..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar: Brazil must overshadow in-form James

Brazil talisman Neymar has described Colombia's James Rodriguez as a "great player" but hopes he and his team will overshadow the Monaco star in the World Cup quarter-final.

Both players have shone for their respective sides in the tournament so far, with James currently sitting top of the scoring charts with five goals to his name – one more than Neymar.

With Brazil aiming to claim a place in the semi-finals of the World Cup with a win over Colombia in Fortaleza, Neymar has praised James for his performances in the competition – but is hoping that he and his team-mates will be able to put an end to his fine tournament on Friday.

"I knew he [Rodriguez] was a great player before all this, and he's been showing all his talent in this [World] Cup," Neymar said.

"What do we have to do to fulfill our responsibilities at the age of 22? Just play football. There's no age for football. Experience helps, but I'm a 22 year-old guy who's been through a lot in life, I've learned a lot, so I've got some experience. All we have to do is get there and play football.

"Colombia are a great team, they've been winning a lot, showing very strong power during the matches. James is an excellent player: he's a star, although he's very young, 22 like myself. He's been showing the great player that he is and we have to congratulate him for everything he's done.

"But I hope his cycle ends in this World Cup now and that Brazil may continue – with all due respect, of course."

When asked which of the two players was better, Neymar said: "I don't know, I can't tell you that, but I hope Brazil overshadow him. Not just me, but the entire team."

The Barcelona forward has been integral to his side’s progression to this stage of the competition despite being under huge pressure.

And Neymar has admitted that he would rather forsake individual accolades in return for Brazil winning their record sixth title on home soil, describing appearing in his first World Cup as a "dream".

"On my first press conference here I said I didn't want to be the Golden Boot of the competition, that's not what I was after. I just want to be champion. If I play nothing in the next match and Brazil win 1-0, that's all I want. It will be fine by me," he said.

"Of course there's pressure in a World Cup, but to me, this is a dream. It's something I've always wanted, since I was a kid, when I saw Ronaldo with his hairdo scoring goals. I used to think to myself, I want to play in a World Cup, I want to be like Ronaldo, I want to win a World title.

"And now I'm here. I don't have to keep thinking about the pressure, I have to enjoy it. We can overcome all this, we're playing at home, with our families and friends on the stands, and every supporter is on our side."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ow ban sirawata usa gk patta ban lesi wenne nae Argentina wata patta goal godak un gehewwe gk hoda nisa beruna

Machan oya kiyanne Switzerland match 1ka gana wenna oneUSA lata Argentina set une naha bro meh World Cup 1ke

Switzerland Vs Argentina match 1ke Switzerland GK Benaglio ge saves tikath niyamai
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[Michael]

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[Michael]

Kaka: Orlando City move not about money

New Orlando City signing Kaka has denied that his move to MLS was purely based on money.

The former Brazil international had his contract with Italian giants AC Milan terminated by mutual consent on Monday before the Florida-based outfit confirmed the signing of the 32-year-old a day later.

Kaka – who had one year left on his deal at the San Siro – became Orlando City's first designated player when he signed for the club.

And the Brazilian has now revealed that he turned down more lucrative offers elsewhere to help football grow as a sport in the United States.

"At the end of last season, I started to think about my future and whether I would go back to play in Brazil, [play in] the USA or stay at Milan," he said.

"It was difficult to leave Milan [but] my expectation is that soccer is going to become the number one sport in the USA.

"They pay me good [money] but I had another opportunity to earn more money. I always think about the project.

"I stayed in Milan for six years, I stayed in Madrid for four years, I played in Brazil for nine years so I always think about the good projects.

"They pay me good money but I could earn more elsewhere."

With the new MLS season set to begin in 2015, Kaka will first return to his boyhood side Sao Paulo on loan to maintain his fitness before starting the next chapter of his career in America.

The Brazil playmaker only re-joined Milan last summer after a four-year spell at Real Madrid but endured an unsuccessful campaign back in Serie A.

Kaka - who won league titles in Spain and Italy as well as the Champions League with Milan and the World Cup with Brazil - revealed that former Rossoneri team-mate David Beckham played a part in helping him to decide to move to the US.

"I think it is the right moment because I'm not too young but I'm not too old. I can still bring a lot to the league, which is getting better," Kaka said.

"I can say I'm studying the league. My brother [Digao] played here and David [Beckham] played. I spoke to him a lot.

"When I start to play, I'll figure out how I can improve the team."

Ac milan is my home kiala mu eka paratama ekata giye wena monatada ithin! Kawruth kiyanawa thama Monay newei kiyala...

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marouane Fellaini wa sell karai wagebalapotrotthu wechcha de une nahane Fellaini gen
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[Wolverine GTR]

Monaco rule out Valdes deal

Monaco have confirmed they will not be signing goalkeeper Victor Valdes this summer because of his knee injury.

The 32-year-old chose not to renew his deal at Camp Nou outfit following a 12-year stint between the posts for the Catalan giants.

With Valdes out of contract this summer, Monaco were reportedly keen on recruiting the Spain international for the upcoming Ligue 1 season.

But after Valdes suffered a serious knee injury in Barcelona's league match against Celta Vigo in February, the club have decided against bringing the shot-stopper to France because of doubts over his fitness.

Monaco vice-president and sports director, Vadim Vasilyev, told a press conference on Wednesday: "Victor Valdes is injured and he won't join us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pogba will become best in the world, insists Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand believes former Manchester United team-mate Paul Pogba is well on his way to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world.

The ex-England international witnessed the Juventus star’s development first hand at Old Trafford before he moved to Serie A in the summer of 2012.

And now, after seeing the 21-year-old deliver on the World Cup stage for France, Ferdinand is certain Pogba - who is wanted by Chelsea - is well on his way to joining the game’s elite.

"Paul told me before he left that he wanted to be 'the best player in the world,'" the 35-year-old told BBC Sport.

"I don't know whether that will happen, but he will definitely turn out to be the best midfielder in the world.

"As well as his undoubted ability, his strength is definitely his self-belief, not just by statements like that but by how he backs them up.

"He made the big, bold move to leave United, the best club in the world in my eyes, at only 19 because he wanted opportunities. He backed himself to do it, which is a big thing to do for a kid of his age, and he has not looked back since.

"You have to have that arrogance about you as a young player coming through at United, otherwise you sink. You won't make it."

Ferdinand also hinted at the real reason behind Pogba’s acrimonious departure from United, ahead of the Frenchman's possible return to the Premier League with Chelsea.

It was long thought that Pogba's omission from Sir Alex Ferguson’s side to face Blackburn in December 2011, the manager’s birthday, was the main motive for his departure and the former United captain confirmed that played a significant role.

Ferdinand said: "I think he left because he felt disrespected that he did not play in a particular game when a few players were played out of position in midfield."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James wants to play for Real Madrid, says father

James Rodriguez has always wanted to play for Real Madrid, according to his father.

The 22-year-old has been the star of this summer's World Cup so far and currently sits on top of the goalscoring charts with five goals in four games.

His excellent performances have seen speculation grow surrounding his future, with Barcelona and Real Madrid two of the teams said to be interested in acquiring him.


The player has said he prefers the European champions over the Catalan giants and his father says it has been a life long dream of his to join Los Blancos.

"Since he was very little he was saying he wanted to play professionally in Spain because it is similar to Colombian football, with great technique," Wilson James Rodriguez said.


"They have players such as Ronaldo. For the style of football, he prefers Real Madrid.

"[James] aspires to achieve great things. Zidane was his idol when he was playing for Real Madrid."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

James Rodriguez Real Madrid ma join wei wage
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[Wolverine GTR]

Meh thiyenne 2014/15 season Manchester United home kit 1ka wenna puluwan kiyala kiyanneSmart look 1kak thiyanawa mehpara

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[unicornx]

James wants to play for Real Madrid, says father

James Rodriguez has always wanted to play for Real Madrid, according to his father.

The 22-year-old has been the star of this summer's World Cup so far and currently sits on top of the goalscoring charts with five goals in four games.

His excellent performances have seen speculation grow surrounding his future, with Barcelona and Real Madrid two of the teams said to be interested in acquiring him.


The player has said he prefers the European champions over the Catalan giants and his father says it has been a life long dream of his to join Los Blancos.

"Since he was very little he was saying he wanted to play professionally in Spain because it is similar to Colombian football, with great technique," Wilson James Rodriguez said.


"They have players such as Ronaldo. For the style of football, he prefers Real Madrid.

"[James] aspires to achieve great things. Zidane was his idol when he was playing for Real Madrid."

 

[unicornx]

Meh thiyenne 2014/15 season Manchester United home kit 1ka wenna puluwan kiyala kiyanneSmart look 1kak thiyanawa mehpara

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Collar eka nane bro

 

[Wolverine GTR]

We will make Monaco honour Valdes deal, says agent

Victor Valdes' agent has claimed that the former Barcelona goalkeeper has already signed a four-year deal with Monaco and has stressed they will make the Ligue 1 side honour their obligations.

Monaco vice-president and sports director Vadim Vasilyev said earlier on Thursday that the 32-year-old will not be joining the Stade Louis II outfit due to his knee injury, denying reports that Valdes is set to move to Ligue 1 irrespective of his physical problems.

However, Gines Carvajal has insisted that Valdes will not be giving up on his transfer to Monaco as they have already agreed terms with the club.

"We have signed a four-year deal with Monaco," the goalkeeper's representative was quoted as saying by AS.

"And we will make Monaco honour his contract."

Valdes chose not to renew his deal at Barcelona following a 12-year stint between the posts for the Catalan giants and has long been expected to move to Monaco.

However, the serious knee injury he suffered in Barcelona's league win against Celta Vigo in March has now cast doubt over his future, with the Spain international not expected to be fit to return to action until later this year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lloris: France can make history

Hugo Lloris believes France can make history when they face rivals Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals at the Maracana on Friday.

The two sides famously clashed in the semi-finals in 1982, when Germany won on penalties following a 3-3 draw best remembered for goalkeeper Harald Schumacher's violent challenge on France forward Patrick Battiston.

But France captain Lloris says les Blues are ignoring the past and believe they can make new history on Friday by reaching the semi-finals in Brazil.

"There is a long history between both nations but we will concentrate on tomorrow's match. We want to write our own history tomorrow," Lloris said in his pre-match press conference.

"I'm excited and I'm sure the rest of the team feel exactly the same. You don't play in the World Cup every year and we face one of the favourites tomorrow.

"We expect just about anything in this match. There will be a lot of pressure on both sides.

"We're not afraid of anything. We are fully aware that anything is possible in one match and this could be our last game here, but there is no fear."

Lloris is known for coming off his line to protect his defence and comes up against another proactive goalkeeper on Friday, with Manuel Neuer catching the headlines for his 'sweeper-keeper' display in the last 16 against Algeria.

The Tottenham man was impressed with Neuer's display against Algeria and believes the World Cup has highlighted the quality of goalkeeping talent in the game.

"When the team plays high, you ask the goalkeeper to play as a sweeper as well," Lloris said. "You have to be very complete and Manuel Neuer did it against Algeria.

"We've seen lots of open matches and goalkeepers have been very good in this World Cup. It shows how important goalkeepers are and that there are many great goalkeepers in the competition."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol backs Barcelona Suarez chase

Carles Puyol has thrown his weight behind Barcelona's pursuit of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

Barca have made the controversial Uruguayan their primary target this summer and preliminary talks with the Merseyside club are believed to have gone well.

Suarez has just started a four-month ban for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during the World Cup but that has not deterred Barca, nor has Liverpool's determination to hold out for a €94 million fee.

Numerous Barca figures have openly spoken of their admiration for Suarez with Puyol, who will work under sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta next season after opting to end his playing career, the latest.

He told Mundo Deportivo: "Luis Suarez is a great striker. I've played against him. All of the names that have been mentioned with Barcelona are good and we will have to wait and see who comes in the end."

He added, however: "As a player you have a responsibility. A lot of people look at us and we have to be aware of that and control our actions because children want to imitate us."

Suarez scored 31 goals in 33 Premier League games last season and would be a welcome addition to a Barcelona squad which, on the face of it, is also in need of strengthening in defence.

Although his latter years were plagued by injuries, Puyol's retirement has still left them short of a commanding central defender.

Yet the 36-year-old does not believe the situation is as bleak as others have portrayed, adding: "The club already has some good central defenders. It's not easy to find players who have the qualities to play for Barcelona.

"We need to leave Zubizarreta and his team to find the right players, but they already have Javier Mascherano, Gerard Pique and Marc Bartra. It's very difficult to improve on their level."

Meanwhile, Barca will be delighted to know that Suarez is available to undergo a medical should he choose to leave Liverpool, despite being banned from all football activity for four months, according to Fifa disciplinary chief Claudio Sulser.

He said: "The player cannot have any activity related to football, but a medical examination for a transfer yes – the sanction is not linked to transfer rights."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France are favourites - Deschamps

France coach Didier Deschamps insists his players are not afraid of Germany and are favourites for the World Cup quarter-final clash at the Maracana on Friday.

Les Bleus take on their European rivals in a repeat of the famous 1982 semi-final and Germany’s general manager Oliver Bierhoff has claimed that Deschamps’ side are favourites to reach the semi-finals.

“Of course, I agree,” said Deschamps when asked in his pre-match press conference whether he agrees with Bierhoff.

“Nobody is afraid. Germany are very strong, with a lot of experience, but it’s a pleasure.

“There is no pressure. I have nothing to tell the players. History is in the past and tomorrow we will try and write a new page.”

France comfortably finished top of Group E before beating Nigeria 2-0 in their last-16 match, but Deschamps accepts that Friday’s clash against Jochim Low’s side will provide their biggest test.

He added: “When you advance in this competition, it gets more difficult. I have a lot of respect for Nigeria but the German team is better. It will be more demanding.

“We have played a very good World Cup. Germany is used to playing quarter-finals and semi-finals, they are very experienced but we will give it our all as well.

“Our players are very competitive, playing for top level major European clubs. We had to make them more united behind the same philosophy and same objectives. To be in the France team means they have a number of duties and responsibilities.

“Spirit has been very high since the start of the preparation and this has been very important.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Abidal and Carvalho extend Monaco deals until 2015

Monaco defenders Eric Abidal and Ricardo Carvalho have agreed one-year contract extensions until June 2015 with the Ligue 1 side.

Carvalho signed for the Principality club in 2013 on a one-year deal after leaving Real Madrid, before Abidal confirmed he was re-joining Monaco from Barcelona two months later.“AS Monaco is delighted to announce the club has agreed a one-year contract extension with Eric Abidal and Ricardo Carvalho,” a statement read on Monaco’s official website.

“Eric Abidal and Ricardo Carvalho are now tied to AS Monaco until June 2015."
The news comes after Monaco confirmed that they will not be signing goalkeeper Victor Valdes this summer after he failed a medical on Wednesday.

Monaco finished second in France’s top flight last season - nine points behind winners Paris Saint-Germain - and will play in the Champions League next term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Muller: Germany are better than in 2010

Thomas Muller has defended Germany's World Cup performances and says the team are “much better" than in 2010.

Joachim Low’s men scraped through their last-16 clash against Algeria on Monday, with the team needing extra-time to secure a 2-1 victory in Porto Alegre.
The hard-fought result has led to criticism, with comparisons made between the narrow win and their 4-1 victory over England at the same stage four years ago in South Africa.

"We are much better than we were then [in 2010], it would be ridiculous to claim otherwise,” Muller said."We did not have the quality we have now. We were not able to develop our game from the back. We had to stand deep and wait for the counter. Against Argentina, we followed [Lionel] Messi with three players.

“Now we are much better: Our World Cup is far more sovereign than in 2010.”
However, the Bayern Munich forward did admit Germany were “really weak” during the first half against Algeria, while adding that they deserved respect for winning despite not being at their fluent best."We made mistakes in all areas of the team, but we won the game.

“When the Italians win such a game, people say: What kind of clever dogs.”
Germany take on France in their quarter-final clash in Rio de Janeiro on Friday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Matuidi: Germany are favourites to win quarter-final clash

Blaise Matuidi has labelled Germany as “favourites” ahead of France's World Cup quarter-final clash against Joachim Low’s side on Friday.

The two sides will attempt to qualify for the semi-finals of the tournament when they face each other at the Maracana, with Didier Deschamps' men having arguably been the more impressive of the two teams.

But Matuidi insists France are underdogs in Rio de Janeiro because of their lack of success in recent years compared to a Germany side who have finished third at the past two World Cups and were runners-up in 2002."Germany are favourites because of their recent past,” Matuidi said.

“But in a match, anything can happen – you could see that in the last 16 round.
“There is currently no favourite team. This is a very tough competition. In a match, anything can happen.“We will make sure to cause them problems and do everything to qualify.”

The Paris Saint-Germain star highlighted Germany pair Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller – who has scored four goals so far in Brazil – as the key players who have made the difference for Low’s side at the World Cup this summer.

“Germany are very strong in all compartments. They have a very good goalkeeper (Manuel Neuer), perhaps the number one today,” he said.

“This is a cohesive team with a great goalscorer (Thomas Müller), who is currently scoring at the World Cup.“But all teams have weaknesses. There is no perfect team.”

While praising les Bleus’ quarter-final opponents, Matuidi also revealed his admiration for fellow midfielder Paul Pogba, who has impressed for France at the tournament."It's so impressive because he is only 21-years-old. See what he can do at his age, what he does every day. He has a great maturity. He is calm, he listens," Matuidi said.

"And it's true that I would have loved to have his talent."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Muniain agrees contract extension at Athletic

Athletic Bilbao midfielder Iker Muniain has renewed his contract with the La Liga club and will remain at San Mames until 2017.

Athletic confirmed the 21-year-old Spain international – whose previous deal expired in June 2015 – has added a further two years to his current terms, with his buy-out clause rising from €37.5 million to €45 million.

The club wrote on their official website: “Athletic Club and the player Iker Muniain have signed the renewal agreement whereby the player will remain with the Reds and Whites until June 30 2017 and his termination clause will rise from €37.5 million to €45 million.”Premier League side Manchester City were reportedly eyeing up a big-money move for Muniain earlier this year after contract negotiations between the player and Athletic stalled.

The midfielder - who scored seven goals and made three assists in 35 league appearances for Athletic last term - has come through the ranks at the Basque club and has one Spain cap to this name.