..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere apologises for smoking on holiday

Jack Wilshere admits he regrets smoking on a post-World Cup holiday and insists he will work hard to re-discover his best form and fitness ahead of what he describes in personal terms as a "big season".

Wilshere caused controversy when pictures of him smoking in a swimming pool during a Las Vegas party surfaced earlier this summer, immediately after England's failed World Cup campaign.

Boss Arsene Wenger voiced his disapproval of his player's actions and the two have since held talks, and the 22-year-old has now publicly conceded his actions were a "mistake".

"The smoking? Of course I regret it," he told reporters. "I’ve been seen before doing it. I said then I made a mistake and I have made a mistake again. People make mistakes.

"I’m young and I’ll learn from it. I realise the consequences it has and the effect on kids growing up. I have kids myself and I don’t want them growing up to think their dad smokes and it’s okay for a footballer to smoke because it’s not.

"It’s unacceptable and I will accept the consequences and I will move on."
Once heralded as the future of the Arsenal and England midfield, Wilshere started just one of three matches in Brazil - a dead rubber against Costa Rica - and was criticised last season by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, who suggested the 22-year-old had failed to develop his game in the four years since his Gunners breakthrough.

Wilshere admits this is a "big season" on a personal level and is hoping past injury problems do not re-surface to prevent him rising back to the top of his game.

"This is a big season for me," he added. "I came back early to pre-season to show people my commitment. I am fully committed to the club and to my job and I want to show everyone that.


"Over the past few seasons I’ve had a few injuries. This season I’m looking to have a really great pre-season and get a really good base of fitness and take that into the season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal bemoans Man Utd display despite Roma win

Louis van Gaal insisted he was far from pleased with Manchester United's performance despite their 3-2 win over Roma in Denver on Saturday.

A double from Wayne Rooney and a Juan Mata strike put United in a commanding position before Roma hit back with two unanswered goals of their own in the second half at Sports Authority Field.


It was United's second consecutive win in their pre-season tour of the United States and the Premier League side's first in the International Champions Cup.
But Van Gaal was still critical of United's display, though he did concede the heat played a big factor as his team faltered after the break, despite regular drinks breaks.


"I am pleased that we have won but it was not a good performance," said the Dutchman, who lamented the kick-off time during his pre-game conference.
"54,000 people came to watch us but we can perform much better.


"We are not used to this hot weather. I think we didn't play a good match because of the height of the stadium, the air, because all my good passers failed today."I said when the World Cup was here in '94 it wasn't wise to play here at noon. America has a top sports climate but you have to play football at the right time.


"When you are 3-0 ahead, the only thing you have to do is keep the ball in possession and then the opponent has to run and run and run. It's very difficult in this hot weather to do that.


"But we forgot to do that [keep possession] and we brought Roma into the game ourselves."While he was disappointed with the state of play, the Dutchman was impressed by the standard of goals on show, from both teams.


Rooney got the ball rolling with a curling effort from outside the penalty area, while Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic delighted the crowd after catching goalkeeper Ben Amos off his line and scoring from inside his own half - similar to David Beckham's stunning strike against Wimbledon in 1996.


"Some of our passes failed, the ball was bobbling all the time and we didn't create so much, but we scored three fantastic goals," he added.


"The pass from Rooney to Mata was unbelievable, despite the heat and the height. Mata was running with his brain at the right moment.
"They also scored one fantastic goal, so then it was 3-1."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

LVG kiyana de attha thamai2nd half performance nam echchara hoda naha
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[Wolverine GTR]

Ancelotti: James an investment for Madrid

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says James Rodriguez is an "investment for the future" for the Champions League winners.

The Blancos faced Inter on Saturday and took the lead after 10 minutes, as Gareth Bale fired home from outside the box, but the Italian giants fought back from the penalty spot as Mauro Icardi clipped the ball home when Nemanja Vidic was fouled in the box.

Following the 1-1 result, which Inter won on penalties, Ancelotti assessed his squad’s attacking players and looked forward to the arrival of €80 million man James.

"He arrives on August 1," Ancelotti told reporters. "He is a very important player. He has the quality to play in our team.

"He is a very young player. He is an investment for the future."

With James and Toni Kroos already signed, Radamel Falcao is believed to be the next target for the Blancos but the coach denied that the club are pursuing a striker this summer as he perceives the club have plenty of attackers.

"In our current template, we can play excellently with several options," he began, "First, we have Benzema who is very reliable.

"Isco can play a false nine. It is not important to have a striker who scores many goals. We want a player who can receive the crosses of Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo.

"We are not going to recruit another forward because we don’t need one.”

Finally, Ancelotti addressed rumours linking Angel Di Maria, one player whose place is threatened by the arrival of James, with a move away from the club.

"Di Maria is very close to PSG," he concluded, acknowledging reports linking the Argentine winger to the French champions, “I have no news. Di Maria is the same as the others."

Up next for Madrid are Roma on Wednesday at the Cotton Bowl.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal set for crunch Juventus talks

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal will meet with senior club officials on Sunday evening amid serious interest from Manchester United.

The Premier League club are prepared to offer Vidal a deal worth €316,000 per week, which would make him the second-highest earner at Old Trafford alongside Robin van Persie.

Vidal will sit down with his agent, Fernando Felicevich, as well as Juventus officials and lawyers to discuss his future with the Serie A club ahead of his return to training on Monday following the World Cup.

The Chilean midfielder is keen to make the switch to Manchester, but is also settled at Juventus and would not rock the boat and risk damaging his reputation among supporters in Turin by forcing through a move.

United are confident, however, that they can offer an attractive financial package to both club and player to facilitate a smooth transaction.

Manager Louis van Gaal has identified Vidal as his priority target this summer, and the Red Devils are prepared to pay hefty wages and a transfer fee of more than €50 million to land their man.

Last week, Vidal insisted he was happy at Juventus and would speak to coach Massimiliano Allegri at training on Monday, although Goal understands his future will be decided 24 hours beforehand.

The former Bayer Leverkusen man, giving a brief interview at an airport, also refuted the suggestion that he was heading to Manchester for talks.

"I don't know if I will stay at Juventus, I'm happy here in Turin," he told Sky Italia. "I will talk with Allegri on Monday. I'm not going to Manchester."

Juve director Giuseppe Marotta has previously insisted that Vidal will not be sold. "It's very simple," he said at Allegri's unveiling as Antonio Conte's successor. "Vidal extended his contract with us last season, as there was a mutual desire to continue this rapport.

"I can confirm Vidal is happy to be with us and there's no reason for alarm."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal ge rumors nam epa wela thiyenne dan

Anyway Manchester United ganna puluwan unoth hodai
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Man Utd still lead Vermaelen chase despite Barcelona interest

Manchester United remain confident of completing a deal to sign Thomas Vermaelen this summer, despite interest from Barcelona.

United are yet to agree a deal to sign the centre-back with Arsenal, but Goal understands the Old Trafford club have maintained their interest despite having enquiries regarding a €7.5 milllion bid knocked back.

Vermaelen is understood to be keen to leave Arsenal this summer, but Arsene Wenger wants to sign a replacement for the defender before they sanction his sale.

And Barca could yet complicate the deal after rekindling their long-standing interest in the former Ajax man, who has 12 months remaining on his current Arsenal contract.

The Catalan club recently completed the €20m signing of Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia, but are looking to bring in another defender this summer.

New United manager Louis van Gaal identified Vermaelen as a summer transfer target long before arriving at Old Trafford in July, and is eager for the club to push through a deal to sign the Belgium international.

Gunners boss Wenger has admitted Vermaelen, who has found himself behind first choice centre-back pairing Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at Arsenal, could leave this summer.

"I cannot guarantee [that he will stay],” Wenger told reporters during pre-season. “But, should he go, I would bring another centre-back in for sure.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Arsenal sign keeper Ospina

Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of goalkeeper David Ospina from Nice.

The Colombia international has signed what Goal earlier this week revealed to be a four-year contract after a deal worth €4 million was agreed between the two clubs.

Ospina became one of the most coveted goalkeepers in Europe after a string of impressive performances at this summer's World Cup in Brazil and will now compete with Wojciech Szczesny for the No.1 spot.

The 25-year-old is set to make his debut for Arsenal in the Emirates Cup pre-season tournament, which takes place in the first week of August.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger told the club's official website: “David Ospina is an excellent goalkeeper, with good experience and a proven record of performing with Nice and Colombia.

“He will add strength to our squad and we are very pleased that he will be joining us."

Ospina made 189 appearances during a six-year spell at Nice and has been capped 49 times by Colombia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Ospina!

Ospina & Szczesny hoda competition 1kak yai

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[Wolverine GTR]

 

[rcccc]

Official: Arsenal sign keeper Ospina

Congratz Ospina

 

[rcccc]

Ospina & Szczesny hoda competition 1kak yai

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aniwa

 

[unicornx]

LVG kiyana de attha thamai2nd half performance nam echchara hoda naha
​

:/

 

[unicornx]

Vidal ge rumors nam epa wela thiyenne dan

Anyway Manchester United ganna puluwan unoth hodai
​

mata penna baha vidal wa..Puduma add ekak :/

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich 3-0 Wolfsburg: Lewandowski scores twice as Roten retain Telekom Cup

New boys Robert Lewandowski and Sebastian Rode helped Bayern Munich see off Wolfsburg and retain the Telekom Cup with a 3-0 win on Sunday.

Lewandowski, who has made an impressive start since arriving from Borussia Dortmund earlier this month, scored twice, while Rode opened his account in a comfortable victory at Hamburg's Imtech Arena.

Bayern shot out of the blocks and were ahead four minutes in when Lewandowski scored his third goal in as many games for the German champions.

Rode duly got in on the act and scored his first goal since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, while Lewandowski added a second before the break to effectively secure the pre-season trophy for Pep Guardiola's men.

Lewandowski's first goal, in a game played over 60 minutes rather than the usual 90, came courtesy of a header from Franck Ribery's fine cross.

And the defending champions doubled their advantage when Rode produced an expertly curled finish past Max Grun in the Wolfsburg goal - Claudio Pizarro having intricately backheeled the ball into his path.

Guardiola saw his side continue to dominate as they moved 3-0 ahead within 20 minutes - Lewandowski again on target.

Afforded far too much time, the Poland forward curled home a strike from outside the area to all but wrap up the win.Wolfsburg rallied late in the half and enjoyed their strongest spell of possession, but struggled to get in behind the Bayern defence with any regularity.

Despite failing to reel Bayern in during the second half, Wolfsburg were at least able to prevent their opponents from pulling further clear.

Guardiola will no doubt take heart from seeing Ribery manage 54 minutes on his second game back from injury, while Lewandowski's scoring streak provides a further boost with the German Super Cup against Dortmund approaching on August 13.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lew hama match 1kakama goals score karanawa​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ribery: Lewandowski an outstanding footballer

Franck Ribery has hailed new Bayern Munich team-mate Robert Lewandowski as "an outstanding football player".

The Poland international has only just arrived in Bavaria on a free transfer from Borussia Dortmund but has wasted little time in impressing, netting a stunning solo goal in Saturday's Telekom Cup clash with Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday before bagging a double in the 3-0 win over Wolfsburg the following day.

Ribery has been impressed with how quickly Lewandowski is adjusting to his new surroundings - and is excited by the prospect of the striker proving even more prolific once he fully settles in.

"Robert is an outstanding football player," the winger told the Bundesliga's official website.

"The interaction with the team is getting better every day. He is good for us. He has quickly integrated and we have a lot of fun together."

And Ribery admitted that he is determined to enjoy himself as much as possible as he tries to put his heartbreak at having been ruled out of World Cup 2014 by injury firmly behind him.

"That was a big disappointment for me," the France international confessed. "Injuries occur from time to time, but just before a World Cup ... that was bitter. Especially since I was great in shape.

"I was really looking forward to Brazil. But now is also good. I do not want to think about [the World Cup], but look forward. I'm looking forward to the new season."

Ribery was also on target in the game against Monchengladbach but he says that he still has a long way to go before he is back to his best.

"Of course I'm not at 100 percent, but that's normal," the 31-year-old pointed out. "I lost my rhythm [during the injury]. My game is based on explosiveness and speed. I have to get this back.

"But I have no more pain and I am glad that I can fully participate from the beginning [of pre-season]. This is very important for me."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vertonghen set for new five-year Tottenham deal

Jan Vertonghen insists he is happy to stay at Tottenham and reveals he has been offered a new five-year contract.

Towards the end of last season, the 27-year-old admitted that he was keen to play Champions League football, while the player’s agent claimed earlier this month that "several teams" were interested in the Belgium international.

Last week, Goal learned that Tottenham were planning talks over a new contract and Vertonghen says he is ready to commit his long-term future to the club.

"It goes without saying that I would like to stay at Tottenham," Vertonghen told Belgian station Radio 1.

"I still had a four-year contract but I see that they have offered me a new five-year contract as a great sign of confidence."

Vertonghen will return to pre-season training on Monday following his holiday after Belgium's World Cup campaign and is set to undergo tests on an ankle problem.

"I walked into the World Cup match against Argentina with an ankle injury," said the defender.

"But I want to treat it carefully, because last season I was suffering from one injury to another, I definitely want to avoid that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao poised to make Monaco comeback in Emirates Cup

Radamel Falcao is expected to make his eagerly awaited comeback when Monaco take part in the Emirates Cup next week.

The Colombia international has been absent since damaging his cruciate knee ligament in a Coupe de France tie against Monts d'Or Azergues in January.

Falcao missed the World Cup as a result of the injury, despite a desperate late bid to be fit for the tournament in Brazil.

However, the 28-year-old is poised for a return to action when the pre-season tournament takes place at the home of Arsenal.

"I think he will be able to start playing again at the Emirates Cup," Monaco head coach Leonardo Jardim told L'Equipe.

"He is now in the final phase of his recuperation."

Falcao's future at the Stade Louis II has been called into question amid rumours of a return to La Liga with Real Madrid, with the striker having previously represented rivals Atletico.

Goal understands Madrid are willing to part with Angel Di Maria for €60 million in order to fund a possible move for the Colombia star.

But Jardim is hopeful Falcao will lead the line for Monaco in Ligue 1 this term, adding: "For now, he is a Monaco player and I am counting on him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Olimpija Ljubljana 1-2 Chelsea: Diego Costa strikes on Blues debut

Diego Costa scored his first goal for Chelsea as the Blues defeated Slovenian side NK Olimpija 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday.

The striker, signed from Atletico Madrid for £35m earlier this summer, raced onto a Cesc Fabregas pass before finishing well, while Kurt Zouma also netted as Jose Mourinho's men came from a goal down to record a hard-fought victory.

The hosts hit the front five minutes before the interval, Nik Kapun smashing past young goalkeeper Matej Delac after Darijan Matic's chested lay-off on the edge of the area.

But Chelsea were level in the 56th minute as Costa ran on to a pass from another new signing - Cesc Fabregas - and thumped a finish high into the net.

And Mourinho's team were in front shortly after, Zouma stabbing the ball home after Fernando Torres saw his shot parried back out into the danger area by Olimpija goalkeeper Aleksander Seliga.

There was a moment of controversy in the 66th minute as Chelsea thought they had extended their advantage.

Seliga did brilliantly to tip Zouma's header onto the bar, with Branislav Ivanovic scuffing the rebound goalwards.

The ball appeared to have crossed the line, with the help of John Terry, but the referee ruled the goal out, seemingly for what he felt was a foul by Chelsea's captain on the home goalkeeper, though it mattered little in the end as the Blues comfortably saw out their victory.

The Premier League club continue their pre-season preparations against Vitesse on Wednesday.