..::Football III::..

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Juventus seal Romulo loan deal

Juventus have bolstered their midfield by completing the €1 million loan signing of Romulo from Serie A rivals Verona.

As part of the deal, Juve have the option to make the move permanent at the end of the 2014-15 campaign for €6million, which would be paid over the course of three years. Verona only acquired full ownership of Romulo last month following a hugely impressive loan period with the club.

The former Fiorentina man made 33 appearances in that spell and scored six goals, which saw him named in Italy's provisional 30-man World Cup squad, though he didn't make the final cut.The 27-year-old will now link up with Juve as they bid to claim a fourth consecutive Serie A title under new coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Juve have recruited extensively in the transfer window, bringing the likes of Alvaro
Morata, Patrice Evra and promising former Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Kingsley Coman to Turin.

 

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Trabzonspor agree €5.6m Cardozo fee

Trabzonspor have announced they have opened talks with Oscar Cardozo after agreeing a €5.6 million fee with Benfica for the striker.

The 31-year-old still has two years remaining on his existing deal with the Portuguese club, but could be set to move to Turkey and join a mass exodus from the Estadio da Luz.

Lazar Markovic, Jan Oblak and Ezequiel Garay have already departed this summer and a statement on Trabzonspor's official website has revealed Cardozo could be the next of those to leave.

“We have begun negotiations with both Oscar Rene Cardozo and SL Benfica," read a statement released on Saturday morning.

The Paraguay international joined Benfica from Newell's Old Boys in 2007 and has since scored 73 goals in 126 appearances for the club.

 

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Arsenal can win Premier League, claims Wenger

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal possess the quality and confidence needed to win the Premier League title this season.

The London club had not won any silverware for nine years until they beat Hull City to lift the FA Cup at Wembley in May, while Arsenal had looked genuine contenders to win the Premier Leagu before losing their way yet again and finishing in fourth place.

Wenger made a statement of intent by bringing in Alexis Sanchez in a €40 million move from Barcelona and have since signed Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy and David Ospina.

And the Frenchman, who signed a new three-year contract in May, is bullish over his side's chances of being crowned champions of England for the first time since 2004.

He said: "I never made any excuses for Arsenal's lack of trophies. I took it on my ­shoulders.

"But I knew the situation. I accepted the challenge when I signed my contract, knowing what would happen. I thought, personally, it was the most sensitive and important period of my career here.

"It was exciting, to manage to keep the club at the top level with less resources. Did we do well or not? The only thing I can say is we were consistent at the level. But we lacked the quality to really win it. Now we have that.

"Even last season we were very close to the Premier League, just seven points behind Manchester City. Our belief has grown.

“I expect a lot but I can talk and talk - at the end it’s the performance on the pitch that will show how much chance we have to win the Premier League.

"We have more confidence than at the beginning of last season. Our ­opponents have also strengthened. It’s everybody's ambition to win the league - but only one will win it."

Wenger refused to reveal whether or not he would have walked away from Arsenal if the club had failed to beat Hull as he plots more success for the London club.

"I always said the same thing to you, that I wanted to think I had done well for the club," he added.

"My motivation was never at stake and I never questioned that. Did I want to go somewhere else? Never. I always wanted to stay.

"But I needed to feel, as well, that I had done a good job and of course the fact we couldn't win was going on in my mind. It was important for me to feel I have done a decent job."

 

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Inzaghi: Milan will be ready by late August

AC Milan head coach Filippo Inzaghi insists his team will be ready for action by late August after a stuttering start to pre-season.

The Rossoneri lost 3-0 to Olympiakos in their International Champions Cup opener before being thrashed 5-1 by English champions Manchester City, casting a shadow over the new boss' reign at San Siro following the replacement of Clarence Seedorf."We're working to make a good impression in the summer friendlies, but to be ready in late August," Inzaghi told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I am sure that we will succeed."

Milan face Liverpool this weekend in their final game in North America in a repeat of the 2007 Champions League final and the fixture brings fond memories for the 40-year-old, who netted two goals in the 2-1 triumph seven years ago."Each time I think back to that game I get excited," he added. "It will always remain my best memory.

"My wish is to try to return again to those emotions of that win. The second goal that won it was amazing. Then the ride on the bus amongst the delirium of the fans was too."Inzaghi's men kick off their clash with Liverpool at 00:30CET on Sunday.

 

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Osvaldo: Mazzarri is a great coach

Pablo Osvaldo has spoke of his excitement at linking up with Inter coach Walter Mazzarri if his proposed move to the Italian side from Southampton goes through.
The Italy international has been deemed surplus to requirements at St Mary's and has been tipped to return to the Serie A with the Nerrazzurri after spending a portion of last season on loan with Juventus, and has recently declared his desire that the move is sealed.

“Inter is a great opportunity because there is a coach like Mazzarri,” he told Corriere dello Sport.“Mazzarri is a great coach. I cannot wait to start.”

The Italy international has also spoke of his hope that a move back to his adopted nation will help his chances of getting back into the Italian national squad, after being left out of the 2014 World Cup squad by Cesare Prandelli.“I'm back from a season in which I played little and if I do well with the Nerazzurri I can win back my place in the national team.”

Osvaldo's career has stalled since Southampton shelled out 15 million Euros to prise the 28-year-old from Roma, with couple of training ground bust-ups with team-mates eventually sealing his loan move to The Old Lady in January.

The proposed move to San Siro for Osvaldo is likely to include a move in the opposite direction for Saphir Taider, whom Southampton coach Ronald Koeman has declared an interest in bringing to England.

 

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Bender: I'm torturing myself in training to get fit

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender has claimed that he is going through a rigorous training regime in order to be ready for the new season.

The 25-year-old missed the World Cup due to a pelvic bone inflammation following a season with BVB that saw many of the club's first team stricken down with fitness problems as they finished second in the Bundesliga.

Bender has insisted that he is ready to get back to full fitness, despite the pre-season training schedule taking its toll, and he was happy with the way Jurgen Klopp's men defeated Chievo 1-0 in a friendly on Friday.

"I'm torturing myself throughout training," he told Ruhr Nachrichten. "Now we have begun training intensely."My legs are heavy today, but it's all the better that we have beaten Chievo."I am now four weeks into my full recovery and it feels very good to be back, even if it is not easy."

Klopp's men defeated the Italian side 1-0 thanks to a strike from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and will face Slask Wroclaw in their next friendly fixture on Wednesday.

Dortmund captain Sebastian Kehl announced at the end of 2013-14 that he will retire at the climax of the 2014-15 campaign and Bender is currently one of the frontrunners to replace the veteran midfielder in this role, having captained BVB during pre-season already.

 

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Galatasaray: Wenger wants to keep Campbell at Arsenal

Galatasaray have had a move for Arsenal's Joel Campbell knocked back because Arsene Wenger wants to keep the striker at the Emirates this season, according to the Turkish club's president Unal Aysal.

Campbell joined the Gunners in 2011 and has spent three seasons on loan at Lorient, Real Betis and Olympiakos respectively.

The 22-year-old impressed while at the Greek club last season, scoring eight league goals and notching in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the Champions League, before catching the eye at the World Cup with Costa Rica.

Campbell's performances have attracted interest from Galatasaray, but Aysal says Wenger will not part ways with the forward.

"Yes, I want him for our team," he said, according to Sporx. "But Arsene Wenger wants to keep him in the squad this season and benefit from him.

"Nothing's happening at the moment. Wenger won't allow this transfer."

Campbell could feature for Arsenal in the pre-season Emirates Cup clash with Benfica on Saturday.

 

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No rush decision on Reus from Bayern - Rummenigge

Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has insisted that no rush decision will be made with regards to their pursuit of Marco Reus.

The Dortmund star has recently been mooted to follow former team-mates Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski to the Allianz Arena having starred for Jurgen Klopp's men for two seasons now.However, the chairman of the Bavarian side has claimed that no agreement is in place yet and was vague regarding a future bid due to the topsy turvy nature of modern day football.

"I like to give myself a year in advance to make transfer decisions," the 58-year-old told Bild when asked about whether Pep Guardiola's men would bid for Reus. "But this cannot be done in the football of football any more."In the past we have tried to clarify our transfers early, but today the philosophy is different."

Reus was tipped to star for Germany at this summer's World Cup in Brazil, but an ankle ligament injury saw the 25-year-old miss the tournament altogether, which Joachim Low's men ultimately won.

The 25-year-old is currently back in training with Dortmund as they prepare for their assault on the Bundesliga in the forthcoming campaign.

 

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Wenger: Messi made Alexis suffer at Barcelona

Arsene Wenger believes Alexis Sanchez suffered in the same way that Neymar does during his time at Barcelona because of Lionel Messi's presence.

Arsenal spent €40 million to acquire the Chile international from the Camp Nou club earlier this summer, with the star set to make his debut in the pre-season Emirates Cup tournament on Saturday.

Despite playing primarily as a winger for Barca, Alexis could be deployed as a striker at the Emirates and Wenger suggests he will shine in the role, without Messi beside him to sap the spotlight.

"He first came on my radar when he played at Udinese and then afterwards, when he went to Barcelona," the Frenchman told The Daily Mirror.

"He is a striker. He’s a good finisher, who made a great impression in Italy. I saw him there and he was really outstanding. It was a bit more difficult for him at Barcelona but it’s like you can see with Neymar at that club, there you have Messi.

"When you see Neymar with Brazil and Neymar with Barcelona he’s not the same. I like the fact Alexis can play left, right, up front and that’s why I went for him."

Wenger admits Arsenal struggled when Theo Walcott sustained a season-ending injury in January and so was keen to recruit a player with similar attributes and he is keen to see how the 25-year-old adapts to Premier League life.

"I love pace and when we lost Walcott we suffered a little bit, yes, on that front," he added. "So I took him because he is a player who has the qualities of Walcott, he goes behind the defenders off the ball.

"And with the quality of his runs he can be very important for us. I think he will give us an extra dimension, in terms of quality and threat. And I hope I’m right."

 

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Ancelotti: Lampard would be a top signing for Man City

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Frank Lampard would be an astute signing for Manchester City as the veteran midfielder nears a loan move to the Etihad Stadium.

The 36-year-old was released by Chelsea this summer and signed a two-year deal with New York City FC in June, a fledgling MLS franchise owned by both the Premier League champions and baseball side the New York Yankees.

But, with the American side’s season not beginning until March 2015, Lampard is set to join Manuel Pellegrini’s side on a short-term loan deal to maintain his fitness levels in the meantime.

And Ancelotti, who oversaw Lampard’s highest-scoring campaign while manager at Stamford Bridge, believes the England international would be an asset to City - and even joked that he would have liked to bring him to Madrid.

“I didn’t know this. I’m really surprised because I thought he was coming here to the USA to play,” said Ancelotti, who is in Michigan to face Manchester United, when told about reports linking Lampard with a move to the Etihad.

“It’s too late for me to take him to Madrid but I’m really happy for Frank as I have a good memory of him. I wish him luck. He’s a good signing for Manchester City.”

Lampard spent two years playing under Ancelotti, a spell which saw Chelsea win the Premier League, FA Cup and Community Shield before the Italian boss was axed after a trophyless campaign in 2011.

 

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Rooney relishing new Man Utd system under Van Gaal

Wayne Rooney is thrilled with his role under new manager Louis van Gaal and hopes their promising pre-season is a sign of things to come for Manchester United.

While it was not all doom and gloom for the 28-year-old last year, scoring 17 goals and adding 12 assists in the Premier League under David Moyes, the Red Devils stumbled to a seventh-place finish as they missed out on European football.

Rooney hopes the team have turned a corner under the Dutchman and claims that he is having a lot of fun playing in the 3-5-2 system that has seen him score four goals in their first three pre-season matches.

"The system has been very good," the striker told reporters following training at Michigan Stadium. "Obviously the manager has come in and we have been training in a different system, but it’s great, even at my age, to learn something new and try and get better with the team.

"We have to get better and over the next few weeks I’m sure we will. It’s been great so far and hopefully the results will keep coming, starting Saturday.

"In the system we have played in the first few games, I’ve enjoyed my role, so I’m looking forward to continuing and scoring goals which will hopefully help to make us successful."

A win over Real Madrid on Saturday would see Manchester United advance to the International Champions Cup final and, despite it being a pre-season tournament, Rooney is keen to see the team win their fourth game on the trot under Van Gaal.

"It would be fantastic if we could play Man City rivals in the final, but first of all we have a game against Real Madrid tomorrow and it’s important for us to win," the England international added. "We want to win the game and end the group as leaders.

"It’s amazing to play in front of so many fans in a pre-season game. It’s going to be a great experience so hopefully we can put on a good show and win.

"The pitch is very soft. The ball doesn’t roll as well as you would like it to, but there’s nothing we can do about that. We have to adapt to the conditions and do the best we can do. Our aim is to go out and win the game so we can get to the final on Monday."

Their match versus Real Madrid will be played at Michigan Stadium, nicknamed the Big House, in front of a sell-out crowd of 109,000 expected to be present, which would set a United States record for attendance in the sport.

 

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Ter Stegen's shocked me, admits Bravo

Claudio Bravo has admitted that his Barcelona goalkeeping rival Marc-Andre ter Stegen has surprised him with his ability and attitude.

Bravo impressed in Chile's World Cup campaign this summer, after being a regular between the sticks for seven of his eight seasons with Real Sociedad, and joined Camp Nou in a €12 million deal after the South American side were eliminated.

Ter Stegen's move to fill the void left by Victor Valdes, who departed the club this summer, had long been mooted but Bravo's arrival posed question marks as to whom new coach Luis Enrique would choose as his No.1 in 2014-15.

Despite having never settled for being second best, Bravo insists he has no idea who will be picked as the first-choice shot-stopper this campaign and praised the way that his German team-mate has trained in pre-season so far.

"I have been surprised by many things that Ter Stegen has done," the 31-year-old told Catalunya Radio. "He has great quality and is already talking the native language, Catalan.

"[Goalkeeping youth product] Jordi Masip is also training well and knows the methodology of Barca.

"In my career I have never been a substitute but I have always started from scratch with my peers. Here there is a healthy competition that will help the team to be as prepared as possible.

"I think we both have the same chance to be a starter. But I do not know who will begin there. I think we always have to prepare to be picked but not expect to start."

Barca face Nice in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, with kick off at 20:45CET.

 

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Van Gaal downplays Man Utd’s need for transfers

Louis van Gaal says he is not growing anxious with the lack of transfer activity by Manchester United, despite the start of the Premier League season being just two weeks away.

With England’s top teams gearing up for the first weekend of the campaign on August 16, the Red Devils have been stagnant in the transfer window in recent weeks since the signings of Ander Herrera and Luke Shaw.

Despite being heavily linked to a number of players, including Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal, the Dutchman does not yet feel pressure to bolster his squad and claims the gap in transfer activity is down to a desire to test out the current crop.

"I want to see the players I have in the team first to give them an honest chance," Van Gaal told reporters ahead of their International Champions Cup friendly clash with Real Madrid on Saturday.

"We have got a month to go still, and we are winning everything - maybe we don’t need other players."

Despite a limited amount of time to train under their new manager, Manchester United have posted a perfect record thus far on their North American tour and Van Gaal has been enjoying getting stuck in as David Moyes' replacement.

"The tour is a burden for my wife, but not for me. I’m anxious to win. I’m a coach who always wants to win and Manchester United are a team who are used to winning, so I think tomorrow my players will show this," he added.

"I think the commercial aspect is also important, but we are playing some of the best teams in Europe, which is a challenge for us and reason enough to play here.

"We have an accumulation of tiredness from travelling, training and matches, so I have to think about the line-up and how many players I should change. I want to play with our stronger line-up for 60 minutes."

The 62-year-old also stressed he would stick to his guns regarding United's tactical change to a 3-5-2, which he used with Netherlands at the World Cup this summer, despite three centre-backs being an unfamiliar sight at Old Trafford.

"From the first moment that I arrived in Manchester I have played with five defenders. Maybe there comes a time where I have to play with four defenders but, for now, all my training sessions are designed for a five defender system."

Defender Chris Smalling was spotted training separately from the team on Friday night, under the supervision of their fitness coach. Van Gaal confirmed the defender picked up a minor knock and will not be able to face Real Madrid for precautionary reasons.

 

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LVG mona kiyanawada mandaKattiya ganne nathuwa meh sareth ayeth chater widiyata kannada hadanneDefence ma ahem pitinma awl & MID​

 

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Ronaldo refuses to rule out Man Utd return

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out a return to Manchester United in the future and maintains his “love” for his former club.

The 29-year-old joined Real Madrid from the Red Devils in a €94 million deal in 2009 after spending six seasons at Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who will not face United in Saturday’s pre-season friendly in Michigan due to fitness concerns, admits he sees his former club as a "second family" but reiterates that he is happy to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for now.

"Manchester United are one of my favourite clubs, everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I speak about Manchester United, I loved it there," Ronaldo told reporters.

"I was 18 years old when I joined, I won everything there, the people treat me like a god there so I appreciate that and, in the future, who knows.

"I remember when we played there against Manchester United in the Champions League. Their affection killed me, I was so happy.

"I had fantastic moments and I appreciate this club. For me, it’s one of the best clubs in the world and I have passion for this club.

"Some players I am still in contact with because, when I was there, I created a good relationship with everybody - not just the players, but all of the staff.

"It was like my second family there, so I’ll not forget that the people treat me good. I love Manchester United and to go back... With football you never know.

"Of course, I’m happy at Real Madrid - it’s my home, my club - but Manchester United treated me unbelievable so you never know."

Ronaldo also believes United will prosper under Louis van Gaal’s guidance following their worst-ever Premier League campaign last season under fired coach David Moyes, who had replaced Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

"It will be a better season for sure. My feeling is Van Gaal is a fantastic coach, he showed that all the time for Netherlands, the team played unbelievable at the World Cup, and I hope that Man Utd come back like the people know," he added.

 

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International Champions Cup 2014.08.03 Fixture

International Champions Cup 2014.08.03 Fixture
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Manchester United Vs Real Madrid

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Manchester United Vs Real Madrid match 1ka balanna over 109,000 fans la idi kiyala thamai kiyanneFIFA World Cup 2014 Final 1ka balanna hitiyatath wada fansla

Good Luck Manchester United!​

 

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Official: Valbuena completes Dinamo Moscow switch

France international Mathieu Valbuena has completed his move from Olympique de Marseille to Dinamo Moscow.

The attacking midfielder was entering the final year of his contract at Stade Velodrome and Marseille chose to cash in on the 29-year-old, who has spent the last eight seasons with the Provence outfit.

Although there was interest from the Premier League - with QPR reportedly particularly keen on the winger - as well as a rumoured pursuit from Fiorentina, he has chosen to sign a three-year deal with the Russian outfit.

No details of the fee have been revealed, though it is believed to be in the region of €7 million.

In a note on their official website, Marseille praised the 37-time capped France international, stating: "He fought with all his abilities, his assets: they became his strength, his trademark.

"For all those moments shared, Mathieu deserves thanks. Good luck..."

Amongst his most memorable moments for Marseille was a stunning goal in the Champions League against Liverpool at Anfield in October 2007, which helped the French club to a famous win. In total, he would make 325 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa's club, scoring on 37 occasions.

Dinamo Moscow, who will take part in the Europa League this season, will become his third senior club, having moved to OM from Libourne in 2006 aged 21.

The Russian outfit have already signed Alexander Buttner from Manchester United and William Vainqueur from Standard this summer.

 

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Half Time

Manchester United 2 Vs 1 Real Madrid

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Full Time

Manchester United 3 Vs 1 Real Madrid

Manchester United Goal(s)

A.Young 21',37'
Chicharito 80'

&

Real Madrid Goal(s)

G.Bale 27(PEN)'
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