..::Football III::..

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Newcastle will not relax, says Carver

Newcastle United interim head coach John Carver insists his team will not be taking it easy for the rest of the campaign despite their relatively safe position in mid-table.

Carver's men are 11th in the Premier League and 11 points clear of the relegation zone, seemingly leaving a side that is out of both domestic cup competitions with little to play for.

The Tyneside club face fellow mid-table side Stoke, who are two points above Newcastle, on Sunday and Carver has been quick to play up the importance of the game despite the league placing of the two teams.

"It's a huge game. We're two points behind Stoke so if we win we will go above them, and that's our aim," Carver said.

"We're not relaxing. I want to get as high as I can up this division. We are here to win football matches."

Carver confirmed that defender Paul Dummett is fit to play following a hamstring tear, but the game comes too soon for Siem de Jong and Rolando Aarons.

 

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'Juventus should sell Pogba, he's no Messi'

Giovanni Trapattoni says Paul Pogba is no Lionel Messi and Juventus should therefore sell him in the summer and strengthen their squad with the proceeds from his transfer fee.

Speculation during the January transfer window linked the France midfielder with a move to Real Madrid - and the Spanish club refused to distance themselves from a possible bid.

The player's agent, Mino Raiola, has previously stated that the sale of Pogba would likely surpass the €80 million Madrid spent on signing Cristiano Ronaldo's from Manchester United, and Trapattoni says Juve would be foolish to turn down such an offer."If a club wants to do crazy things for a player then it's better to let them go," he told Tuttosport.

"Pogba is a great player but he isn't Messi. It would be silly not to sell him for €100m. Juventus could get three quality players at a medium to high European level with the money."It would be risky to try spending all the money on one player purely to replace Pogba."

Juve are on course to win a fourth straight Serie A title and Trapattoni has backed current boss Massimiliano Allegri to guide the club to further domestic dominance in the coming years."There is the potential for Juventus to win five Scudetti in a row," he continued.

"Inside Juventus, though, they will be planning two years ahead of where we are now and they will be thinking of winning seven or eight straight titles. It's an engine that never stops running."Juve are seven points clear of second placed Roma and face AC MIlan on Saturday evening.

 

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Ambitious Begovic happy at Stoke

Asmir Begovic has outlined his desire to win trophies, but insists he is no rush to leave Stoke City.

The goalkeeper has been a leading performer for the Potters in recent seasons, with his consistent form prompting frequent speculation over his future.

Liverpool and Real Madrid are among those to have been linked with the 27-year-old, who has 18 months remaining on his current contract at the Britannia Stadium.

Yet while Begovic is eager to progress in his career, he is not angling for a move away from Stoke, the club he joined from Portsmouth in February 2010.

He told Sky Sports: "I want to keep pushing forward. I've been here five years now, I feel I've progressed, improved as a player. I'm now getting to the stage of my career where I want to achieve things, win things.

"I've got some time left on my current deal; we'll see. We'll discuss things as time goes on.

"I've not had any discussions about my contract or an extension - that's usually done in the last 12 months of a deal. But I'm happy here, we are trying to build something here. We'll see what happens, but I hope to be a part of that."

Pressed on what would happen should a bid be made for his services, Begovic added: "I've got a great relationship with the manager and the chairman here. If things like that come up in the future I'm sure we'll discuss them.

"Football is a business at the end of the day. But I haven't really thought about it. I'm just focusing on my football, trying to improve as a player, and trying to get Stoke up the table."

 

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'Ronaldo always gets provoked' - Hugo Sanchez

Real Madrid great Hugo Sanchez says he completely understands Cristiano Ronaldo's recent sending off in light of the persistent provocation he faces from opposition defenders.

The forward, who turned 30 on Thursday, was shown a red card for kicking out at Edimar in his side's recent 2-1 victory over Cordoba, which saw him banned for two games.

Having served his punishment, Ronaldo will return for Madrid's clash with city rivals Atletico on Saturday, but Sanchez has sympathised with his plight."It's no wonder Ronaldo erupted, he is always kicked and provoked," the Mexican said. "I understand it, but hopefully he has learned from the incident and doesn't repeat it."

Sanchez also offered his opinion on the forward line boasted by Madrid's great rivals Barcelona and believes Luis Suarez is suffering the same problems experienced by Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his time at Camp Nou."Neymar has a style that is a problem for a lot of players and he deserves to be applauded not criticised," he added.

"Messi remains their best player and their dangerman but I think Suarez is still adjusting to the system of Barcelona. He hasn't coped well yet and suffered, just like what happened with Ibrahimovic."

 

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Shawcross out for up to three weeks

Stoke City captain Ryan Shawcross is expected to be out for three weeks with the back injury he sustained in last weekend's 3-1 victory over QPR.

The centre-back was taken off in the 42nd minute of Saturday's clash at the Britannia Stadium, having missed the trip to Leicester City earlier in January.

And he will now sit out Sunday's Premier League match at Newcastle United, as well as the subsequent home game against Manchester City and an FA Cup fifth-round tie with Blackburn Rovers.

"Unfortunately Ryan will be missing now for a couple of weeks," Stoke manager Mark Hughes told the club's official website.

"That is a big disappointment for us because he is obviously an important player for us and the captain, so he will be a miss.

"We do have other players who are capable of filling in though so it is a chance for them to come in and make a mark, just as they have done in the past."

Marc Muniesa replaced Shawcross against QPR and partnered Philipp Wollscheid in the heart of Stoke's defence.

Hughes - who will again be without left-back Erik Pieters this weekend - is hopeful striker Jonathan Walters will be able to feature at Newcastle despite a knee complaint.

Walters scored his first Premier League hat-trick in Saturday's triumph over QPR, but has not trained since.

"Jon hasn't trained since the game because of a little problem with his knee, which we are trying to manage at the moment," Hughes added.

"Hopefully that will have settled in time for the game on Sunday – we are hopeful of having him available to us."

 

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Van Gaal: My Manchester United team plays the Matt Busby Way


Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has defended his team's style, and insists they play "the Matt Busby way".

The Dutchman was speaking to the media at Old Trafford following a remembrance service on the 57th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, which claimed 23 lives when an aeroplane carrying the United squad back from a European Cup tie crashed on February 6, 1958.

The memory of the 'Busby Babes', of which eight perished as a result of the crash, has played a major role in the club's history, and new players are habitually reminded of the importance of playing and behaving with a certain style and character.

Van Gaal was moved by the tribute, and elected to repeat a passage from the poem "Fifty Years", which was read aloud at the ceremony.

"I represent the club nowadays as a manager, and I sent my group of players because they were also a group of players who gave a lot of joy to the people at that time, they have played a big part in the history of this club," the former Barcelona boss stated.

"I think we have to remember that always. There was a man singing and I was impressed. I want to read it in front of you because I was impressed because that is the big influence they still have now, and it was in the last sentences ...

"'You are the strength and inspiration for those who play their roles today' - that's me and the players, maybe you as journalists you play your part.

"'We look for flair and pace and passion, to play the game 'United's way'. I was happy that I was there because of this, and also the impression that the people gave to me. I think we have made the right decision to be there, out of respect to the players and Matt Busby."

The Dutchman was later asked if he feels his current squad play in the style which has traditionally been associated with the club and implored by its fans to this day.

"Yes, I think so, because it is not a question of playing with or without wingers or three or four defenders, it is playing style which is attractive," he added. "We could have played better in ball possession as we are having unnecessary losses in possession.

"We have very good defensive and attacking organisation. We are fourth in scoring goals and also fourth or third in defence. I don’t think we are very bad. We are very good, but we can improve."

 

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'I have done nothing wrong' - Van Gaal to contest FA charge

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says he will contest a Football Association (FA) charge against him, insisting he has "done nothing wrong".

The FA say that his comments following the goalless draw with Cambridge United in January "allege and/or imply bias on the part of the match referee and/or bring the game into disrepute".

The Dutchman had said: "Every aspect of a match is against us - the pitch, the referee, the fans."But when asked on Frday if he will fight the accusation, Van Gaal replied: "Yes of course, of course. I never said anything wrong.

"You can confirm that as media that I have never said anything about referees, never, in all the matches that I have played. I never say something about the referee.

"I'm not angry, I'm very disappointed. I'm now for nearly 30 years a trainer coach, or manager, and I have been never charged and still up to now I don't think that I said something wrong.

"I said already in our press conference the same phrases, because I know in advance that everybody is in favour of the underdog, you as media have confirmed it, it's always like that.

"So I said it in front of the game, I said it after the game only in the meaning of a general feeling of everybody [going] for the underdog. I cannot imagine that the FA has charged me, but okay it's like that, so ..."Van Gaal also answered questions on his team's playing style following criticism from fans and media in recent weeks, and he believes things are going well.

“It is not a question of playing with or without wingers or how many defenders, the playing style must be attractive," the former Barcelona boss added. "We could have played better in ball possession as we are having unnecessary losses in possession.

"We have very good defensive and attacking organisation. We are fourth in scoring goals and also fourth or third in defence. I don’t think we are very bad. We are very good, but we can improve."

 

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Del Piero: Berlusconi wanted me at AC Milan and now I'm a free agent...

Alessandro Del Piero has revealed that AC Milan tried to sign him before his move to Juventus, and jokingly pointed out that if club owner Silvio Berlusconi is still interested in his services, he is now a free agent.

The 40-year-old started his illustrious playing career at Padova before being bought by the Bianconeri in 1993 for an estimated €2.6 million.Del Piero became a legend in Turin, breaking the club's appearances and goals records before departing for Sydney FC in 2012.

However, the former Italy international, who is now looking for a new club following a short spell with Delhi Dynamos, has revealed that his career could have turned out very differently.

"In 1992, before I went to Juve, Berlusconi asked me," Del Piero told Gazzetta dello Sport. "But Agradi, the sporting director at Padova, asked for a lot of money and I went to Juve instead."However, I'd say one thing to Berlusconi: I'm a free agent now, so if you still want me ...

"Joking aside, I'm happy that he rated me. For Milan, and for football, Berlusconi has been very important."He chose the right people on his staff and he transmitted an innovative mentality." [Arigo] Sacchi's Milan was a reference point for everyone. There was the clear understanding that that Milan changed football."

Indeed, Del Piero revealed ahead of Saturday's eagerly awaited Serie A showdown between Juventus and AC Milan in Turin that even the Bianconeri hold the Rossoneri in the highest esteem. "It's a rivalry that's a little like that of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in tennis," the attacker explained.

"There's a desire to win and to beat the other, yet always a great respect between two champions.When pressed for a prediction, Del Piero plumped for a 2-1 victory for Juve, revealing that he fully expects his old side to claim a fourth consecutive Serie A title - despite the best efforts of Roma, who have struggled since the turn of the year.

"I read criticism of Roma, but the reality is that Juve are having another extraordinary campaign," he added."The consistency of their results is making the difference once again."

 

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Alba: Barca players don't care about Neymar controversy

Jordi Alba insists Barcelona's players have been unaffected by the ongoing controversy surrounding Neymar's move to Camp Nou, insisting that they only care about what's happening on the field.

Neymar's transfer from Santos remains under investigation, with the Blaugrana accused of financial irregularities in relation to a deal that was initially claimed to have been completed at €57.1 million but subsequently revealed to have cost €86.2m.

Former Barca president Sandro Rosell resigned in order to focus on fighting allegations of wrongdoing on his part, while his successor, Josep Bartomeu, has now been accused of fraud.

The latter has since intimated that Liga rivals Real Madrid are behind the whole affair, a claim that has created even more controversy around Camp Nou, but Jordi Alba says he and his team-mates are solely concentrated on what's happening on the field."We just keep far away from it," the full-back told reporters at a press conference on Friday. "The players only take notice of what happens on the pitch.

"We don't care about what happens off the pitch, so we are very calm about it all."
Meanwhile, Alba revealed that he feels back to his best this season, after struggling for both form and fitness during a trying 2013-14 campaign, and is looking forward to helping Luis Enrique's men extend their eight-game winning run in all competitions by beating Athletic Bilbao this weekend."I wasn't well last year," the Spain international added. "I had injuries that I've never had before.

"I didn't play as many minutes as I wanted and I didn't reach the level I wanted. "Now I have the chance to play a lot of matches, so I'm in great form.

"I feel strong, I'm recovered and we're doing well. I'm having a good time. It's the same feeling I had in 2012."However, Athletic a young team that likes to play football. They're very dangerous in the air in attack, so we have to watch out.

"They'll be tough. Remember that the last few matches between us have been evenly matched."But we'll take the same approach as always: keep the ball, play our game, dominate the wings."

Barca currently trail Liga leaders Real Madrid by four points, with Los Blancos set to face city rivals Atletico at the Vicente Calderon on Saturday afternoon.

 

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Wenger confirms Akpom & Coquelin contract extensions

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed the club have extended the contracts of Chuba Akpom and Francis Coquelin.

Teenage striker Akpom has broken into the first team at the Emirates Stadium this season, making five appearances in all competitions.

Coquelin, meanwhile, was recalled from a loan spell at Championship side Charlton Athletic in November and has subsequently impressed in a holding midfield role.

Wenger - who added Gabriel Paulista and Krystian Bielik to his squad in the January transfer window - is delighted to have secured the services of Akpom and Coquelin for a longer period.

"I'm very happy with the business we did [in January]," Wenger said on Friday.

"We met our targets and extended Akpom and Coquelin's contracts"

Arsenal visit local rivals Tottenham on Saturday for a north London derby that promises to be a crucial game in the race for Champions League qualification.

 

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Pellegrini: Nasri & Mangala fit for Hull clash

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed that Samir Nasri and Eliaquim Mangala are fit for Saturday's Premier League meeting with Hull City.

French attacking midfielder Nasri has missed the last four games because of a calf complaint, while compatriot Mangala has been struggling with a groin injury.

However, the pair are available for this weekend's clash at the Etihad Stadium, leaving Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony - who will play for Ivory Coast in Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations final with Ghana - as the hosts' only absentees.

"We have no injuries, we have a full squad. Mangala and Nasri are fine and will be in the squad," Pellegrini said.

"Samir Nasri is important for the team but we cannot just think that because he can play we will win."

Both of City's Premier League title wins have been secured on the final day of the season and it appears that they will once again have to fight right until the end of the season if they are to claim a third, with Chelsea leading the way by five points.

However, Pellegrini believes last weekend's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge could be a turning point in his side's campaign.

"Other teams will drop points. The last two times this team has won the title, they’ve come from behind," the Chilean added.

"It was not a good January but I believe that the game against Chelsea can be the switch for our performances."

 

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Mourinho: Cuadrado not a panic buy

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has rubbished the suggestion that Juan Cuadrado was a "panic buy".

The Blues signed the Colombia international from Fiorentina on the final day of the winter transfer window for €33 million, shortly after selling Andre Schurrle to Wolfsburg for €29.6m.

Mourinho was reluctant to pile pressure on Cuadrado but nonetheless insisted that the versatile winger will prove a shrewd addition to his squad, intimating that the 26-year-old, who was previously linked with Bayern Munich and Barcelona, represents an upgrade on Schurrle.

"I don’t think it’s the best thing for [Cuadrado] that I speak about expectations," the Portuguese told reporters on Friday.

"He needs his time, as everyone does, and he’ll have his time. But it’s not a panic buy; it’s a reaction to Schurrle. It’s not a panic buy because he’s a player we’ve known for a long, long time.

"Schurrle is a player we like very, very much. We are happy with what Schurrle gave us. We are happy with our investment in him one and a half years ago. But we are happy with our business."

Mourinho was speaking to the press for the first time since enacting a media blackout last month. The former Real Madrid boss was fined by the Football Association (FA) for claiming that there was a refereeing campaign against his side in relation to diving.

The Blues boss was then further upset by the fact that star striker Diego Costa was banned for three games, after being found guilty of stamping on Livepool defender Emre Can during the second leg of the two sides' Capital One Cup semi-final tie.

Consequently, Mourinho, who is obliged to attend a press conference before every Premier League game, was not in good form when he sat down to speak to the media on the eve of Saturday's trip to Aston Villa.

"You know why I'm here, so you cannot expect me to be super happy to be here," he said. Asked if it was because he was compelled to attend, he replied: "Yes."

However, Blues boss refused to be drawn on the reasons for his apparent annoyance. He insisted that it wasn't "just" down to his FA charge or Costa's suspension, yet declined an invitation to elaborate for fear of further reprisals.

"I don't reflect [on either issue]. I don't even think about it because maybe they can read my reflection and they don't want that."

Mourinho was then asked if he is still enjoying his work, given he professed his enduring love for English football upon his return to Stamford Bridge in 2013 after spells in Italy and Spain.

"I’m enjoying my work with my players," he answered. "When I like my players and like my squad, I’m much more happy. More motivated to work. And this is the case."

The two-time Champions League winner then denied that he had done journalists a disservice with his media blackout, arguing that he had still given them plenty to write about.

"You can make a silence very noisy," he added. "You could make noise with my silence; it depends on you. If I was a journalist, I could make from silence, lots of words."

Meanwhile, Mourinho dismissed the suggestion that deadline-day signing Juan Cuadrado was a "panic buy", explaining that Chelsea merely needed a top-class replacement for Andre Schurrle, who left for Wolfsburg just before the close of the transfer window in Germany.

 

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Torres: Nobody knew who Atletico were before Simeone's success

Fernando Torres has hailed Diego Simeone's role in Atletico Madrid's resurgence, claiming that the general footballing public had forgotten all about the club before the Argentine's remarkable Rojiblancos revolution.

Following years of underachievement, Atleti have re-established themselves as a major force in European football under their abrasive and outspoke coach, who represented the capital club with distinction as a player before returning to the Vicente Calderon as coach in December 2011.

After lifting the Europa League trophy just six months after taking charge, Simeone subsequently masterminded a Copa del Rey triumph in 2013 before then stunning the football world by beating both Barcelona and Real Madrid to last season's Liga title.

Torres, of course, spent his formative years at the Vicente Calderon before departing for England in search of trophies and he is in no doubt that Simeone, who also led Atletico to the final of the 2014 Champions League final, is the man most responsible for restoring the club to their former glory.

"When I left, the people asked me ‘Where did you play before, at [Real] Madrid or Atleti?’ It was not clear. Now everyone knows who Atleti are. Simeone has been the key in this sense," Torres told AS.

"The team started to grow a few years before. They won the Europa League and the European Super Cup. The club reached a stage that other clubs like Sevilla and Valencia had been in as well, but then those teams disappeared.

"The tricky thing that has been achieved since the arrival of Simeone is maintaining that level. To reach a Champions League final, to be La Liga champions against Real Madrid and Barcelona, to win a Copa del Rey in the Bernabeu."

The striker then went on to suggest that he cut short his stay with previous clubAC Milan because the Serie A side reneged on promises made before the start of his spell at San Siro.

The Spain international penned a two-year loan deal with the Rossoneri last August, after a disappointing three-and-a-half-year stay at Chelsea, but returned to Atletico this January, after Milan made the transfer permanent in order to sell him to his old side."I went to Italy with an expectation and with an idea which, later, was not met," Torres told AS."I went to Italy to play, to be an important player, and at no point did I feel like it. I was in and out of the team, I played on one day, yes, and on another, no.

"My dealings with the club were excellent and I don't have anything to reproach, but when you see it’s not going to get better, you are uncomfortable."

Torres has scored three times since returning to Atleti, his goals coming against Real Madrid and Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, and he will be aiming to break his Liga duck against Carlo Ancelotti's men in Saturday's derby at the Vicente Calderon."You notice that the people are looking forward to the match," the attacker added. "Not just the squad but the fans. It's because we can compete. We are going out to win. We are not going out to see what happens, as it might have been before.

"We know very clearly what we have to do. It would be very important to win. If we don’t win, there are many matches left, but for us it is not just that it would stop Madrid from increasing their points total, but it’s for the confidence it would give us."

 

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Simeone: Atletico will not change aggressive style

Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid will not change their aggressive style of play as they prepare for Saturday's derby against Liga leaders Real Madrid.

The reigning Spanish champions have often been criticised for their physical approach - most recently after being reduced to nine men during their Copa del Rey quarter-final second-leg loss to Barcelona - but Simeone has made it clear they will stay true to their footballing philosophy.

"We don't know how to play differently. We are an intense team and we will not change our style," the Rojiblancos boss said at a press conference on Friday."Every team has its own style of play and you can win things in different manners. When I got here, one of the goals was to restore Atletico's image of being a strong and intense team, like it has always been."

Simeone then went on to stress that Atletico will not be underestimating the threat posed by Real, even though Carlo Ancelotti will have to make do without injured duo Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez for the trip to the Vicente Calderon.

"We know that Real Madrid are a great team, with some excellent players and a superb coach," the former midfield enforcer added."We are not thinking about the players they will be missing, but how we can get a positive result. We are not thinking about the consequences of this game for the table at the end of the season. We just want to win the game."

Fernando Torres impressed in Atletico's Copa del Rey win over Madrid earlier this year, netting twice in a 2-2 draw at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Simeone has revealed that the former Liverpool and Chelsea man will not start on Saturday.
"Nando will be on the bench," the coach confirmed. "Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann will lead the line for us."

France international Griezmann has netted 11 times in 21 La Liga appearances so far this term for Atleti, while his Croatian colleague has scored 10 goals to date.

 

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Liverpool captain Gerrard will not change approach for final Merseyside derby

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard insists that he will not change his approach for his 33rd and final Merseyside derby against Everton, on Saturday.

The midfielder is to leave the Reds at the end of the season to join MLS franchise LA Galaxy, bringing to an end a glittering career with his hometown club.

Gerrard has scored 10 goals against Everton - including a hat-trick in 2012 - and will naturally be keen to get one over on the old enemy for the last time, but the former England international is adamant that the occasion of his last local derby will not alter his mindset for a game that could prove pivotal in the race for the Champions League places.

"It's the fixture that I look for at the beginning of the season," Gerrard told the club's official website.

"I love playing against Everton. I've got friends and family members who are big blues and it's all about the bragging rights in the city.

"I'll focus on [Saturday's game] exactly how I have done in the previous derbies I've played in.

"It's a bit different from a normal league game but I'm looking forward to that one and hopefully I can add to my good derby record."

Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers feels that Gerrard's impending move to the United States will be greeted with delight by the blue half of Merseyside.

"I'm sure [Everton] will be glad to see the back of him," the Northern Irishman added. "He's been an incredible player for this club. He's played in so many derby games and been outstanding."

 

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It's hard to resist AC Milan, says Destro

Mattia Destro says leaving Roma for AC Milan was an easy decision and he is keen to follow in the footsteps of club legends such as Marco van Basten, George Weah and Andriy Shevchenko.

The 23-year-old joined Milan on loan until the end of the season in January after failing to secure regular first-team action at Roma and he is delighted to have made the move to San Siro.

"What pushed me to accept Milan and leave Roma? When Milan come calling it’s always hard to resist," Destro said at a press conference."I wanted to join a big club and this is a huge source of pride."Milan are Milan and there was nothing to be convinced about. I have a big desire to do well and I think this is the right club for me to show that and achieve that.

"Milan have had many stars in attack. If I could achieve half of what they have achieved, I would be very happy."

Destro will be hoping to open his Milan account in this weekend's Derby d'Italia against Juventus.

 

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Neymar: Coutinho can become Liverpool's new Suarez

Barcelona star Neymar is convinced that Philippe Coutinho can become the best player in the Premier League and step up as Liverpool's new Luis Suarez.

The 22-year-old playmaker struck the winning goal for the Reds in their FA Cup tie against Bolton, curling a long-range shot into the top corner, and is becoming increasingly influential – even likened to Uruguay ace Suarez by Brendan Rodgers.

Neymar believes that the Merseysiders have missed a spark of creativity since Suarez joined him at Camp Nou but is confident that Coutinho can take over that mantle.

"We have been good friends since we were 16. Not only is he a fantastic player, he is a good guy to have in the dressing room, always positive and making jokes," the forward is quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror.

"I think, since Luis joined us at Barcelona, Liverpool have not had that one player they can look to for that special moment.

"Couto can be that player for them, I'm sure. When he has the ball at his feet, he can make things happen for himself and he can make things happen for other players. He is a very special player."

Coutinho was overlooked for Brazil's squad for the World Cup last summer but new boss Dunga has returned him to the fold and Neymar hopes that he can make a big impact.

The Barca star added: "The national steam is very strong but, the way he is playing for Liverpool, I'm sure he will be a big part of Brazil going forward."

 

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James: I will come back stronger

Real Madrid star James Rodriguez has vowed to come back stronger than ever after suffering a fractured foot.

The Colombia international required surgery after damaging the fifth metatarsal in his right foot during Wednesday's 2-1 La Liga victory over Sevilla, in which he scored the opener.James is consequently set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but the 23-year-old remains in positive spirits.

"I will recover and come back stronger than ever," he posted on Twitter."The messages [I have received] are very supportive. Thank you!"

James moved to the Santiago Bernabeu side in a high-profile move from Monaco after impressing at last season's World Cup, where he collected the Golden Boot award.

The former Porto star has scored 12 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season.

 

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James ta March MID wala wage ayeth play karanna puluwan wei​

 

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Wenger: Wilshere is not a smoker... but he needs to master his life

Arsene Wenger has played down the latest smoking scandal to hit the club after Jack Wilshere was pictured with a shisha pipe, but urged the England international to "master his life".

A picture of Wilshere holding the pipe at a London nightclub has been circulated on social media over the past few days, and is the third time the midfielder has been photographed in such a way.

He was first snapped emerging from another nightclub with a cigarette in his hand in 2013, and again last summer while at a Las Vegas pool party following England's World Cup exit.

Wenger has taken a dim view of the 23-year-old's latest indiscretion and is set to keep any disciplinary action behind closed doors, as he did so after Wojciech Szczesny was caught smoking in the Southampton changing rooms on New Year's Day.

The Gunners boss has denied that there is a culture of smoking at his club, though, and has publically played down the latest storm surrounding Wilshere.

"There is no smoking culture at Arsenal," he said.

"I talked to Jack. He is sorry for what happened. He is not a smoker. He had a day off the next day. It is down to him to master his life.

"You've been 20 as well, you need to relieve pressure. One photo, a second of your life doesn't tell the story of your life. I had some photos in Brazil and didn't even know the people around me."

Wilshere was first snapped emerging from another nightclub with a cigarette in his hand in 2013, and again last summer while at a Las Vegas pool party following England's World Cup exit.