai Emery's men defend their continental title and finish fifth in La Liga.

Vidal has long been touted as a firm Barcelona target - especially given the doubts over Dani Alves' future - and the versatile right-sided player has now agreed to a five-year deal at Camp Nou after both clubs came to an agreement.

He will be unveiled on Monday at 14:15CET following a medical with the newly-crowned Champions League winners, who paraded their three trophies around Barcelona on Sunday.

Vidal, who can operate as both a winger and an attacking full-back, has made 47 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring four times and registering 11 assists.

Under the terms of Barca's xtransfer ban, Vidal - who could make his Spain debut this week - would be unable to play for the Blaugrana until January 2016 at the earliest.

 

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France 3-4 Belgium: Fellaini and Hazard inspire thrilling friendly win

Two goals from Marouane Fellaini and a strike from Eden Hazard helped Belgium to a thrilling 4-3 friendly win over France on Sunday.

Marc Wilmots' men face a pivotal Euro 2016 qualifier with Wales on Friday and laid down a marker ahead of that game by beating the tournament hosts at Stade de France.

Fellaini gave Belgium the lead with a simple finish from just outside the six-yard box as they dominated proceedings in the first half.

His 42nd-minute header doubled the advantage before the victory was all but sealed in a frantic period after the second-half restart in which three goals were scored in four minutes.

Radja Nainggolan made it 3-0 with a fine long-range effort in the 50th minute, only for France's Mathieu Valbuena to pull one back from the penalty spot.

Eden Hazard converted a penalty at the other end moments later, with his strike proving to be enough for Belgium despite late goals from Nabil Fekir and Dimitri Payet.

Fellaini opened the scoring with the first real opportunity of the match in the 17th minute. The Manchester United midfielder made no mistake when presented with the simple task of shooting beyond Hugo Lloris from point-blank range after Nainggolan's strike had ricocheted into his path.

Moussa Sissoko dragged an effort wide at the other end following a driving run, but France rarely threatened and fell 2-0 behind when Fellaini netted his second three minutes before half-time.

The United man was allowed to sneak into the box unmarked and duly capitalised on France's sloppy marking by powering home Toby Alderweireld's delivery with a fine header that left Lloris with no chance.

Didier Deschamps brought on Alexandre Lacazette and Payet for Antoine Griezmann and Yohan Cabaye at the break, and Payet almost made an instant impact as he played Olivier Giroud in with a long ball, only for Thibaut Courtois to make a fine near-post save.

And Belgium quickly punished France for not taking that chance, Nainggolan unleashing a fierce drive from just outside the area that arrowed into the bottom-left corner.

The hosts took just three minutes to respond, Valbuena coolly sending Courtois the wrong way from 12 yards after Nicolas Lombaerts was adjudged to have bundled over Giroud in the penalty area.

But the French fans had barely finished celebrating when Belgium were awarded a spot-kick of their own as Laurent Koscielny clumsily felled Alex Witsel.

Chelsea forward Hazard made no mistake in slotting the ball past Lloris, and only the woodwork denied Belgium a fifth on the hour mark when substitute Romelu Lukaku cannoned an effort off the underside of the crossbar.

Fekir lashed a volley home in the 89th minute and Payet then curled an effort inside the post from the edge of the box, but Belgium hung on to ensure a result that will see them travel to Cardiff with plenty of confidence.

 

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Belgium pattaEuro 2016 wala hoda place 1kakata awi​

 

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Brazil 2-0 Mexico: Coutinho and Tardelli seal friendly victory

Goals from Philippe Coutinho and Diego Tardelli gave Brazil a 2-0 win over Mexico in Sunday's friendly clash in Sao Paulo.

Since their World Cup on home soil ended in humiliating defeats to Germany and Netherlands last year, Brazil - under the leadership of Dunga for a second time following Luiz Felipe Scolari's departure - have won every game, conceding just two goals in the process.

Sunday's victory was the result of another assured display, as first-half goals from Coutinho - his first for his country - and Tardelli proved the difference.

Coutinho put them in front with a penetrative run and clinical effort, before Tardelli put the final touches on the good work of Elias with a straightforward finish into an empty net.

With the Copa America in Chile due to begin next week, Brazil will play one final friendly against Honduras in Porto Alegre on Wednesday.

A 10th straight victory would serve as perfect preparation before the Copa, although for Mexico - who drew 1-1 with Peru earlier this week - this defeat served as another setback in their own build-up to the competition.

After a low-key start to proceedings, Coutinho produced a moment of magic to open the scoring in the 28th minute.

The diminutive playmaker was a rare shining light in a disappointing season for club side Liverpool, and he displayed his quality once more here.

Receiving a pass from Filipe Luis, he turned away from the attentions of Hugo Ayala and, from a tight angle, whipped the ball past Jesus Corona inside his near post.

Nine minutes later, the home side doubled their lead as Elias cut inside from the left and played in Tardelli, who had the simple task of tapping home from six yards.

The second period was a similarly low-key affair, with Brazil seemingly content to sit back and hold on to their advantage.

Mexico rarely threatened, with the centre-half partnership of David Luiz and Miranda successfully snuffing out any danger before goalkeeper Jefferson was unduly troubled.

As a result, Brazil were able to see out a comfortable victory as they gained further momentum heading into their first Copa clash against Peru in a week's time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pique thanks Ronaldo's party singer as Barcelona celebrate treble

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique thanked Cristiano Ronaldo's party guest Kevin Roldan as the Catalans celebrated winning the treble on Sunday.

Ronaldo caused huge consternation among Real Madrid fans when he opted to go ahead with his 30th birthday celebrations hours after his side were thrashed 4-0 by Atletico Madrid in Feburary.

Colombian singer Roldan, who performed at the event, insisted afterwards that the reaction had been over the top, after fans became incensed when photos of some Blancos players partying circulated on social media.

Barca went on to beat Madrid to the Liga title and sealed an incredible treble when they won the Champions League on Saturday and, as the team paraded their successes to supporters on Sunday, Pique could not resist a swipe at his side's bitter rivals.

"We are the best team in the world! Thanks to all and thanks to Kevin Roldan, it all started with you," he told dans at Camp Nou.

Head coach Luis Enrique thanked the supporters for sticking by the team during their difficult start to 2015 and paid tribute to Xavi, who is now bound for Qatar.
"The ambition of these players has no limit," Luis Enrique said. "You and I know it has not been an easy path, with a lot of difficulties.

"We asked for your support when things went wrong and that was what happened, you have been with us. Thank you. We keep making history and we'll try to do it again in the future."Xavi is a great player, but also a great person, he has always given his support to the team."

Xavi himself added: "We have the treble! Thanks for your presence here at the stadium and in the parade... It has been amazing. Thanks to Luis Enrique, to the staff and also to the team for this season. Thanks a lot, I'll miss you."

Andres Iniesta, the man of the match in the 3-1 final win over Juventus, gave a special mention to his home town as well as Catalunya on the whole."I feel very proud to belong to this team. Congratulations to the team, to the club. Visca Barca, visca Catalunya and visca Fuentealbilla."

 

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Messi: A spectacular end to a tough year for Barcelona

Lionel Messi described Barcelona's treble triumph as a "spectacular" way to finish the season after his troublesome 2014.

Luis Enrique's side defeated Juventus 3-1 in Saturday's Champions League final to seal the second treble in the club's history following their Liga and Copa del Rey victories.

Messi, who lost the World Cup final with Argentina and won no silverware with Barcelona last year, was thrilled to finish the campaign in the greatest way possible.
"After a very difficult year, to get back to this again is spectacular," the forward told fans at the climax of the team's bus parade at Camp Nou.

"We have to enjoy it a lot. I've no doubt we are going to continue, this group is enthusiastic about keeping on winning things."You wanted the treble... Well here the treble is!"

Full-back Dani Alves thanked the club and fans for their support during his time in Catalunya - but admits he remains unsure if he will stay."Thanks to all my team-mates and staff, and to all of you for making me so happy at this club," he said. "It's a dream.

"I don't know if the end has come. I'm happy here, very happy, and if I don't continue here I will always be happy to come back anyway because I'm one of you."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luis Enrique wa sack karana 1kak naha broTreble 1ka win kala kiyanne loku achievement 1kak​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kane wa sell karana ekak nae ne

Ow bro Spurs la kalinuth kiyala thibba Kane wa sell karanne naha kiyala.Anith 1ka Kane unath kiwwe Spurs thamai digatama inne kiyala

So ahema baluwama Kane wa try karana 1kanam wadak nathi wadak

Wena striker kenek gana balanna wenawa​

 

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Luis Enrique wa sack karana 1kak naha broTreble 1ka win kala kiyanne loku achievement 1kak​

math hithanne next season eketh idi

Ow bro Spurs la kalinuth kiyala thibba Kane wa sell karanne naha kiyala.Anith 1ka Kane unath kiwwe Spurs thamai digatama inne kiyala

So ahema baluwama Kane wa try karana 1kanam wadak nathi wadak

Wena striker kenek gana balanna wenawa​

ow machan eka thami.RVP ge future ekath sure nae neda

 

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Official: Aleix Vidal signs for Barcelona

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[Wolverine GTR]

Deschamps: There's no need for France to panic

Didier Deschamps insists there is no need for France to begin panicking over their form after their 4-3 defeat at home to Belgium on Sunday.

Marouane Fellaini bagged a double as Marc Wilmots' side recorded a thrilling friendly win over the Euro 2016 hosts, who scored twice in the dying minutes to make the scoreline a little less one-sided.

Les Bleus were beaten comfortably by Brazil in a friendly in the spring but Deschamps remains confident his side do not need to consider any drastic changes going forward.

"We weren't performing in the one-on-one duels. In the second half we had more life and we created more problems for them. Unfortunately, we conceded too many goals to hope to get a good result tonight," he told TF1.

"We shouldn't be super confident, but we shouldn't be too worried either. We faced a great team, even if they're not a famous name like Brazil, Germany or Argentina. Belgium are not second in the Fifa Ranking for nothing. They played a great game, especially athletically.

"There is an observation to make on what we have not done well. Collectively, we are capable of better. There is no need to pull our socks up, just to say some things. We will prepare as well as possible for Saturday's game against Albania."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi: A spectacular end to a tough year for Barcelona

Lionel Messi described Barcelona's treble triumph as a "spectacular" way to finish the season after his troublesome 2014.

Luis Enrique's side defeated Juventus 3-1 in Saturday's Champions League final to seal the second treble in the club's history following their Liga and Copa del Rey victories.

Messi, who lost the World Cup final with Argentina and won no silverware with Barcelona last year, was thrilled to finish the campaign in the greatest way possible.
"After a very difficult year, to get back to this again is spectacular," the forward told fans at the climax of the team's bus parade at Camp Nou.

"We have to enjoy it a lot. I've no doubt we are going to continue, this group is enthusiastic about keeping on winning things."You wanted the treble... Well here the treble is!"

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alves: My Barcelona dream could be over

Barcelona defender Dani Alves dropped the biggest hints yet that he could depart the club this summer by admitting in front of a packed Camp Nou on Sunday that his "dream" spell with the Catalans could be over.

The 32-year-old played a key role in the Blaugrana'sremarkable treble last season, but is out of contract in June and has repeatedly opened the door to an exit following failure to agree a renewal.

Addressing the club's fans in a speech following a victory parade in Barcelona, Dani Alves appeared visibly emotional before giving in to tears as he admitted he did not know if he will still be with the newly crowned European champions next season.

"Thank you to all my team-mates, the staff and everyone who makes me happy at the club," the right-back, who was signed from Sevilla in 2008, opened by saying.
“I don’t know how much longer this dream will go, I don’t know if the dream is over. but I hope it’s eternal while it lasts.

“I was happy here, I’m happy here and the day I’m no longer here I’ll be happy because I am one more of you guys.”

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu confirmed last week that a new contract was waiting on the table amid interest in the player from abroad, although Alves himself has encouraged speculation by claiming a move to AC Milan would appeal.

Amidst the uncertainty, the club signed Sevilla wide-man Aleix Vidal in a €10 million transfer on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea tells Manchester United: I want to join Real Madrid

David De Gea has informed Manchester United that he wishes to join Real Madrid, Goal can reveal.

The Red Devils must now determine whether to sell De Gea this summer or to hold the Spain international to the final year of his contract, losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season.

The attraction of playing for Spain's biggest football club combined with the opportunity to return to his home city and residence of his girlfriend were significant factors in De Gea's decision to leave the Premier League.

United's handling of the 24-year-old in recent years – including Louis van Gaal's instruction that the club hold off on the offer of a new contract last summer until the incoming manager had time to work with De Gea in person – facilitated Madrid's approach.

It is understood that De Gea's advisors recommended that the Spaniard spend a further two years in English football before joining Madrid. Their argument was that the Premier League provides the best environment for an already highly capable goalkeeper to further develop in the position.

The allure of Madrid, however, proved irresistible to De Gea, and he has elected to follow Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Gabriel Heinze and David Beckham in exchanging Old Trafford for the Bernabeu.

Signed from Atletico Madrid for a British record fee for a goalkeeper of £17.8 million (€24.4m) in 2011, De Gea was named United's Players' Player of the Year both in 2013-14 and 2014-15. He has won one Premier League title at Old Trafford and twice been named in the Professional Footballers' Association's Team of the Year.

Van Gaal signed former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes to United on an 18-month contract in January. During his first transfer window as Old Trafford manager, the Dutchman asked United to try to sign Costa Rica international Keylor Navas, but lost him to Madrid in a €10m transfer.

The United boss remains an admirer of a player who held his Netherlands side goalless for 120 minutes of their 2014 World Cup quarter-final and has included him on a list of potential summer replacements for De Gea.

 

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De Gea tells Manchester United: I want to join Real Madrid

Please stay with us De Geawe want you​

 

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Bartomeu: Luis Enrique will continue as Barcelona boss

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has revealed that Luis Enrique will continue as the club's coach next season following their treble triumph.

The 45-year-old's position had been in doubt despite his historic success last term and the fact that he still has a year to run on his contract with the club, with Luis Enrique admitting himself after Saturday's Champions League win over Juventus that his future remained "uncertain".However, Bartomeu has come out to calm the speculation and stated the Asturian boss would remain at the helm as long as he continued as president.

"There is no reason to break our contract with Enrique after he earned full marks for this season," the club chief told Sport, before stating that the signing of Aleix Vidal from Sevilla had been undertaken after consulting Enrique.The 45-year-old's job prospects looked bleak in January, after a shock loss at Real Sociedad, although the Catalans then went on to stage a stunning revival and win La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League.

Bartomeu had called for summer presidential elections following the debacle and on Monday promised "renewal" if he was re-elected, while also rejecting rumours he has approached Juventus with a view to acquiring Paul Pogba.

"Pogba is an iconic player at Juventus and has a contract there," Bartomeu continued. "We have not tried to sign him, but we are closely monitoring his progress."

His latest statements appear to rule out a bid in the near future, despite a recent confession that the French starlet ranked as a transfer target of the club's.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Liverpool agree deal to sign Ings

Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Danny Ings when the striker's contract with Burnley expires at the end of June.

The Reds had won the race to sign the 22-year-old, who had also attracted interest from Tottenham, Manchester United and Real Sociedad.

The Merseysiders have now confirmed the news and the England Under-21 international will move to Anfield after completing a medical.

Burnley, however, quickly released a statement of their own which also confirmed that their man will leave the club, but insisted no fee has yet been agreed with Liverpool.

"Burnley Football Club can confirm that Danny Ings has today agreed personal terms with Liverpool Football Club and, subject to a medical, will complete a move to Merseyside on July 1."

"Burnley Football Club has rejected an offer made by Liverpool, but will continue to have dialogue with the club in order to reach a resolution over the fee."

Ings scored 11 Premier League goals for Burnley last season but could not stop Sean Dyche's men from being relegated to the Championship.
Dyche admitted his frustration with Ings earlier in the season, suggesting that any desire to join up with David Moyes at Real Sociedad would be motivated by money above all else, and revealed his hope that the striker stay in England even if he did not renew his deal at Turf Moor.

Ings will become Liverpool's second summer signing after the Reds moved to sign James Milner, whose contract is also expiring, from Manchester City last week.

Brendan Rodgers, meanwhile, faces an uncertain future at Anfield following a disappointing end to the Premier League season.

Despite surviving talks with the club's owners, first-team coach Mike Marsh and his assistant manager Colin Pascoe have been let go ahead of a fresh summer of investment on Merseyside.