..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi: Ronaldo is a worthy Ballon d'Or winner

Lionel Messi says Cristiano Ronaldo is a worthy winner of the 2013 Fifa Ballon d'Or after he finished runner-up to the Portugal star at Monday's gala in Zurich.

Ronaldo clinched the award for the second time in his career after a stellar 12 months for club and country in which he scored 69 goals in just 59 appearances, beating Messi and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery into second and third respectively.

Messi, who has won the previous four Ballons d'Or, admits he is disappointed to have missed out on a fifth-consecutive prize but maintains the injury problems which affected his chances this year should not detract from Ronaldo's achievement.

"He had a great year, so there is nothing else to say. It was a good year for the three of us and that's why the three of us were there. Whoever won it would have been a worthy winner," Messi told reporters in Zurich.

"I don't know if it would have been different if I hadn't been injured, but I was out for a long time. It meant I wasn't in the best shape at the end of the Champions League and meant I started the season injured. I was a long time out, but that has nothing to do with it. Cristiano had a great year and he won it on merit.

"Let's hope I will be back next year and the club is represented again, just like this year with the four players in the FIFPro XI.

"I wanted to win it, of course, I always like to win, but as I say I have no complaints; Cristiano is a worthy winner, he deserves it."

When asked if winning the previous four made missing out on the 2013 prize more of a blow, Messi added: "No, I wanted to win it – that doesn't make any difference."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: I deserved the Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo claims he is the worthy winner of the Fifa Ballon d'Or after being crowned as the world's best player for 2013 in Zurich on Monday.

The Real Madrid star edged out Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery to collect the award for the second time, five years after his first win when playing for Manchester United.

And he was quick to state that the best man won when speaking to the press afterwards.

"If people gave the award to me, it is probably true that I deserve it. Messi or Ribery deserved the Ballon d'Or too, but I won it. I feel really happy to win the Ballon d'Or and I share this award with Real Madrid," he said.

The 28-year-old went on to explain why he burst into tears upon receiving the award at the Kongresshaus in front of a star-studded audience.

"I saw my mother, and she was crying. I tried to control myself but I cried too," he explained. "My first Ballon d'Or was huge, but this one is more about emotion because I was in front of my mother and my child.

"Ribery is an outstanding player and he deserved to win, as did Messi as well, but I won it."

Ronaldo's win ends a four-year monopoly for Messi since the Portuguese star's previous win in 2008.

 

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Official: AC Milan fire Allegri

AC Milan have confirmed the sacking of head coach Massimiliano Allegri with immediate effect in the wake of the Rossoneri's 4-3 loss against Sassuolo on Sunday.

Allegri recently announced that he would leave Milan at the end of the 2013-14 campaign, but the club decided on Monday to relieve him right away following their ongoing struggles this term.

With Allegri out of the Giuseppe Meazza, Milan assistant coach Mauro Tassotti has been handed the caretaker reins and thanked the departed trainer for his efforts at the club.

The Italian giants said in a press release: "AC Milan have dismissed the coach of the first team and his staff, Massimiliano Allegri, with immediate effect.

"AC Milan would like to thank Mr. Allegri and his staff for the work done and we wish them the best professional success. The team is to be provisionally coached by Mauro Tassotti."

Milan currently sit 11th in Serie A with 22 points from 19 games, having won just five games in the first half of the season, and the San Siro side have consequently opted to dismiss Allegri.

The 46-year-old took charge of Milan in the summer of 2010 and immediately guided the Rossoneri to the Serie A title in his first season at the helm.

However, Milan had to settle for second place the following campaign, while they came in only third last term after selling star players Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva to Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the season.

Milan's slide has continued in 2013-14 as they find themselves fighting against relegation rather than challenging for the Champions League spots, eventually leading to Allegri's exit.

The Livorno-born coach previously was in charge of Aglianese, SPAL, Grosseto, Lecco, Sassuolo and Cagliari.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AVB ta chance 1kak set weida?

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd step up Garay talks

Manchester United have stepped up their efforts to sign Benfica star Ezequiel Garay.

The 27-year-old defender, who is valued at €30 million by the Portuguese giants, has been subject to preliminary talks between both clubs in recent days with United keen to continue negotiations this week.

United consider the Argentine as an ideal replacement for Nemanja Vidic, who will almost certainly leave Old Trafford in the coming months alongside Rio Ferdinand.

Vidic, who earns £110k-a-week at Old Trafford, is wanted by Galatasaray this summer but could leave in the January transfer window if United can secure a deal for the Benfica star.

Garay has not been considered a top target for Moyes this term but the United manager has been forced to widen his transfer search ahead of the January window, with the Scot’s ideal shortlist cup-tied in the Champions League and unavailable.

Moyes recognises that his defence needs a significant overhaul, with Vidic, Ferdinand and Patrice Evra all likely to move on from the Premier League champions come the end of the season.

The former Everton boss was spotted scouting Cagliari defender Davide Astori and Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio on Sunday, while coach Phil Neville visited Spain to cast his eye over Rayo Vallecano's 19-year-old defender Saul Niguez, on loan from Atletico Madrid.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd players, not Moyes, to blame for poor form - Rafael

Rafael says Manchester United’s players must take the blame for their poor form this season and not manager David Moyes.

The reigning Premier League champions are currently seventh in the Premier League, 10 points behind leaders Manchester City, having lost six times already this season.

Manager Moyes has come in for criticism for United’s struggles but the Brazilian says the Scot should not be blamed for the champions’ poor defence of their title.
“I don’t know why everyone is looking at the manager,” he was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

“It’s the players who have to do the job on the pitch.“We’ve spoken about it a lot. We have to show our quality. People are saying United don’t have a good squad. We have to show that is not true.

"We have to be consistent. We have been up and down a lot. To win a title or to get in the top four we have to play every game like we did in this one.

“To have three losses in a row - and two of them at Old Trafford - is not normal.”
Rafael also launched a staunch defence of his new manager and insisted he had instilled a strong mentality within the squad.“We are together. We knew there would be a change. The manager had just left after 27 years. It was always going to be hard,” he added.

“We have to take the mentality David Moyes has given us and use it on the pitch. It’s quite a big difference. David Moyes has a strong mentality."He is doing his own job. We have to use that in a positive way.

“We are the ones who have to take the responsibility, like we did in the second half against Swansea.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rafa Kiyanadeth atthak thiyanawaPlayerslage performance unath anthimaimeh season 1ke danata Mid playerslagen hodata perform karala thiyenne Januzaj witharaiNani,Young,Cleverly,Anderson,Fellaini okkomala fail

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea on brink of €25m Matic move

Chelsea are on the brink of re-signing Nemanja Matic from Benfica in a deal worth €25 million.

Talks will be held in Lisbon on Monday in an attempt to finalise the Serbia international's transfer back to London.

Chelsea are believed to have made a bid of €23m rising to €25m in add-ons for Matic, 25.

The midfielder first moved to Stamford Bridge in 2009 for less than €2m and was then sold to Benfica two years later as a makeweight in the deal that brought David Luiz to the club.

It represents a huge mark-up for the west Londoners but manager Jose Mourinho regards Matic as the type of midfield anchorman the team has been lacking for several years.

Tall, athletic and comfortable with the ball at his feet, the Serbian will be expected to slot straight into Mourinho's side if the deal can be completed in the coming days.

Chelsea are said to be confident of agreeing a deal with Benfica and imminently announcing Matic as their marquee signing of the January window.

The Europa League champions expect to use the funds from Kevin de Bruyne's sale to Wolfsburg, who on the verge of a €18m move to the Bundesliga.

Mourinho has been keen to buy a proven defensive midfielder since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer and finding a squad overloaded with playmakers and light in the central areas.

With defender Luiz regarded as a last resort in midfield, Frank Lampard out of contract in the summer and Marco van Ginkel sidelined for the season with a cruciate ligament injury, strengthening in that area has been regarded by the Blues as a priority.

 

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Copa Del Rey Fixtures 2014.01.14

Copa Del Rey Fixtures 2014.01.14

Almeria Vs Racing Santander

Atletico Madrid Vs Valancia​

 

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Coppa Italia 2014.01.14 Fixture

Coppa Italia 2014.01.14 Fixture

Lazio Vs Parma​

 

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Moyes Paul Pogba & Vidal wa ganna try karanawa kiyala news 1kak dakka.But wenakam sure naha

 

[rcccc]

Aston Villa 1-2 Arsenal: Gunners survive late barrage to go top

 

[Persius]

Ronaldo: I deserved the Ballon d'Or

Cristiano Ronaldo claims he is the worthy winner of the Fifa Ballon d'Or after being crowned as the world's best player for 2013 in Zurich on Monday.

The Real Madrid star edged out Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery to collect the award for the second time, five years after his first win when playing for Manchester United.

And he was quick to state that the best man won when speaking to the press afterwards.

"If people gave the award to me, it is probably true that I deserve it. Messi or Ribery deserved the Ballon d'Or too, but I won it. I feel really happy to win the Ballon d'Or and I share this award with Real Madrid," he said.

The 28-year-old went on to explain why he burst into tears upon receiving the award at the Kongresshaus in front of a star-studded audience.

"I saw my mother, and she was crying. I tried to control myself but I cried too," he explained. "My first Ballon d'Or was huge, but this one is more about emotion because I was in front of my mother and my child.

"Ribery is an outstanding player and he deserved to win, as did Messi as well, but I won it."

Ronaldo's win ends a four-year monopoly for Messi since the Portuguese star's previous win in 2008.

congrats . Whether I am a Barcelona fan I can say that u deserverd it . But if messi was fit , Ronaldo wouldb't have reached this for sure\ Any way wannna have a tough games against barcelona

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nemanja Matic confirms he is leaving Benfica for Chelsea

The 25-year-old spent two years with Chelsea before leaving in 2011 in the deal which brought David Luiz from Benfica.Matic has since emerged as one of the top midfielders in Europe and now he is in line for a move back to Stamford Bridge.

Reports in Portugal claim that Chelsea will pay around £25million for the Serb, and also send winger Gael Kakuta to the Estadio da Luz on loan.Matic has now confirmed that the weekend win over Porto was his last game and told A Bola: "The game against FC Porto was my last game for Benfica.

"I want to thank everyone at the club and all the fans. Benfica will forever be in my heart."I played here for two-and-a-half years, gave my best at every training session, and now it is the right moment to leave."I want to improve, I want to play in a better league and I want to go to Chelsea, a club I also love.

"I would also like to thank Benfica's president, he did everything he could to keep me, but I wanted to leave."I insisted on leaving because I think this is the right moment."

 

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Matic ayeth Chelsea join wenawa

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo considered Manchester United summer return

World player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he considered returning to Manchester United in the summer.

Ronaldo won the 2013 Ballon d'Or in Zurich on Monday night, the second time he was named best player on the planet after claiming the award back in 2008 as a United player.The 28-year-old left Old Trafford for Real Madrid the following year in a world-record £80m deal but revealed Rio Ferdinand had called him in the off-season to try and convince him to return to Manchester and the Premier League.

"It was true that Rio Ferdinand spoke to me a lot to try and make me come back to United," he said afterwards."Rio is a great friend of mine, we played many years together at Manchester United and we were neighbours when I was there.

"He's a fantastic guy and tried to change my mind to go back to Manchester.
"I did think about United, they are still in my heart. It's a club where I played for six years, I love the club."I have a lot friends there and I wish them the best."

The Portugal captain, who did not win any silverware with Real last year, secured 1,365 points in the Ballon d'Or voting, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi having to settle for second place with 1,205 and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery third on 1,127.

The Real Madrid forward scored a staggering 69 goals in 59 matches during 2013 and helped Portugal secure their place in next year's World Cup finals by scoring all four goals in their 4-2 aggregate play-off victory over Sweden.

After picking up the award, an emotional Ronaldo, who was previously honoured in 2008, said: "I have no words to describe this moment. Thanks to all of my team-mates at Real Madrid and the national team."Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award."Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My partner, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment."

On his rivalry with Messi, the 28-year-old added: "I have a very professional relationship with Messi, he's a player I admire."I'm happy to compete with the best. I'm going to try win things with Madrid and the national team, and I hope to be here again next year and win."

Messi, the only player to win the award on four consecutive occasions, said: "I want to congratulate Cristiano because he was the winner and deservedly so.
"I think it was a good year for the three of us and that's why we were there. I have nothing to complain about or make any excuses."Meanwhile, Sky Sports' Spanish expert Guillem Balague says changing image perceptions may have helped Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or for the second time ahead of Messi.

Balague said: "Runner-up to the little Argentinian for three out of the last four years, Ronaldo's greatness as a superstar player has never been in question. But in these days of high profile image requirements that go beyond just the game, CR7 always seemed to find himself unfairly cast as the villain to the hero that has been the squeaky clean Messi."Now the balance of the public's perceptions looks to be changing. It feels like the world has gone a bit tired of the same face at the top of the chain.

"Franck Ribery said on Sunday that no matter who won, Messi should be considered the best player in the world and not many will argue with that, but it feels like everything has been allowed to tarnish the image of Messi in the last few months."The media picture of villain and heroes is finally disappearing - they should both be considered heroes.

"What is certain however is that Ronaldo seems to have been working on the building of a more user-friendly, less arrogant image than that of the pouting, strutting diva he has been perceived as by so many."Ronaldo, Messi and Ribery were also included in the FIFPRO team of the year, which was dominated by Real, Barcelona and Bayern, and also featured two players from Paris St Germain.

There were five British players in the running for selection, but no-one made the final XI.Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, Everton left-back Leighton Baines and Gareth Bale, who is now at Real Madrid, had all been nominated.

FIFPRO team of the Year: Manuel Neuer (B Munich); Phillip Lahm (B Munich), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG), Dani Alves (Barcelona); Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich); Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

 

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"I did think about United, they are still in my heart. It's a club where I played for six years, I love the club."I have a lot friends there and I wish them the best."

 

[unicornx]

Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo considered Manchester United summer return

World player of the year Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he considered returning to Manchester United in the summer.

Ronaldo won the 2013 Ballon d'Or in Zurich on Monday night, the second time he was named best player on the planet after claiming the award back in 2008 as a United player.The 28-year-old left Old Trafford for Real Madrid the following year in a world-record £80m deal but revealed Rio Ferdinand had called him in the off-season to try and convince him to return to Manchester and the Premier League.

"It was true that Rio Ferdinand spoke to me a lot to try and make me come back to United," he said afterwards."Rio is a great friend of mine, we played many years together at Manchester United and we were neighbours when I was there.

"He's a fantastic guy and tried to change my mind to go back to Manchester.
"I did think about United, they are still in my heart. It's a club where I played for six years, I love the club."I have a lot friends there and I wish them the best."

The Portugal captain, who did not win any silverware with Real last year, secured 1,365 points in the Ballon d'Or voting, with Barcelona's Lionel Messi having to settle for second place with 1,205 and Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery third on 1,127.

The Real Madrid forward scored a staggering 69 goals in 59 matches during 2013 and helped Portugal secure their place in next year's World Cup finals by scoring all four goals in their 4-2 aggregate play-off victory over Sweden.

After picking up the award, an emotional Ronaldo, who was previously honoured in 2008, said: "I have no words to describe this moment. Thanks to all of my team-mates at Real Madrid and the national team."Without all of their efforts this would not have been possible. I am very happy, it is very difficult to win this award."Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My partner, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment."

On his rivalry with Messi, the 28-year-old added: "I have a very professional relationship with Messi, he's a player I admire."I'm happy to compete with the best. I'm going to try win things with Madrid and the national team, and I hope to be here again next year and win."

Messi, the only player to win the award on four consecutive occasions, said: "I want to congratulate Cristiano because he was the winner and deservedly so.
"I think it was a good year for the three of us and that's why we were there. I have nothing to complain about or make any excuses."Meanwhile, Sky Sports' Spanish expert Guillem Balague says changing image perceptions may have helped Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or for the second time ahead of Messi.

Balague said: "Runner-up to the little Argentinian for three out of the last four years, Ronaldo's greatness as a superstar player has never been in question. But in these days of high profile image requirements that go beyond just the game, CR7 always seemed to find himself unfairly cast as the villain to the hero that has been the squeaky clean Messi."Now the balance of the public's perceptions looks to be changing. It feels like the world has gone a bit tired of the same face at the top of the chain.

"Franck Ribery said on Sunday that no matter who won, Messi should be considered the best player in the world and not many will argue with that, but it feels like everything has been allowed to tarnish the image of Messi in the last few months."The media picture of villain and heroes is finally disappearing - they should both be considered heroes.

"What is certain however is that Ronaldo seems to have been working on the building of a more user-friendly, less arrogant image than that of the pouting, strutting diva he has been perceived as by so many."Ronaldo, Messi and Ribery were also included in the FIFPRO team of the year, which was dominated by Real, Barcelona and Bayern, and also featured two players from Paris St Germain.

There were five British players in the running for selection, but no-one made the final XI.Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, Chelsea defender Ashley Cole, Everton left-back Leighton Baines and Gareth Bale, who is now at Real Madrid, had all been nominated.

FIFPRO team of the Year: Manuel Neuer (B Munich); Phillip Lahm (B Munich), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Thiago Silva (PSG), Dani Alves (Barcelona); Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich); Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (PSG), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Madrid should allow him. Saf created him Madrid developed him and now he simply unstoppable

 

[Persius]

Madrid should allow him. Saf created him Madrid developed him and now he simply unstoppable

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid 2-0 Valencia (agg 3-1): Godin & Garcia deliver for Simeone's men

Atletico Madrid secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey with a 2-0 victory over Valencia.

A header from Diego Godin shortly after half-time gave Diego Simeone's men the lead, which on the balance of play was just about deserved.

Raul Garcia then sealed a 3-1 aggregate triumph when he flicked in following more suspect defending from the visitors, whose night was summed up when Dani Parejo was sent off for a second yellow at the end.

The exertion of Saturday's night clash against Barcelona had seemingly taken its toll on Atletico, who initially looked devoid of any imagination, energy and creativity in an insipid first-half display.

However, Valencia, who made seven changes to the side that lost 2-1 to Celta Vigo, were just as lacklustre, and needed to score on the night if they harboured ambitions of reaching the quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw at Mestalla in the first leg.

Both sides were reduced to speculative efforts from long range to begin with in a match that rarely threatened to spring into life.

Diego Costa came closest for the hosts in the opening 45 minutes, showing good close control before lashing a shot towards the target which was deflected out for a corner.

Thibaut Courtois was rarely tested but Valencia's Juan Bernat brought a comfortable save out of the Atletico goalkeeper to bring an end to a disappointing first half.

Atletico grabbed the elusive opener shortly after the break, as Godin nodded in at the back post from a teasing Gabi corner.

Valencia complained that the set-piece should not have been given in the first place but the Atleti defender took full advantage of some dismal defending to score.

Atletico nearly doubled their lead a few minutes later as Jose Sosa played in an early ball into the path of Garcia, who hit a swerving shot that cannoned off the post.

The hosts weathered some second-half pressure from los Che but Garcia was not to be denied as late on he scored the clincher, flicking on at the near post beyond the helpless Guaita in the Valencia goal to seal a place in the last eight.