..::Football III::..

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Dortmund boosted by Subotic return

Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic is in line to make a return from injury for the beginning of the new Bundesliga campaign after resuming training on Sunday.

The 25-year-old has spent the last eight months out of action after he suffered a knee cruciate ligament injury in Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat against Wolfsburg in November.Jurgen Klopp had hoped that Subotic would recover in time to return to the squad before the end of last season but, although his rehabilitation has gone well, the defender did not recuperate fast enough to feature.

But Subotic has now delivered the news that he could be set to win his fitness race
in time to play in Dortmund’s opening league match against Bayer Leverkusen on August 23.In a post on his official Facebook page, Subotic wrote: “After my eight-month injury break, today I got to train with my team."

The Serbia international was part of the successful Dortmund side that won back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012 after the defender formed a solid partnership with central defensive colleague, Mats Hummels.

 

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Lukaku to consider Chelsea future

Romelu Lukaku says he has "choices to make" regarding his career but admits he has not spoken to anyone at Chelsea about his future at the club.

The 21-year-old scored one goal during Belgium’s World Cup campaign which ended on Saturday following a 1-0 defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Lukaku, who has had loan spells at West Brom and Everton since joining Chelsea in 2011, is keen to leave Stamford Bridge having become dismayed by the club's desire to sign new strikers every year.

"I have a few ideas but we’ll see. I have to have discussions first and have to think about it. I want to go home and then I will decide. It will be soon," Lukaku said after Belgium’s World Cup exit.

"I want to go on holiday first and rest with my parents and then we will see.

"I want to be somewhere where I can play my best football and hopefully win titles. It’s up to me to work hard but there are choices to make.

"Things like that happen in football and I’m confident I will make the right choice. I’m looking at everything but first of all I want to go on holiday and relax a little bit."

When asked if he had spoken to anyone at Chelsea since leaving to join Everton last year, Lukaku replied: "No, not yet. It depends what is the best for me, where the most ambition is and where is the best place for me to develop.

"I’m 21 but I think I’m experienced enough now. I’ve played a lot of games and scored a lot of goals and now I want to win titles and become one of the best."

 

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Willian plays down injury concerns ahead of Germany clash

Brazil midfielder Willian has played down fears that he could miss his team’s World Cup semi-final clash against Germany through injury.

The Chelsea winger took a knock in training on Saturday, which resulted in questions being asked over the 25-year-old’s availability for the crucial match in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

With the Selecao’s talisman, Neymar, ruled out of the rest of the competition after suffering a fractured vertebra in Brazil’s quarter-final win over Colombia last week, Willian is one of the players who could replace the Barcelona forward against Germany.But despite the fears over his fitness, Willian has now revealed that his injury is not serious and he is training as normal.

"I am feeling great,” he said.“I was hurt on my left side in training yesterday (Saturday) and it bothers me a bit but it is nothing significant and it won't stop me training today.”

Brazil midfielder Luiz Gustavo is set to return against Germany following his suspension in the win over Colombia, while Fifa have confirmed they have received an appeal from the Selecao against Thiago Silva’s one-match ban.

The Brazil captain was ruled out of his team’s semi-final game after picking up his second yellow card of the competition on Friday, but the governing body will now debate whether or not the suspension should be overruled.

 

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Neymar nathi 1ka tikak hari shape wei Willian nisa​

 

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Roma sign Ucan on two-year loan from Fenerbahce

Roma have confirmed the signing of Salih Ucan from Fenerbahce on a two-year loan deal for a fee of €4.75 million.

The Giallorossi have an option to extend the loan deal for an extra year, at no extra fee, and to sign the player permanently for a fee of €11 million for the 2016/17 season.

The 20-year-old joins La Maggica having played 15 times in the Super Lig for the Turkish champions last term, with 13 of those appearances coming from the bench.
Salih confirmed on Sunday that he would be travelling to Italy for a medical ahead of his move to the Serie A giants, who finished the 2013-14 Serie A season in second place.“I am going for a medical with Roma,” he stated. I’ll return with my signature on the contract!”

The Turkey international arrives at the club on the same day that former England international Ashley Cole has also been confirmed as a new recruit for Rudi Garcia’s side.

 

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Zuniga escapes punishment for Neymar foul as Thiago Silva appeal rejected

Juan Camilo Zuniga has escaped punishment for his World Cup-ending challenge on Neymar during Colombia's World quarter-final loss to Brazil - but Thiago Silva's appeal against the yellow card he incurred in the same game has been rejected.

Fifa's disciplinary committee were called upon to investigate the incident that left Neymar with a fractured vertebra, while the Selecao also attempted to overturn the booking that has ruled team-mate Thiago Silva out of the last-four meeting with Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday night.

However, it was confirmed on the eve of the semi-final that Zuniga will not face any sanction.

“In this specific case, no retrospective action can be taken by the Fifa Disciplinary Committee since the incident involving the Colombian player Juan Camilo Zuniga Mosquera did not escape the match officials’ attention," a statement read.

“First and foremost, though, the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee wishes to state that he deeply regrets the incident and the serious consequences on Neymar's health.

“Finally, as a general remark, Fifa and the Fifa Disciplinary Committee regret any incidents occurring on the pitch that in particular have a negative impact on the health of players.

“We wish Neymar a prompt and complete recovery as we wish the same for all players who have sadly been ruled out of the World Cup through injury.”Addressing the decision to uphold the yellow card issued to Thiago Silva for preventing Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina from clearing the ball upfield.

“With regard to CBF’s request for the cancellation of the caution shown to the player Thiago Emiliano da Silva during the match played against Colombia, the chairman came to the conclusion that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee cannot consider the matter given the fact that there is no legal basis entitling it to grant such request," the statement concluded.

 

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Manchester City youngster Marcos Lopes joins Lille on loan

Manchester City midfielder Marcos Lopes has joined French side Lille on loan, the club have confirmed.

The 18-year-old made four appearances for the Premier League champions last season and was named man-of-the-match during City's Capital One Cup win over West Ham.

Lopes will now look to gain more first-team experience in Ligue 1 and could compete in the Champions League, with Lille having finished third in the 2013-14 season.

Upon completing his move, he said: “I feel very happy to have signed because it is a new step in my career and it is a good opportunity for me to develop as a player. I hope to get much stronger next season, and I’m really looking forward to getting started.

“It is very important for me to play in a professional league for the first time, and it is important for me to experience what it is like to play in that environment.

“It is very different to what I have played in before, but I watched some of the games last year and I think it will be a good league for my development.”

Manchester City elite development squad boss Patrick Vieira also hailed the move, insisting Lopes will be given a chance to shine in France.

“Marcos is joining a league that is very demanding physically, but is very good at developing young players. It is great that he has the chance to take his next step in a very strong league that will be challenging for him," the former France international added.

“I know the manager at Lille, Rene Girard, and he is very detailed in his approach and is keen to give young players a chance.

“He may also have the chance to play in Europe, which would be a fantastic experience for Marcos, and will help him grow up as a player. They are a very young group at Lille, so it is a good opportunity for him to show what he can do."

 

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Raul: Di Maria injury piles more pressure on Messi

Angel di Maria's unavailability for Argentina's World Cup semi-final against Netherlands piles more pressure on Lionel Messi, according to Raul.

The Albiceleste booked their spot in the World Cup last four with a 1-0 victory over Belgium at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Saturday but their win was marred by the loss of Di Maria to a thigh strain.

The Real Madrid winger will now miss Wednesday's meeting with Netherlands in Sao Paulo and Raul believes his absence will make Argentina even more reliant on Messi, who carried his country through the group stages.

“Messi played from a little behind the strikers [against Belgium] and I expect this to be [coach Alejandro] Sabella's ploy again,” the former Spain international told The Times of India.

“This forces the opposition defenders to move up to keep an eye on him and creates space for others.

“Di Maria's skill and speed would have been ideal to exploit such a scenario. His absence means the pressure on Messi will increase, and the prospect of the world's best player shouldering additional responsibility in his first World Cup semi-final makes this all the more interesting.

“They [Argentina] were too reliant on him in the previous matches, and this win suggests they are a ready to rally around him and play a team game. They must keep it up, as the side they face now is looking keen to settle a few old scores.

With Brazil starlet Neymar already having been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup with a broken vertebrae, Raul believes the likely loss of Di Maria is as big a blow for the neutrals as it is Argentina.

“After Neymar's broken back, this is another big setback for South America, because I don't think Alejandro Sabella has substitutes who can be as effective as the Real Madrid midfielder," the Madrid icon argued.

“Whatever it is, this is not good for the competition, as it will miss two of the world's finest players in action at a critical juncture.”

 

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Bravo signs four-year deal with Barcelona

Barcelona have officially signed goalkeeper Claudio Bravo from Real Sociedad on a four-year deal.

The 31-year-old was presented to the media on Monday and becomes the second shot-stopper to arrive at Camp Nou this summer, with the Blaugrana having already acquired Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Borussia Monchengladbach.

Bravo - who was part of the Chile squad that were eliminated from the World Cup in the second round by hosts Brazil - admitted that compatriot Alexis Sanchez had played a part in persuading him to leave Sociedad for Catalunya.

"I thank Barca for believing in me. I'm proud, this is a wonderful chance I'm getting. I'm very motivated to defend Barca's colours,” he said.

“Alexis has talked a lot about Barca and he told me it's fantastic and that I should enjoy every moment here in every possible way."I think I'll feel comfortable with Barca's style. At national team, we play a similar system. Before being a goalkeeper, I was also a centre-back."

Bravo's recruitment will come as welcome news to Barcelona fans following the departures of Victor Valdes – who left his boyhood club after the expiration of his contract this summer – and Jose Manuel Pinto, who was not offered a new deal.
Bravo, who has spent the last eight seasons playing for Sociedad, came through Chilean outfit Colo-Colo's youth system, where he made his first-team debut in 2002 aged 19.

 

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Congratulations Bravo!​

 

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Mascherano fearful of Robben and Van Persie threat

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has warned his team-mates about the threat of the Netherlands attack ahead of their World Cup semi-final.

The Dutch have been the tournament's outstanding attacking side, with the trio of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder the Oranje's stand-out names.

Louis van Gaal's side reached the final of the 2010 World Cup, only to be beaten 1-0 by Spain, and Mascherano says that fact, along with their quality, makes them particularly dangerous.

“We know we're playing a team that is the best in countering with the speed of their forwards,” Mascherano said.“We face a team that is experienced, that is very hungry after being the losing finalists in the last World Cup.

“We will not expect an easy game and it will be even harder than the Belgium match for the quality of its players and the experience.”

Argentina have not reached this stage of the World Cup since losing the 1990 final to Germany in Italy and Mascherano believes fate will decide whether or not they surpass the final hurdle this time around.

"We have to hold onto the dream because we can take Argentina to a place where we haven’t been before. And these opportunities are very rare and we have to take them,” he said."This match 24 years ago, which the Argentines played, we were lucky to be part of this milestone - but this increases the expectations of most people.

“Fate will take care of us as we go for the final.”He added: "We have a unique and wonderful opportunity, and we will live with the dream of being able to reach the final.

"These instances are played with heart and soul, but you won’t reach [the final] if you're not smart enough on tactical issues.”

 

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Galatasaray: We'd treat Balotelli like a king

Mario Balotelli would be treated like a “king” at Galatasaray if he made the move to Turkey from Italy, according to sporting director Tomas Ujfalusi.The Turkish club have been linked with a number of targets in Serie A, including the 23-year-old, who has been rumoured to be on his way out of Milan this summer.

The Italy international was reportedly set for a €35 million move to an English club in the coming months, but according to Rossoneri president Silvio Berlusconi, the striker’s World Cup campaign in Brazil resulted in the prospective deal collapsing.
Ujfalusi has played down Galatasaray’s interest in Balotelli but admits the forward would be loved by the fans if he were to move to Turkey this summer.“Whilst I do not know of specific interest, he is a strong player. Here he would be king,” Ujfalusi said.

Galatasaray confirmed the appointment of former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli on a two-year deal on Monday - nearly two weeks after he stepped down as Azzurri boss following the team's World Cup failure in Brazil.

The Turkish giants revealed the news on their website on Monday, stating that the 56-year-old would replace compatriot Roberto Mancini after he left the post by mutual consent in June after just nine months in charge.Ujfalusi admitted that Prandelli’s knowledge and experience within Italian football would be important in helping to build on the work of Mancini at Galatasaray.

“When Mancini did not want to continue, I wanted to bring in Cesare,” the former Fiorentina man was quoted as telling Gazetta dello Sport.“In Florence he coached me and thanks to him I grew so much. At the World Cup he was unfortunate, but he had a great four years.

“The Italian schooling can also help Turkish football. Roberto has worked so hard on tactics and did improve the team. Prandelli will do the same, because he knows how to speak to the players and at Galatasaray he will find a lot of good."

 

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Official: Roma clinch Cole signing

Roma have clinched the signing of former Chelsea and Arsenal left-back Ashley Cole on a two-year deal.

The 33-year-old left Stamford Bridge upon the expiration of his contract and has agreed a £38,000-per-week salary with the Italian side, who have an option to extend his deal by a further year.

Cole was offered a new deal at Chelsea but instead chose to seek a new challenge, having won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups - more than any other player - in England.

Roma had to beat off competition from a number of clubs to sign the former England international, with Tottenham, Liverpool and AC Milan all expressing an interest in acquiring his services.

Instead, he will hope to add the Serie A title to his trophy cabinet, with Roma having finished second in the league in 2013-14.

 

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Congratulations A.Cole!​

 

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Roma th meh summer 1ke hoda set 1kak gani wage​

 

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Morata closing in on Juventus move, claims agent

Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata is closing in on a move to Italian champions Juventus, according to his agent.

The 21-year-old has been linked with several sides after Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti admitted that the youngster had been left frustrated with his lack of starts for the Spanish side last season.

The player’s agent, Juanma Lopez, spent Monday morning at the Santiago Bernabeu offices and was reported to have told AS that his client had moved “a little closer to Juventus”.

Real Madrid are willing to sell Morata to the Scudetto holders given their plethora of attacking options but are reportedly intent on including a buy-back clause in any deal for the youth academy product.

Morata – who was not chosen to travel to the World Cup in Brazil with the Spain squad this summer – has also been linked with a move to Premier League side Arsenal and German club Wolfsburg in recent weeks.

Morata started just three of Madrid's Liga games last season but scored eight goals in a total of 23 appearances for the club.

 

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Madrid? I know where I'll play next season - Kroos

Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos has revealed he knows where he will be playing next season - but has refused to talk about the move until after the World Cup.

The 24-year-old has just one year left on his current deal with German champions Bayern, and reports in Spain have claimed the midfielder has already agreed a €25 million switch to Real Madrid.

Although he recently rejected rumours he had signed a five-year deal at the Santiago Bernabeu, Kroos has now admitted he has made a decision about his next club.

“I’ve made a decision and can’t say,” Kroos told TZ Munich.“I read things. It’s not hard to find out. But I’m saying there is nothing done.

“First I want to play the World Cup and when finished my decision will be known. I’ll say it myself. Before then there is nothing.“There’s one week of the World Cup left and then we’ll know more.”

Kroos is currently with the Germany squad at the World Cup, with Joachim Low’s men set to face hosts Brazil in their semi-final clash in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.
Regardless of the result, Kroos will remain with the national team until the weekend, with the third-place play-off and final set for Saturday and Sunday respectively.

 

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Toni Kroos ge future 1ka thama unclear nedaAfter the World Cup thamai wena deyak wenne​

 

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Debuchy completes Arsenal medical ahead of €10m move

Mathieu Debuchy has undertaken a medical at Arsenal and looks set to complete a switch from Newcastle United worth at least €10 million.

The Gunners agreed a fee with the Magpies and are set to make Debuchy their first signing of the summer as they look to replace Bacary Sagna.

The 28-year-old revealed he was in talks to join the north London club in the wake of France’s exit from the World Cup last Friday.

The terms of the deal were finalised over the weekend, allowing Debuchy to then complete a medical on Monday evening and the deal is expected to be confirmed in the coming days after formalities are completed.

Arsenal will pay €10m up front, but the fee will rise due to appearance-related add-ons.

The club's spending on transfer fees could reach the €50m mark in the next week as they are also on the verge of capturing Alexis Sanchez after agreeing a €40m fee for the Chile star with Barcelona.

Arsene Wenger moved for Debuchy after deciding to buy a proven right-back rather than a more inexperienced player in the mould of the 21-year-old Toulouse defender Serge Aurier, who had been closely pursued by the Premier League giants after it became clear that Sagna was joining Manchester City.

Having watched Juanfran, another target, sign a contract extension with Atletico Madrid, Wenger sanctioned a swoop for Debuchy.

The Frenchman has been the regular right-back at Newcastle since joining from Lille in January 2013 and started four of France’s five World Cup matches ahead of Sagna.

 

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Real Madrid icon Di Stefano passes away

Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stefano has died at the age of 88.

The club's honorary president was in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack in the street close to the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, just a day after his birthday, and passed away after his health worsened dramatically on Monday morning.

Di Stefano started his career at River Plate and moved to Madrid from Colombian side Millonarios in 1953, having originally been close to joining Barcelona.

The Argentine forward defined an era at the Bernabeu, leading Madrid to eight Liga titles and five European Cups between 1953 and 1964.

The 'Saeta Rubia' (Blond Arrow) netted 308 times in 396 appearances for Los Blancos and remains second on the club's list of all-time top goalscorers behind Raul (323).

Madrid confirmed the news with a statement on their official website.

"Real Madrid's honorary president, Alfredo Di Stefano, passed away at 17:15 at the Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Maranon de Madrid," it read.

"The president of Real Madrid, Florentino Perez, and the club's board would like to express their deepest condolences and affection to his children, family and friends.

"The club would also like to extend those condolences to everyone who has felt sadness at the loss of the greatest player of all time."

Perez will address the media at the Bernabeu later on Monday.