Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
Hitzlsperger announces he is gay
He is the highest-profile footballer to 'come out' and he follows in the footsteps of the American Robbie Rogers, who revealed his sexuality last year.Hitzlsperger won 52 caps for Germany and finished his career at Stuttgart last year, retiring because of injury.
In an interview with Germany's Time magazine, he said: "It has been a long and difficult process...only in recent years has it dawned on me that I would prefer to live with another man."Hitzlsperger, 31, says he does not know any other players in Germany who are gay."I'm coming out about my homosexuality because I want to move the discussion about homosexuality among professional sportspeople forwards," Hitzlsperger said.
"I've never been ashamed of the way I am," he added, although he conceded it has not always been easy to live with some of the comments dished out on the subject.
"Just picture 20 men sat around a table together drinking - you've just got to let the majority be, just as long as the jokes are halfway funny and the talk about homosexuality doesn't get too insulting."In England, Germany or Italy, homosexuality is not taken seriously as an issue, at least not in the dressing room."
Former England Under-21 international Justin Fashanu was the first professional footballer in Britain to come out in 1990 before he took his own life eight years later, aged 37.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova came out publicly as gay in 1981 while John Amaechi was the first NBA player to openly admit to being gay in 2007.
Ex-Wales rugby union captain Gareth Thomas, plus England and Surrey wicketkeeper Steven Davies, have come out in the last five years.
Olympic boxing gold medallist Nicola Adams topped the Independent's annual 'Pink List' poll of influential lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in November 2012.And last month Tom Daley revealed he was in a relationship with a man, while two other Olympic divers have previously come out.
Australian Matthew Mitcham announced he was gay in 2008 shortly before he won a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics, and four-time Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis revealed he was gay following his retirement in 1995.
David Moyes denies Man Utd are on brink of signing Fabio Coentrao
Reports from the continent have suggested that terms have been agreed to transfer the 25-year-old Portugal international to Old Trafford.But speaking after Tuesday night's 2-1 Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg defeat at Sunderland, Moyes denied such speculation."No, that's not true," he insisted.
Assurances
Moyes has already been given assurances that significant funds are available to him for this month and the summer transfer window.However, the United boss has admitted that players he would like to bring in might not be available in January as he seeks to strengthen a squad which has now lost three games on the bounce, their worst run since May 2001.
"We would like to bring people in but are those players available?" Moyes asked after his club's FA Cup defeat to Swansea on Sunday."There is an urgency but there's no point in me hyping it up because the players we would like to bring in are probably not available in January."
Reports from the continent have suggested that terms have been agreed to transfer the 25-year-old Portugal international to Old Trafford.But speaking after Tuesday night's 2-1 Capital One Cup semi-final first-leg defeat at Sunderland, Moyes denied such speculation."No, that's not true," he insisted.
Assurances
Moyes has already been given assurances that significant funds are available to him for this month and the summer transfer window.However, the United boss has admitted that players he would like to bring in might not be available in January as he seeks to strengthen a squad which has now lost three games on the bounce, their worst run since May 2001.
"We would like to bring people in but are those players available?" Moyes asked after his club's FA Cup defeat to Swansea on Sunday."There is an urgency but there's no point in me hyping it up because the players we would like to bring in are probably not available in January."
Oya kiwwath wage Diego Costa gana nam sure karanna amarui thamai bro.
Jackson Martinez niyamai & Julian Draxler ganath interest 1kak thiyanawa kiyala mama dakka site 1kaka wenger kiyala thiyanawa
Barcelona 4-0 Getafe: Marvellous Messi scores twice on return
Lionel Messi scored a brilliant double on his return to action as Barcelona breezed past Getafe 4-0 in their Copa del Rey last 16 first leg encounter.
Cesc Fabregas scored in either half to put the hosts in control before Messi was introduced on the hour mark to steal the show, netting calmly from close range before rifling home after a surging late run to put Barca firmly in charge of the tie.
Messi started on the bench as Gerardo Martino partnered Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol at the heart of defence, while Neymar was rested from the matchday squad. Getafe deployed Ciprian Marica as a lone striker, with Pablo Sarabia charged with linking the defence to the attack along with captain Jaime Gavilan.
The first half started brightly, with Andres Iniesta bringing the first save out of Codina before Rafa turned away Alexis' dangerous cross from in front of his own goal.
But the visitors' resistance did not last long, as Sergio Busquet's blocked volley dropped to Pedro inside the area, and his chipped cross was headed home by the arriving Fabregas.
Getafe responded well, with Sarabia twice causing Mascherano some problems, before Carles Puyol glanced a header wide from a corner.
Jose Pinto was then called into action to make a brilliant save to deny Rodriguez, parrying his glancing header away after a dangerous free kick from the right.
Barca continued to dominate the ball without creating any real clear-cut openings, while Getafe looked a threat on the break. Ciprian Marica headed over from inside the area before the lively Sarabia fired high and wide from distance after a good run.
The home side came close to a second shortly after the break as Pedro's cross was turned just beyond the far post before Fabregas came close with a near-post volley.
But they did not have long to wait to double their lead. Pedro raced clear from Fabregas' pass, only to be brought down by Valera, allowing the 26-year-old to rifle home the penalty.
The biggest cheer of the night followed moments later, when Messi returned to action for the first time since November, replacing Andres Iniesta.
The Argentine almost provided a goal for Pedro, too, bursting down the left and clipping a delightful cross to the far post which the Spaniard just failed to reach.
But it didn't take him long to make his mark. Busquets clipped the ball through to Montoya and Messi calmly rolled in the rebound to send Camp Nou into raptures.
Messi then rippled the side netting with a wicked free kick before he capped a brilliant night for the hosts with the goal of the game. Substitute Alex Song played him through behind the defence and Messi raced clear before firing high and hard past Codina to put the tie all-but-beyond Getafe.
Lionel Messi scored a brilliant double on his return to action as Barcelona breezed past Getafe 4-0 in their Copa del Rey last 16 first leg encounter.
Cesc Fabregas scored in either half to put the hosts in control before Messi was introduced on the hour mark to steal the show, netting calmly from close range before rifling home after a surging late run to put Barca firmly in charge of the tie.
Messi started on the bench as Gerardo Martino partnered Javier Mascherano and Carles Puyol at the heart of defence, while Neymar was rested from the matchday squad. Getafe deployed Ciprian Marica as a lone striker, with Pablo Sarabia charged with linking the defence to the attack along with captain Jaime Gavilan.
The first half started brightly, with Andres Iniesta bringing the first save out of Codina before Rafa turned away Alexis' dangerous cross from in front of his own goal.
But the visitors' resistance did not last long, as Sergio Busquet's blocked volley dropped to Pedro inside the area, and his chipped cross was headed home by the arriving Fabregas.
Getafe responded well, with Sarabia twice causing Mascherano some problems, before Carles Puyol glanced a header wide from a corner.
Jose Pinto was then called into action to make a brilliant save to deny Rodriguez, parrying his glancing header away after a dangerous free kick from the right.
Barca continued to dominate the ball without creating any real clear-cut openings, while Getafe looked a threat on the break. Ciprian Marica headed over from inside the area before the lively Sarabia fired high and wide from distance after a good run.
The home side came close to a second shortly after the break as Pedro's cross was turned just beyond the far post before Fabregas came close with a near-post volley.
But they did not have long to wait to double their lead. Pedro raced clear from Fabregas' pass, only to be brought down by Valera, allowing the 26-year-old to rifle home the penalty.
The biggest cheer of the night followed moments later, when Messi returned to action for the first time since November, replacing Andres Iniesta.
The Argentine almost provided a goal for Pedro, too, bursting down the left and clipping a delightful cross to the far post which the Spaniard just failed to reach.
But it didn't take him long to make his mark. Busquets clipped the ball through to Montoya and Messi calmly rolled in the rebound to send Camp Nou into raptures.
Messi then rippled the side netting with a wicked free kick before he capped a brilliant night for the hosts with the goal of the game. Substitute Alex Song played him through behind the defence and Messi raced clear before firing high and hard past Codina to put the tie all-but-beyond Getafe.
Manchester City 6-0 West Ham: Negredo nets hat-trick as hosts close in on Wembley
Alvaro Negredo scored a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed struggling West Ham 6-0 in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
The result piles further pressure on beleaguered West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, who received a vote of confidence from the club's co-chairmen earlier in the week.
After a promising start, the hosts were ahead within 13 minutes as Negredo volleyed home brilliantly from inside the area.
The 28-year-old easily shook off the attentions of Joey O'Brien, before firing Yaya Toure's perfectly weighted lofted ball past the helpless Adrian.
Things went from bad to worse for West Ham when Negredo finished well inside the area after 27 minutes, with Toure adding a third before the break to put a rampant City firmly in control.
Negredo then completed his treble with a fine strike from inside the area early in the second half, before Edin Dzeko turned home Gael Clichy's cross with half an hour remaining.
And there was time for Dzeko to score a second with a powerful finish on 89 minutes to complete a thoroughly miserable night for the visitors.
Manuel Pellegrini recalled a number of his regular players following City's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.
The likes of captain Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri and Toure all returned for the hosts, while West Ham, beaten 5-0 by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, recalled Guy Demel, Joe Cole and Mark Noble.
Allardyce also handed Roger Johnson his debut after the defender arrived on loan from Wolves.
City threatened from the off and Pablo Zabaleta came close to opening the scoring after just two minutes when he almost got on the end of Nasri's cross.
The City faithful did not wait much longer for the opener, however, with Negredo putting City in front with a superb finish after an expertly-crafted Toure throughball, launched from within his own half.
That goal was the former Sevilla man’s 12th in his last 11 home games, and Negredo doubled City’s lead soon after, latching on to Dzeko's neat pass to slip the ball over the onrushing Adrian.
Dzeko should have joined his strike partner on the scoresheet nine minutes before the break but he fired over after positive work down the right from Nasri.
City did score a third before the break, however, as Toure burst through the middle and, with Johnson backing off, calmly sidefooted past Adrian to wrap up a dominant first-half display.
The onslaught continued three minutes after the break. After some slick play on the edge of the area, Silva's pass was deflected into the path of Negredo, who rounded off his second City hat-trick.
Toure then almost registered his second, curling a free-kick over the crossbar, before Dzeko kept up his record of scoring in every round of the competition by adding a fifth on the hour mark.
Thanks to almost constant pressure, City added a sixth through Dzeko as he fired home Aleksandar Kolarov's cutback as West Ham conceded at least five goals in two consecutive matches for the first time since October 2001.
Alvaro Negredo scored a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed struggling West Ham 6-0 in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final.
The result piles further pressure on beleaguered West Ham manager Sam Allardyce, who received a vote of confidence from the club's co-chairmen earlier in the week.
After a promising start, the hosts were ahead within 13 minutes as Negredo volleyed home brilliantly from inside the area.
The 28-year-old easily shook off the attentions of Joey O'Brien, before firing Yaya Toure's perfectly weighted lofted ball past the helpless Adrian.
Things went from bad to worse for West Ham when Negredo finished well inside the area after 27 minutes, with Toure adding a third before the break to put a rampant City firmly in control.
Negredo then completed his treble with a fine strike from inside the area early in the second half, before Edin Dzeko turned home Gael Clichy's cross with half an hour remaining.
And there was time for Dzeko to score a second with a powerful finish on 89 minutes to complete a thoroughly miserable night for the visitors.
Manuel Pellegrini recalled a number of his regular players following City's 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.
The likes of captain Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri and Toure all returned for the hosts, while West Ham, beaten 5-0 by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup, recalled Guy Demel, Joe Cole and Mark Noble.
Allardyce also handed Roger Johnson his debut after the defender arrived on loan from Wolves.
City threatened from the off and Pablo Zabaleta came close to opening the scoring after just two minutes when he almost got on the end of Nasri's cross.
The City faithful did not wait much longer for the opener, however, with Negredo putting City in front with a superb finish after an expertly-crafted Toure throughball, launched from within his own half.
That goal was the former Sevilla man’s 12th in his last 11 home games, and Negredo doubled City’s lead soon after, latching on to Dzeko's neat pass to slip the ball over the onrushing Adrian.
Dzeko should have joined his strike partner on the scoresheet nine minutes before the break but he fired over after positive work down the right from Nasri.
City did score a third before the break, however, as Toure burst through the middle and, with Johnson backing off, calmly sidefooted past Adrian to wrap up a dominant first-half display.
The onslaught continued three minutes after the break. After some slick play on the edge of the area, Silva's pass was deflected into the path of Negredo, who rounded off his second City hat-trick.
Toure then almost registered his second, curling a free-kick over the crossbar, before Dzeko kept up his record of scoring in every round of the competition by adding a fifth on the hour mark.
Thanks to almost constant pressure, City added a sixth through Dzeko as he fired home Aleksandar Kolarov's cutback as West Ham conceded at least five goals in two consecutive matches for the first time since October 2001.
Brest 2-5 Paris Saint-Germain: Ibrahimovic hat-trick helps brush aside hosts
A stunning hat-trick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped Paris Saint-Germain seal an emphatic victory over Brest and booked themselves a place in the next round of the Coupe de France against Montpellier.
The Ligue 1 champions had little difficulty in progressing to the competition's last 32 as the Sweden international again stole the show at the Stade Francis-Le Ble.
Ibrahimovic - who entered the match with 23 goals in 24 appearances this season for PSG - opened the scoring after only 10 minutes, converting Maxwell's cross.
He produced a stylish finish with the outside of his right foot, giving goalkeeper Joan Hartock no chance, and Thiago Motta doubled the visitors' lead five minutes later.
The goal followed a neat passing move that involved Maxwell, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Blaise Matuidi, with Motta sliding in from close range.Brest pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute, as Benoit Lesoimier curled in a delightful shot into the top right corner.
The goal followed an ugly passage of play, but any hope the hosts took from that reply was quickly quashed by two more Ibrahimovic strikes.His second goal was a volley from six yards after poor defending, before he sealed his treble with a clinical finish following a one-two with Edinson Cavani.
Ibrahimovic's influence did not stop there either, as he set up Lavezzi for PSG's fifth just one minute into the second half, with the Argentine producing an excellent left-footed strike from 18 yards.
The Swede was taken off just after the hour-mark, as PSG sauntered to victory, but there was time for a late consolation for Brest, as Jonathan Ayite scored with one minute to play.
A stunning hat-trick from Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped Paris Saint-Germain seal an emphatic victory over Brest and booked themselves a place in the next round of the Coupe de France against Montpellier.
The Ligue 1 champions had little difficulty in progressing to the competition's last 32 as the Sweden international again stole the show at the Stade Francis-Le Ble.
Ibrahimovic - who entered the match with 23 goals in 24 appearances this season for PSG - opened the scoring after only 10 minutes, converting Maxwell's cross.
He produced a stylish finish with the outside of his right foot, giving goalkeeper Joan Hartock no chance, and Thiago Motta doubled the visitors' lead five minutes later.
The goal followed a neat passing move that involved Maxwell, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Blaise Matuidi, with Motta sliding in from close range.Brest pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute, as Benoit Lesoimier curled in a delightful shot into the top right corner.
The goal followed an ugly passage of play, but any hope the hosts took from that reply was quickly quashed by two more Ibrahimovic strikes.His second goal was a volley from six yards after poor defending, before he sealed his treble with a clinical finish following a one-two with Edinson Cavani.
Ibrahimovic's influence did not stop there either, as he set up Lavezzi for PSG's fifth just one minute into the second half, with the Argentine producing an excellent left-footed strike from 18 yards.
The Swede was taken off just after the hour-mark, as PSG sauntered to victory, but there was time for a late consolation for Brest, as Jonathan Ayite scored with one minute to play.
Messi: I want to finish my career at Barcelona
Lionel Messi says he wants to finish his career at Barcelona after bursting back onto the goalscoring scene in his return from injury.
Messi scored twice in a 30-minute cameo as Barca won the first leg of their Copa del Rey clash with Getafe 4-0, with the Argentine making his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in early November.
Speculation has surfaced that Paris Saint-Germain could be prepared to make a sensational offer for the 26-year-old - who was recently embroiled in a row with Barca director Javier Faus - but Messi insists he wants to stay at Camp Nou until he retires.
"My idea is to stay here and finish my career at Barcelona," he said after the match on Wednesday.
Barca take on Atletico Madrid in a crucial Liga encounter on Saturday and Messi admits he is eager to feature against the Rojiblancos.
"If I can play against Atletico, I will. I'll talk with Tata and the doctors. I always think of the club, I have the same desire as always," he continued.
"I was desperate to come back. I'd been sidelined for too long.
"I felt good physically, I didn't feel any pain in the hamstring. I was very happy to be in my country. I worked well to get out of this. Now I'm looking forward to a great year."
Messi also revealed his pride at being named among the final three nominees for the 2013 Ballon d'Or as he prepares for the event in Zurich on Monday January 13.
"I'll go to the gala, as always. It's a pleasure to be among the best three, the result will be what it will be," he added.
"For me, the most important prizes are those of the team, but I always like these [individual awards]."
Lionel Messi says he wants to finish his career at Barcelona after bursting back onto the goalscoring scene in his return from injury.
Messi scored twice in a 30-minute cameo as Barca won the first leg of their Copa del Rey clash with Getafe 4-0, with the Argentine making his first appearance since suffering a hamstring injury in early November.
Speculation has surfaced that Paris Saint-Germain could be prepared to make a sensational offer for the 26-year-old - who was recently embroiled in a row with Barca director Javier Faus - but Messi insists he wants to stay at Camp Nou until he retires.
"My idea is to stay here and finish my career at Barcelona," he said after the match on Wednesday.
Barca take on Atletico Madrid in a crucial Liga encounter on Saturday and Messi admits he is eager to feature against the Rojiblancos.
"If I can play against Atletico, I will. I'll talk with Tata and the doctors. I always think of the club, I have the same desire as always," he continued.
"I was desperate to come back. I'd been sidelined for too long.
"I felt good physically, I didn't feel any pain in the hamstring. I was very happy to be in my country. I worked well to get out of this. Now I'm looking forward to a great year."
Messi also revealed his pride at being named among the final three nominees for the 2013 Ballon d'Or as he prepares for the event in Zurich on Monday January 13.
"I'll go to the gala, as always. It's a pleasure to be among the best three, the result will be what it will be," he added.
"For me, the most important prizes are those of the team, but I always like these [individual awards]."
No comparison between Inter and Milan - Mazzarri
Inter boss Walter Mazzarri believes that his side are in a far better position that AC Milan after contrasting starts to the season.
The Rossoneri finished third last term, with their city rivals six places behind them, but since the former Napoli coach took the reins, the Nerazzurri have enjoyed a revival in fortunes.
However, they suffered defeat to Lazio on Monday in their first game after the end of the winter break as Massimiliano Allegri's side beat Atalanta 3-0 but Mazzarri has hit back of reports of his side's divide.
"I hope that the Inter fans – who seem to know their stuff – are not misled when incomplete information is given. I also saw a comparison made between Inter and Milan today.
"If people want to do that, then let’s not forget how many points this team I inherited earned in the second half of last season.
"Last year Milan finished third with the same squad that began this year – they even strengthened during the close season. And at the moment nine points separate us.
"I don't really want to get any further into this, I'd just like to say that I saw our season being put on a par with Milan's and I don't think that's right because there's a huge difference, even without considering that they're nine points behind us."
Inter continue their campaign with a Coppa Italia clash with Udinese at the Friuli at 21:00CET on Thursday.
Inter boss Walter Mazzarri believes that his side are in a far better position that AC Milan after contrasting starts to the season.
The Rossoneri finished third last term, with their city rivals six places behind them, but since the former Napoli coach took the reins, the Nerazzurri have enjoyed a revival in fortunes.
However, they suffered defeat to Lazio on Monday in their first game after the end of the winter break as Massimiliano Allegri's side beat Atalanta 3-0 but Mazzarri has hit back of reports of his side's divide.
"I hope that the Inter fans – who seem to know their stuff – are not misled when incomplete information is given. I also saw a comparison made between Inter and Milan today.
"If people want to do that, then let’s not forget how many points this team I inherited earned in the second half of last season.
"Last year Milan finished third with the same squad that began this year – they even strengthened during the close season. And at the moment nine points separate us.
"I don't really want to get any further into this, I'd just like to say that I saw our season being put on a par with Milan's and I don't think that's right because there's a huge difference, even without considering that they're nine points behind us."
Inter continue their campaign with a Coppa Italia clash with Udinese at the Friuli at 21:00CET on Thursday.
Ibrahimovic thrilled with emphatic PSG hat-trick
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was thrilled to start 2014 in style as his hat-trick helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 5-2 Coupe de France win over Brest.
The Sweden star bagged three first-half goals to add to strikes from Thiago Motta and Ezequiel Lavezzi as PSG romped to a comfortable win over their Ligue 2 opponents, who got on the scoresheet through Benoit Lesoimier and Jonathan Ayite.
"It wasn't an easy match. It's never easy to play good football on a difficult pitch," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by the club's official website. "We are very happy to have qualified.
"I am very happy to have started the year with three goals. Now we have to focus on the next game."
Coach Laurent Blanc was pleased with his side's professionalism after they secured victory in their postponed match in difficult weather conditions.
"We're always happy when we win. With all these postponements, it really wasn't easy," he said.
"We wanted to play and we wanted to win. We played very well. Despite the conditions, we found the keys to victory. We did it calmly and confidently."
Thiago Motta underlined the importance of starting the year in positive fashion, especially against a battling side from lower down the divisions.
He added: "It went well, we worked hard in difficult conditions. We started well, even though it's never easy to take on sides from lower divisions. We went looking for the victory right from kick-off. It was a deserved win and it's very important to start the year with a win."
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was thrilled to start 2014 in style as his hat-trick helped Paris Saint-Germain to a 5-2 Coupe de France win over Brest.
The Sweden star bagged three first-half goals to add to strikes from Thiago Motta and Ezequiel Lavezzi as PSG romped to a comfortable win over their Ligue 2 opponents, who got on the scoresheet through Benoit Lesoimier and Jonathan Ayite.
"It wasn't an easy match. It's never easy to play good football on a difficult pitch," Ibrahimovic was quoted as saying by the club's official website. "We are very happy to have qualified.
"I am very happy to have started the year with three goals. Now we have to focus on the next game."
Coach Laurent Blanc was pleased with his side's professionalism after they secured victory in their postponed match in difficult weather conditions.
"We're always happy when we win. With all these postponements, it really wasn't easy," he said.
"We wanted to play and we wanted to win. We played very well. Despite the conditions, we found the keys to victory. We did it calmly and confidently."
Thiago Motta underlined the importance of starting the year in positive fashion, especially against a battling side from lower down the divisions.
He added: "It went well, we worked hard in difficult conditions. We started well, even though it's never easy to take on sides from lower divisions. We went looking for the victory right from kick-off. It was a deserved win and it's very important to start the year with a win."
'Messi didn't forget how to play' - Puyol
Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol has hailed Lionel Messi's return to action in the 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Getafe on Wednesday.
The Argentine marked his comeback from a lengthy muscle problem with two late goals over the Madrid outfit and the veteran Spain defender was not surprised to see him show his quality upon his return.
"He had a big injury, but he never forgot how to play," he is quoted as saying by AS.
"He has trained very well as he has shown. That's what top players do."
Barca take on Atletico Madrid on Saturday in a vital clash at the top of La Liga but Puyol is not sure whether Messi will make the starting XI for the encounter.
"I don't know if he will start," he continued. "You have to keep training hard and the coach will decide."
And the 35-year-old is not taking Diego Simeone's side lightly, with the two sides neck and neck at the top of the table.
"We are not playing for half of the league because there's a long way to go, but it's a game against one of the best teams in the world."
Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol has hailed Lionel Messi's return to action in the 4-0 Copa del Rey win over Getafe on Wednesday.
The Argentine marked his comeback from a lengthy muscle problem with two late goals over the Madrid outfit and the veteran Spain defender was not surprised to see him show his quality upon his return.
"He had a big injury, but he never forgot how to play," he is quoted as saying by AS.
"He has trained very well as he has shown. That's what top players do."
Barca take on Atletico Madrid on Saturday in a vital clash at the top of La Liga but Puyol is not sure whether Messi will make the starting XI for the encounter.
"I don't know if he will start," he continued. "You have to keep training hard and the coach will decide."
And the 35-year-old is not taking Diego Simeone's side lightly, with the two sides neck and neck at the top of the table.
"We are not playing for half of the league because there's a long way to go, but it's a game against one of the best teams in the world."
Defoe set to join Toronto for MLS record fee
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is set to join Toronto FC for €7.3 million - a MLS record fee after the clubs agreed terms.
The 31-year-old, who has started only three Premier League games all season, is expected to put his disappointing Spurs campaign behind him and sign a four-year deal with the Canadian club.
The move is likely to earn him at least €109,000-a-week, while the entire four-year deal, which includes the fee and total salary, is estimated to be around €37m.
The England international was linked with a move to West Ham but he has chosen to relocate to North America.
Toronto have also recaptured former attacker Dwayne De Rosario, while Roma midfielder Michael Bradley, who has struggled for first-team football is in advanced negotiations with the club and could be unveiled alongside Defoe.
If the American is signed he will also be on a designated player contract, pushing Toronto's number of total to four.
MLS roster rules allow for a maximum of three DPs per team and, with Defoe and recently signed Brazilian Gilberto also taking up designated player spots, that leaves Argentine midfielder Matias Laba vulnerable.
The flurry of high-priced moves could prove to be a big juggling act for Toronto general manager Tim Bezbatchenko, but he will be helped by the reduction of De Rosario's wage. The Canadian, who counted as a DP for DC United last season, has agreed to a much smaller wage to return to his hometown club.
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe is set to join Toronto FC for €7.3 million - a MLS record fee after the clubs agreed terms.
The 31-year-old, who has started only three Premier League games all season, is expected to put his disappointing Spurs campaign behind him and sign a four-year deal with the Canadian club.
The move is likely to earn him at least €109,000-a-week, while the entire four-year deal, which includes the fee and total salary, is estimated to be around €37m.
The England international was linked with a move to West Ham but he has chosen to relocate to North America.
Toronto have also recaptured former attacker Dwayne De Rosario, while Roma midfielder Michael Bradley, who has struggled for first-team football is in advanced negotiations with the club and could be unveiled alongside Defoe.
If the American is signed he will also be on a designated player contract, pushing Toronto's number of total to four.
MLS roster rules allow for a maximum of three DPs per team and, with Defoe and recently signed Brazilian Gilberto also taking up designated player spots, that leaves Argentine midfielder Matias Laba vulnerable.
The flurry of high-priced moves could prove to be a big juggling act for Toronto general manager Tim Bezbatchenko, but he will be helped by the reduction of De Rosario's wage. The Canadian, who counted as a DP for DC United last season, has agreed to a much smaller wage to return to his hometown club.
'We have one leg in the final' - Pellegrini delighted with rampant Manchester City
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini feels his side have one leg in the Capital One Cup final after their 6-0 thrashing of West Ham.
An Alvaro Negredo hat-trick, along with Edin Dzeko's brace and a Yaya Toure effort, put City firmly in control of their semi-final ahead of the second leg at Upton Park on January 21.
And after witnessing another dominant performance at the Etihad Stadium, Pellegrini said his charges are almost in the final.
"I think that today was an important result. Football is never finished until the end but I think today we have one leg in the final," the Chilean told Sky Sports.
While City were rampant going forward, Pellegrini also expressed his delight at his team's defensive display after they limited West Ham to only a handful of opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
"I think for me the most important thing was not to score the sixth goal, but the way that this team must continue to play. It's very important to score goals but also not to concede," he added.
"We had a balanced team today, we did not allow one counter-attack from West Ham and we scored six goals, and we had more chances to score more.
"The way the team plays is the most important thing. We have a second game in London and we try to play there like we did today."
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini feels his side have one leg in the Capital One Cup final after their 6-0 thrashing of West Ham.
An Alvaro Negredo hat-trick, along with Edin Dzeko's brace and a Yaya Toure effort, put City firmly in control of their semi-final ahead of the second leg at Upton Park on January 21.
And after witnessing another dominant performance at the Etihad Stadium, Pellegrini said his charges are almost in the final.
"I think that today was an important result. Football is never finished until the end but I think today we have one leg in the final," the Chilean told Sky Sports.
While City were rampant going forward, Pellegrini also expressed his delight at his team's defensive display after they limited West Ham to only a handful of opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.
"I think for me the most important thing was not to score the sixth goal, but the way that this team must continue to play. It's very important to score goals but also not to concede," he added.
"We had a balanced team today, we did not allow one counter-attack from West Ham and we scored six goals, and we had more chances to score more.
"The way the team plays is the most important thing. We have a second game in London and we try to play there like we did today."
Hannover keen to keep Mame Biram Diouf
Hannover coach Tayfun Korkut is keen to keep striker Mame Biram Diouf, amid fresh speculation linking him with a return to England.
Cardiff City are the latest club thought to be monitoring Diouf, who was the subject of interest from Stoke City in the close-season.
Diouf has scored 32 goals in 64 appearances for Hannover and Korkut has no desire to let the former Manchester United forward leave as he attempts to safeguard Hannover's Bundesliga future.
"When we have quality, we should protect it," Korkut told reporters. "It would not be easy to find a replacement."
Diouf can leave on a free when his contract expires at the end of the season if he is not sold in January.
However, Korkut insists that the 26-year-old is not thinking about leaving the HDI Arena.
"I do not get the impression that Mame's thoughts are somewhere else," he added.
Hannover coach Tayfun Korkut is keen to keep striker Mame Biram Diouf, amid fresh speculation linking him with a return to England.
Cardiff City are the latest club thought to be monitoring Diouf, who was the subject of interest from Stoke City in the close-season.
Diouf has scored 32 goals in 64 appearances for Hannover and Korkut has no desire to let the former Manchester United forward leave as he attempts to safeguard Hannover's Bundesliga future.
"When we have quality, we should protect it," Korkut told reporters. "It would not be easy to find a replacement."
Diouf can leave on a free when his contract expires at the end of the season if he is not sold in January.
However, Korkut insists that the 26-year-old is not thinking about leaving the HDI Arena.
"I do not get the impression that Mame's thoughts are somewhere else," he added.
Alonso signs two-year Madrid deal
Xabi Alonso has signed a two-year contract extension with Real Madrid, the midfielder revealed on Wednesday.
The Spain international's future had been shrouded in doubt in recent months as his previous deal was set to expire at the end of the season.
However, the former Liverpool man has finally committed his future to the Santiago Bernabeu outfit, signing fresh terms to keep him at the club until the summer of 2016.Alonso took to his official Twitter account to reveal the news, stating: "I'll be continuing at my home for two more years. It's a pleasure to tell you this. I'm very very happy."
The club also confirmed the news, announcing that Alonso will face the press at the Santiago Bernabeu at 13:30CET on January 10.
Alonso, who joined the club in 2009, made it clear earlier this month that he was eager to win more trophies with Madrid - including the elusive 10th European title.
The 32-year-old has played 12 times in all competitions to date this season but is currently sidelined with an inner ear problem and was forced to sit out the win over Celta Vigo on Monday.
Xabi Alonso has signed a two-year contract extension with Real Madrid, the midfielder revealed on Wednesday.
The Spain international's future had been shrouded in doubt in recent months as his previous deal was set to expire at the end of the season.
However, the former Liverpool man has finally committed his future to the Santiago Bernabeu outfit, signing fresh terms to keep him at the club until the summer of 2016.Alonso took to his official Twitter account to reveal the news, stating: "I'll be continuing at my home for two more years. It's a pleasure to tell you this. I'm very very happy."
The club also confirmed the news, announcing that Alonso will face the press at the Santiago Bernabeu at 13:30CET on January 10.
Alonso, who joined the club in 2009, made it clear earlier this month that he was eager to win more trophies with Madrid - including the elusive 10th European title.
The 32-year-old has played 12 times in all competitions to date this season but is currently sidelined with an inner ear problem and was forced to sit out the win over Celta Vigo on Monday.
Rodgers accepts FA charge over Manchester City comments
Brendan Rodgers has accepted a Football Association charge over comments he made about referee Lee Mason following Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City.
The Northern Irishman was disappointed by an offside call in the first half of the game at the Etihad Stadium that incorrectly ruled out a clear goalscoring chance for Raheem Sterling, as well as a failed Luis Suarez penalty appeal in the closing stages.
After the match, Rodgers labelled the officials' performance "horrendous" and suggested that Bolton-born Mason was an inappropriate choice of referee for a game in Manchester.
He told reporters: "Hopefully we won't have a Greater Manchester referee with Liverpool-Manchester games in future."
Rodgers will now receive a fine, with the precise amount to be determined at an FA hearing that he will not attend.
Brendan Rodgers has accepted a Football Association charge over comments he made about referee Lee Mason following Liverpool's defeat to Manchester City.
The Northern Irishman was disappointed by an offside call in the first half of the game at the Etihad Stadium that incorrectly ruled out a clear goalscoring chance for Raheem Sterling, as well as a failed Luis Suarez penalty appeal in the closing stages.
After the match, Rodgers labelled the officials' performance "horrendous" and suggested that Bolton-born Mason was an inappropriate choice of referee for a game in Manchester.
He told reporters: "Hopefully we won't have a Greater Manchester referee with Liverpool-Manchester games in future."
Rodgers will now receive a fine, with the precise amount to be determined at an FA hearing that he will not attend.
- Status
