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International Champions Cup Final 2014.08.04 in Pictures
Manchester United Vs Liverpool
Steven Gerrard was on target from the spot early on after Phil Jones brought down Raheem Sterling. The Liverpool captain scored two penalties in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford last season, but he would noot be victorious on this occasion...
Manchester United struggled with Liverpool's enthusiastic pressing during the first 45 minutes, which gave boss Louis van Gaal and his assistant Ryan Giggs plenty to think about...
Wayne Rooney was named Manchester United captain for the first time under Louis van Gaal on Monday and he celebrated by scoring his side's equaliser 10 minutes into the second half as the Red Devils turned the match on its head...
Two minutes after Rooney made it 1-1, Manchester United's club record signing struck from the edge of the area to put his side ahead...
Alongside Adnan Januzaj, Jesse Lingard was one of the stars of Manchester United's pre-season a year ago. But unlike the Belgian, Lingard did not get a look in during the Premier League campaign as he was sent out on loan to Birmingham and then Brighton. He has hardly featured this summer, either, but after coming on against Liverpool he struck a late goal to seal a 3-1 victory.
After a terrible season under David Moyes, Manchester United are remembering how it feels to win again and they will be hoping to continue their progress into the competitive season...
Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher hold aloft the International Champions Cup, the first trophy of Louis van Gaal's Manchester United reign. But will there be more to come for the Dutchman?
International Champions Cup Final 2014.08.04 in Pictures
A rainy night at the Sun Life...
Manchester United may have played in front of 109,000 people in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for Saturday's win against Real Madrid, but their International Champions Cup final against Liverpool was a somewhat wetter affair and the Miami Dolphins' stadium was not at full capacity...
Good start for Liverpool...
Steven Gerrard was on target from the spot early on after Phil Jones brought down Raheem Sterling. The Liverpool captain scored two penalties in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford last season, but he would noot be victorious on this occasion...
Plenty to ponder...
Manchester United struggled with Liverpool's enthusiastic pressing during the first 45 minutes, which gave boss Louis van Gaal and his assistant Ryan Giggs plenty to think about...
Rooney levels it up...
Wayne Rooney was named Manchester United captain for the first time under Louis van Gaal on Monday and he celebrated by scoring his side's equaliser 10 minutes into the second half as the Red Devils turned the match on its head...
Mata the main man...
Two minutes after Rooney made it 1-1, Manchester United's club record signing struck from the edge of the area to put his side ahead...
Lingard adds the gloss...
Alongside Adnan Januzaj, Jesse Lingard was one of the stars of Manchester United's pre-season a year ago. But unlike the Belgian, Lingard did not get a look in during the Premier League campaign as he was sent out on loan to Birmingham and then Brighton. He has hardly featured this summer, either, but after coming on against Liverpool he struck a late goal to seal a 3-1 victory.
The winning habit...
After a terrible season under David Moyes, Manchester United are remembering how it feels to win again and they will be hoping to continue their progress into the competitive season...
The first of many?
Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher hold aloft the International Champions Cup, the first trophy of Louis van Gaal's Manchester United reign. But will there be more to come for the Dutchman?
Manchester United vs Liverpool 2014 3-1 All Goals & Highlights
Pattama goals tika & Pattama comeback 1kak
Pattama goals tika & Pattama comeback 1kak
Van Gaal hails Rooney but plays down first trophy win
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised Wayne Rooney after he captained United to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the final of the International Champions Cup.
Steven Gerrard put Liverpool in front from the penalty spot in the first half, with United's captain for the evening Rooney grabbing an equaliser, before Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard completed the comeback.
But while agreeing with the decision to award the England striker Player of the Tournament, he warned fans and staff that the hard work is yet to come, with their Premier League campaign kicking off on August 16.
“We gave a lot of pleasure to our fans,” the 62-year-old told Manchester United’s official website, “but the most important game is against Swansea – that’s one we have to win.
“It’s nice for the fans in the USA and also at home that we beat Liverpool.
“I think Rooney deserved to win Player of the Tournament because he gave a lot of assists and scored goals. But we also defended well - there are a lot of defenders who could also have been the most valuable player of this tournament.
“I’m always looking for opportunities to give players the armband. Rooney was captain because he played for 90 minutes.”
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has praised Wayne Rooney after he captained United to a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the final of the International Champions Cup.
Steven Gerrard put Liverpool in front from the penalty spot in the first half, with United's captain for the evening Rooney grabbing an equaliser, before Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard completed the comeback.
But while agreeing with the decision to award the England striker Player of the Tournament, he warned fans and staff that the hard work is yet to come, with their Premier League campaign kicking off on August 16.
“We gave a lot of pleasure to our fans,” the 62-year-old told Manchester United’s official website, “but the most important game is against Swansea – that’s one we have to win.
“It’s nice for the fans in the USA and also at home that we beat Liverpool.
“I think Rooney deserved to win Player of the Tournament because he gave a lot of assists and scored goals. But we also defended well - there are a lot of defenders who could also have been the most valuable player of this tournament.
“I’m always looking for opportunities to give players the armband. Rooney was captain because he played for 90 minutes.”
Manchester United are adapting well in a "great" start to life under Louis van Gaal, says Wayne Rooney.
The former Netherlands boss has introduced a new 3-5-2 formation to the Red Devils this summer and it paid off with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool to claim the International Champions Cup on Monday.
Rooney scored his fifth goal in three pre-season games by netting against Brendan Rodgers's side and the England international says that the whole team are thriving on the Dutchman's no-nonsense style of management.
"It's been a good few weeks. We've got a new manager who wants us to play a different style of football," he told the media.
"We've had to adapt. We've had some good results against top opposition so we can be pleased.
"I think the system suits the team, not only myself. The manager came in and had a look at the players we've got. He's done what he thinks is best suited for our team.
"He's a tough manager but he's been great since he came in. He's given us all a different way of looking at football, which we haven't had before. It's been great for us and hopefully that will continue.
"We wanted to win games, play well and obviously we've done that. We've won a trophy as well. It's always nice to beat Liverpool. We're happy with the work we've done out here [in the United States]; now we go on to Valencia and then the season starts."
Xavi Retire wena 1ka gananam dukai bro
mama hithuwe Euro 2016 wenakam wath play karai kiyala
Tottenham ready to wait for Schneiderlin & Rodriguez
Tottenham are ready to wait to complete deals for Southampton duo Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez.
The Saints are continuing to price Schneiderlin out of a move by demanding around €31.5 million for the midfielder, who is desperate to move to White Hart Lane.
Southampton hairman Ralph Krueger has insisted that neither Schneiderlin nor Rodriguez will be sold this summer, but Spurs will continue to test their resolve.
Rodriguez is not considered a priority as he recovers from a serious knee injury, but new Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to land Schneiderlin before the transfer window closes.
Spurs are prepared to pay around €23m for the France international and believe the asking price will drop, especially as the player has made it clear he wants to leave Southampton.
Schneiderlin was stunned last week when the club told him he would not join the summer exodus that has seen five players - Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers - leave the club.
The 24-year-old was convinced that he would complete a move to Spurs and is considering forcing a move by submitting a formal transfer request or even refusing to play.
Schneiderlin believes Southampton have broken promises to allow him to leave and has no intention of playing for Ronald Koeman’s side beyond the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Spurs are confident of clinching a deal for Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio this week.
The clubs are locked in talks over a €21m transfer for the 23-year-old and close to agreeing a deal to bring him to White Hart Lane.
Villarreal coach Marcelino has said he "expects" Musacchio to leave the club and Spurs believe they will resolve issues over third-party ownership and the sell-on clause due to the Argentine’s former club River Plate.
Musacchio would be expected to partner Jan Vertonghen in central defence for the Londoners, joining €12m summer signing Ben Davies and €5m Eric Dier in Pochettino’s new-look defence.
Tottenham are ready to wait to complete deals for Southampton duo Morgan Schneiderlin and Jay Rodriguez.
The Saints are continuing to price Schneiderlin out of a move by demanding around €31.5 million for the midfielder, who is desperate to move to White Hart Lane.
Southampton hairman Ralph Krueger has insisted that neither Schneiderlin nor Rodriguez will be sold this summer, but Spurs will continue to test their resolve.
Rodriguez is not considered a priority as he recovers from a serious knee injury, but new Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is desperate to land Schneiderlin before the transfer window closes.
Spurs are prepared to pay around €23m for the France international and believe the asking price will drop, especially as the player has made it clear he wants to leave Southampton.
Schneiderlin was stunned last week when the club told him he would not join the summer exodus that has seen five players - Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Dejan Lovren, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers - leave the club.
The 24-year-old was convinced that he would complete a move to Spurs and is considering forcing a move by submitting a formal transfer request or even refusing to play.
Schneiderlin believes Southampton have broken promises to allow him to leave and has no intention of playing for Ronald Koeman’s side beyond the summer transfer window.
Meanwhile, Spurs are confident of clinching a deal for Villarreal defender Mateo Musacchio this week.
The clubs are locked in talks over a €21m transfer for the 23-year-old and close to agreeing a deal to bring him to White Hart Lane.
Villarreal coach Marcelino has said he "expects" Musacchio to leave the club and Spurs believe they will resolve issues over third-party ownership and the sell-on clause due to the Argentine’s former club River Plate.
Musacchio would be expected to partner Jan Vertonghen in central defence for the Londoners, joining €12m summer signing Ben Davies and €5m Eric Dier in Pochettino’s new-look defence.
Xavi: Barcelona hoping Suarez suspension is reduced
Xavi has admitted that he and his Barcelona team-mates are hoping that Luis Suarez's suspension is reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Uruguay international was hit with a four-month ban from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during this summer's World Cup.
Suarez is challenging the severity of the suspension and Xavi would love to see Barcelona's star summer signing cleared to return to action before the end of October.
"Luis is among the best strikers and players in the world," the midfielder told reporters on Tuesday.
"He had a spectacular season with Liverpool and is a great signing.
"I have a good relationship with him. He is a great person and we welcome him with open arms.
"Hopefully, CAS will help to reduce the suspension as much as possible."
Xavi was speaking at a press conference called to announce his retirement from international football.
The Spain international was quizzed on a number of issues, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who endured a turbulent 2009-10 season at Barcelona.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker has often spoken negatively of his former Camp Nou colleagues but Xavi says he has never had a problem with the enigmatic Swede.
"I maintain a great relationship with him," he told reporters on.
"He is a great person who left his mark, although it was only one year and had a very good season."
Xavi has admitted that he and his Barcelona team-mates are hoping that Luis Suarez's suspension is reduced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Uruguay international was hit with a four-month ban from all football-related activity for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini during this summer's World Cup.
Suarez is challenging the severity of the suspension and Xavi would love to see Barcelona's star summer signing cleared to return to action before the end of October.
"Luis is among the best strikers and players in the world," the midfielder told reporters on Tuesday.
"He had a spectacular season with Liverpool and is a great signing.
"I have a good relationship with him. He is a great person and we welcome him with open arms.
"Hopefully, CAS will help to reduce the suspension as much as possible."
Xavi was speaking at a press conference called to announce his retirement from international football.
The Spain international was quizzed on a number of issues, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who endured a turbulent 2009-10 season at Barcelona.
The Paris Saint-Germain striker has often spoken negatively of his former Camp Nou colleagues but Xavi says he has never had a problem with the enigmatic Swede.
"I maintain a great relationship with him," he told reporters on.
"He is a great person who left his mark, although it was only one year and had a very good season."
Injured Carroll 'miserable' - Allardyce
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has described injured striker Andy Carroll as "pretty miserable" following another injury setback.
The 25-year-old striker, who joined the Hammers from Liverpool for €19 million last year, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury that will see him miss the start of the Premier League season.
Having also missed a large part of the 2013-14 campaign, Carroll is struggling to come to terms with his latest setback.
"He is pretty miserable," Allardyce admitted to reporters. "He is not very happy with life at the moment because it is a massive blow to him again.
"We just have to pick his spirits up. Hopefully when the boot comes off and the specialist gives him the okay to start working again he will feel a lot happier with himself.
"But he is certainly very upset and very miserable at this moment in time."
Ecuadorian forward Enner Valencia joined the club earlier this summer but he too will miss the start of the 2014-15 campaign.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has described injured striker Andy Carroll as "pretty miserable" following another injury setback.
The 25-year-old striker, who joined the Hammers from Liverpool for €19 million last year, is currently sidelined with an ankle injury that will see him miss the start of the Premier League season.
Having also missed a large part of the 2013-14 campaign, Carroll is struggling to come to terms with his latest setback.
"He is pretty miserable," Allardyce admitted to reporters. "He is not very happy with life at the moment because it is a massive blow to him again.
"We just have to pick his spirits up. Hopefully when the boot comes off and the specialist gives him the okay to start working again he will feel a lot happier with himself.
"But he is certainly very upset and very miserable at this moment in time."
Ecuadorian forward Enner Valencia joined the club earlier this summer but he too will miss the start of the 2014-15 campaign.
Official: Manchester United sign Milinkovic
Manchester United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic from FK Vojvodina.
The Red Devils initially agreed a deal for the 17-year-old in May and have now finalised the deal, which will see the shot-stopper loaned back to the Serbian side for the 2014-15 season.
Milinkovic is an under-19 international and, upon his belated arrival in Manchester, will compete with David De Gea, Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
"After lengthy talks that have taken place over the past month, we have finally completed negotiations on Monday and we can officially inform the public that our young and promising goalkeeper has joined Manchester United," FK Vojvodina president Zoran Scepanovic stated.
"He will remain in Vojvodina for the next year, where he will be under the supervision of our experts and coaches from the English football giants, while continuing to train and perform in the jersey of his home club.
"This is an opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the realisation of this transfer. I want to point out Manchester United's very correct attitude [during the transfer talks]."
Manchester United have completed the signing of goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic from FK Vojvodina.
The Red Devils initially agreed a deal for the 17-year-old in May and have now finalised the deal, which will see the shot-stopper loaned back to the Serbian side for the 2014-15 season.
Milinkovic is an under-19 international and, upon his belated arrival in Manchester, will compete with David De Gea, Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos for a starting spot at Old Trafford.
"After lengthy talks that have taken place over the past month, we have finally completed negotiations on Monday and we can officially inform the public that our young and promising goalkeeper has joined Manchester United," FK Vojvodina president Zoran Scepanovic stated.
"He will remain in Vojvodina for the next year, where he will be under the supervision of our experts and coaches from the English football giants, while continuing to train and perform in the jersey of his home club.
"This is an opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the realisation of this transfer. I want to point out Manchester United's very correct attitude [during the transfer talks]."
Kuba plays down loss of Lewandowski for Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski has played down the significance of the loss of Robert Lewandowski to Bayern Munich.
Lewandowski announced in January that he would be departing for the Allianz Arena upon the expiration of his BVB contract this summer and he has wasted little time in impressing his new employers in pre-season.
However, Blaszczykowski insists that Dortmund, who have moved to cushion the blow of Lewandowski's exit by signing forwards Ciro Immobile and Adrian Ramos, can cope without the top scorer in the Bundesliga last season.
"It's normal in this business that some top players leave but Borussia still lives on because new good players arrive," he told Kicker.
"Everyone decides for themselves what is right for him. Nuri Sahin, Shinji Kagawa, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski now have left Dortmund but Borussia but still lives on, because every year good new players have come.
"We will be helping Adrian Ramos, Ciro Immobile, Matthias Ginter and Ji so that they can be integrated quickly and we find ourselves as a team."
Blaszczykowski, of course, has been out of action since January with cruciate ligament damage but he is confident of soon being in a position to help BVB reclaim the Bundesliga title from Bayern.
"I feel good. Although I'm still not completely pain free, I realise that it will get better by the day in training," he added.
"I am pleased with how [the recovery] has developed and I am glad that it will not take a long time."
Borussia Dortmund winger Jakub Blaszczykowski has played down the significance of the loss of Robert Lewandowski to Bayern Munich.
Lewandowski announced in January that he would be departing for the Allianz Arena upon the expiration of his BVB contract this summer and he has wasted little time in impressing his new employers in pre-season.
However, Blaszczykowski insists that Dortmund, who have moved to cushion the blow of Lewandowski's exit by signing forwards Ciro Immobile and Adrian Ramos, can cope without the top scorer in the Bundesliga last season.
"It's normal in this business that some top players leave but Borussia still lives on because new good players arrive," he told Kicker.
"Everyone decides for themselves what is right for him. Nuri Sahin, Shinji Kagawa, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski now have left Dortmund but Borussia but still lives on, because every year good new players have come.
"We will be helping Adrian Ramos, Ciro Immobile, Matthias Ginter and Ji so that they can be integrated quickly and we find ourselves as a team."
Blaszczykowski, of course, has been out of action since January with cruciate ligament damage but he is confident of soon being in a position to help BVB reclaim the Bundesliga title from Bayern.
"I feel good. Although I'm still not completely pain free, I realise that it will get better by the day in training," he added.
"I am pleased with how [the recovery] has developed and I am glad that it will not take a long time."
Liverpool can win without Suarez, insists Johnson
Glen Johnson expects Liverpool to cope with the loss of Luis Suarez as they prepare to launch another Premier League title challenge.
Suarez was the driving force behind the Merseyside club's challenge for a first top-flight crown since 1990, scoring 31 Premier League goals as they ended the campaign just two points behind champions Manchester City.
However, the Uruguay star has now left Anfield, signing for Spanish giants Barcelona in a deal thought to be worth around €94 million last month.
But while Johnson accepts that Suarez represents a significant loss, the England right-back believes Liverpool - who scored 101 Premier League goals in total last term - can cope following the arrivals of the likes of Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.
"Any team that loses a player like Luis is going to feel it. But we will carry on like we do, creating chances," he told Sky Sports News.
"I think we were the team who created the most chances last season, we've signed some good strikers and I'm sure once they get a chance they will take it.
"It gets overlooked that we played the first six games of last season without Luis and made a fantastic start, so we can clearly win without Luis".
Glen Johnson expects Liverpool to cope with the loss of Luis Suarez as they prepare to launch another Premier League title challenge.
Suarez was the driving force behind the Merseyside club's challenge for a first top-flight crown since 1990, scoring 31 Premier League goals as they ended the campaign just two points behind champions Manchester City.
However, the Uruguay star has now left Anfield, signing for Spanish giants Barcelona in a deal thought to be worth around €94 million last month.
But while Johnson accepts that Suarez represents a significant loss, the England right-back believes Liverpool - who scored 101 Premier League goals in total last term - can cope following the arrivals of the likes of Lazar Markovic, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert.
"Any team that loses a player like Luis is going to feel it. But we will carry on like we do, creating chances," he told Sky Sports News.
"I think we were the team who created the most chances last season, we've signed some good strikers and I'm sure once they get a chance they will take it.
"It gets overlooked that we played the first six games of last season without Luis and made a fantastic start, so we can clearly win without Luis".
Real Madrid to appeal Bernabeu decision
Real Madrid plan to appeal the decision by a Spanish High Court to suspend the proposed €400 million renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos disclosed plans for the spectacular project in January, revealing that the redeveloped stadium would include a shopping centre complex and a new hotel, as well as further improvements to the current structure, such as a retractable roof.
But the club were hit with the news on Friday that the High Court had halted the proposals, after the European Commission opened an investigation into "alleged public help" from the Madrid government.
The city authorities released a statement that same day claiming there were no grounds to halt the proposed plans, while the club were given 10 days to challenge the High Court decision.
A Madrid representative has now confirmed to Goal that the club are preparing an appeal and are confident the decision to halt the renovations will be overturned in the coming weeks.
Madrid hope to complete the brand-new Santiago Bernabeu stadium by 2018.
Real Madrid plan to appeal the decision by a Spanish High Court to suspend the proposed €400 million renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos disclosed plans for the spectacular project in January, revealing that the redeveloped stadium would include a shopping centre complex and a new hotel, as well as further improvements to the current structure, such as a retractable roof.
But the club were hit with the news on Friday that the High Court had halted the proposals, after the European Commission opened an investigation into "alleged public help" from the Madrid government.
The city authorities released a statement that same day claiming there were no grounds to halt the proposed plans, while the club were given 10 days to challenge the High Court decision.
A Madrid representative has now confirmed to Goal that the club are preparing an appeal and are confident the decision to halt the renovations will be overturned in the coming weeks.
Madrid hope to complete the brand-new Santiago Bernabeu stadium by 2018.
Official: Sunderland sign Rodwell from Manchester City
Sunderland have completed the signing of Jack Rodwell from Manchester City.
The 23-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract with Gus Poyet's side, with the Black Cats having agreed a fee in excess of €12 million with the Premier League champions.
Rodwell has been capped three times by England but was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium following the club's decision to sign Frank Lampard on loan.
The former Everton midfielder joined City in 2012 but started just seven Premier League games in two seasons at the club, having been beset by injuries.
Sunderland have completed the signing of Jack Rodwell from Manchester City.
The 23-year-old midfielder has signed a five-year contract with Gus Poyet's side, with the Black Cats having agreed a fee in excess of €12 million with the Premier League champions.
Rodwell has been capped three times by England but was deemed surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium following the club's decision to sign Frank Lampard on loan.
The former Everton midfielder joined City in 2012 but started just seven Premier League games in two seasons at the club, having been beset by injuries.
Del Bosque: Spain won't find another Xavi
Vicente del Bosque says Spain will struggle to find another player like Xavi after the midfielder announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday.
The Catalan won back-to-back European Championships with La Roja in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010, and was considered the heartbeat of the most successful international team in history.
"I would like to show my recognition to a fantastic player," Spain boss Del Bosque stated. "We have lost a unique player in the national team and it will be difficult to find another one like him."
The former Real Madrid boss added that La Roja had lost the key component in the Tika Taka style that Xavi had played such an integral role in developing at Barcelona and then adapting for the national team.
"Xavi has been key in Spain's style and in all the success achieved," Del Bosque acknowledged. "We'll miss him so much on and off the pitch."
Xavi made 70 of his 113 Spain appearances under Del Bosque and he feels the midfielder should be remembered as much for the class and leadership he exhibited off the field as on it.
"He has given us great support in the dressing room over the last six years," the 63-year-old trainer added.
"He's a player for whom we have so much personal affection - but also affection in terms of football.
"We all agree that Xavi is so important for us - even more important than the coach. He'll always be appreciated by the [Spanish Football] Federation, by the coach and by the national team."
Xavi Retire wena 1ka gananam dukai bro
Sigh :/
Vicente del Bosque says Spain will struggle to find another player like Xavi after the midfielder announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday.
The Catalan won back-to-back European Championships with La Roja in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010, and was considered the heartbeat of the most successful international team in history.
"I would like to show my recognition to a fantastic player," Spain boss Del Bosque stated. "We have lost a unique player in the national team and it will be difficult to find another one like him."
The former Real Madrid boss added that La Roja had lost the key component in the Tika Taka style that Xavi had played such an integral role in developing at Barcelona and then adapting for the national team.
"Xavi has been key in Spain's style and in all the success achieved," Del Bosque acknowledged. "We'll miss him so much on and off the pitch."
Xavi made 70 of his 113 Spain appearances under Del Bosque and he feels the midfielder should be remembered as much for the class and leadership he exhibited off the field as on it.
"He has given us great support in the dressing room over the last six years," the 63-year-old trainer added.
"He's a player for whom we have so much personal affection - but also affection in terms of football.
"We all agree that Xavi is so important for us - even more important than the coach. He'll always be appreciated by the [Spanish Football] Federation, by the coach and by the national team."
Van Wolfswinkel joins Saint-Etienne on loan
Norwich City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel has joined Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne on a season-long loan.
The Dutchman arrived at Carrow Road for a reported €10.7 millon from Sporting at the beginning of last season, but failed to live up to the price tag as he netted just once in 25 Premier League appearances.
And, following the club's relegation, Norwich have decided to offload Van Wolfswinkel for the duration of the 2014-15 campaign.
"I am very happy, I really wanted to sign here," the 26-year-old told Saint-Etienne's official website. "The management, the coach, the people who work at the club have given me reason to want to join Saint-Etienne.
"I was able to talk with the coach and I look forward to working with him.
"Saint-Etienne are one of the largest French clubs. Last year, the coach and the team achieved very good results. Finishing fourth in the championship of France is not easy.
"My goal is to work hard for the team and to be important for the club."
Norwich City striker Ricky van Wolfswinkel has joined Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne on a season-long loan.
The Dutchman arrived at Carrow Road for a reported €10.7 millon from Sporting at the beginning of last season, but failed to live up to the price tag as he netted just once in 25 Premier League appearances.
And, following the club's relegation, Norwich have decided to offload Van Wolfswinkel for the duration of the 2014-15 campaign.
"I am very happy, I really wanted to sign here," the 26-year-old told Saint-Etienne's official website. "The management, the coach, the people who work at the club have given me reason to want to join Saint-Etienne.
"I was able to talk with the coach and I look forward to working with him.
"Saint-Etienne are one of the largest French clubs. Last year, the coach and the team achieved very good results. Finishing fourth in the championship of France is not easy.
"My goal is to work hard for the team and to be important for the club."
Suarez rejected better offers to join Barcelona, says Bartomeu
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu claims Luis Suarez turned down more lucrative offers in favour of joining the Spanish giants.
Suarez joined the Blaugrana for close to €88 million shortly after Uruguay's exit from the World Cup this summer following a three-and-a-half-year spell with Liverpool.
Bartomeu has revealed Barca first made contact with the player prior to the tournament in Brazil and says the Premier League player of the year in 2013-14 had received better financial offers from other clubs.
"Barcelona made first contact with the player before the World Cup. I told him he was at the right age and experience to take the plunge," he told CNN.
"We knew many years ago that Suarez loves our club, that he loves the city. As such, everything was perfect to accept Luis Suarez.
"We knew he had better offers, but Suarez decided to come to Barcelona."
Suarez incurred a four-month ban from football for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup but Bartomeu insists the incident did not make them doubt whether to push through with the deal.
"No, it did not make us reconsider and we told him that after the incident. He knows it was wrong, he accepted it was wrong and apologised, and that was very important for us," he said.
Bartomeu then went on to describe Lionel Messi as invaluable to Barca due to the example he sets to other young players at La Masia.
"Messi represents more than goals and trophies. He represents the spirit of a young player who arrives at La Masia and grows at our club," he said.
"The value of Messi to the club is limitless."
Finally, Bartomeu claims he himself learned a significant amount from former coach Pep Guardiola and hinted that the current Bayern Munich boss could be among a number of ex-Barca players who could consider returning to the club in the coming years.
"I've learned a lot from Pep Guardiola. He's a genius. People who carry Barca in their heart come back to help the club.
"After 2022, many of the players who are here now, or are at other clubs, will come back as coaches, sporting directors, presidents because, at the end of the day, we're one big family."
Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu claims Luis Suarez turned down more lucrative offers in favour of joining the Spanish giants.
Suarez joined the Blaugrana for close to €88 million shortly after Uruguay's exit from the World Cup this summer following a three-and-a-half-year spell with Liverpool.
Bartomeu has revealed Barca first made contact with the player prior to the tournament in Brazil and says the Premier League player of the year in 2013-14 had received better financial offers from other clubs.
"Barcelona made first contact with the player before the World Cup. I told him he was at the right age and experience to take the plunge," he told CNN.
"We knew many years ago that Suarez loves our club, that he loves the city. As such, everything was perfect to accept Luis Suarez.
"We knew he had better offers, but Suarez decided to come to Barcelona."
Suarez incurred a four-month ban from football for biting Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup but Bartomeu insists the incident did not make them doubt whether to push through with the deal.
"No, it did not make us reconsider and we told him that after the incident. He knows it was wrong, he accepted it was wrong and apologised, and that was very important for us," he said.
Bartomeu then went on to describe Lionel Messi as invaluable to Barca due to the example he sets to other young players at La Masia.
"Messi represents more than goals and trophies. He represents the spirit of a young player who arrives at La Masia and grows at our club," he said.
"The value of Messi to the club is limitless."
Finally, Bartomeu claims he himself learned a significant amount from former coach Pep Guardiola and hinted that the current Bayern Munich boss could be among a number of ex-Barca players who could consider returning to the club in the coming years.
"I've learned a lot from Pep Guardiola. He's a genius. People who carry Barca in their heart come back to help the club.
"After 2022, many of the players who are here now, or are at other clubs, will come back as coaches, sporting directors, presidents because, at the end of the day, we're one big family."
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