..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

I want talk of Stones to Chelsea to end - Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez is keen to see an end to talk that defender John Stones is set for a move away from Goodison Park.

Twenty-one-year-old Stones has been heavily linked with a switch to champions Chelsea throughout the transfer window, having impressed during his first two full seasons on Merseyside.

The former Barnsley centre-back played the full 90 minutes as the Toffees were held to a 2-2 draw by Watford in their Premier League opener last weekend, and Martinez was impressed with what he saw.

"I think John's performance at the weekend was really strong," the former Wigan boss said.

"I thought Phil Jagielka and him, probably with Gareth Barry, were the three players that drove the team through that difficult period we had when we went 1-0 down."For a young man to come up with that kind of leadership is a real sign of what he is as a footballer.

"He is a huge player for us and we're really looking forward to seeing the best of John over the next few seasons, not just the next few weeks."The Spanish coach admits he has been flattered by the interest from fellow Premier League teams for his star players but is adamant England international Stones will not be leaving the club.

"I'll never be upset about people asking about our players. Those are compliments about players that they are performing really well and attracting interest, but nothing else."[But] I've said before, the player's not for sale and that's the end of it.

"We are a club that will always embrace our youngsters and give them opportunities, but in the same manner we are not a selling club and we are not are club that is going to lose its best performers."

 

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Neymar deserves Uefa award over Ronaldo - Luis Enrique

Barcelona head coach Luis Enrique believes that Neymar was more deserving of a place in the top three of the Uefa Best Player in Europe award than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The governing body announced on Wednesday that the Real Madrid star would be on the podium alongside Barca stars Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi.

However, the former Celta Vigo boss believes the Brazilian forward would have been a better choice than the Portuguese attacker, following his exploits in Barca's treble-winning campaign."Who decided that Neymar isn't one of the candidates for the Uefa trophy?" Luis Enrique asked at a press conference."I think it should be Neymar, Messi and Suarez, without a doubt."

Luis Enrique went on to say that he feels his side are the team to beat in Spain and in Europe as he prepares for the first leg of their Supercopa tie against Athletic Bilbao on Friday."The pre-season schedule was set up so we can be the best we can be," he said. "We have to be competitive from the start of the season and still be the team to beat. I would also say the same in Europe."The sextuple is a goal we have in mind and one that motivates us but we are focused on is winning the fifth title first - the sixth is still far away."

Luis Enrique is expecting a tough game against Athletic and feels the Basques could try to man-mark star forward Messi."Both teams know each other well, it [man-marking Messi] may be an option, but there are others," said the former Camp Nou midfielder.

"They press very well and always make things difficult for their opponents. It will be an uncomfortable match and it will only be resolved over the two games."

 

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De Gea not included in Manchester United squad, confirms Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal has confirmed that David de Gea will not feature for Manchester United against Aston Villa on Friday night.

The Spaniard, a long-time target for Real Madrid, sat out the Premier League curtain-raiser against Tottenham as uncertainty over his future continued.

"[It's] the same situation," said the Dutchman when asked if the Spanish shot-stopper would remain on the sidelines.

Van Gaal then confirmed that De Gea will remain out of the squad, before saying that Sergio Romero would "normally" continue in goal having impressed at Old Trafford.

"There’s no difference [in De Gea's situation]," he reiterated. "The transfer period is still open and he [De Gea] has still the same problem."

Van Gaal added that Phil Jones' thrombosis problem will keep him out of the trip, while Marouane Fellaini sits out the second game of a three-match ban.

"It is still the same, no injuries - only illness for Phil Jones."

United go into the game at Villa Park knowing that a victory will send them to the top of the Premier League at least until Saturday's programme is complete, but Van Gaal believes it is too early in the season to suggest that another win would put pressure on their title rivals.

"No, we have only a better start than last season and that we have wished before the game and fortunately we won, but the season takes a long time," he added.

"After 10 matches last year we had 13 points. It was still possible to be the champion and until the game against Chelsea at [Stamford Bridge in April] it was possible. It is also possible for Arsenal and Chelsea to recover the points, we shall also lose this season."

The game at Villa Park kicks-off at 19:45 BST on Friday after local police asked that the fixture not take place on Saturday.

 

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De Gea not included in Manchester United squad, confirms Van Gaal

LVG monada meh karanneDe Gea wa Aston Villa match lineup 1katath dala naha​

 

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Arsenal star Alexis 'ready' for Crystal Palace clash - Wenger

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez is fit and "ready" to face Crystal Palace this weekend, according to manager Arsene Wenger, while Hector Bellerin is back in contention after missing Sunday's defeat to West Ham.

The Chilean was forced to be content with a place on the bench for the 2-0 loss to Slaven Bilic's side, featuring for just the final 23 minutes.

Meanwhile, Mathieu Debuchy filled in at right-back due to the Spaniard's knock but both could start at Selhurst Park on Sunday.

"Alexis Sanchez is fit, he's been working hard and is ready for the weekend," Wenger told the club's official website.

"Hector Bellerin is back and is available for Sunday."

However, Wenger will be without the services of Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky for the foreseeable future, but said the England forward was getting closer to a comeback.

"Welbeck is making good progress but is still not available.

"Tomas has had surgery on his knee. His agent said he will be out for one or two months but it will be longer. How long exactly, we don't know yet."

Finally, Jack Wilshere, who has a cracked fibula, is still set to recover on schedule.

"We said Jack would be out for four weeks, and he's in the second week now so he's on schedule."

 

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Shaqiri: I'm fit and raring to go for Stoke City

Xherdan Shaqiri cannot wait to get started on the latest chapter of his career as he eagerly anticipates making his first appearance for Stoke City .

The Switzerland international completed a club-record £12 million move from Inter on Tuesday and his arrival has created quite a stir around the club, with replica shirts adorned with his name and number selling fast.

Shaqiri is in line to make his Stoke debut at Tottenham on Saturday as Mark Hughes's side aim to bounce back from their 1-0 defeat by Liverpool on the opening weekend, which the new recruit witnessed from the stands.

"It was always a big dream for me to play in the Premier League and I cannot wait to go on the pitch and do what I love to do," the forward told reporters on Thursday.

"I'm excited to be here and I cannot wait to start and play. It was very nice to be at the stadium on Sunday. Sadly the team didn't win but I saw a lot of good things from them.

"I knew beforehand that I wanted to come here, though; it wasn't about what happened on the day.

"I've seen the training ground and it seems like the perfect club for me to work at. I have trained today and worked with the team. I think we have a very good team and that's the reason why I wanted to come here.

"The manager also wants to play good football and always wants to win, which is very important to me.

"I have trained a lot with my ex-club and, though I didn't play much, I trained hard and I feel good. I'm really fit and I can start if needed. I feel really good at the moment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gotze must make a decision on his future - Rummenigge

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge says Mario Gotze is the only one who can decide his future at the club as speculation over his future continues.

The 23-year-old endured a disappointing campaign last season, having failed to recapture the form that made the German champions spend €37m to sign him from Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

Gotze has subsequently been linked with the likes of Juventus this summer, while former Bayern star Giovane Elber has suggested the playmaker is unhappy at the club.

But Rummenigge is confident the World Cup winner wants to see out his current contract, which expires in two years."Mario has to make a decision," he told reporters.

"Of course there is a big competition at his position but we all know how long his contract is - he has two more years."He told the club that he wants to stay and wants to compete - therefore I wish him good luck."

Gotze featured for just five minutes in Bayern's Supercup loss to Wolfsburg but did start and score in their DFB-Pokal victory over Nottingen.

 

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Kaka, Lucas Moura and Hulk return to Brazil squad

Kaka, Hulk and Lucas Moura have will all return to the Brazil squad for September's Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour matches with Costa Rica and USA, coach Dunga announced on Thursday.Zenit forward Hulk and PSG winger Lucas Moura are in line for their first international appearances since Dunga's July 2014 appointment.

33-year-old Orlando City man Kaka has 89 caps for the Selecao but was left out of Dunga's squad for this year's Copa America, with his last appearance arriving in October last year as Brazil saw off Japan 4-0.

Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho was a surprise omission following his fine form for Liverpool, with Dunga insisting that direct replacement Kaka offers more experience to the squad.

Internacional goalkeeper Alisson, Atletico Mineiro full-back Douglas Santos and Santos midfielder Lucas Lima are all in line to make their debuts for their country.
Captain Neymar has been included on standby with suspension ruling him out of Brazil's first two World Cup qualifying games, against Chile and Venezuela, in October.

Key first-team players Danilo, Luiz Gustavo and Oscar all return after missing the Copa America through injury.

Coach Dunga has led Brazil to ten consecutive Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour victories since his July 2014 appointment, but is looking to bounce back following a disappointing quarter-final finish in this year’s Copa America.

The five-time world champions will meet Costa Rica at the Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, on September 5 before travelling to the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA, for a clash with USA on September 9.

The double-header will be Brazil's final two fixtures before the starOctober sees them kick off their qualification campaign for the World Cup in 2018 with games against Chile and Venezuela.

Brazil squad:

Goalkeepers: Jefferson (Botafogo), Marcelo Grohe (Gremio), Alisson (Internacional).

Defenders: David Luiz (PSG), Marquinhos (PSG), Miranda (Inter), Gabriel Paulista (Arsenal), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Filipe Luis (Atletico Madrid), Danilo (Real Madrid), Douglas Santos (Atletico Mineiro).

Midfielders: Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City), Elias (Corinthians), Ramires (Chelsea), Oscar (Chelsea), Willian(Chelsea), Lucas Lima (Santos), Kaka (Orlando City).

Forwards: Roberto Firmino (Liverpool), Neymar (Barcelona), Lucas Moura (PSG), Hulk (Zenit), Douglas Costa (Bayern Munich).

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero: I won't take risks to be fit for Chelsea game

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is unwilling to take any risks in his race to be fit to face Chelsea on Sunday.

The prolific Argentine came on as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 victory against West Brom on Monday, his side's first game of the new Premier League season, having returned late to pre-season training as a result of his participation in the Copa America over the summer.

Still needing time to recapture full match fitness, Aguero says that he may continue to play only as an impact substitute against Jose Mourinho's reigning champions.

"Whether I start or not remains to be seen," the former Atletico Madrid forward told City's official website.

"I'm trying to get there and be in top condition but arriving for pre-season later, having taken part in the Copa America with Argentina, means I need some additional time.

"With the whole season in mind, what matters the most is that I get in top form and don't take any risks."

Chelsea finished eight points clear of second-placed City last season but Aguero expects a more dramatic title race this time around.

"One thing you can say about the Premier League is that, every year, it gets better," he added. "Once again, many teams have made very important additions and that means there's no single rival for us this season.

"It'd be very naive to think that Chelsea will be the only team competing for the top position - there will be many of us and each one will challenge in their own style.

"We'll stay hungry for glory, we'll do our jobs, we'll win all we possibly can and see where that takes us."

 

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Koeman: Southampton without Clasie and Caulker for Everton game

Jordy Clasie has suffered another injury setback ahead of Southampton's Premier League match against Everton on Saturday, while fellow new signing Steven Caulker will also miss out, says manager Ronald Koeman.

The Dutch midfielder sat out the Saints' first game of the season at Newcastle on Sunday due to a hamstring problem and sustained an ankle injury playing for the under-21s side on Monday, which will keep him out for up to three weeks.

On-loan defender Caulker was an unused substitute at St James's Park and will play no part against the Toffees due to a sinus infection.

Koeman also revealed that left-back Ryan Bertrand (knee) is not yet ready to return, while Fraser Forster and Florin Gardos (both knee) are long-term absentees.

He told reporters: "We have some difficulties with injuries. Everybody knows the situation of Fraser [and] everybody knows the situation of Florin.

"Jordy Clasie was back [but] he played last Monday and got an ankle injury and he will be out for the next two to three weeks.

"We have Steven Caulker, he has an infection in the sinus. He was in hospital for two days. He's not in the physical state to be involved at the weekend but we hope that he will be available next Thursday [against Midtjylland in the Europa League].

"Ryan Bertrand is still not available. Maybe in two weeks he will be part of the training sessions."

 

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Official: Leverkusen sign Chile star Aranguiz

Bayer Leverkusen have completed the signing of sought-after midfielder Charles Aranguiz from Internacional on a five-year deal.

The 26-year-old Chilean has been in fine form of late, helping his club to the Copa Libertadores semi-finals before playing a key role in his country's victorious Copa America campaign.

Chelsea were among the teams linked with his signature and Leicester City had reportedly tabled a bid but Leverkusen beat them to the punch, much to the delight of CEO Michael Schade."We are happy and satisfied that our persistence has paid off," Schade told the club's official website.

"Our efforts have long been focused on completing this transfer and that has not been made any easier by the player's outstanding displays both at the Copa and with his club.

"It's even more pleasing to win out against strong competition from abroad. We were written off in the race to sign Aranguiz. We have reached a fair solution with the Brazilian club."

Aranguiz revealed that Bayern Munich new boy and Chile team-mate Arturo Vidal, who used to play for Leverkusen, swayed his decision to move to the BayArena.He said: "The Bundesliga is one of the best and most attractive leagues in the world and Bayer 04 has been one of the top clubs for years.

"My international team-mate Arturo Vidal raved about Bayer and that's why I wanted to join this club."I also see Leverkusen giving me the big chance of playing in the Champions League. Leverkusen have almost been in it every year and we want to make to the group stage again this year.

"I'm looking forward to this huge challenge in a new country."Leverkusen start their Bundesliga campaign at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday.

 

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Draxler could still leave Schalke, says Heldt

Schalke chief Horst Heldt said he has received no fresh offers for Julian Draxler but admitted the Germany international could still leave the club.

The 21-year-old had appeared set to join Juventus earlier this summer but S04 rejected a bid worth up to €20m for his services as they felt it was inadequate.

General manager Heldt insisted Schalke have no plans to sell their star asset but acknowledged that could all change prior to the end of the transfer window."We received an offer for Draxler which we rejected," he said at a press conference."That is already known. Since then, there has been no new offer. Everything said in the Italian media has not happened.

"We have a verbal agreement with Julian which we made when he extended his contract in 2013. Should this topic arise again, I'm obliged to tak to Julian about it.
"So I won't rule anything out until August 31. Nevertheless, Schalke are not willing to sell Julian Draxler for a discount."

 

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Ramos agrees new Real Madrid contract

Real Madrid will put an end to the one of the summer's longest transfer sagas by announcing a new contract for captain Sergio Ramos on Monday.

The defender was a priority target for Manchester United this summer, looking to take advantage of the Spanish giants' interest in David de Gea but, as revealed by Goal, the Red Devils may have been made into pawns to negotiate better terms for Ramos.

Madrid president Florentino Perez reopened negotiations with the centre-back after he was hit with severe criticism from fans following the controversial departure of long-serving goalkeeper Iker Casillas to Porto.

Perez and Madrid's chief executive, Jose Angel Sanchez, then met with Ramos and his agent during Madrid's pre-season stop in China, where it was agreed that a deal would be struck for the player to continue his spell at Real that began back in 2005 following his €27 million move from Sevilla.

The new contract will see Ramos earn close to €10m per year after tax and remain at the club until 2020 - when he will be 34 years of age.

Club and player will hold an extravagant ceremony at the Bernabeu on Monday to announce the deal, which will be similar to the one organised to celebrate Cristiano Ronaldo's renewal back in September 2013.

Ramos has played 445 official games for Madrid and scored 55 goals, including the crucial late leveller which helped his club to win La Decima in 2014. He has won 10 trophies for Madrid in total.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos agrees new Real Madrid contract

Mekata thamai Ramos dagaluwe

Danwath ithin thawa bala bala inne nathuwa Otamendi wa gatthanam thamai hoda.​

 

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Robben: I hope De Bruyne snubs Manchester City

Arjen Robben says he hopes to see Kevin De Bruyne snubs Manchester City and stay at Wolfsburg.

The Belgium international has been the subject of a renewed transfer push from Manuel Pellegrini's side, who launched a £45 million (€63m) bid for the former Chelsea man at the end of last week.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have also been credited with an interest, though Wolfsburg boss Dieter Hecking remains confident the 24-year-old will stay.

And, far from hoping that one of his side's title rivals loses a star player, Robben says he wants to see De Bruyne resist any offers in order to keep the Bundesliga strong.

"I want the good players of other clubs to stay in the Bundesliga," the Bayern winger told Algemeen Dagblad.

"You could think: Mats Hummels could move, Ilkay Gundogan could move or Marco Reus could move from [Borussia] Dortmund, or Kevin De Bruyne could go from Wolfsburg, and that would be fine, because the competition gets weakened. But I want as much resistance as possible and I want the competition to be as attractive as possible.

"Since I've been at Bayern, I have seen the Bundesliga grow. The football is alive here. I don't want it to become lesser."

Robben also believes the financial clout of the English Premier League is becoming disconcerting.

"The kind of money English clubs have available to spend is unbelievable. They buy everything they can," he added.

 

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Shaqiri hits back at Effenberg: He has no job

Xherdan Shaqiri has hit back at Stefan Effenberg after the former Germany international claimed the winger had been “badly advised” following his switch to Stoke City.

The Switzerland international joined Stoke in a club-record £12 million deal from Inter earlier this week - a move which, according to Effenberg, has been motivated by money.

But Shaqiri, who could make his debut against Tottenham on Saturday, insists he is not focusing on the former Bayer Munich midfielder’s criticism.

“He has no job at the moment, so he can talk – he’s a free man,” said the 23-year-old.

“Anybody can talk who is free. But I don’t want to comment on this.

“I will concentrate on my job – I’m happy to be here and I can’t wait to play. This is my job. It isn’t my job to comment on what people say.”

 

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Romagnoli receives death threats over Lazio shirt picture

New AC Milan signing Alessio Romagnoli has received death threats after pictures emerged of him wearing a Lazio shirt.

An image of the former Roma starlet - who completed a €25 million move to the Rossoneri this week - in a Lazio jersey went viral in recent days and has prompted outrage from some Giallorossi supporters.

Pictures have appeared on Twitter of threatening messages scrawled on the walls of Romagnoli's parents' house in the Italian capital.

One read "Romagnoli Laziale, your funeral is soon" while another made reference to Alex Zanardi, the former Formula One driver who lost both legs in a horror crash in 2001.

Romagnoli, 20, came through the youth ranks with Roma and impressed while on loan at Sampdoria last season.

 

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De Gea does not want to play for Manchester United - Van Gaal

Real Madrid target David de Gea appears to have edged closer to an Old Trafford exit after Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal revealed the unsettled goalkeeper does not want to play while his future remains unclear.

Goal revealed in July that United were resigned to losing De Gea after the Spain international informed them that he wants to join Madrid this summer and the 24-year-old missed Saturday's 1-0 win over Tottenham, with Van Gaal claiming his goalkeeper lacked the necessary focus.

Summer signing Sergio Romero kept a clean sheet in De Gea's absence and Van Gaal has now revealed for the first time that the Spaniard has explicitly told United staff he does not want to play for the club.

"We talked with him [De Gea] and he fully agreed with our decision," Van Gaal told reporters.

"I have one assistant coach and another assistant coach so we speak about that kind of thing together. We have a goalkeeping coach, Frans Hoek, and I'm not doing everything alone.

"Frans Hoek… he has a meeting with David de Gea and he asked him: 'Do you want to play?' [De Gea said "No"]. Then I have to take the decision. It is a process.

"We had been observing him in preparation, he was not so good, he was not the same David de Gea as before. He was my best player last season. According to the fans, he was the best of the last two years."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi urges support for Argentina flood victims

Lionel Messi has urged support to be given to victims of the severe flooding that has blighted Argentina in recent days.

The province of Buenos Aires has been hit by huge storms that have brought 35 centimetres of rain in some areas, prompting dangerous flash floods which have killed at least three people and forced another 11,000 to be evacuated.

The Rosario-born Barcelona star has since taken to Facebook to express his concern over the disaster.

"I'm really concerned about my compatriots, in Argentina, after seeing the images of the floods," Messi wrote. "I'd like to encourage everyone to help those suffering through this tough time."
Messi's message calling for support comes days after he made a huge donation to Unicef, the charity for which he is a goodwill ambassador.

The 28-year-old donated a fee worth close to £315,000 to the children's charity, with the news confirmed via a videolink on live television.

 

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Baines out for at least three months, Everton confirm

Leighton Baines will be sidelined for 12-14 weeks after undergoing successful ankle surgery, Everton have confirmed.

The 30-year-old picked up the injury in training on Friday and missed Everton's home draw with newly-promoted Watford on the opening day of the Premier League season.

Scans revealed the problem would require an operation to correct and Baines, who previously underwent ankle surgery in May, now faces a period of rehabilitation that looks set to last at least three months.

"Everything had been perfect in Leighton's programme and he worked extremely hard in pre-season," Martinez told reporters about Baines' injury after Saturday's clash with Watford.

"He looked refreshed, he looked strong and he look at a really, really good level.

"Then, in training, he blocks a ball and it hits him exactly in the same area where he had surgery [in May], with the unfortunate result that he's going to be out for a while.

"It's one of those tough moments that you have to take as a player but he knows we're going to help him immensely, everyone will support him and we have to make the most of his other role, which is to be part of the group and be a leader while he's getting back to full fitness."