..::Football III::..

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Roberto Carlos: Bale worthy of world-record fee

Roberto Carlos has voiced his support for Real Madrid's decision to break the world transfer record to sign Gareth Bale.

Los Blancos' decision to pay Tottenham Hotspur €100 million to secure the services of the Wales international back in August provoked huge debate, with Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino arguing that the money involved showed "a lack of respect for the world we live".

However, Carlos, who played at Madrid during the 'Galactico' era, does not believe that morality comes into it, claiming that the game's top players have always commanded extravagant fees."They have paid that because he deserves it," the former Brazil international told AS.

"They also paid a lot for (Zinedine) Zidane, (Luis) Figo, Ronaldo, Cristiano (Ronaldo). Barcelona also paid much for Neymar. They are worth it."That is why I don't understand Tata Martino's critique of the signing of Bale alluding to the economic situation. You have to pay for this type of player."

Bale's arrival at the Santiago Bernabeu has prompted comparisons with the star-studded Madrid squad that lifted the Champions League in 2002.

However, Carlos, a key component in that particular side, feels that the current team is nowhere near as strong."Do not compare," the legendary full-back declared. "This Madrid is great, but to be equal or better they have to achieve what we did."

Still, Carlos does believe that Carlo Ancelotti's men are capable of claiming a 10th European Cup this season - in spite of their underwhelming domestic form.
"In the league are not going well," the 40-year-old conceded. "But many times we had that and we won the Champions League."

Carlos spent 11 seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, joining from Inter in 1996 before leaving for Fenerbahce in 2007.

 

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Michu is worth €35m, say Swansea

Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has backed manager Michael Laudrup's assertion that Spanish attacker Michu is worth at least €35 million.

The Danish boss insisted the former Rayo Vallecano forward, who recently received a debut call-up to Vicente del Bosque's Spanish national team squad, would cost an astronomical sum last December.

And Jenkins has reiterated that valuation, believing that both the current market - which saw Gareth Bale make a world-record move to Real Madrid - and Michu's la Roja call-up only enhance his value.

"We've seen with Tottenham and Gareth Bale that every player has a price. We are not in that bracket with Tottenham but they sold a top player. We are realistic about that side of things," Jenkins told the Daily Mail.

"I would say Michael was about right with his valuation of Michu if you look at the current market, but this call-up enhances that further. We know we have a very talented player and naturally we want to keep him."

Jenkins is delighted Michu has received a well-deserved call-up to the Spain squad, replacing the injured David Villa, and believes it strengthens Swansea's growing reputation.

"As a club we are delighted he has got the call-up for Spain," he continued. "It is fantastic that he has been included in the Spanish squad because of his performances with Swansea in the Premier League.

"It is a massive compliment and achievement for Michu and Swansea City that he has been called up by the current European and world champions. It is not an easy squad to break into, but his commitment, work-rate and level of performance since he joined us has been first class.

"He enjoyed a successful first year with us and he has continued his form into this season, which is great to see. We are looking forward to seeing him continue his success here at Swansea in the Premier League and hopefully with Spain at international level."

 

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Fellaini to delay wrist surgery until December

Manchester United summer signing Marouane Fellaini will delay surgery on his injured wrist until December.

The 25-year-old midfielder missed the club's 2-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday and underwent scans on the injury, with his club adamant the former Everton ace would not need immediate surgery.

However, Belgium team doctor Kris van Crombrugge has revealed that Fellaini will need an operation later in the year that will keep him out of action for approximately two weeks.

"In accordance with the [Manchester United] club doctor, Marouane Fellaini will have surgery in December-January, unless he is ruled out from playing beforehand anyway due to a suspension," he stated.

"After surgery we believe he will only need one or a maximum of two weeks to recover. After that he can resume playing by using a brace. The surgery is not urgent, hence the delay."Last weekend he could not play for Manchester United because he had too much pain but because he is now taped he can play."

Fellaini has made five appearances for the Red Devils since leaving Everton on transfer deadline day, though has yet to open his account for the reigning Premier League champions.

 

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Mertesacker opens contract talks with Arsenal

Per Mertesacker has opened talks with Arsenal about a new contract.

The Germany international is in discussions with club chiefs about signing a deal that will tie him to Emirates Stadium beyond his current agreement, which expires in 2015.

Arsenal have indicated they will offer Mertesacker, who turned 29 last month, a new three-year contract starting from the end of the season.

This would tie the defender to the club until the summer of 2017, by which time he will be 32.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has sanctioned an extension for the German following the growing success of his centre-back partnership with Laurent Koscielny.

Mertesacker joined Arsenal from Werder Bremen for £8 million (€9.45m) on transfer deadline day in August 2011.

Following early teething problems in north London, the towering German has leapfrogged above club captain Thomas Vermaelen in the defensive pecking order at the club.

Mertesacker was a key figure in Arsenal's excellent run-in last season, which culminated in a top-four finish, and he has maintained a consistent level of performance in the new campaign.

The defender has played every minute of 11 of the Gunners' 12 matches this season, missing only the trip to Sunderland through illness.

It is believed that Wenger had considered resting Mertesacker for the West Brom game last weekend because he was in the 'red zone', the point of fatigue where sportsmen are at major risk of injury.

Mertesacker is also a regular in the Germany squad. He started both of the national team's World Cup qualifiers - against Austria and Faroe Islands - last month.

 

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Pogba: Juventus will beat Real Madrid at least once

Paul Pogba says he is not in the least bit afraid of Real Madrid, claiming that Juventus will win "at least" one of their upcoming Champions League clashes with the Spanish giants.

The Bianconeri have drawn their opening two games in Group B, against Copenhagen and Galatasaray, meaning they must pick up points in their double-header against los Blancos if they are to have a real chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

On paper, it looks like a daunting task, but Pogba is not in the least bit perturbed by the prospect of first travelling to the Santiago Bernabeu on October 23 in search of a positive result.

"There's nothing to fear," the 20-year-old France international told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We will beat Real at least once and we will go forward.

"We are Juve; we must never forget that. Because of the history, prestige and quality of this club, we are inferior to no-one.

"And for this reason, Real Madrid do not scare me. Juventus is on the same level of all the European greats.

"We can even win in Madrid."

Just over a year after leaving Manchester United for Juventus, Pogba has established himself as one of the most exciting young midfielders in the game.

However, he says all the praise he is currently receiving will not go to his head, as he has two perfect role models at Juventus in Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon.

"I'm still nobody; What have I done? Nothing at all," the France international reasoned.

"I look at Pirlo and Buffon, and I learn about what it is to be a true champion.

"Those two have won it all, they are monsters, but they do not give an inch - not even in training."

Even though he only arrived in Turin last summer, there has been speculation that Pogba could soon be lured away by another member of Europe's elite, with even Madrid mentioned as a possible destination.

The Under-20 World Cup winner freely admits that he does not know what the future holds for him, but is still keen to reassure Juventus fan that he is loving life in Italy.

"Certain promises are meaningless," Pogba mused. "How can someone today make an hypothesis on an entire career? I don't take anyone for a ride.

"And so, I look at the present and I say that I 'm happy here in Turin.

"I love everything about this club: directors, coaches , team-mates and fans. And, at the moment, I do not see anywhere else other than Juventus."

Pogba is currently away on international duty with France.

 

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Buffon not joining Real Madrid, claims agent

The agent of Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has laughed off speculation linking his client with a move to Real Madrid.

Reports emanating from Spain recently have suggested that the Blancos are lining up a bid for the veteran Italian, who could face his reported suitors when Antonio Conte's men travel to Madrid for a Champions League clash on October 23.

However, the player's representative, Silvano Martina, has dismissed the notion that the 35-year-old could enjoy regular visits to the Santiago Bernabeu in the future.

He told TuttoJuve: "How am I meant to comment on a rumour like that? I do not know where it has come from, but it is pointless to even consider it.

"Real Madrid will be playing Juventus in the Champions League - and that will be the only meeting Buffon will have with them."

The Italy international, whose current deal with the Bianconeri expires in 2015, is the world's most expensive goalkeeper after joining the reigning Italian champions in a deal worth €54 million in 2001 from Parma.

 

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Robben: Bayern are not Barcelona 2.0

Arjen Robben has insisted that Bayern Munich are not trying to copy Barcelona's style of play, but rather following their own football philosophy.

The Bundesliga champions have been in impressive form in recent weeks, with a number of high-profile names claiming Bayern are an improved version of Pep Guardiola's old Blaugrana side.

However, Robben has dismissed suggestions that Bayern are merely imitating Barcelona's Tiki-Taka style under the Catalan coach.

"Bayern are not Barcelona 2.0. The comparisons are logical, but the focus should be on ourselves," Robben told reporters.

"We are Bayern Munich. We have different players to Barca. We don't have Xavi or Lionel Messi, but we have other great players.

"The coach has a certain philosophy and tries to transmit that to the players. He did the same thing at Barcelona and is doing it at Bayern now.

"It's not the Barca-style, though. We are playing our own game and obviously Pep influences our style."

Bayern currently sit atop of the Bundesliga with 20 points form eight games, while they also head their Champions League group.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Na bro..Godak welawat Valdes ei EPL ekata...Swap karanna man hitanne na Atl.Madrid kamati wei kiala :/

Valdes EPL enawanam machan mata hithenne Arsenal or CITY join wei kiyalai

 

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Totti ayeth Italy squad 1kata awoth patta

mamath kamathima player kenek

 

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Arsenal will continue to improve, insists Ozil

 

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mamath kamathima player kenek

Roma walath elatama play karanawa aparade Chance 1kak dunne nathnam Italy national team 1ke

 

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Neuer: It’s our dream to win the World Cup

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has played down the expectations of his nation ahead of World Cup 2014, but maintains it is their dream to come home with the title.

Die Mannschaft are amongst the favourites for the tournament next year, but the Bayern Munich shot-stopper recognises they’ll need to be at their best to overcome tough competition.

Neuer told Bild: "No one can guarantee the title, particularly against the Brazilians. We have to have to be on top form on the day to defeat them in their own country.

"We know that Germany is waiting for us to come home with the title, it’s our dream too.

The 27-year-old also acknowledged the contribution of Philipp Lahm after Pep Guardiola moved the full-back into midfield for Bayern and praised Bastian Schweinsteiger's ability in the middle of the park.

"Schweinsteiger and Lahm are both excellent No.6s," he added. "Both Guardiola and Joachim Low know when Philipp should play in midfield and when he should play at full-back.

"Low is a top coach and it shows in the level at which we play. He has made us a world-class team."

Germany finalise their World Cup qualifying campaign in the next week with fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Sweden.

 

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Fifa reveals World Cup goal-line technology provider

Fifa has revealed that German company GoalControl will provide their camera-orientated goal-line technology system at World Cup 2014 and the 2013 Club World Cup in Morocco.

The system was trialled at the Confederations Cup over the summer after GoalControl won Fifa's tender process to provide the goal-line technology. A statement on the governing body's official website read:

"Following the successful implementation of goal-line technology (GLT) at the FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013, FIFA can confirm that GoalControl GmbH will be the official GLT provider for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil.

"Furthermore, FIFA can today confirm that GLT will be used at the FIFA Club World Cup to be played in Morocco from 11-21 December 2013 and that GoalControl GmbH will be the official GLT provider for the event."

GoalControl's '4D' system uses a series of 14 high-speed cameras to accurately measure the location of the ball as it crosses the line, or indeed doesn't.

It is able to make a decision in under a second and transmit a signal to the referee's watch, which will vibrate if a goal has been scored.

The use of the system at each tournament is still subject to a final installation test at each and every stadium hosting games.

 

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Zidane backs Ribery for Ballon d'Or

Zinedine Zidane believes Franck Ribery deserves to win the Ballon d'Or over Cristiano Ronaldo but admits he could well miss out to Lionel Messi.

The Bayern Munich winger scored 11 goals and made 19 assists in all competitions last season as the Bavarians lifted the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and the Champions League.

However, he will face stiff competition from the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars - who have already lifted the individual prize in their careers - but Zidane has offered his backing to his compatriot.

"[Ribery and Ronaldo] both deserve to win it," the Real Madrid assistant coach told RMC. "But I would give it to Franck for what he did this year and especially the three major trophies he has won.

"The problem is there is a guy [Messi] who has 55 goals."

Zidane has been working alongside Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti in a coaching capacity since the summer and was asked for this thoughts on the misfiring Karim Benzema, who has come in for criticism for his lack of goals.

The 41-year-old added: "When a football player is down, it is always difficult. You lose some confidence, freshness. However, he will never lose his qualities. He never gives up!"

Benzema has scored just two goals in La Liga this season, with los Blancos already five points adrift of rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who have perfect records so far this term.

 

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Van Persie doubt for World Cup qualifiers with toe injury

Manchester United and Netherlands striker Robin van Persie has allayed fears that he has broken his toe but remains a doubt for Oranje's final World Cup qualifiers.

Having picked up the knock during the Red Devils' 1-1 draw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, the striker played through the pain in United's 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Saturday evening.

However, the 30-year-old remains a doubt for Netherlands' final two qualifiers against Hungary, in Amsterdam, and Turkey, in Istanbul, as the Louis van Gaal's side look to remain unbeaten in Group D.

"I got an enormous stamp on my toe and I really thought it had been broken but, luckily, a scan showed it was not," Van Persie told reporters.

"I played on Sunday [in the 2-1 win at Sunderland] but the injury has not got better," he added.

Van Gaal's men have already secured qualification through to next year's finals in Brazil but Van Persie will be keen to add to his tally of 38 goals for his national side and surpass Patrick Kluivert's record haul of 40.

 

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Get well soon RVP!​

 

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Wolfsburg confirm De Bruyne interest

Wolfsburg general manager Klaus Allofs has confirmed that the club remain interested in Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

The 22-year-old, who spent last season on loan in the Bundesliga with Werder Bremen, has struggled for opportunities with the London side this season, starting just two of their opening seven Premier League games.

With manager Jose Mourinho previously saying that he was unhappy with the player's performance, Wolfsburg will hope the that lure of first-team football will persuade him to join them.

"We, as a club, have given our signal of interest in the services of Kevin De Bruyne," Allofs told Sky Deutschland.

"This was done over the summer when it became obvious that he would be returning to Chelsea.

"Kevin De Bruyne is no first-team regular at this point in time. We will definitely consider what is going on with him."

The midfielder is currently with the Belgium squad in Croatia, where they are preparing for their crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday.

 

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Rami set for Milan loan switch

Valencia defender Adil Rami has finalised a deal which will see him go on loan to AC Milan in January, according to agent Ernesto Bronzetti.

The 27-year-old's future at the Mestalla has been the subject of speculation recently, as the France international was slapped with a one-week suspension without pay for publicly criticising coach Miroslav Djukic and team-mates.

And Bronzetti has confirmed that he has sealed an escape route for the defender, who snubbed interest from Napoli prior to agreeing to join the Rossoneri early in 2014.

He told Radio Kiss Kiss: "I have just concluded the transfer, so it is complete.

"The player will go to Milan despite recent interest from Rafa Benitez at Napoli. He [Rami] was wanted by many clubs, but he chose the Rossoneri."

Reports emanating from Italy have suggested that a fee of €400,000 will be paid by Milan for the loan, while a further €7 million will be required at the end of the season should the Italian giants wish to make the move permanent.

Rami, whose contract with los Che runs until 2015, joined Valencia from Lille in 2011 and has subsequently made 93 appearances for the club.

 

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Jordi Alba set for six-week absence

Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba has been ruled out for six weeks following a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, the club have confirmed.

The 24-year-old was in the final stages of his comeback after initially sustaining a torn hamstring in the Catalans' 3-2 victory over Sevilla in September, with the club's medical staff asserting that a three-week lay-off was a probable absence for the Spain international.

However, the Blaugrana have now revealed that Alba is set for an additional six-week spell on the sidelines after suffering a similiar injury in the opposite leg.

The former Valencia starlet can expect to miss first Clasico of the season with rivals Real Madrid on October 26, as well as both clashes with AC Milan in the Champions League.

The news will come as a blow to coach Gerardo Martino, who has already been forced to contend with injuries to talisman Lionel Messi and utility man Javier Mascherano in recent weeks.

Barcelona, who are yet to drop a point in the Primera Division thus far, resume domestic duties following the international break by travelling to Osasuna on October 19.

 

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'Reina can replace Valdes' - Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas has backed Pepe Reina to fill the void by the inevitable departure of goalkeeper Victor Valdes for Barcelona next season.

Valdes is set to call time on his 11-year spell at Camp Nou next summer, prompting speculation over who will succeed the 31-year-old for the Catalans.

The Napoli shot-stopper, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, admits to being flattered by being one of the names touted for the position, and Fabregas believes his international team-mate may be an ideal candidate to successfully replace the long-serving goalkeeper.

"Victor has been here for 10 years and none of us can imagine another goalkeeper in his place when we turn and look at our goal," he told Radio Catalunya.

"But one of the things that Pepe can bring is that he knows all of us. He provides a very good atmosphere in the dressing room and is experienced."

Reina progressed through the ranks with the Spanish giants as a youngster, before quitting the club in favour of Villarreal.