..::Football III::..

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Mourinho taught me so much at Chelsea - Torres

Fernando Torres insists he learned a lot from Jose Mourinho in his final season at Chelsea.

Torres ended a disappointing three-year stay at Stamford Bridge last month by agreeing to join AC Milan on loan for the final two years of his contract, where he will replace the departed Mario Balotelli.

Mourinho frequently criticised Torres and fellow strikers Samuel Eto'o and Demba Ba last season and the lack of a reliable goalscorer was widely perceived to be the main reason why Chelsea fell short in the Premier League title race.

The Spaniard scored just 46 goals in 172 games for the Blues after joining for €62 million from Liverpool in January 2011 and netted 12 times last term under Mourinho, but is adamant he enjoyed a productive working relationship with the Special One.

"I had a professional relationship with him," Torres told reporters. "I learned so much.

"When I told him that I was going to Milan he wished me good luck, and he told me about the passion for football that is here.

"I wish him all the best, as he has done with me."

Milan CEO Adriano Galliani admitted it was "better late than never" to have signed the striker after he failed to tempt him to San Siro in 2004.

"Fernando is an incredible champion," he said. "He has won everything there is possible to win.

"Fernando began his career in Madrid, and even then it was clear that he was something special.

"We tried to get him in 2004, but that did not go ahead. But it's better late than never! We are happy to have him here and I'm sure he will do well."

 

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Real Madrid fear lengthy absence for Khedira

Real Madrid are set for a fresh spell without Sami Khedira after the midfielder suffered a thigh injury.

The 27-year-old picked up a problem in his left thigh in training in Madrid shortly before departing to join up with the Germany squad for their international clashes over the next week, according to the German Football Federation.

Both Madrid and the DFB have since confirmed that Khedira has undergone scans on the problem which kept him out of training with Joachim Low's side.

The Bernabeu side claim, however, that the player suffered the problem while with the Germany squad, contradicting the statement from the DFB, which said the injury occurred before he joined up with the camp.

Initial reports in Germany and Spain suggest the player could be out for six to eight weeks, although neither the world champions nor Madrid have confirmed the severity of the injury as yet.

Germany take on Argentina in a friendly on Wednesday before beginning their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign against Scotland on Sunday.

 

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Chicharito will triumph at Real Madrid - Sanchez

Former Real Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez believes Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez will thrive at the club.

Chicharito joined Carlo Ancelotti's side on a season-long loan deal after being deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester United by Louis van Gaal.

Sanchez, who scored more than 200 goals in a seven-year spell at Santiago Bernabeu, is confident the striker will become a success at the club but insists he must not be put under pressure by comparisons with his own career.

"I'm convinced Chicharito will triumph at Real Madrid, as will Raul Jimenez at Atletico and [Javier] Aquino at Rayo Vallecano," he was quoted as saying by Record.

"If leaving Manchester United is difficult, he has done it to come to Madrid and that, of course, is commendable.

"Congratulations to Chicharito, hopefully he'll be lucky.

"I will not let them pressure him with comparisons. They are odious. I will not let them pressure Chicharito, or Raul, or Aquino.

"In my career, I had my own path; they will have theirs. What you have to do is support them, give them confidence, motivation and keep their confidence up."

 

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Official: Cleverley joins Aston Villa on loan

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Tom Cleverley on a season-long loan from Manchester United.

Paul Lambert's side had been competing with Everton to sign the midfielder but finally completed the move on Tuesday after the Premier League sanctioned the switch nearly 17 hours after the deadline had passed.

The 25-year-old, who has earned 13 caps for England, joins Villa for the rest of the campaign, with reports suggesting that the move involves a break clause in January.

Cleverley made 31 appearances in all competitions last season but was deemed surplus to requirements by Louis van Gaal, who bolstered his midfield options with Ander Herrera, Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind in the summer.

Cleverley joins Javier Hernandez, Wilfried Zaha, Nani, Shinji Kagawa, Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, Patrice Evra, Alexander Buttner and Danny Welbeck in leaving United this summer.

 

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Good Luck Cleverly​

 

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Real Madrid needed Xabi Alonso - Valdano

Former Real Madrid boss Jorge Valdano says Xabi Alonso was still a vitally important player to Carlo Ancelotti's side when he was sold.

The 32-year-old left the Santiago Bernabeu for Bayern Munich towards the end of the transfer window after seeing his first-team spot come under threat following the arrivals of Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez.

Valdano - who has been a player, coach and sporting director for los Blancos - believes the team have lost an important worth ethic following the sales of Alonso to Bayern and Angel Di Maria to Manchester United.

"Xabi Alonso was a much-needed player at Real Madrid due to his positioning and sacrifice," he told Cadena SER.

"He is a very intelligent player and gives the feeling that he handles the rest of the team like a herd.

"Xabi Alonso and Di Maria represented consistency, the thinking of the collective - one through his intelligence and one through his intensity."

Madrid suffered a 4-2 shock defeat to Real Sociedad on Sunday and face a vital La Liga match against champions Atletico Madrid after the international break.

 

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Odemwingie confirms knee surgery

Stoke City's Peter Odemwingie has confirmed he requires knee surgery and will miss most of the season.

The Nigeria international was taken off on a stretcher during Stoke's shock 1-0 win at Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday.

Initially it was hoped Odemwingie had escaped serious damage, but the 33-year-old took to Twitter on Tuesday to reveal he needs to go under the knife and will therefore be sidelined for the majority of the 2014-15 campaign.

"It's confirmed now surgery is required. Really gutted I will miss many games of the season. Will work hard to be back as early as possible," he wrote.

"We have a strong squad that will do great in the league and I will be back in time for the Wembley finals."

Odemwingie, who represented his country at this year's World Cup, scored six goals in 15 Premier League appearances for Stoke last season following his move from Cardiff City.

 

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Torres: I want to define an era at AC Milan

Fernando Torres hopes to "define an era" at AC Milan by emulating former greats George Weah, Marco van Basten and head coach Filippo Inzaghi.

The Spaniard completed a two-year loan deal from Chelsea on Sunday, a move that seemingly brings to an end his troubled three-and-a-half-year stint at Stamford Bridge.

Despite winning the Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup in his time in London, Torres scored just 20 Premier League goals in 110 appearances for Chelsea - a far cry from his prolific days at both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid.

Torres arrives at San Siro as a replacement for Mario Balotelli, who was sold to Liverpool last month, and the 30-year-old hopes he can live up to the achievements of some of the famous forwards who have gone before him.

"Every player is different, but Van Basten, Weah and Inzaghi defined an era," he said in a press conference on Tuesday.

"I want to achieve the same results as them. I am different from those players, but maybe in a few years' time, they'll have my No.9 in the museum.

"I want to take advantage of this opportunity. It is a challenge that I needed. I'm really happy to be here.

"I can't wait to get started. I played in La Liga, the Premier League and now I am playing in my third important European league.

"I want to score the goals that can take this club back up with the best around.

"In Europe, historically, there has been three big leagues - England, Spain and Italy. There are times when one gets the better of another, but they are all important.

"I know many former team-mates who have played for Milan, and they all say how great it is here."

 

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Torres AC Milan waladi ayeth form 1kata awoth pattaGood Luck Torres​

 

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Welbeck will benefit from Arsenal switch - Hodgson

Danny Welbeck will benefit greatly from his switch to Arsenal, according to England manager Roy Hodgson.

The 23-year-old striker joined the Gunners from Manchester United in a €20 million deal in the final hours of transfer deadline day.

Welbeck, a product of United's youth academy, made just 15 Premier League starts for the club last season and was pushed further down the striking pecking order by the arrival of Colombia superstar Radamel Falcao on a lucrative one-year loan.

Hodgson believes the move will enable Welbeck to play regular football and strengthen his case for being in the England squad.

"When you are a player of his calibre and find yourself at United with competition for places, you don't always get the starts you would like," Hodgson said ahead of England's friendly against Norway on Wednesday.

"He is going to a club where he will hopefully get more starts and playing time. It is not easy for players playing a small part in club games, then coming and playing 90 minutes for England in intense surroundings.

"So I am pleased for Danny and I think Arsenal have signed a good player."

Hodgson did not wish to offer any suggestions as to how Wenger should use Welbeck, but added that regular first-team exposure would help his cause as England boss.

"My job is with England and the players I choose," he added. "I don't wish to make any suggestions about what clubs do with their players.

"But I cannot deny the more players play and the more experience they get, especially at Champions League level, the better it is for me at international level."

 

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Van Persie blasts 'fantasy' knee surgery claims

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has denied reports claiming he requires surgery to fix a knee injury.

Earlier this week, reports suggested that the 31-year-old could face months on the sidelines after an operation was postponed prior to Netherlands' World Cup campaign.

It was also alleged that the season-long loan signing of Radamel Falcao from Monaco was approved by Louis van Gaal due to the extent of Van Persie’s injury, though the Netherlands forward has now rubbished those claims.

"I don't know where these rumours are coming from," Van Persie told FOX Sports.

"I can honestly say that I will not visit a hospital any time soon to undergo surgery. You need quite a lively fantasy to come up with this nonsense."

Van Persie also insists he is ready to compete for his place at United following Falcao's move and is confident the Colombian's arrival will be a boost for the squad.

"I am happy with the arrival of Falcao," added the Dutchman.

"He makes us a better team. You always have to aim for the best at a big club. That's my philosophy as well. Falcao has to fight for his place, just like me. The two of us and Wayne Rooney and James Wilson will have to fight it out."

 

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Manchester United agree deal for Ajax's Fosu-Mensah

Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Ajax wonderkid Timothy Fosu-Mensah, subject to international clearance.

Louis van Gaal has raided his former club to sign the teenager, who will join up with the Red Devils' academy squad once the move has been officially rubberstamped.

The arrival of Fosu-Mensah caps a busy transfer deadline day for United that also saw Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind arrive at Old Trafford and Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Nick Powell, Tom Lawrence and Michael Keane depart.

A statement read: "Manchester United agreed a deal to sign Timothy Fosu-Mensah from Ajax ahead of the transfer deadline.

"The 16-year-old is a powerful defender who caught the eye at the AEGON Future Cup and is highly regarded in his homeland.

"Fosu-Mensah still requires an International Transfer Certificate to be processed in order to make his debut for Paul McGuinness' Academy squad, but his versatility and ability mark him out as an excellent addition for the Reds."

 

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Manchester United's identity is broken, says Phelan

Mike Phelan feels part of Manchester United's identity has been "broken" after a frenetic transfer window and the sale of Danny Welbeck.

United splashed a reported €190 million this summer in order to bring the likes of Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao to Old Trafford.

The club's desperate bid to return to the top four has seen several youth products leave, with Welbeck the most notable departure, to Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The England international's sale came after fellow youngsters Tom Lawrence, Nick Powell and Michael Keane all left the club, either on loan or permanently, and former assistant manager Phelan is saddened by the fact that United no longer seem to have any faith in youth.

"They have probably lost the way of Manchester United a little bit," Phelan told the BBC.

"Now, rather than produce, it may be the case where they are buying in.

"Someone like a Danny Welbeck has been part of United's identity and that has been broken. What will happen in the future now, nobody knows but that thread has been broken now.

"There is always the start of something and maybe this is the start of a new way of doing things at Manchester United and maybe that is the way football is going.

"Is it better to look at the instant rather than the future? It is a difficult one because youth is always the future, we all have to start somewhere and you just hope that product of youth can develop in the Premier League."

However, Phelan – who worked under Alex Ferguson during his legendary spell in charge of United – feels that Welbeck will thrive at Arsenal.

"He is still only a young player and with young players you will get peaks and troughs but it is a case of Danny feeling more important in himself than he probably was over the last 12 months," he added.

"He is in a position where he can play where he wants and I think that is why he chose Arsenal because they give him the opportunity to play in his best position, which is a striker.

"A club like Arsenal is a fabulous club, it is a well-run club. From a footballer's point of view, if you want to choose a football club, then Arsenal is right up there with the best."

 

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Borini happy with Liverpool stay

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini insists he is delighted to be remaining at Anfield after seeing moves to QPR and Sunderland break down in the transfer window.

Borini – who was not keen on a move to Sunderland after they and Liverpool agreed a fee – seemed set for a switch to Loftus Road as deadline day neared.

But the 23-year-old, who was going to cost QPR a reported €12 million, could not agree personal terms and remained on Merseyside, despite Brendan Rodgers saying last week that it was "best (for Borini) to move on".

And QPR boss Harry Redknapp later revealed that he felt the Italy forward was after far too much money.

"His wage demands were way beyond anything we could afford," Redknapp said on Monday.

But Borini was pleased with staying at Liverpool and he took to the internet to express his joy on Tuesday.

"Finally the madness is finished!" Borini posted on his official Twitter account.

"I protected the MAN and the player that I am today ... taking all the responsibility of the situation and for people who didn't want it.

"And I'm VERY happy with myself to have taken such an important decision."

Borini was Rodgers' first signing in July 2012 for a reported fee in the region of €10m but he has scored just two goals in 20 competitive appearances for Liverpool and was farmed out on loan to Sunderland last term.

 

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Azpilicueta signs new five-year contract with Chelsea

Cesar Azpilicueta has signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea.

The 25-year-old joined from Marseille in August 2012 and has made 95 appearances for Chelsea.

Azpilicueta, who is naturally a right-sided defender, was able to secure a regular role at left-back ahead of Ashley Cole last season and has kept his place despite Filipe Luis’ arrival from Atletico Madrid earlier this summer.

Azpilicueta has completed all three of Chelsea's Premier League games this season as Jose Mourinho's side sit at the top of the table with nine points.

Since arriving at Chelsea, Azpilicueta has also made his debut for Spain’s national side and featured twice at the World Cup earlier this summer.

 

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Negredo thanks Manchester City after sealing Valencia move

Alvaro Negredo has thanked Manchester City for giving him the chance to ply his trade in England following his move to Valencia.

The forward signed a season-long loan deal at Mestalla on Monday, with the Liga club having the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

Negredo is still recovering from the broken metatarsal he suffered in July but has reflected fondly on his sole season with City, in which the club won the Premier League title.

"Today I say goodbye to a magnificent club," the 29-year-old wrote in an open letter.

"I want to thank the club for helping me become a better footballer and for making me and family feel at home during my time here.

"About a year ago Manchester City, a club that for always will remain in my heart, gave me the amazing opportunity to play in England. And for me winning the Premier League, the Capital One Cup and scoring 23 goals in a season is a dream come true.

"After this year I can only say thank you to the club, to the fans that have supported me since the first day I wore this jersey and of course thank you and good luck to my team-mates, who helped me settle in since day one, not only as team-mates, but as friends.

"Today I say goodbye to Manchester City but I take with me many memories, lessons and great moments that will live with me forever. It has been one of the best years of my football career.

"At last I want to wish Manchester City many success for the future and thank the club for giving me the opportunity to sign for Valencia, a club to which I want to give back all the trust they have given me and start a new season with many success.

"Thank you with all my heart."

Negredo joined City side from Sevilla in July 2013 and hit the ground running, scoring 23 times in all competitions by late January.

A shoulder injury hampered his progress, though, and he endured a 16-game goal drought to conclude the season.

 

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Man Utd, Barcelona and the biggest spending clubs of the summer transfer window

Manchester United have emerged as the biggest-spending club of the summer, leaving the rest of football's giants trailing in their wake when it comes to investment.Having recognised the need to overhaul a squad which finished a lowly seventh in the Premier League last season, Louis van Gaal invested €200 million to bring Angel Di Maria, Marcos Rojo, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao (on a loan deal) to the club.

Liverpool got a big €81.25m pay-off from the sale of Luis Suarez and their return to the Champions League and have been ambitious throughout the summer.

Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert all joined from Southampton, Lazar Markovic was a big-money acquisition from Benfica and Emre Can arrived from Bayer Leverkusen, all before the €20m signing of Mario Balotelli.

Their spree totalled €168.6m, comfortably putting them second behind United.

Barcelona are third when it comes to spending after splashing the cash on Suarez and Co.

The Blaugrana have had a busy close season, signing Claudio Bravo and Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, Jeremy Mathieu, Douglas and Thomas Vermaelen in defence, Ivan Rakitic in midfield and the Uruguayan up front.

Their total summer spending is €157.25 million, placing them just ahead of Real Madrid, who spent €136.4m. The Spanish giants have had a reasonably busy summer, signing Keylor Navas, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez - the latter for a whopping €80m - as well as Javier Hernandez on loan.

Hot on their heels are city rivals Atletico Madrid. The Liga champions lost key members of their squad this summer but have been ambitious in the market, signing Mario Mandzukic, Antoine Griezmann, Alessio Cerci and more for a combined €123.7m.

One of the teams to have raided the Vicente Calderon for new talent was Chelsea, who signed Diego Costa and Filipe Luis from the Spanish capital, along with Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona and Loic Remy from QPR to take their summer spending to €118.8m.

Staying in London, Arsenal are sixth after buying the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy, David Ospina and, at the last minute, Danny Welbeck for just over a total of €108m.

Southampton have seen many players leave this summer, but have been active themselves by signing Dusan Tadic, Shane Long, Graziano Pelle, Toby Alderweireld, Sadio Mane and more for more than €85m, but they are the only side in our table to have recorded a profit thanks to their sales.

Manchester City have had their spending curtailed by Financial Fair Play but have still splashed out €72.9m on new players, the majority of it going on Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando from Porto.

The final name in the top 10 is Roma, who spent big on Juan Iturbe and Kostas Manolas among others to take their total over the €58m mark - the highest by far in Italy.

Interestingly, all but one of the top 10 are English and Spanish sides, with Germany's Borussia Dortmund the 11th highest spenders, just ahead of Bayern Munich.

 

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Congratulations Manchester United​

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2014.09.03

International Friendly Fixtures 2014.09.03

Russia Vs Azerbijan

Lithuania Vs UAE

Latvia Vs Armenia

Denmark Vs Turkey

Republic of Ireland Vs Oman

Germany Vs Argentina

Czech Republic Vs USA

England Vs Norway​

 

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Germany Vs Argentina patta gemak yai2014 World Cup Final rematch

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