..::Football III::..

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Supercopa efforts cost Atletico, says Simeone

Diego Simeone believes Atletico Madrid's Supercopa de Espana efforts cost them against Rayo Vallecano as they were held to a scoreless draw in their Liga opener, while stressing that his suspension didn't play a role in Monday's result.

The reigning Spanish champions took on arch-rivals Real Madrid twice within the space of four days last week and Simeone feels fatigue was the main reason for his side's draw against Rayo.

"We came from playing against Real Madrid on Tuesday and Friday and the effort from these days could be felt in the second half," Simeone told reporters.

"Being so high up you couldn't see it as well, but I don't think that having me on the field would've improved anything."

Simeone lamented his side's failure to take their chances in the first half, but believes the hosts were the better outfit after the break.

"The first half, the team played very well. We had three clear chances of scoring, it was dynamic, but we couldn't score.

"The game lasts 90 minutes, though. In the second half, Rayo were better. We didn't play against a wall, we played against a team."

 

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Roma set to beat Arsenal to Manolas signing

Roma are set to beat Arsenal in the battle to sign Kostas Manolas after the Italians had a €13 million bid accepted for the defender, Goal understands.

The Gunners have been working on a deal for the Olympiakos centre-back for the last fortnight and held talks with his representatives in the UK last Friday in an attempt to thrash out terms.

But Roma have offered €3m more than the €10m Arsenal were willing to pay and have also put together a five-year package to entice the Greece international to Serie A.

Roma have moved quickly as they line up a replacement for Moroccan star Mehdi Benatia, who is closing in on a €37m transfer to Bayern Munich.

Arsenal are now weighing up alternatives to Manolas as Arsene Wenger seeks a replacement for Thomas Vermaelen, who joined Barcelona this summer.

Goal understands that the Londoners have made contact with the representatives of West Ham's Winston Reid and they are also considering Manchester City's Matija Nastasic.

Wenger wants to push through a deal for a new centre-back to join rookie Calum Chambers in providing cover for the established pairing of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.

Wenger is not expected to sanction a formal move for one of his targets until the outcome is known of Arsenal's Champions League qualifier against Besiktas. The tie is goalless ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Gunners are expected to make a second offer for Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho if they reach the group stages after having an initial €25m bid rejected.

Wenger is also in the market for a new striker amid fears that scans on Olivier Giroud's foot could rule him out for a minimum of eight weeks.

 

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Marchisio: Conte exit in everybody's best interest

Claudio Marchisio believes Antonio Conte's decision to step down as Juventus coach was in everybody's best interests.

The successful coach stepped down earlier this summer over a dispute about the Serie A champions' transfer policy, despite signing a one year contract extension months before, having guided the club to a third consecutive league title.

And Marchisio feels the current Italy boss made the right call as he no longer felt committed to the cause.

"I respect Conte's choice. He explained to me why he left, but that stays between the two of us," Marchisio told Tuttosport.

"I can assure you that he's not the type to continue as coach when he's not feeling committed 100 per cent.

"He tried to keep going at the start of the season because he's a Juventino, but he then realised that it was in everybody's best interest to go separate ways."

The midfielder then went on to stress that Juventus are in good hands again following the appointment of Massimiliano Allegri as Conte's successor.

"Each coach has his own character and methods, but things are working well with Allegri. And don't you think that Allegri doesn't scream when necessary...

"And either way, even if our coach doesn't scream to fire us up, we're in good shape and ready for the new season. A great season awaits. We want to defend the Scudetto and do a good job in Europe."

Juventus kick off the new Serie A campaign with an away game against Chievo on Saturday.

 

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Di Maria arrives at Carrington to complete €81m Manchester United move

Angel Di Maria has arrived at Carrington and is set to complete his British transfer record €81 million move to Manchester United.

The Real Madrid midfielder arrived in the north west of England late on Monday night and was shown around United's training ground and facilities.

Medical officers have been on site since early on Tuesday morning and Di Maria will now be put through his paces before finalising the biggest deal in British football history.

The Argentine will be the club's new No.7 and a replica jersey with his name and new number has been prepared for photo opportunities following the conclusion of the medical.

The 26-year-old will then be officially confirmed as a United player after putting pen to paper on a massive contract which could earn him more than €376,000 per week, including a €6.3m signing on fee and bonuses.

Goal reported on Monday evening that a deal had been agreed between United and Madrid, with the Premier League club's summer spending set to break the €160m mark.

Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Marcos Rojo have already sealed moves to Old Trafford, and more are expected to follow Di Maria.

United have been closely monitoring Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal all summer, and have been linked with a formal bid in Tuesday's newspapers after manager Louis van Gaal mentioned him by name following Sunday's draw at Sunderland.

Di Maria has been a key part of Madrid's recent success and was named man of the match in May's Champions League final triumph against Atletico Madrid.

He scored one goal at this summer's World Cup as Argentina reached the final, only to be beaten by Germany in Rio de Janeiro.

Since joining from Benfica in 2010, the first season of Jose Mourinho's reign at the Santiago Bernabeu, Di Maria has scored 22 goals in 124 league appearances, and is the third highest assist maker in Europe's major leagues, behind Lionel Messi and Mesut Ozil.

And he is now set to move ahead of Fernando Torres, who moved to Chelsea for €62m in 2011, to become the most expensive footballer in Britain.

 

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Giroud ge injury eka nisa 3 month miss wenna puluwanlu
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...eat-Olivier-Giroud-injury-sign-Loic-Remy.html
dan nam Podolski wa sell karana ekak nae kohomath
ow machan CB & DM aniwa one Carvalho gaththanam niyamayi

Ow machan Giroud 10 weeks out wenna wei kiyala thamai kiyanne injury 1ka nisa & Good news 1kak thiyanawa machan wenger kiyala thiyanawa Podolski wa sell karanne naha kiyala

Report wena widiyata Welbeck & Remy wa Arsenal la try karanawa.Habai Welbeck wa sell kaloth apita backup 1kak nathi wenawa

Eto'o wa Arsenal ganna puluwan nam patta bro
​

 

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Manchester United ayeth Vidal Pursuit karanawa kiyala kiyanawaanemanda meken wenne wena playersla ganna bari wena 1ka Vidal ganama balagena idala​

 

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Wenger: Podolski going nowhere

 

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Thawa 5 days thiyenne Summer Transfer Window 1ka close wenna

Falcao,Vidal,Manolas,William Carvalho,Juan Cuadrado,Valdes,Varane,Tores,Destro,Chicharito,Eto'o,Blind,Welbeck,Benatia,Hummels,Reus,Cavani ge futures walata mona weida?
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Ow machan Giroud 10 weeks out wenna wei kiyala thamai kiyanne injury 1ka nisa & Good news 1kak thiyanawa machan wenger kiyala thiyanawa Podolski wa sell karanne naha kiyala

Report wena widiyata Welbeck & Remy wa Arsenal la try karanawa.Habai Welbeck wa sell kaloth apita backup 1kak nathi wenawa

Eto'o wa Arsenal ganna puluwan nam patta bro
​

podolski sell karanne nathi eka nam loku deyak
gannawanam remy thama lesimaChicharito thiyagena welbeck sell/loan karayi mama hithanne totanham lath try karanawa ne .Eto Everton yayi

 

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Agger: My future at Liverpool still uncertain

Daniel Agger has admitted his future at Liverpool is still uncertain ahead of the close of the transfer window.

The Denmark international made 20 Premier League appearances last season but faces further competition in central defence due to the summer arrival of Dejan Lovren from Southampton.

Goal understands that Liverpool have been open to offers for the 29-year-old all summer and Agger admits he could move clubs over the next seven days.

"The future is complicated," he told Jyllands-Posten. "There are a few things that have to be sorted and we have to take it from there.

"I actually don't know what will happen. It is a bit up to Liverpool. I have had niggling injuries at the wrong times and I have to say that it is difficult to change the team when it is winning.

"I am not frustrated by that. I am frustrated the way it happened and the way it was handled."

 

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Real Madrid are a club from another world - James

James Rodriguez has described Real Madrid as "a club from another world" and is determined to win the Champions League this season.

The Colombia star joined los Blancos this summer in an €80 million deal from Monaco and has enjoyed mixed success to date with the European champions.

James played in the victorious Uefa Super Cup clash against Sevilla and scored against city rivals Atletico Madrid in the Supecopa de Espana, though his side went on to lose 2-1 on aggregate to Diego Simeone's men.

However, the 23-year-old has now set his sights firmly on winning the continent's greatest prize as he works to improve alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

"I think it's something great to win the Champions League with Madrid, it's something special to be at a club that wants to win something and I hope we can win it again," he told reporters at the unveiling of Madrid's new Champions League strip.

"It's a club from another world, unique. To be alongside great stars is something really special. I hope I can get better, bit by bit."

James made his Liga debut for Madrid in the 2-0 win over Cordoba at Santiago Bernabeu on Monday.

 

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Lampard served England brilliantly - Hodgson

England manager Roy Hodgson has paid tribute to midfielder Frank Lampard, who retired from international football on Tuesday.

Former Chelsea man Lampard - currently on loan at Manchester City from newly formed MLS franchise New York City - brought the curtain down on a 15-year England career that saw him score 29 goals in 106 appearances.

And Hodgson was quick to hail the contribution of the 36-year-old, who made his debut against Belgium in 1999.

"Frank Lampard has been a superb representative of the English game - both as a player on the pitch and an ambassador off it," he said. "To reach in excess of 100 international caps is something very few professionals achieve and he is in exalted company.

"He has served the national team quite brilliantly during his 15-year international career."

But Hodgson revealed that he had been aware of Lampard's plans for some time.

"I've been aware since discussions in Brazil that Frank was considering his England future," he added. "I spoke to him since his loan to Manchester City about the possibility of him retiring, primarily due to the fact that he's taken on new commitments both here and abroad.

"I know it's not a decision he's taken lightly and, as with Steven Gerrard's decision, I promised Frank that I would accept his choice with good grace and not try to change his mind. It is with regret that I accept and understand the decision he's made.

"I wish him the best of luck with Manchester City and New York City and I'd like to thank him for all the help he's provided for me during my time as England manager."

 

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Chelsea have learned lessons - Cahill

Gary Cahill believes Chelsea's perfect start to the Premier League season proves they have learned lessons from last term.

Chelsea finished third in the Premier League last season despite taking maximum points from their four fixtures against the two teams who ended above them - Manchester City and Liverpool.

Jose Mourinho's side were wasteful in so-called lesser games in 2013-14, but have beaten Burnley 3-1 and Leicester 2-0 in the space of five days at the start of this term, and Cahil is thrilled with his team's start.

"They were two tough games against teams that have just come up," the 27-year-old told the club's official website.

"We slipped up last season in games which people expected us to take points from but the Premier League isn't as easy as that - you have to fight every time you take to the field.

"We've added to our squad, we know where we slipped up last year, so the first two games have been very important for us. Other teams have strengthened so it's going to be very tough.

"We know the expectation level at the club, we always expect to be in and around there [the title race] but the Premier League us very difficult."

 

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Casillas: Spectacular Madrid want the Undecima

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has set his sights firmly on defending the Champions League this season after claiming La Decima in 2013-14.

The Spanish giants claimed their 10th European title in Lisbon in May when they defeated city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra-time.

Having endured a 12-year gap to their previous continental triumph in 2002, Casillas is now determined to become the first side to successfully defend the Champions League trophy and says the current squad are fully capable of celebrating the Undecima - 11th title - next Spring.

"We experienced it with the strength we have always had. We came very close to one or two more finals, but in the end we won our tenth European title last season," he said at the unveiling of Madrid's new Champions League kit.

"It's difficult to defend the title, but we have more desire and determination than last year. We have a very good squad and a spectacular team, which is also more experienced and more mature. I hope we can win the Undecima."

Gareth Bale admits he fulfilled a dream by scoring in the final this year and feels the team can thrive under the pressure of expectation.

"Winning the club's 10th title was fantastic for everyone. Scoring a goal in the European Cup final is one of my biggest dreams and it was a good season for the team. I felt fulfilled," said the Wales star.

"We have to look to the future and try to win it again. We want to make history by winning the Champions League again. We know there is always a lot of pressure on us, but we like it and we want to win more titles this year."

Xabi Alonso, meanwhile, has warned that winning back-to-back Champions Leagues has eluded some of the best sides in the modern era in the past and will therefore prove a tough task.

"For years we fought for our 10th title. Now the aim is to defend our title, and if nobody has managed to do so, there's a reason. We're going for it," he added.

 

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Hamburg weighing up Holtby swoop

Hamburg are weighing up a move for Tottenham midfielder Lewis Holtby.

The Bundesliga side are looking into options to replace Rafael van der Vaart, who has been linked with a possible reunion with Harry Redknapp at QPR as well as a move to Turkey.

Holtby is Hamburg's No.1 transfer target and Goal understands discussions have taken place between the player and the club's new chief executive Dietmar Beiersdorfer, with either a loan or permanent deal an option.

The 23-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham after falling out of favour under both Andre Villas-Boas and Tim Sherwood and has been afforded just one substitute appearance under new boss Mauricio Pochettino this term.

Both Cristian Eriksen, Erik Lamela and Nacer Chadli are currently ahead of Holtby in the White Hart Lane pecking order and he was an unused substitute as Tottenham ran out comfortable 4-0 winners over QPR on Sunday, while his three team-mates all impressed.

The former Germany Under-21 captain has struggled to make an impact in north London since his €1.9 million move in January 2013 and could be keen on a return to the Bundesliga, while Spurs are thought to be open to selling him as Pochettino shuffles his squad.

Van der Vaart, meanwhile, who left Spurs for Hamburg in 2012 and has just one year remaining on his contract, is reportedly been courted by Trabzonspor ahead of the close of the transfer window next week.

 

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Official: PSV sign Guardado from Valencia on one-year loan

PSV have confirmed the signing of Andres Guardado on a one-year loan deal from Valencia.

The 27-year-old winger spent the latter part of last season in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, but returned to the Mestalla this summer and played a big part in Valencia's pre-season matches.

However, the Mexico international has now opted for another temporary spell away from the Liga side, joining the Eredivise giants until the end of the 2014-15 campaign.

"I'm very pleased and looking forward to a great season, which I will play in to win prizes," Guardado, who will wear the No.18 shirt, told PSV's official website.

"This is a great club and I hope to be able to be successful here."

The former Deportivo La Coruna man has won over 100 senior caps for Mexico and was part of el Tri's run to the last 16 of the World Cup this summer, scoring in the crucial 3-1 win over Croatia in the group stage.

 

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Mascherano reveals 'renewed ambitions' after signing new Barca deal

Javier Mascherano says he has "renewed ambitions" at Barcelona after signing a contract extension.

The Argentina international reached an agreement earlier this month on an improved deal which will run until June 2018 and include a €100 million buyout clause.

Following a spell of uncertainty over his future, in which the former Liverpool player was linked with a move to Napoli, Mascherano says he is now eager to achieve greatness at Camp Nou once again following a tough end to the 2013-14 campaign.

"I am very happy to continue at this great club and to share the dressing room with great players," he told the club's official website after officially putting pen to paper on his new agreement.

"The dream for this season is that everything goes well. We have renewed ambitions after having spent a season with difficult moments.

"The idea is to be committed to the club until the end of the contract. Hopefully I can live up to the institution."

Mascherano has spent four years with Barcelona since arriving from Anfield for €22m in August 2010.

 

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Lampard retires from international football

Frank Lampard has announced his retirement from international football.

The 36-year-old, who left Chelsea for new MLS outfit New York City FC in July, captained England for their final World Cup group game against Croatia.

Lampard leaves the international scene with 106 caps and 29 goals to his name since his debut in 1999, overtaking David Platt as the Three Lions' highest-scoring midfielder in March.

"I have taken the decision to retire from international football," Lampard said in a statement.

"It has been a very tough decision for me to make, which is way I have given it so much thought since the World Cup. I have always been exceptionally proud and honoured to represent my country and have to say looking back I have enjoyed every minute of wearing the England shirt.

"Due to my club career now going in a different direction, it is of utmost importance for me to consider my family first. Also, to concentrate on how I can perform consistently to the best of my abilities over my next few fears in club football.

"It is now the time to move forward and I feel very confident that with Roy Hodgson in charge, the young players they we have coming through, and the changes that are being made throughout the development of the youth system in this country, that we will have success in the future and a team that this country deserves."

"I would like to thank all the managers that I have worked under, all the players that I have been fortunate to play alongside, and all the England fans for their support, not only at home but particularly on their travels with the team around the world.

"I now look forward to continuing to support the team as a fan and wish them every success for the upcoming campaign towards France 2016."

Roy Hodgson is set to announce his squad for the upcoming friendly clash with Norway on September 3, before the qualification stage for Euro 2016 gets underway against Switzerland five days later.

 

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Roma complete Manolas deal

Roma have confirmed the signing of Olympiakos defender Kostas Manolas for an initial fee of €13 million.

The 23-year-old defender had been on the verge of joining Arsenal but the Gunners' €10m bid was rejected, thus allowing the Giallorossi to pounce.

"Konstantinos Manolas is now a Roma player," read a Tweet posted on the Serie A side's official Twitter profile on Tuesday evening.

Roma were in need of a replacement for the Bayern Munich-bound Mehdi Benatia and they agreed a fee with Olympiakos - which could could rise to €15m depending on bonuses - just hours after the Moroccan completed his move to the Allianz Arena.

The Greece international, who could make his debut in Saturday's Serie A opener against Fiorentina at the Stadio Olimpico, has penned a five-year contract with Rudi Garcia's side.

 

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Official: Bayern Munich to sign Benatia

Bayern Munich have announced they have reached an agreement with Roma for the signing of centre-back Mehdi Benatia.

The 27-year-old has been linked with a possible switch to the Allianz Arena for several weeks, with reports over a potential move gathering pace following the injury suffered by Javi Martinez.

Bayern have now confirmed that a deal has been agreed to sign the player for an undisclosed fee from the Serie A giants, with Benatia set to travel to Munich later this week to complete a medical and finalise personal terms.

The Morocco international is poised to sign a five-year contract with the Bundesliga champions.

Benatia had attracted the interest of several European giants following his impressive performances for Roma last season after his move from Udinese.

Premier League duo Arsenal and Manchester United were linked with €35 million bids for the player but concrete interest from England failed to materialise, allowing Bayern to steal a march in the race for his signature.

The Bavarians were forced to redouble their efforts to bolster their defensive options after Spain international Martinez suffered a cruciate ligament tear in the DFL-Supercup loss to Borussia Dortmund, and head coach Pep Guardiola has opted to bring in the experienced Serie A-stopper.

Roma are poised to sign Greece international Kostas Manolas as a replacement for Benatia.