..::Football III::..

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Wolfsburg confirm Bayern Munich's Gustavo capture

Wolfsburg have announced they have secured the services of Luiz Gustavo from Bayern Munich for an undisclosed fee, beating Arsenal to the signature of the Brazil international.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the 2008-09 Bundesliga champions and will be officially presented later on Friday.

Gustavo was keen to leave Bayern after he was deemed surplus to requirements by head coach Pep Guardiola following the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona earlier this transfer window.

He had also caught the attention of Arsenal and the Premier League giants had a €20 million offer accepted for Gustavo, however, the midfielder has decided to stay in the Bundesliga.

"We're very pleased to have convinced Luiz with our plans for VfL and managed to keep him in the Bundesliga," sporting director Klaus Allofs said.

Gustavo, meanwhile, added that the club's ambitious project and talks with Brazil boss Luis Felipe Gustavo were key to his decision to join the club.

"Wolfsburg wanted to sign me from the start, which is one of the reasons why I am here. They have a very good project at Wolfsburg, which is why I made the decision to start a new life here.

"[Scolari] spoke his mind and that helped me find a decision. There were many other factors, too. The situation was not easy but I was in a luxury position.

"Wolfsburg are a top club. I like Germany. The security the country gives me. I have considered everything. I knew about everything. My heart decided on Wolfsburg."

Gustavo had joined Bayern from Hoffenheim in January 2011, making over 60 Bundesliga appearances for the Allianz Arena side, where he also won the treble in 2012-13.

The Brazilian midfielder joins compatriots Naldo, Diego and Felipe Lopes at Wolfsburg.

 

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Gotze Twitter account hacked

Bayern Munich playmaker Mario Gotze has confirmed that his Twitter account was hacked, after a series of bizarre posts about Marouane Chamakh appeared on his profile.

The Germany international had seemingly expressed his support for the Crystal Palace striker as the winner of this year's Ballon d'Or, claiming that Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi "do not have a chance" of landing the prestigious award.

However, Gotze, who is set to make his Bayern debut against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, took to Facebook later in the day to explain the strange nature of some of 'his' posts.

"Hi guys, today my Twitter Account got hacked," the 21-year-old wrote on the social media site. "All postings and Tweets have been completely nonsense!!! From now on it's me personally who is active again."

The post "full-time traitor" also appeared on Gotze's account, which was an apparent reference to the 21-year-old's controversial summer switch from Borussia Dortmund to Allianz Arena.

 

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Di Santo: Pizarro recommended Bremen

Franco Di Santo has revealed he sought guidance from Bayern Munich striker Claudio Pizarro before signing for Werder Bremen.

The 24-year-old was a free agent after leaving Wigan Athletic and completed his move to the Bundesliga outfit on Wednesday.And the Argentina international revealed that he asked former Chelsea team-mate Pizarro, who has had two spells playing for Bremen, for his advice ahead of agreeing the switch to Germany.

"I've been talking to Claudio about moving to Werder Bremen," Di Santo told Bild. "I have learned the club has a very good reputation. Pizarro told me I should make the move and that I would find joy at the club. I am out to show what I am capable of."

Di Santo, who scored 13 times in 92 league appearances for Wigan, has signed a three-year deal in Bremen.

 

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Dunga hits out at Botafogo ball boys


Internacional boss Dunga launched a stinging attack on Botafogo's ball boys after the two sides' 3-3 draw at the Estadio Olimpico on Thursday.

The Colorado actually snatched a draw in Rio de Janeiro courtesy of an injury-time strike from Fabricio but the former Brazil boss was less than impressed with the way in which he felt that ball boys had gone missing during the closing stages of the game when his players were pushing for an equaliser.

"The ball boys' job is to put the ball on the ground and not play for the home team," Dunga is quoted as saying by Reuters.

"I don't know who controls them but they are part of the spectacle. At the end of the match the ball boys disappeared. Who is responsible for that? I don't know.

"I spoke to the fourth official and he said he would take action - but he didn't."

This is not the first time that the behaviour of Botafogo's ball boys and girls has caused controversy, with one having made headlines last year for her part in a Maicosuel goal against Vasco da Gama.

 

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'We are still only looking for one player' - Mourinho intent on signing Rooney

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has reiterated his admiration for Samuel Eto'o but insists the Blues only want to bring in one player - Wayne Rooney.

Manchester United have rejected two bids for the wantaway striker this summer and continue to insist that he will not be sold.

But Mourinho still publicly declared his interest in Rooney during the club's pre-season tour of Asia and now says his position has not changed, despite Eto'o's suggestion that he would like to move to Stamford Bridge.

"[Eto'o] is a player with a big history in European football, but as I was saying in Asia we are trying to sign one player and we will wait to see what will happen before the transfer window closes," he told reporters.

"I'm just a Chelsea manager, as every one of us [managers] is always looking to strengthen the squad.

"We all say no [we don't want to sign players] but we lie, until the last day of the market we are all waiting for something to happen, even when we say we are very happy with our squad we lie because we always want to make it better."

Mourinho also confirmed once again that David Luiz will not be sold to Barcelona, who saw a €25 million bid rejected earlier in August.

"David is one of these players that the club made a huge investment in, he signed a new contract last year, he was very happy to do it, so we want to keep him," he continued.

"We understand that a big club like Barcelona want the best, and want to get one of the best central defenders in the world but there is no chance David is leaving."

The former Real Madrid manager also had a message for British football fans upon his return to the Premier League.

"I think I'm better than ever, because of my experience," he added. "I want to be seen like everybody else - but somebody who will give his all for his club.

"I want to say to everybody around this country at every stadium that I am one of them. I love this football country and I want to give joy to everybody."

 

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Mourinho Rooney chase 1ka nawatthana patak naha.

 

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Gotze set to make Bayern bow

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that summer signing Mario Gotze will be included in the squad for Saturday's Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker missed the Bavarians' pre-season campaign on account of the thigh injury that ruled him out of last season's Champions League final but he made his first appearance for die Roten last weekend, scoring twice in a 30-minute cameo in a friendly against Gyori.

Consequently, Guardiola has decided to call upon the €37 million man for the trip to the Commerzbank Arena.

"He made another step this week, and is getting better step by step," the Catalan coach told reporters on Friday. "He'll come to Frankfurt with us.

"He will be in the squad but I will not decide the line-up until the last moment."

Bayern opened the defence of their Bundesliga title with a 3-1 win over Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend, but Guardiola felt his side had been nowhere near their best.

"We played a good pre-season and I hope we can keep up to that level," the ex-Barcelona trainer explained. "Right now, we couldn't win the championship, but we will improve."

The Bavarians' clash with Frankfurt is scheduled to get under way at 15:30CET.

 

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Downing 'disappointed' by Liverpool exit

New West Ham signing Stewart Downing admits he was disappointed to hear Liverpool had accepted an offer for him after manager Brendan Rodgers gave him assurances about his future at Anfield.

The winger endured a difficult two years on Merseyside after making a £20 million move from Aston Villa in 2011 and was never able to recapture the form that prompted the Reds to pay such a hefty price tag.

But the England international had featured regularly in pre-season and was surprised to find out the club had accepted a £6m offer from the Hammers so readily, particularly after Rodgers insisted he was in his plans.

“I spoke to the manager and he said he wanted me to stay. So I’m disappointed that one minute I was staying and the next minute I’m gone," he told reporters.

“It was a surprise because it happened so quick. One minute I was in the starting XI for Liverpool, and the next I was on my way to London.

“I was playing in the team and playing regularly and that’s why I was surprised to be told that a fee had been accepted. It is normally when you are not playing, or you are not in the squad is why you leave.”

Downing will join up with former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, who also left the Anfield club for east London earlier this summer in a deal worth £15m.

 

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Downing £20 million walata aragena hena adu ganakata sell kale

 

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Wenger promises Arsenal additions

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insists he is working hard to strengthen his squad with the "right players" but would not comment on speculation relating to Liverpool's Luis Suarez and Manchester United's Wayne Rooney.

The club missed out on yet another reported target on Friday, with midfielder Luiz Gustavo swapping Bayern Munich for fellow German side Wolfsburg, meaning 20-year-old Yaya Sanogo remains the Gunners' only summer addition.

The 63-year-old has once again admitted the Emirates Stadium outfit must add to their ranks with quality players, but refused to speak about details relating to specific targets.

"I don't want to come out on any specific name because that would not be alright," he told reporters when asked about Suarez.

When questioned on Rooney he then replied: "I can just repeat the same sentence. We look for quality.

"Usually in the press you are well informed. I don't disagree that we are a bit light at the moment. We are looking to strengthen our squad.

"We're looking more for quality than for numbers. We would like two or three players, if possible more.

"[But] it's not a question of spending money, it's a question of buying the right players."

Wenger was more concerned about the club's injury issues ahead of Saturday's clash with Aston Villa, with a number of first-team players likely to be missing from the matchday squad.

"Vermaelen is out. Monreal is out. Arteta will be out," the Frenchman continued. "Monreal will return soon – the others are a bit longer."

When quizzed on Arteta's likely return, following reports that he could miss more than a month, Wenger admitted: "I don't know."

The Gunners take on Paul Lambert's men on Saturday afternoon, and Wenger is wary of the threat posed by Christian Benteke, who scored 19 goals in 34 Premier League appearances last term.

"He [Benteke] has qualities that you cannot lose over the summer," Wenger added. "I think he can be more dangerous this season as well."

 

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Laudrup: 'Ridiculous' offer won't buy Swansea star Michu

Swansea manager Michael Laudrup has warned Arsenal that star forward Michu is not for sale - even if a “ridiculous” offer was made.

Arsene Wenger’s side have been credited with an interest in the Spanish attacker as their attempts to sign Liverpool’s Luis Suarez continue to be thwarted.

But the Dane has made it clear that the club will not be tempted into selling the 27-year-old, who netted 22 times in his debut season at the Liberty Stadium following his €2.3 million move from Rayo Vallecano last summer.

“I think economically the club is very good,” the 49-year-old told reporters.

“I know if they (Arsenal) came in with a very late bid, I know that the reaction from the board and chairman will be 'No', even if the money is ridiculous, as we will not have time to find a replacement who is near enough to the same standard.

“You can say we would get a lot of money but why be the richest club in the championship? What is that worth?

“I spoke to Michu last year and he extended his contract and asked me about mine and I said 'I am going to stay here', and he said, 'So am I'.”

 

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Xavi: Barcelona rediscovering intensity under Martino

Xavi believes that Barcelona have found a renewed intensity since the arrival of new head coach Gerardo Martino earlier this summer.

The Spain international says the squad are adapting well to Martino's preferred style of play - with the new coach offering a forthright appraisal on what he expects from his side.And he is confident that the new man in charge will be a success as Barca look to defend their title this season."He is a leader, capable, prepared and has experience," Xavi told Sport.

"He is transmitting a lot to us. We are recovering a little of the intensity and rhythm that perhaps we lost for various reasons towards the end of last season. We are pressing very well and working well physically."He is adding things that he is influencing a lot. For example, on set-pieces we are working differently. We are adjusting and he is a guy that is very clear about what he wants."

Barcelona begin the defence of their Liga title when they welcome Levante to Camp Nou on Sunday.

 

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Contento: I will not cause any problems at Bayern

Diego Contento has insisted that he will not cause any problems at Bayern Munich because of his substitute role.

The left-back has been struggling to secure regular first team action at the Bundesliga champions because of the presence of David Alaba and appeared to be on his way out earlier this summer.

However, a move to Werder Bremen has seemingly fallen through and Contento might have to settle for a spot on the bench again this season.

"I have been with Bayern ever since I was four years old. It would simply be wrong to kick up a fuss because I don't get regular first team action," Contento told Bild.

"Of course, I would like to play more often, but I have an ongoing contract and intend to respect it.

"Things can change pretty quickly in football, though. You never know what will happen tomorrow."

The 23-year-old is a product of the Bayern youth academy and has made 39 Bundesliga appearances since making his official debut in 2009-10.

 

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Everton could sell Fellaini, but he won't be cheap - Martinez

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has warned potential suitors that Marouane Fellaini will not be sold for less than the recently expired €27.5 million buyout clause.

The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a summer move to Manchester United to link up with former boss David Moyes, but as yet no formal approach has been made.

The clause in the ex-Standard Liege midfielder’s contract ceased to exist on July 31, and while Martinez said the club would be willing to listen to bids he insisted the player will not be allowed to leave for anything less than its worth.

"If there is an offer on the table then we will have to look into it," the Spaniard told reporters.

“When you are in a strong position financially you will never sell a player for less than the buyout clause.

"Marouane had that clause in his contract, it was very clear for everyone, and on the 31st of July it expired. From that point on, the club has got complete control, in every single transfer, and that's the way it should be.

“It's the right approach for all parties. Yes, you are sweating on July 30th, 31st, but after that it is just a matter that we don't have to sell players because we are not in a situation where we need an amount of money to balance the books.”

Fellaini, who is Everton’s record signing having arrived from Standard Liege for €17.5m in 2008, remains under contract at Goodison Park for another three years.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid contract renewal does not worry me

Cristiano Ronaldo has insisted that he is unworried about his contract situation at Real Madrid as both parties have yet to finalise the Portugal international's new deal.

The 28-year-old is close to signing a new contract with the Santiago Bernabeu side until the summer of 2018 that will make him the best-paid player in La Liga ahead of Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi.

Madrid aim to wrap up the signing of Gareth Bale from Tottenham before completing Ronaldo's extended deal.

"My contract renewal is not something that worries me at this point. I still have a few years to go on my current deal," the prolific attacker told AS.

"These things develop naturally and sooner or later there will be clarity.

"Things are going well and my contract situation is not a problem for me. I am happy with the way things are going. It's not as if the world is coming to an end."

Ronaldo joined Madrid from Manchester United for a world record fee of €94 million in the summer of 2009 and has since netted over 200 goals in official games for los Blancos.

 

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Barcelona's Mascherano reveals Rafael Benitez contact

Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted that he is still in regular contact with Rafael Benitez amid reports that Napoli are interested in signing the Argentine.

The 29-year-old worked with the Spanish coach from 2007 until 2010 during his time at Liverpool and has fond memories of the current Partenopei boss.

"Am I going to Napoli? I can only say that I have a lot of respect for Rafa," Mascherano was quoted as saying by Il Mattino.

"We still often speak to each other. We keep in touch pretty much on a daily basis. He has helped me become a better player.

"A reunification? I like Serie A, but I'm still a Barcelona player at the moment."

Mascherano, whose contract with Barcelona runs until 2016, recently admitted that a number of clubs have enquired about his availability, but added that no concrete offers have been made.

 

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Khedira not leaving Madrid, insists agent

Sami Khedira has no intention of leaving Real Madrid this summer, his agent Jorg Neubauer has insisted.

The holding midfielder no longer seems to be an undisputed starter at Madrid under new head coach Carlo Ancelotti and has recently been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, however, the Italian has denied the German will move.

However, his representative has also made it clear there is no truth in the rumours linking him with the Ligue 1 champions.

"Sami will play at Madrid in the upcoming season," Neubauer was quoted as saying by Bild.

"I don't know who seems to think it's fun to spread rumours about his future. It's annoying and hurts Sami."

Khedira joined Madrid from Stuttgart in the summer of 2010 and has since developed into an important first team member.

The 26-year-old has a contract with the Liga giants until June 2015.

 

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Villa predicts goal rush at Atletico

David Villa is supremely confident that he will rediscover his very best goalscoring form at Atletico Madrid this season.

The Spain international's time at Barcelona was interrupted by a serious leg break at the 2011 Club World Cup and, even though the striker made a rapid recovery, he was never able to reclaim a regular berth in the Blaugrana starting line-up.

However, Villa, who managed just 10 Liga goals last season, is in a bullish frame of mind ahead of his Atletico debut against Sevilla on Sunday, explaining that he already feels in sync with his new team-mates.

"We have put in a lot of pre-season work and, after all this training, I feel I am getting a clearer idea of the set-up here," the 31-year-old is quoted as saying by Uefa.com.

"I am delighted it has been going well. I feel physically fine and am calm.

"For a striker, the most important thing is to score goals. Little by little, I feel more connected to a team that has a clear system of play in place.

"With a strong work ethic, a constant desire to improve, and the team-mates I have here, I am sure the goals are going to come."

Villa freely admits, though, that he faces a real baptism of fire, with Atletico kicking off their campaign in Andalusia.

"We know we have a tough game in prospect but we are fully focused on starting in the strongest way possible," the forward declared."

Villa, who is Spain's all-time record goalscorer, joined Atletico from Barcelona for a reported €5.1 million this summer.

 

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Isco: Bale would be a 'blessed problem' for Ancelotti

Isco says that there is no doubt that the arrival of Gareth Bale at Real Madrid would give coach Carlo Ancelotti a problem, but a "blessed" one.

Los Blancos have already confirmed their interest in the Tottenham winger, but have thus far refused to meet the Premier League outfit's asking price of €114 million.

There has been also been some debate over whether Madrid actually need Bale, but Isco feels that the Welshman would represent a most welcome selection headache for Ancelotti.

"If he comes, it would a problem for the coach, but a blessed problem," he told reporters at a press conference on Friday.

"I think what everybody thinks [about him]: that he is a really great player. So, we would welcome him as everyone else has been welcomed [this summer]."

Isco is one of Madrid's most recent arrivals, having joined from Malaga for a reported €30m and he believes he can thrive at the Bernabeu under Ancelotti's tutelage.

"He's a coach who is always speaking with you," he explains. "He is very close to the players and his philosophy is perfect for Madrid.

"The coach asks for possession, good judgment, creativity and high pressing. It's a style that suits players who like to play. We're going to see an attractive Madrid that will do great things.

"We want to do well in all competitions, not just the Champions League. We want to win everything."

Isco admitted, though, that he faces a difficult task in nailing down a regular berth in the Madrid starting line-up.

"I will just try to do my job," he explained. "The adaptation for me has been quick and easy. I'm delighted to be here and eager to do well.

"It's true that at Malaga I played every game as a starter, but here at Madrid, they give nothing away.

"I hope to play a lot and I hope to play on Sunday [in Madrid's Liga opener against Betis] but the coach has the final say."

Isco, who has been capped once at senior level by Spain, played a key role in the country's triumph at this summer's Under-21 European Championship.

 

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Luis Suarez apologises to Liverpool

Luis Suarez has rejoined Liverpool first-team training after apologising to the club for his behaviour over the summer.Neither the Reds nor the striker’s representatives have made any comment on the issue, but sources have confirmed to ESPN that the striker did train with the squad on Friday.

It is also understood that Suarez said sorry to his team-mates after arriving back on Merseyside from Japan, where he had been on midweek international duty with Uruguay.The 26-year-old was ordered to train on his own last week in response to manager Brendan Rodgers’ concerns about his attitude.And Rodgers said last week that Suarez would not be allowed to join up with the rest of his team-mates until he said sorry for showing "total disrespect" to the club.

The Uruguay international has given a series of interviews since the end of May stating that he wants to leave Anfield.He claimed earlier this month he had been promised a year ago that he could depart if Liverpool failed to qualify for this season’s Champions League.

Both Rodgers and the club have dismissed those claims, insisting that they are under no obligation to sell the player.Arsenal have had two bids for Suarez rejected, including an offer of £40,000,001 made on July 23, in the apparent belief that it would trigger a release clause in his contract. Liverpool insist that there is no such clause.

Principal owner John W. Henry has made clear that the striker will not be leaving this summer, and dismissed the notion of selling him to Arsenal as “ludicrous”.On Wednesday, Suarez denied a Uruguayan journalist’s report that he had decided to stay at Anfield, but his chances of leaving before the transfer window shuts are looking increasingly unlikely.

The former Ajax man is suspended for Saturday’s Premier League opener against Stoke as he continues to serve a ten-match ban imposed after he bit Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic during a 2-2 draw at Anfield in April.Suarez will not be eligible to play for Liverpool until late September, and Rodgers said on Thursday that he would not discuss the striker until he was available again.