..::Football III::..

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Manchester United can win things under Van Gaal - Mata

Manchester United star Juan Mata is optimistic that his side can win silverware this season under Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman has been tasked with returning the Red Devils to glory after a seventh-placed Premier League finish in 2013-14 and brings with him title-winning experience from the Eredivisie, La Liga and the Bundesliga.

The 62-year-old also led Netherlands to third place at the World Cup this summer and Mata is excited to play his style of football.

"It's the start of a new era for the club, with a new manager and players coming in," the Spaniard told MUTV.

"I'm really happy with the manager's style of football and hopefully at the end of the season we can celebrate something, which would be amazing for him and for us."

United are preparing for pre-season matches against LA Galaxy, Roma, Inter and Real Madrid in the United States and Mata is keen to prepare well for a big campaign.

"The most important thing is to get ready step by step and not too hard because injuries can happen," he added.

"It's important for us to prepare physically and mentally for the long season.

"We're focused on improving and trying to learn from the manager, to play at our best level during the season. The main idea is to play as a team and compete for titles."

 

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Saponara: I want to be AC Milan's Di Maria

Riccardo Saponara has voiced his admiration for Real Madrid attacker Angel Di Maria and is hopeful of becoming a key player at AC Milan this season.

The 22-year-old joined Milan from Empoli in the summer of 2013, but failed to make an impact in his first season at the San Siro side.

Saponara remains confident that he can become important at Milan, though, and is determined to convince head coach Filippo Inzaghi of his qualities by emulating the standards of the Argentina star.

"My role model is Di Maria. He has attacking qualities, but he has shown that he can do everything," Saponara told the official Milan website.

"I'm coming off the back of a year of experience and settling in. I'm learning so much and the coach is helping me. I have a lot of desire to learn and convince the coach.

"When Inzaghi said he would have given me another chance, I didn't even think twice and I decided to stay here.

"I have a lot to give in physical terms. I played very little last season, but I feel that I have big margins for improvement. The faith from the fans is a matter of pride and a great responsibility."

Saponara has made seven Serie A appearances for Milan so far, but has failed to score in his Rossoneri career so far.

 

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Simeone: Atletico’s little revolution

As his team gear up for the defence of their La Liga crown, minus a few star players from last season, Atletico Madrid manager and Sony Coaching Ambassador Diego Simeone reflects on the secret of the unfashionable club’s success.

“I think that we have made a little revolution in European football,” said Simeone. “We haven’t been defeated in the Champions League, despite having less means than Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus. We lost the Champions League final in extra-time, but we were never defeated during 90 minutes.”

 

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Barcelona agree Mathieu deal

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Valencia over the signing of centre-back Jeremy Mathieu and look set to announce the deal on Tuesday.

The two clubs have been locked in negotiations for several weeks, with the Catalans revealing their interest in the player after lodging an opening bid on July 16.

That offer was rejected as Valencia demanded Barca matched the player's release clause, which stands at €20 million, before the player pleaded with his current employers to sanction a move to Camp Nou.

The 30-year-old's wish has now been granted after the two sides agreed a fee believed to be close to Valencia's asking price, and he could even be unveiled as a Blaugrana player on Tuesday.

Mathieu will head to Catalonia as the rest of his soon to be former team-mates head to South America for a pre-season tour on Wednesday.

In signing for the club, the Frenchman becomes Barcelona's fifth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Claudio Bravo, Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez.

The move bolsters a backline left depleted by the retirement of Carles Puyol at the end of the season, with Mathieu set to battle it out for a place alongside Gerard Pique at the heart of the back four.

 

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MSV Duisburg 1-1 Bayern Munich: Lewandowski scores on debut

Robert Lewandowski marked his first Bayern Munich appearance with a goal as the Bavarians were held to a 1-1 draw by third-tier MSV Duisburg.

The Pole was making his Bayern bow following his Bosman transfer from bitter rivals Borussia Dortmund, and looked sharp in attack, keeping home goalkeeper Michael Ratajczak busy in a goalless first half.

However, substitute shot-stopper Marcel Lenz was powerless to prevent Lewandowski opening his account just after the hour mark, following good work from Rafinha.

A frustrating outing saw Bayern, still without their World Cup contingent, struggle to create opportunities playing a 3-5-2 system with just one recognised centre-half on the pitch in the shape of Holger Badstuber, whose comeback from injury was boosted by an 85-minute run-out.

And 20-year-old winger Fabian Schnellhardt grabbed a deserved draw for Duisburg, curling home a fine strike.

Bayern made a good start with regular left-back David Alaba probing from a central midfield role that he often operates in for Austria at international level.

Lewnadowski went close eight minutes in, latching onto Lucas Scholl's downward volley, but Ratajczak was alert to flick away the striker's flicked header.

Alexander Sieghart saw a good effort saved for Bayern before Duisburg raced up the other end and should have taken the lead, only for Zlatko Janjic to inexplicably miss from six yards.

A quick start at both ends belied the rest of the half as Bayern set up camp in Duisburg's half but found centre-backs Christopher Schorch and Thomas Meissner in stubborn mood.

The first period ended goalless and Bayern's struggles continued immediately after the break, Duisburg calling Tom Starke into action through Scorch and Janjic.

But Bayern's class finally told as Rafinha clipped a neat delivery in from the right flank and Lewandowski touched the ball away from Lenz before providing a low finish.

The hosts were determined to give a good account of themselves, though, and produced the game's outstanding moment through Schnellhardt.

Drifting in from the right channel, the Germany Under-20 international touched the ball onto his left foot before curling a superb 25-yard effort out of Starke's reach.

Michael Eberlein wasted a good opening soon after when racing through on goal, with the winger's touch letting him down.

Lenz denied Lewandowski in the closing stages, diving at the Poland striker's feet to preserve a creditable result for the 3. Liga side.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski 1st match 1kenma wada patan gena​

 

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Kroos: I only decided to join Madrid after Bayern talks collapsed

Toni Kroos has stressed that he only started thinking about a transfer to Real Madrid after talks with Bayern Munich over a new deal collapsed.

The Germany international was keen to stay in Bavaria, but he eventually opted to join the European champions for a reported €25 million after failing to agree terms on a contract extension with Pep Guardiola's side.

"I first started thinking about a transfer when talks with Bayern were unsuccessful. Bayern were always my priority and I didn't talk to anybody else," Kroos told the official DFB website.

"I then decided to go for a new challenge after we failed to reach an agreement with Bayern and a number of clubs showed an interest in signing me. Winning the World Cup settled it."

The versatile midfielder dismissed rumours that he left the Allianz Arena because he did not feel appreciated by the Bundesliga titleholders.

"I didn't leave Bayern because I didn't feel valued," he insisted. "I played for one of the biggest clubs in the world and was a starter under several coaches.

"I always played in the major competitions and Bayern always looked after me. [Coach] Pep Guardiola and [sporting director] Matthias Sammer were important to me and the fans always supported me as well.

"But Real Madrid are a huge challenge. People all over the world know Madrid.

"Thousands of people attended my presentation at the Santiago Bernabeu and club president Florentino Perez was interrupted a number of times by cheering fans. I have never seen anything like it.

"This club is just the right step for me."

The 24-year-old faces stiff competition for a place in midfield at Madrid, but he has little doubt that he will become a regular at his new club.

"You have to deal with that as a footballer," he reasoned. "I am looking forward to playing alongside guys like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Sami Khedira.

"No team has ever won back-to-back Champions League and that's exactly why Madrid have signed some new players.

"It can only help to bring in new players who want to prove themselves and challenge the established players."

 

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Neymar: Messi was one of World Cup's top three players

Neymar has attempted to defuse the controversy over Lionel Messi's Golden Ball triumph in Brazil by arguing that the Argentina captain was "at least" among the top three players at the World Cup.

Messi led his country all the way to the final in Rio de Janeiro, where they were edged 1-0 after extra-time by Germany.

The 27-year-old was presented with the Golden Ball for the tournament's best player after the match, much to the bemusement of many football fans and pundits, with Argentine icon Diego Maradona even claiming that it had been down to "some marketing plan".

Neymar, though, believes that Messi, who failed to score in the knockout stages, did enough in Brazil to at least mark himself out as a legitimate contender for the accolade.

"I'm a huge Messi fan, as a player and as a person," the Selecao starlet said of his Barcelona team-mate during an interview with Rede Globo's 'Fantastico'.

"I don't know whether it was fair or not but, for me, he was one of the best players in World Cup.

"At least in the top three, anyway. I think [Germany midfielder Bastian] Schweinsteiger and [Netherlands attacker Arjen] Robben were also among the top three."

Neymar, of course, saw his tournament ended by a fractured vertebra sustained in his country's quarter-final win over Colombia and then had to sit on helpless as Brazil suffered a humiliating last-four hammering at the hands of Germany.

The inquest into the Selecao's capitulation is ongoing but Neymar does not believe that Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has since resigned, should have been made the scapegoat for what he believes was a cultural failing.

"I'm a guy who don't know much about tactics," he confessed. "But we head a leader [Scolari] who was one of the best Brazilian coaches the Selecao have ever had.

"I also question myself about why we did not win the World Cup, but I can't find an way to explain it.

"But who prepares better wins in football. Preparation is everything.

"I think the Brazilians are some of the best players in the world but every training session in Europe is taken seriously.

"In Brazil, it's different. You train more, but some time you train with less determination. Brazilians are like that.

"Brazilian football is behind Germany and Spain football. We have to be men up to admit that."

 

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Dnipro's Konoplyanka still open to West Ham switch

Yevhen Konoplyanka is open to a move to West Ham should they return with an improved bid for the Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk star, Goal understands.

The Hammers saw an offer of €12 million (£9.5m) rejected by the Ukrainian giants a fortnight ago and are yet to indicate whether they will increase their offer for the 24-year-old.

Dnipro are adamant they will not sell Konoplyanka for any less than his release clause of €15m (£12m), despite the player having just one year remaining on his contract.

Konoplyanka sees his future away from Dnipro if the right move presents itself and is interested in talking to West Ham if they are able to match his valuation.

But if nothing materialises this summer, Goal understands the 24-year-old is willing to wait and settle his future in January, when he can negotiate a pre-contract agreement with any interested club.

Konoplyanka, who impressed for Ukraine against England during qualification for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, was courted by both Tottenham and Liverpool in January, though neither have followed up their interest in recent weeks.

Liverpool came closest to signing the 24-year-old but the move fell through despite prolonged negotiations on deadline day, with Konoplyanka afterwards admitting to feeling "resentment" over the breakdown of the deal.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard retires from international duty

Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard has retired from international duty.

Gerrard, who turned 34 in May this year, captained England during a disappointing 2014 World Cup in which they crashed out of the tournament at the group stage.

The Anfield veteran, who made his debut for his country against Ukraine back in May 2000, represented the Three Lions 114 times and scored 21 goals.

"This has been a very difficult decision, one of the toughest I've had to make in my career," Gerrard told the FA's official website.

"I have agonised over this since coming back from Brazil and have spoken to family, friends and people close to me in the game before coming to this point.

"Most importantly, Brendan [Rodgers, Liverpool manager] has been fantastic and obviously I have to look after my body as much as possible to ensure I can give everything when I take to the field.

"To ensure I can keep playing to a high level and giving everything to Liverpool Football Club I believe this is the right decision, and having Champions League football back at Anfield is another big factor in my decision."

 

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Official: Evra completes Juventus move

Juventus have completed the signing of Patrice Evra from Manchester United in a £1.5 million deal.

The 33-year-old, who signed a new one-year contract with United in May, has committed to a two-year deal with the Serie A champions.

Evra's departure leaves £30 million signing Luke Shaw as the only specialist left-back in United's first-team squad, after Alexander Buttner moved to Dynamo Moscow.

On the announcement of the move, Evra told United's official website: "After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United.

"It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart."

Juventus have revealed they will pay an initial fee of £1.2m in two installments, followed by an additional £300,000 should they finish in the Champions League qualification places next season.

Evra is the fourth decorated United veteran to leave the squad this summer, after Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand signed for Inter and QPR respectively and Ryan Giggs announced his retirement from the game.

The Frenchman made 379 appearances in a trophy-laden nine-season spell at Old Trafford, scoring 10 goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Evra!:!!!

Another Legend

Thanks for everything Evra!Your golden memories always in our hearts

We will miss you

Good bye & Good luck!​

 

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'Manchester United will always remain in my heart' - Evra

Patrice Evra has expressed his thanks to Manchester United supporters following his decision to leave the club for Serie A champions Juventus.

The 33-year-old completed his €1.9 million switch to the Italian giants on Monday and is adamant that United will get back to winning trophies after a difficult 2013-14 campaign.

He wrote, in a statement posted on the club's official website: "After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart.

"Joining and playing for Manchester United has been a privilege, a dream come true and my time here has been so memorable. Through the good times and the bad times we have all stuck together and remained loyal. I have always said you don’t just join Manchester United, you join the family and long may that tradition continue.

"This club is steeped in history and I feel privileged to have become a part of that. Over the past nine years I have met and worked with some incredible people, many of whom will remain friends for life. I would like to thank everyone at the club - teammates, coaches and in particular all the staff who made every single day in Carrington or at Old Trafford a special day.

"An immense thank you to Sir Alex Ferguson for making it all possible, for giving me the privilege to be a captain, to be inspired by the legend of Manchester United and to understand that nobody is bigger than the club.

"My biggest thanks go to the fans. We have had some fantastic times together, we lifted all of those trophies together and that night in Moscow will live with us all forever. Every single time I stepped out in that shirt I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club.

"My passion for this club will live on and I know you guys will go on to enjoy more success in the coming seasons."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

EVRA'S OPEN LETTER TO MANCHESTER UNITED​

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"After a great deal of thought I have decided the time is right for me to leave Manchester United. It is the biggest decision of my career as this club is, and will always remain, in my heart.Joining and playing for Manchester United has been a privilege, a dream come true and my time here has been so memorable. ​

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Through the good times and the bad times we have all stuck together and remained loyal. I have always said you don’t just join Manchester United, you join the family and long may that tradition continue.​

​

'This club is steeped in history and I feel privileged to have become a part of that. Over the past nine years I have met and worked with some incredible people, many of whom will remain friends for life. I would like to thank everyone at the club - team-mates, coaches and in particular all the staff who made every single day in Carrington or at Old Trafford a special day.​

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'An immense thank you to Sir Alex Ferguson for making it all possible, for giving me the privilege to be a captain, to be inspired by the legend of Manchester United and to understand that nobody is bigger than the club.​

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'My biggest thanks go to the fans. We have had some fantastic times together, we lifted all of those trophies together and that night in Moscow will live with us all forever. Every single time I stepped out in that shirt I knew I was playing for the badge and for a very special club.'My passion for this club will live on and I know you guys will go on to enjoy more success in the coming seasons."​

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[Sodrenzlas]

மிகவும் சுவாரசியமான தலைப்பு

 

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Golden Memories of Patrice Evra

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No Vidic,No Rio & No Evra!

Manchester United main defendersla 3n denama dan naha​

 

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Gerrard international retirement will boost Liverpool - Carragher

Steven Gerrard's retirement from England duty will be of huge benefit to Liverpool, Jamie Carragher has predicted.

Gerrard stepped down from the international game on Monday after amassing 114 caps and leading England into three major tournaments as captain.

The 34-year-old cited Liverpool's involvement in the Champions League as a key factor behind his decision, having excelled on Merseyside last season when the club had no continental commitments.

And Carragher, who retired from the game a year ago, believes Gerrard will be able to give Liverpool two or three more years of sterling service after departing the international arena.

He told Sky Sports News: "For Liverpool football club, it's a great decision. I am sure the Liverpool supporters will be happy.

"You get a fresher Steven Gerrard. He had a great season last season with the demands of England.

"But there will be more demands on Liverpool this season, more expected because of the season they had last year, and Steven Gerrard is still a vital part of Liverpool - and I think he will be for the next two or three years, so for Brendan Rodgers, it's a great decision by Stevie."

Despite Gerrard's decision to step down, Carragher believes his former colleague could have continued for England, and believes national boss Roy Hodgson will have a tough time replacing the former skipper.

"I think he could have [continued]," Carragher added.

"I think he has shown that throughout his career, he has been able to deal with the demands of Liverpool and England.

"I think just that fact of Liverpool being back into Europe now, that adds to the schedule of games.

"At times, you are playing two or three times a week because he is still vitally important to Liverpool, and I think he is also for England in some ways because there isn't a natural person you could see taking the role he has now with England in terms of that holding role, that sitting role.

"There are not many young players coming through in that role, but England will have to find someone to fill that role."

 

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Bojan mulling over Premier League move

Bojan Krkic is mulling over a move to the Premier League with Stoke City after manager Mark Hughes revealed he is waiting on the Barcelona forward making a decision over his future.

Peter Coates, the Stoke chairman, confirmed last week that Hughes has held positive talks with the 23-year-old, adding that the Premier League club were "quietly confident" of reaching an agreement.

Deportivo La Coruna and Olympiakos are also reportedly monitoring Bojan's availability, with Hughes - a former Barca player - poised to find out whether the Spain international is heading to the Britannia Stadium.

"I haven't heard anything over the weekend, but will probably hear something soon," Hughes told The Sentinel.

"He's a young player who's proven at the highest level and once again he's a player who's different to what we have got here already.

"Yes, he has lost his way somewhat, but you don't play 100-odd games for a club like Barcelona unless you've got some ability."

 

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Valencia cancel Costa contract

Valencia have cancelled the contract of captain Ricardo Costa a full 11 months before his contract was due to expire.

The centre-back had a deal at the Mestalla until June 2015, but the Portugal international - who made 20 La Liga appearances last season - has left the club for pastures new."I'm leaving Valencia in good conscience and with the affection of the fans," Costa told the club's official website.


"[These] have been years of great happiness where I felt the support of the fans in good times and bad times."I want to send greetings to all Valencianistas, the workers, my colleagues, the media and everyone with whom I have shared moments.


"It is time to start a new stage in my career, but I always take Valencia in my heart. I was proud to be captain of this team."Costa was not thought to feature in the plans of new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who replaced Juan Antonio Pizzi earlier in July.


The 33-year-old has plied his trade at the Mestalla since May 2010 after joining the club from Wolfsburg.

His departure follows the sale of fellow defender Juan Bernat to Bayern Munich, while Jeremy Mathieu is set to be unveiled as a Barcelona player on Tuesday.