..::Football III::..

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Wenger on Arsenal's transfer window: There was nobody worth buying


Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his refusal to buy any outfield players this summer, arguing that none of the available players were worth bringing in.

The Gunners signed goalkeeper Petr Cech from Chelsea early in the window, prompting widespread optimism from fans, but no further arrivals followed.

Wenger had been interested in recruiting Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema but neither the club nor player wished him to leave and Arsenal's hopes faded to nothing.

And Wenger says that the alternatives were not worth considering, telling reporters: "In the end, the solutions were not what we wanted. We looked but you have to find an efficient solution.

"Look at what happened on the transfer market and it tells you there is a shortage out there. The solutions we had were not convincing at all.

"The good news about the window shutting is that we can now focus on the football."
Arsenal have been criticised in some quarters for failing to bring in a forward player, with doubts about the ability in their current attacking line-up, but the 65-year-old rebuffed that criticism, praising the quality and depth of the squad and their striking options.

"I am confident that we have enough quality and cover," Wenger added. "We have [Alexis] Sanchez, [Olivier] Giroud and [Theo] Walcott.

"We have quality and can score goals."

The Arsenal boss also defended France international Giroud, who was subjected to boos by les Bleus fans during their win against Serbia on Monday, and expects that the treatment will not affect his thinking.

"He has my full support. It's difficult for any player after they miss chances," Wenger concluded.

 

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Wilshere has suffered injury setback - Wenger

Jack Wilshere has suffered a setback in his recovery from injury and it is unknown when he will be available again, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed.

Injuries saw the midfielder limited to just 14 Premier League appearances last season and he suffered a hairline fracture this season which was initially expected to rule him out of action for four to six weeks.

But Wenger, who had hoped to have Wilshere available for the clash with Stoke on Saturday, is now in the dark as to when the England international will return.

“I expected Jack to be back and available and it’s slower than expected," Wenger told reporters.

“He had a little setback, I don’t know quite what. I have to talk to my medical staff.”

The Gunners are also without Danny Welbeck, who suffered a setback after undergoing surgery on an injury which has kept him out of action since May. However, the French coach is glad that there are no other fresh concerns from the international break.

"Nobody has come back injured from international duty," he added. "Laurent Koscielny is fit and trained yesterday. Mertesacker is back in full training."

 

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Villas-Boas to leave Zenit

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed he will leave Zenit St Petersburg at the end of the season, after the former Tottenham and Chelsea boss refused to renew his contract.

Villas-Boas arrived in Russia in 2014, guiding Zenit to the Russian Premier League title last season, but things have begun to unravel for the 37-year-old.

The Portuguese previously indicated that he had requested to leave Zenit before the start of the season, reportedly to spend more time with his family, who have remained in Portugal.

The Zenit boss has recently criticised the Russian football authorities for imposing a stricter limit on the amount of foreign players allowed in Russian Premier League matches, leading to the transfer of Jose Salomon Rondon to West Brom.

And, speaking to the media ahead of the club's match with CSKA Moscow on Saturday, Villas-Boas revealed that he will leave the club at the end of the season when his current deal expires.

"The club had made ​​me an offer at the end of last season, I have refused and at the end of this season I will leave the club," the 37-year-old said.

"But in any case we will continue to work hard, we need to collect points, to catch up with those ahead of us, to try to perform successfully in the Champions League.

"It is clear that we did not carry out any activity in the transfer market, which was expected, their wasn't a lot of choice out there, but we tried our best, although it is obvious that no reinforcements came, except for those players that moved early in the transfer window."

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo launches first fragrance

If the only thing holding you back from becoming the next Cristiano Ronaldo was your smell, then congratulations. You're about to be huge.

The Real Madrid forward has launched his first foray into the world of fragrance, a scent entitled 'Cristiano Ronaldo Legacy'.

Though the Portugal captain did not specify whether the name means that you ought to be smelled long after you've left the room or that he expects people to have forgotten all of his goals when he eventually retires, leaving this bottle as the only trace of his existence, he did share his enthusiasm at fulfilling a lifelong dream.

"It's a fragrance that leaves a mark, which is why it bears my name, because I'm a person who has left a mark and wants to leave more," Ronaldo declared.

"It's something I've wanted to do ever since I was a kid. Having a fragrance with my name is something unique and, when they spoke to me about it, it made me very happy.

"It's for everyone who likes Cristiano so that they can have something that's closer to me."

As is obligatory for fragrances, Ronaldo has filmed a short advertisement which can give no clues towards what the perfume actually smells like so settles instead for asking questions like 'why not get yourself one or two different jackets, Cristiano?'. Presumably you'd have to buy his Legacy to find out.

 

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Maru selfie 1ka​

 

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Van Gaal: I bought Martial for Giggs

Louis van Gaal has revealed he expects Ryan Giggs to be the next Manchester United manager and believes the signing of Anthony Martial will be of more benefit to his successor than himself.

Martial moved from Monaco to Old Trafford in a deal reported to be worth as much as €80 million - a fee Van Gaal dubbed "ridiculous" - on transfer deadline day.

Speaking to at an event for United's executive season-ticket holders on Wednesday, the Dutchman described the money spent on the 19-year-old as evidence of "the crazy world we are in".

"I have not bought Martial for me, I have bought him for the next manager of Manchester United," Van Gaal said.

Referencing Giggs, he added: "I feel I am introducing the next manager of Manchester United."

 

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Neymar doesn't insult opponents - Filipe Luis

Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis has defended Barcelona star Neymar after his fellow Brazilian attracted criticism from his side last season.

Atleti midfielder Gabi was sent off for an altercation with the Barca forward during their match in January, with he and other members of Diego Simeone's side accusing Neymar of provocative behaviour and showboating.

Filipe Luis, however, believes the 23-year-old should not be taken so seriously and says stopping him from running riot in their Primera Division meeting on Saturday is a bigger concern.

"In Spain it's not usual to see those kinds of things but I do know Neymar well," the left-back told AS. "Firstly because we are team-mates in the national side and, before that, we knew each other when he started out at Santos and he has always been the same as he is.

"I don't think Neymar's the kind of person who would make fun of anybody; it's just the way he plays and that's all there is to it.

"You have to try to stop him. He's quick and lethal in front of goal... you have to be very alert when he's on the ball. Whatever he does, we have to fous on our game, make the most of the chances we get and put one past them.

"It's going to be a tough game. We're still only at the start of the season and both teams have players coming back from international duty but an Atleti-Barca game at the Vicente Calderon always promises a great atmosphere.

"Barcelona will be trying to control the ball and we, as always, will be strong at the back and looking to hit them on the break. We know that, against Barcelona, the game will depend on how they are because they have some incredible players. We'll be going out there to give the best of ourselves and trying to win the game.

"It's the kind of game you always want to play. It's a match of the highest level which demands the very best of you. You have to give everything because, if you don't, the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez will make you pay. It's very difficult to stop them.

"My last game against Barcelona was the one when we won the league and it was incredibly difficult. I've gone a while without losing to them but that counts for nothing. I'm really fired up for this one and I can't wait for the day of the game to arrive."

 

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Pique won't quit Spain but says: I wish Madrid the worst

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has vowed he will not quit Spain, despite coming under fire from fans in recent matches, but says he will still wish the worst to fierce rivals Real Madrid.

The Catalan defender was booed in Spain's 2-0 win over Slovakia last Saturday and international team-mate Sergio Ramos told reporters earlier this week that his remarks on Madrid made back in June "do not help him".

Pique mocked Madrid during Barca's treble celebrations as he made reference to Cristiano Ronaldo's 30th birthday party in February, which took place just hours after Real had lost 4-0 to Atletico - and rumours suggested on Thursday that he may step down from Spain duty altogether following the boos.

But at a specially arranged press conference to discuss his situation, the 28-year-old said: "Quitting the national team is the last thing I would do. That would be giving in to those who whistle for the wrong reasons."

The defender went on to discuss the jeers he has been subjected to by some Spain fans and says he believes it has nothing to do with his support for Catalunya.

"I think they [Spain fans] whistle me because of the Barca-Madrid rivalry," he said. "But I won't change. The rivalry is passionate and when one team is doing well, the other is doing badly. So let's hope things go as badly as possible for Real Madrid. And those who don't like it will have to put up with me until I retire!

"I love Barcelona, but that doesn't stop me having a fantastic relationship with the Real Madrid players. Iker [Casillas] sent me flowers when my second child was born and I told him I hoped they would let in four [against Atletico] - and they went and let in four the next day. We still talk about that!

"I watched the Madrid-Juve game with a [Gianluigi] Buffon shirt on. I want Madrid to lose always. I love my club and nobody should expect me to change or ask for forgiveness."

And he added: "When I get booed by Madrid fans at the Bernabeu, it is like music to my ears!"

Asked about Ramos, he said: "Our relationship now is better than it has been at any time since I made by debut with the national team. It was a little cold to start with, but the other night 10 or 11 of us got together in Iker's room and Sergio and I spoke about lots of things."

The controversial comments made by the Madrid man earlier this week were interpreted by some as hanging Pique out to dry, but the Catalan centre-back said: "He defended me before the game. Then in the mixed zone things go quickly and you say whatever. We get on really well. He's a great player and I feel very comfortable playing alongside him.

"My commitment to the national team is total."

 

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Draxler was desperate for Juventus move - Heldt

Julian Draxler had been hoping to secure a move from Schalke to Juventus before the end of the summer transfer window, according to Horst Heldt.

The Serie A champions had shown an interest in signing the World Cup winner and looked close to completing a deal, only to see an offer rejected by the Bundesliga side.

Draxler ended up signing for Wolfsburg at the end of the window, but Heldt says he had his sights set on a move to Italy until the end.

"I think that Julian had hoped until recently that a move would work out with Juventus," the general manager told Kicker. "But their interest was never as seriously as the Juve fans and media always wanted to believe.

"Wolfsburg submitted their offer only two days before the transfer deadline and for us it only makes sense to work with players who want to play for Schalke with conviction."

The 21-year-old, though, previously said he felt a move to Wolfsburg will be better for his development, reiterating that point as he suggested that he felt he was not ready for a move abroad.

"Schalke is a very big club," he told Bild. "I have not looked to move abroad because I've just never thought I am ready to make a step so far yet."

 

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Arsenal offer aid to Syrian refugee crisis

Arsenal will donate £1 for every ticket sold for their Premier League meeting with Stoke City at the Emirates Stadium to Save the Children's Refugee Crisis Appeal.

A number of football clubs, including Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich have all pledged money to aid those who have fled conflict in Syria and arrived in their respective countries.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has called for other clubs to contribute in a similar way in order to offer significant help to those in need.

"The need is immediate so we decided to be immediately helpful," Wenger told the club's official website.

"You know that we are always involved with a helpful attitude, we have our own foundations and charity and this is a special case where people are in the need of special help.

"It's an exceptional circumstance and I'm very happy that our club contributes to help refugees to settle in countries where they come without anything. We'll give £1 for every ticket sold [against Stoke] and if everyone can contribute like we do then I think we can give very, very strong help."

 

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I did not lie about Welbeck's injury - Wenger


Arsene Wenger has denied misleading supporters over the extent of Danny Welbeck's knee injury, and defended his failure to sign another striker.

The French coach has come under fire from supporters after news that the England forward could be out for six months, with supporters already upset with the lack of movement in this summer's transfer market.

But Wenger has hit back, saying that when he spoke during a press conference on August 28 - four days before transfer deadline day - he did not know the extent of Welbeck's injury."Whether we have players injured or not doesn't change the problem," Wenger insisted.

"I am surprised that people accused me of lying when I was in the press conference on Friday morning [before the transfer deadline]; I did not know Welbeck had a bad setback.

The Gunners boss says he was unaware of the extent of Welbeck's injury worries when he spoke to the media and claims the club were unable to find any suitable players to recruit."I did not lie to you. I gave you the information I had.

"I heard late on Friday night that his condition had not evolved as well as we thought it was and he had needed specialist and needed further investigation. Apart from that, if we did not find someone [to sign], we did not find them."

 

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Griezmann: Atletico will keep pressure on Barca

Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann insists his side will not be intimidated by Barcelona's power when the teams meet on Saturday at the Vicente Calderon.

The French international, who was named as the club's player of the month for August, scored on the opening day of the season to help Atleti take six points from their opening two matches in La Liga.

And ahead the match with the European and Spanish champions, Griezmann says the team understand the significance of the fixture.

"It's a big game for us, for the people who will be watching on television, for people who will be at the stadium and we will give everything and try to win," he told the club's official website.

"Barcelona always have possession and we will try to press up, be strong at the back and then try to score."

Griezmann believes a good build-up to the current campaign has aided the team in finding immediate rhythm and says he will continue to put the team's achievements above his own.

"We had a very good pre-season and that helps us play well. Each time we're getting used to each other a bit more and everything seems easier on the pitch," the 24-year-old added.

"I will continue to work as I have done and always serve the collective of the group."

 

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Lacazette will soon find form for Lyon - Fournier

Lyon coach Hubert Fournier is backing Alexandre Lacazette to come through an early-season slump and rediscover his top form.

France striker Lacazette won the Ligue 1 Player of the Year award last season after scoring an impressive 27 league goals, form that saw him linked with a move to the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal during the transfer window.

However, he has failed to hit the target in his first three matches of this campaign and has been struggling with a back injury that kept him out of the 4-0 win at Caen before the international break.

Fournier admits the striker's form will be pivotal to Lyon's campaign, but believes he will soon start firing goals in.

"If we want to have a good season, our key players, including Alex, will need to step up," Fournier said.

"He's not at 100 per cent yet, but he'll get there with a bit of time.

"I'm not worried about Lacazette or his mental strength. He's a big boy and he's beginning to understand what the demands of high-level football are like."

Lyon return to Ligue 1 action at home to Lille on Saturday.

 

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James set to miss up to four weeks with thigh tear

Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez is set for up to a month on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a torn muscle in his left thigh.

The Colombia international sustained the injury during Tuesday's international friendly against Peru in New Jersey. Tests following his return to Spain revealed the extent of the damage and the 24-year-old could now be out for three to four weeks.

A statement from Madrid read: "Following the tests carried out on James Rodríguez in the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a tear in his left thigh muscle, resulting from a knock he sustained during the match between Colombia and Peru. His condition will be evaluated."
The news completes a miserable day for Madrid on the injury front after it was announced earlier on Thursday that full-back Danilo was set for a month on the sidelines due to a foot injury.

 

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Ibrahimovic and Pastore to miss Bordeaux match

Paris Saint-Germain will be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Javier Pastore for Saturday's Ligue 1 clash with Bordeaux at Parc des Princes.

The defending champions have begun the new season in impressive fashion, winning all four league games and lifting the Trophee des Champions without conceding a goal.

But they will be tested without two of their best players this weekend, with Pastore still returning to fitness after a calf problem and Ibrahimovic rested ahead of their Champions League clash with Malmo.

"Ibra could play tomorrow, but he won't. He won't be in the squad," Blanc revealed."We will give him some more time to get ready for the Champions League game against Malmo. That's one of the advantages of having a substantial squad.

"His injury isn't serious, but it is painful and that means he needs to rest."Pastore will not be with the group tomorrow. He has trained well [over the international break] and he has needed it.

"He had two small injuries around the calf. He needs to work and to complete the sessions he is missing.

 

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Koeman confident Wanyama is fully focused on Saints

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman insists Victor Wanyama has shown a "real focus" since he was denied his wish to leave before the end of the transfer window.

The 24-year-old midfielder, who was lured to St Mary's Stadium by current Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino, was a star performer as Southampton finished seventh in the Premier League last season.

And despite the recent uncertainty over Wanyama's future amid strong reported interest from Spurs, the Dutchman feels the Kenya international is fully committed to the club.

"You like to keep the important players who can make the difference and Victor's back with a real focus," he said.

"I spoke to Victor [on Wednesday] and he was really different than he was in the last week of the window.

"He wanted a move but he has stayed, and he understands the situation and it is possible he will play against West Brom [on Saturday].

"It was a hard fight but I think our statement was very clear to everybody that there was nobody for sale at that time."

While Koeman managed to keep hold of Wanyama, he also snapped up Virgil van Dijk in a deadline-day move from Celtic and the Saints boss is tipping his countryman to make an impact south of the border.

"The player is very proud to be part of Southampton, and he will give the other defenders really good competition," he added.

"Virjil's strength is playing from the back and he’s part of a team now that like to dominate. It's not always possible – but we like to have the ball in our control.

"The Premier League is the next step up, but he has experience of playing in the Champions League, and he is still only 24, so I believe he will develop."

 

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Van Gaal: I cannot understand what Rooney says

Louis van Gaal admits he struggles to understand Wayne Rooney whenever he has a conversation with his Manchester United captain.

Van Gaal hailed the 29-year-old as one of the five best players he’s ever managed during a supporters event on Wednesday night.

But when asked about his English in an interview with a Dutch television station, the United boss admitted Rooney’s accent has caused problems.

"When I speak, I am well articulated,” Van Gaal told RTL4’s 'Linda's Zomerweek’.

“If you put Wayne Rooney here in the seat, and you start talking to him, do you think people can understand Wayne Rooney? You simply can't understand what he says."

 

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Martinez: No problem with Mourinho over Stones saga

Everton boss Roberto Martinez says he will shake the hand of Jose Mourinho at Goodison Park on Saturday, insisting that he has no problem with his Chelsea counterpart's summer pursuit of John Stones.

Martinez previously accused the Portuguese of trying to unsettle Stones, who submitted a transfer request that was promptly turned down by the Merseyside club.

However, Martinez insists that he holds no grudge against Mourinho, explaining that his only issue is the fact that the transfer window is open for an additional fortnight after the start of the Premier League season.

Indeed, when asked if he would shake Mourinho's hand before kick-off, the Spaniard replied: "Of course I will, yes.

"All I am against the window being open once the season has started and clubs being able to put in bids when the competition is on.

"I am not against clubs being interested in our players. I understand [Mourinho’s interest] 100 per cent.

“But you cannot come out and comment about another player of another club because the Premier League rules do not allow you to do it.

"We’re adult enough to understand why it happened – it can put a little bit more pressure.

"It’s not accepted by the Premier League rules but it is something that happens.

"That’s why I think it’s important that when the transfer window is open and you get these kind of situations, it shouldn’t affect the preparation for a game."

Unsurprisingly, much of the build-up to the game in Liverpool has centred on Stones, for whom Chelsea reportedly bid £30 million.

However, Martinez does not believe the media attention will put the 21-year-old centre-half off his game.

"The talk won’t affect him," the former Wigan boss added. "John has been performing at a very good level and gone from strength to strength in a period of high pressure.

"He’s taken the support of us all and performed with great composure and maturity.

"Then, you see how he performs for England in such a natural manner and that’s a sign of the player we have."

 

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I'm scared of Van Gaal's 'bulldog face', admits Rojo

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo admits he’s scared of Louis van Gaal’s “bulldog face”.

Van Gaal is known for his regimented training methods and style of play, while reports earlier this week have claimed that United’s senior players have spoken to the Dutchman about the strict regime currently in place at Old Trafford.

Rojo, who is yet to appear for United this season having failed to show for their pre-season tour of the United States due to passport issues, was asked about Van Gaal’s style of management during the international break with Argentina.

"He has a really strong personality, but he is a great person. He has a bulldog face, but he is great guy. He's scary at first, but when you get to know him and relate to him on daily basis, you get along. But only if you listen to him,” the 25-year-old told Fox Sports Argentina.

"He listens to us, and even speaks a little bit of Spanish, so he always takes me to his office for a pep talk.”

Rojo used the term ‘cara de perro’ to describe Van Gaal, a phrase used in Argentina for someone who rarely smiles and is usually frowning.

Former United striker Diego Forlan had claimed that Van Gaal "has never been a fan of South American players" but Rojo insists he has never been badly treated by the Dutchman.

"The fact that he holds a bad relationship with South American player is just a feeling," said the defender.

"I've been there with [Antonio] Valencia, [Radamel] Falcao, Angel [Di Maria] and he treated us all the same, he never treated us differently.

"Maybe because of his [poor] relationship with Roman [Riquelme] or with Angel leaving, some poeple got the wrong idea, but he treats us all the same. He is a great person and makes no differences between Europeans and South Americans."

 

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Van Gaal: I cannot understand what Rooney says

Louis van Gaal admits he struggles to understand Wayne Rooney whenever he has a conversation with his Manchester United captain.

Van Gaal hailed the 29-year-old as one of the five best players he’s ever managed during a supporters event on Wednesday night.

But when asked about his English in an interview with a Dutch television station, the United boss admitted Rooney’s accent has caused problems.

"When I speak, I am well articulated,” Van Gaal told RTL4’s 'Linda's Zomerweek’.

“If you put Wayne Rooney here in the seat, and you start talking to him, do you think people can understand Wayne Rooney? You simply can't understand what he says."

I'm scared of Van Gaal's 'bulldog face', admits Rojo

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo admits he’s scared of Louis van Gaal’s “bulldog face”.

Van Gaal is known for his regimented training methods and style of play, while reports earlier this week have claimed that United’s senior players have spoken to the Dutchman about the strict regime currently in place at Old Trafford.

Rojo, who is yet to appear for United this season having failed to show for their pre-season tour of the United States due to passport issues, was asked about Van Gaal’s style of management during the international break with Argentina.

"He has a really strong personality, but he is a great person. He has a bulldog face, but he is great guy. He's scary at first, but when you get to know him and relate to him on daily basis, you get along. But only if you listen to him,” the 25-year-old told Fox Sports Argentina.

"He listens to us, and even speaks a little bit of Spanish, so he always takes me to his office for a pep talk.”

Rojo used the term ‘cara de perro’ to describe Van Gaal, a phrase used in Argentina for someone who rarely smiles and is usually frowning.

Former United striker Diego Forlan had claimed that Van Gaal "has never been a fan of South American players" but Rojo insists he has never been badly treated by the Dutchman.

"The fact that he holds a bad relationship with South American player is just a feeling," said the defender.

"I've been there with [Antonio] Valencia, [Radamel] Falcao, Angel [Di Maria] and he treated us all the same, he never treated us differently.

"Maybe because of his [poor] relationship with Roman [Riquelme] or with Angel leaving, some poeple got the wrong idea, but he treats us all the same. He is a great person and makes no differences between Europeans and South Americans."

patta aathal Van Gaal denne