..::Football III::..

[unicornx]

Di Maria: Leaving Real Madrid for Manchester United a step up for my career

Angel Di Maria says that leaving Real Madrid for Manchester United this summer has been a boost to his career.

The Argentina international winger had been pushed down the pecking order at the Santiago Bernabeu before the Red Devils swooped in with a British-record €77 million bid.

Di Maria has settled in superbly to Old Trafford, scoring his third Premier League goal in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Everton, and he is convinced that the transfer was the right decision for him.

Speaking before Sunday’s match, he told MUTV: "Leaving a club like Real and coming to as big a club as Manchester United makes you grow as a player and helps you progress in your career.

"It was a very important moment and I'm really happy here.

"With every day that goes by, I feel much more relaxed and settled here. I've got a house and my family are happy.

"Since the day I arrived, people have shown real warmth towards me – at every corner kick or free kick, or even during open play, every time I have the ball I feel they're right behind me. That always makes you feel even happier.

"Let's hope things go well for me so I can be here for many years to come."

Ozil qweth okama tama

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villa: I'm ready for A-League adventure

Former Spain striker David Villa insists that he is completely ready to make his A-League bow with Melbourne City after training with his new club for the first time on Monday.The ex-Barcelona and Atletico Madrid star left the Spanish capital in the summer and has not featured since his country's final World Cup match.

However, he says he will be prepared to feature against Sydney FC on Saturday as he begins his loan spell in Australia following a move to New York City FC, despite his lengthy break over the last few months."I feel good, I feel prepared," Villa told reporters.

"I've been working hard. I obviously had a break [after the World Cup], my last game was the Spain-Australia game but then I took the usual summer break that every player takes."But I've been working hard and I've been training to be ready and I hope to be ready for the game."

Villa insisted he didn't need to arrive any earlier in Melbourne due to the "constant communication" between all parties involved in the City Football Group, who own Manchester City, New York City and Melbourne City."This is not something we started doing last week, it's been going for months and, well, I have a week ahead to get acquainted better," the veteran added.

Coach John van 't Schip is delighted with the impression the new arrival made in his first training session but is unsure on how he will field the 32-year-old."This morning he looked already really sharp and fresh," Van 't Schip said.

"The most important thing, it all has to work out for everybody in a good way. If David is fit and feeling good - and of course, we'll have communication with each other - then it's normal he's going to be playing a big part in the games that we can have him.

"But just now to say whether if I'm going to put him in the [starting] line-up or on the bench [versus Sydney]...if we put him on the bench we'll have a reason and the most important thing is that it's going to be a good thing for all of us."

 

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Griezmann: I'm not good enough to be Ribery's successor

Antoine Griezmann has dismissed the perception that he is Franck Ribery's obvious successor, arguing that he is not on the same level as his fellow Frenchman.With Ribery having announced his retirement from international football, many pundits feel that Atletico Madrid ace Griezmann has the ability to fill the void left in the Bleus squad - just as he attempted to do at Brazil 2014 this summer.

However, Griezmann does not want to be considered the heir to Ribery's throne as the king of French football and insists that he does not feel under any pressure to emulate the Bayern Munich star's achievements with the national team."I’m not the successor to Ribery," the Atletico Madrid ace told L'Equipe. "I’m not on his level.

"I don’t feel pressure to be, either from the press or on the pitch."Griezmann admitted that he receives a lot of advice and guidance from France team-mate Karim Benzema but knows full well that by the time Euro 2016 comes around - at which point he will be 25 - he will need to be capable of looking after himself.

“You can say I need Benzema to protect me at the moment but we’ll see about that in 2016," he declared.

"There will no longer be 'Antoine the protege', only 'Antoine Griezmann'.”Griezmann scored 20 times in all competitions for Real Sociedad last season, with his fine form not only earning him a place in France's World Cup squad but also a move to Atletico.

 

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Blind: I want to become a leader for Manchester United

Daley Blind believes he can emulate his father Danny and become a leader on the pitch for Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

The Netherlands international has been a key feature of Van Gaal's United side so far, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss suggesting recently the 24-year-old was a better player than his father.

Danny Blind was captain of Van Gaal's Champions League-winning Ajax side in 1995 and was his assistant alongside Patrick Kluivert at the recent World Cup in Brazil.

Asked by the Manchester Evening News about Van Gaal's comments, he told reporters: "I read it. I hope I become a bit of a leader like my dad was, but I am still young.

"I am still improving and this is a new era for me, coming to a new area. But I can be [a leader]. I have to learn it and have to keep it up but I am learning every day, including about being a leader."

Having played under Van Gaal at the World Cup in Brazil, the younger Blind is well versed in how the 63-year-old operates and feels his United team-mates are beginning to adapt to the new regime.

"I think the players are getting used to [Van Gaal’s methods]. The players like to work with him. Everyone is picking it up very well," he added.

"Training is very hard and very serious and we improve every day and you could see that in the first half [of the 2-1 win] against Everton.

"We have seen that in the first half but now we have to see it over 90 minutes. The play is better though.

"It's important to do it [for] 90 minutes if you want to beat the big clubs. I don't think one single game is easy in the Premier League."

 

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Fiorentina upbeat on Cuadrado contract talks

Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade is optimistic about the club's chances of persuading Juan Cuadrado to sign a contract extension.

The Colombia international still has three years left to run on his current deal but was widely expected to leave the Viola during the summer, with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United all reportedly keen on signing the versatile winger.
However, Cuadrado ended up staying at the Artemio Franchi, with Fiorentina refusing to budge on their €50 million valuation of the player, and Prade is now hoping that the 26-year-old will commit his long-term future to the Serie A side.

"We're negotiating," he told reporters. "Both parties are discussing the situation and we want to do everything with the greatest serenity for everyone involved. We are hope to soon find a point of agreement."Prade also revealed that Cuadrado is not the only player that Fiorentina are trying to tie down to a new contract.

"We want to reach an agreement with other players, like Neto, [Khouma] Babacar, [Federico] Bernardeschi, [Alberto] Aquilani and [Stefan] Savic."Slowly but surely, we will do all of the deals."

Cuadrado underlined his star status with a sensational strike in Fiorentina's 3-0 rout of Inter at the weekend but Babacar also struck during the game against the Nerazzurri and the 21-year-old Senegalese striker is considered, along with wing wizard Bernardeschi, the future of Fiorentina.

Goalkeeper Neto and centre-half Savic are also only 25 and 23, respectively, while Aquilani, though now 30, has proven an inspired signing since arriving from Liverpool two years ago, after loan spells at Juventus and AC Milan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reina sidelined by 'severe' calf injury

Bayern Munich have announced that reserve goalkeeper Pepe Reina has been ruled out of action for "several weeks" with a "severe" calf injury.The Spain international has not yet made a competitive appearance for the Bavarians since joining on a three-year deal from Liverpool this summer but he was selected to start Monday's friendly against an amateur 11 in Unterhaching.

However, Reina, who has been serving as Manuel Neuer's principal understudy, lasted just five minutes before being replaced by Tom Starke after pulling up with a muscular problem.Subsequent tests carried out by Bayern team doctor Hans-Whilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt have now confirmed that Reina is facing an unspecified period of "weeks" on the sidelines with what, according to the club's official website, is a "severe calf muscle injury".

The only positive for the German champions is that the international break means that they do not return to action until October 18, when they host Werder Bremen at the Allianz Arena.

However, Pep Guardiola's men then face a crunch Champions League clash with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico three days later.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon Reina!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere: I am finally back to my best for Arsenal

Jack Wilshere is confident he is back to his best for Arsenal after finally recovering from his long injury lay-off.

The England international was sidelined for 17 months after suffering a number of ankle and knee problems, making his comeback two years ago this month.

Wilshere has come under criticism for not living up to his potential after breaking onto the scene as a 17-year-old, but is delighted after a string of impressive displays.

"I feel good and I'm always looking to improve, no matter what," Wilshere told the club's official website.

"For a player of my age, I've missed a lot of football so I'm just trying to play as much as I can, train as much as I can and I've always said that when I get fully fit you'll see the best of me.

"I said at the start of the season that it was going to take some time to get back to my best. Ever since my first injury, it's always taken a run of games - probably between five and 10 - to get back to my best.

"Some players are different, some players come back and are at their best straight away. But some need a run of games and I'm one of those players."

The 2-0 loss to Chelsea on Sunday leaves Arsenal with just 11 points from their opening seven games - their second-poorest start to a Premier League season - and Wilshere urged his team-mates to prove their worth.

"We've played well but at this level, against the top three in this league, when you're on top you need to make the opportunities count and if you don't then you're going to get punished," he said.

 

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Szczesny admits 'brilliant' Chelsea are title favourites

Wojciech Szczesny admits Arsenal were beaten by "brilliance" from Chelsea and believes Jose Mourinho’s side are favourites to win the title this season.

Goals from Eden Hazard and Diego Costa sealed a 2-0 win for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday which keeps them five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have registered just two wins in the Premier League this term and are already nine points behind Chelsea after seven games played.

“I thought it was a very even game but Chelsea have an ability to keep clean sheets at home and I thought they were very good, they took their chances with two brilliant moments,” Szczesny told reporters.

“One, the brilliant run from [Eden] Hazard that led to the penalty. On the second goal, the ball from Cesc [Fabregas] and the finish. Sometimes you’ve got to take your hat off to the brilliance of the opposition.

“We’ve had a tough run so far. But I’d like to think that our start has been solid, not as good as we expected from ourselves but I believe that, after the international break, we can push on and get more points.

“You can’t say we’ve played badly against Chelsea, it’s just that we’ve come up against a very strong side, probably the favourites to win the Premier League at this point.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gareth Bale named Wales player of the year

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has been named the Football Association of Wales player of the year for 2014.

The 25-year-old has picked up the accolade for the fourth time in five years and has set a new record having overtaken Mark Hughes and John Hartson, who both won the award three times.

After joining Real Madrid last year in a world-record €100 million deal from Tottenham, the winger scored 15 times in 27 La Liga appearances and helped the Spanish club win the Champions League, the Uefa Super Cup and the Copa del Rey.

"It’s been a fantastic year. I went to Madrid to win trophies and I’ve been lucky enough to do that," Bale told reporters.

Bale, who has joined up with the Wales national side ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Cyprus, also won the fans' player of the year award.

Meanwhile, Tottenham left-back Ben Davies was named young player of the year, while Swansea City captain Ashley Williams won club player of the year for the fourth year in a row.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Bale​

 

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Roma coach Garcia fined after Juventus outburst

Roma coach Rudi Garcia has been fined €5,000 and warned over his future conduct after being sent off in a fiery clash at Juventus.

The Frenchman was banished from the touchline during the first half of Sunday's Serie A fixture following his reaction to referee Gianluca Rocchi's decision to award the first of two penalties for Juve, who ran out 3-2 winners.Garcia has been hit in the pocket following his actions in a dramatic game between the top two in the Italian top flight, which was settled by a fine volley from Leonardo Bonucci four minutes from time.

The first of the hosts' spot-kicks was awarded for handball against Maicon, after Rocchi originally appeared to award a free-kick, while the second was judged a foul by Miralem Pjanic on Paul Pogba, with what minimal contact there was perhaps occurring just outside the area.Garcia later criticised Rocchi's performance and suggested that more technology should be used to aid referees.

It was a costly day for Roma, as Kostas Manolas was sent off late on following a fracas with Alvaro Morata - who was also given his marching orders.Greece defender Manolas has been given a two-match ban, while Juve striker Morata will serve a one-game suspension.

Juve and Roma have also been punished for the conduct of their fans at Juventus Stadium this weekend.Serie A champions Juve have been fined €30,000 after a fan clashed with a member of the Roma staff on the bench, a flare was thrown into the section of away supporters and a laser pen was used by home fans.

Roma must pay a €20,000 fine for their fans hurling flares and plastic bottles onto the pitch and towards Juve supporters, while they have also been punished for using radio communications on the bench.

 

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Diego Costa: I decide if I'm fit to play for Spain, not Mourinho

Diego Costa insists he decides when he is fit to play, not Jose Mourinho, and the striker says the Chelsea manager did not urge him to snub his call-up to the Spain squad.

The former Atletico Madrid forward, who has scored nine goals in seven Premier League appearances this term, has struggled with a hamstring problem since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Costa has been named in Spain's squad ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifiers with Slovakia and Luxembourg, and while Mourinho believes the 25-year-old should be rested by Vicente Del Bosque, the striker maintains he will be the one who has the final say on his fitness.

"I don't want to be in the middle [of Spain and Chelsea]," he told Marca. "Mourinho has not told me anything.

"One has to take into account that many times I am the one that makes the decision depending on how I feel. Here I have the confidence of the coach, the technical team, and if there is a problem I tell them.

"If I'm here and I'm injured then I don't play because it would be worse."

And while Costa admits he is not prepared to aggravate his injury, the forward insists he is keen to play a part in Spain's upcoming matches.

"I'm here ready to play. I've had some problems but it's getting better," said Costa.

"I've already played three games in a week and the coach [Del Bosque] knows that I carry some problems, but I will treat them during the week."

 

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Ibrahimovic 'looking forward to retirement'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he is excited by the prospect of retiring from football so that he can spend more time with his family.

The prolific Paris Saint-Germain talisman turned 33 at the start of October but has already scored five goals from as many Ligue 1 games in 2014-15 having netted 41 times in all competitions last season.

Questions have been raised over how long the Sweden international will stay in the game and Parc des Princes attacker admits he is eagerly anticipating the day that he calls time on his career,"I am looking forward to [retiring]," he told The Guardian. "When you play football you spend so much time in hotels and you lose out on a lot.

"My biggest son is eight and the youngest is six - it's not like I have been with them every day of their lives. I want to be a family man and I want to stop when I am on top."When I go out I represent my club and myself but at home I am a 100% family person. I will have to find a way to replace the intensity of playing. Let's wait and see, but I always find a way..."

The forward looks back on his career with pride, having won league titles with Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Barcelona, AC Milan and PSG, but acknowledges his biggest regret is not winning the Champions League."I have won 23 collective titles but the one that is missing is the Champions League," said Ibrahimovic.

"At PSG we are trying to win it, but even if we don’t, the 23 I have already won - coming from where I did - are incredible."I have had an amazing adventure."

 

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Ramos pulls out of Spain squad

Sergio Ramos has been withdrawn from the Spain squad for the upcoming Euro 2016 qualifying matches with Slovakia and Luxembourg due to a calf injury.
The defender picked up the problem during Real Madrid's 5-0 thrashing of Athletic Bilbao on Sunday and had to be withdrawn at half-time.

Ramos was included in the Spain squad for the upcoming international ties but was ruled out after medical tests and will have his spot in the squad filled by Barcelona defender Marc Bartra."Spanish National Team defender Sergio Ramos will leave the training camp due to a calf injury in his right leg," a statement on the national team's official website read.

"The said injury was detected after the medical tests carried out at the Clinica Sanitas in La Moraleja. Marc Bartra will join up with the squad."Spain hammered FYR Macedonia 5-1 in their first qualification game in September.

 

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Watzke backs Klopp amid Dortmund crisis

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim-Watzke has backed coach Jurgen Klopp amid a crisis that saw them fall to a fourth league defeat of the season to Hamburg on Saturday.

BVB invested in the region of €50 million in their squad over the summer, with Ciro Immobile and Shinji Kagawa their marquee signings, though they did lose last season's top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski to rivals Bayern Munich.Injuries have also played their part, with Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Reus and Henrikh Mkhitaryan all on the sidelines, though Watzke is adamant Klopp is the right man to lead them out of their recent slump.

He said to Kicker: "It is obvious that some players have reached their limit. This is understandable, they are not machines."Jurgen Klopp is absolutely the right man for Dortmund."

Captain Mats Hummels was also quick to play down the club's start to the campaign and attempted to apply a sense of perspective to their current plight.
"There are always times in a season where form dips. We're not going to go crazy about it."

 

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I'm right to drop Balotelli - Conte

Italy coach Antonio Conte has defended his decision to drop Mario Balotelli and call up Graziano Pelle in his place.

Southampton striker Pelle has been rewarded for his fine start to life at St Mary's Stadium with a first international call, while Balotelli has struggled in his first few weeks with Liverpool.

Pelle has five goals to his name in all competitions this term, but Balotelli has scored just once in eight games since moving from Milan. Conte explained that he will be keeping a close eye on the striker's form, while adding that Pelle deserved his chance with the national side."Mario has started a new path. It's not an easy one and I believe he must be given the necessary time to adapt at Liverpool," said the former Juve boss.

"We are following him just as we monitor all Italians that play abroad. I make selections not exclusions, which is something completely different."Graziano represents what I've always said. Meritocracy leads to a place in the national team for a player who in two years has scored 50 goals.

"Today he is becoming a star in the Premier League after an adventure in Holland.
"I am curious to see him from close quarters in order to understand if he can help us. He deserved this call up from all points of view."

 

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David Luiz: Chelsea wanted to keep me... but I chose PSG

David Luiz has revealed that Chelsea offered him a new contract to stay at Stamford Bridge but he instead chose to join Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazil defender moved to the Ligue 1 champions for €51 million during the summer as he became the most expensive defender in history and has already impressed for Les Parisiens, scoring in their recent 3-2 victory over Barcelona.

However, the 27-year-old has claimed that the Blues wanted to keep him at the club ahead of the new campaign, but says he is pleased he opted to make the switch to the French capital instead.

"Chelsea offered me a new contract to stay but it was my choice to come here," he told Globo Esporte. "I was happy with the plan PSG offered to me and I think it was exactly the right moment to move.

"I was so happy at Chelsea, I won two European titles and the FA Cup, it was great for me.

"I'm a lucky guy. I was playing for a big club like Chelsea and now I've got another opportunity to play for another big club. I'm enjoying it here."

Luiz's goal againstBarcelona helped put Laurent Blanc's side in pole position to qualify from Group F in the Champions League as they look to better back-to-back quarter-final appearances in the past two seasons.

And the former Benfica star admits that winning Europe's premier club competition is a realistic ambition for his new club.

"This is the plan we have. We have great players, a great coach and it's a great club," he continued.

"It's so difficult to win the Champions League, you have to win game by game. You need to qualify first if you want to win.

"I made my choice and I'm happy with my choice. I'm happy to see my friends at Chelsea playing very well, and I'm happy to be here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

David Luiz: Chelsea wanted to keep me... but I chose PSG

For money​

 

[panchaz]

For money​

waley inna ekath atha wananwa lu kuttiya dakkama
ethin mu giya eka ahanna deyakda