..::Football III::..

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De Gea: Spain are the best in the world

David de Gea says Spain remain “the best in the world” and is confident that they will prove as much in Brazil this summer.

Although Vicente del Bosque's men lost last year's Confederations Cup final 3-0 to Brazil, Vicente del Bosque's team remain the No.1 ranked side in international football.

Spain have not relinquished the top spot since winning the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa and De Gea believes they are right where they deserve to be

"It's been a long and hard season for many of the national team players but they are the best in the world and hopefully we can win the title," the Manchester United shot-stopper told reporters on Monday.

"I'm happy to be here. In the Under-21s I played good football for several years, trying to play the same game as the best and with some very good players."

A season-ending injury for Barcelona's Victor Valdes in March opened the door for De Gea to be picked for the World Cup.

The 23-year-old was selected in Del Bosque's provisional squad alongside Real Madrid's Iker Casillas and Pepe Reina of Napoli, meaning the three goalkeepers are all set to make the trip to Brazil.

Valdes tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing for Barcelona in March and, despite the injury leading to De Gea gaining a spot in the squad, he expressed sympathy for his international team-mate.

"I haven't spoken to him [Valdes] but the injury is a shame," De Gea added. "I send him a hug and wish him a speedy recovery."

 

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Inter confident of signing Ince

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio is hopeful of concluding a deal for Blackpool winger Tom Ince in the next few days.

The 22-year-old, who is out of contract with his current club at the end of June having spent the latter part of the 2013-14 season on loan at Crystal Palace, visited Milan at the weekend with father Paul - an Inter player between 1995 and 1997. While Ausilio confirmed no agreement had been reached between club and player, it seems their initial talks have been positive.

"It's still early. The boy came to Milan because he wanted to have a look at everything for himself," Ausilio told reporters. "We made the most of the weekend that he decided to spend in Milan with his family. We've laid some foundations, now we'll see if we're able to close the deal over the coming days."

Ausilio also confirmed Inter were on the lookout for a defensive midfielder, while also re-iterating that they are keen to sign an additional forward.

"We've never tried to hide that we want an extra midfielder. It's even more the case now that we won't have Cambiasso anymore. We're certainly on the hunt for a very good player who's worthy of playing for Inter.

"We'll need a striker who can weigh in with goals, regardless of his physical characteristics."

 

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Van Persie warns Manchester United of 'intense' Van Gaal


Robin van Persie has warned his Manchester United team-mates to expect a tough time when Louis van Gaal takes the reins at Old Trafford.
The Netherlands coach will assume control at United following this year's World Cup, with the striker aware of the manager-to-be from international duty.

But while the striker is relishing the chance to link up with Van Gaal at club level, he has told his team-mates to expect an "intense" atmosphere.

"I have never had a relationship with a coach like I have with Van Gaal, it's very special," Van Persie is quoted as saying by The Sun.

"Every training session is intense. He is on our backs every minute. There is no space to relax, he demands full focus.

"We work very hard for a maximum one hour [and] 15 minutes, never longer. But these 75 minutes are enormously intense."

Van Gaal and Van Persie are both currently in Portugal at the Netherlands' pre-World Cup training camp.

 

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Arsenal star Ramsey rubbishes surgery speculation

Aaron Ramsey has dismissed suggestions he will require surgery on a persistent thigh problem this summer.

Earlier on Tuesday the Daily Mail reported that the Arsenal star was set to go under the knife in a bid to resolve a thigh injury which saw him miss three months of last season.

But writing on his official Twitter account, the Welshman insisted there is no truth to the speculation and is adamant that he will be completely ready to hit the ground running next term.

"Please ignore any stories about me needing surgery," he wrote. "They are completely false. I'm enjoying my summer and already can't wait for pre-season.”

Ramsey notched 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for Arsenal last season and scored the winning goal in their FA Cup final win over Hull City, ending the club's nine-year trophy drought.

 

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Pizarro signs Bayern extension

Bayern Munich have announced on their official website that Claudio Pizarro has signed a new contract with the club until the summer of 2015.

The veteran forward's existing deal was due to expire this summer and there were doubts as to whether Pizarro would stay put.

However, the 35-year-old has now decided to sign a one-year renewal with the Bundesliga champions, which could spell the end of Mario Mandzukic's time at Bayern, with Robert Lewandowski set to join from Borussia Dortmund.

"Claudio has shown this season how important he still is to the team. We are very pleased that we can count on him for another season," Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge commented on the striker's new deal.

Pizarro re-joined Bayern from Werder Bremen in the summer of 2012 after previously playing for the Allianz Arena side between 2001 and 2007.

The striker netted 10 goals in 17 Bundesliga appearances this term and he is delighted to have inked a new deal with the German giants.

"I am very proud that I will play for Bayern again next season. There is no better team in the world for me.

"We have an amazing squad and will be fighting for silverware again next term."

 

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Yaya Toure: It would be an honour to join PSG


Yaya Toure says it would be "an honour" to play for Paris Saint-Germain as speculation mounts over his future at Manchester City.
The star midfielder's agent insisted last week his client was unhappy at the Premier League champions after expressing disappointment at the club's perceived failure to celebrate his birthday.

Toure backed up those claims, revealing he will make a statement regarding his future after the World Cup, and has now hinted at interest in joining the Ligue 1 champions.

"When I think about objectives of Paris Saint-Germain, how can you not be interested in a club like that?" he told France Football.

"PSG have become a European power. It'd be an honour to be part of such a club one day... if I can be of use."

Toure was a key performer for his club this season, scoring 20 league goals and registering nine assists, as City won the Premier League title by two points.

The former Barcelona Champions League winner was in the running for the Player of the Year award after being nominated by his peers at the Professional Footballers' Association, but lost out to Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

 

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Tottenham appoint Mauricio Pochettino as head coach

Mauricio Pochettino has been named as Tottenham's new head coach after resigning as Southampton manager.Pochettino, who has signed a five-year contact, had been widely tipped to succeed Tim Sherwood after guiding Southampton to their highest-ever Premier League finish of eighth place last season.After joining Southampton following the sacking of Nigel Adkins in January 2013, Pochettino also helped develop home-grown talent such as the England pair of Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy told the club's website: "In Mauricio I believe we have a head coach who, with his high energy, attacking football, will embrace the style of play we associate with our club.

"He has a proven ability to develop each player as an individual, whilst building great team spirit and a winning mentality.

"We have a talented squad that Mauricio is excited to be coaching next season."
And Levy told Sky Sports News' Jim White: "We narrowed it down to five candidates, though it was a very hard decision."But Mauricio came out on top. He came across incredibly well.

"He was extremely dignified. Now the hard work starts. We have all got to work together and make the club a better club."Also, we have a man who knows the right balance between experience and youth - in the new world of financial fair play, that's very important."

Pochettino added: "This is a club with tremendous history and prestige and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to be its head coach."There is an abundance of top-class talent at the club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad.

"Tottenham Hotspur has a huge following across the world and I have great admiration for the passion the fans show for this team."We are determined to give the supporters the kind of attacking football and success that we are all looking to achieve."

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger has pledged to continue to develop the club and said the search for a new manager has already started.Krueger said: "The club has been on a constant path of growth since the arrival of Markus Liebherr in 2009.

"This growth took place before Mauricio came, it continued strongly under his leadership, and it will continue into the next season. The board's job is to find opportunity in this challenge and to continue to move the club forward.

"We have begun the search for a new high-calibre manager."We will be looking for a manager that shares our values, our principles and our philosophy; a manager who can continue to grow the first team and build on our strong foundation - a foundation led by an ambitious vision and plan that continues to build on our world-class academy, our amazing 129-year heritage and our excellent staff, and rewards our loyal and passionate fan base."Pochettino also gave a brief statement on Southampton's twitter account, saying: "I would like to thank everyone at Southampton for the support that myself and my coaching team received during our 18 months at the club.

"We have been on an incredible journey and enjoyed some great experiences. I will always have fond memories of my time at St Mary's and wish everybody the very best for the future. I hope the team can continue to prosper."

Pochettino has taken his entire back-room staff to White Hart Lane with Jesus Perez (assistant head coach), Miguel D'Agostino (first team coach) and Toni Jimenez (goalkeeping coach) all following him to north London.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Pochettino!​

 

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Maradona: Higuain can win Napoli Serie A

Napoli legend Diego Maradona says Gonzalo Higuain could fire his former club to the Serie A title next season.

Rafael Benitez's side finished third in 2013-14 behind winners Juventus and second-placed Roma, but lifted the Coppa Italia with a 3-1 win over Fiorentina.

Higuain joined Napoli from Real Madrid in a €40 million deal last summer and enjoyed a fine first season at the club, scoring 22 goals in 42 games, and Maradona has applauded his continued improvement.

The former Argentina coach said: "I told him in 2010 to focus hard on his skills as a striker. I have seen him grow and become a champion.

"When in form, Gonzalo makes a difference. Higuain must not only win the Scudetto with Napoli, but score the goals that can help win the World Cup with Argentina."

Maradona added that the striker's input alone would not be enough next season and urged Napoli to further bolster their squad in the summer.

He said: "Higuain on his own cannot win trophies. Something is still missing. The president [Aurelio de Laurentiis], must do some more tweaking in the market."

 

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Atletico: We don't need to sell

Atletico Madrid CEO Angel Gil Marin has warned the rest of Europe they do not need to sell any of their star players for financial reasons.

A host of Atletico's key men have been linked with moves away from the Vicente Calderon after an impressive season that saw them win La Liga and reach the Champions League final. Despite boasting significantly less financial muscle than league rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona, Marin says they have no need to sell their prized assets.

He also hinted there could be new and improved contracts for some of their better players - with the likes of Diego Costa, Miranda and Raul Garcia all reported to be on the radar of some of Europe's top clubs.

"Our club does not need to sell any member of the first-team squad to improve the balance sheet," he told Atletico's official website. "We understand why other clubs are interested in our players, as it is normal after the season we have just had that the most powerful clubs in the world are interested in them.

"We also understand that the players that have been key to our great season will want to improve and we are ready to improve their contracts within the possibilities of this club." Costa has reportedly been the subject of close interest from Premier League club Chelsea after a season that saw him score 36 goals in all competitions.

Speaking about any players who wish to leave, he stated Atleti would not be rushed into cheap sales. "For those who do not want to continue, we can only point them in the direction of their release clauses," he added.

"Those who want to leave the club must do so against the wishes of Atletico."

 

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Ramos could win the Ballon d'Or, says Manuel Sanchis

Sergio Ramos should be considered a contender for the Ballon d'Or, according to former Real Madrid defender Manuel Sanchis.

The 28-year-old scored twice in the Champions League semi-final second-leg victory over Bayern Munich and then headed home a dramatic injury-time equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the final.

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have won the award for the last six years, but Sanchis believes the time has come for the Madrid defender to be recognised for his efforts at both ends of the pitch.

Sanchis said: "We've known for a long time that Ramos is the best defender in the world, I've never doubted that.

"I already put him amongst the candidates for the Ballon d'Or. A player of his quality and performance has to be considered.

"I have a theory that teams are built from back to front. The centre of defence is crucial because you have the ability to dictate and Sergio influences because his game is not only defence. He's a complete player."

Ramos joined Madrid from Sevilla in 2005 and has gone on to make nearly 300 appearances for the club.

He has also enjoyed incredible success with Spain, having won the World Cup once and European Championship twice.

 

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Nigeria 2-2 Scotland: Nwofor rescues draw for Keshi's side

A late Uche Nwofor strike rescued a draw for Nigeria against Scotland on Wednesday.

In the first of three friendlies in the build-up to Brazil, Stephen Keshi left the likes of Vincent Enyeama and John Obi Mikel out of the matchday squad against a Scotland side resurgent under Gordon Strachan.

Scotland are now six games unbeaten but were denied a fifth win in that run by Nwofor's late equaliser at Craven Cottage.

Charlie Mulgrew gave them the lead 10 minutes in when he produced a clever flick to divert James Morrison's long-distance effort over Nigeria's second-choice goalkeeper Austin Ejide.

However, Nigeria were level four minutes before the break when Michael Uchebo's effort from outside of the area was deflected in off Grant Hanley.

Gordon Strachan's side were back in front early in the second thanks to Azubuike Egwuekwe's own-goal but Nwofor pounced on sloppy defending from Gordon Greer and Hanley to fire home.

It leaves Keshi with much to ponder ahead of friendlies against Greece and the USA and their Group F opener against Iran in Curitiba on June 16

Ikechi Anya went close early on, as he chested a long ball down and shot across goal only for his effort to strike the post before Uchebo's effort at the other end was saved - as he intercepted a careless pass from Alan Hutton.

Mulgrew then produced a moment of magic as he managed to flick Morrison's wayward effort over Ejide.

Shola Ameobi should have come closer to equalising but could only spoon a free-kick over with Shaun Maloney next to hit an effort high and wide from distance.

Scotland almost edged two goals ahead when Hanley headed a ball in - only for the Blackburn Rovers defender to be denied by the referee's whistle after he was adjudged to have fouled Ejide.

Hanley's misfortune continued before the interval as he was the unlucky party to deflect Uchebo's strike past Allan McGregor.

However, Scotland restored their lead after the break when Egwuekwe inadvertently turned the ball into his own net following Hutton's cross.

Maloney thought he had extended their advantage when he tapped home Hutton's delivery before the linesman flagged for offside.

Keshi introduced attacking trio Victor Moses, Peter Odemwingie and Nwofor in the second half and it was the latter who drilled home from an acute angle late in the game for Nigeria - who next face Greece in Pennsylvania on June 3.

 

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Turan not in talks with any English clubs, says agent

Arda Turan's agent has rubbished reports suggesting the Atletico Madrid midfielder is in talks with an English club.

Chelsea have been linked with a summer bid for the Turkey international, who made 30 appearances as Diego Simeone's side won La Liga.

But Turan's representative, Ahmet Bulut, has dismissed suggestions that he is negotiating a move for his client, claiming it is the “wrong time to talk about a transfer".

"There are several reports in the Europan press through we've made contact with English clubs,” he NTVSpor. “These are not true.

“I didn't speak with anybody and we're not in talks with any English club. Also it's wrong time to talk about a transfer.”

Chelsea are targeting a marquee midfielder in the summer transfer window, with Juventus' Paul Pogba earmarked by Jose Mourinho as his top transfer target.

 

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West Ham complete Zarate signing

West Ham have completed the signing of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate from Velez Sarsfield on an initial three-year deal.

Zarate is manager Sam Allardyce's first signing of the close-season and will move to Upton Park next month, with the club also agreeing a further one-year option for the 27-year-old.

Having begun his career with Velez, Zarate has also enjoyed permanent stays at Al-Sadd and Lazio, as well as loan spells at Birmingham City and Inter.

Zarate scored 20 goals in 35 games for Velez last season and will hope that form can help his second spell in the Premier League become a more fruitful one than his last.

He scored just four times in 14 appearances for Birmingham but Zarate is sure that he can bolster West Ham's forward options.

"This is a new chance for me and I want to play," he told the club's official website.

"I think I played well for Velez this season and that was important for me. I had some good team-mates and they helped to make it a fantastic season for me.

"If you ask me what I can bring to the squad then I say I hope I will bring goals. I will also bring dribbling skills and other attacking qualities.

"West Ham is a very important club and we know all about them and the Premier League in Argentina. This club is a beautiful club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I hope I will play well and reach the highest possible level.

"My aim is come here and do my best in order to help the club to climb as high as possible in the table and to reach European competition again."

 

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Boyata signs new Manchester City deal

Dedryck Boyata has agreed a new two-year deal with Premier League champions Manchester City.

The 23-year-old defender, who qualifies as a home-grown player having joined the club's youth set-up in 2006 at the age of 16, made his City debut in 2010 and featured in six games in all competitions this season.

Boyata, whose deal will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2016, has had loan spells with Bolton Wanderers and FC Twente, while he picked up a League Cup winners' medal with City this season after featuring in four matches in the competition.

City are thought to have kept the Belgian on in order to boost the number of home-grown players in their squad - as Financial Fair Play sanctions handed down by Uefa limit their spending capabilities in the upcoming transfer window.

Premier League clubs must include eight home-grown players in their squad of 25 for the season.

A player qualifies if he has been with the club for a period of three entire seasons, or 36 months, prior to his 21st birthday or by the end of the campaign in which he turns 21.

 

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Uefa ordered to pay €100,000 for defaming referee Maric

Uefa have been ordered to pay damages of €100,000 to Bruno Maric after being found guilty of defaming the former referee.

Maric took the European game's governing body to court after being implicated in a match-fixing enquiry related to the 2009 Croatian Cup final between Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split.

He was questioned by Uefa investigators after awarding Dinamo a penalty and dismissing two Hajduk players but no charges were ever brought against him.

Maric decided to sue, seeking €1 million in damages and a formal apology.

A court in Daruva, Croatia, has now ruled in Maric's favour, with Judge Maja Sikora describing Uefa's investigation as "amateurish".

“I was not so concerned with the financial part of the judgment," Maric stated.

"For me the most important thing is that Uefa was found guilty for what it did to me and my family.

"This shows they cannot do whatever they want to people.”

Uefa has already confirmed its intention to appeal the ruling.

 

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Robben: I'm used to new Netherlands system

Arjen Robben has insisted that he is ready to cope with Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal's new 5-3-2 system as he became accustomed to a similar role at Bayern Munich.

With Kevin Strootman set to miss the World Cup, the former Bayern coach has been tinkering with his system to make the most of the talent available to him.

However, Robben is not concerned that he might be playing a different position.

"The way we're playing with the national team isn't new for me," he told Voetbal International.

"At Bayern, I've played in a system like this several times. This season I've played as a second striker, or behind the strikers.

"And when I play on the right wing, I'm allowed to go inside, of course. Eventually it depends on which situations you create on the pitch.

"We need to play the ball from the back in a way we reach the attackers. It would be perfect if we can create one-on-one situations."

 

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Gentile: Prandelli must prove himself at World Cup

Claudio Gentile believes that Italy boss Cesare Prandelli must prove he is a winner at this summer's World Cup, arguing that "runners-up are just the first among the losers".

Prandelli took charge after the finals in South Africa four years ago, when the Azzurri suffered a humiliating first-round exit.

The former Fiorentina coach, therefore, earned widespread acclaim for leading the country to the final of Euro 2012 - even though they were routed 4-0 by Spain in the tournament decider in Kiev.

However, Gentile believes that the pressure is now on Prandelli to prove that he is at the same level as Marcello Lippi and Enzo Bearzot, who led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 and 1982, respectively.

"Prandelli was my team-mate [during their playing days at Juventus]," the former Italy defender told Goal.

"He has a young mentality. I would say that he's more like Lippi than Bearzot. But certainly the moment to prove himself has arrived.

"I was always taught that the runners-up are just the first among the losers. In the long run, nobody remembers them."

Gentile acknowledges, though, that Prandelli does not possess a squad blessed with exciting young players and will instead have to rely on a veteran playmaker and unpredictable striker.

Indeed, when asked to name Italy's key players, the retired full-back stated: "Well, my first answer is very predictable: Andrea Pirlo. When he is no longer there, it will be a big problem.

"I do not expect the youngsters, or at least the emerging players among the squad, to be decisive.

"So, then, if I must give another name, it would be that of Mario Balotelli.

"He's still chasing validation but he has the ability to win games - much more so than his other team-mates."

Gentile, of course, was a key member of the Italy squad that triumphed in Spain in 1982, earning a reputation as one of the best - and most dogged - defenders in the world due to the way in which he shut down both Diego Maradona of Argentina and Brazil No.10 Zico.

"The more difficult was always Maradona because nobody had ever before possessed his unpredictability," the 60-year-old revealed. "You had to be ready for anything.

"Zico was a genuine world-class player but he was a more linear footballer; talented but dedicated to the team."

Gentile also admitted that for him there is no grander stage on which to play on, explaining: "For a player, the World Cup is the pinnacle of his career.

"It means the culmination of a dream, the goal to which every professional spires. There is nothing higher and nothing is comparable.

"When you walk down the street, people will stop you forever just to say thank you; to remind you that they were behind you.

"The national team is like this. If you obtain success, this becomes something eternal," he added.

 

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Marotta: Real Madrid want Vidal but Juventus will not sell

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has admitted that Real Madrid have expressed an interest in signing Arturo Vidal - but says his club have no intention of selling the midfielder.

The Chile international signed a contract extension in December that binds him to the Bianconeri until 2017 but he has still been continually linked with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu over the past six months.

However, Marotta is adamant that there is no chance of Vidal departing for the Spanish capital - unless the 27-year-old asks to leave.

"Real Madrid showed interest in Vidal, but never made a formal offer," Marotta told reporters on Wednesday.

"We are going to keep our players, as long as they want to stay here."

Indeed, Marotta insists that Vidal's midfield partner, Paul Pogba, who is being tracked by French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League outfit Chelsea, will also still be in Turin next season.

"I'm absolutely sure that we'll manage to get him to sign a new contract very soon," he revealed.

Turning his attention to transfer targets, Marotta admitted that Juve are keen on Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez.

"We like him very much but we didn't make any formal move so far," the 57-year-old explained.

 

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Van Persie: Spain are still the best in the world

Netherlands striker Robin van Persie says reigning World and European champions Spain are still the best national side in world football, ahead of their World Cup opener on June 13.

But van Persie believes the preparatory work the squad are doing with boss Louis Van Gaal - who will manage the striker at Old Trafford next season - will leave them well placed to succeed."Normally you have more time to develop another system, now we have to make a little step every day. We are in a bit of hurry," he told Voetbal International.

"We only have a few weeks and two friendlies before we play against the best team in the world. In my opinion, Spain is still the best."I will not discuss our system too much, because our opponents could benefit from that. They just have to wait on how to deal with it.

"I really believe in this system. When you see how much progress we make every day, that's very positive. I'm not only talking about the training, but also our meetings off the pitch.

"The coach already said that we're taking risks. If every players fullfills his task, this system can be fantastic.

"Within a few days I saw so much progress in our team. We just know what the coach means and that's very nice to see. We really have to connect.""Last week we had a very fine moment at the training, where all the players and staff were on the same level. Everybody understood what we have to do," he added.

Netherlands will also face Australia and Chile in an tough-looking Group B.