..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Essien agent in talks with AC Milan over loan move

Michael Essien's agent has met with AC Milan board members to discuss a loan move to San Siro for the Chelsea midfielder, Goal understands.

Essien's representative, Fabien Piveteau, travelled to Milan on Thursday morning to discuss terms with the Serie A outfit, who are keen to bolster their options in central midfield.

The Ghanaian is eligible to play in the latter stages of the Champions League this term and has made only two league appearances under Jose Mourinho since the turn of the year.

Both Riccardo Montolivo and Sulley Muntari are unavailable to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of Milan's clash on February 19, with San Siro officials desperate to sign an experienced midfielder during this transfer window.

Mourinho has moved to back Essien recently but Piveteau confirmed last week that his client would be interested in a move to Serie A.

"Milan have to first speak with Chelsea and they have to decide what they want to do with Essien," he told Spazio Milan on January 18.

"We have not yet opened any direct talks with AC Milan but this does not mean he cannot move to Italy. Clearly this is a great opportunity for my player."

It is understood that Essien is keen for greater first-team opportunities in the second half of the season ahead of Ghana's World Cup campaign in the summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Guardiola: Ribery a doubt for Bayern

Pep Guardiola has a doubt over Franck Ribery ahead of Bayern Munich's Bundesliga clash at Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday.

The France winger has returned to training ahead of the resumption of the Bundesliga season after missing friendlies against Al Kuwait and Red Bull Salzburg.
However, Bayern coach Guardiola revealed the former Marseille man is an injury concern for the trip to third-placed Gladbach.

"He had pain in his legs in the last days. Today we have the last training, until now I still do not know whether he can play tomorrow," the Spaniard is quoted as saying by Kicker.

One player who will definitely not feature at Borussia-Park is midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who has been out since November due to an ankle injury and is now suffering with a knee problem.

Schweinsteiger is not yet ready to return, but Guardiola hopes to have the influential Germany international back in the near future as the Bavarian giants continue their pursuit of more silverware."He is one of the best players in the league in recent years. We need him, it is a pity for us and for him that he has been able to play so little," the former Barcelona coach said.

Winger Arjen Robben, who turned 30 on Thursday, and versatile captain Philipp Lahm will return to the squad for the clash with Gladbach.Guardiola is expecting a stern test from Lucien Favre's side, who are unbeaten in eight league games.

He added: "If we don't put all of the things that set us apart into action, then we will have problems."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter players unperturbed by Guarin saga, insists Campagnaro

Inter defender Hugo Campagnaro has urged his team-mates not to let the situation of Fredy Guarin distract them ahead of this weekend's Serie A clash at home against Catania.

The Colombia international has been heavily linked with a move away from Inter this winter and was on the verge of joining Juventus earlier this week in a sensational swap deal involving Mirko Vucinic.

The deal eventually fell through, though, as Inter president Erick Thohir pulled the plug on the move after fan protests.

Guarin's collapsed move has led to fear about unrest in the Inter squad, but Campagnaro has stressed that the players should focus on their duties on the pitch.

"We're trying to think about the Guarin affair as little as possible and are trying to focus on playing," Campagnaro told Sportmediaset.

"These things have nothing to do with us. We're just looking to win as soon as possible.

"Would Guarin be a big loss to the club? I don't know because I'm not sure if he's staying or going. But as I've said, we need to focus on playing."

Inter still await their first win of 2014 and have scored just once in their past four games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol doubtful for Malaga clash due to bruised leg

Barcelona are set to be without club captain Carles Puyol in this weekend's La Liga clash against Malaga as the defender has been diagnosed with a bruised leg.

Puyol picked up a knock in the Catalans' 4-1 Copa del Rey win over Levante on Wednesday evening and was forced to leave the pitch after 57 minutes of play after struggling to run.

The 35-year-old underwent a series of tests on Thursday morning to determine the extent of the injury and Barcelona have now announced that Puyol could face a brief spell on the sidelines.

"Carles Puyol was forced off against Levante due to a knock. Medical tests have confirmed that he has bruised his left leg," a statement on the club's official website reads.

"His availability for the next game against Malaga depends on his recovery in the next few days."

Puyol's being plagued by injury this term and has made only three La Liga appearances so far due to his ongoing physical problems.

A number of recent reports suggested that he could retire from professional football at the end of the season, but Puyol stated earlier this month that he has yet to make a final decision on his future.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Forlan announces Cerezo move

Uruguay international Diego Forlan has announced via his Twitter account that he has joined J-League Division 1 club Cerezo Osaka.

The 34-year-old former Manchester United, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Inter striker terminated his contract with Brazil's Internacional on Wednesday, before announcing he had completed his transfer to the Japanese outfit.

Accompanied by a picture of himself signing documents sitting next to club officials, Forlan wrote on Twitter: "Just signed with Cerezo Osaka until Dec 2014."

Forlan has enjoyed a stellar career in Europe, winning the Premier League and FA Cup with United and the Europa League at Atletico.

He was also awarded the Golden Ball for the best player at the 2010 World Cup having scored five goals in Uruguay's run to the semi-finals, and surpassed 100 international caps during the 2013 Confederations Cup in Brazil.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata flies in to complete Manchester United move

Juan Mata will arrive at Manchester United's Carrington training base by helicopter this morning to complete his move to the Premier League champions.

The Red Devils agreed a £37 million fee with Chelsea for the World Cup and European Championship winner on Wednesday night.

The move is set to be finalised after the completion of a medical, which will take place at the new £10m medical facility inside Carrington's grounds, with doctors already on site.

There was a breakthrough in talks between the two clubs on Wednesday, with the London club giving the 25-year-old permission to miss first-team training in the morning.Mata is expected to make his debut for David Moyes’ side in their Premier League clash against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Cardiff City next Tuesday.

Chelsea will move for Basel's Mohamed Salah, who had been linked with Liverpool, as a replacement for the 25-year-old playmaker.

Details of the transfer emerged as United crashed out of the Capital One Cup to Sunderland on Wednesday evening.

Moyes' men missed four of their five shoot-out penalties after forcing extra-time thanks to a last-gasp Chicharito goal, which was scored just seconds after Phil Bardsley looked to have settled the tie for the Black Cats.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fletcher: Howler will not damage De Gea's confidence

Darren Fletcher has backed Manchester United team-mate David De Gea to bounce back from his Capital One Cup semi-final howler against Sunderland.

The goalkeeper allowed a tame shot from Phil Bardsley to slip out of his grasp and over the line deep into extra time with United looking set to seal a Wembley berth, allowing Gus Poyet's men to move ahead on aggregate.

Although Chicharito responded almost immediately to send the tie to penalties, United were ultimately beaten after scoring just one out of five from the spot, with two penalty saves from De Gea proving to be immaterial.

The result saw United's dismal run in 2014 continue but Fletcher is confident De Gea, one of the club's better performers this season, has the character to respond.

"David has been fantastic," Fletcher told MUTV. "In the last 18 months I don't think there has been a better goalkeeper around. He really has been fantastic. He's been a shining light, one of the big positives of this season.

"He's disappointed, as everyone is, but he will be fine and he will show what a top goalkeeper he is.

"He redeemed himself in the penalty shoot-out with two saves and we should have done better with our execution of the penalties.

"All goalkeepers make mistakes and it's just unfortunate for David that it's happened to him tonight [Wednesday]. But he will be OK."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mistakes hamoma athin wenawaSo gone is gone

Next matches elatama play karamu

Good Luck De Gea​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AC Milan have little to talk about and lots to work on - Kaka

Kaka has acknowledged that AC Milan are in danger of missing out on European football next term after Wednesday's Coppa Italia defeat to Udinese.

The Rossoneri crashed out after a 2-1 home reverse in the quarter-final and the Brazilian midfielder realises Milan have plenty of work to do if they are to achieve anything in 2013-14.

"It's tough for all of us at the moment. We have a lot of improving to do. It's a tough moment and it's bad to get knocked out of the cup at home," Kaka told the official Milan website.

"There's a chance now that we won't be playing in Europe next season but we should take this as a motivation. It's hard to imagine a Milan side that does'’t play in Europe.

"We're really disappointed. The cup was the best way to get into Europe next season and now we have a tough road ahead of us in the league.

"We have little to talk about and lots to work on."

Milan resume Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to Cagliari. They currently sit 11th in the table with 25 points from 20 games.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Muller: I see no reason to leave Bayern for Real Madrid

Thomas Muller has made it clear that he sees no reason to leave Bayern Munich for Real Madrid amid reports linking him with a move to the Spanish giants.

The Santiago Bernabeu side are rumoured to be considering a swoop for the 24-year-old at the end of the season, but while Muller admits it can be flattering to hear of interest from foreign sides, he maintains he is happy with life at the Allianz Arena.

"Real Madrid? There has been a lot of speculation about my future in the past few weeks, months and even years. We have all seen what has come from those rumours so far," Muller told AZ.

"It's not a bad feeling when you hear about interest from abroad.

"However, at the moment there is absolutely no reason for me to leave Bayern Munich for another club."

Muller has been in sublime form for the Bundesliga leaders so far this season, scoring seven goals in 16 league appearances.

The versatile attacker has a contract with Bayern until the summer of 2017.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos: Madrid must fight till the death for La Decima

Sergio Ramos has stressed that Real Madrid will do whatever it takes to go all the way in the Champions League and at last win La Decima.

The Santiago Bernabeu side last won the European Cup in 2001-02 and have since been unable to make it past the semi-finals of the competition, being beaten by Borussia Dortmund in last season's final four.

Nevertheless, Ramos has stressed that they are determined to fight for the trophy right until the very end this season, although he has warned his team-mates not to let it become an obsession.

"The Champions League is clearly a competition that's very dear to the club, and it's been a long time now since we held that title," Ramos told the official Fifa website.

"I'm not sure i'’s an obsession but the desire to win it is greater than for any other competition. I think it would be wrong though to let it become an obsession.

"We need to just take it step by step, like we've done in recent years – reaching the semi-final and almost making the final. If we can go all the way, then even better.

"It’s tricky, but Real Madrid are obliged to fight till the death for that trophy."

Madrid face Schalke in the round of 16. The first leg takes place at the Veltins Arena on February 26.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Rosell quits Barcelona

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell has tendered his resignation and hit out at "personal attacks" against him and his family following the opening of an investigation into Neymar's transfer to Camp Nou.

Rosell and Barca are currently under the scrutiny of the Spanish High Court over an alleged misappropriation of funds following the transfer of Neymar from Santos last summer.

The Liga champions bought the Brazil star for a fee of €57.1 million in May of last year, but only €17.1m of that went to Peixe, with third-party owners originally believed to have claimed the rest.

However, supermarket chain DIS say they never received their share and the Catalans have since admitted paying the €40m to the company co-owned by Neymar and his father, N&N.

Blaugrana vice-presidents Josep Maria Bartomeu and Javier Faus met with Rosell at his home on Thursday morning and joined the Barca president at a meeting this evening, along with deputy president Joanjo Castillo, general director Antoni Rossich and communications director Albert Montagut.

But the reunion will be merely to discuss plans for the future, with the 49-year-old's mind made up following the release of a statement in which Rosell once again declares his innocence.

He said: "Me and my family for some time have suffered attacks that make me wonder if it's worth being president.

"In recent days there have been unfair criticisms against me, coming from the national courts. I insist that everything that happened in the transfer of Neymar was correct.

"The club has always got to have an image that defends the club, there is confidentiality we have to expect, it's important."If we don't accept confidentiality it is damaging to the club. We don't want unfair publicity to affect the image of the club."

Rosell then reflected on his time at the club and said he was proud of the achievements of Barca during his reign.

"We've won the Champions League, two league titles, the other sports teams have also won a number of different trophies at home and abroad to show our power as a worldwide entity. "If you think back to Ronaldinho's goal in Paris, [Lionel] Messi's goals, what happened in Rome, in London.

"We've reduced the debt and regained assets."We have the pride of knowing some of the best players in the world play for Barca."

The president, whose current mandate runs until 2016, took charge at Camp Nou in 2010. He will be replaced by Bartomeu until the next elections.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Injured Falcao to miss World Cup

Monaco striker Radamel Falcao will miss the World Cup after it was confirmed on Thursday that he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Colombian will be sidelined for at least six months of action with the knee injury, which occurred during Wednesday's Coupe de France encounter against Chasselay, Porto doctor Jose Carlos Noronha said.

The striker had flown to Portugal in the aftermath of the fixture at Stade Gerland, having picked up the injury following a heavy tackle from one of the amateur side’s defenders shortly before half-time.

After being carried off on a stretcher, concerns were expressed over the severity of the injury and the fears of the player, club and country were confirmed by Noronha, who described the injury as "a serious tear" and suggested the attacker could be absent for up to eight months.

Monaco released a statement saying: "Following the injury suffered on Wednesday, medical examinations were conducted on Radamel Falcao. It appears that the player has an injury of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

"Surgery is necessary in the coming days. Doctors will thereafter make every effort to allow Radamel Falcao to recover as quickly as possible."

Chasselay president Jocelyn Fontanel announced to 20 Minutes that he has received threats from Colombia over the injury, which was caused by defender Soner Ertek.

"There were two sentences of Spanish abuse, threats and insults," he revealed. "It demanded a lifetime suspension for Soner Ertek. We will not take these messages seriously."

Norona, meanwhile, is set to perform surgery on the damaged left knee of the 27-year-old, who signed a five-year deal with the principality side in the summer, having made a €60 million move from Atletico Madrid.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get Well Soon Falcao!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea agree Salah deal

Chelsea have agreed a deal for 21-year-old FC Basel winger Mohamed Salah.

The Blues have revealed that an agreement has been reached between themselves and the Swiss Super League side for the transfer of the Egypt international, subject to personal terms and pending a medical.

Goal understands that Jose Mourinho's side could end up paying a fee in the region of £16 million for the talented wide player, with Premier League rivals Liverpool, who had been strongly linked with a move, put off by the lofty pricetag.

As Goal reported on Wednesday night, Chelsea view Salah as a direct replacement for Juan Mata, who is expected to join Manchester United in a £37m deal.

Indeed Mata, who has made just one appearance for the Blues since December 29, flew in to United's Carrington training base by helicopter earlier on Thursday as he underwent a medical at the club's new £10m healthcare facility.

Salah, meanwhile, has faced Chelsea four times in the past two seasons, scoring three times against the Blues and has racked up 78 appearances and 20 goals for Basel since signing from Al Mokawloon in 2012.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ferdinand and possiblly evra might leave. Don't expect dante to come to Man utd Coentraowa hoyanneth oka nisa wennati. habai dan eyaata wada one hoda AMF and Striker kenek. Mata + hoda right footed strker kenek gattanan patta

Ow machan Rio & Evra end of the season retire or leave wei Manchester United walinKohoma unath machan Dante nam sure naha.Dante Bayern Munich wala stable so kisima chance 1kak labena 1kak naha eyawa ganna

Coentrao wa try karanneth Evra ge replacement 1kata machanL.Baines wa ganna try kalath wade hari giye nahane.So Coentrao wawath ganna bari unoth E.Garay thamai next target 1ka

Striker keneknam godak durata ganne nathi wei machan.RVP,Roo,Chicha & Welbeck genma gema denna balaianith 1ka gannawanam ganna one Worldclass player kenek.ahema kenek nam meh window 1ke ganna puluwan wena 1kak nahamama dakka Cavani gana rumor 1kak thibba.ath 1ka nikamma nikam rumor 1kak witharaianith 1ka 100% sure PSG la Cavani wa sell karanne naha.

Kohomath Mata set unath thawa MID Player kenek oneReus or Koke thamai.habai oyathanath thiyana lokuma problem 1ka thamai sell karaida kiyana 1kaVidal ganath kiyanawa anemanda mona weida kiyala

 

[unicornx]

Ramos: Madrid must fight till the death for La Decima

Sergio Ramos has stressed that Real Madrid will do whatever it takes to go all the way in the Champions League and at last win La Decima.

The Santiago Bernabeu side last won the European Cup in 2001-02 and have since been unable to make it past the semi-finals of the competition, being beaten by Borussia Dortmund in last season's final four.

Nevertheless, Ramos has stressed that they are determined to fight for the trophy right until the very end this season, although he has warned his team-mates not to let it become an obsession.

"The Champions League is clearly a competition that's very dear to the club, and it's been a long time now since we held that title," Ramos told the official Fifa website.

"I'm not sure i'’s an obsession but the desire to win it is greater than for any other competition. I think it would be wrong though to let it become an obsession.

"We need to just take it step by step, like we've done in recent years – reaching the semi-final and almost making the final. If we can go all the way, then even better.

"It’s tricky, but Real Madrid are obliged to fight till the death for that trophy."

Madrid face Schalke in the round of 16. The first leg takes place at the Veltins Arena on February 26.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fiorentina 2-1 Siena: Late Compper show books semi-final berth

Marvin Compper struck late to spare Fiorentina's blushes and book their spot in the Coppa Italia semi-finals with a 2-1 win over Siena.

Vincenzo Montella's side moved ahead through Josip Ilicic's 20th-minute strike, but were pegged back at the Stadio Artemi Franchi on the hour mark by Guillermo Giacomazzi's leveller.

The Serie B outfit looked good value for extra time, but were denied by Compper's decider on 76 minutes.Former Palermo midfielder Ilicic was one of five changes for Fiorentina, and he responded to his inclusion by smashing the opener past Simone Farelli.

The situation could have been more comfortable for the hosts, who saw Joaquin and Alberto Aquilani squander good opportunities.Their first-half wastefulness was punished after the break when Giacomazzi flicked a header past Neto in the Fiorentina goal.

However, the home fans were celebrating the winner with 14 minutes left on the clock when Compper headed home from six yards to book Fiorentina's spot in the final four.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Athletic Bilbao: Godin gives Colchoneros first-leg advantage

Diego Godin's 41st minute strike was the difference between the two sides as Atletico Madrid saw off Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final.

Atleti shaded an even first half at the Vicente Calderon and took the lead just four minutes before the break as Godin thumped a header home from Koke's superb right-wing cross.Neither side were able to find the net in a dismal second half, although Atleti will be happy to have avoided conceding an away goal.

However, they will face a stern task in the Basque Country in next Wednesday's second leg, with Bilbao having won all but two of their games at the new San Mames since its opening in September.

Victory was just Atletico's second in five games and coach Diego Simeone will undoubtedly be concerned about Diego Costa's ongoing woes in front of goal.
The forward has not found the net since the turn of the year and saw chances pass him by yet again.

Both sides went close early on with Costa failing to turn home Koke's cross from the left from two yards out and Ander Herrera blazing over for the visitors.Koke was central to everything good about Atleti's play and he provided a telling contribution, whipping a magnificent cross in that gave Godin the simple task of nodding past Bilbao goalkeeper Iago Herrerin.

Bilbao were neat in possession, but toothless in the final third against the hosts' resilient defence. Oscar de Marcos looked to test Thibaut Courtois from 25 yards on the hour, but his driven effort bobbled wide.Costa was visibly frustrated as half-time substitute Gabi failed to play him in on goal as Atletico launched a counter-attack.

Though the 25-year-old was unable to break his six-game scoring drought, it ultimately did not cost Simeone's side, who are well-placed to make the semi-finals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Afellay gets medical clearance to return to action

Barcelona have announced that Ibrahim Afellay has been given medical clearance to return to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The Netherlands international underwent surgery on a chronic thigh injury at the start of the season and had since been working on his recovery.

"Ibrahim Afellay is back in action. He has been declared fit and ready to play for the first time since May 12, 2012, when he was in the Barca team that played away to Betis," a statement on the Barca website reads.

"Gerardo Martino has already commented that he is an admirer of Afellay and that he plans to make good use of him now that he is fit again."

The 27-year-old joined the Blaugrana from PSV in January 2011 and won the Champions League and La Liga title in his first six months at the club. He has appeared in 33 official matches for Barca so far, scoring two goals in the process.

Afellay spent the 2012-13 campaign on loan at Schalke, but a series of injuries preventing him from making an impact at the Bundesliga outfit.