..::Football III::..

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Pogba will become best in the world, insists Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand believes former Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba is well on his way to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world.

The ex-England international witnessed the Juventus star’s development first hand at Old Trafford before he moved to Serie A in the summer of 2012.

And now, after seeing the 21-year-old deliver on the World Cup stage for France, Ferdinand is certain Pogba - who is wanted by Chelsea - is well on his way to joining the game’s elite.

"Paul told me before he left that he wanted to be 'the best player in the world,'" the 35-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I don't know whether that will happen, but he will definitely turn out to be the best midfielder in the world.

"As well as his undoubted ability, his strength is definitely his self-belief, not just by statements like that but by how he backs them up.

"He made the big, bold move to leave United, the best club in the world in my eyes, at only 19 because he wanted opportunities. He backed himself to do it, which is a big thing to do for a kid of his age, and he has not looked back since.

"You have to have that arrogance about you as a young player coming through at United, otherwise you sink. You won't make it."

Ferdinand also hinted at the real reason behind Pogba’s acrimonious departure from United, ahead of the Frenchman's possible return to the Premier League with Chelsea.

It was long thought that Pogba's omission from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to face Blackburn in December 2011, the manager’s birthday, was the main motive for his departure and the former United captain confirmed that played a significant role.

Ferdinand said: "I think he left because he felt disrespected that he did not play in a particular game when a few players were played out of position in midfield."

 

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Simeone: Just like Falcao, we will replace Costa

Diego Costa is where he wants to be and I am absolutely thrilled for him. I love Diego as a player. At Atletico Madrid, he gave us so much and I will always be grateful to those players who have given me their all.
Diego behaved in that way the whole time he was with us, so I wish him the very best at Chelsea. I hope he has a great season. He can still get a lot better, keep growing.

He’s at an age where he can continue to improve, so let’s hope he can develop further. He’ll have to adapt quickly to the system at Chelsea and to the coach, but let’s hope the team can take full advantage of his characteristics. I see a player very much on the way up and I’m sure he’ll be a success.

Top strikers have come and gone at Atletico. The club have always seemed to be able to minimalise the impact when big players leave. Fernando Torres left, Diego Forlan left, Sergio Aguero left, Radamel Falcao left and now Costa and David Villa have moved on – and the team has remained competitive.

Atletico have always done well in that respect and I hope the same thing will happen this time with a suitable replacement for Diego. When Aguero left, many saw it as a big blow, but Falcao came in and the team won trophies. Then Falcao left and people said we wouldn’t be able to compete, but we kept growing with Costa.

I believe a team as a whole is much more important than its individual players. Look at Colombia. They have been a sensation in this World Cup – and they have done it without Falcao. Colombia are a team with great balance and they have a lot of players who want the ball.

Despite Falcao’s absence through injury, they have been able to compete as a team and coach Jose Pekerman deserves credit for that. Costa could have played for Brazil at this tournament, but he chose Spain instead. Brazil’s strikers have taken some criticism, but I believe their front three are doing a good job.

Although they haven’t been able to produce their finest football so far in this competition, they remain very dangerous and as the World Cup goes on, the forwards will benefit from having played more time together. There are also likely to be more spaces available from now on and that will help them too.

So there may be no Diego Costa for Brazil, but the side’s forwards all work hard and there’s plenty of power and quality in their front three. As the team improves, I’m sure they’ll come good.

 

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Monaco warn Madrid off Falcao and James

Monaco stars Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez are not for sale, according to the Ligue 1 club's vice-president Vadim Vasilyev.

With five goals in four games, James has emerged as one of the stars of the World Cup and his performances have led to links with Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, while compatriot Falcao has also been rumoured to be on the move to Carlo Ancelotti's side.

However, Monaco chief Vasilyev insists neither Colombia star will be departing the principality outfit this summer.

"There are no negotiations with any club for Falcao," he told a press conference on Thursday.

Recent speculation suggested Falcao requested a transfer but the Russian denied this was the case, adding: "We have not talked about that. We count on him and believe he will have a great season in 2014-2015.

"Nobody is not transferable, I don't know of any examples in football - yet there is no discussion, we rely on him."

Though Falcao missed the World Cup because of a serious knee injury, James has shone for Colombia, who face Brazil in the quarter-finals on Friday.

And Vasilyev believes the 22-year-old's displays for Jose Pekerman's side have justified the €50 million fee Monaco paid Porto last summer.

"Everyone was surprised at the large sum we spent last year and now everyone is talking about him. That means that we were right," he added.

"We strongly believe in this player, it is very important to us, he still has four years on his contract and we will do many great things together."

 

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Liverpool sign Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen

Manager Rodgers also revealed his delight at capturing the German youth international and admits he has monitored Can for some time.

"Emre is an exciting young talent and I'm delighted he's chosen Liverpool for the next phase of his development and growth as a player," he added.

"He has recognised that we are a club that improves and nurtures exciting, ambitious players and I'm looking forward to seeing him take those next steps forward for us.

"We have tracked his progress for some time and I have been impressed with his attitude and qualities when I have seen him play both in the German Bundesliga and the Champions League.

"He has many of the attributes we look for; charisma on the football pitch and courage to want the ball and make things happen."

Liverpool have confirmed they have completed the signing of Emre Can from Bayer Leverkusen.

The 20-year-old midfielder is the Reds' third signing of the summer, following Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana to Anfield, and says he is thrilled to have signed for Brendan Rodgers' side.

"It was an easy decision for me to sign for Liverpool after a good chat with the manager. It was important," he told the club's official website.

"LFC is a great club and the fans are amongst the best in the world. I am looking forward to the first game and can't wait to step on the pitch for the first time at Anfield."

Manager Rodgers also revealed his delight at capturing the German youth international and admits he has monitored Can for some time.

"Emre is an exciting young talent and I'm delighted he's chosen Liverpool for the next phase of his development and growth as a player," he added.

"He has recognised that we are a club that improves and nurtures exciting, ambitious players and I'm looking forward to seeing him take those next steps forward for us.

"We have tracked his progress for some time and I have been impressed with his attitude and qualities when I have seen him play both in the German Bundesliga and the Champions League.

"He has many of the attributes we look for; charisma on the football pitch and courage to want the ball and make things happen."

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Emre!

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Collar eka nane bro

Ow machan habai last season 1kata wada look 1ka hodaimamath godak asai 2011/10 Home Kit 1ka wage thiyanawanam

Thama official nathi nisa 100% kiyannath baha mekamada kiyala but mehsare 1ka shape bro​

 

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Vlaar warns Netherlands: Costa Rica clash will not be easy

Ron Vlaar has dismissed the notion that Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Costa Rica will be an easy game for Netherlands.

Having won every game that they have played in Brazil so far, the Dutch are heavy favourites to overcome a side that has reached the last eight for the first time.

However, Vlaar is wary of the threat posed by Costa Rica, who topped a group containing three former world champions in Italy, Uruguay and England before edging out Euro 2004 winners Greece on penalties in the second round.

"These games don't come easier," the Aston Villa defender told his club's official website. "There are no easy games.

"Costa Rica beat Uruguay and Italy and then drew against England. Then they beat Greece.

"It will be another hard game again - but we are really looking forward to it. It's a great challenge again."

Vlaar admitted, though, that the Dutch, who routed Spain 5-1 in their tournament opener, are brimming with confidence ahead of their meeting with Costa Rica in Salvador.

"The mood in camp is great," the centre-half enthused. "It's been brilliant so far. We have won all of our games so it's so far, so good.

"I am really looking forward to the game on Saturday. It's another great challenge - another good game against good opposition - and we want to get through.

"Results help, of course, especially when you beat the world champions [Spain] 5-1. We are really focused. We are training very hard. The feeling in the group is very good.

"Everyone is together - we are all in it together. You can see that in the games."

 

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Brazil clash a dream match, says Zuniga

Facing Brazil in a World Cup quarter-final on Friday will be like a dream for Colombia, according to defender Juan Camilo Zuniga.

Jose Pekerman's men have impressed this summer, winning all four of their games with relative ease to reach the last eight and book a tie with the host nation.

Zuniga, 28, understands that reaching the semi-final stage to face either France or Germany will be incredibly tough, but hopes that Colombia's humble yet hard-working approach will reap its rewards in Fortaleza as they look to upset the hosts.

"Well, we know it's going to be complicated," he told reporters. "Not only do they have pressure on them, but this kind of match is something we've always dreamed of.

"It will be complicated against a huge opponents against Brazil - particularly as they are the home team - but we'll do things as best as possible.

"We're good physically, I think. My injury has gone, I'm okay. The group is very well, physically speaking. We've shown that before and if we go to extra-time we'll be ready for that.

"Each match for us is a final. This match will be complicated because they have quality players and like us try to make the difference.

"Irrespective of who is playing, we always want to have fun on the pitch. The idea is to play another final against Brazil with humility."

Colombia have never reached the last four of the World Cup but will be buoyed by Brazil's under-par performance as they edged past Chile on penalties after extra-time following a 1-1 draw.

 

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Howard considering USA retirement

USA goalkeeper Tim Howard has cast doubt on his international future after admitting he is contemplating retirement.

Howard produced a heroic man-of-the-match performance against Belgium in the last-16 clash in Salvador on Tuesday but it could not prevent USA from bowing out of the World Cup following a 2-1 defeat in extra-time.The 35-year-old broke the World Cup record for number of saves made in a single match, eclipsing the 13 set by Peru's Ramon Quiroga in 1978.

But, with Howard advancing in years, the 2018 World Cup in Russia may be a bridge too far for the 104-cap Everton veteran."What happens going forward with the national team, I don't know," Howard told reporters.

"Everything's a bit raw at the moment. I don't think it's black and white to be honest."There's no doubt barring injury that I'll be fit and willing to keep going, but there's a lot more things that go into that decision than just my physical health, so it's something that in time I'll decide on."

If the Everton shot-stopper, who signed a new four-year deal with the Premier League club in April, does not make it through to the next World Cup, he has already earmarked Aston Villa keeper Brad Guzan - capped 25 times - as the man to take his place."I would imagine at the moment the way things look, I think Brad Guzan," Howard said.

"He's a top Premier League goalkeeper, a dear friend and his talent is incredible."

 

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Howard retire unoth nam aparade!​

 

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Neuer: Germany not happy with form but winning all that matters

Manuel Neuer has admitted that Germany are "not happy" with their performances at World Cup 2014 but argued that "winning is all that matters".

The three-time champions opened their campaign in Brazil with a stunning 4-0 demolition of Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal but have since underwhelmed, drawing with Ghana, edging out United States 1-0 and then scraping past Algeria in the last 16 after extra-time.

Consequently, Joachim Low and his players have come in for some criticism back home and Neuer says that he and his team-mates share that sense of frustration.

"We are not happy either with our performances," the goalkeeper told reporters on Thursday. "But, at the end, we've always come out as deserved winners. It's the winning that matters."

Neuer acknowledges, though, that Germany will need to be at their best if they are to overcome quarter-final opponents France in Rio on Friday.

"We're all thrilled to have the chance to play at the Maracana. It's going to be fantastic, but France are a very dangerous side," the Bayern Munich shot-stopper added.

"They're strong and versatile even if, like us, they have [yet to] put in a perfect game at the tournament."

 

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Russian FA rules out sacking Capello after World Cup woe

The president of the Russian Football Union (RFU) has rubbished the suggestion that Fabio Capello should be fired because of the national team's disappointing World Cup campaign.

The Italian coach, who is under contract until 2018, has come in for some heavy criticism after the Russia bowed out at the group stage in Brazil, having been pipped to second place in Group H by Algeria.

Some members of the Russian parliament even called for Capello to be dismissed but Nikolai Tolstikh is standing by his man.

"In September our team will participate in qualification for the [2016] European Championship, without forgetting preparations for our home World Cup [in 2018]," the RFU president stated.

"The criticism and analysis is normal, but we need to focus on the improvement of the play of our team, so we need to be constructive.

"When we talk about the length of Capello’s contract, there are no termination clauses. Now we need to talk about something else."

 

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James Rodriguez: La Liga suits my style

Colombia star James Rodriguez says he would snub a move to the Premier League in favour of La Liga as he believes the Spanish style suits him better.

The 22-year-old attacker left Porto for Monaco in a €45 million deal last summer and has captured global adulation following his stellar performances at the World Cup so far.

With five goals and two assists from four matches, James sits above Argentina's Lionel Messi and Brazil's Neymar in the Golden Boot table, sparking suggestions that top clubs such as Real Madrid and Barcelona might be interested in taking him off Monaco's hands.

The Spanish giants might be encouraged further now that the Colombian has claimed Spanish football is ideal for him - just days after he suggested it would be a dream to move to Santiago Bernabeu - but has poured cold water over the possibility of a transfer to England.

"I've said in the past that I’' like to play in Spain one day, because it is a league that is good technically, and where you get a lot of touches on the ball, which is my style," he told the Guardian. "The Premier League is maybe a bit physical at this stage."

James, who will be hoping to impress further when Colombia face World Cup host nation Brazil on Friday in a quarter-final clash, stressed that he is not considering an imminent transfer as his focus is on international football.

"I am a Monaco player and I'm not thinking about anything like that at the moment," he added. "I am now just concentrating on Brazil, which is going to be a wonderful experience for us."

 

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Vucinic confirms move to Al Jazira from Juventus

Mirko Vucinic has announced his departure from Juventus for UAE club Al Jazira, although neither side is yet to confirm the deal.

The Montenegro international spent three seasons in Turin after joining for €15 million in July 2011 but, although in his first two years he saw plenty of first-team football, he fell out of Antonio Conte's favour in 2013-14.

With Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente, Fabio Quagliarella and Sebastian Giovinco already in the Juve striker ranks - and with other names linked with a possible switch to Turin this summer - Vucinic's chances were set to remain limited and so he has opted to move on to pastures new.

The fee for the former Roma striker, 30, has been reported to be around €6-7m and he was flown out to Abu Dhabi to finalise a three-year contract.

Vucinic confirmed the deal on his official Facebook page, ending his three consecutive years of Scudetto success under Conte at Juventus.

 

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Nacho signs six-year Real Madrid contract extension


Real Madrid have announced that defender Nacho Fernandez has signed a six-year contract extension with the club.

The youth academy product made his Blancos debut during a 6-3 win over Valencia at Mestalla in 2011 but only really made his first-team breakthrough last season under Carlo Ancelotti, racking up a total of 19 appearances in all competitions.

The European champions have now confirmed that Nacho, 24, has been rewarded with a new deal that will keep him at Santiago Bernabeu until the summer of 2021.

"Real Madrid announce that Nacho Fernandez's contract has been extended for the next six seasons," read a statement on the club's official site.

Nacho, who has been capped once by Spain, joined the Blancos as an 11-year-old and made more than 100 appearances for the B side between 2009 and 2013.

 

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Atletico youngster Torres joins Porto on loan

Atletico Madrid midfielder Oliver Torres will spend next season on loan at Portuguese giants Porto, the La Liga club confirmed on Thursday.

The 19-year-old spent the second half of the last campaign on loan at Villarreal and will now ply his trade in Portugal for a year to gain further valuable first-team experience.

"Atletico Madrid and Porto have reached an agreement for the transfer of Oliver Torres," a press release on the club's website read."The attacking midfielder, 19, will play on loan until 30 June in the ranks of the Portuguese side coached by Spaniard, Julen Lopetegui, after which time he will return to los Rojiblancos.

"The youngster, who already played on loan at Villarreal since the opening of the January transfer window last season, will continue to accrue experience in one of the strongest teams of Portugal."From the club, we wish Oliver the best of luck in this new stage of his football career."

Torres started one game for Atletico last season, scoring one goal and creating one assist for the Liga Champions.

 

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Saha: Manchester United made mistake in letting Pogba leave

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha feels the Old Trafford outfit made a mistake in allowing Paul Pogba to leave the club.

The midfielder was allowed to leave for Juventus in 2012 after just three senior appearances, and has gone onto forge an excellent reputation at both club and international level.

His performances at the World Cup for France have caught the attention of supporters and scouts alike, with Chelsea believed to be preparing a lucrative package to lure him from Turin to Stamford Bridge.

And Saha, who scored 28 Premier League goals in 52 starts for the Red Devils, believes Sir Alex Ferguson made a rare error in allowing the 21-year-old to depart the club.

"It's not often I will criticise Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson but it's clearly one of their biggest mistakes," he talkSport.

"He's clearly a talent. He's a confident player and he's always trying to improve. He's got a lot of aggression but he's got so much potential to improve."

Saha also claimed that Pogba reminded him of former Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira in his playing style, with his ability to play in both defensive and attacking roles a key attribute.

"He's been very important for France and showed in the last game [a 2-0 win over Nigeria] he can score goals and he can dictate the midfield area.

"He was very strong in his desire to go forward and he is a great box-to-box player. He reminds me of Patrick Vieria but maybe with a bit more style."

 

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SAF ge athin wechcha lokuma mistake 1kak thamai Pogba wa sell karapu 1kabut dan ithin wadak naha....gone is gone​

 

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Valencia hire Nuno to replace Pizzi

Valencia have announced the signing of Nuno Espirito Santo as their new coach just over 24 hours after the shock sacking of Juan Antonio Pizzi.

The Liga giants reached the Europa League semi-finals and finished eighth under Pizzi, but new owner Peter Lim surprisingly opted for a fresh face in the dugout at Mestalla next season.

Former Porto and Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper Nuno was immediately rumoured to be in the running for the Valencia job and the club confirmed his hiring on Thursday, with a one-year deal agreed and the option to extend it should they secure a top-four finish in La Liga next term.

A statement on the club's website read: "Valencia have reached an agreement for the signing of Nuno Espirito Santo until June 30, 2015, with the possibility of a renewal subject to seasonal sporting achievements under the Portuguese coach.

"The 40-year-old will be presented on Friday at the Ciudad Deportiva de Paterna at 12:00CET."

Nuno, who won the Champions League with Porto under Jose Mourinho, helped Rio Ave qualify for the 2014-15 Europa League after reaching both of Portugal's domestic cup finals in his second season in charge - the first time that the club will ever have played continental football.

He will be the first Portuguese coach that Valencia have appointed in their 95-year history.

 

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Reina to stay at Liverpool - agent

Pepe Reina will stay at Liverpool next season rather than return to Napoli, according to the goalkeeper's agent.

The Spain international spent the 2013-14 campaign on loan at the San Paolo and revealed during the World Cup that he was unsure what the future would hold.

A permanent switch away from Anfield looked the most likely outcome for Reina ahead of the new season, but the 31-year-old's representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon, has stated that the former Villarreal man plans to stay at Liverpool.

"I am aware of the rumours circulating about the future of Reina," he told Tutto Napoli. "But I confirm to you that Pepe will play for Liverpool next season.

"Yes [there will be no return to Napoli]. Reina will respect his contract with the English club."

Reina was allowed to leave by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers after the Northern Irishman signed Simon Mignolet from Sunderland.