..::Football III::..

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Costa will fight for Chelsea trophies

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is determined to return the Premier League title to Stamford Bridge in his debut season in English football.

The 25-year-old joined the Blues for €40 million earlier in the summer following a prolific season in La Liga, in which he bagged 27 goals as Atletico Madrid won La Liga.Now Costa, who has been joined by Atletico team-mates Thibaut Courtois and Filipe Luis in west London, is aiming to enjoy back-to-back successes by helping his new club to their first league win since the 2009-10 campaign.

“I’d say to the fans that you need to be confident that I personally will fight for this club to make sure we’re in contention to win as many trophies as possible,” he told Chelsea TV at the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria.

“I’m part of a great group of players here and we will do everything we can to give the fans what they want: and that’s titles.”

Chelsea are touring Europe before their opening game of the season against Burnley on August 18, and face Austrian side Wolfsberger on Wednesday.

 

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'Suarez won't be Messi's servant'

Luis Suarez will not be Lionel Messi's "servant" at Barcelona this season, according to the €88 million man's former coach Martin Lasarte.

The 27-year-old has had a tumultuous summer so far having been banned from football for four months for biting Giorgio Chiellini tat the World Cup, but then joining the Camp Nou side from Liverpool in the biggest transfer of the summer so far.

The coach who handed the Uruguayan his international debut foresees the striker making a monumental impact for the team but does not believe he will exist at Barca to serve up goals on a plate for Messi.

"Luis Suarez will not be the servant of Messi," Lasarte told Sport. "I see Luis contributing collectively, but not as a servant to others."

When quizzed about how he thinks the Catalunya club's new attacking trio of Suarez, Messi, and Neymar can co-exist, the 53-year-old did not hold back in his excitement.

"It's tremendous! In this attack there is talent, scoring power, personality and winning character," the current Universidad de Chile boss added."Now the work will be for coach Luis Enrique, who must get on top of the talents and egos in each one of them."

Suarez will not feature for Barcelona for the early part of the season, due to his footballing ban from Fifa, and his former mentor believes the attacker has been made an unfair example of by the governing body.

"Clearly they should punish him, but this is crazy and excessive," Lasarte concluded.

 

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Arsenal take Barcelona youngster Spanoudakis on trial

Arsenal have taken Barcelona youngster Georgios Spanoudakis on trial.

Spanoudakis, a 15-year-old midfielder, has reportedly attracted interest from a number of Europe's top clubs having impressed during his time with the Liga giants, whom he joined when he was just nine.

Arsenal are keen to sign Spanoudakis permanently and negotiations with Barcelona over a prospective deal are understood to be continuing.

The youngster made a winning start to his spell in north London, featuring as the club's under-18 side defeated Lincoln City 1-0 on Tuesday, with Ben Sheaf on target.

And should he put pen to paper he will follow in the footsteps of six players - most notably Cesc Fabregas - by electing to swap Camp Nou for the Emirates.

Manager Arsene Wenger has already persuaded one Barcelona star to move to Arsenal this summer, Alexis Sanchez joining in a €40 million deal, while Mathieu Debuchy also headed to north London from Newcastle.

 

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Garcia: Benatia & Ljajic staying at Roma

Roma coach Rudi Garcia has insisted that the club will cling on to star centre-back Mehdi Benatia and young attacker Adem Ljajic this summer.

The capital club were involved in the championship race for the majority of the campaign - despite selling Erik Lamela, Pablo Osvaldo and Marquinhos last summer - and ended up finishing runners up to Juventus.

However, their success means Ljajic and Benatia have been tipped to make big money moves elsewhere, but the former Lille boss has assured fans that the duo will be plying their trade for Roma once again in the forthcoming season.

"Benatia is under contract with Roma and will play with Roma. The club talks with all the players, not just with him. Benatia will remain in Rome," Garcia told reporters.

"The first aim for me is to keep the major players, and Adem Ljajic is one of them."

Having secured a Champions League spot last season, Roma now face the toil of both European and domestic football to contend with at Stadio Olimpico, but the Frenchman has insisted they are ready for the fight.

“The largest pressure will come from ourselves in the next campaign," he added. "We know that this season will be even heavier due to the dual commitments, but we do not feel external pressures. We are ambitious, we'll see where we go.”

The Serie A outfit are currently embarking on a pre-season tour of the United States, where their next opponents will be Liverpool in a glamour friendly in Fenway Park, Boston.

 

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'Thiago Silva decline has been drastic'

Paris Saint-Germain defender Thiago Silva has suffered a "drastic decline" in quality, according to veteran French coach Guy Roux.

The 29-year-old represented Brazil at the World Cup, but could only captain his side to a disappointing fourth place finish after a comfortable 3-0 defeat to Netherlands in the third-place play-off.

The former Auxerre coach suggested the ex-AC Milan man's performances have been plummetting in quality since the tail end of the 2013-14 Ligue 1 campaign and wondered if something has happened off the pitch to harm the centre-back's form.

"Thiago Silva has been worrying since March," Roux told France Football. "We were told then that he was saving himself for the World Cup.

"After seeing his performances in Brazil, I hope he was actually saving his best for Ligue 1.

"When I see a player at this level commit such errors, whether it be facing Colombia or the Netherlands, my first instinct is to wonder if something serious happened in his life. Because the decline is so drastic that it must be a rational explanation."

The PSG captain will be looking to put the disappointing tournament behind him and turn his attentions back to club duty, where the Parisiens will be aiming to defend their Ligue 1 title this campaign.

 

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Ribery hungrier than ever, says Sammer

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has stressed that Franck Ribery is raring to go again for the reigning Bundesliga champions after missing the 2014 World Cup due to injury.

The 31-year-old was desperate to help France to glory at this summer's tournament, but was eventually forced to withdraw from the squad due to a back problem, much to his own disappointment.

Nevertheless, Sammer has made it clear that Ribery has moved on from the missed World Cup and is now keen to start the new season at the Allianz Arena.

"Franck is hungrier than ever before. He is in great shape mentally," Sammer was quoted as saying by Sport Bild.

"I am really happy for him. He is determined to show what he can do once more after missing the World Cup due to injury. We will be seeing a very strong Franck Ribery right from the start of the Bundesliga.

"Franck is still undergoing some treatment on his back and we have to be careful, but he can take part in any exercise. He is in great shape and things are going well for him."

Ribery made 39 appearances in all competitions for Bayern last season, scoring 16 goals in the process.

 

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Pellegrini: Manchester City squad is not yet complete

Manuel Pellegrini has hinted that Manchester City will add to their squad before the close of the transfer window as they continue to prepare for the 2014-15 season.

City have already acquired Willy Caballero, Fernando and Bacary Sagna from Malaga, Porto and Arsenal respectively but are interested in a big-money move for Fernando's former club-mate Eliaquim Mangala, as they seek to strengthen their defence.

And Pellegrini concedes he is not yet satisfied with his squad, though he does not intend to rush into any deals.

"I don't think the squad is complete yet but we have six weeks before the transfer window closes," the Chilean told reporters at a press conference ahead of a pre-season clash with Sporting Kansas City.

"Perhaps there is the option to bring one or more players in, or maybe one or two will leave our squad but there is time for us to consider what is best for our team."

Pellegrini will be without Alvaro Negredo for the beginning of the season, however, with the Spain international having undergone surgery on the metatarsal injury he suffered against Hearts last week.

"Alvaro had surgery today on his broken foot and he will probably be out for two or three months," Pellegrini added.

"It is a blow for us because Alvaro is a very important member of our squad so obviously we will miss him."

 

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AC Milan must rely on youth, says Berlusconi

Silvio Berlusconi claims AC Milan must turn their attention to their youth academy talents in order to return to the summit of Italian football.

Milan have gone without silverware since winning the Serie A title under Massimiliano Allegri in 2010-11 and finished short of the European places last season after a dismal campaign.

Club president Berlusconi believes youth could be the key in their attempts to become a major force on the continent once again.

"We have to start a new cycle and start winning again like we did in the past," the Milan supremo told Oggi.

"We have to appreciate and rely on the youngsters coming through our own youth academy as well.

"Let's not forget that Milan are still the most successful club in the world."

Mattia De Sciglio is one of the few players in Filippo Inzaghi's squad who came through the ranks of the Milan academy, along with Bryan Cristante.

Much is also expected of creative midfielder Hachim Mastour, who came close to making his official first-team debut at the tender age of 15 last term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona agree €20m deal for Mathieu

Barcelona have confirmed that they have reached a deal that will see them sign Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia on a four-year deal for a fee of €20 million.

The Catalans were looking to sign a new centre-back following the retirement of Carles Puyol at the end of the 2013-14 campaign and they have long been pursuing 30-year-old Mathieu.

After protracted negotations, Barca have finally secured the signing of the Frenchman, who will have a €50m buyout clause in his new contract after becoming one of the most expensive players at the age of 30 or over in history.

"Barcelona and Valencia have reached an agreement for the transfer of the French player Jeremy Mathieu," a statement on the club's official website reads.

"Jeremy Mathieu will sign a contract with Barcelona for the next four seasons plus an optional season more.

"The cost of the transfer is €20 million and the buyout clause will be €50m."

Mathieu started his professional career with Sochaux and also wore the Toulouse jersey before joining Valencia in the summer of 2009.

The defender had since made 177 appearances in all competitions for the Mestalla side, scoring seven goals in the process.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Mathieu!​

 

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Schweinsteiger needs six-week break, says Bayern doctor

Bayern Munich team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has voiced his concerns over Bastian Schweinsteiger's fitness ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.

The influential midfielder was plagued by injury problems throughout last season and missed a number of games for Bayern, but he recovered in time to feature prominently at the World Cup with Germany.

Bayern granted the 29-year-old a three-week holiday after he guided the national team to glory at this summer's tournament, but Muller-Wohlfahrt feels Schweinsteiger needs at least twice as long in order to fully recover from his exploits in Brazil after a gruelling 2013-14 season.

"Schweinsteiger needs at least a six-week break," the Bayern doctor told Eurosport.

The midfielder missed Germany's World Cup opener against Portugal and was on the bench for the game against Ghana, but featured from the start in the world champions' remaining five games.

Schweinsteiger made 36 appearances in all competitions for Bayern last season.

The Bavarians kick off the new Bundesliga season at home against Wolfsburg on August 22.

 

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Woodward: Manchester United can afford to break world transfer record

Ed Woodward says Manchester United can afford to break the world transfer record of €100 million as the club seek to bolster their squad ahead of the 2014-15 season.

The Red Devils, now under the management of Dutch boss Louis van Gaal, have already spent over €70m on left-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Ander Herrera this summer.

Executive vice-chairman Woodward says they are willing to spend big money in order to recruit further marquee signings - and could perhaps eclipse the fee Real Madrid paid for Gareth Bale last summer - with the club currently preparing a €54m bid for Juventus star Arturo Vidal.

"It's difficult to deal in hypotheticals based on lots of different things," Woodward is quoted as saying by The Guardian. "The reality is that we're not afraid of spending significant amounts of money in the transfer market.

"Whether it's a record or not doesn't really resonate with us. What resonates is an elite player that the manager wants who is going to be a star for Manchester United."

In addition to the acquisitions of Shaw and Herrera, United paid a club-record £37.5m (€45m) to sign Juan Mata from Chelsea in January and Woodward insists the club are capable of eclipsing that figure again this summer.

"Of course it's in our capabilities," he said. "You guys think about the money in a way that I don't. I get pointed in the direction of a target that the manager wants and there is an assessment of what that might cost and I'll negotiate hard to do the best I can on the trade.

"I stand by what I said – there is no budget. We are in a very strong financial position. We can make big signings. That doesn't mean we go and throw money around. Louis is the manager."

Woodward says the club are actively scouting a number of players in the transfer market, though Van Gaal will have the final say on signings, while he is confident Old Trafford remains an appealing destination.

"We have had a lot of scouting output through the last 12 months, flagging up various things to us," Woodward added. "Louis is the one that makes the ultimate decision around who he wants in the squad. I'm not going to force feed him with a player that he hasn't selected.

"We're still looking at options. We're not sitting on our hands waiting for Louis. He is very good at communicating clearly what he wants.

"What the deal shows and what we're seeing with everything we're doing from a commercial perspective, talking to agents, talking from a player's perspective about wanting to come to us, we are the biggest club in the world, there's no question about that."

 

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"I stand by what I said – there is no budget. We are in a very strong financial position. We can make big signings. That doesn't mean we go and throw money around. Louis is the manager."

Kiyanawa wagema wadath karala pennuwanam thamai hoda

Common Manchester United!

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'You never know' - Cavani hints at PSG exit

Edinson Cavani has hinted that he could leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, with Manchester United a potential destination.

Louis van Gaal has already spent upwards of €52.5 million on left-back Luke Shaw and midfielder Ander Herrera this summer but has identified the striker as another potential marquee acquisition.

And the 27-year-old – who is thought to be unhappy at being deployed on the wing under coach Laurent Blanc – has refused to rule out a summer move ahead of the 2014-15 season.

"I am at Paris, I think I will stay here, but you never know with the transfer window," he told Ovacion Digital.

"There was a discussion with Laurent Blanc before the end of the season and I think there will be a new tactical scheme this season."

Despite his wide role in 2013-14, Cavani scored 25 goals in all competitions for PSG last season as the club won Ligue 1.

 

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Cavani PSG walin yai wage​

 

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Numancia 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Mandzukic makes debut but starlet Hernandez steals show

Mario Mandzukic made his first appearance for Atletico Madrid as the Spanish champions began pre-season with a 1-0 win over Numancia.

The Croatia striker, who joined Atletico from Bayern Munich on a four-year deal earlier this month, was named in Diego Simeone's starting XI for the clash at the Estadio Municipal in Burgo de Osma.

Defender Diego Godin, forward Raul Garcia and midfield duo Koke and Gabi were also involved from the first minute as Atletico began preparations for the defence of their Liga crown.

However, it was 18-year-old forward Hector Hernandez who stole the show by netting the only goal of the game against the second-tier side.

Hector found the net a minute before half-time to ensure a successful start to pre-season for Atletico.

Simeone's side, beaten Champions League finalists last season, next head to San Francisco to take on MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes at Candlestick Park on Monday.

 

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Swansea swoop for Sigurdsson

Swansea City have completed the signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson from Tottenham, with Swans duo Ben Davies and Michel Vorm going the other way.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder completed a medical on Wednesday, having left Spurs' tour of the United States, before penning a four-year deal.

The Icelander struggled to hold down a starting berth at White Hart Lane, making just 26 Premier League starts in his two seasons at the club, but returns to the Liberty Stadium where he enjoyed a productive loan spell in 2012.

"I really enjoyed my time last time I was here, so it's really good to be back," he told the club's official website. "I was here for five or six months and still have a lot of memories. Hopefully this time it will be even better.

"The squad has changed a little bit, quite a lot of new players have come into the squad, but the core is still there."

Sigurdsson, then on loan from Hoffenheim, made 18 appearances under Brendan Rodgers, scoring seven goals and assisting a further three to endear himself to the Swansea faithful.

Crystal Palace were also intersted in the former Reading man, but he elected to return to south Wales and becomes the club's fifth signing of the summer after Lukasz Fabianski, Bafetimbi Gomis, Stephen Kingsley and Marvin Emnes.

 

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Cerezo: Costa 'fantastic' but Mandzukic the best centre-forward in Europe

Enrique Cerezo believes that while Diego Costa is "a fantastic striker", Atletico Madrid have replaced the Spain international with "the best centre-forward in Europe" - Mario Mandzukic.

Costa played an integral role in the Rojiblancos' Liga triumph last season, as well as their run to the Champions League final, by netting 36 times in 52 appearances in all competitions.

However, Atletico sold the Brazil-born attacker to Chelsea for €40 million this month having already wrapped up a €22m deal with Bayern Munich for Mario Mandzukic, who had been deemed surplus to requirements following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski at the Allianz Arena.

Cerezo does not view the Croat as a like-for-like replacement for Costa but he does feel that Atletico have pulled off a major coup.

"We are talking about two different styles," the Rojiblancos supremo told reporters at the club's pre-season training camp.

"Costa is a fantastic striker but Mandzukic is a player we really like and who we will adjust our game to.

"Mario wanted to play for Atletico and Bayern had another option and that is why he is here with us today.

"For me, Mandzukic is the best centre-forward in Europe."

 

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Mathieu: Barcelona the best club in the world

Jeremy Mathieu has hailed Barcelona as "the best club in the world" after completing his move to Camp Nou.


The Blaugrana were reportedly forced to part company with €20 million after weeks of tough negotiations with Valencia over the services of the centre-half.
Consequently, the Frenchman is determined to prove his worth to both his coach, Luis Enrique, and the fans as quickly as possible.


“Barca is the best club in the world and to go is a great opportunity for me," Mathieu confessed.


“I know how the club play their football and I have come to help bring quality to that.”

Mathieu represents the latest addition to a new-look Barcelona squad that has already been strengthened by the likes of Ivan Rakitic and Luis Suarez.

 

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Ada thiyana Manchester United Vs LA Galaxy match 1ken passe wath Manchester United sqaud 1ka gana & ganna inna playersla gana decision 1kak gatthoth hodai LVG.nathnam ithin kattiya ganna hadanakota too late wela thiyei hamadama wage

Good Luck Manchester United!
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