..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Balotelli: I'm happy at AC Milan

Mario Balotelli has dismissed reports that he is unsettled at AC Milan, insisting that he is not thinking about leaving San Siro.

After a blistering start to his Rossoneri career, the goals have dried up for the Italy international of late and he has cut an increasingly forlorn figure in recent weeks.

However, Balotelli, who has gone a total of seven games at club and international level without netting, has rubbished rumours that he wants to quit struggling Milan and that he could move on as soon as January.

"I think only of the near future, not that far away," the striker told Sky Sport Italia. "I think of playing the next games and doing well.

"For now, I'm happy at Milan. I don't want to think about either January or May."

Balotelli admitted, though, that he does struggle with the fact that his every move is scrutinised by the Italian press.

"I'm a good guy, like everyone else, but I'm in a situation that doesn't allow me to be normal," the 23-year-old attacker lamented.

"In my environment, I'm not allowed to do the things that guys my age do. You must be a man and you can never make mistakes.

"But my character's fine like this. I'm a quiet type. I'm no longer the way I was some years ago. I don't need to change anything about the way I do things."

He also insisted that he is not in the least bit concerned about his current problems in front of goal, arguing that he is still contributing to the Milan cause.

"I've not scored in four or five games, but I've done better than in some of the more recent games in which I've scored," he claimed. "Anyway, the goals will come."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kaka: Defensive midfield role just a trial

Kaka insists that he remains very much a trequartista - even though the AC Milan ace tried his hand at a defensive midfield role during the international break.

The 31-year-old was stationed just in front of the back four for Friday's practice match against Young Boys but he explained that the change of position was made primarily out of necessity, given the Rossoneri had so many players away representing their respective nations in friendlies and World Cup qualifiers.

"I spoke with the coach [Massimiliano Allegri] before the game in order to try this situation, given all of the absentees," Kaka told reporters.

"It was only a trial. I don't want to play in that position, just like the coach and the club don't want me there either. I'm a trequartista who plays behind the forwards."

Kaka was initially hampered by injuries following his summer switch from Real Madrid but the attacking midfielder has looked more like his old self in recent weeks, and he says there is still a lot more to come.

"With every game that passes, I feel more ready," the Brazilian enthused. "I'm taking the situation in hand, thanks to my team-mates.

"These have been two important weeks off, but on Saturday we must return to winning ways. The next games will be essential for the championship and the Champions League."

The struggling Rossoneri host Serie A rivals Genoa on Saturday before tackling Celtic in a crucial European tie in Glasgow three days later.

 

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Villa: Atletico should aim to challenge Barcelona & Madrid

Atletico Madrid star David Villa has urged his team-mates to be ambitious as they continue to impress in La Liga this season, claiming they must not run away from the challenge of trying to mix it with Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Diego Simeone’s men have made a superb start to the new campaign, sitting second in the Primera Division after 13 games, as well making it through to the knockout stages of the Champions League as winners of Group G.

Villa insists Atletico should not try to play down their chances of competing for trophies at the highest level or have any doubts that they belong at the top - despite fierce domestic competition.

“On paper and looking at the difference in resources it is complicated to fight against Barcelona and Real Madrid but in the league so far we have shown that we can,” the 31-year-old said to Marca.

“We do know the league is not won in November or December - you win it in May. Hopefully, we can get to the last five or six games of the season still in with a chance to fight for it.

"We will not put in the excuse that we do not have the same resources; we will fight.”

Barca midfielder Cesc Fabregas was recently quoted as saying Atletico are a side capable of winning the Champions League and Villa believes that receiving such praise proves they are performing to an increasingly high level.

The former Blaugrana forward said: “It is good to hear people say that; it is the best compliment we can get. Let people see us as favourites for the league or the Champions League.

“It is a good thing but what we must not do is deviate from what we are doing, because we are only getting these compliments as a result of doing things the right way. “

Villa won the Champions League with Barca in 2011 and admits playing in the competition is something he has always found special.

He continued: “The Champions League is a different competition, right from the hymn before the match, the environment ...

“If you win the Champions League for the first time then the club gets a star on its shirt and that is forever.

"You can get to two, 10 or 12 after that but when you win Champions League for the first time you have entered another level.

“Hopefully, we can enjoy playing in this competition for a long time, until the end if possible."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Isco happy at Real Madrid

Isco insists that he is loving life at Real Madrid, claiming that there is no better place in the world for a young player to develop.

The Spain international arrived in the Spanish capital from Malaga for a reported €30 million during the summer and made a blistering start to his Blancos career, netting five goals in his first six competitive outings.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has failed to score since, and has been used sparingly by coach Carlo Ancelotti in recent weeks, but Isco says that things have already gone much better than he expected.

"I have not been a professional too long," he explained to Uefa's official magazine, "so I would say that the biggest challenge of my career so far has just been coming to Real Madrid because I was a part of a smaller club like Malaga.

"So, to go to the world's biggest club is a really big challenge and I did not expect it to be so good.

"I arrived and started playing very well in the league right away, scoring goals, providing assists and helping the team.

"I just hope to continue like this. I'm very happy with everything that has happened, but I do not want it to end here.

"I want to keep winning titles and do that with Real Madrid. I want to keep growing, keep moving towards being one of the best in the world, and there is no better place to grow than Real Madrid."

Isco also revealed that he is benefiting enormously from just training alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and under Blancos assistant coach Zinedine Zidane.

"Cristiano is the best player in the world and he helps you in every session," he enthused.

"Zidane is a Real Madrid legend. He teaches us things in every training session - even just by playing with us.

"With the kind of class he always showed, he was always a player I admired."

Isco will be hoping to feature when Madrid resume their Liga campaign against Almeria on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Agent: Gomis nearing Premier League switch

Bafetimbi Gomis' agent has revealed that the in-demand Olympique Lyonnais striker is set to move to the Premier League next summer.

The 28-year-old France international, who was frequently linked with Newcastle United over the summer, has spent the last four years at the Stade de Gerland but admitted last month that he will most likely leave when his contract with the Ligue 1 outfit expires at the end of the season.

Gomis appeared set to move to the Italian capital but his agent, Francesco Di Frisco, has claimed the English top flight is a more likely destination, claiming that he has already been approached by several Premier League clubs.

"I've recently been talking to both (Roma sporting director Walter) Sabatini and (Lazio sporting director Igli) Tare and they told me Bafe is not among the main names that they are keeping tabls on," the representative told Tuttomercatoweb.

"He's instead close to moving to the Premier League; we are in talks with several clubs. His €2.5 million annual wage give a big advantage to English clubs."

Gomis has made 11 appearances in all competitions for Lyon so far this season, scoring three goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi: I will come back stronger

Barcelona's Lionel Messi picked up his third Golden Shoe award in the Catalan capital on Wednesday and promised to come back even stronger in 2014 following his injury problems this year.

Messi was handed the prize after finishing as the highest league scorer in all of Europe in 2012-13, but admitted his priority now is to get fit for action and return to his very best.

"My aim is to come back even stronger," the Argentine attacker told a packed audience at the old Damm brewery in Barcelona. "I am working hard to strengthen my body and I hope to be free from injury when I return."

The 26-year-old has suffered four muscle injuries this year and is now sidelined with a hamstring problem which is set to keep him out until early next year.

"I haven't put any date on my return," he explained. "It depends on how things go and when the time is right, I will come back."

Messi scored 46 league goals last season to claim his latest individual prize, and added: "It's a very special prize and recognition for what the team have been doing over the last few years - I dedicate it to the people I love.

"[But] the Golden Shoe wasn't my priority when I was in good shape and is even less so now. My focus is on returning [from injury]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona confirm Valdes out until 2014

Barcelona have confirmed that goalkeeper Victor Valdes will be out of action until 2014 after suffering a ruptured calf muscle in Spain's 1-0 defeat to South Africa.

The 31-year-old replaced Iker Casillas at half-time on Tuesday but pulled up with the injury just 25 minutes later, with Pepe Reina taking his place in goal.

Spain's medical team feared he would be out of action for four weeks after completing an initial examination of the keeper, but a scan on Wednesday has revealed his absence is likely to be significantly longer.

A statement on Barcelona's website said: "The tests conducted today confirm that the player has a myotendinous rupture near the medial gastrocnemius of the right leg. Recovery is around six weeks."

Valdes has made 19 appearances for the Blaugrana so far this season, with his injury certain to ramp up the club's search for his permanent successor, as he prepares to leave Camp Nou when his contract expires at the end of the season.

He will miss Champions League clashes with Ajax and Celtic during his lay-off, as well as Liga games against Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hummels out until January with broken foot

Borussia Dortmund have been rocked by the news they will have to make do without the services of Mats Hummels for the remainder of the year due to a broken foot.

The centre-back picked up the injury in Germany's 1-0 international friendly win over England on Tuesday and underwent a series of tests on Wednesday to determine the extent of the knock.

Dortmund initially hoped that the injury would not be too serious, but the 24-year-old has now been diagnosed with a fractured metatarsal that will keep him out of action until halfway through January.

Hummels will consequently miss this weekend's Bundesliga match against leaders Bayern Munich as well as the Champions League games at home versus Napoli and away against Olympique de Marseille.

Furthermore, Marcel Schmelzer will be unavailable for three weeks after picking up a calf problem while away on international duty with Germany as well.

The left-back will definitely miss the matches versus Bayern and Napoli, but could be match fit again in time for the clash with Marseille on December 11.

Dortmund were already without the injured Ilkay Gundogan and Neven Subotic for this weekend's match at Signal Iduna Park.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon for Valdes & Hummels!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fifa extends Ballon d'Or voting deadline

Fifa has opted to extend the voting period for the Ballon d'Or awards following a low number of responses from designated representatives.

The original deadline passed on Friday, but voters now have until November 29 to make their choice, with the prize to be presented in Zurich on January 13.

As part of Fifa's decision, those who have already voted are able to change their mind.

"Due to a low number of responses from coaches and captains of the national teams as well as media representatives and in order to ensure a representative number of votes Fifa and France Football have extended the deadline for the voting until 29 November 2013," a Fifa spokesperson confirmed.

"Member Associations and media representatives who had been invited to vote on the above mentioned awards have been informed accordingly.

"Votes which had already been submitted can be changed until November 29."

The news comes after Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the favourites for the award, registered a stunning hat-trick against Sweden on Tuesday night to confirm his country's qualification for the 2014 World Cup.

Lionel Messi, the winner of the Ballon d'Or for the last four years, is currently sidelined by a hamstring injury.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski better than Mandzukic, says Beckenbauer

Bayern Munich icon Franz Beckenbauer feels Robert Lewandowski is an even better attacker than Mario Mandzukic and would welcome the Borussia Dortmund man with open arms at the Allianz Arena.

Lewandowski is set to leave BVB on a Bosman move when his contract expires at the end of the season, with Bayern widely touted as the Poland international's ideal destination.

Although Mandzukic has proven a vital player for the European champions since his move to the club in 2012, Beckenbauer believes Lewandowski would prove a significant "upgrade" on the Croatia international.

"Regardless of how good Mandzukic is, Lewandowski will still be an upgrade," Beckenbauer was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"He is perhaps even stronger on the ball and his movement is even better.

"It would be great if he were to play for Bayern soon."

Lewandowski, 25, is currently leading the Bundesliga goalscoring charts with nine goals from 12 appearances and will be looking to add to his tally at the weekend when Dortmund host Bayern.

Mandzukic, meanwhile, sits second in the charts with eight goals from 12 games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aguero: I need to keep scoring for Manchester City to challenge

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero admits the pressure is on for him to continue his fine form.

The Argentine has plundered eight goals so far in the Premier League, with Manuel Pellegrini's men sitting eighth in the table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.

Needing to close the gap on the top four places and, ultimately, the title, Aguero believes any drop in his own form would prompt "problems" for City.

"I'm playing well," he told reporters. "I've had a good start to the season.

"Now I have to keep it up and play all the matches like that, so that people keep saying good things - otherwise we've got problems.

"I think the majority of my goals have helped the team get three points and that's very important."

City's early-season form has been tempered by four away defeats and Aguero is well aware that the expensively assembled squad must shape up if they are to reach their potential.

"We have the squad to win the league and we need to be consistent," the forward remarked.

"We must try to stop making mistakes away from home because, at the end of the season, it could make all the difference."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund the biggest losers from Germany's win over England

England may have ended up 1-0 losers in their clash with Germany, but there is little doubting that Borussia Dortmund paid a far greater price during the Wembley clash.

Much of the pre-match talk had been dominated by Joachim Low's so-called favouritism towards Bayern Munich players: Philipp Lahm and Manuel Neuer had been sent home ahead of the match, with several BVB stars left to slog it out in the friendly.

Germany acquitted themselves well in London, dominating spells against an experimental Three Lions side, but there was an air of absolute inevitability when first Marcel Schmezler, then Mats Hummels succumbed to injuries.

The gravity of their respective knocks remains to be seen, but it leaves Dortmund in a precarious situation ahead of what club president Reinhard Rauball has described as the most important week of their season.

First, Jurgen Klopp's side clash with Bayern - a win could cement their place as true contenders for the Bundesliga, while a loss could see the Bavarians go seven points clear in the race for the title.

They may have to face last season's treble winners with none of their first-choice back four, with Neven Subotic and Lukas Piszczek both missing with long-term problems.

Just a few days later, they take on Napoli in a do-or-die Champions League fixture. Win at Signal Iduna Park and they will have all but sealed a place in the next round – lose and a return to the knockout phase will be impossible, assuming Arsenal beat Olympique de Marseille, the group's whipping boys.

Low has spoken of "precautionary measures" in withdrawing the duo on Tuesday, but BVB will no doubt be sweating over what will be a critical period of the current season.

Claims of a conspiracy are unfounded. Low wanted to give Hummels, bereft of form at international level, a chance to prove he was worthy of a place in his first XI, while Schmelzer is by far Germany’s best left-back. Indeed, even if the Bayern players who were excused from duty were still in the fold, these two still would have featured.

Two Bayern players, Mario Gotze and Toni Kroos, played 90 minutes – just as many BVB stars did. Fate just did not favour them.

Tuesday was meant to be a good day for Dortmund's injury woes, with Piszczek making his comeback from injury in a friendly against Paderborn, while Ilkay Gundogan gave a reassuring update on his progress from a long-standing back problem, ironically sustained on international duty in August.

BVB have been innocent victims throughout all this - luck has abandoned them over the course of recent months. It would be a terrible pity if their season, which looked so promising just a few weeks ago, were to fizzle out prematurely.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United enter Draxler race

Manchester United have entered the race to sign Schalke starlet Julian Draxler.

Club scouts have watched the 20-year-old five times this season with a view to pursuing a move for him next summer.

United boss David Moyes has been an admirer of Draxler for more than two years and hopes that a deal can be struck with Schalke despite interest also coming from a number of top European clubs.

Arsenal are thought to be monitoring the situation, with Chelsea also considering a bid. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Juventus and Inter have also all been linked to the Gladbeck-born youngster.

Draxler's preferred option is a move to La Liga but he would also entertain the idea of playing for a Premier League giant if he feels that a move is right for him.

Draxler has a €45.5 million release clause in his contract. United would like to try and strike a deal for €35m, but it seems unlikely that Schalke will accept anything less than his buyout price.

The German rejected a pre-contract approach from Chelsea in July and it is thought in Germany that he will look at potential moves following this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Draxler, who signed a new contract at the Veltins Arena in May despite being linked heavily with a switch to Schalke's rivals Dortmund, revealed ahead of Germany's friendly against England at Wembley that he would be open to a future move to the Premier League.

"I like English football. I like the Premier League, of course - it's one of the best leagues in the world," he told the BBC on Tuesday.

"You have big clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea - of course it's a big dream to play for one of them.

"I have my favourite team but, at the moment, I'm at Schalke. I don't want to talk about other clubs."

Draxler came on as a second-half substitute as Germany won 1-0 on Tuesday and impressed United defender Rio Ferdinand, who praised the attacker on Twitter.

"The kid Draxler has got some ... liked what I've seen of him up to now," wrote the centre-back.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Menna gannawanam pattama player kenekTalented & Young!

Wade thiyenne ithin hamadamath wage interest 1kak witharak weida kiyana 1kai​

 

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Weather girl to present forecast naked

A French weather girl is set to present her daily forecast naked after France sealed their spot at next summer's World Cup against the odds.

Broadcaster Doria Tillier promised to strip off if Didier Deschamps' men completed an extraordinary comeback following their 2-0 defeat to Ukraine in the first-leg of their World Cup play-off tie.

Bright spells | Doria Tillier will present her weather forecast naked

And after les Bleus did just that with a 3-0 win on Tuesday night, the Canal+ presenter is now expected to go through with her pledge, much to the delight of her TV bosses, who are expecting an unusually large number of viewers.

Update: Tillier followed through on her promise and, during a segment on Wednesday night's edition of Le Grand Journal, she was shown reading the news while running - at a big distance from the camera - naked around a field.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Promise una wage karannath weiD:habai danatamath promise unade karala kiyalath thiyanawa

 

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Hummels out until January with broken foot

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Weather girl to present forecast naked

 

[unicornx]

Menna gannawanam pattama player kenekTalented & Young!

Wade thiyenne ithin hamadamath wage interest 1kak witharak weida kiyana 1kai​

there is another unsung hero....Stephan Kiesling