..::Football III::..

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Falcao not out of World Cup yet, says surgeon

There is still an outside possibility of Radamel Falcao making it to World Cup 2014, according to the Monaco striker's surgeon.

The Colombian, 27, suffered cruciate ligament damage on Wednesday and his injury means that an appearance in Brazil in the summer looked impossible.

However, though surgeon Jose Carlos Noronha admits that the odds are stacked against the former Atletico Madrid forward, he thinks that Falcao has a slight chance of making the international tournament's finals.

"It will be difficult. There are only five months before the tournament," conceded the doctor in an interview with RMC Sport.

"Ideally we'd have seven or eight months in these cases but we will see how the situation evolves.

"Falcao is a top athlete. He has a good physical condition so we can hope, even if we are aware that time will not play in our favour.

"He will give everything to recover. He has the mindset and the ability to get a good result. He still believes he can make the World Cup, he has not given up."

Colombia have been grouped with Cote d'Ivoire, Greece and Japan in this summer's World Cup.

 

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Mystery club offered more cash for Neymar - Bartomeu

New Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says a mystery club tried to hijack a deal for Neymar at the last minute and likened the transfer to the Catalans' ultimately unsuccessful bid to sign Alfredo Di Stefano in 1953.

Back then, Barca and Madrid both agreed deals for the forward but the Catalans lost out to their biggest rivals after the government ruled the Argentine was to play alternately between the two Spanish giants. Barca declined and the player ended up making history as part of the greatest Blancos team in history.

Some 60 years later, Madrid were also keen on signing Neymar although they were not named directly as the club who attempted to gazump Barcelona as the last minute.

"Some haven't forgiven the player for choosing to come here when he could have earned more money elsewhere," Bartomeu said in his first press conference as Barca president on Friday.

"He was offered better wages and the fee was much higher than what we paid, but the player wanted to come to Barcelona and that's what worked in our favour."

Bartomeu introduced fellow board member Raul Sanllehi, Barca's football director in the management area, to explain the breakdown of the Brazilian's transfer, and the latter revealed that another club had offered an indemnity clause of €60 million, exactly €20m more than what Barca had agreed to pay.

"Neymar's father showed us the documents and another club was offering to pay €60m," Sanllehi said.

Asked if that club was Real Madrid, he replied: "You all know which are the richest clubs in Europe."

A document detailing Madrid's offer of €60m has also been leaked to the press in Spain and appears to confirm what Rosell had said all along, and what even Real supremo Florentino Perez has admitted: that los Blancos fought until the end in an attempt to sign Neymar from under Barca's noses.

"We lost Di Stefano," Bartomeu said. "But we weren't going to lose out on Neymar."

The Spanish high court's investigation into the Brazil international's move to Camp Nou is not the only reason Sandro Rosell stepped down as Barca president, according to Bartomeu, who says the club chiefs had only the Catalans' best interests at heart throughout.

"Neymar is here thanks to Rosell," he added. "Rosell has not just resigned over this issue, there was more than one reason.

"The vice-president Javier Faus and I also signed those contracts. But a complaint does not mean we're guilty of anything. Everything we have done, we have done for the good of the club.

"We have no doubt that everything is correct. No way will we resign. If the judge imputes us, that is difficult, but we won't resign."

 

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'Bayern are a super team' - Gotze

Bayern Munich attacker Mario Gotze has branded the side a "super team" on the back of their 15th win in 17 Bundesliga matches this season on Friday.

The former Borussia Dortmund player started in a false-nine position in Mario Mandzukic's poor-effort-induced absence and scored the opener as the Bavarians became only the second side this season to take anything away from Borussia Park.

Gotze reserved special praise for the coach following Bayern's first competitive match of 2014, which saw them continue their winning ways after finished last year by lifting the Club World Cup in Morocco.

"Guardiola is a super coach, we are a super team," Gotze, 21, told Sky. Every single player feels comfortable and you could see that again today."

Thomas Muller scored the second and final goal of the game midway through and he believes his side were fortunate to keep a clean sheet against Gladbach and hailed Manuel Neuer's goalkeeping heroics.

"We have known that you cannot control Gladbach 90 minutes," the German winger said. "Today we showed good defensive behaviour and Manuel Neuer played well - sometimes you need a bit of luck."

Bayern are back in action on Wednesday against Stuttgart as they look to continue their dominance in the Bundesliga in 2013-14.

 

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Barca: We paid €40m to Neymar's mum and dad

Josep Maria Bartomeu confirmed on Friday that Neymar's parents were given €40 million of the total €57.1m transfer deal in the new Barcelona president's first press conference.

Outgoing president Sandro Rosell resigned from his post on Thursday, just a day after it was announced that a complaint by Barca socio Jordi Cases for misappropriation of funds in the deal would be investigated in the Spanish High Court.

Cases' lawyer, Felipe Izquierdo, then revealed on Thursday that the complaint could be extended to include both Bartomeu and the club's economic vice-president, Javier Faus.

With that in mind, Bartomeu came prepared on Friday for his first meeting with the media and presented a series of documents showing the breakdown of the fee, which finally made official that Neymar's mother and father had got a bumper pay-off.

"I want one thing to be absolutely clear," he told the media at a press conference at Camp Nou. "Neymar's transfer cost €57.1m."

That is the figure quoted by Barcelona from the outset and the club were sticking to their story on Friday. However, a total breakdown of the monies paid out by the Blaugrana showed the Catalans had in fact invested €86.2m in the Brazilian forward, without including wages.

Laughing all the way to the bank | Neymar, his dad (pictured, left) and his mum had huge payments

The €86.2m can be broken down as follows: €57.1m euros for the transfer itself (of which €40m went to the player's parents), €10m as a signing-on fee, €2.7m in commission, €4m in marketing, €2.5m for Neymar's foundation and €9.9m in scouting and collaborative deals with Santos.

"I guarantee we have not lied," Bartomeu said, claiming the other figures were not included in the transfer itself. "Football games are won on the field of play and we have always been highly responsible in the way we have dealt with our contracts. My colleagues have a high level of expertise."

The new Barca chief was asked on a number of occasions why the club had chosen to reveal the figures now and not while former president Rosell remained in charge.

"We had a confidentiality agreement and we were unable to disclose that information until now," he explained.

"It is thanks to Neymar's father, who got in touch with us earlier today, that we have been able to reveal these figures. He called us and allowed us to reveal the information because he thought the club's current situation was unfair."

Barcelona also revealed that Neymar will earn €44m in wages over five years, not including his signing on fee. He will also receive a €2m bonus for finishing in the top three on the Ballon d'Or shortlist, but currently has no agreement to claim any extra money for winning titles with the Catalan club.

 

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Bayern: Mandzukic dropped due to lack of effort

Matthias Sammer says Mario Mandzukic's absence from Bayern Munich's squad was because of his lack of effort in training, not because he is set to leave the club in January.

The Croat, 27, has been linked with the likes of Juventus and Arsenal following Robert Lewandowski signing a deal to leave Borussia Dortmund for the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.

Mandzukic was left out Pep Guardiola's squad for their 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday and Sammer insisted that his poor showing during the winter break - and not an imminent departure due to Lewandowski's arrival in July - is the reason for his absence.

"Mario has not trained hard enough," the Roten's sporting director told Sky. "The coach decided not to put him in the squad.

"He is precious to us, because he works like an animal. But he has not been doing it this time, so his absence is the consequence.

"It has nothing to do with Lewandowski. He is absolutely not leaving in January."

Bayern are back in action against Stuttgart on January 29 and all eyes will be on whether Mandzukic is in the squad as the January transfer deadline days lingers 48 hours later.

 

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Essien: I'm joining Milan for Seedorf

Michael Essien has revealed that it was new AC Milan boss Clarence Seedorf who convinced him to leave Chelsea this month.

The Rossoneri confirmed on Friday that the Stamford Bridge stalwart was set to join the club on a free transfer, having spent most of the Premier League season benched under Jose Mourinho.

Essien expressed his excitement about playing under Seedorf with the likes of Mario Balotelli and Kaka and thanked the Chelsea hierarchy for letting him join the San Siro side

"I can't wait to play for Milan," the Ghana international, 31, told reporters after landing in Italy on Friday. "Kaka and Balotelli are great players.

"I joined Milan because of Seedorf. I spoke with him two days ago. Seedorf is a great man and I hope that he will also become a great manager.

"I'm happy to be at Milan. They're a great club. l will do my best for them.

"I want to thank [Chelsea chairman] Roman Abramovich, the squad and Mourinho, who gave me the chance to join Milan."

Chelsea confirmed on Friday night that they had reached a deal for the former Lyon man's transfer.

"Chelsea Football Club and AC Milan have reached an agreement for the transfer of Michael Essien to the Serie A side," read a club statement.

"Essien has travelled to Italy and the completion of the move is subject to him agreeing personal terms with Milan and passing a medical examination."

Essien will be the latest expense-free arrival at Milan in the January window on the back of Keisuke Honda's free transfer from CSKA Moscow and Adil Rami's loan move from Valencia.

The Ghanaian is eligible to compete in the Champions League for Seedorf's men - who face Atletico Madrid in the last 16 - as he did not feature for Chelsea earlier in the campaign.

 

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Manchester United agree fee with Chelsea for Mata

Manchester United have agreed a club-record £37 million fee with Chelsea for Juan Mata.

The Premier League champions confirmed on Friday evening that the deal is now subject to the midfielder completing a medical and agreeing personal terms.

The Spaniard was expected to arrive at Carrington by helicopter on Thursday in order to complete his medical but Chelsea's negotiations with Basel over Mohamed Salah stalled United's plans.

In order for Mata to make his debut against Cardiff City on Tuesday evening, United must register Mata by Monday lunchtime.

Jose Mourinho revealed on Friday afternoon that Mata was close to a move to Old Trafford and claimed the midfielder was keen to leave Stamford Bridge.

"I asked him when the offer came: 'Are you really happy to go?' He said: 'I'm really happy to go'," said the Chelsea manager.

"He is a fantastic player. In spite of not playing much for us, I still think he could be important for us. It's a good move for Juan, it's good for the Premier League and the offer is the right offer."

Mata has struggled to secure a regular first-team place since Mourinho's return to Stamford Bridge, making just 18 appearances for Chelsea this season.

 

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'Lewandowski will replace Mandzukic' - Beckenbauer

Robert Lewandowski will be an instant success at Bayern Munich next season at the expense of Mario Mandzukic, insists club legend Franz Beckenbauer.

The Poland international has already signed a deal with the Bundesliga champions and will move to the Allianz Arena from Borussia Dortmund on a free transfer this summer.

And Beckenbauer, an honorary president for the Bavarians, believes Lewandowski will play a starring role at for Pep Guardiola's side, suggesting he is a better fit than Mandzukic.

When asked by 11 Freunde magazine if Lewandowski will make the Croat "pack his bags", the Germany icon replied: "Yes. I assume that Lewandowski will be an immediate hit.

"His style fits Guardiola's tactics better than a pure box striker like Mandzukic. Plus, Pep could also put Thomas Muller or Mario Gotze up front."

Beckenbauer also reflected on the superiority that Bayern have shown in the last 18 months and believes it will continue for many seasons to come if they can keep adding world-class players to their squad.

"They are very hard to beat, no doubt about it," the 68-year-old mused. "Especially if they keep reinforcing like they do. And they will.

"Pep Guardiola is the perfect coach and Matthias Sammer wakes them up if they're too relaxed. There is enough competition within the squad so they can be successful in all competitions. I do not see why that should change in the coming years."

Bayern return to Bundesliga action on Friday away to third-placed Borussia Monchengladbach.

 

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Fabregas: I feel important under Martino

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes he plays a more important role in the side under Gerardo Martino.

Fabregas, who rejoined Barca from Arsenal in 2011, has been a regular under Martino and scored 11 goals this season, only three shy of his total for the entire 2012-13 campaign.

The Spain international has been quick to credit Barca's coach for his form this campaign."Martino has given me confidence," Fabregas told EFE. "He has always believed in me and knows what type of player I am.

"He doesn't ask me to do things he knows I can't and is always trying to exploit my strengths."Of the last 16 games, I've played 15. That's very good for me because I'm not playing in every other game. I'm playing for 80 or 90 minutes every time and I feel more important to the team.

"I feel like my team-mates have more trust in me now. Physically too, I feel stronger."

 

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Monaco reach €50m tax agreement with LFP

Monaco have reached an agreement with the LFP that will allow their headquarters to remain in the principality and therefore avoid French tax legislation.

As a result of recent increases to the upper band of income tax, which now has a top rate of 75 per cent, payable by employers, there was pressure from clubs based in mainland France upon the Monegasque side to move their financial base to fall under the same legislation.

However, Monaco released a statement on Friday afternoon explaining they have reached an agreement with the league to allow them to continue trading in the tax haven.

“Monaco announce today that an agreement has been reached with the LFP that guarantees the Monegasque club participation in the championships of France while maintaining the club’s workforce and registered office in the Principality,” the statement reads.

“By paying a single lump-sum voluntary contribution of €50 million, payable in instalments, Monaco will demonstrate its commitment to French football and will thus continue the club’s project to benefit all stakeholders.”

Owner Dmitry Rybolovlev, who has invested millions of euros into the side he bought two years ago, allowing them to sign stars such as Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez, was delighted with the outcome and highlighted the mutual benefits it will bring.

“Since the beginning, we wanted to find an intelligent outcome that suits everyone,” he told the club’s official website.

“The project of Monaco is needed to draw interest to French football and it is good that this has been understood.”

 

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Rodgers rues missing out on Salah

Brendan Rodgers has bemoaned Chelsea's imminent capture of Liverpool target Mohamed Salah.

The Basel winger is on the verge of a move to Stamford Bridge after the London club announced on Thursday that they had agreed a fee with the Swiss Super League outfit.

Mourinho confirmed on Friday that - in light of interest from Liverpool - Salah has agreed to join Chelsea, and Rodgers says there are other targets the club can now concentrate on.

"The young guy is a good player. We have tracked him for a number of months, the club has been watching him and I have been to watch him," Rodgers told talkSPORT.

"It is one where the agent of the player and the clubs were talking but if the deal can't be done, the deal can't be done.

"He's a boy that is a talent. He is 21 years of age and people saw his qualities in the games against Chelsea and Tottenham in Europe.

"But you need to have that list [of targets] because if it doesn't work out then you are hoping there are one or two others."

Rodgers acknowledged that the January transfer window is a tough time to do business, but said that he is only interested in signing players who could make an immediate impact.

"I know the club has been working very hard to get players in. I'll leave that to them and see how they get on," he added. "January is a very difficult market. It is hard to bring in players that can improve the team.

"This is a brilliant club and we try to get players in for the now, we need players who can come in now and help us. I'd rather wait and look at our young players than bring in one or two squad players."

 

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Ferguson: Manchester United still in title race

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United are still capable of retaining the Premier League this season.

The Scot retired at the end of 2012-13 after claiming the club's 20th top-flight title and handed the reins to David Moyes over the summer, a move that has not initially gone smoothly for his fellow Scot.

However, Sir Alex maintains the ethos within the club gives Moyes and United every chance to mount a comeback and win the title, despite trailing leaders Arsenal by 14 points.

He told Sky Sports: "United can do anything, believe me. They've got that great philosophy and history, they'll always do well.

"City are playing so well, you have to say that, there's no dispute about that. But I always think that the teams at the top, at the moment, must have a big chance, and I think Arsenal must have a big chance.

"Everyone keeps writing them off, saying they'll not last, but we're into the second half of the season and they're still there, and there's talk of them signing one or two players in the window, that's possible."

Sir Alex also hailed the competitiveness of the 2013-14 Premier League, insisting any number of clubs could end the season as title-winners.

He added: "This year for the first time, it really does look like five or six could be involved. It's a great Premier League, I loved every minute of it.

"You've got Chelsea, and of course Everton. You've got Tottenham who are starting to do well, and United always do well in the second half, so you've got a fantastic league, and we should be proud of that."

Sir Alex is now a director at Old Trafford as well as a club ambassador, while he was also appointed Uefa coaching ambassador and says he is finding pleasure in life away from the dugout.

"It's been great, I'm enjoying it," he added. "I really do, because being a director and being an ambassador of the club, I've got that privilege of being able to go and watch the team whenever I want, and I've not been able to go to every game, but I've been to a few and I've really enjoyed it.

"I'm looking at it in a different way - I'm looking at it as a supporter now.

"I've got my supporter's hat on, I've got my supporter's scarf on, and as I said at the time, instead of being in the dugout suffering with the team, I'm suffering with the fans or enjoying it with the fans."

 

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"United can do anything, believe me. They've got that great philosophy and history, they'll always do well.

Thank's SAF

 

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Blanc: Pjanic a good Cabaye alternative

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has revealed the club is considering a move for Miralem Pjanic over Yohan Cabaye.

Newcastle United midfielder Cabaye has long been admired by Blanc, who has previously admitted PSG's interest, having worked with the former Lille captain during his spell in charge of the France national team.

The 48-year-old is hoping to bring Cabaye to Parc des Princes but revealed Roma star Pjanic, who left Olympique Lyonnais for Roma in 2011, could be signed as an alternative.

"Yes, Pjanic is interesting," Blanc said at a press conference on Friday. "He could be a good alternative to Cabaye.

"They are both targets for PSG; they are very technical players who have the same profile. If a midfielder comes this winter, I’ll be very happy."

Roma, though, have moved to deny reports that they are in negotiations with PSG over a deal for Pjanic.

Their official Twitter account, said: "AS Roma would like to stress that there are no talks underway regarding the exit of Miralem Pjanic. The player is not for sale‏."

Blanc offered a positive update on the fitness of 18-year-old Adrien Rabiot, who suffered knee ligament damage in the Coupe de la Ligue win at Bordeaux earlier this month.

There had been fears that the teenager would spend considerable time on the sidelines, but Blanc has indicated that Rabiot could make a quick recovery.

"He has lateral ligament damage," Blanc added. "There is rehabilitation work to do, but no operation.

"The news is very positive. He will be training in the beginning or middle of next week."

Defending Ligue 1 champions PSG, five points clear at the top of the table, travel to Guingamp on Saturday, seeking to get back to winning ways following a 2-1 home defeat to Montpellier in the Coupe de France.

 

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Ferguson named UEFA coaching ambassador

Sir Alex Ferguson has been named Uefa's new coaching ambassador at the governing body's first executive committee meeting of 2014.Ferguson announced his retirement from management in May 2013 following a 27-year-stint with Manchester United, in which he led the Old Trafford club to 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cup wins and two Champions League successes.

The Scot has remained with United as both a director and a club ambassador, and will now attend meetings with other elite coaches after accepting the position with the governing body of European football."Sir Alex will be chairman of the forum of elite coaches that meet every year," Uefa president Michel Platini said on Friday.

"He will also be a member of the technical study group of the Champions League and the European Championship."

 

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Congratulations SAF!​

 

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Mourinho: Torres out for up to a month with knee injury

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that Fernando Torres faces up to a month on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The striker suffered lateral ligament damage after coming off the bench in the 3-1 Premier League win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Torres' absence will leave Mourinho with just Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba as his only fit first-team strikers, but the manager confirmed that the Spain international is his only fresh injury concern.

"He is the only one [out]," Mourinho told reporters. "One month, or three weeks, something like that."

Mourinho previously hinted that the injury to Torres has scuppered a potential January exit for Demba Ba, who has started just two league games this season.

"Now we lose Fernando for a few weeks with something in his lateral ligament [in his knee] and that is why we have Demba in the squad," said Mourinho.

"We decided not to open the door to him [to leave] because he is a good player and we need him. The next few weeks is Demba and Samuel and I hope they do well for us.

"It's time for Demba. It's a pity because [Torres] is in a good moment, but it's time for Demba. Demba had a fantastic week; [it was] very difficult for me to leave him out of selection because he worked very, very well.

 

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Mata happy to leave Chelsea for Manchester United, says Mourinho

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Juan Mata is set for a medical with Manchester United and says the Spain international is happy to leave Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old's move to Old Trafford is expected to be completed on Friday, after a delay due to Chelsea's negotiations with Mohamed Salah and poor flying conditions, with Mata due to arrive in Manchester by helicopter.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mourinho confirmed Mata was heading for the reigning champions and said he is happy to join David Moyes' men.

"We allowed Juan to travel and have a medical at Manchester United," he told reporters. "Sooner rather than later things will be finalised.

"I asked him when the offer came: 'Are you really happy to go?' He said 'I'm really happy to go'

"He is a fantastic player. In spite of not playing much for us, I still think he could be important for us. It's a good move for Juan, it's good for the Premier League and the offer is the right offer.

"With the two deals, Juan and Kevin de Bruyne, we put ourselves in a very good position in relation to financial fair play."

Mourinho also said he had no problem selling Mata to a domestic rival and added that he hoped the Spain international would prove to be a success at Old Trafford.

"Many clubs/managers/boards feel you don't sell to a rival club, we feel and we think different,” he added.

“We are not afraid of him doing well at Man United, we want him to be happy & do well at Man United.

"He was fantastic for Chelsea, and Chelsea were fantastic for him. When he comes back to Stamford Bridge with a Man United shirt on, for sure we will show how much we ... respect him

"We feel mixed emotions... we are all sad and I think with him it was a bit the same."

 

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Moyes scouts Bayern Munich duo Dante and Kroos

Manchester United manager David Moyes travelled to Germany on Friday to monitor Bayern Munich duo Dante and Toni Kroos, Goal understands.

Earlier this week, the Brazilian's agent claimed the German champions were "in a race" to sort a contract extension and that United's interest in the 30-year-old has been long-standing.

Kroos, meanwhile, has seen talks over a new deal at Bayern stall, with chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admitting the club are keen to extend his contract which expires next year.

Bayern Munich resumed their Bundesliga campaign with a 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach. Mario Gotze struck after just seven minutes before Thomas Muller's penalty wrapped up the victory for Pep Guardiola's side who are 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Moyes has already travelled to Italy earlier this month to watch Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio as well as Cagliari's 27-year-old centre-back Davide Astori.

Meanwhile, United confirmed on Friday evening that they have agreed a club-record £37 million fee for Juan Mata, with the Spain international set to undergo a medical and complete personal terms.

Mata will need to be registered by Monday lunchtime in order to make his debut against Cardiff City on Tuesday.

 

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Moyes ge scouting missions thama iwara naha wageDante & Kroos.Dante nam sure karanna baha