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Lacazette earns France recall as Deschamps preserves Evra
France coach Didier Deschamps has resisted the urge to experiment too greatly in his side’s forthcoming friendlies against Serbia and Spain but has offered Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette a recall to the side while preserving 33-year-old Patrice Evra.
The former Juventus and Marseille boss has named a 23-man panel for the two encounters next month, which also includes Steve Mandanda, who missed out on the World Cup due to a neck problem.
Deschamps has not used the World Cup as a watershed moment for veteran left-back Evra, as he feels the ex-Monaco star could still be available when Euro 2016 comes around.
“Evra was competitive during the World Cup,” the coach explained. “After eight years with Manchester United he is with Juventus, so I’m not the only one who thinks he remains competitive.
“No one can know what level he will be at in two years’ time. But I can bring in other players to that post if I need to.”
Deschamps has decided to stick closely to the side that travelled to the World Cup in the summer, with only two alterations made. Lacazette is in for the injured Olivier Giroud, while Mandanda takes the place of the retired Mickael Landreau.
Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal have both announced their decision to quit the international game recently, while Samir Nasri had previously ruled himself out of selection.
Goalkeepers: Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Ruffier (Saint-Etienne)
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal), Lucas Digne (PSG), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Remy Cabella (Newcastle), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Loic Remy (QPR), Mathieu Valbuena (Dinamo Moscow)
France coach Didier Deschamps has resisted the urge to experiment too greatly in his side’s forthcoming friendlies against Serbia and Spain but has offered Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette a recall to the side while preserving 33-year-old Patrice Evra.
The former Juventus and Marseille boss has named a 23-man panel for the two encounters next month, which also includes Steve Mandanda, who missed out on the World Cup due to a neck problem.
Deschamps has not used the World Cup as a watershed moment for veteran left-back Evra, as he feels the ex-Monaco star could still be available when Euro 2016 comes around.
“Evra was competitive during the World Cup,” the coach explained. “After eight years with Manchester United he is with Juventus, so I’m not the only one who thinks he remains competitive.
“No one can know what level he will be at in two years’ time. But I can bring in other players to that post if I need to.”
Deschamps has decided to stick closely to the side that travelled to the World Cup in the summer, with only two alterations made. Lacazette is in for the injured Olivier Giroud, while Mandanda takes the place of the retired Mickael Landreau.
Franck Ribery and Eric Abidal have both announced their decision to quit the international game recently, while Samir Nasri had previously ruled himself out of selection.
Goalkeepers: Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Ruffier (Saint-Etienne)
Defenders: Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal), Lucas Digne (PSG), Patrice Evra (Juventus), Laurent Koscielny (Arsenal), Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City), Bacary Sagna (Manchester City), Mamadou Sakho (Liverpool), Raphael Varane (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Yohan Cabaye (PSG), Blaise Matuidi (PSG), Rio Mavuba (Lille), Paul Pogba (Juventus), Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton), Moussa Sissoko (Newcastle)
Forwards: Karim Benzema (Real Madrid), Remy Cabella (Newcastle), Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid), Alexandre Lacazette (Lyon), Loic Remy (QPR), Mathieu Valbuena (Dinamo Moscow)
Juventus without injured Pirlo for a month
Juventus will be without veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo for around a month after he sustained a hip injury in last weekend's Trofeo TIM pre-season tournament.
An MRI has confirmed that the 35-year-old has pulled a tendon in his hip and is set to miss the first four or five Serie A games of the new season, as well as the first Champions League group stage game of 2014-15.
The Bianconeri kick off their title defence on Saturday against Chievo Verona but Massimiliano Allegri will have to rely on others to get his debut season in charge off to a solid start, though he is already set to be without Arturo Vidal, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Alvaro Morata.
The former AC Milan talisman featured 45 times under Antonio Conte in 2013-14 and has helped to navigate Juventus to three successive Scudetti since his arrival in 2011 from San Siro.
Pirlo is yet to confirm if he will retire from the national team, which Conte now coaches, but he will definitely not be involved in Italy's upcoming internationals in early September against Netherlands (a friendly) and Norway (a Euro 2016 qualifier).
Juventus will be without veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo for around a month after he sustained a hip injury in last weekend's Trofeo TIM pre-season tournament.
An MRI has confirmed that the 35-year-old has pulled a tendon in his hip and is set to miss the first four or five Serie A games of the new season, as well as the first Champions League group stage game of 2014-15.
The Bianconeri kick off their title defence on Saturday against Chievo Verona but Massimiliano Allegri will have to rely on others to get his debut season in charge off to a solid start, though he is already set to be without Arturo Vidal, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Alvaro Morata.
The former AC Milan talisman featured 45 times under Antonio Conte in 2013-14 and has helped to navigate Juventus to three successive Scudetti since his arrival in 2011 from San Siro.
Pirlo is yet to confirm if he will retire from the national team, which Conte now coaches, but he will definitely not be involved in Italy's upcoming internationals in early September against Netherlands (a friendly) and Norway (a Euro 2016 qualifier).
Rakitic: Messi the best in history
Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer in history - not just in modern football - according to Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic.
The Croatian had already described Messi as "miraculous" ahead of the 2014-15 campaign but, with La Liga now under way, he has confidently described the four-time Ballon d'Or winner as peerless among any footballers ever.
"The team's brilliant, really awesome," the 26-year-old told reporters at a press conference on Thursday. "We must not relax and enjoy it though."
"I always see Messi at his very best, there's hardly any need to talk much about him. He's the best in the world and the best in the history of football."
Rakitic also commented on another Camp Nou legend, Xavi, whom he was chosen by coach Luis Enrique to start ahead of in Barca's opening match of La Liga's season last Sunday.
"We all know what a player Xavi is and he's a presence in the locker room," he added. "He is an idol and I'm enjoying training with him, every day is learning curve.
"It's true that we all want to play but the coach has the decision on that. I'll just try to give everything to help on the pitch."
Rakitic, signed from Sevilla, was one of many new additions at Camp Nou this season as Barca look to make amends for a 2013-14 in which all the team won was the Supercopa.
Barca visit Villarreal on Sunday as they look to build on last weekend's 3-0 win which gave them a lead in La Liga as of matchday one.
Lionel Messi is the greatest footballer in history - not just in modern football - according to Barcelona team-mate Ivan Rakitic.
The Croatian had already described Messi as "miraculous" ahead of the 2014-15 campaign but, with La Liga now under way, he has confidently described the four-time Ballon d'Or winner as peerless among any footballers ever.
"The team's brilliant, really awesome," the 26-year-old told reporters at a press conference on Thursday. "We must not relax and enjoy it though."
"I always see Messi at his very best, there's hardly any need to talk much about him. He's the best in the world and the best in the history of football."
Rakitic also commented on another Camp Nou legend, Xavi, whom he was chosen by coach Luis Enrique to start ahead of in Barca's opening match of La Liga's season last Sunday.
"We all know what a player Xavi is and he's a presence in the locker room," he added. "He is an idol and I'm enjoying training with him, every day is learning curve.
"It's true that we all want to play but the coach has the decision on that. I'll just try to give everything to help on the pitch."
Rakitic, signed from Sevilla, was one of many new additions at Camp Nou this season as Barca look to make amends for a 2013-14 in which all the team won was the Supercopa.
Barca visit Villarreal on Sunday as they look to build on last weekend's 3-0 win which gave them a lead in La Liga as of matchday one.
Official: Ki signs new four-year Swansea deal
Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung has signed a new four-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.
Ki joined Swansea for around €7 million from Celtic in 2012 but his future at the club looked in doubt after he was sent on loan to Sunderland for the 2013-14 season.
But the South Korea international is back in favour under new manager Garry Monk and scored in his side's surprise 2-1 win at Manchester United on the opening day of the season and is excited after committing his future to the Welsh outfit.
"I'm very pleased," Ki told the club's official website. "This is what I have wanted to do - my first option was always to renew with Swansea.
"I am very pleased with all of the players and staff at the club, so I am very happy to sign a new contract. I want to sacrifice myself for the team and, as always, do as much as I can to help this team improve."
Ki also said that the arrival of Monk had significantly changed things at Swansea and that he expects the club to improve dramatically this season.
"There are a lot of differences in just one year," he added. "I needed to grow as a player and I have more confidence since returning. This year I want to show much I have grown.
"We work very hard in training. I know the manager very well and he knows me. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and I can learn from him. He wants us to be very organised and disciplined. I like the way he manages, so I think we will improve a lot under him.
"This team has a great potential, and I am sure that we will be amazing as time goes by. In my first season [at Swansea], we finished ninth. But this year, I think we can go further. I want to make sure we improve."
Swansea City midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung has signed a new four-year contract at the Liberty Stadium.
Ki joined Swansea for around €7 million from Celtic in 2012 but his future at the club looked in doubt after he was sent on loan to Sunderland for the 2013-14 season.
But the South Korea international is back in favour under new manager Garry Monk and scored in his side's surprise 2-1 win at Manchester United on the opening day of the season and is excited after committing his future to the Welsh outfit.
"I'm very pleased," Ki told the club's official website. "This is what I have wanted to do - my first option was always to renew with Swansea.
"I am very pleased with all of the players and staff at the club, so I am very happy to sign a new contract. I want to sacrifice myself for the team and, as always, do as much as I can to help this team improve."
Ki also said that the arrival of Monk had significantly changed things at Swansea and that he expects the club to improve dramatically this season.
"There are a lot of differences in just one year," he added. "I needed to grow as a player and I have more confidence since returning. This year I want to show much I have grown.
"We work very hard in training. I know the manager very well and he knows me. He knows my strengths and weaknesses and I can learn from him. He wants us to be very organised and disciplined. I like the way he manages, so I think we will improve a lot under him.
"This team has a great potential, and I am sure that we will be amazing as time goes by. In my first season [at Swansea], we finished ninth. But this year, I think we can go further. I want to make sure we improve."
Hodgson: Why I chose Rooney as England captain
Roy Hodgson insists Wayne Rooney was the "obvious choice" to succeed Steven Gerrard as England captain.
The retirement of Gerrard - along with fellow veteran midfielder Frank Lampard - from international football in the wake of England's disappointing World Cup campaign in Brazil had left the Three Lions in need of a new skipper.
And Hodgson believes that the commitment and experience of Rooney, who has also been handed the Manchester United captaincy by Louis van Gaal this summer, makes him the ideal candidate for the role.
"I gave it a lot of thought but Wayne is an obvious choice," Hodgson told reporters. "He certainly deserves it. His commitment to the cause, his experience, the fact he’s captained England in the past, and now of course he has the responsibility at Manchester United, all those factors weighed in in my thought process.
"I had a long conversation with him. And he’s prepared to accept the pressures the England captaincy can bring. And that’s quite a big thing to ensure that the person is willing to take that enourmous responsibility."Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill were also in the running to be handed the armband, but Hodgson believes it would have been unfair of him to ignore Rooney's claim.
"We’ve got players like Joe Hart and Gary Cahill who are experienced and play for very big clubs, in the Champions League every week and compete at the top of the league," he added.
"It would be harsh to say Wayne was the only choice. But it would have been unfair on Rooney. It was his time, his moment. I would have made a mistake to pass over him and give it to someone else."There are some really big names [who have captained England before]. He’s got a lot to live up to. He knows that.
"I’ve seen a mature Rooney in my two years and, if anything, during the experiences we’ve shared he’s matured even more. It’s the right choice, he’s the right man and he’ll take it on with enthusiasm and right mentality."
Roy Hodgson insists Wayne Rooney was the "obvious choice" to succeed Steven Gerrard as England captain.
The retirement of Gerrard - along with fellow veteran midfielder Frank Lampard - from international football in the wake of England's disappointing World Cup campaign in Brazil had left the Three Lions in need of a new skipper.
And Hodgson believes that the commitment and experience of Rooney, who has also been handed the Manchester United captaincy by Louis van Gaal this summer, makes him the ideal candidate for the role.
"I gave it a lot of thought but Wayne is an obvious choice," Hodgson told reporters. "He certainly deserves it. His commitment to the cause, his experience, the fact he’s captained England in the past, and now of course he has the responsibility at Manchester United, all those factors weighed in in my thought process.
"I had a long conversation with him. And he’s prepared to accept the pressures the England captaincy can bring. And that’s quite a big thing to ensure that the person is willing to take that enourmous responsibility."Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill were also in the running to be handed the armband, but Hodgson believes it would have been unfair of him to ignore Rooney's claim.
"We’ve got players like Joe Hart and Gary Cahill who are experienced and play for very big clubs, in the Champions League every week and compete at the top of the league," he added.
"It would be harsh to say Wayne was the only choice. But it would have been unfair on Rooney. It was his time, his moment. I would have made a mistake to pass over him and give it to someone else."There are some really big names [who have captained England before]. He’s got a lot to live up to. He knows that.
"I’ve seen a mature Rooney in my two years and, if anything, during the experiences we’ve shared he’s matured even more. It’s the right choice, he’s the right man and he’ll take it on with enthusiasm and right mentality."
European success will be hard for Arsenal - Bilic
Slaven Bilic does not feel Arsenal can win the Champions League after they scraped an aggregate win over his Besiktas side to qualify for the tournament.
The Gunners limped into the group stages of the competition with a 1-0 play-off success climaxing on Wednesday thanks to Alexis Sanchez's first goal for his new club.
The victory means that Arsene Wenger's men will compete in the competition proper of the Champions League for the 17th straight season, but the Besiktas coach does not view the 2006 finalists as challengers for this season's trophy.
"I would love it if Arsenal to reach next year's final because it would make us look like contenders," Bilic told reporters."If they improve they have a chance and, of course, they are going to improve, the league just started and they have got a few injuries.
"They are missing the strikers although Sanchez was good tonight. But to win it with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to compete against? Football is strange but it would be difficult."Arsenal will discover their group-stage opponents at Thursday's draw in Monaco at 17:45CET.
Slaven Bilic does not feel Arsenal can win the Champions League after they scraped an aggregate win over his Besiktas side to qualify for the tournament.
The Gunners limped into the group stages of the competition with a 1-0 play-off success climaxing on Wednesday thanks to Alexis Sanchez's first goal for his new club.
The victory means that Arsene Wenger's men will compete in the competition proper of the Champions League for the 17th straight season, but the Besiktas coach does not view the 2006 finalists as challengers for this season's trophy.
"I would love it if Arsenal to reach next year's final because it would make us look like contenders," Bilic told reporters."If they improve they have a chance and, of course, they are going to improve, the league just started and they have got a few injuries.
"They are missing the strikers although Sanchez was good tonight. But to win it with Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to compete against? Football is strange but it would be difficult."Arsenal will discover their group-stage opponents at Thursday's draw in Monaco at 17:45CET.
New Manchester United man Angel Di Maria says he is determined to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford and do justice to the No.7 shirt.
The Argentine winger says he spoke to the Real Madrid superstar, whom he was team-mates with for four years, ahead of his move to Old Trafford and was informed of the history and importance of his new shirt number.
And following his €75 million move to United, Di Maria insists he will do his best to reach the high standards expected of him and insisted he is happy to play wherever the manager wishes to deploy him.
"I was aware of the importance of the No.7 shirt," he told reporters.
"I wanted to wear this shirt and do as much for the club as Ronaldo and all the others have been able to do. The club wanted me to wear the shirt and I hope I can live up to it.
"I came here to work for the team. I will play in whatever position the manager wants me to play in. Any player should want to play wherever for their manager."
Di Maria's move takes Man Utd's spending over the last 12 months to over £200m and he joins Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw as high-profile arrivals under new boss Louis van Gaal.
The World Cup 2014 runner-up will be hoping to help Van Gaal achieve his first competitive win as Man Utd boss should he be picked to play in the Red Devils' clash with newly promoted Burnley this weekend following two losses and a draw in their opening three games of 2014-15.
Chelsea striker Torres closing in on AC Milan move
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is closing in on a move to AC Milan.
There had initially been fears that the striker's €214,000-per-week wages would scupper a deal, with the Rossoneri unable to match his current earnings.
But both clubs are working hard on an agreement with the player to smooth his passage to San Siro, with reports on Wednesday suggesting the Blues will pay up the remainder of the Spaniard's contract.
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed his club's interest in the striker on Wednesday, but also said they could move for another striker if needed.
Torres moved to Stamford Bridge for a then British transfer record €63 million from Liverpool in 2011, but has struggled to regain the form he had displayed in his four years at Anfield.
He has scored just 20 Premier League goals in 110 appearances with the Blues, compared to the 65 he bagged in 102 matches during his time on Merseyside.
Chelsea have signed Diego Costa and brought back Didier Drogba during the current transfer window, knocking Torres down to third place in the pecking order.
The 30-year-old had been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer, while Serie A side Inter had also displayed an interest.
But he is now nearing an agreement to join their city rivals and bring to an end his mixed seven-year spell in English football.
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres is closing in on a move to AC Milan.
There had initially been fears that the striker's €214,000-per-week wages would scupper a deal, with the Rossoneri unable to match his current earnings.
But both clubs are working hard on an agreement with the player to smooth his passage to San Siro, with reports on Wednesday suggesting the Blues will pay up the remainder of the Spaniard's contract.
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani confirmed his club's interest in the striker on Wednesday, but also said they could move for another striker if needed.
Torres moved to Stamford Bridge for a then British transfer record €63 million from Liverpool in 2011, but has struggled to regain the form he had displayed in his four years at Anfield.
He has scored just 20 Premier League goals in 110 appearances with the Blues, compared to the 65 he bagged in 102 matches during his time on Merseyside.
Chelsea have signed Diego Costa and brought back Didier Drogba during the current transfer window, knocking Torres down to third place in the pecking order.
The 30-year-old had been linked with a return to Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer, while Serie A side Inter had also displayed an interest.
But he is now nearing an agreement to join their city rivals and bring to an end his mixed seven-year spell in English football.
Ronaldo named Uefa's Best Player in Europe
Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as Uefa's Best Player in Europe for his Champions League-winning heroics with Real Madrid in 2013-14.
The Portuguese, 29, scored a remarkable 17 goals in 11 European games as Carlo Ancelotti's stormed to the Decima and struck three times en route to Copa del Rey glory as Madrid completed the cup double.
Though the Santiago Bernabeu side were less successful in La Liga, Ronaldo still averaged more than a goal a game (31 efforts in 30 matches) as they finished third behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
The former Manchester United forward was voted as the best player ahead of Bayern Munich duo Manuel Neuer and Arjen Robben, who starred as Pep Guardiola's men lifted four of a possible six trophies last season.
"I'm really, really happy," Ronaldo said upon being presented the award following the draw for the 2014-15 Champions League group stage on Thursday.
"I have to say thank you to my team-mates, to my family, my friends. I don't have this trophy in my museum - I'll put it there straight away."
Ronaldo has already begun the new campaign in superb fashion, scoring three goals in four games including his double as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla to win the Uefa Super Cup earlier in August.
Ronaldo and his Real Madrid team-mates have been drawn with Liverpool, Basel and Ludogorets as they bid to become to first team in Champions League history to win back-to-back titles.
Reigning European champions Real Madrid have been drawn with five-time winners Liverpool in the Champions League group stage draw held in Monaco on Thursday.
Carlo Ancelotti's men achieved la Decima in May with a final win over Atletico Madrid and they will also face Swiss side Basel and Bulgarian champions Ludogorets in Group B as they try to become to first team in Champions League history to win back-to-back titles.
Bayern Munich, coached by former winner Pep Guardiola, will aim for their fourth final in six years but have arguably been handed the Group of Death as they will need to overcome Premier League winners Manchester City, Russian side CSKA Moscow and Serie A runners-up Roma to get out of Group E.
Barcelona will need to navigate their way past Paris Saint-Germain - led by former striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic - Dutch champions Ajax and Cyprus minnows APOEL.
Chelsea, Champions League victors in 2011-12, were given a relatively straightforward draw as they face out-of-sorts Schalke, Portuguese opposition Sporting and Slovenian side Maribor.
Arsenal are still without a Champions League title to their name and they will have a bumpy ride just reaching the last 16 as 2012-13 finalists Borussia Dortmund, Galatasaray and Belgian champions Anderlecht provide competition.
Atletico Madrid, runners up last season after taking Real Madrid to extra time, will be confident they can share one of the top two spots with Scudetto holders Juventus, Olympiakos and outsiders Malmo.
Last season's Europa League runners-up Benfica, Bundesliga big-hitters Bayer Leverkusen, Andre Villas-Boas' Zenit St-Petersburg and Ligue 1 runners-up Monaco make Group C one of the most competitive sections.
Contrastingly, Porto will be confident of making amends for failing to reach the knockout stages in 2013-14 after being drawn alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Athletic Bilbao and BATE.
Each of the top two teams will qualify for the last 16 draw in December. The 2013-14 final, the 60th organised by Uefa, will be held at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 6.
Atletico braced for 'difficult' Champions League clashes with Juventus
Jose Luis Caminero has conceded that Atletico Madrid face a difficult task in trying to beat Juventus to top spot in Champions League Group A.
The Rojiblancos reached the final of last season's competition, only losing out after extra-time to city rivals Real.
However, Caminero is taking nothing for granted after Atletico were drawn in the same pool as Juve, Olympiakos and Malmo.
"All of them are the reigning champions of their respective leagues," Atletico's sporting director pointed out.
"They have great players and I’m sure they will make it difficult for us to get through to the knockout stage.
“Juventus have won the Scudetto for the past three seasons and broke the league’s points record last year. They are one of the historic clubs in this competition and they are used to gaining success.
"They have top players such as [Andrea] Pirlo, [Gianluigi] Buffon, [Paul] Pogba, [Arturo] Vidal, [Fernando] Llorente and [Carlos] Tevez ... Both games are going to be difficult."
Jose Luis Caminero has conceded that Atletico Madrid face a difficult task in trying to beat Juventus to top spot in Champions League Group A.
The Rojiblancos reached the final of last season's competition, only losing out after extra-time to city rivals Real.
However, Caminero is taking nothing for granted after Atletico were drawn in the same pool as Juve, Olympiakos and Malmo.
"All of them are the reigning champions of their respective leagues," Atletico's sporting director pointed out.
"They have great players and I’m sure they will make it difficult for us to get through to the knockout stage.
“Juventus have won the Scudetto for the past three seasons and broke the league’s points record last year. They are one of the historic clubs in this competition and they are used to gaining success.
"They have top players such as [Andrea] Pirlo, [Gianluigi] Buffon, [Paul] Pogba, [Arturo] Vidal, [Fernando] Llorente and [Carlos] Tevez ... Both games are going to be difficult."
'The pain was so bad I wet the bed' – Batistuta reveals excruciating ankle issues in retirement
Argentina icon Gabriel Batistuta has revealed that the excruciating ankle pain he felt after retiring from the game led him to ask a specialist to amputate his legs.Now 45, the former striker enjoyed a glittering career with several big teams in Serie A, most notably Fiorentina, where he spent almost a decade, scoring 168 goals.
However, Argentina's record World Cup goalscorer hasn't had a particularly enjoyable retirement.
“I left football and overnight I couldn't walk,” Batistuta told TyC Sports. “I wet the bed even though the bathroom was only three meters away. It was 4am and I knew if I stood my ankle would kill me.“I went to see Doctor Avanzi (a specialist in Orthopaedics and trauma) and told him to cut off my legs. He looked at me and told me I was crazy.
"I couldn't bare it any longer. I can't put in to words just how bad the pain was.”
The South American idol has since had less drastic treatment in the form of screws, and although only one leg was augmented, he is now able to enjoy golf without much trouble.
“I chose the right leg, the doctor couldn't do both,” he said. “I didn't care. My problem is that I have no cartilage or tendons. My 86 kilos are supported by bones alone. That's what generated the pain.“I'm much better now than I was three years ago.”
Argentina icon Gabriel Batistuta has revealed that the excruciating ankle pain he felt after retiring from the game led him to ask a specialist to amputate his legs.Now 45, the former striker enjoyed a glittering career with several big teams in Serie A, most notably Fiorentina, where he spent almost a decade, scoring 168 goals.
However, Argentina's record World Cup goalscorer hasn't had a particularly enjoyable retirement.
“I left football and overnight I couldn't walk,” Batistuta told TyC Sports. “I wet the bed even though the bathroom was only three meters away. It was 4am and I knew if I stood my ankle would kill me.“I went to see Doctor Avanzi (a specialist in Orthopaedics and trauma) and told him to cut off my legs. He looked at me and told me I was crazy.
"I couldn't bare it any longer. I can't put in to words just how bad the pain was.”
The South American idol has since had less drastic treatment in the form of screws, and although only one leg was augmented, he is now able to enjoy golf without much trouble.
“I chose the right leg, the doctor couldn't do both,” he said. “I didn't care. My problem is that I have no cartilage or tendons. My 86 kilos are supported by bones alone. That's what generated the pain.“I'm much better now than I was three years ago.”
Rodgers: Real Madrid clash will be 'special'
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is thrilled at the prospect of facing Real Madrid in this season's Champions League group stages.
Thursday's draw in Monaco pitted Liverpool in Group B alongside the titleholders, as well as Swiss outfit Basel and Ludogorets of Bulgaria.
Liverpool's second-placed finish in the Premier League last season earned them a place in the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10, and being drawn against Madrid gives the club the chance to repeat the feats of the 2008-09 season, when the Reds dispatched the Spanish giants 5-0 on aggregate in the second round.
As 10-time winners of the competition, Real have twice as many crowns as Liverpool, and Rodgers is eagerly anticipating the contests ahead.
"Initially, we're excited," he told the club's official website. "That was last season's hard work, what we were working towards - getting Liverpool back into a competition where we are synonymous.
"To be back in it again, no matter who we were going to play, it was always going to be exciting. But to have Real Madrid in your group, the champions last season, is going to be special.
"I'm already thinking of Anfield on that night. But there are two other good teams in it along with us. It's a tough group but we'll really look forward to the challenge of getting out of the group."
Despite the sense of anticipation, Rodgers is refusing to get too carried away by planning for life beyond the first round.
"The notion for us was to get out of the group stage - we can look no further than that," he said.
"It was great excitement and hopefully it was great for the supporters to sit and watch the draw for the first time in five years.
"Now we know the teams that we're playing, we'll focus to get out of the group. That's as far as you can look. Once you get out of the group stages, you take it from there.
"Preparation will start straight away. Some of the teams we're well aware of; we watch the likes of Real Madrid nearly every week and we know their players.
"But as soon as the draw is finalised, the work and the focus will be on that. We have our analysis team behind the scenes who will do all the preparation work we need for our opponents. It will be exciting for them as well."
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is thrilled at the prospect of facing Real Madrid in this season's Champions League group stages.
Thursday's draw in Monaco pitted Liverpool in Group B alongside the titleholders, as well as Swiss outfit Basel and Ludogorets of Bulgaria.
Liverpool's second-placed finish in the Premier League last season earned them a place in the Champions League for the first time since 2009-10, and being drawn against Madrid gives the club the chance to repeat the feats of the 2008-09 season, when the Reds dispatched the Spanish giants 5-0 on aggregate in the second round.
As 10-time winners of the competition, Real have twice as many crowns as Liverpool, and Rodgers is eagerly anticipating the contests ahead.
"Initially, we're excited," he told the club's official website. "That was last season's hard work, what we were working towards - getting Liverpool back into a competition where we are synonymous.
"To be back in it again, no matter who we were going to play, it was always going to be exciting. But to have Real Madrid in your group, the champions last season, is going to be special.
"I'm already thinking of Anfield on that night. But there are two other good teams in it along with us. It's a tough group but we'll really look forward to the challenge of getting out of the group."
Despite the sense of anticipation, Rodgers is refusing to get too carried away by planning for life beyond the first round.
"The notion for us was to get out of the group stage - we can look no further than that," he said.
"It was great excitement and hopefully it was great for the supporters to sit and watch the draw for the first time in five years.
"Now we know the teams that we're playing, we'll focus to get out of the group. That's as far as you can look. Once you get out of the group stages, you take it from there.
"Preparation will start straight away. Some of the teams we're well aware of; we watch the likes of Real Madrid nearly every week and we know their players.
"But as soon as the draw is finalised, the work and the focus will be on that. We have our analysis team behind the scenes who will do all the preparation work we need for our opponents. It will be exciting for them as well."
Inter boss Mazzarri hails hat-trick hero Kovacic
Inter boss paid tribute to Mateo Kovacic after the midfielder's goal drought came to an end in spectacular fashion in Thursday's Europa League win over Stjarnan.
The Croatia international struck a sensational hat-trick in a resounding 6-0 win at San Siro, as the Nerazzurri progressed to the group stage courtesy of an 9-0 aggregate win.
"Kovacic was rewarded for his perseverance," Mazzarri told Sport Mediaset after watching the 20-year-old score for the first time since joining Inter from Dinamno Zagreb in January 2013.
"This lad is growing exactly the way we hoped, is becoming consistent and putting his talents to the service of the team.
"The game was pretty much over at 2-0, then it was almost like a friendly. Stjarnan lost intensity and courage. We started well and I was interested to see how we'd react with our heads and our legs.
"We never lowered our guard and that attitude must remain throughout the season."
Dani Osvaldo also scored his first goal for the Nerazzurri, after joining on loan from Southampton this summer, while there was a double for Mauro Icardi.
Inter boss paid tribute to Mateo Kovacic after the midfielder's goal drought came to an end in spectacular fashion in Thursday's Europa League win over Stjarnan.
The Croatia international struck a sensational hat-trick in a resounding 6-0 win at San Siro, as the Nerazzurri progressed to the group stage courtesy of an 9-0 aggregate win.
"Kovacic was rewarded for his perseverance," Mazzarri told Sport Mediaset after watching the 20-year-old score for the first time since joining Inter from Dinamno Zagreb in January 2013.
"This lad is growing exactly the way we hoped, is becoming consistent and putting his talents to the service of the team.
"The game was pretty much over at 2-0, then it was almost like a friendly. Stjarnan lost intensity and courage. We started well and I was interested to see how we'd react with our heads and our legs.
"We never lowered our guard and that attitude must remain throughout the season."
Dani Osvaldo also scored his first goal for the Nerazzurri, after joining on loan from Southampton this summer, while there was a double for Mauro Icardi.
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