..::Football III::..

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Robben aims for Champions League double

Arjen Robben has revealed his desire to fire Bayern Munich to another Champions League title before the end of his career.

The Netherlands international netted the winner in Bayern's 2-1 final victory over Borussia Dortmund in 2012-13, only for the club to surrender their crown last term.

The Bavarians were widely tipped to become the first side to retain the trophy in its modern format, but a 5-0 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid saw Pep Guardiola's men dumped out in the semi-finals in April.

That defeat has served to spur Robben on and the Netherlands international explained how lifting the trophy for a second time remains his one burning career ambition.

"Of course I am eager to get going again. I want to achieve great things with Bayern," Robben was quoted as saying by Kicker.

"It is my goal to win the Champions League again. My biggest objective is to win it for the second time in my career.

"I hope to remain as fit as last season. I can reach last year's form again if I stay fit. And maybe I can even improve in some areas."

Robben also had words of encouragement for team-mate Holger Badstuber, who recently returned to the pitch after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.

"I am very happy for Holger that he's back in action. He deserves to be back. It's great that we're playing together again. He is a great guy and a true friend."

Badstuber played his last official game in December 2012.

 

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Falcao: I am not thinking about Real Madrid

Radamel Falcao has insisted that he is focused on Monaco amid ongoing reports linking him with a summer transfer to Real Madrid.

The Colombia international already caught the attention of the Santiago Bernabeu side in 2013, but a transfer eventually never materialised as he opted to leave Atletico Madrid for Monaco instead.

Madrid have kept a close eye on his situation at the Ligue 1 outfit ever since, though, and are now reportedly ready to make another move for the prolific striker.

Nevertheless, Falcao is not thinking about a transfer just yet and is ready to give his all for Monaco having recovered from a serious knee injury that kept him out of the World Cup.

"I am not aware of any Real Madrid interest. I am not thinking about any other club than Monaco at the moment," Falcao was quoted as saying by AS.

"I have to continue to work hard for Monaco and play when and wherever the coach needs me."

The 28-year-old has a contract with Monaco until the summer of 2018.

 

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Reus: Bayern will dominate Bundesliga again

Borussia Dortmund winger Marco Reus says Bayern Munich will once again be the team to beat in the Bundesliga in 2014-15.

Jurgen Klopp's men had to settle for second spot in the table last term - finishing 19 points behind Bayern - and Reus has warned that they must be more consistent this season if they are to threaten the Bavarians.

"It will be all about Bayern Munich again in the Bundesliga, even if they weren't crowned champions in 2007 and 2011 the season after a World Cup," Reus told Kicker.

"As for Dortmund, we will have to ensure we don't drop as many points again as we did halfway through last season.

"We did very well at the start of the campaign and toward the end, but were not at the same level halfway through the season."

The 25-year-old also briefly discussed his future and insisted that he is happy at his current club amid reports linking him with a summer transfer.

"I can only repeat what I have already said before. I am very happy to be playing for Dortmund.

"My main objective for now is to get back to peak fitness. Everything else isn't important for me at the moment."

Reus has a contract with Dortmund until the summer of 2017, but has a clause in his deal that allows him to leave BVB for €35 million at the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

 

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Manchester United seeking revenge against Liverpool - Fletcher

Manchester United are out for revenge against Liverpool in the International Champions Cup final, says Darren Fletcher.

Brendan Rodgers's side exceeded expectations last season by narrowly missing out on the Premier League title as United finished seventh under David Moyes - their worst league showing since 1989-90.

Liverpool also claimed the league double over their rivals - with a 1-0 win at Anfield and a 3-0 reverse at Old Trafford and Fletcher is keen to go some way to right those wrongs in Miami on Monday.

"It's Manchester United v Liverpool," he told reporters. "I know it's only pre-season and it's just a summer competition, but when United play Liverpool, it's always a big deal.

"We want to win every match, and it's no different when we play Liverpool. We have just beaten Real Madrid, the European champions, and we now want to go on and beat Liverpool.

"That is the sort of thing that gives the squad confidence. We have a lot of young players out here and you have to remember that. But all of us have to do it as a team, collectively, and we are doing that.”

United are without European football this season for the first time in 25 years and Fletcher feels the less-congested fixture list can aid the squad's title bid in the same way Liverpool benefited in 2013-14.

"We go out to win the league," he continued. "It is a dangerous mindset to have, to target fourth place. We are not players or a club that thinks like that and we will be going out to win the league.

"Liverpool didn’t have European football last year and they went close to winning the league, so hopefully we can go one better next year."

 

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Navas: It will not be easy to become Madrid No.1

Costa Rica international Keylor Navas has acknowledged he faces a tough task to beat Diego Lopez and Iker Casillas to the No.1 spot at Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old signed a six-year deal with the Santiago Bernabeu side on Sunday to complete his move from Levante and he has stressed that he will give his all to make an immediate impact at his new club.

"It will be complicated to become No.1 at Madrid. I will have to work hard and show humility," the Costa Rica international told reporters.

"I will try to do things in the best way possible and we will see how things pan out.

"It's great to have signed for Madrid. I will learn a lot from all the players here. Playing for Madrid is a great experience and I will take advantage of it right from the start.

"I want to improve as a person and a player. We have a great team and are very united. I hope to adapt well and play my part."

Carlo Ancelotti stated at the weekend that Iker Casillas will be Madrid's No.1 in the European Supercup clash with Sevilla.

 

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Juventus select Vidal for Asia tour


Juventus have named Arturo Vidal in their 28-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia as they continue to rebuff interest in the midfielder...

The Chile international has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, but new boss Massimiliano Allegri has ruled out the prospect of him departing.

The 27-year-old joins a strong travelling party for the champions' tour of Indonesia, Australia and Singapore, which also includes, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez.

Tevez's father - Segundo - was kidnapped in Buenos Aires on Tuesday before being released the same day, which saw the Argentine striker miss Juventus' friendly with Cesena on Wednesday.

But with his father free again and reportedly healthy, the 30-year-old will join Allegri's squad for their Asian tour ahead of their clash with Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri will then face the A-League All Stars in Sydney on Sunday, before playing the Singapore All Stars in Singapore on August 16.

 

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Del Piero: I am not retiring yet

Former Juventus star Alessandro Del Piero has insisted that he is not planning to retire from professional football just yet.

The veteran attacker's most recent competitive game was his final appearance for Sydney against Melbourne Victory in April, but he is back in Australia to skipper the A-League All Stars against Juventus at ANZ Stadium.

With little word on his playing future in the past few months it was thought the match against his former club could be the swansong to his career, but Del Piero has quashed talk of retirement and wants one more season.

"I don't think so," Del Piero told reporters when asked if this could be his last game.

"It could be my last game in Australia, but my plan is to play on. Now I have to choose what is the best for me with the opportunities I have but I want to play on.

"There's nothing concrete, that's why I can't tell you no more at the moment

"I have been following my passion since I was 19-years-old and I always follow my passion. But I think I'm in good shape to play on again to play for one more year and this is my plan.

"At the end of the day it's not an easy moment for me to understand what is best to do because I have more options coming for outside the pitch rather than on the pitch.

"After this game I will sit with my family, my manger everyone and I will decide what is the best for me and I hope, play on."

 

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Allegri is like Ancelotti, says Buffon

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has compared the approach of new coach Massimiliano Allegri to former boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The 46-year-old took over from Antonio Conte this summer and the veteran goalkeeper has praised the ex-Milan boss for his consensual manner with the players.

"Everyone has their own character," he told La Stampa. "There is no formula that guarantees victory, otherwise it would have been patented.

"There is the sergeant like Louis van Gaal and then there's those like Carlo Ancelotti, who look for direct contact, and they both know how to achieve success.

"Which style do I prefer? I was pleased with both approaches because I received an education that helped me to respect authority.

"It is up to the players to figure out how to interact with the coach so as to give their best. Ancelotti said that the coach must be one of the group, not above it. Allegri is like this and it is a quality that I like."

Buffon went on to say that his team-mates are taking inspiration from Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid, who reached the last two Champions League finals, as they plan an assault of their own on Europe.

"In the past two years Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have reached the final," he added. "Surprises do happen, although it is strange to define Juventus like this."

The 36-year-old also considered Juve's main contenders in the league for the upcoming season and believes Roma's success in the previous campaign marks them as the biggest threat.

"After last year they begin with enthusiasm and awareness of being competitive and having strengthened," Buffon continued. "At the start they are our equals."

 

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Louis van Gaal says Manchester United players will learn their fates soon

Manchester United players should discover later this week if they have a future at Old Trafford.New manager Louis van Gaal says he will sit down with his squad members on their return from the United States and inform them of their fate.

The 25-man squad will head back to Manchester in the early hours of Tuesday morning, following the International Champions Cup game final against Liverpool in Miami.Among those reportedly facing uncertain futures are Javier Hernandez, Shinji Kagawa Wilfried Zaha, along with Marouane Fellaini and Anderson who did not make the trip west.

The Dutchman said: "I shall make judgements after the tour. I have let all the players play so I know now more than I did before.

"But in football, you have to judge. Always, you have to give a chance to a player to make a transfer when you see that his perspective is not so high to play."You have to say it in advance. When you say it on August 31st, it's too late. I shall say to the players what I think after the tour."

Van Gaal has sent coach Marcel Bout back to England to work with the likes of Robin van Persie, Adnan Januzaj, and Fellaini, who have been given time off following their exploits at the World Cup."They (Van Persie, Fellaini and Januzaj) have already trained. I sent Marcel Bout back to train them, along with Nicky Butt," Van Gaal said.

Van Gaal thinks Van Persie is unlikely to be fit to face Swansea on August 16, but the other two could be in contention for United's Premier League opener, depending on how they react to training."I have to look at Robin van Persie if he is coming back or not," said Van Gaal, who coached the striker at the World Cup."But if you have three weeks holiday and only four days training before the Valencia friendly (on August 12), you are not fit enough.

"For the first game in the Premier League, it's possible but I don't think so."
United's money-spinning tour of the US started amid a blaze of publicity in Los Angeles, but two-and-a-half weeks later, their presence in the US is a lot more low-key.Only a couple of hundred invited guests turned up at the Sun Life Stadium to watch United's final training session in America.The session was more of a warm-down as they only played Real Madrid on Saturday night.

On the eve of the match, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Van Gaal is facing a totally different challenge to any other he has faced in his long and successful career.Van Gaal, who has won titles in Spain, Holland and Germany, says he is up to the challenge.

"That's why I'm here," he said."Maybe he is right because I have to experience that but I was also in Spain and in my first year I won three titles, in Germany I won two titles."If I win one here, we will all be happy."

Van Gaal is expected to ring the changes for the final in Miami, which kicks off at 1am BST on Tuesday.The winner takes home a prize of one million US dollars (£600,000).

 

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Ada thiyana International Champions Cup Final 1ken passe Manchester United playerslagen inne kawda ahemath nathnam squad 1ken yanna wenne katada kiyala danaganna puluwan wei

Kagawa,Chicharito,A.Young,Nani,Fellaini,W.Zaha,Anderson & Cleverley ge Manchester United futures thamai danger 1ke thiyenne.Oya set 1ka atharin matanam hithenne A.Young,Chicharito & Kagawa ta thawa chance 1ka dunna nam hodai kiyala.Specially A.YoungTour 1ke hodata play kala

Anyway Fellaini & Anderson arunukota anith hamoma ada final 1ka agollanta puluwan uparimayenma perform karaiGood Luck for all​

 

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International Champions Cup Final 2014.08.04

International Champions Cup Final 2014.08.04

Manchester United Vs Liverpool

@

Sun Life Stadium,Miami.
(5.30AM SL time 2014.08.05)

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Arsenal's Afobe joins MK Dons on loan

Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe has joined League One outfit MK Dons on a season-long loan.

The forward spent last season on loan at Championship side Sheffield Wednesday, scoring twice in 12 appearances for the Owls, but will drop down a division to help the Dons in their promotion push.

The 21-year-old has made 79 appearances for the likes of Reading, Huddersfield and Bolton, having spent most of his career away from his parent club, but had been used by Arsene Wenger during the Gunners' pre-season preparations, scoring in their victory over Boreham Wood.

And Afobe, who will take the number 23 shirt at StadiumMK, says he is looking forward to the loan move and is hoping to add to his competitive goal tally, which currently stands at seven in all competitions.

"I'm really pleased. As soon as I spoke to the manager I knew this is what I wanted to do. It was an easy decision for me," the striker told MK Dons official website.

"I'm a striker who will hopefully score a few goals, I've got good pace and I link to link-up with the midfielders and wingers.

"I'm just really looking forward to getting going now. I just want to play games and help this team out as much as I can."

Arsenal released a statement confirming the move, explaining the youngster was being sent out to gain more time on the pitch.

"Afobe heads to StadiumMK to gain further first-team experience," read the official confirmation on Arsenal's website. "Everyone at Arsenal wishes Benik the best of luck for his time with MK Dons."

 

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Sneijder worked harder than anyone at the World Cup - Prandelli

Wesley Sneijder worked harder than anyone else during the World Cup, according to new Galatasaray head coach Cesare Prandelli.

The 30-year-old played an important role in Netherlands' surprise third-placed finish at Brazil 2014, having scored a crucial goal against Mexico and established an impressive understanding with attacking duo Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie.

Louis van Gaal had called on Sneijder to prove both his form and his fitness during the latter part of last season in order to secure his World Cup place, and the new Manchester United boss has been linked with a summer bid for the player after being impressed by his displays.

Prandelli, who coached Italy to a disappointing group-stage exit before joining Galatasaray, insists Sneijder is important to his plans and is confident he will display the same enthusiasm for his club as he did with the national team.

"Sneijder played very well in the World Cup. He ran more than everyone else in the tournament. His work rate was top," Prandelli told Galatasaray Magazine. "Sneijder is a very important player for us. I hope he will play with the same ambition when he returns."

Prandelli, who replaced compatriot Roberto Mancini at the Istanbul giants, admits he is relishing the prospect of the new season with the club.

"I want to win everything and Galatasaray is a good place for my aims," he said. "I'm different from Roberto Mancini.

"I want to win 20th title for Galatasaray. I cannot wait to play in TT Arena."

Prandelli added that Selcuk Inan will be captain for the forthcoming season as "he symbolizes the fans, club and country."

 

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Jesus Fernandez leaves Real Madrid for Levante

Levante have completed the signing of Real Madrid goalkeeper Jesus Fernandez on a two-year deal.

The transfer, which was announced on Monday, comes just a day after Keylor Navas left Levante to join the European champions on a six-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Navas' arrival would have left Jesus further down the pecking order at Madrid, with Diego Lopez and Iker Casillas also still on the books of the Liga giants.

Jesus has therefore opted to leave the Santiago Bernabeu and head for Estadi Ciutat de Valencia, where the 26-year-old has signed a contract that keeps him at the club until 2016 with the option to extend his stay by a further two years.

A statement on Madrid's official website read: "Real Madrid and Levante have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jesus Fernandez.

"The club wishes to thank Jesus for his professionalism and dedication over all these years and we wish him the best of luck in his new journey."

Jesus moved to Real in 2010 but has featured largely for the club's B team and made just two Liga appearances for the club during his four-year stay.

 

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Martinez set to stay at Porto, insists chairman

Jackson Martinez will stay at Porto until at least next summer, according to the club's chairman.

The prolific Colombia striker signed a one-year extension to his deal on Sunday, pledging his future to the Portuguese giants until July 2017, with the new terms including a substantial release clause of €35 million.

Martinez is reported to have attracted interest from the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal linked heavily with the player, but chairman Pinto da Costa revealed that the clause will not be active for the current transfer window or the next one in January and reiterated that Porto have no intention of selling their prized asset.

"Two days ago, when he came back to Porto, we talked and he said, to me, to [director general] Antero Henriques, and to the coach [Julen Lopetegui], he wanted to stay in FC Porto, he wouldn't move and was willing to renew his contract," Da Costa told the club's official website.

"After that, we set up a strategy and decided how we were going to handle the renewal.

"In the agreement we signed, we decided on three more years of contract and determined that the release fee won't take effect for this current transfer window or for the January one.

"Whoever wants him will have to talk to FC Porto. Those that went around stating Jackson would go here and there need to accept what I've always said: Jackson is staying in FC Porto."

The 27-year-old, who has netted 60 goals in all competitions in two seasons with Porto, is now ready to focus on football ahead of the new Primeira Liga season.

"I feel good here, I have good relations with the club and with the fans," he is quoted as saying by Corriere dello Sport.

"I love the city and I am ready to give my best."

Porto, who finished third last season, begin the 2014-15 campaign with the visit of Maritimo on August 17.

 

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Morata: I'll be back in 30 days

Juventus forward Alvaro Morata has revealed that he will return from his knee injury in around a month after a frustrating start to his career in Turin.

The Spaniard joined the Italian champions for around €20 million last month from Real Madrid but was ruled out for 50 days just a few days later.

However, the 21-year-old believes he is recovering well and could be back in just over four weeks.

"My knee is getting better, I'm recovering well," he told AS. "In about 30 or 35 days I will be ready.

"It was a shame about the injury but I'm working with the physios to play again soon.

"Signing for Juventus has been a great joy, I'm really happy with my new team."

Real Madrid have retained a buyback option in the terms of Morata's sale and he could return to his boyhood club for around €30m.

Juventus are currently on a pre-season tour of Asia and the Pacific.

 

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Osvaldo: Hopefully Inter can win Serie A

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is hoping that he can win Serie A for a second year in a row when he completes his move to Inter.

The Southampton forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Juventus after falling out with his Saints team-mates and bosses.

He helped ensure that Antonio Conte's retained the Scudetto during his stint in Turin and believes that Walter Mazzarri's side have a chance of doing the same this term.

"I am very happy to be at Inter," he is quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Now I have to have my medical before signing, so I don't want to say too much in case of bad luck.

"I hope to do well with my team-mates, and form a partnership with [Rodrigo Palacio and Mauro Icardi] for the sake of Inter.

"The Scudetto? Hopefully."

Osvaldo, who is Southampton's record signing, arrived in England from Roma last August but only managed three goals in 13 Premier League appearances before falling out of favour.

 

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Sunderland agree Rodwell deal

Sunderland have agreed a deal for Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell.

The Black Cats are expected to tie up the move in a package worth more than £10 million, taking the 23-year-old to the Stadium of Light on a five-year deal.

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet had previously spoken of his hope to push a couple of transfers through in the coming days, saying: "You'll know in two or three days. I'm expecting good things this week.

"I'm really looking forward to seeing the final touches with the players we bring in to make sure we have a competitive squad.

"It's quality sometimes, the different ability that you need in the last third, more players, everything really. But it is clear that we need to score more."

The central midfielder has been capped three times by England but is deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium, particularly given Frank Lampard's impending loan move.

Rodwell is set to reject a host of other Premier League clubs for a move to the north-east.

 

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Wenger unconcerned by Giroud fitness

Arsene Wenger insists Olivier Giroud will be back to his best in time for the start of the Premier League season after a sluggish showing against Monaco on Sunday.

The France international returned late to pre-season training having featured for his country at the World Cup in Brazil.

Giroud played the first half of Arsenal's 1-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 runners-up in the Emirates Cup and appeared to be lacking in fitness but Wenger - whose side contest the Community Shield with Manchester City on Sunday - is not worried about the 27-year-old.

"He had only three weeks rest, it was not an eternity and he had to come back quickly," Wenger told reporters.

"But sometimes when you come back late you want to work hard and in a game you are not as sharp.

"He's not put weight on, he's not out of shape, he's worked very hard this week and not recovered from the work he has done."

Giroud admitted to struggling with the pace of the game against the principality outfit, but insists he will be well prepared for the clash with City after another week of intensive training.

"It was really hard for me physically and I didn't feel really well in the game," he said.

"But it is okay as I have this week to work because we have to be ready for City.

"For pre-season preparation you have to work hard and there is less than one week to be ready."

 

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Subotic: I'm proud of Hummels & Co.

Borussia Dortmund defender Neven Subotic has spoken of his pride at playing alongside Germany World Cup winners Mats Hummels, Erik Durm, Kevin Grosskreutz, Roman Weidenfeller and Matthias Ginter.

Hummels, the Serb's long-time partner at centre-back for BVB, was one of the stars of the tournament as Joachim Low's side ended their long wait for international success.

And Subotic says he proud of his team-mates and voiced his happiness at the acquisition of Ginter from Freiburg this summer, despite the extra competition it will bring in his position.

"I was so happy [when I watched the final]," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"We are delighted for them. I'm very proud that these lads belong to us.

"I would have been annoyed if the club had bought a cheap player instead of Ginter. Sokratis [Papastathopoulos] had a strong World Cup, Mats was one of the best players of the tournament.

"This shows the level we have here. It's also good for me as 99 per cent will not get me to my goal."

Subotic has been sidelined with a knee injury since November but feels he is slowly but surely getting back to full fitness.

"It’s a difficult thing to assess. I think I’m in top shape as I had long rehab programme. For two months, I couldn’t do a lot, but it has gone steadily uphill since then.

"I worked through the summer and returned to training in top shape. What’s missing is competitive action as preseason friendlies are nothing like Bundesliga games.

"I have some catching up to do in this regard. Only then will I know where I really stand.

"I’m no Superman. But I also won’t let myself be distracted by minor problems. I know that after an injury like that you can be fit, but not 100 percent fit.

"But on the whole, everything’s fine. I can walk, sprint, and fly into tackles without fear."