..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard set to stay at Chelsea after taking No.10 shirt

Chelsea have revealed that Eden Hazard will wear the No.10 shirt next season, quelling doubts over his future at the club.

The Belgian, currently on international duty ahead of the World Cup, has been heavily linked with a move abroad, notably to Paris Saint-Germain, where Laurent Blanc expressed an interest in the winger.

However, via the club's official website, the Blues announced that the 23-year-old will change his shirt number, suggesting that both parties are planning for next season.

Hazard said: "I am very pleased to be able to wear the No.10 for Chelsea.

"It is my favourite number and is one I am used to wearing for the national team, as well as the one worn by some of my heroes from when I was a kid, like Zinedine Zidane.

"I hope it brings me a lot of luck in the future and I look forward to the fans seeing me in it next season."

Juan Mata was the previous holder of the shirt before leaving for Manchester United in January.

Hazard has delivered 30 goals and 34 assists since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2012 for €40 million.

 

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Scolari: Still room for improvement

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says there is still room for his side to improve ahead of their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 12.

On Tuesday the Selecao recorded a 4-0 victory over Panama in their penultimate Gillette Brasil Global Tour friendly before the big kick-off, with goals from Neymar, Dani Alves, Hulk and Willian.

But while Felipao assured he can take positives from his team’s showing in Goiania, they still have lots of work ahead.

“I still have concerns, but not at the same level I had on Sunday,” Scolari told a press conference.

“We did not allow our opponents the opportunity to counterattack and that is what I need to see because our team has the quality to score one or two goals.

"If we do not allow our opponents easy counterattacks, we have a chance to win games by even by more. We improved, but we still have a long way to go.”

Scolari went on to say that he would not rest first-team players in Brazil’s final World Cup warm-up against Serbia at the Morumbi in Sao Paulo on Friday.

Thiago Silva, Fernandinho and Paulinho did not travel for the match with Panama, remaining at the Granja Comary training complex to work on their fitness.

“Those who remained in Granja Comary will be able to play,” Scolari continued.

“Unless something happens in the next few days, nobody will be spared. The intention is to play 100% of the team that will debut against Croatia.”

 

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Hangeland leaves Fulham

Brede Hangeland has been released by Fulham following their relegation from the Premier League.

The 32-year-old Norway international's contract was not due to expire until the end of next season but it has been confirmed that he will not remain with the club as they adapt to life in the Championship.

Hangeland was brought to Craven Cottage by current England manager Roy Hodgson in 2008, helping Fulham to avoid relegation on goal difference at the end of a thrilling 2007-08 campaign.

The American-born defender would go on to become an integral part of the first team and featured heavily as the Cottagers reached the final of the 2010 Europa League - losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid after extra time.

A short statement on the club's official website read: "The club would like to thank Brede for his six-and-a-half years of committed service and wishes him the very best in all of his future endeavours."

Hangeland made 272 appearances for Fulham, scoring 12 goals.

A string of experienced players have already departed Craven Cottage following their relegation, including Steve Sidwell, Damien Duff and John Heitinga.

 

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Beckham hints at playing return

Former England captain David Beckham has hinted that he may be prepared to come out of retirement.

The 39-year-old has not played professionally since bringing the curtain down on his career at Paris Saint-Germain in May 2013.

He has since announced plans to launch a Major League Soccer franchise in Miami, having previously played in the competition for LA Galaxy, and has now revealed that he could be open to a playing return.

Beckham told the BBC: "Now I go to watch a basketball game and, when you are watching athletes play at the top of their game, for me it gives me that itch again and I want to be back in the game then and I start thinking to myself: 'Could I play again? Could I go back? Could I come out of retirement and start playing again?"'

Any comeback would likely be with his own proposed franchise in Florida and would be a further boost to MLS after New York City FC confirmed Spain international David Villa as their first player on Monday.

Brazilian duo Robinho and Kaka have also been linked with a move to another expansion franchise, Orlando City.

Beckham won silverware in four different countries during his career, winning 115 caps for his country.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Beckhem ta retire wela innama baha wage neh​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar: I'm still not fully fit

Neymar has admitted that he is still not 100 per cent match fit after playing the full 90 minutes in Brazil's 4-0 win over Panama.

The Barcelona starlet opened the scoring with a stunning free-kick for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side 27 minutes into the game after a slow initial start from his team.

The World Cup hosts then went on to score three more, with Neymar picking up an assist as he found Hulk, who slotted home early in the second half.

Despite playing the full game, the 22-year-old feels he is still not in the best physical condition but says he will be fully fit when the tournament kicks off in nine days.

"I'm not ready yet," he told reporters after the game. "I'm still lacking a bit of match fitness and I'm a little tired at the end of the game - but we will arrive at the tournament in perfect physical shape.

"I would like it if there was a little more patience from our fans from the start. We were not used to this pitch but then the team picked up the pace and we were getting used to it and we improved."

Scolari was asked if he could have left Neymar out of the team, but the 65-year-old rejected the idea and insisted he will play a full strength XI in next week's friendly against Serbia, their last game before their World Cup opener against Croatia.

The coach said: "No, I would not have kept him out - he was left on for 90 minutes because he needs rhythm. He won't be spared unless something happens. Every day he has a different play, he improvises very well.

"For the next game, no player will be spared. Those who are already in the team will be able to play, I will have all players available and the idea is to put out all of the players who can start against Croatia."

 

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Redknapp dismisses QPR bid for Lampard

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has ruled out a move for former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard.

The England international, Redknapp's nephew, revealed on Monday that he will not sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge, leading to speculation over his next destination.

However the veteran boss believes that Lampard will take the opportunity to move to Major League Soccer when his contract expires this summer.

"I don't think Frank Lampard would [join QPR]," he told talkSPORT. "I would be surprised if he played for another team in England. His heart is at Chelsea.

"I haven't spoken to him about it and I was quite shocked when I heard that he had left Chelsea but I could see him going to New York [City FC]. Going there for a couple of years could be exciting for him. I can see him taking up a challenge like that."

The 35-year-old leaves the Blues after 13 seasons in west London and is currently a member of the England World Cup squad.

 

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Fabregas should come back to Arsenal, says Cazorla

Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is keen for Cesc Fabregas to turn down the Premier League teams chasing him and to return to north London this summer.

It has been revealed that Manchester City are preparing a €37 million bid for the Barcelona star, who is widely expected to leave Camp Nou, but Chelsea join Manchester United, Liverpool and the Gunners in also monitoring his situation.

Fabregas spent eight years with Arsene Wenger's side before rejoining the club who oversaw his development at youth level in 2011 and Cazorla believes that it would be a good fit for his Spain team-mate.

"I have read that Cesc could go to Chelsea but I prefer it if he came to Arsenal. He has given a lot to the club and he knows it well," the ex-Villarreal star told reporters ahead of La Roja's final World Cup warm-up game against El Salvador.

"I hope that he is happy, he chooses his club well and is comfortable there."

Cazorla argues that Fabregas's performances for Barcelona have not merited some of the criticism that has been sent his way and believes that he would be warmly welcomed back on British shores.

The playmaker added: "I don't see any differences between his performances in the Premiership and with Barca.

"His record is spectacular at Barcelona and he has demonstrated that he has adapted but they haven't given him the same value as in England."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas Chelsea join wennath chance 1kak thiyanawa Lampard giya nisa.Ath ithin kiyanna baha.
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Torres & Mata pay tribute to 'legend' Lampard

Fernando Torres and Juan Mata have paid tribute to Frank Lampard following the midfielder's announcement that he is set to leave Chelsea.

The 35-year-old is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of June and will now look for pastures new, ending a 13-year association with the club.

Lampard is the all-time leading scorer for Chelsea - with 211 goals - and the two Spain internationals, who have played alongside the vice-captain for a combined five-and-a-half years, hailed his impact on the game.

"Good luck Frank, and thanks for everything. I wish you the best in whatever you do in football and outside in the future! #Lampard #Respect," Mata wrote on Twitter.

Torres added on Instagram: "Thank you for everything Lamps. Top professional, top man, top player. It's been an honour play alongside you. #chelsealegend #respect."

Lampard is rumoured to be close to joining new Major League Soccer team New York City FC, who signed David Villa on Monday, with a number of other clubs reportedly keen on the England international's services.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Immobile is a real warrior' - Klopp

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has praised new signing Ciro Immobile, hailing him as a "real warrior" and a "powerhouse".

The Italy international completed a move to the Bundesliga giants from Torino and Juventus, who co-owned him, on Monday after finishing the season as Serie A top goalscorer with 22 goals in 33 appearances.

Klopp is excited to have the 24-year-old in his team and believes he will improve with the German club as he replaces Robert Lewandowski as the main man in attack for Dortmund.

"He is the perfect size at 1.80m, so he has a proper edge," Klopp told Dortmund's official website.

"He is a powerhouse who can play in several positions and he played a big role in many team goals and played in the continuously intense Italian football."He can, will and must still improve in many areas and we want to help him.

"He is a real warrior. I used that correctly. He has chosen us over many other clubs and he is thrilled to join Borussia Dortmund."Dortmund finished second to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and also lost out to Pep Guardiola's side in the DFB-Pokal final at the end of the season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Costa confident of reaching full fitness in time for World Cup

Diego Costa says he is confident he will have recovered from injury before Spain's first World Cup fixture, against the Netherlands on June 13.

The Atletico Madrid striker struggled with a niggling hamstring injury towards the end of the season and lasted just nine minutes of the Champions League final loss against Real Madrid - but he believes he will be fit in time for the opening Group B clash.

The forward is confident of breaking into coach Vicente Del Bosque's side and his fitness is set to be tested in Spain's friendly against El Salvador in Washington DC on Saturday.

"I think I feel pretty good,” Costa told reporters. “I was recovering for that week after the Champions League final and it's been a while since I've been fully able to recover.

"Now I want to train because I've hardly done anything over the past several weeks. The only thing that matters now is training. Will I be fit in time for the World Cup opener? Of course, why not?"

Costa has admitted that he flirted with the thought of missing out on the Brazil spectacle, admitting his injury could have been even worse than it is.

"Of course the thought that I might miss the World Cup crossed my mind, I was afraid it was something more significant," he said.

"I thank the boss [for calling me up] and I'm going to try and give my all to repay his confidence in me."I want to show him that I was worth all the trouble."

Costa has also revealed that he is being held back from participating in competitive action by the national team's medical staff.

"I want to train normally, but they won't let me," he added.

"I have to speak with the doctors, but I think I can play.

"I'm very happy. This is something special for me. I hope I can do as well as I did this season."

 

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Rossi knew he wouldn’t make the squad, insists Prandelli

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has defended his decision to leave Giuseppe Rossi out of his 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Prandelli, who says Rossi knew of his omission from the Italy squad before its announcement, has admitted that the risk of taking him to Brazil would be too large.

In the past, Prandelli has expressed concerns over the striker’s fitness - after he had to undergo two operations on his right knee."It would have been very easy to choose Giuseppe Rossi, but it would have been too big a risk,” Prandelli told reporters.

The coach’s comments came after Rossi took to Twitter to vent his frustration over his exclusion.The 27-year-old, who finished as Fiorentina’s top scorer with 16 goals last season, claimed he was “saddened” and “disappointed” with the snub in a recent interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, while he also suggested the decision to leave him at home this season was laughable via Twitter.

In response to the tweets, Prandelli said: "On May 7, I planned to tell Rossi that he wasn’t in the 30-man provisional squad. Then I realised that his call up could provide a strong message, so I decided to include him in the 30, despite explaining to him that he wouldn’t be in the 23.

"I told him that it was a painful decision because he is an amazing guy. I repeated a few times: Beppe, you are not in the 23."Against Ireland I wanted to see more from him. I wanted a striker that played as a striker. I even subbed Ciro Immobile, and put Rossi as centre forward but I didn’t see what I wanted to see.

"I didn't expect to see what Giuseppe Rossi tweeted. He knew the truth.”Rossi was also left out of former coach Marcello Lippi’s squad for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa, while he missed the Euro 2012 championship with a knee injury.

Prandelli was also quick to deny reports that Mattia Destro had refused to be a reserve for the World Cup.

"I asked Mattia Destro to come to Brazil as a reserve. He replied that he would think about it.

"When I originally asked everyone of their availability to be reserves, three of them said yes, and they are all now in the final 23,” the coach concluded.

Italy face Luxembourg in a friendly match on Wednesday, before they head into group games against Uruguay, Costa Rica and England.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benzema: Ancelotti is hugely loved at the Bernabeu

Karim Benzema has praised Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and his handling of the dressing room.

Real Madrid finished third in La Liga, but a 4-1 extra time win over city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final and a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final made sure the capital club ended the season on a high.

And Benzema believes Ancelotti is the right man to lead the club forward as he is a “greatly loved” figure around the Santiago Bernabeu.

"He's a very quiet person who knows how to convey important messages without getting nervous” Benzema told Marca. “You know he's sincere when he talks.

“He is a greatly loved coach in the dressing room."

The 26-year-old, whose performances this season have secured him a place in France’s 23-man squad for the Fifa World Cup this summer, is content with his form and believes Ancelotti’s faith in him has restored his confidence.

"I think it has been a good season [for me],” said the forward, who scored 17 goals in 35 league appearances."Apart from the headlines, from a personal standpoint, I feel good because I was able to play many games in a row.

"In this situation, when I play regularly, I feel better. My performances have been good, I've scored as many goals as in my best period at [former club] Lyon. The more I play, the more confidence I have in myself."

 

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Manchester City to make opening €37m bid in battle for Fabregas

Manchester City are preparing to table a €37 million offer for Cesc Fabregas amid interest from his former club Arsenal, Goal understands.

The Premier League champions have decided to make a formal move for the Barcelona midfielder, who has been told he can leave Camp Nou this summer.

City are ready to bid imminently for Fabregas in an attempt to lure the 27-year-old back to the Premier League, while Goal also understands Arsenal have not ruled out a move for their former captain, with the Gunners closely monitoring his situation.

The Londoners are preparing to put together a package to compete with City in the race for the midfielder, who remains on good terms with manager Arsene Wenger despite effectively going on strike to force through his transfer to Barcelona in 2011.

There is also interest from Liverpool and Chelsea, who are in the market for a central midfielder after Frank Lampard confirmed he is leaving the club.

Goal revealed in May that Barcelona would listen to offers for Fabregas this summer as they looked to free up funds to reshape their midfield.

Barca and their new coach Luis Enrique are looking to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke and have told Fabregas he can find a new club.

Under the terms of the buy-back clause in Fabregas' Barcelona contract, the Catalan club would have to inform Arsenal of any bid for the player and give them the opportunity to match it.

City are ready to make the first move for Fabregas amid growing uncertainty over the future of Yaya Toure, who has made it clear he is not entirely happy at the Etihad Stadium.

Wenger also remains a huge admirer of Fabregas and is weighing up a move for his former protege despite appearing to have a wealth of technically adept attacking midfielders in his squad. The pair spoke regularly on the phone last summer about the Spain international returning to the club where he blossomed into one of Europe's outstanding young midfielders.

The Barca academy graduate is at a crossroads in his career as he enters the final two years of his contract with the Catalan club in July.

Fabregas was jeered by home supporters during Barcelona's 2-1 home victory over Athletic Bilbao in April and became a scapegoat towards the end of last season.

 

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Pedro: Spain can defend World Cup

Spain forward Pedro is hoping to help his side become the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil.

No European side has ever won the prestigious competition in South America - although Spain became the first side to win a tournament held in Africa in 2010 and Pedro is hoping to repeat this feat in Brazil this summer.

The European and world champions will win their fourth consecutive major championship if they claim glory this summer and Pedro believes Vicente del Bosque’s team have the quality to build on their recent successes.

"To repeat it [winning the World Cup] would be great,” the 26-year-old said in an interview with Gillette. “No European country has managed to win in South America.

“We have many players on the field that can create things, [players] with very good skills. That helps the frontmen and we are also a very solid team defensively.

"[Atletico Madrid's] Koke and Diego Costa are players who have a lot of strength, provide mobility, freshness, dynamism and goals in the case of Diego."

Pedro also highlighted his Barcelona team-mates Neymar and Lionel Messi, who will represent Brazil and Argentina respectively, as the players to watch at the tournament.

“Neymar and Messi are two great players,” Pedro continued. “I was fortunate to play with them at Barcelona.”

When asked about his future, the Spaniard admitted that he is unsure what will happen. He added, however, that he would like to stay with the La Liga runners-up for the foreseeable future.

"I do not know what will happen. Hopefully I will stay at Barcelona, of course, the club I always wanted to play for.

“Now I want to stay focused on the World Cup though as it is a very important event,” he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal on brink of clinching £7m Aurier deal

Arsenal are on the brink of agreeing a £7 million deal for Toulouse defender Serge Aurier, Goal understands.

The Gunners have held extensive talks with the French club about the fee to be paid for the right-back and are close to finalising the structure of payments.
Arsenal have not yet agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old, who is preparing for the World Cup with the Ivory Coast squad.

But the London club are confident of securing the player's signature following the summer tournament.

Goal revealed earlier this month that Arsenal had opened preliminary talks with Toulouse over a move for Aurier after making the versatile right-back their top target to replace Bacary Sagna.

Arsene Wenger has also considered a move for Atletico Madrid's Juanfran but appears to have settled for the considerably more youthful Aurier.

The Ivorian has impressed Wenger's scouting team with his performances for Ligue 1 side Toulouse, providing a regular supply of goals and assists from his right-back berth. He can also fill in at left-back and centre-back, a position he held in many games during the recently completed domestic season.

Wenger wants deals in place for two new players before the World Cup, even if the formalities are not completed until after the event.

Aurier's agent Stephane Courbis has told French radio station RMC that Arsenal have held discussions over a move for his client but denied that an agreement had been reached and claimed another Premier League club were pursuing the player.

Nevertheless, Arsenal are increasingly confident that Aurier will be one of their first summer signings as Wenger steps up plans to strengthen his squad.

Given his age, the likelihood is that Aurier will battle it out with Carl Jenkinson, 22, for a starting role at Emirates Stadium next season.

Sagna, meanwhile, is expected to join Manchester City after being offered a lucrative three-year deal during talks in Manchester earlier this month.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lucas: I'm staying at PSG

Paris Saint-Germain winger Lucas Moura insists he won't be leaving the club this summer and says he is happy to be part of an "ambitious generation" in the French capital.The Ligue 1 Champions signed the Brazil international from Sao Paulo at the start of the 2012/13 season before the playmaker joined up with his new team-mates six months later.

Lucas has scored five goals for PSG – all of which came last season – and the midfielder has also played a role in helping the squad to win back-to-back Ligue 1 titles.

Although the club’s owners see the 21-year-old as a key player for the future, recent reports have linked Lucas with a move away from Ligue 1 as PSG step up their attempts to bring Chelsea midfielder Eden Hazard back to France.

It is thought PSG could be ready to cash in on Lucas in order to finance a big-money move for the Belgium international this summer and balance the books after agreeing a €60 million deal for Blues defender David Luiz.However, the Brazilian, who was left out of the Selecao's World Cup squad, has insisted that despite rumours of his departure, he is content with life at PSG.

"I did not always play this season, but I've been in big games and I scored decisive goals. We won three titles and I consider myself to be fully involved [in the team],” he told Le Parisien.“I am part of this adventure in this fantastic club with an ambitious generation. I am very happy at Paris.”

He added: "We're starting to see more and more kids with the PSG jersey. The reputation of the club has crossed the Atlantic and Paris will soon reap the benefits.
“With all the work and investment of our leaders, PSG will become one of the best clubs in the world.”

 

[charitha chandi]

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[rcccc]

Costa confident of reaching full fitness in time for World Cup