..::Football III::..

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Messi is my inspiration – Lucas

Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lucas Moura has revealed that Lionel Messi is the player he most seeks to emulate, while he also believes that the French champions can conquer Europe.

Lucas enjoyed a promising campaign with PSG during 2014-15 but saw the second half to his season hampered by injury problems. The Brazil international had been in exciting form, with his direct dribbling style of play similar to that of the Barcelona star, and he has admitted that he watches the Argentine a lot to try and learn from him.

“He is the best player in the world. He can make the difference because of his speed and dribbling,” the winger, who celebrates his 23rd birthday on Monday, told L’Equipe.

“I like that, because being quick with the ball is my principle strength. It’s important for me to watch other players with these characteristics.”But it is not only Messi who Lucas draws inspiration from, in training he looks up to a number of players, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“When you work with guys like him, like Thiago Motta, Thiago Silva... these great players help me. I always listen to these boys who have more experience. It will make me better,” he added.“To become the best player in the world is the dream of everyone, and I believe in myself.”

Lucas, who arrived in Paris from Sao Paulo for a fee of €45 million in January 2012, also believes his club can thrive in the Champions League and will be one of the contenders to win it next season.

“We had enormous success last season,” he stressed. “We only missed the Champions League. And why should we not win it? We can dream this year and make it our target.”

Laurent Blanc’s side still have four weeks before they begin their Ligue 1 defence but play Lyon in Shanghai in the Trophee des Champions on August 1.

 

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Darmian: I didn't have to think twice about joining Man United

Matteo Darmian says after completing his move from Torino that he did not need to be asked twice to sign for Manchester United.

United announced the capture of Darmian on Saturday, with the 25-year-old full-back joining on a four-year contract, and the Italy international says that the switch to Old Trafford was a no-brainer.

"For me it's a great opportunity. I want to go there and I don't think twice," he told MUTV.

"All young people dream of playing at Old Trafford and it's my dream and it's come true.

"I'm so excited and I am very happy to be here at one of the most important clubs in the world."

The defender's arrival comes as United look to complete the formalities on a deal to sign Bastian Schweinsteiger from Bayern Munich, with Memphis Depay already secured, and he says that the calibre of their summer signings makes it a particularly exciting time to join the Red Devils.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "The team is a competitive team and we all want to play together and do well together.

"It's a club with a great history and a lot of victories. I think the team will carry on in that direction of winning trophies."

 

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Man United striker Hernandez in talks with Orlando City

Orlando City are in negotiations to bring Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez to Major League Soccer and could make an announcement within two weeks.

According to Orlando's owner, Flavio Augusto da Silva, the new MLS club are "at the beginning of the conversation" with Hernandez, who is out of favour at Old Trafford and spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, where he failed to secure a starting position.

With Orlando having first made their interest in Hernandez public in May, it is widely expected that the 27-year-old Mexico international will join Kaka in purple, although Da Silva attempted to preach patience on Saturday.

"Many clubs in MLS are working to have this guy," Da Silva told reporters. "But we are at the beginning of the conversation and, as you know, the less we talk about the situation, the better, because we are in the middle of negotiations.

"We hope in one or two weeks to be ready to talk about Chicharito in a different way."

Hernandez has 37 Premier League goals to his name from 102 appearances and scored nine in 33 games across all competitions for Madrid last season but, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Andrea Pirlo joining MLS this summer, Da Silva sees no obstacle to his potential capture.

"Why not for Orlando, why not for MLS?" he said. "Of course he's a great player that every club in the world would like to have and we'd love the chance to have him, too."

 

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Man United striker Hernandez in talks with Orlando City

Mamanam hithuwe Chicharito wa thiya gani kiyala Sub Striker kenek widiyataWilson witharai neh inne​

 

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Dortmund agree Immobile loan deal with Sevilla

Sevilla have agreed to sign Ciro Immobile on a season-long loan deal from Borussia Dortmund for a reported €3 million, subject to a medical.

The striker joined Dortmund from Torino last summer but scored just three goals last season in a difficult first campaign in the Bundesliga.

New BVB head coach Thomas Tuchel appears to have deemed him surplus to requirements, with both clubs confirming the 25-year-old will move to the Europa League holders.

"Borussia Dortmund have agreed with Spanish side Sevilla to the loan of BVB striker Ciro Immobile," BVB said in a statement on their official website.

"Accordingly, the Italy striker will join subject to mandatory medical checks and will initially spend his time at Sevilla on loan until June 30, 2016."

Sevilla coach Unai Emery is clearly hoping Immobile rediscovers the form that saw him finish as Serie A's top goalscorer in 2013-14 with 22 goals at Torino, which saw Dortmund spend €19m on him 12 months ago.

 

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Lavezzi ready to talk to Juventus - agent

Ezequiel Lavezzi's agent has said that his client would be willing to discuss a potential move from Paris Saint-Germain to Juventus.

The Argentine has been linked with a move away from Parc des Princes this summer, having entered the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 champions.
And the 30-year-old's agent, Alejandro Mazzoni, says that while his client is open to running down his contract in France, he is also willing to move to a big club this summer, should the terms be right.

"I have an excellent relationship with Giuseppe Marotta and Massimiliano Allegri," he told Tuttosport, referring to Juve's sporting director and coach respectively.
"In the past, we have spoken many times but not recently. I've not been asked about Lavezzi."We are not in a hurry. Lavezzi can stay at PSG for another season, go out of contract and then decide his own future.

"We are also ready to hear the proposals of all the big clubs who are interested. Juve are a good team. If they call us, we will be ready and excited to open negotiations."Ezequiel wants to return to Italy - Serie A is always in his thoughts.

"Even with Inter in the past there have been talks, but their policy on salaries slowed things down."

 

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Casillas deserves a top team like Barcelona, not Porto - parents

The parents of Iker Casillas say that the outgoing Real Madrid goalkeeper has been the victim of a smear campaign from president Florentino Perez and feel that he deserves to end his career at a bigger club than "second tier" Porto.

The Spanish club confirmed on Saturday that a deal has been agreed that will see the shot-stopper bring an end to his 25 years at the Santiago Bernabeu and move to the Portuguese side.

The transfer brings an end to what has been a troublesome couple of years for the World Cup winning goalkeeper, and the 34-year-old's parents blame the club chief.

"With previous presidents Lorenzo Sanz and Ramon Calderon, he was treated well," they told El Mundo. "But Florentino Perez did not like him. This president has never loved him because he is short."Iker has endured things that have never been written about. He has endured psychological pressure and he has been treated differently from other players. He has been vilified in the past five years and it has all been very unfair."

His mother, Maria del Carmen Fernandez, added: "Florentino Perez is largely at fault for Iker leaving Real Madrid. Of course my son has had more offers, but Florentino did not want him to go to a top team. He does not want Casillas to succeed."Porto is a team of the level of a Segunda B Division team and my son deserves a more upscale team, like Barcelona.

"A world champion cannot finish his career in Porto! I would not have minded if he went to Barcelona because they are gentlemen."Jose Luis Casillas feels that large parts of the media were working with Perez to undermine the legendary goalkeeper.

"This smear campaign was orchestrated by Florentino and had the support of several leading journalists and media since 2010."

 

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Ramos named in Real Madrid squad for Australia tour

Sergio Ramos has been included in Real Madrid's squad for their tour of Australia despite links with a move to Manchester United.

Goal understands that the Spain international centre-back has been a target for the club although they are reluctant to pay more than £35 million and have thus far been knocked back in attempts to include him in any deal involving David de Gea.

Despite the speculation over his future at the club, new boss Rafael Benitez has opted to take Ramos on Madrid's tour of Australia, where the club will play two International Champions Cup pre-season fixtures against Roma and Manchester City.

The Primera Division giants will then travel to China for matches against Inter and AC Milan at the end of July.

Other notable inclusions in the squad include summer signing from Porto Danilo, while teenage sensation Martin Odegaard is given an opportunity to impress, having made his first-team debut for the club on the final day of last season.

Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, is missing from the list although Goal understands that the Portuguese will join up with his team-mates on Monday.

James Rodriguez is absent from the party, likely as a result of his Copa America exertions for Colombia earlier this summer.
Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas, Fernando Pacheco, Ruben Yanez

Defenders: Raphael Varane, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Arbeloa, Danilo

Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, Lucas Silva, Luka Modric, Denis Cheryshev, Isco, Asier Illarramendi, Marcos Llorente, Martin Odegaard, Jose Carlos Lazo

Forwards: Karim Benzema, Lucas Vazquez, Jese

 

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Beckham 'sad' about Casillas' Madrid departure

David Beckham has said that he is "sad" to see Iker Casillas leave Real Madrid for Porto.

The goalkeeper is set to bring an end to 25 years at Madrid when he completes his move to Porto, after the Spanish club announced that a deal had been made.
And Beckham, who played with the legendary Madrid and Spain goalkeeper for four years in the Spanish capital, hailed him as a "true legend" and an "amazing person".

"What more can be said about this man?" Beckham posted on Instagram. "I'm sad to see Iker leave a club that he adored and gave everything to for so many years.
"He is a friend an amazing person and one of the best goalkeepers in the history of the game. A true Real Madrid legend... Gracias Amigo."

Meanwhile, Blancos winger Gareth Bale paid homage to the 34-year-old on Twitter, saying that the two years he spent playing in the same team as him was "an absolute honour", before wishing him good luck.
After joining the club's youth system in 1990, Casillas went on to win five league titles and three Champions League crowns with Madrid, while he has also won two European Championships and a World Cup with Spain.

 

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Materazzi on Darmian: Man Utd have signed the best wing-back in Italy

Former Inter defender Marco Materazzi has praised Manchester United's acquisition of Matteo Darmian, arguing that he is the best wing-back in Italy.

The full-back officially signed for Louis van Gaal's side on Saturday, with United having decided to move for the Torino star after cooling their interest in Nathanial Clyne, who eventually joined Liverpool on July 1.

Darmian, who has been capped 13 times by Italy, is expected to go straight into Van Gaal's starting XI for the new campaign, with Rafael having failed to sufficiently convince the Dutch coach of his abilities, and Materazzi expects big things.

He told Goal: "Darmian plays very well. In the World Cup, he was maybe not the best player but more or less did a good job.

"He has a big opportunity with Manchester United to grow because he's a good player, he's playing for the national team and now for United. I think he's the best wing-back in Italy."

Materazzi, who spent 10 years with Inter, also discussed Roberto Mancini's return to San Siro and believes that it is exciting times for all connected with the club.

He said: "It's a very good time for Inter because Mancini wants and is getting his players but I think he signed in the middle of the last season because he has a guarantee for this year to get back to winning.

"Out of three, four, five, six new players maybe one or two - Lukas Podolski and Xherdan Shaqiri - cannot play well but it's normal. This is football."

 

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Manchester City on verge of Sterling agreement

Raheem Sterling has moved a stop closer to sealing a move to Manchester City after he was withdrawn from Liverpool's pre-season tour squad.

The England winger was initially included in the 30-man tour party that is due to travel to Bangkok on Sunday, but has now been given permission to avoid making the trip with his proposed transfer to City expected to be completed in the coming days.

As reported by Goal, City launched a third and final £45 million (£50m with add-ons) offer for Sterling on Saturday, with the player having informed Reds boss Brendan Rodgers of his desire to leave the club back on May 18.

The 20-year-old forward, who was jeered by travelling Liverpool supporters in the club's final game of last season, missed pre-season training with the club twice this week before returning on Friday.

Sterling's agent Aidy Ward suggested on Thursday that there has been a clear "breakdown in trust" between the former QPR youngster and Rodgers.

Liverpool's decision to withdraw Sterling from the club's tour, that will take in matches against Thailand All-Stars, Brisbane Roar, Adelaide United and a Malaysia XI, now leaves a clear path for City to open up negotiations.

Manuel Pellegrini's side have been knocked back with two offers for the talented winger but have since made an improved £45m offer that is likely to tempt Liverpool into a sale.

 

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Man United in talks with Benfica for Gaitan, claims Rafael’s agent

Manchester United are in negotiations over a move for Nicolas Gaitan, Rafael’s agent has revealed, who admits that the Brazilian right-back is keen to join Benfica.

The 25-year-old defender featured just 11 times under Louis van Gaal last season and is one of the players who United are willing to offload this summer.

Reports in Portugal suggest that Benfica will only sell Gaitan if his €35 million (£25.1m) release clause is triggered but Rafael’s representative claims United are willing to use the Brazilian as part of a potential deal.

"Benfica and Manchester United are in negotiations over Gaitan and one offer includes Rafael to join Benfica,” Cassiano Pereira told Record.

"Rafael wants to join Benfica. It's a big European club. If the talks proceed, it will not be difficult to reach an agreement."

 

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Blanc confirms PSG interest in Di Maria

Manchester United attacker Angel Di Maria is a player that Paris Saint-Germain head coach Laurent Blanc has confessed that he would like to sign.

PSG have been liberated by the easing of Uefa’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and the former France boss has admitted that he wishes to strengthen his squad, though he believes this will not necessarily be an easy challenge.

Asked by L’Equipe if the Argentine is a player he admires, he replied: “Yes. We have our priorities...“But to strengthen such a team you must target guys who are at big clubs and who are not easy to prise away. That’s hardest for PSG.

“Di Maria, he’s good.“We have more freedom, but it remains a difficult project for us because we’re not alone in wanting him.

“When you see the financial power of the English clubs, they are attacking everyone. Competition is very, very tough.“Don’t forget, Manchester United paid a fortune to sign him.

“For us to work effectively, we have to think of other solutions. We must be proactive.”The coach also dismissed the prospect of Zlatan Ibrahimovic departing, despite reported interest from AC Milan.

“There was never any doubt of him staying! I don’t attach any importance to rumours. For us it was very clear: Ibra was always part of the 2015-2016 squad,” the 49-year-old insisted.

In the midfield, meanwhile, Blanc says Yohan Cabaye, who departed for Crystal Palace, will be replaced and Thiago Motta, whose deal is up next summer, will not be allowed to go without a fight.

“Each departure will be replaced,” he confirmed.“I want to keep Motta and the club wants to keep him. After that, it’s up to the player.”

Although Uefa’s FFP ruling went in the favour of PSG, Blanc still feels his side are a bit hamstrung by the timing of the announcement. “The decision has arrived a little late. We had already starting working on several signings. Now, this change has forced us to reflect,” he said.

“Our strategy has been a little upset, but we can catch up.”PSG have already completed the signing of goalkeeper Kevin Trapp from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer.

 

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Blanc confirms PSG interest in Di Maria

Di Maria is not for sale​

 

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'Remember me as a good person' - Casillas in tears as he bids farewell to Madrid

Iker Casillas bid an emotional farewell to Real Madrid on Sunday as he confirmed he is now a Porto player.The goalkeeper brings an end to 25 years at the Santiago Bernabeu side to join the Portuguese outfit after a deal was agreed on Saturday night.

And a tearful Casillas, who sat alone at his press conference, thanked the club's fans for all the support they have shown him during his trophy-laden, and says he is looking forward to continuing his career.

"I have come to this great stadium today to say goodbye to all of you," he said. "Especially to the Madrid fans. As of Saturday I'm no longer a Real Madrid player, now I'll be a Porto player."I am moving to Porto for many reasons. Firstly I am joining Porto because of the excitement that the coach has transmitted to me.

"Secondly, because of their affection - they have won me over. I'll do everything I can to not disappoint them and fight as hard as possible to win as many titles as I possibly can there."

Struggling to get his words out, the World Cup winning goalkeeper spoke of the influence Madrid has had on him as a man and an athlete, urging the fans to remember him as a "good person" instead of a goalkeeper.

"This club didn't just teach me how to be a sportsman, it taught me how to be a person," he explained.

"I've learned a lot from all of my coaches. They have been a fundamental part of my development and my career."Every day we've been forming a part of Real Madrid and they've always supported me.

"I want to say thank you to my parents and all my family. "Thank you to the Madrid fans for their unconditional support, helping me lift every cup, every triumph, for being with me in the good moments and the bad moments. For giving me a hand when I needed lifting up.

"I don't want to be remembered as a good goalkeeper or a bad goalkeeper, I just want to be remembered as a good person."Thank you. Thank you. A thousand thank yous. Wherever I go, I will always shout 'Hala Madrid!'

"I’m sure in the future we’ll see each other. I’m not going to say goodbye, because it’s not goodbye. I hope to see you soon. Thank you, to all of you."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas ta Real Madrid walin yanna wechcha 1ka gananam godak dukai
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Of course Sterling wants to join Manchester City - Platt

David Platt says he isn't surprised that Raheem Sterling wants to join Manchester City from Liverpool, because he will have a genuine chance of winning the Premier League title.

Goal understands that City are nearing a deal to sign Sterling after the winger was withdrawn from the Reds’ pre-season tour squad.

Platt, who is currently managing FC Pune City in India, spent three years as part of City’s backroom staff, and believes that Sterling will be a “major player” for the club should the deal be completed.

Indeed, the Reds finished sixth in the Premier League in 2014-15, 25 points behind eventual champions Chelsea, and Platt feels that Sterling will have more chance of winning major honours at the Etihad Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to Goal, Platt said: "First and foremost whatever I say it is based on a perception of what I read, rather than what I know. I think in his mind, he thinks he will be an important player for Manchester City. Now given that thought, if that’s what in his mind – which I suspect it is – why would you not want to go Manchester City?

“Because they have more chance of competing for the Premier League title than Liverpool, they will play in the Champions League, Liverpool won’t and they will continue to compete for all the major trophies that are around and he will earn more money.

“Now I haven’t found a negative as yet because in my opinion, in Sterling’s mind, he will be a major player for Manchester City and not a bit part player.

“That’s where a lot of opinions are coming in like ‘You won’t as you are not good enough and you will be on the bench’. If that’s what the thought is, then it’s a money decision.”

Platt also believes that City’s willingness to spend £50m to sign Sterling proves that they will not simply keep the England international on the bench, with the 20-year-old having made 52 appearances in all competitions last season.

“Now 50 million, you could turn around and say is too much, 40 is too much but in this day and age for a 19-year-old boy, you will be paying 30 million,” he added.

“Maybe the premium is because they need a homegrown player. Somebody comes to you as a 19-year-old player and says: ‘I think you are a 30 million pound player and I am going to pay for that. I will give you ‘X’ amount per month, per annum’; you start to think that I am a major player.

“Manchester City aren’t buying him at that price to put him on the bench. They are buying him because maybe in a year or two years, he will be a major player.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Darmian put through solo training session on first day at Manchester United

New Manchester United signing Matteo Darmian was alone for his first training session at the club on Sunday as manager Louis van Gaal looked to put him through his paces.

The 25-year-old right-back completed a move worth up to €20 million (£14.3m) on Saturday and, with United set to fly to the United States for their pre-season tour on Monday, Goal understands that Van Gaal wanted a close look at his fitness beforehand.

A handful of coaches were present to give Darmian some drills and tests but the club's Carrington training ground was otherwise empty.

The rest of the United squad were given the day off after training on Saturday and will properly meet their new team-mate on the flight to America.

Darmian is Van Gaal's second completed signing of the summer, following the capture of Memphis Depay from PSV, and is set to be joined imminently by Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The ex-Torino man was described to Goal as "the best wing-back in Italy" by former international defender Marco Materazzi.

 

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Official: Johnson completes Stoke City move

Stoke City have completed the signing of Glen Johnson on a two-year contract after the England international was released by Liverpool.

The full-back was not offered a new deal by Brendan Rodgers having spent six years at Anfield following his arrival from Portsmouth in 2009.

And he becomes Mark Hughes' sixth signing of the summer as he agreed a deal to keep him at the Britannia Stadium until 2017 while he has the option of a third-year.

The 30-year-old has flown to Singapore with the rest of the Stoke squad as they prepare to face Everton in the Premier League Asia Trophy on Wednesday, and Hughes admitted he was thrilled to have signed the ex-Chelsea man.

"Glen will be a fantastic addition to our squad," he told the club's official website. "He commanded a huge transfer fee when he left Portsmouth for Liverpool but dealt with the pressure that comes with that.

"He’s a talented defender who also chips in with goals - as we discovered last season when he scored the winner against us at Anfield – and having spoken to him I know how much he’s looking forward to being a Stoke player."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Next season 1ke Stoke City last season 1katath wada tough side 1kak wenawa​