..::Football III::..

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Rooney: I have massive role to play for England

Wayne Rooney insists he still has a "massive" role to play in an England squad he considers the best he has played in.

The Manchester United striker has found his place in the side under scrutiny ahead of Saturday’s World Cup opener against Italy in Manaus, particularly after he was criticised by former team-mate Paul Scholes.

Rooney has never scored in eight World Cup appearances but is adamant that he can lead England’s attack in Brazil this summer as an integral part of Roy Hodgson’s youthful squad.“The future is bright, there’s so much ability in the team,” Rooney said in a press conference at England’s training base in Urca.

“The younger players are bringing a lot of energy and excitement to the team. It’s probably the best squad I’ve been a part of with England.

“It’s a joy to be a part of. I still feel I have a massive role to play in the team.”
Rooney revealed that team-mate Danny Welbeck will be fit to face Italy on Satuday despite missing training on Wednesday with a thigh problem sustained on Tuesday.And the 28-year-old reckons Italy should be worried about stopping England in the Amazon jungle, despite the Three Lions’ quarter-finals defeat to the Azzurri on penalties at Euro 2012.

“Danny [Welbeck] will be fine, I’m sure he will be ready for Saturday. He’s just not risked anything today.“Italy should be thinking about how to control our team. They have good players but so do we. They should worry about us.

“The target is to try and win the tournament. That’s what we’ve prepared to do. It’s obviously a different set up to 2006 and 2010 but the goal is the same, which is to win it.”

 

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Pjanic: We don't fear Argentina

Miralem Pjanic has insisted Bosnia-Herzegovina have no fear of Argentina ahead of their World Cup clash on Sunday.Safet Susic's side go up against the South American giants in their opening match of Group F at the nation's first ever World Cup.

And despite the prospect of facing the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, playmaker Pjanic is confident that his country can give Argentina a run for their money.

"We will be against one of the favourites in Argentina, but we have the expertise to challenge them," he told Sky Sport 24 ."We do not fear anyone because we believe in our chances.

"Many of us have played in big European tournaments and know how to deal with certain situations."Progressing from the group is our goal. Brazil is beautiful, we are realising how fascinating this country is."

Bosnia-Herzegovina will be making their first ever World Cup finals appearance and follow up their Group F opener with Argentina with matches against Nigeria and Iran.

 

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Chelsea youngster Kalas joins Koln on loan

Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas will join newly promoted FC Koln on a season-long loan on July 1.

The Czech, who has a solitary international cap to his name, spent two seasons on loan at Dutch outfit Vitesse Arnhem before returning to Stamford Bridge for the 2013-14 campaign.

After being handed his Chelsea debut as a late substitute in a 2-0 League Cup win at Arsenal in October, Kalas made his European bow in a last-16 home triumph over Galatasaray.

Kalas' first start for the club came in the huge 2-0 Premier League victory at Liverpool in April, and he was among the starting XI once again on the last day of the Premier League season at relegated Cardiff City.

The 21-year-old will now be hoping to pick up more first-team experience as Koln adjust to life back in the Bundesliga, after topping the second tier last term.

Kalas arrived at Chelsea from Sigma Olomouc in 2011.

 

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David Luiz reveals five-year PSG deal

Brazil defender David Luiz has revealed he has signed a five-year deal with French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

His current club, Chelsea, and PSG both released statements on their official websites last month confirming that a deal - which Goal understands is worth €50 million - had been agreed.

And now the 27-year-old, who is hoping to lead the Selecao to their sixth world title and their first on home soil, has confirmed he will be playing in Ligue 1 for the next five seasons.

“I have just signed a deal with PSG for five years,” he told Globo when asked if he intends to one day play in Brazil’s top flight.

“I left for Europe when I was 18, I skipped a few steps… We’ll see. What we plan today may not be right tomorrow.”

The Selecao’s vice-captain also spoke of the demonstrations seen across the country in protest of public spending for the World Cup.

“As long as the demonstrations happen peacefully, I respect them. I do not want to see violence,” he said.

“I do not like the vision that Europeans have about our country, that Brazil is bad. Brazil has many things to be great.”

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck David Luiz!​

 

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Deschamps: 2010 French revolution part of our history

France coach Didier Deschamps says there is no escaping the revolt that took place in South Africa four years ago.

Les Bleus collapsed in 2010 after Nicolas Anelka was sent home following a row with then coach Raymond Domenech, before Patrice Evra led a rebellion that saw the squad refuse to leave the team bus for training.

But while Deschamps says the episode is part of the nation’s history that can never be forgotten, he believes it is time put the past behind them.

"No one will ever be able to blot out what happened in 2010," he said.

"That's going to be part of our history, but we have to stop looking at the past. Most important now is to have a unified spirit and a winning mentality.

“We’ll have spent several weeks together between the start of our preparations and the end of the [World Cup 2014]. The squad dynamic and the mentality of the players will be essential.”

Samir Nasri was left our of the squad by the 45-year-old, who believes the Manchester City midfielder to be a divisive presence in the squad.

Deschamps went on to say the current squad can take strength from their qualification play-off against Ukraine, in which they overcame a 2-0 first-leg deficit to roar to a 3-0 victory at home and book their place in Brazil.

“We made a mess of the game [in Ukraine] but we were able to turn it all around at home.

“Ultimately, it’s a huge satisfaction to have reached our goal and to have shared such powerful emotions with our supporters.

“When things are tough, French athletes tend to pull out great performances.”

France open their World Cup campaign on Sunday against Honduras before completing their Group E schedule with matches against Switzerland and Ecuador.

 

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Deschamps nam anemandaNasri ta chance 1ka dunne nahane

 

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Yaya Toure will not leave Manchester City, says father

Yaya Toure’s father expects his son to stay at Manchester City this summer despite the midfielder being heavily linked with a move away from Eastlands.

The midfielder's adviser, Dmitry Seluk, revealed last month that the 31-year-old was considering leaving the club because he felt under-appreciated after the Etihad Stadium outfit's owners had failed to acknowledge his birthday.

French outift Paris St-Germain were thought to be leading the race for the Cote d'Ivoire international's signature, with City officials increasingly frustrated with Toure's refusal to commit his future to the club.

Toure has since said he will clarify his future for certain after the World Cup, but Mory Toure has vehemently denied his son will quit the Premier League champions.

"No, he won’t leave," Mory Toure told Goal. "And it’s not even my wish that he leaves Manchester City. It’s said that the most wished for changes bring their sadness. And I reconfirm that he won’t leave.

"If Yaya wanted Manchester City to pay particular attention to the date of his birthday, it’s because he felt that it was the right moment for the club to show him their consideration for all the sacrifices made for City to be at this level.

"It’s a situation he didn’t appreciate. And as he’s a boy who doesn’t keep his frustrations to himself, he preferred to express himself. But I think it’s a situation which will be resolved."

Yaya Toure's City edged out brother Kolo's Liverpool side to win the Premier League title last season, making their father proud to see his sons battle it out for one of football's top prizes.

Mory Toure added: "I didn’t have any pressure during the final moments of the Premier League. It’s true that there was a real fight between Liverpool and Manchester City, but I was certain that either Kolo or Yaya would be a champion. It was a source of pride for me to have my two sons at the peak of English football.

"It’s true that there wasn’t pressure for me, but we experienced the uncertainty with passion and interest. We were certain that one Toure would be a champion of England.

"We had to wait to find out which one in order to celebrate. Because, in any case, it was the family which would come away greater from this season which will remain unforgettable for us.

"I was a bit sad for Kolo, because he’s the older brother. No right of birth, he should have won the title with Liverpool. But it wasn’t the case for him. But he’s happy about Yaya’s performance and has always admired him."

Both players have joined the Ivory Coast squad for a World Cup campaign in which they hope to qualify from a fairly evenly balanced group containing Japan, Colombia and Greece.

And Mory Toure has backed the Manchester City star in particular to shine in Brazil this summer, despite recent distractions off the pitch.

"Yaya is a source of pride for his brother Kolo and for me," he said. "When you have such a son, you can only be happy.

"I thank God for this grace he’s given me to have a son who develops at this level and on whom the Ivory Coast is counting to have a good run at the World Cup. He deserves the confidence of the national team coach Sabri Lamouchi and I’m certain he’ll meet the challenge."

 

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Welbeck misses England training ahead of Italy clash

Danny Welbeck missed training on Wednesday as he struggles with a thigh injury ahead of England’s World Cup opener against Italy in Manaus on Saturday.

The 23-year-old did not emerge for the start of training, where the first 15 minutes was open to the media.The FA are expected to deliver an update on Welbeck’s fitness later on Wednesday after the Manchester United forward pulled out of training midway through a session at England’s training camp in Urca on Tuesday.

Hodgson is a huge admirer of Welbeck who has scored eight goals in 24 international appearances and played a major role in England’s qualification for Brazil.Welbeck’s injury concern increases the chance of Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling starting against Cesare Prandelli’s team in the Group D opener.

The Three Lions are already without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, although manager Roy Hodgson hopes the Arsenal midfielder will be fit to face Uruguay on June 19.

 

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Arsenal keen on Porto striker Jackson Martinez, claims agent

Arsenal are interested in signing Porto striker Jackson Martinez, according to the player’s agent.

The 27-year-old scored 29 goals in 51 appearances for the Portuguese club last season and is in line to feature prominently in attack for Colombia at this summer's World Cup, particularly in the absence of Radamel Falcao.

Arsenal, who are currently in talks to re-sign Carlos Vela from Real Sociedad, are in the market for another forward this summer in order to provide competition for Olivier Giroud.

And the Gunners, along with Valencia, are hot on the tail of Martinez, who has yet to receive any offer from Serie A giants Roma, depsite reports in the Italian press.

"In Italy we have had very little contact, but for sure there have not been any offers from Roma," Peppino Tirri, Martinez’s agent in Italy, told Calciomercato.

"There are, instead, opportunities abroad - Arsenal and Valencia in particular are very interested in Jackson Martinez."

Martinez has previously been linked with a number of other European giants, including Manchester United and Napoli, against whom he scored during last season's Europa League.

 

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Diego Costa confident injury concerns are behind him

Spain striker Diego Costa says he is confident he has left his injury woes behind as la Roja prepare to defend their World Cup title.

The Atletico Madrid star, who looks to be heading to the Premier League to join Chelsea following this month’s World Cup, suffered a hamstring injury that saw him limp out of both a final-day Liga decider against Barcelona and the Champions League final.

But the 25-year-old is insists he doesn’t foresee any further physical concerns after completing 74 minutes for La Roja against El Salvador on Saturday.

"I needed the game the other day to get over the feeling that my injury would come back,” he told Marca.

"I felt good in those two games [for Atletico Madrid], but I played and it came back… I feel much better – also in terms of my mood and enthusiasm, but the main thing is the injury.

"I'm fully fit and there won't be any problems."

The Brazil-born striker’s controversial decision to snub the nation of his birth in order represent Spain at World Cup 2014 has made him the villain of the tournament for local supporters, but Costa has been humbled by the support he has received from his new team-mates.

“I have the support of lots of people who understand what happened," he said.

“My team-mates treat me in a very special way. I feel very comfortable. It has been amazing. I'm really experiencing a beautiful moment. I have to be grateful for that."

Spain open their World Cup campaign against Netherlands in Salvador on Friday.

 

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Joel: Lukaku perfect for Atletico Madrid

Romelu Lukaku would be a perfect replacement for Diego Costa at Atletico Madrid, according to Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles.

Costa has passed his medical at Chelsea ahead of a €43m move, with the 25-year-old having netted 27 goals in 35 La Liga appearances last season as Atletico were crowned Spanish champions.

And Joel believes Lukaku going in the opposite direction would be a perfect deal for both clubs after playing alongside the Belgium international at Goodison Park in 2013-14.

Lukaku's loan spell at Everton saw him score 15 goals in the Premier League, but his future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain.

"He is a lot like Costa but I would say he is even more physically powerful," Joel told Mundo Deportivo.

"He is a real animal, a beast. He is also a player who fights a lot and has a goal in him, like Costa.

"Lukaku is a player who always faces up. He never hides if a game gets ugly, and has a lot of character. No doubt, he would be a good signing for Atletico.

"He is the typical type of player for Diego Simeone and would convince him from day one.

"He would suit Atletico's game smoothly, he is very fast and I think he would do well."

 

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Modric: I wanted Rakitic at Real Madrid

Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric has admitted he hoped Croatia team-mate Ivan Rakitic would end up at Santiago Bernabeu next season and not Barcelona.

Rakitic's future has been the subject of intense speculation after he played a starring role in Sevilla's Europa League success and fifth-placed finish in La Liga last term.

It is widely expected that the 26-year-old playmaker will complete his move to Barca after playing for Croatia at the World Cup, with Modric disappointed he won't be lining up alongside him for club as well as country.

"It's clear that if it was me, I would have liked him to sign for Madrid, but in the end it wasn't to be and he's gone to Barca," Modric is quoted as saying by Sport.

"I'm delighted for him. He deserves it. When you go to a big club like Barca, which has a global following, it's an important step in your career.

"Everyone has seen this season what he is able to do. He's a great player who is progressing and I am convinced he will be even better next season.

"When you're a Barca player, everything you do has a higher dimension and that is what will happen now with Ivan at the World Cup.

"Sevilla is a great club that comes from winning a European trophy, but Barcelona even more so."

Both Modric and Rakitic are likely to start for Croatia when they take on Brazil in the first game of the World Cup on Thursday.

 

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Maradona: Neymar too young to dominate World Cup

Diego Maradona says Brazil star Neymar is "too young" to dominate a World Cup on his own, but has applauded his boundless potential.

The 22-year-old won the Golden Ball award for best player at the 2013 Confederations Cup after inspiring the Selecao to a 3-0 victory over Spain in the final.

Twelve months on and Neymar will again be expected to shoulder Brazil's attacking burden and lead them to a sixth World Cup success.

But, with just one season under his belt in Europe following his move to Barcelona last summer, Maradona believes the tournament has come too soon for the former Santos starlet to make such a big impact.

"Neymar is an exciting youngster with exceptional talent," the Argentina great told the Times of India.

"What he did for Brazil in the Confederations Cup was extraordinary. But he is too young to light up a World Cup on his own.

Brazil will definitely root for him, though, especially after he has shown what he is capable of."

Maradona took charge of Argentina at the 2006 World Cup and, after assessing the quality of the current Albiceleste squad, thinks his country are well set to challenge in Brazil.

"Alejandro Sabella has been in charge of Argentina for almost three years and has developed a core group where [Lionel] Messi is the indisputable leader," he continued.

"Mascherano has no problems in supporting him since they play for the same club. And I was happy to see Angel Di Maria supporting [Lionel] Messi when Barcelona fans found fault with their prized possession.

"It reflects a healthy relationship between them, although they are fierce rivals in club football. And I won't be surprised if Sergio Aguero gets going.

 

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Van Persie: I got despondent last season

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has admitted he became "despondent" last season after a succession of injuries.

The Netherlands international endured an injury-hit campaign with United, making just 18 Premier League appearances due to injury.

Van Persie was also forced to calm fears he had picked up a new problem after being substituted at half-time during Netherlands' recent friendly with Wales.

The striker is in Brazil with Louis van Gaal's squad preparing for the World Cup, but has admitted he became frustrated by the amount of time he was forced to spend on the sidelines last year.

"Over the last few years I put down the best series of my career. I played 93 matches in the Premier League in a row. Most of them as a starter, some as sub. I never thought about injuries," he told Metro Holland.

"But this season I had three, where I was out for at least a month every time. Sometimes I got despondent of it. It started with something small.

"I had a broken toe and because of that I started to walking different, which had consequences for the rest of my body."

Netherlands begin their World Cup campaign on Friday with a clash against holders Spain and the Manchester United man says he needs to improve on his goalscoring record in the tournament which he feels is disappointing.

"I've scored two goals during a World Cup and those numbers aren't pretty. I want more, more more goals," he added. "The World Cup can finally start."

 

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Chelsea to listen to Cech offers as Mourinho demands Courtois return

Chelsea are willing to sell Petr Cech this summer as they prepare to make Thibaut Courtois their No.1 goalkeeper next season, Goal understands.

Jose Mourinho has made it clear to the Blues hierarchy that he does not want Courtois going on loan for a fourth consecutive campaign.

The Chelsea boss believes the Belgian is ready to establish himself at Stamford Bridge as the undisputed first-choice keeper and force Cech down the pecking order.

Courtois, 22, has indicated he is prepared to sign the five-year contract he has been offered by Chelsea to replace his current deal, which has two years remaining.

The London side are expected to encourage Cech, who turned 32 last month, to find a new club during the current transfer window.

The Belgium international has been named La Liga's best goalkeeper in each of the last two seasons and his performances were key to Atletico Madrid's recent Primera Division triumph as well as their run to the Champions League final.

Mourinho's willingness to allow Cech, a hugely popular figure with supporters, to leave demonstrates his ruthlessness and desire to improve a team that narrowly missed out on winning a trophy in his first season back at Stamford Bridge.

Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Samuel Eto'o have already been released, while David Luiz has been sold to Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £40 million, and Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne were offloaded in January.

Cech has established himself as one of the world's outstanding keepers during his decade at Stamford Bridge.

Since joining Chelsea from Rennes for £7m in 2004, he has made 479 appearances for the club and won the Champions League, the Europa League, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and three League Cups.

He has two years remaining on his current Chelsea contract and is likely to be in demand from leading European clubs this summer.

 

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Chelsea la Cech wa sell karanna wage yanne.​

 

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Reina unsure of Liverpool future and open to Napoli return

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has not ruled out making a return to Napoli next season amid continuing uncertainty over his future.

The Spaniard spent 2013-14 on loan in Naples, and impressed for Rafael Benitez's side as they won the Coppa Italia and finished third in Serie A, but is due to return to Anfield ahead of next season.

However, with Simon Mignolet established as Liverpool's first-choice keeper, Reina is open to the idea of leaving the club permanently - with Napoli one possible destination.

"I believe that the possibility is there," he told Radio Onda Cero. "In Naples I've been very good this year, where I feel well-liked and where there is a plan on the table that makes you dream.

"I never discarded the idea of staying in Naples.

"I have a contract at Liverpool and I have to go back there, but there are also chances that [I will] go away again."

 

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Mancini leaves Galatasaray

Roberto Mancini has left Galatasaray after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

The 49-year-old former Manchester City manager was appointed Fatih Terim's successor back in October and signed a three-year-deal upon his arrival in Istanbul.

But, while Mancini lifted the Turkish Cup in his first season in charge, he was unable to stop rivals Fenerbahce from winning the Super Lig title, while Gala exited the Champions League at the hands of Chelsea in the round of 16.

A statement on the club's official website read: "By Mr Mancini's request and by mutual agreement, the contract was terminated.

"According to the agreement, Mr Mancini does not have any further external demands and the parties have agreed to part ways with full friendship and understanding.

"We want to thank him for his efforts and wish him success and good luck for the future."

The news comes as a surprise after Mancini reaffirmed his commitment to the Galatasaray cause just two days ago, insisting he would see out the remainder of his contract.

He had previously been linked with a return to Italy with Lazio, the club where he spent four years as a player between 1997 and 2001.

 

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Saha: Deschamps wrong to leave out Nasri

Former France striker Louis Saha believes Didier Deschamps has made the wrong decision in leaving Samir Nasri out of his World Cup squad.The Manchester City midfielder was overlooked for the initial squad and was not handed a call-up even when Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery pulled out due to injury.

Deschamps made the controversial call due to fears over Nasri’s previous disciplinary issues with the national side at the 2010 World Cup - a decision Saha says is wrong.“It’s difficult because he’s a great player, you should pick the best players in the team,” Saha said.

“Nasri proved over the years that sometimes he could be difficult to manage but it’s never been the case for Man City for some reason, he always behaves and always performs.“Deschamps made a decision, and for me, it’s the wrong decision because Nasri could help France achieve things.”

Despite Ribery and Nasri’s absence in Brazil, Saha believes his nation should reach the quarter-finals at the very least, but admits winning the World Cup without a real leader in the side will be difficult.

If France fail to win, though, Saha says he wants hosts Brazil to clinch a record sixth title for the fans – although he admits Roy Hodgson’s young England team could make a real impact at the tournament.“Definitely, they [England] have the quality to do that. It’s a tough group but it’s all about performing,” said the former Manchester United attacker.

“Now he [Hodgson] has brought a younger side with some very experienced players like [Frank] Lampard. Hopefully they can do the job.”One player who Saha predicts could enjoy a successful World Cup campaign is former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 35-year-old has been astonished at his rise from the teenager he first met at Old Trafford into a two-time Ballon d'Or winner.When asked about the Portugal international, Saha said: “I’m just a big fan.

“Cristiano proved it was always possible to improve and show there are no limits.
“He knew he wanted to be the best player and he knew that he had to work really hard but with all of his qualities he proved that he was right.“Sometimes we have to not forget that it’s about the team, Real Madrid or Portugal. What he did in qualification is exactly what we expect from a good player.”

Portugal will face Germany in their Group G opener on June 16 – a side featuring veteran striker Miroslav Klose in their ranks.The 35-year-old needs two more goals to overtake Brazi legend Ronaldo's 15-goal haul and become the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer.

Saha played alongside Klose during a six-month stint at Lazio and labelled the Germany star a "top player".