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Bale and Madrid delighted to be together - Perez
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says he has no intention of selling Gareth Bale and claims the club are delighted with the former Tottenham man.
Bale only joined Madrid in 2013 and enjoyed a successful season as he netted crucial goals in the final of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last year.
However, the Welsh winger has come in for criticism recently for showing his selfish side and was jeered by some fans in Madrid's 3-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday.
Despite the 25-year-old having been linked with a return to the Premier League courtesy of big-spenders Manchester United, Santiago Bernabeu chief Perez insists he is going nowhere.
"Bale has said he is delighted to be at Real Madrid," Florentino told reporters in the mixed zone after the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday. "And Real Madrid are delighted to have him."
Meanwhile, Perez was thrilled to see Ronaldo claim his third Ballon d'Or on Monday and says the Portuguese has now well and truly etched his name into Blancos folklore.
"Cristiano now forms part of Real Madrid," he continued. "He forms part of Real Madrid's history. This is a very important award for Real Madrid and for madridismo in general. We will keep working with humility to achieve our objectives."
Earlier in the day, Ronaldo said he would be interested in playing with fellow Ballon d'Or nominees Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer, but Perez claims the Portuguese was merely paying his colleagues a compliment and cannot envisage all three at Real Madrid.
"It's a very affectionate way of saying they are two great players and that they deserve to be here," he added.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez says he has no intention of selling Gareth Bale and claims the club are delighted with the former Tottenham man.
Bale only joined Madrid in 2013 and enjoyed a successful season as he netted crucial goals in the final of the Copa del Rey and the Champions League last year.
However, the Welsh winger has come in for criticism recently for showing his selfish side and was jeered by some fans in Madrid's 3-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday.
Despite the 25-year-old having been linked with a return to the Premier League courtesy of big-spenders Manchester United, Santiago Bernabeu chief Perez insists he is going nowhere.
"Bale has said he is delighted to be at Real Madrid," Florentino told reporters in the mixed zone after the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday. "And Real Madrid are delighted to have him."
Meanwhile, Perez was thrilled to see Ronaldo claim his third Ballon d'Or on Monday and says the Portuguese has now well and truly etched his name into Blancos folklore.
"Cristiano now forms part of Real Madrid," he continued. "He forms part of Real Madrid's history. This is a very important award for Real Madrid and for madridismo in general. We will keep working with humility to achieve our objectives."
Earlier in the day, Ronaldo said he would be interested in playing with fellow Ballon d'Or nominees Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer, but Perez claims the Portuguese was merely paying his colleagues a compliment and cannot envisage all three at Real Madrid.
"It's a very affectionate way of saying they are two great players and that they deserve to be here," he added.
Arsenal set to send Sanogo on loan to Crystal Palace
Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo is close to completing a loan move to Crystal Palace after holding talks with the south London club on Monday.
Sanogo was at Palace's training ground on Monday for talks and a medical ahead of sealing a loan move until the end of the season.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealed earlier this month he was keen to send Sanogo out on loan to another Premier League club so that the striker can play regular first-team football.
Sanogo, who has scored one goal in 19 appearances for Arsenal, is down the pecking order at the Emirates and Wenger feels it would be best for the French forward's development if he were to go out on loan and gain some valuable experience.
Bordeaux were keen to take the former Auxerre youngster back to Ligue 1, but Wenger was keen to keep the 21-year-old in England.
"He will go out on loan," Wenger said earlier in January. "My option is preferably in England."
Hull City and Aston Villa are also understood to have expressed an interest in Sanogo, but Palace look to have won the race for the forward's signature.
Sanogo will become Alan Pardew's first signing since taking over at Palace and he sees the Frenchman as a player who will boost the club's survival bid during the second half of the season.
Arsenal striker Yaya Sanogo is close to completing a loan move to Crystal Palace after holding talks with the south London club on Monday.
Sanogo was at Palace's training ground on Monday for talks and a medical ahead of sealing a loan move until the end of the season.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger revealed earlier this month he was keen to send Sanogo out on loan to another Premier League club so that the striker can play regular first-team football.
Sanogo, who has scored one goal in 19 appearances for Arsenal, is down the pecking order at the Emirates and Wenger feels it would be best for the French forward's development if he were to go out on loan and gain some valuable experience.
Bordeaux were keen to take the former Auxerre youngster back to Ligue 1, but Wenger was keen to keep the 21-year-old in England.
"He will go out on loan," Wenger said earlier in January. "My option is preferably in England."
Hull City and Aston Villa are also understood to have expressed an interest in Sanogo, but Palace look to have won the race for the forward's signature.
Sanogo will become Alan Pardew's first signing since taking over at Palace and he sees the Frenchman as a player who will boost the club's survival bid during the second half of the season.
Fantastic Fergie told me I'm the best - Ronaldo
Fifa Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that "fantastic" former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reminds him regularly that he's the best in the world.
The Real Madrid forward was speaking after picking up his third Ballon d'Or award on Monday night and says he looks back on his time at Old Trafford fondly.
Ronaldo, who spent six years with the Red Devils, told reporters: "I think about Manchester United. The beginning of my career was there, that’s where I started. I know the fans are there supporting me.
"I haven’t had a message from Sir Alex yet but I speak with him often. He told me to keep improving all the time. He said: 'Cristiano, you’re the best, don’t worry about the rest'.
"He’s fantastic, I miss him."
Ronaldo left Old Trafford at the age of 24 to move to Madrid, the club he supported as a boy, and has scored 285 goals in 274 games for the Blancos.
And although he is constantly linked by English media with a return to United, he went on to state his determination to add to the trophies he has already won in the Spanish capital, particularly after extending his stay at the European champions until 2018.
"I signed a new contract for many years so I am motivated to win more things for the club," he added.
Fifa Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that "fantastic" former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson reminds him regularly that he's the best in the world.
The Real Madrid forward was speaking after picking up his third Ballon d'Or award on Monday night and says he looks back on his time at Old Trafford fondly.
Ronaldo, who spent six years with the Red Devils, told reporters: "I think about Manchester United. The beginning of my career was there, that’s where I started. I know the fans are there supporting me.
"I haven’t had a message from Sir Alex yet but I speak with him often. He told me to keep improving all the time. He said: 'Cristiano, you’re the best, don’t worry about the rest'.
"He’s fantastic, I miss him."
Ronaldo left Old Trafford at the age of 24 to move to Madrid, the club he supported as a boy, and has scored 285 goals in 274 games for the Blancos.
And although he is constantly linked by English media with a return to United, he went on to state his determination to add to the trophies he has already won in the Spanish capital, particularly after extending his stay at the European champions until 2018.
"I signed a new contract for many years so I am motivated to win more things for the club," he added.
Roar-naldo explains strange outburst
Cristiano Ronaldo has explained that his bizarre roar at the end of his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech originated on the Real Madrid training ground.
Ronaldo picked up the award for the third time in Zurich on Monday and after collecting the trophy spoke of his delight before concluding with a fist pump and a shout.
Asked about it afterwards, the Portuguese told Spanish television station Cuatro: “The scream? The players know I always do that shout when I score a goal or when we win. It’s our shout, from Real Madrid.”Ronaldo revealed he was edgy approaching the announcement despite being the overwhelming favourite after a phenomenal 2014.
“I wasn’t relaxed, I was very nervous,” he added. “It was the same last year only I did not cry. You can’t always cry! I was relying on winning after the year I had.”
Ronaldo also played down talk his next target was to overhaul arch-rival Lionel Messi, who has four Ballons d’Or to his name.
“Winning five to beat Messi? I said it as a joke because Messi has four. I am not obsessed with the trophy. It is the greatest reward but most important is to win things in Madrid.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has explained that his bizarre roar at the end of his Ballon d’Or acceptance speech originated on the Real Madrid training ground.
Ronaldo picked up the award for the third time in Zurich on Monday and after collecting the trophy spoke of his delight before concluding with a fist pump and a shout.
Asked about it afterwards, the Portuguese told Spanish television station Cuatro: “The scream? The players know I always do that shout when I score a goal or when we win. It’s our shout, from Real Madrid.”Ronaldo revealed he was edgy approaching the announcement despite being the overwhelming favourite after a phenomenal 2014.
“I wasn’t relaxed, I was very nervous,” he added. “It was the same last year only I did not cry. You can’t always cry! I was relying on winning after the year I had.”
Ronaldo also played down talk his next target was to overhaul arch-rival Lionel Messi, who has four Ballons d’Or to his name.
“Winning five to beat Messi? I said it as a joke because Messi has four. I am not obsessed with the trophy. It is the greatest reward but most important is to win things in Madrid.”
Simeone: Little by little, Atletico will catch Real Madrid
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says Real Madrid remain "much stronger" than his side - but insists they will catch up to them.
Carlo Ancelotti's European champions lead the way in La Liga but were beaten 2-0 by Atletico in the first leg of their Copa del Rey clash earlier this month as the Rojiblancos exacted revenge for their Champions League final defeat in May.
Simeone, who made the final three nominees for the Fifa Coach of the Year award alongside Ancelotti and eventual winner Joachim Low, praised his players for their efforts over 2014 and vowed to keep working to overhaul their city rivals.
"In 2014 we got the reward after the hard work we put," he told Sky Sport. "My team has great players, who played exactly the way we practiced during the week, with the same strength and effort. I'm was voted as a Coach of the Year nominee thanks to them.
"Real Madrid are much stronger but, little by little, with our hard work, we'll try to catch them."
Atletico midfielder duo Mario Suarez and Tiago have both been linked with a possible move away from the Vicente Calderon, but Simeone is adamant he does not want to see them leave.
"Mario Suarez is an important player for us, we're not planning to sell either him or Tiago," he added. "They're too important for us. In any case, the board is entitled to make a decision, not me."
Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone says Real Madrid remain "much stronger" than his side - but insists they will catch up to them.
Carlo Ancelotti's European champions lead the way in La Liga but were beaten 2-0 by Atletico in the first leg of their Copa del Rey clash earlier this month as the Rojiblancos exacted revenge for their Champions League final defeat in May.
Simeone, who made the final three nominees for the Fifa Coach of the Year award alongside Ancelotti and eventual winner Joachim Low, praised his players for their efforts over 2014 and vowed to keep working to overhaul their city rivals.
"In 2014 we got the reward after the hard work we put," he told Sky Sport. "My team has great players, who played exactly the way we practiced during the week, with the same strength and effort. I'm was voted as a Coach of the Year nominee thanks to them.
"Real Madrid are much stronger but, little by little, with our hard work, we'll try to catch them."
Atletico midfielder duo Mario Suarez and Tiago have both been linked with a possible move away from the Vicente Calderon, but Simeone is adamant he does not want to see them leave.
"Mario Suarez is an important player for us, we're not planning to sell either him or Tiago," he added. "They're too important for us. In any case, the board is entitled to make a decision, not me."
Messi: I really do not want to leave Barca
Lionel Messi moved to scotch speculation he may leave Barcelona next summer by saying he has no intention of quitting the Catalan club.
The Argentine attacker, who came second to Cristiano Ronaldo in the Fifa Ballon d'Or vote on Monday, earlier raised eyebrows in the pre-ceremony press conference when he said he did not know where he would be playing next year.
But speaking in the mixed zone after Ronaldo was announced as the winner for the second year in succession, Messi said: "It’s a bit tiresome having to clarify everything I say.
"Often I don’t even come out and deny things or don't speak to the media because they always change some of my words to create controversy." And the 27-year-old inisists he is not considering a move.
“I’m not thinking about leaving," he said. "Not at all. All I said was that in football you never know what will happen in future.
"Last year at Barcelona was very hard for me personally and professionally and we will try to turn things around this season."
Messi was also asked about his relationship with coach Luis Enrique following their recent fall-out, but claims the two are on good terms.
“It’s the same as with any other player in the dressing room – a coach to player relationship," he said.
Perhaps surprisingly, one of Messi's votes (as Argentina captain) in the coach category of the Ballon d'Or was for former foe Jose Mourinho, but the 27-year-old said: "He is a great coach. Whether you like him or not as a person, there is no doubt he is an amazing coach."
Lionel Messi moved to scotch speculation he may leave Barcelona next summer by saying he has no intention of quitting the Catalan club.
The Argentine attacker, who came second to Cristiano Ronaldo in the Fifa Ballon d'Or vote on Monday, earlier raised eyebrows in the pre-ceremony press conference when he said he did not know where he would be playing next year.
But speaking in the mixed zone after Ronaldo was announced as the winner for the second year in succession, Messi said: "It’s a bit tiresome having to clarify everything I say.
"Often I don’t even come out and deny things or don't speak to the media because they always change some of my words to create controversy." And the 27-year-old inisists he is not considering a move.
“I’m not thinking about leaving," he said. "Not at all. All I said was that in football you never know what will happen in future.
"Last year at Barcelona was very hard for me personally and professionally and we will try to turn things around this season."
Messi was also asked about his relationship with coach Luis Enrique following their recent fall-out, but claims the two are on good terms.
“It’s the same as with any other player in the dressing room – a coach to player relationship," he said.
Perhaps surprisingly, one of Messi's votes (as Argentina captain) in the coach category of the Ballon d'Or was for former foe Jose Mourinho, but the 27-year-old said: "He is a great coach. Whether you like him or not as a person, there is no doubt he is an amazing coach."
West Ham 2-2 Everton (aet) (West Ham win 9-8 on penalties): Adrian hits decisive spot-kick in enthralling cup clash
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was the hero as he scored the winning penalty in an FA Cup classic against Everton on Tuesday.
The third-round replay at Upton Park ended 2-2 after extra-time, and Adrian converted his team's 10th penalty after opposite number Joel Robles missed, sealing a 9-8 triumph and a fourth-round trip to Bristol City.
West Ham were heavy favourites to progress inside normal time when Aiden McGeady needlessly got himself sent off for a second booking shortly after Enner Valencia opened the scoring early in the second period.But Everton substitute Kevin Mirallas had other ideas and he scored a magnificent free-kick eight minutes from the end to send the tie into extra-time.
And there was more Mirallas magic in the 97th minute as the winger danced around the West Ham defence to slot across goal from the left and leave Romelu Lukaku with a tap-in.Sam Allardyce's last throw of the dice was to call on Carlton Cole and was immediately rewarded as the striker dispatched James Tomkins' knockdown from Aaron Creswell's 113th-minute corner to force a shootout.
Following Adrian's excellent stop to deny Steven Naismith and four converted West Ham penalties, Stewart Downing had the chance to send West Ham through but Robles guessed correctly to stop his poorly stuck effort The quality of penalties left the keepers second best throughout sudden death, before Robles clattered the crossbar and Adrian stroked home to secure a 9-8 shootout triumph.
Both teams looked to impose themselves during some fast-flowing opening exchanges and Everton defender John Stones was almost left red-faced when the first clear chance fell to the hosts.The England youngster took too long on the ball when coming out of defence, with Valencia alert to dispossess him and draw a sharp stop from Robles having darted through on goal.
But West Ham had to wait until six minutes after half-time to break the deadlock, as Andy Carroll picked out Valencia, who got the better of Stones and slotted a low finish across Robles.Martinez's men were left with a mountain to climb after 56 minutes when McGeady - who cynically brought down Matt Jarvis six minutes before half-time - foolishly went to ground in a challenge on Mark Noble to pick up his second caution.
But Mirallas made light of their numerical disadvantage, capitalising with a sumptuous free-kick from the left corner of the box as Adrian left too much space at his near post.West Ham were furious when they were awarded a free-kick after Stones handled, although the contact appeared to take place inside the box late in normal time as Everton held on to take the match into extra-time.
Lukaku appeared to have let the Hammers off the hook when he missed an effort from close range but the Belgian did not need a second invitation when super-sub Mirallas dazzled once more.Allardyce then called on Cole and that decision paid off just 100 seconds later as he bundled home the leveller.
Carroll and Lukaku came close to winners for their respective sides while Morgan Amalfitano was denied late on by another excellent Robles stop.The ultimate result was penalties, and it was Adrian who eventually stepped up to win it for the hosts in the most dramatic of circumstances.
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was the hero as he scored the winning penalty in an FA Cup classic against Everton on Tuesday.
The third-round replay at Upton Park ended 2-2 after extra-time, and Adrian converted his team's 10th penalty after opposite number Joel Robles missed, sealing a 9-8 triumph and a fourth-round trip to Bristol City.
West Ham were heavy favourites to progress inside normal time when Aiden McGeady needlessly got himself sent off for a second booking shortly after Enner Valencia opened the scoring early in the second period.But Everton substitute Kevin Mirallas had other ideas and he scored a magnificent free-kick eight minutes from the end to send the tie into extra-time.
And there was more Mirallas magic in the 97th minute as the winger danced around the West Ham defence to slot across goal from the left and leave Romelu Lukaku with a tap-in.Sam Allardyce's last throw of the dice was to call on Carlton Cole and was immediately rewarded as the striker dispatched James Tomkins' knockdown from Aaron Creswell's 113th-minute corner to force a shootout.
Following Adrian's excellent stop to deny Steven Naismith and four converted West Ham penalties, Stewart Downing had the chance to send West Ham through but Robles guessed correctly to stop his poorly stuck effort The quality of penalties left the keepers second best throughout sudden death, before Robles clattered the crossbar and Adrian stroked home to secure a 9-8 shootout triumph.
Both teams looked to impose themselves during some fast-flowing opening exchanges and Everton defender John Stones was almost left red-faced when the first clear chance fell to the hosts.The England youngster took too long on the ball when coming out of defence, with Valencia alert to dispossess him and draw a sharp stop from Robles having darted through on goal.
But West Ham had to wait until six minutes after half-time to break the deadlock, as Andy Carroll picked out Valencia, who got the better of Stones and slotted a low finish across Robles.Martinez's men were left with a mountain to climb after 56 minutes when McGeady - who cynically brought down Matt Jarvis six minutes before half-time - foolishly went to ground in a challenge on Mark Noble to pick up his second caution.
But Mirallas made light of their numerical disadvantage, capitalising with a sumptuous free-kick from the left corner of the box as Adrian left too much space at his near post.West Ham were furious when they were awarded a free-kick after Stones handled, although the contact appeared to take place inside the box late in normal time as Everton held on to take the match into extra-time.
Lukaku appeared to have let the Hammers off the hook when he missed an effort from close range but the Belgian did not need a second invitation when super-sub Mirallas dazzled once more.Allardyce then called on Cole and that decision paid off just 100 seconds later as he bundled home the leveller.
Carroll and Lukaku came close to winners for their respective sides while Morgan Amalfitano was denied late on by another excellent Robles stop.The ultimate result was penalties, and it was Adrian who eventually stepped up to win it for the hosts in the most dramatic of circumstances.
Saint-Etienne 0-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Ibrahimovic sends Parisiens through in cup clash
Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck midway through the second half as Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from a blip in form to knock Saint-Etienne out at the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-final stage on Tuesday.
The Swedish striker chested home Lucas Moura's cross 18 minutes from time at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Tuesday to edge the holders into the last four.Saint-Etienne were not convinced the ball had crossed the line, but replays showed goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier had not clawed the ball back in time and play was then suspended after objects were thrown onto the pitch by the home supporters.
There was very little between the two sides, but PSG held on for a morale-boosting victory just three days after they squandered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at Bastia in Ligue 1.That defeat left Laurent Blanc's champions fourth in the table, with Saint-Etienne moving above them into the third spot, but the hosts were unable to heap more misery on the Parisian giants as they slipped to their first home loss since October.
Blanc - who once again omitted Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi for disciplinary reasons - backed PSG to respond after caving in at Bastia, and they made a bright start.
Ibrahimovic, who scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 hammering of Saint-Etienne back in August, tried his luck with a well-struck free-kick that was palmed away by Ruffier eight minutes in.
But in-form Saint-Etienne, who had lost just one of their last 17 games going into this match, grew into the contest and Moustapha Bayal Sall rose to meet a corner from the right with a towering header that was cleared off the line by Marco Verratti.
Italian midfielder Verratti then embarked on a positive run into the hosts' penalty area, but blazed his shot high and wide - his effort in keeping with a first half that lacked quality in the final third at both ends.Substitute Benjamin Corgnet wasted a golden opportunity to put Saint-Etienne in front on the hour-mark, but shot just wide after ghosting into the box unmarked.
Lucas then broke the offside trap and rounded Ruffier, but was unable to tuck the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.The Brazilian made amends 18 minutes from time, though, whipping in an inviting cross that Ibrahimovic chested over the line despite the best efforts of Ruffier.
Referee Said Ennjimi then suspended the game as objects were hurled onto the pitch from behind the goal, but play resumed after Saint-Etienne boss Christophe Galtier urged fans to calm down.
Blaise Matuidi ought to have doubled the visitors' lead when he was sent clear and his attempt was kept out by Ruffier, before PSG keeper Nicolas Douchez produced an outstanding reflex save to keep out Ricky van Wolfswinkel's header four minutes from time to ensure PSG edged through to the last four.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic struck midway through the second half as Paris Saint-Germain bounced back from a blip in form to knock Saint-Etienne out at the Coupe de la Ligue quarter-final stage on Tuesday.
The Swedish striker chested home Lucas Moura's cross 18 minutes from time at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard on Tuesday to edge the holders into the last four.Saint-Etienne were not convinced the ball had crossed the line, but replays showed goalkeeper Stephane Ruffier had not clawed the ball back in time and play was then suspended after objects were thrown onto the pitch by the home supporters.
There was very little between the two sides, but PSG held on for a morale-boosting victory just three days after they squandered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at Bastia in Ligue 1.That defeat left Laurent Blanc's champions fourth in the table, with Saint-Etienne moving above them into the third spot, but the hosts were unable to heap more misery on the Parisian giants as they slipped to their first home loss since October.
Blanc - who once again omitted Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi for disciplinary reasons - backed PSG to respond after caving in at Bastia, and they made a bright start.
Ibrahimovic, who scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 hammering of Saint-Etienne back in August, tried his luck with a well-struck free-kick that was palmed away by Ruffier eight minutes in.
But in-form Saint-Etienne, who had lost just one of their last 17 games going into this match, grew into the contest and Moustapha Bayal Sall rose to meet a corner from the right with a towering header that was cleared off the line by Marco Verratti.
Italian midfielder Verratti then embarked on a positive run into the hosts' penalty area, but blazed his shot high and wide - his effort in keeping with a first half that lacked quality in the final third at both ends.Substitute Benjamin Corgnet wasted a golden opportunity to put Saint-Etienne in front on the hour-mark, but shot just wide after ghosting into the box unmarked.
Lucas then broke the offside trap and rounded Ruffier, but was unable to tuck the ball into the empty net from a tight angle.The Brazilian made amends 18 minutes from time, though, whipping in an inviting cross that Ibrahimovic chested over the line despite the best efforts of Ruffier.
Referee Said Ennjimi then suspended the game as objects were hurled onto the pitch from behind the goal, but play resumed after Saint-Etienne boss Christophe Galtier urged fans to calm down.
Blaise Matuidi ought to have doubled the visitors' lead when he was sent clear and his attempt was kept out by Ruffier, before PSG keeper Nicolas Douchez produced an outstanding reflex save to keep out Ricky van Wolfswinkel's header four minutes from time to ensure PSG edged through to the last four.
AC Milan 2-1 Sassuolo: Late De Jong strike gives Rossoneri revenge
Nigel de Jong's late effort propelled AC Milan into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia as they gained revenge on Sassuolo for defeat earlier this month with a 2-1 win at San Siro on Tuesday.
Milan lost 2-1 to Sassuolo in Serie A and made hard work of atoning for that unexpected defeat in Tuesday's last-16 meeting at San Siro.
Giampaolo Pazzini opened the scoring seven minutes before half-time, but Nicola Sansone threatened to make it a case of deja vu for Filippo Inzaghi's men with a 63rd-minute penalty.
However, De Jong powered home a decisive strike four minutes from the whistle to seal the win.Milan will now meet Torino or Lazio, who play on Wednesday, in the quarter-finals.
Alessio Cerci was handed his first Milan start since arriving from Atletico Madrid on an 18-month loan deal earlier this month, but it was Sassuolo - heavily rotated from their 1-1 Serie A draw with Udinese at the weekend - who got the first sight of goal.Leonardo Pavoletti, who has been linked with a move away from the club, controlled a long ball with his head in the Milan box, but was unable to turn and apply the finish under pressure from Cristian Zapata.
Andrea Poli - the scorer of Milan's only goal in the league meeting between the sides - blasted over at the other end as his side looked to draw first blood, but Sassuolo remained a thorn in the side of the hosts, with Ignazio Abate forced to poke the ball behind in the 20th minute to thwart a dangerous-looking counter-attack.Pavoletti diverted wide from a low cross from the right wing shortly before the half-hour mark, and Milan forward Pazzini was similarly wayward as both sides struggled to test the goalkeepers.
However, Pazzini got his outstretched boot to a Cerci cross seven minutes before the interval to volley the ball beyond the sprawling Alberto Pomini and break the deadlock.Cerci almost added a goal of his own soon after, but only managed to find the base of the right-hand post, while Sime Vrsaljko had a headed effort ruled out for offside with the final action of the half.
Pomini produced a superb reaction stop to keep out Pazzini five minutes into the second period, before Sansone drew a diving save from Christian Abbiati.However, when Zapata and Pavoletti had a coming together in the Milan box midway through the second half, Sansone made no mistake in adding to the goal he scored last time out at San Siro.
Pomini palmed over a Cerci free kick as both sides pushed for the goal that would prevent extra time, and Milan will not have welcomed the 85th-minute introduction of Simone Zaza, who secured the win for Sassuolo last Tuesday.However, De Jong settled the tie a minute later, rifling home after Poli's volley from a free kick had struck the underside of the crossbar to thwart Sassuolo's hopes of claiming another famous scalp.
Nigel de Jong's late effort propelled AC Milan into the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia as they gained revenge on Sassuolo for defeat earlier this month with a 2-1 win at San Siro on Tuesday.
Milan lost 2-1 to Sassuolo in Serie A and made hard work of atoning for that unexpected defeat in Tuesday's last-16 meeting at San Siro.
Giampaolo Pazzini opened the scoring seven minutes before half-time, but Nicola Sansone threatened to make it a case of deja vu for Filippo Inzaghi's men with a 63rd-minute penalty.
However, De Jong powered home a decisive strike four minutes from the whistle to seal the win.Milan will now meet Torino or Lazio, who play on Wednesday, in the quarter-finals.
Alessio Cerci was handed his first Milan start since arriving from Atletico Madrid on an 18-month loan deal earlier this month, but it was Sassuolo - heavily rotated from their 1-1 Serie A draw with Udinese at the weekend - who got the first sight of goal.Leonardo Pavoletti, who has been linked with a move away from the club, controlled a long ball with his head in the Milan box, but was unable to turn and apply the finish under pressure from Cristian Zapata.
Andrea Poli - the scorer of Milan's only goal in the league meeting between the sides - blasted over at the other end as his side looked to draw first blood, but Sassuolo remained a thorn in the side of the hosts, with Ignazio Abate forced to poke the ball behind in the 20th minute to thwart a dangerous-looking counter-attack.Pavoletti diverted wide from a low cross from the right wing shortly before the half-hour mark, and Milan forward Pazzini was similarly wayward as both sides struggled to test the goalkeepers.
However, Pazzini got his outstretched boot to a Cerci cross seven minutes before the interval to volley the ball beyond the sprawling Alberto Pomini and break the deadlock.Cerci almost added a goal of his own soon after, but only managed to find the base of the right-hand post, while Sime Vrsaljko had a headed effort ruled out for offside with the final action of the half.
Pomini produced a superb reaction stop to keep out Pazzini five minutes into the second period, before Sansone drew a diving save from Christian Abbiati.However, when Zapata and Pavoletti had a coming together in the Milan box midway through the second half, Sansone made no mistake in adding to the goal he scored last time out at San Siro.
Pomini palmed over a Cerci free kick as both sides pushed for the goal that would prevent extra time, and Milan will not have welcomed the 85th-minute introduction of Simone Zaza, who secured the win for Sassuolo last Tuesday.However, De Jong settled the tie a minute later, rifling home after Poli's volley from a free kick had struck the underside of the crossbar to thwart Sassuolo's hopes of claiming another famous scalp.
Messi won't screw over Barca - Abidal
Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal insists that Lionel Messi will not leave the club in the lurch.
It has been a turbulent start to 2015 for the Catalans, who saw their appeal against their two-window transfer ban rejected and their star forward's future at Camp Nou called into question.
However, the Frenchman, who won four Liga title and two Champions League trophies in six years with Barca, believes his old colleague will stay put.
"I know Leo well," he is quoted as saying by Sport. "He is a well educated guy, he's not here to screw the club and others. He has character, he respects people.
"As he put it, he's at Barca, but doesn't know what tomorrow brings. That's sport. But yes, I believe he will finish his career at Barcelona and I hope he stays.
"Barca's his home and he has already shown what he can do on the field."
Messi finished second in the 2014 Ballon d'Or, well behind winner Cristiano Ronaldo and just 0.04 per cent ahead of third-placed Manuel Neuer.
Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal insists that Lionel Messi will not leave the club in the lurch.
It has been a turbulent start to 2015 for the Catalans, who saw their appeal against their two-window transfer ban rejected and their star forward's future at Camp Nou called into question.
However, the Frenchman, who won four Liga title and two Champions League trophies in six years with Barca, believes his old colleague will stay put.
"I know Leo well," he is quoted as saying by Sport. "He is a well educated guy, he's not here to screw the club and others. He has character, he respects people.
"As he put it, he's at Barca, but doesn't know what tomorrow brings. That's sport. But yes, I believe he will finish his career at Barcelona and I hope he stays.
"Barca's his home and he has already shown what he can do on the field."
Messi finished second in the 2014 Ballon d'Or, well behind winner Cristiano Ronaldo and just 0.04 per cent ahead of third-placed Manuel Neuer.
Messi's clearly happy at Barcelona, says Bartomeu
Lionel Messi is blatantly happy at Barcelona, according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who once again shunned the notion of a divided dressing room.
The 27-year-old issued his latest denial on Monday after losing out on 2014's Fifa Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, following suggestions of conflict behind the scenes at Camp Nou between star player Messi and head coach Luis Enrique.
Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets subsequently admitted that the club need Messi to stay, while ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder Paulo Futre suggested Real Madrid's the only possible destination for the Argentina international.
But Bartomeu says Messi, described as a fellow footballing anomaly by Clasico nemesis Ronaldo, is going nowhere and continued refuting reports that the Catalans are divided.
"You can see Messi's happiness out on the pitch. You can see it in the level of his performance at the moment, in his smile; we are calm because Leo is good", the club chief told beIN Sports.
"There's no bad relationship in the Blaugrana dressing room at all. There are always things going on in a team, but the relationship is good and there's a good atmosphere. I see them first hand and there is great unity."
Barcelona lost their first game of 2015 - a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad - but subsequently thrashed Elche 5-0 in the Copa del Rey and triumphed 3-1 over reigning champions Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Lionel Messi is blatantly happy at Barcelona, according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, who once again shunned the notion of a divided dressing room.
The 27-year-old issued his latest denial on Monday after losing out on 2014's Fifa Ballon d'Or to Cristiano Ronaldo, following suggestions of conflict behind the scenes at Camp Nou between star player Messi and head coach Luis Enrique.
Barca midfielder Sergio Busquets subsequently admitted that the club need Messi to stay, while ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder Paulo Futre suggested Real Madrid's the only possible destination for the Argentina international.
But Bartomeu says Messi, described as a fellow footballing anomaly by Clasico nemesis Ronaldo, is going nowhere and continued refuting reports that the Catalans are divided.
"You can see Messi's happiness out on the pitch. You can see it in the level of his performance at the moment, in his smile; we are calm because Leo is good", the club chief told beIN Sports.
"There's no bad relationship in the Blaugrana dressing room at all. There are always things going on in a team, but the relationship is good and there's a good atmosphere. I see them first hand and there is great unity."
Barcelona lost their first game of 2015 - a 1-0 defeat at Real Sociedad - but subsequently thrashed Elche 5-0 in the Copa del Rey and triumphed 3-1 over reigning champions Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
Moyes still fears Real Sociedad relegation
David Moyes is dreaming of taking Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey final, but admits avoiding relegation is his main priority.Sociedad have a 1-0 first-leg deficit to overturn against Villarreal at Anoeta on Wednesday in the last 16 of a competition they have not won since 1987.
Moyes has not claimed any major silverware throughout his 16 years in coaching and the Scot is eager to change that, though preserving Sociedad's La Liga status is his primary focus as his side sit just three points above the drop zone.
"If possible I'd love to get to a final for the supporters and if we get to the cup final it will be fantastic," the coach told reporters."I think we should be realistic but our hopes, our dreams are that we can get to the final.
"When I took the job there was a risk of relegation and there's still a risk of relegation."Sociedad sit 12th in a congested bottom half of the table and have back-to-back home league matches after the visit of Villarreal, with Rayo Vallecano and Eibar up next.
David Moyes is dreaming of taking Real Sociedad to the Copa del Rey final, but admits avoiding relegation is his main priority.Sociedad have a 1-0 first-leg deficit to overturn against Villarreal at Anoeta on Wednesday in the last 16 of a competition they have not won since 1987.
Moyes has not claimed any major silverware throughout his 16 years in coaching and the Scot is eager to change that, though preserving Sociedad's La Liga status is his primary focus as his side sit just three points above the drop zone.
"If possible I'd love to get to a final for the supporters and if we get to the cup final it will be fantastic," the coach told reporters."I think we should be realistic but our hopes, our dreams are that we can get to the final.
"When I took the job there was a risk of relegation and there's still a risk of relegation."Sociedad sit 12th in a congested bottom half of the table and have back-to-back home league matches after the visit of Villarreal, with Rayo Vallecano and Eibar up next.
Ronaldo: Messi and I are footballing anomalies
Cristiano Ronaldo has described himself and Barcelona rival Lionel Messi as footballing anomalies for the way they have kept themselves at the top of world football for an unprecedented amount of time.
The Real Madrid forward, 29, picked up the third Ballon d'Or trophy of his career on Monday, defeating four-time winner Messi and World Cup-winning Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Ronaldo acknowledged that he and Messi are two of the only players to have maintained their aura of invincibility for so long, and the Portugal international puts the fulfilling achievements down to hard work.
"To be honest, no, I didn't think I'd be at the top of world football for so many years," he told Fifa.com. "It all happened so fast. In my opinion, the hardest thing is maintaining that level.
"I’m proud to have been in the World XI for eight consecutive years and always vying to be among the best three, as it’s something very few people manage to do. I think just Messi and I have done it, not many more anyway.
"I don’t think anyone else has done it eight years in a row, which is why it’s immensely satisfying. Year after year I keep working hard with my club and national team so that I continue to stand out. This recognition is an indication that things are going well and that I’m enjoying an exceptional career."
Ronaldo also expressed he is well aware he will be considered a legend once he hangs up his boots, though he remains uncertain if his mind and body have another decade of footballing action in them.
"In truth, I don’t think about my legacy," he added. "I know I’ll have a place in the history of the game because of what I’m doing and winning, whether at an individual or team level.
" know I’ll have a nice page devoted to me between some of the all-time greats, and that makes me happy. I’m 29 now but I feel great, like I’m still 25! I think I can play on for another five, six or seven years at a high level. Beyond that, we’ll have to see.
"It's conceivable I play until I'm 40 years old but, as I said before, it’s a case of seeing how I feel year after year, how motivated I am and if I’m still useful to my team like in the past.
"As for going on until 40... If I want to play until then, I will, though I might be dragging myself around by then! But while I’m playing to an acceptable standard - acceptable to me, that is, and at a level my fans and club deserve - then I want to continue. Honestly, though, it’s not something I’m thinking about yet."
The ex-Manchester United forward has been prolific once again for Real Madrid in 2014-15, scoring 33 goals in all competitions as the European champions top La Liga.
Cristiano Ronaldo has described himself and Barcelona rival Lionel Messi as footballing anomalies for the way they have kept themselves at the top of world football for an unprecedented amount of time.
The Real Madrid forward, 29, picked up the third Ballon d'Or trophy of his career on Monday, defeating four-time winner Messi and World Cup-winning Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Ronaldo acknowledged that he and Messi are two of the only players to have maintained their aura of invincibility for so long, and the Portugal international puts the fulfilling achievements down to hard work.
"To be honest, no, I didn't think I'd be at the top of world football for so many years," he told Fifa.com. "It all happened so fast. In my opinion, the hardest thing is maintaining that level.
"I’m proud to have been in the World XI for eight consecutive years and always vying to be among the best three, as it’s something very few people manage to do. I think just Messi and I have done it, not many more anyway.
"I don’t think anyone else has done it eight years in a row, which is why it’s immensely satisfying. Year after year I keep working hard with my club and national team so that I continue to stand out. This recognition is an indication that things are going well and that I’m enjoying an exceptional career."
Ronaldo also expressed he is well aware he will be considered a legend once he hangs up his boots, though he remains uncertain if his mind and body have another decade of footballing action in them.
"In truth, I don’t think about my legacy," he added. "I know I’ll have a place in the history of the game because of what I’m doing and winning, whether at an individual or team level.
" know I’ll have a nice page devoted to me between some of the all-time greats, and that makes me happy. I’m 29 now but I feel great, like I’m still 25! I think I can play on for another five, six or seven years at a high level. Beyond that, we’ll have to see.
"It's conceivable I play until I'm 40 years old but, as I said before, it’s a case of seeing how I feel year after year, how motivated I am and if I’m still useful to my team like in the past.
"As for going on until 40... If I want to play until then, I will, though I might be dragging myself around by then! But while I’m playing to an acceptable standard - acceptable to me, that is, and at a level my fans and club deserve - then I want to continue. Honestly, though, it’s not something I’m thinking about yet."
The ex-Manchester United forward has been prolific once again for Real Madrid in 2014-15, scoring 33 goals in all competitions as the European champions top La Liga.
Totti: I'm not considering Roma exit
Francesco Totti has assured fans he is not considering leaving Roma any time soon following his derby day heroics at the weekend.
Giallorossi boss Rudi Garcia hailed his skipper a "genius" after the 38-year-old turned in a man-of-the-match display by scoring twice in their two-goal comeback draw with local rivals Lazio on Sunday.
Totti, who hit headlines around the world after celebrating his equalising effort with a selfie at the Stadio Olimpico, insisted he has not been planning out his life once his Roma playing days are over.
"I have not thought of finding another job!" he told Uefa.com. "I still enjoy it here, I still have the passion and I have the opportunity to do well.
"When I see that I can no longer make an impact here, I'll think of something else to do."
The former Italy international enjoyed life back in the Chanmpions League this season, with Roma having finished runners up in Serie A in 2013-14, and Totti says
"For many years we could not qualify for elite European football, but I think that this club and city deserves to be involved in such a prestigious competition," he added, with Roma having been eliminated at the group stage by Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Totti has been with Roma since 1989 and has a contract at the capital club until June 2016.
Francesco Totti has assured fans he is not considering leaving Roma any time soon following his derby day heroics at the weekend.
Giallorossi boss Rudi Garcia hailed his skipper a "genius" after the 38-year-old turned in a man-of-the-match display by scoring twice in their two-goal comeback draw with local rivals Lazio on Sunday.
Totti, who hit headlines around the world after celebrating his equalising effort with a selfie at the Stadio Olimpico, insisted he has not been planning out his life once his Roma playing days are over.
"I have not thought of finding another job!" he told Uefa.com. "I still enjoy it here, I still have the passion and I have the opportunity to do well.
"When I see that I can no longer make an impact here, I'll think of something else to do."
The former Italy international enjoyed life back in the Chanmpions League this season, with Roma having finished runners up in Serie A in 2013-14, and Totti says
"For many years we could not qualify for elite European football, but I think that this club and city deserves to be involved in such a prestigious competition," he added, with Roma having been eliminated at the group stage by Bayern Munich and Manchester City.
Totti has been with Roma since 1989 and has a contract at the capital club until June 2016.
Low: Forget Ballon d'Or, Lahm is best player of the decade
Joachim Low believes that Philipp Lahm deserves to be considered as the best player of the past decade for his Bayern Munich and Germany accomplishments.
The last seven Ballon d'Or have been won by Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, 2013, 2014) and Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) with the Real Madrid and Barcelona consistently being pitted against each other when the matter of who is the best on the planet is discussed.
Despite Lahm never having won the Ballon d'Or - or even being among the final three for the award - Low thinks that his 2014 World Cup-winning captain deserves to be considered as the greatest footballer of the past 10 years.
"Away from the Ballon d'Or there should be a player of the decade that Fifa should choose sometime soon," he told reporters at the Zurich ceremony on Monday. "They should consider Philipp Lahm for this award.
"He has performed outstandingly in three World Cups - 2006, 2010 and 2014 - where he twice helped Germany to the semi-finals, then last summer he lifted the trophy. For me, he is the best player of the past decade."
Low voted for Ballon d'Or 2014 finalist Manuel Neuer as his No.1 selection, with his now-retired skipper Lahm in second and new international captain Bastian Schweinsteiger in third, and the Germany coach admitted he was gutted his goalkeeper did not win.
"From my perspective, I'm obviously a bit disappointed for Manuel," he added. "He brought in a brand new type of goalkeeping method at the World Cup. This has never happened before, it was something unique.
"Neuer is of course the best goalkeeper in the world. On the other hand, it must be said, Ronaldo and Messi are two outstanding players who bag 50-60 goals every season. Honestly, all three of the players deserved to win the award."
Low himself was voted as Fifa's World Coach of the Year for his role in guiding Germany to their first World Cup since 1990, defeating Argentina in extra-time in the Maracana final.
Joachim Low believes that Philipp Lahm deserves to be considered as the best player of the past decade for his Bayern Munich and Germany accomplishments.
The last seven Ballon d'Or have been won by Cristiano Ronaldo (2008, 2013, 2014) and Lionel Messi (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012) with the Real Madrid and Barcelona consistently being pitted against each other when the matter of who is the best on the planet is discussed.
Despite Lahm never having won the Ballon d'Or - or even being among the final three for the award - Low thinks that his 2014 World Cup-winning captain deserves to be considered as the greatest footballer of the past 10 years.
"Away from the Ballon d'Or there should be a player of the decade that Fifa should choose sometime soon," he told reporters at the Zurich ceremony on Monday. "They should consider Philipp Lahm for this award.
"He has performed outstandingly in three World Cups - 2006, 2010 and 2014 - where he twice helped Germany to the semi-finals, then last summer he lifted the trophy. For me, he is the best player of the past decade."
Low voted for Ballon d'Or 2014 finalist Manuel Neuer as his No.1 selection, with his now-retired skipper Lahm in second and new international captain Bastian Schweinsteiger in third, and the Germany coach admitted he was gutted his goalkeeper did not win.
"From my perspective, I'm obviously a bit disappointed for Manuel," he added. "He brought in a brand new type of goalkeeping method at the World Cup. This has never happened before, it was something unique.
"Neuer is of course the best goalkeeper in the world. On the other hand, it must be said, Ronaldo and Messi are two outstanding players who bag 50-60 goals every season. Honestly, all three of the players deserved to win the award."
Low himself was voted as Fifa's World Coach of the Year for his role in guiding Germany to their first World Cup since 1990, defeating Argentina in extra-time in the Maracana final.
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