..::Football III::..

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Jovetic: Manchester City fans will love me

Stevan Jovetic has no doubt he can become a fans' favourite at Manchester City after enduring a frustrating start to his time at the club.

The Montenegro striker joined the Premier League title contenders in a big-money move from Fiorentina in July, but has been plagued by injuries in his first season in England.

Jovetic has started just three games for Manuel Pellegrini's side but is convinced he can still oust Sergio Aguero, Alvaro Negredo and Edin Dzeko and make an impact as City challenge for honours on four fronts.

"It's much easier when you play and score goals but unfortunately for me it's not been a good way to start," Jovetic told reporters. "But you have to stay calm, to believe in yourself, like I did.

"I know I can do so many good things for this club. I hope I will show that in the last four months until the end.

"We have a lot of games and I hope to get my chance, and I hope to play well. Of course I've wanted to score but I also need to say thank you to the guys.

"They've done so well in the Premier League and we are playing Barcelona in the Champions League. There's a lot of games, so hopefully we'll win a lot of trophies.

"I'm happy for the other strikers who have got the goals. From now I want to get goals as well and get close to them,

"I had one problem, and then another, but that is the past and I don't want to think about the past. I know my value and that the fans will love me."

 

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Mata signing the first of many changes, says Manchester United boss Moyes

David Moyes has indicated there are more signings to come after Manchester United sealed a £37.1 million deal for Juan Mata.

"I think we said when we come in that we'd have a difficult summer, that period in the transfer window was going to be tough, but we've had a chance to look at everybody and we're only in the next window now and I've already said we'd be making changes - and Juan is the first," Moyes told the press at Mata's unveiling.

He added: "There'll be more players like Juan in the future, I've no doubt about that."

The Scot also admitted he never expected to be able to complete the signing of the former Chelsea playmaker.

"I'm thrilled," he said. "I got wind a month or two ago that it could be a possibility and I never really believed we'd pull it off, and as I've been saying I didn't think we'd get a chance to do much business in January.

"I didn't think the players would be interested or be available. But when we got a sniff Juan could be available we went after it right away. And congratulations to the club for pulling it off."

While Mata himself described his last six months at Chelsea as difficult and expressed his delight after been given the chance to restart his career at Old Trafford.

"Coming here is a great moment for me. I feel very happy to be here, to have the chance to play in a massive club like this," he told reporters.

"Obviously the last six months have been difficult at Chelsea but now I'm happy to come here and to win as many trophies as I can. I'm sure this will be a great, great period for me.

"The history of the club, the players are top players in the squad, the welcome was unbelievable - I came here by helicopter and I have to say everyone was amazing, the players, the manager, the fans has been unbelievable.

"I'm really grateful and the only thing I want to do is just play, to try my best for the team, and to get this confidence back."

 

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Ancelotti: Copa del Rey is not enough for Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has warned that winning the Copa del Rey would not be enough for Real Madrid this season.

Madrid have won all seven of their matches in January to close the gap at the top of La Liga to a single point and progress to the quarter-final of the Copa against Espanyol, whom they beat 1-0 in the first leg.

Victory over Granada on Saturday briefly put Ancelotti's side top of the table and he wants January to be the launch pad to a successful season run-in as they prepare for their Champions League last 16 clash with Schalke next month.

"We have to close a great January with a good game against Espanyol," the Italian said ahead of the match with Espanyol."We have a small advantage, but it is an open tie and we need to prepare well and play it well, with the best possible team to reach the semi-finals.

"The month was very good. January helped us cut points in the league, to have more confidence in the team. The month was very good and we have to close it well tomorrow against Espanyol.

"Winning the Copa del Rey is not enough for us. We want to win as many titles as possible."We are in a great physical shape at the moment, but we have to be careful because we are playing a lot of games."

Ancelotti went on to confirm that Gareth Bale will not feature in the clash after the Wales international was substituted at half-time against Granada with a leg injury, meaning Jese Rodriguez will start.

"He (Bale) tried to train but had discomfort in his left leg," Ancelotti added. "We prefer (him) to recover and will not play tomorrow. He will train this week to try and play on Sunday."Jese will play in his place."

 

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Rooney and Van Persie could return for Manchester United against Cardiff

Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney could give David Moyes another huge boost by returning from injury in Manchester United’s clash with Cardiff City.

Netherlands international Van Persie has missed the last 11 games in all competitions due to a thigh injury, but was back in training - along with Marouane Fellaini - prior to the shock Capital One Cup defeat to Sunderland.

And Rooney, who has been sidelined since New Year’s Day due to a groin problem, was also back with the first team squad last week.

Moyes revealed the strike duo trained on Monday along with midfielder Fellaini, who has been struggling with a back problem and also underwent surgery on his wrist.

And the trio could be back in the squad when the Premier League champions face their former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s struggling Cardiff City side at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

United have endured a disappointing season so far, but Moyes now has plenty of grounds for optimism following the record signing of Juan Mata and the return of key players.

Rooney and Van Persie played an integral role as United regained the title last season, but the pair have started only 26 games between them in the top flight in the current campaign and have been sorely missed.

Mata trained with his new team-mates on Monday for the first time since his £37.1 million move from Chelsea, but Moyes has not yet decided whether the Spain midfielder will make his debut against Cardiff.

Moyes expects Solskjaer to be given a great ovation when he returns to the club where he made his name during his playing days.

The former Norway striker was a fans’ favourite at Old Trafford due to his goalscoring exploits in an illustrious 11-year career at the club, with a late winner in the 1999 Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich his finest hour.

Moyes said: "Ole will get a fantastic reception and deserves it. He is a legend for what he has done here."

 

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Barcelona: Messi won't leave amid PSG rumours

Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu has laughed off suggestions that Lionel Messi could leave the club for Paris Saint-Germain.

A number of recent reports from France claimed that PSG are preparing a world record €250 million offer for the prolific attacker.

However, the newly appointed Barca president is confident that Messi will not go anywhere in the foreseeable future.

"Paris Saint-Germain? Messi is so happy here that I doubt he wants to leave Barcelona," Bartomeu was quoted as saying by Marca.

"He is a player who was practically born here because he arrived when he was just 13 and I have always heard him say that he wants to finish his career here."

The 26-year-old attacker has a contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2018, but he has a €250m exit clause in his existing deal.

Bartomeu recently suggested that the Argentine could soon be offered a new and improved deal that would make him the highest paid player in La Liga again.

 

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Baines signs new long-term contract at Everton

Everton have confirmed that defender Leighton Baines has signed a new four-year contract at Goodison Park.

The left-back has been a long-term target for Manchester United, with David Moyes revealing in September that he attempted to secure a double swoop for Baines and Marouane Fellaini during the summer.

United ended up with just Fellaini, with the champions expecting Baines to hand in a transfer request to force through a future move - which the defender refused to do.

Everton then slapped a £25 million price tag on Baines' head in an attempt to ward off interest, and Roberto Martinez confirmed on Monday morning that the England international has committed himself to the club.

"We're delighted Leighton has signed for the next four years. It gives us a great boost internally and also for the fans," Roberto Martinez told reporters.

"He's more than a footballer. From every angle you look at it, to have his focus and tranquility for the next four years is a fantastic thing.

"He is one of the best left-backs in European football. He has the World Cup [coming] and I'm just looking at what Leighton can do and it is huge.

"It would be an understatement to say we are delighted to secure the best footballing years of Leighton Baines at our club.

"Leighton has just turned 29 and brings the right measure of maturity and football knowledge in a very specialised position on the pitch, bringing an infectious and positive influence to the rest of the squad.

"With the crucial games we have ahead, it is going to be vitally important to have Leighton's experience there to help us fight for our aims."

 

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Barcelona now have Liga’s strongest defence

Barcelona’s 3-0 win at home to Malaga on Sunday saw the Catalans return to the top of La Liga, but also means the Blaugrana now boast La Liga’s strongest defence.

Barca had let in 13 goals in their opening 20 league games, one more than second-placed Atletico Madrid, but Diego Simeone’s side conceded twice in a 4-2 win at Rayo Vallecano earlier on Sunday.

The champions’ clean sheet in the Camp Nou clash against Malaga therefore means the current league leaders now also have the tightest back line in the Primera Division.

That is great news for coach Gerardo Martino and the club in general, especially after all of the side’s defensive problems in 2012-13.

Barca were expected to sign a centre-back in the summer, but Martino opted to stick with what he had and has been boosted by the emergence of Marc Bartra and the return of captain Carles Puyol.

A recent renaissance for Gerard Pique (who also opened the scoring on Sunday) and the fantastic form of goalkeeper Valdes, who kept his 10th clean sheet of the campaign in the shut-out, has also helped them become difficult to break down.

After 21 rounds of La Liga, Barca have conceded 13, Atletico 14 and Madrid 21.

However, Carlo Ancelotti’s side (who have gone seven matches without conceding this year in all competitions to set a new club record) are the Primera Division’s highest scorers, with 60 goals – three more than Tata’s team and eight more than Simeone’s side.

Barca, with 54 points, lead La Liga on goal difference from Atletico, with Madrid only one point behind.

 

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Martial extends Monaco contract

Monaco forward Anthony Martial has extended his contract with the Ligue 1 club until June 2018.

Claudio Ranieri signed the 18-year-old from Olympique Lyonnais during the close season on a three-year deal, and the striker's impressive start to life at the club has seen him rewarded with a two-year extension, with Monaco confirming the news on their official website.

Martial has made seven appearances for the club this season, scoring two goals, but has found opportunities limited given the form of Radamel Falcao and Emmanuel Riviere.The striker suffered a sprained ankle during Monaco's defeat to Valenciennes in December and has been sidelined ever since. However, he is close to making a return to full fitness and was an unused substitute in their 2-0 win over Olympique de Marseille on Sunday.

With Falcao now a long-term absentee, Martial could see more first-team action as Ranieri looks to stay in touch with leaders Paris-Saint Germain in the race for the title.

Monaco sit second in Ligue 1, three points behind Laurent Blanc's charges and could have a chance to wipe out that deficit when the sides meet at the Stade Louis II in two weeks.

 

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Cases refuses to drop Barcelona complaint

Barcelona socio Jordi Cases says he will not drop his complaint against the club until he has a written agreement that they will not pursue damages.

The Spanish High Court ruled that investigations into the transfer fee for Neymar would continue after Cases initially brought them his complaint over the deal, with former president Sandro Rosell ultimately resigning last week as allegations of misappropriated funds emerged.

Since Rosell's departure, there have been suggestions that Cases could opt to drop his complaint against the club, with his agent indicating he could be tempted to do so at the end of last week.

Cases, however, says he will wait until he receives written confirmation from the Camp Nou side that they will not pursue damages against him as a result of the investigation into the Neymar deal before dropping the action.

"I'm calm because [vice-president of social areas Jordi] Cardoner and [president Josep] Bartomeu have given me their word [that they will not seek damages]. But I want it in writing," he told a press conference.

"Barca threatened that they were going to ask for a lot of money in damages. It would be a very high-level dispute. I am relaxed about it, but [Toni] Freixa has refused to give me a written agreement, so I will not withdraw the complaint.

"We put ourselves on 'stand-by' and wait patiently for movement from Barca."

 

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Essien completes AC Milan move

Chelsea have announced on their official website that Michael Essien has completed his transfer to AC Milan.

The Ghana international was no longer needed at the Premier League giants and will now be looking to relaunch his career at the San Siro outfit.

Essien has signed a 18-month deal with Milan and will be unveiled to the press on Tuesday afternoon at 13:00CET.

"To show Michael respect is to not stop him going," Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho commented on the 31-year-old's departure.

"We would have been happy had he stayed because he is fantastic player for the team, but he's given everything for the club and a great chance arrived for his future.

"I know he can continue to play at a high level and I wish him success and happiness in Italy and at the World Cup in Brazil."

Essien started his professional career with Bastia and also wore the Olympique Lyonnais jersey before joining Chelsea in 2005.

He won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups and the Champions League during his time with the Blues. The midfielder was shipped out on loan to Real Madrid last season.

The midfielder is Milan's third signing of the January transfer window after the previous arrival of Keisuke Honda and Adil Rami from CSKA Moscow and Valencia, respectively.

 

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Congratulations Essien!​

 

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Juan Mata welcomes pressure of being Manchester United's record signing

Manchester United new boy Juan Mata says he can cope with the pressure of becoming the Premier League champions' record signing.The 25-year-old Spain international has joined United for £37.1million from Chelsea and may make his debut at Old Trafford against Cardiff on Tuesday.

The attacking midfielder arrived at Chelsea in August 2011 and made a massive impact in his first two seasons, but has featured more intermittently this term and has now been allowed to join United.

"Coming here is a great moment for me," said Mata, when he was unveiled as a United player on Monday."I feel very happy to be here and have the chance to play for a massive club.

"The last six months at Chelsea were a bit difficult for me but now I am really happy and looking forward to winning as many trophies as I can with this club. I am sure it is going to be a great period for me.

"Manchester United is a massive club, with fans all around the world and this will be a big challenge."But I like the pressure, I think it's good for a footballer to try to improve. People are expecting big things from me and I am looking forward to it.

Character

"What I like the most about this club is the character. I think if another club were in this position in the league (seventh), I think it would be very difficult to come back and take first position, but this club can do it.

"I think this is a club which is going to be successful and I am happy to play anywhere. I will try my best to improve as a player, to grow."There had been speculation that Mata might be given the famous United No.7 shirt, but he will in fact be wearing No.8.

"I know seven is an iconic number here but I was speaking with David (Moyes) about it and we decided eight is a good number for me," he said. "Hopefully, it will bring me good luck."

Mata has been capped 32 times by Spain and says his desire to be in their World Cup squad this summer played a part in his move."It was really important," he said. "The Spain squad is really difficult to get into, there are a lot of players fighting to be in the last 23 going to Brazil.

"I hope this is a great chance for me to keep playing and show the manager of the national team I want to be there, I have to be there."I don't know what would have happened if I had stayed at Chelsea. Now I am here and, if things are good in the final part of the season, the World Cup is going to be closer for me, for sure."

He also said he is not bitter about the way his role at Chelsea became more marginal and added: "It is football. In football, everything is possible"The first two seasons in Chelsea for me were amazing, I settled down so quickly."The last six months were difficult because I didn't play as much as I wanted but I respect that.

"Jose is a very good manager and the squad is unbelievable. I think they have one of the best squads in the Premier League."I just tried my best in training and every game but, when Man United came, it was a great option for me to carry on with my career."

Thrilled

United boss Moyes admitted that he was surprised to have been able to sign a player of Mata's calibre."I'm thrilled," he said. "I got wind of it a month or two ago that there could be an opportunity but I never really believed we could pull it off.

"I've been saying in press conferences that I didn't think we'd get a chance to do much business in January."I didn't think players would be available but, when we got a sniff that there was a chance Juan could be available, we went after it right away.

"Congratulations to the club and (chief executive) Ed Woodward for getting the deal done."We said the summer window would be tough but we've had a chance to look at everybody and now we will be making changes. Juan is the first."

 

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Our Newest No 8!Congratulations & Good Luck Juan Mata

No 7 shirt 1ka reserve karala thiyana 1ka hodai​

 

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Elber expects Mandzukic to stay at Bayern Munich

Giovanni Elber expects the seemingly unsettled Mario Mandzukic to still be at Bayern Munich when the January transfer window closes on Friday.

The Croatia international was axed from the Bavarians' squad for last weekend's Bundesliga meeting with Borussia Monchengladbach for a perceived lack of effort in training.

It has been speculated that Mandzukic has been upset by the decision to recruit Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski for next season and is now actively seeking a move away from the Allianz Arena, but former Bayern striker Elber does not see it that way.

"When you play for Bayern, one knows that each season new players come in," the Brazilian mused. "I, personally, do not think he wants to go just because someone else is coming.

"He's a great player. Mandzukic just needs one chance and the ball is in the net."

Elber admitted, though, that the striker's role is in danger of becoming redundant at Bayern under Guardiola, given the former Barcelona boss' fondness for a 'false nine'.

"The way that Bayern play, you don't need a centre-forward," the now-retired 41-year-old mused. "Midfielders have so much more freedom."

 

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Mata excited by Rooney link-up

Juan Mata is relishing the opportunity to play alongside Wayne Rooney at Manchester United.

Rooney is understood to be in talks over a big-money contract which would keep him at the club for the long term, after Chelsea had an approach for the striker rejected earlier in January.

The England international is back in training following an injury, and Mata is eagerly anticipating the chance to "connect" with the striker.

"For me he is one of the best players in the history of this country," Mata told reporters at his unveiling. "He's an unbelievable player - he can score and he can assist - and I will try to connect with him as much as I can.

"I think that's my best way of playing - trying to find the gaps in defences, to be in the positions I need to be in to assist the strikers."

Robin van Persie and Marouane Fellaini have also returned to training after injury as United attempt to climb the Premier League table in the second half of the season.

 

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AC Milan striker Balotelli dismisses Chelsea & PSG rumours

AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli has rubbished speculation linking him with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

It had been claimed in the English press that Blues boss Jose Mourinho was keen on a reunion with a player that he worked with during his time in charge of Milan.

However, Balotelli told Rai Sport: "They put out something about me every day. Nothing is true."

The Italy international also dismissed the prospect of a move to the Parc des Princes.

"Me to PSG? Absolutely not," Balotelli declared.

The 23-year-old attacker was speaking after being named in the Serie A Top 11 at the Gran Gala del Calcio Aic 2013 in Milan on Monday night.

 

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Fabio and Zaha set for Cardiff moves, confirms Moyes

Manchester United boss David Moyes has confirmed that both Fabio and Wilfried Zaha are to join Cardiff City.

The 23-year-old Brazilian, who has made just three appearances for the Premier League champions this season and was sent off in the club’s FA Cup third-round exit to Swansea City earlier this month, is moving to the Welsh capital as part a permanent transfer.

However, England Under-21 international Zaha, who only arrived at Old Trafford last summer, will only be spending the remainder of the season in the Welsh capital.

"We're delighted for Fabio because he has been a great servant," Moyes told MUTV. "His brother [Rafael] is doing a great job for us here as well.

"We wish him well. He had one or two options but, in the end, we felt we couldn't get him enough games.

“I said to the players, if you feel I'm not getting you enough games, come and see me. Fabio felt that so he's got a move to Cardiff.”

Goal exclusively revealed on January 17 that Zaha had stormed out of training after learning United officials were not willing to send him out on loan this month.

But Moyes now backs Zaha’s temporary switch to Cardiff and says that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the right manager to get the best out of the winger.

"With Wilfried Zaha, I'd said to him during the summer that we wanted to get him games. If he played, then great, but if he couldn't, we'd get him out on loan,” the Scot explained.

“We had one or two offers for him but just felt Cardiff, at this moment in time, might be the right club.

“With Ole going there as well, he knows how the club works here and exactly what we do with the players so hopefully it will be a good move for Wilf."

 

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Vidal rules out leaving Juventus

Arturo Vidal has quashed talk of a move away from Juventus by declaring his intention to remain in Turin.

The Chile international has once again been in sensational form for the Bianconeri this season and has been repeatedly linked with a host of top clubs, including Premier League champions Manchester United.

However, Vidal, who recently penned a contract extension until 2017, insists that he has no intention of leaving Juve, either during the current transfer window or in the summer.

"Will I leave? No, I will definitely stay in Turin," the midfielder told Rai Sport.

Vidal was speaking after being named in the Serie A Top 11 at the Gran Gala del Calcio Aic 2013 awards ceremony in Milan on Monday night and was quick to pay tribute to his Juve colleagues for the role they have played in his nomination.

"I've scored 10 important goals for the team this season but I must give thanks to my team-mates," he stated.

"Against Lazio [after being reduced to 10 men in Saturday's 1-1 draw at the Stadio Olimpico], we showed that we never give in."

Vidal joined the Bianconeri from Bayer Leverkusen in 2011 and played a key role in the club's subsequent back-to-back Scudetto successes.

 

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Betis snap up former Real Madrid goalkeeper Adan

Betis have confirmed the signing of former Real Madrid goalkeeper Antonio Adan on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old shot-stopper left Los Blancos for Cagliari last summer only to then terminate his contract with the Serie A side by mutual consent.

Consequently, Adan, a product of Madrid's youth academy, has now decided to return to Spain and join La Liga's basement boys, Betis.

"I am aware of the situation that the club is in but I had to take this bold step," the former Spain Under-21 international told his new side's official website.

"The important thing is to be realistic. The situation is complicated but the bottom line is for us to leave everything on the field, to show all of those people that are behind us that the club will reciprocate that support.

"I have a great motivation to do well, one which I've had throughout my life. My ethos is: work, work and more work."

Adan will be formally unveiled as a Betis player on Wednesday and could make his first appearance for the club against Espanyol this weekend.

 

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Baines 'delighted' with new Everton contract

Leighton Baines has revealed his delight after signing a new contract with Everton and is excited about the future of the club under Roberto Martinez.

The full-back penned a four-year deal with the Premier League club on Monday, providing a timely boost ahead of the midweek Merseyside derby against Liverpool.

Baines, who joined from Wigan Athletic in 2007, was overjoyed to have committed his future to the club.

"I am delighted to have agreed the new deal," Baines told the club's official website. "I am very happy at Everton and always have been.

"It's a fantastic football club and I am excited about what we can achieve here in the next few years.

"I have a great relationship with the chairman and also the manager, the staff, the rest of the lads and, of course, the supporters.

"I've loved every minute of being here since I first joined in 2007 and I couldn't be happier."

The England international has been frequently linked with a transfer to Manchester United and a reunion with former boss David Moyes, but insists he was never affected by the speculation.

"Was it a distraction? Not for me, no," the 29-year-old continued. "I am a professional footballer and speculation is part and parcel of the industry we are in but it never affected me for a moment on the pitch.

"Of course it was on my mind at times away from pitch because I was getting asked about it everywhere I went but I hope the supporters could see that I didn't let it affect me at all once I crossed the white line.

"I've never been one to relish the limelight so I suppose I'm glad that the speculation will go away now."

Tuesday's trip to Anfield will offer Everton the chance to climb into the top four with a win and, having secured their place in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, Baines is enjoying the season so far.

"There is a really confident buzz about the place just now and that's being reflected in our performances," he added.

"We're well-placed in the Premier League, we're in the fifth round of the FA Cup and although we've got a few injuries, we feel as though we are ready for every challenge.

"The ambition is to bring some success to the club. That's what all the lads want and that's what we're all working together for.

"The Everton fans deserve success and I am just happy to be in the privileged position of being able to try and provide some for them."