..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Cote d'Ivoire 3-1 Senegal: Drogba & Co ease past visitors

Cote d'Ivoire took a step closer to reaching the World Cup next year after a comfortable victory over Senegal in their first leg play-off, but will be disappointed they conceded a late goal which will have taken some of the gloss off the scoreline for the hosts.

Captain Didier Drogba opened the scoring with a penalty in the fifth minute for the winners, and an own goal from Lamine Sane shortly after doubled their advantage.

Salomon Kalou coolly slotted a third just after half-time and, although Papiss Cisse netted an injury-time strike for the losers, Ivory Coast still won well.

They now have the upper hand in their bid to secure a place at next year's showpiece in Brazil, with Senegal to host the second leg on November 16.

Cote d'Ivoire coach Sabri Lamouchi made five changes to the side that drew with Morocco last time out, with Didier Zokora and Sol Bamba headlining the inclusions.

Newcastle striker Cisse – who is Senegal's leading scorer in qualification – returned to the starting line-up for the visitors as one of four changes.

The winners made the perfect start, scoring after just five minutes when Gervinho was upended by Cheikhou Kouyate in the penalty area.

Drogba sent Senegal goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul the wrong way from the spot, and things went from bad to worse for Alain Giresse's side shortly after.

The lively Gervinho, who was a constant threat for the victors, raced away down the left, before aiming a cross at Drogba from the left.

Sane deflected the cross into his own net though, sending a partisan crowd wild as Cote d'Ivoire led 2-0 in less than 15 minutes.

Senegal did enjoy a good spell after, posing some questions for Cote d'Ivoire, but Gervinho should have scored a third six minutes before the break when he raced clear and rounded Coundoul.

Gervinho's effort was blocked by Lamine Gassama though, while Yaya Toure blasted over as the Elephants had to be content with a two-goal lead at half-time.

The third goal did arrive though, with Gervinho setting up Kalou just after the break.

The Lille striker broke the offside trap and then kept his composure, sliding past the advancing Coundoul and into the net.

Yaya Toure almost added a fourth four minutes from time when his shot flashed just past the post before Cisse gave Senegal a late lifeline.

The hosts failed to deal with a long ball pumped into the penalty area and Cisse reacted quickest, smashing past goalkeeper Boubacar Barry in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The goal gave Senegal some hope, but Cote d'Ivoire left the pitch the happiest after a convincing win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo dodges booking issue

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to reveal whether or not he got himself deliberately booked in Portugal's 1-1 draw with Israel in a bid to ensure his availability for the Seleccao's impending World Cup play-off.

The result, coupled with Russia's 4-0 win over Luxembourg, means Portugal are all but certain to miss out on automatic qualification from Group F of the European section.Paulo Bento's side sit three points adrift of Fabio Capello's men with an inferior goal difference going into the final qualifiers and are likely to feature in the play-offs.

Ronaldo was booked late on in the game in Lisbon for dissent, leading to speculation that he may have picked up a yellow card on purpose so he could miss his country's final group qualifier against Luxembourg on Tuesday.

However, the Real Madrid star has denied he deliberately earned a caution so he could take a clean disciplinary record into the play-offs."Fifa is always very attentive to those situations," said the 28-year-old."The play-off is the most important and I don't want to be out. I will be at those two matches."

When asked about potential opponents in the play-offs, Ronaldo highlighted France - who look set to finish second behind Spain in Group I - as the main threat.

"France are the strongest we may face," he continued. They are the only ones I do not want to face."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Welbeck praises England patience against Montenegro

Danny Welbeck had lauded England's patient second-half display against Montenegro as Roy Hodgson's men moved a step closer to World Cup qualification.

The Three Lions had to win after Ukraine picked up three points against Poland in Kharkiv, and produced four goals in the second period after failing in break the deadlock in the preceding 45 minutes.

Welbeck was impressed by the maturity and composure England displayed, and is now eager to finish the job against Poland at Wembley on Tuesday night.

“It was a game of patience. We had to be patient with our play and keep the tempo up, make sure we do the right things,” the Manchester United man told FATV.

“We had to be careful as well, as they have some players who could have caught us on the counter-attack. But early in the second half we got the goals and we were pleased with that.

“We knew we wanted to go out there and get the three points. That was the main thing. We had to be patient and not to over-do things and thankfully we did that.

“It's been a great night tonight, so let's make sure Tuesday's even better.”

The 22-year-old forward also hailed the impact of debutant Andros Townsend, who scored a stunning solo goal to cap his man of the match performance.

“For him to come in and make his debut, start right wing in such an important game for England he's taken in his stride,” Welbeck added.

“The way he played I don't think many defenders could deal with him. His pace, his determination to get past players, the way he drove the team forward was incredible. It was a great debut for him.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

South Korea 0-2 Brazil: Neymar and Oscar seal win

Goals from Neymar and Oscar saw Brazil chalk up their third straight victory as they saw off South Korea 2-0 at the Seoul World Cup stadium.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's side were far from their fluent best on Saturday but still managed to overcome a stubborn challenge from the home side.

After a first period devoid of clear-cut chances, Neymar lit up the game with a sublime free-kick on the stroke of half-time.

And the encounter was put beyond doubt shortly after the break as Oscar rounded goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong and fired into the open net.

Scolari named an attacking starting XI with Neymar and Hulk partnering Jo in a front three.

South Korea boss Hong Myung-Bo left Bayer Leverkusen forward Son Heung-Min on the bench, although Sunderland midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung started.

Brazil made a lacklustre start to the game and could have gone behind in the third minute when Koo Ja-Cheol fired wide from the left of the box after Ki's neat through ball.

The visitors' first glimpse of the Korean goal came when Hulk played a one-two with Jo before shooting, but his strike was smothered by Jung.

Chelsea midfielder Oscar then hit a snap shot on the turn from 25-yards that cleared the crossbar.

Brazil's failure to create clear-cut chances led to a spell of increased pressure from South Korea.

David Luiz crucially headed an exquisite Lee Chung-Yong cross away from Koo, before a surging run from Kim Bo-Kyung resulted in the midfielder firing straight at Jefferson.

But the hosts failed to make this period count and Brazil went ahead in the 44th minute.

Neymar was felled by Lee Yong on the right and the Barcelona star picked himself up to curl a superb 25-yard free-kick into the corner on the stroke of half-time.

And Scolari’s men doubled their lead four minutes after the interval.

Oscar collected a defence-splitting pass from Paulinho and deftly beat the goalkeeper before shooting into the empty goal.

Brazil then went close to extending their lead on the hour mark. Neymar's cross caused panic in the South Korea box and Luiz Gustavo made a late run to power a header goalwards with Lee Yong making a crucial deflection.

South Korea nearly reduced the arrears from a corner with 20 minutes remaining, but Lee Chung-Yong put his near-post header wide.

Hernanes could have added a third in the dying stages, but the Lazio midfielder hit a tame effort straight at Jung from the edge of the box.

This made no difference to the result though, as Brazil built on victories over Australia and Portugal in their last two fixtures.

Scolari's men will now switch their focus to Tuesday's friendly with Zambia in Beijing.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Eto'o has one more chance to become Cameroon's saviour

It says a lot for a man's sense of perspective that the only way he can be persuaded to play a football match is through state intervention. The president of Cameroon, Paul Biya, has managed to coax Samuel Eto'o out of international retirement, just like he did with Roger Milla in 1990.

Eto'o has long since transcended his status as merely a football player; the millions and the titles have bestowed upon him the status of an icon. That is how he sees himself. Whether it's stopping a training session because he fancies a Coke or dictating team selections, Eto'o behaves how he pleases. And so it was with Eto'o's retirement from the team with whom he has become synonymous.

Volker Finke, the Cameroon coach, last month named a 25-man squad for today's World Cup qualification playoff against Tunisia. Eto'o was on that list. With 55 goals in 112 internationals you might expect he would be. But it's been a complicated process. Between Finke naming Eto'o in the squad and handing him his famous green number nine shirt in Rades today, the Cameroonian public have been unsure of his participation.

After last month's narrow 1-0 win over Libya in Yaounde, Eto'o told team-mates that his time with the national team was at an end. There was speculation that a breakdown in his relationship with Finke, after only four matches of the German's reign, was the chief cause.

Eto'o had tried, again, to meddle in the Cameroon team like he had done at Anzhi Makhachkala and previously with the national side. Goalkeeper Carlos Kameni and striking deputy Achille Webo were Eto'o's preferred selections on the day. Finke would not waver, however, and stuck to his choices of Charles Itandje and Eric Maxim Chupo-Moting.

The Chelsea forward has been uncharacteristically reticent since that match against Libya, in which he wore the captain's armband but played only an hour. He has since refused to go on record about his 'retirement', leading to all sorts of distracting conjecture dominating the build-up to the vital matches against the Carthage Eagles. Finke urged Eto'o to explain himself instead of having to field questions about the issue.

That was unforthcoming until this week when Eto'o emerged from a summit in Yaounde with an associate of President Biya. "You can have all the problems in the world but you have to see out your mission," Eto'o said. "And this time it's to join my team-mates in Tunisia and return with a good result." What is not yet apparent is whether or not Eto'o's recall is worth the hassle.

His time at Stamford Bridge has demonstrated a lack of sharpness after two seasons of semi-retirement in Dagestan. He has not made the difference, in a positive sense, for Cameroon in a long time. As the glory years fade from view, Olympic and African titles in the early part of the last decade seem very distant now, Eto'o stands alone as a link to that gold-laden past.

Despite his status as a world-class player, Cameroon have not been the same team since the retirement of key individuals who may not have been as talented as Eto'o but who were integral to their success. His reign as captain has been shambolic, as poor as has been seen in international football. Internecine feuds overshadowed the entire 2010 World Cup campaign with Eto'o and Rigobert Song battling for command of a divided dressing room. They went out in the first round, disgraced. Song, now the Cameroon team manager, is indifferent to Eto'o's return, writing on his Facebook page earlier in the week: "With or without him, we will go to play the match on Sunday against Tunisia."

The indomitable Lions missed the 2012 and 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments following poor qualification campaigns under Eto'o's stewardship. Indeed, the latter was dragged into the quagmire by him. The 32-year-old refused his selection for the two-legged play-off against Cape Verde, citing the Cameroonian FA's (Fecafoot) amateurish and backward administration. Among his concerns was sitting in economy class for flights. The Blue Sharks overcame Cameroon in the first leg before Eto'o deigned to make his comeback for the return leg. It was not enough. His glorious return sullied. His legacy damaged.

It was Eto'o, too, who was responsible for an unprecedented strike on the part of the Cameroon team in November 2011. He urged his team-mates not to take to the field for a friendly against Algeria in a row with the association over unpaid bonuses. For that he was handed a 15-month ban, reduced to eight at the behest of that man again, president Biya.

Cameroonian football, from top to bottom, has been a shambles for the best part of four years. Eto'o may not ever recognise his part in that for his ego would not allow it. Beyond his role, fans are fed up. Fed up with the federation, the coaches, the team, anyone who could be blamed for their agonising decline from the top of African football. The fact of the matter is this - Cameroon have scored only once in three competitive matches under Finke. Despite his considerable baggage, Eto'o is a four-time African footballer of the year and on his day one of the world's most lethal forwards.

This time the alliance is uneasy but Cameroon are desperate.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale injury is nonsense, says agent

Gareth Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, has launched an attack on Spanish publication Marca, rubbishing reports the sports daily published regarding his client suffering from a slipped disc.

The Real Madrid man has yet to feature for a full 90 minutes since becoming the most expensive footballer in history, only turning out in three appearances for Carlo Ancelotti's men.

But Barnett has refuted allegations that Bale, who has been out for almost two weeks with a thigh issue, failed his medical before his €100 million transfer in September owing to a slipped disc problem.

"I spoke to a reporter from Marca, I told him: ‘It’s complete rubbish,' and yet they still print it," the agent told La Sexta. "Whatever they say is a lie.

"He passed the medical, he’s 100 per cent fit, there’s no problem. He’s the most expensive transfer in history; if there was a problem, they [Madrid] would have stopped the transfer.

"How stupid and irresponsible of Marca to have run such a stupid story. There is no problem. He has a slight tear in his thigh, he’ll be fit to play hopefully after the internationals.

"He [Bale] is angry, not sad. He’s angry that a newspaper can write such rubbish. We won’t be speaking to anybody else about this one story and we will never speak about it ever again, it’s complete rubbish."

The 24-year-old has not produced the desired impact in his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu yet, with Ancelotti recently claiming his star's adaptation was being hampered by injury.

Following los Blancos' revelation that Bale suffers from a disc bulge, the head of the capital outfit's medical services has insisted that Madrid have nothing to worry about.

"You have to put chronic disk protrusions in context of the sporting world," Carlos Diez explained to Cadena SER.

"The majority of players suffer from them and it makes sense, because we are talking about players competing at the highest level, who suffer more wear and tear than a normal person.

"When Bale had his medical no clinical condition was discovered, just a radiological finding. There’s no threat that he will need surgery.

"Bale played last season in the Premier League without any problems, he’s trained very well with us and we don’t need to give these findings any more importance.

"Our view was that the player was ready and therefore there was nothing to report to the president [Florentino Perez]."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

BREAKING NEWS

These are the transfer targets of the Jan transfer window of Real Madrid

- Gundogan
- Aguero
- Silva
- Suarez
- Mata
- Inigo
- Draxler
- Paulinho
- Vidic
- Lewandowski

GUNDOGAN, SUAREZ, SILVA and MATA sure case ekak tiyenne. Xabi, Benzema, Khedira already hinting to be a part of EPL

Pattama set 1kak nehAnyway Khedira gana nam Moyes ge interest 1kak thibba kiyala news 1kak thibba summer transfer window 1kedibut miss una neh

January wala Khedira Real Madrid walin transfer wenawanam try kaloth hodai ganna

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kompany Cortoius Fellani Lukaku patta form eken inne...

Not to forget Boznia team ekath maxa form eken inne. Most underrated team eka kiala mata hitenne..Ibisevic Dzeko Pjnic firing form eke inne...Me parann sirama World cup ekak tiyei

Ow bro matath loku sure 1kak thiyanawa Belgium mehpara Worldcup 1ke hoda place 1kakata ai kiyalaEden aiyath innawane

Boznia team 1kath maru

 

[unicornx]

Pattama set 1kak nehAnyway Khedira gana nam Moyes ge interest 1kak thibba kiyala news 1kak thibba summer transfer window 1kedibut miss una neh

January wala Khedira Real Madrid walin transfer wenawanam try kaloth hodai ganna

Benzema moral eken gahuwoth goda. Ehema unoth Suarez one na. Xabi nati eka loku aulak. Schweinstiger nati una wage tama. danatath hub of the mid eka pissu kelinawa. Illiaramendita tawama experience na. Khedirath e position ekata aul. So Gundoganwa Modric ekka gassuwanan goda. Khedira shape habai Xabi gattanan moyes mare maru. Trust talent

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fernandez: Ribery is a leader

Former France international Luis Fernandez has heaped yet more praise on Franck Ribery after his performance in les Bleus' 6-0 thrashing of Australia.

The Bayern Munich man opened the scoring from the penalty spot and played a key role in tormenting the Socceroos’ defence and Fernandez is sure that in Ribery France have a significant focal point once more.

“Every great team has a leader. Ribery is it,” the former Paris Saint-Germain boss told beIN Sport. “He even was the first defender on occasion!

"That’s what we want to see, France as a team. We wanted to see the team attack and press and put in a collective effort. This is what happened [against Australia]."

Ribery has been receiving rave reviews from across Europe, including from Real Madrid assistant coach Zinedine Zidane, who suggested that his compatriot deserved the Ballon d’Or ahead of both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Australia’s heavy defeat was enough to get coach Holger Osieck the sack, and Fernandez feels that the result points to Didier Deschamps' team beginning to realise their potential.

“It was just a friendly match against a modest opponent, but what it says when you score six goals is that you took them by the throat," he added.

“Against Belarus, the French side were spectators. Maybe the fact that they finally thumped someone changed that. Because until now, this golden generation, this generation of talent had yielded nothing.

“We feel that there is potential in this team, and we have waited to see that potential at work.”

France have one qualifying match left in Group I, but look set to face the uncertainty of the playoffs to reach Brazil next year, with Spain only needing a point against Georgia to guarantee top spot.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Maradona: I will not support Argentina

Diego Maradona has continued his long-running feud with his country after he announced he would not be supporting Argentina at the upcoming Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

The former Napoli striker has never reconciled differences with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) since he was unceremoniously removed from the position of head coach of the senior national side after the 2010 World Cup.

He is now back in Argentina, where he has picked up the post of 'spiritual coach' for Primera D club Deportivo Riestra in addition to his role as a sports ambassador for Dubai, after leaving Emirates club Al Wasl last year.

However, as a result of his tempestuous relationship with the AFA, Maradona is withholding his support for his own country and has announced he will instead be getting behind the hosts at the upcoming tournament.

“I will support the UAE and not Argentina because of my differences with my country,” the former World Cup winner announced at a press conference.

“I urge all the fans to come in large numbers to support the home team.”

The tournament kicks off on Thursday when Brazil take on Slovakia in the opening match, before hosts UAE take on Honduras.

Argentina, meanwhile, start their campaign, minus the support of Maradona, against Iran on Saturday evening.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Low on verge of securing new contract

Joachim Low has suggested that he is close to signing a contract extension that will see him continue on as Germany coach past the 2014 World Cup.

Die Mannschaft booked their place in Brazil after a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Friday, and despite his current deal expiring after next summer's tournament, Low expects to pen a new agreement when he meets with German Football Association (DFB) officials before the end of the month.

“I will have a conversation again in the coming weeks with DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach and General Secretary Helmut Sandrock. said Low to Bild. "It may be that we have agreed [to a new contract] on October 24."

While the security of a new contract may be in the offing, Low is aware that he cannot rest on his laurels and that his longevity in the role is still down to results, pointing to the fate of Bert van Marwijk to emphasise his point.

Van Marwijk led Netherlands to Euro 2012 with an impressive qualifying record, but after losing all three group matches in Poland and Ukraine, he was forced to leave his post, and Low is aware that a similar performance from Germany in Brazil would have to result in a change of personnel.

“When you are knocked out as Holland were at the last European Championship, going home after the first round without winning, then we probably are all aware of the fact that there will have to be a change – from both my side and the officials side, as we are not naive,” he explained to the Cologne Sunday Express.

Low also hinted that there could be call-ups for Borussia Dortmund pair Roman Weidenfeller and Kevin Grosskreutz in time for Germany's friendly against Italy in Milan next month.

The 33-year-old goalkeeper has never been capped for the senior national team, while Grosskreutz has not been called up since 2011, but with both players in impressive form for BVB this season, Low revealed that there was plenty of time for that to change.

“With Roman Weidenfeller, we have been looking at him for quite some time, we know about his outstanding performances, so this is definitely a consideration,” he added.

“We have already discussed Grosskreutz. If he plays at the level he has shown, against Marseille for example, it can again be an issue for us!”

Germany wrap up their qualification campaign on Tuesday when they face Sweden in Solna.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Niang excited by Rami talks

M'Baye Niang has hailed Adil Rami a "great defender" after it was revealed the Valencia man is in talks over a move to AC Milan.

The France centre-back looks set to make the switch to Massimiliano Allegri's side after being suspended by his current club for criticising team-mates and manager Miroslav Djukic for Valencia's slow start to the the campaign.

Los Che president Amadeo Salvo confirmed on Wednesday that Rami has opened negotiations with the Rossoneri and Niang - who faced the 27-year-old when the two sides clashed in pre-season - is confident he would prove a sound acquisition.

"Rami is a great defender," the striker told Sky Sport Italia. "I knew him in the United States and also saw him in the France side, so I can say he's a very good player.

"We hope his qualities can help the team."Milan have slumped to 12th position in Serie A, having taken just eight points from seven matches so far this season and the 18-year-old is desperate to help the club achieve a spot in the Champions League through their league position.

He added: "I hope that this season I will score more goals. I have to work hard, but the important thing is that the team wins.

"Our objective is to finish in the top three, as we are a great team with quality players. I believe we can do it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Injuries have got to BVB - Kehl

Borussia Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl has admitted that the club's current injury crisis has affected the atmosphere around the squad.

The Bundesliga giants have started the season in good form, despite a spate of knocks keeping the 33-year-old, Ilkay Gundogan, Marco Reus, Marcel Schmelzer, Lukasz Piszczek, Sven Bender and Nuri Sahin sidelined.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room is not at its best at the moment," the former Germany international told Ruhr Nachrichten.

"It's true that we have to get fit again before the difficult weeks ahead of us. Everyone is trying their hardest."

Kehl has missed a lot of football due to injury in recent years and the former Freiburg man is grateful for the faith the club has shown in him.

"When I was injured for a long time, they gave me a lot of time and made me confident. You don't forget those things."

Dortmund are set to enter a critical period of the season, with two Champions League games against Arsenal and Bundesliga showdowns with Hannover and Schalke on the horizon.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Poland want 'the right result' against England, warns Blaszczykowski

Poland captain Jakub Blaszczykowski has warned England that his side want "the right result" when they take on the Three Lions at Wembley on Tuesday.

Roy Hodgson's side go into the game knowing that victory would guarantee an automatic spot at next summer's World Cup following Friday's 4-1 victory over Montenegro.

In stark contast, the visitors' hopes of qualification were extinguished by defeat to Ukraine last time out but Blaszczykowski says that his team are still very much looking forward to the game.

"There are sure to be many Polish fans there," he told reporters. "We want to thank them with a good game and the right result.

"It doesn't matter that we only have honour for which to play. Matches at Wembley are always very important to us."

Team-mate Robert Lewandowski admits that Poland will be underdogs for the game but is hopeful that he can give Poland's fans something about which to cheer.

"We know we have a lot of fans out there who will come to the game," he added. "We don't stand a chance of going through but we want to go to Wembley and at least allow our supporters a little fun. For sure, we won't be favourites."

The two sides drew 1-1 when they met in Warsaw last October, in a game that was delayed 24 hours due to heavy rain.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Monaco attracts me a lot' - Valdes


Victor Valdes has admitted that he would like to play in Ligue 1 when he leaves Barcelona, highlighting Monaco as a possible destination.

The Blaugrana goalkeeper affirmed last week that he will leave the club at the end of the season after choosing not to renew his contract, citing the need for a fresh challenge away from La Liga.

Former team-mate Eric Abidal admitted he would relish the chance to see the Spaniard join him at Stade Louis II next season, and Valdes has hinted that a move to Claudio Ranieri's side would be tempting.

"Ligue 1 attracts me a lot - Monaco or elsewhere in France," the 31-year-old told Telefoot.

"This is one of my options. [My future] is in the hands of my representatives. But Monaco is a good option.

"I know that Abidal is very happy at Monaco and I am good friends with him. I consider him a brother. He is an example as a human being. To go back and play at his side again could be very special."

Valdes has made more than 500 appearances for Barcelona to date, winning six league titles and three Champions Leagues in the process, but stressed that the time was right to move on.

"I have a contract until the end of the season," the Spanish shot-stopper said.

"I spent over 20 years at the club. I had the chance to win everything, but now my adventure at the club ends. It is time for me to find new goals and find a new destination."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valdes Ligue 1 play karannna asawen wage inne.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Higuain can emulate Maradona - Reina

Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina believes that striker Gonzalo Higuain can have a similar effect on the club and the city of Naples as Diego Maradona.

The legendary Argentine led the Partenopei to two Serie A titles during a seven-year spell at the club between 1984 and 1991.

Higuain, who moved to the San Paolo from Real Madrid this summer, cited his compatriot as a source of inspiration at and Reina feels his team-mate can become revered by fans.

"You can breathe football here, it's almost like a religion," he told Marca.

"The god is obviously Maradaona and will be for many years. In any restaurant in Naples you can see souvenirs of him, from shirts to photos.

"I hope the same can happen with Higuain. He's the idol of the moment."

Reina, who moved to the club this summer on loan from Liverpool, went on to outline his ambition to win the Serie A title this year, but acknowledged the threats that Roma and Juventus pose to their plans.

"The idea this year is to win the Scudetto. Juventus are the reigning champions of Italy and are used to playing in the Champions Leauge, while Roma are doing very well and don't have any other cups.

"I don't know what might happen in the city if we win the title. The people are very similar to those in the south of Spain. There's certainly no lack of enthusiasm and passion.

"Playing in the San Paolo is extraordinary."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pires urges Wenger to carry on spending

Former Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires has urged Arsene Wenger to carry on spending in order to maintain the club's title push.

The Gunners sit at the top of the Premier League after taking 16 points from their opening seven games, while the club also have a strong footing in their Champions League group after beating Marseille and Napoli.

Arsenal broke their transfer record in order to complete a €50 million deal for Mesut Ozil in the summer transfer window and, following the Germany international's impressive start, Pires believes that Wenger must continue to bolster his side.

"If you look at all the successful clubs who won titles and trophies, they always buy after they have been successful," the Frenchman was quoted as saying by the Sunday Mirror.

"There is no question that Arsenal are at a high level at this moment. They are playing to the kind of football played during my time at the club. And Ozil – well, he is world-class.

"But their appears to be a new financial philosophy at Arsenal now. Arsene can spend money, more than he has been able to do before and I believe he should add to the squad when he can."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Allardyce fears Manchester United may buy back Ravel Morrison

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admits that he would struggle to keep Ravel Morrison at the club if Manchester United wanted to buy back the midfielder.

The 20-year-old, who moved to Upton Park from Old Trafford in January 2012, has made an impressive start to the campaign and received his first England Under-21s cap in the 4-0 win over San Marino on Thursday.

The West Ham boss is unsure whether the Premier League champions have the option to re-sign Morrison and concedes that his side could struggle to keep the midfielder if a substantial offer is received.

"I don't know if there is a buy-back clause and what that figure might be if it even exists," Allardyce told the press.

"But my real big worry is that Manchester United will come back to buy him.

"Look at what happened when Chris Smalling played a handful of games for Fulham - United jumped in with £10 million. Then there was Phil Jones when I was at Blackburn – that's what you are up against."