..::Football III::..

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Kroos: I was right to leave Bayern for Madrid

Toni Kroos believes winning the Club World Cup proves that he was right to leave Bayern Munich and join Real Madrid.

The midfielder joined the Santiago Bernabeu side in the summer for a reported €30 million and helped them to win the trophy on Saturday, after a 2-0 victory over San Lorenzo in the final, just months after he was crowned a world champion with Germany.

And Kroos, who also won the Champions League and Club World Cup during his time at Bayern, says he is happy to cap off a fine 2014 with another trophy and feels vindicated in his decision to join the Spanish giants.

"I'm so happy to win the Club World Cup for a second time," he told reporters. "This trophy is so good for Real Madrid, we are a great family.

"I chose Real Madrid and now I'm so happy. I was right to sign for Madrid.

"Before coming here, I didn't know what to expect, but I made the decision, I was looking for something new and I was lucky that I signed for Real Madrid."

The midfielder reflected on what has been a wonderful year for him and feels he and his team can progress even further in 2015.

"It was a great year, full of amazing moments, but you are not the champion of the world every year. Winning the final in Rio de Janeiro and lifting the cup was a very special moment.

"Germany had been waiting a long time for it. It was the best moment of the year. But 2014 was very good overall, so there are many good times to remember,

"Now we are looking forward to the Copa del Rey and Champions League, there are many great opponents like Barcelona, Chelsea and Bayern Munich.

"So it is going to be tough in the Champions League and in La Liga too. I think Barcelona and Atletico will be close in the table, so defending our position at the top won't be easy.

"Now in January we play Atletico in the Copa del Ray and if we win, we face Barcelona, so it will be very hard. But I think we have to look forward. We are in good form."

 

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Roma will fight Juventus right to the end - Totti

Francesco Totti insists Roma will fight Juventus all the way in the race for the Serie A title despite falling three points adrift of the champions.

Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Milan at the Stadio Olimpico saw the Giallorossi lose ground on Juve, who had won at Cagliari 48 hours earlier.

But Totti says there will be no let-up as Roma attempt to go one better than last season’s second-place finish, while full-back Maicon assures supporters that his side will become a tougher proposition during the second half of the campaign.
“Rest assured, Roma will not give up until the end,” Totti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I would say that we are doing well,” added Maicon, “but we must be more like bad guys. Against Milan there was a handball by Nigel de Jong which was important, but I work for my team and I don’t talk about referees.”Roma return to action on January 6 with a trip to Udinese, while Juventus entertain Inter on the same day.

 

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Ramos: No rush over Real Madrid talks

Sergio Ramos insists he is in no rush to open talks with Real Madrid over a new contract.

Reports had suggested negotiations over a new deal at the Santiago Bernabeu for the Spain defender had stalled.

Ramos claims that is not the case, though, and the 28-year-old is in no hurry to open discussions due to him having two years remaining on his current contract.
"It is something that does not worry me at all," he told Cadena Ser."I have two years on my contract. We have had appointments to speak, but there is no hurry."

Ramos also stated that his relationship with Real president Florentino Perez is fine, despite rumours of a falling out in the past."Thanks to him [Perez] I fulfilled a dream of playing for the best club in the world and I will be eternally grateful," he added.

"Our relationship is very close and we talk often."The centre-back also took time to reflect on what has been an excellent year, with Real having added the Club World Cup to their list of honours on Saturday having previously lifted the UEFA Champions League and Copa del Rey trophies.

And Ramos - who won the Golden Ball award for the best player at the Club World Cup after scoring Real's opener in their 2-0 win over San Lorenzo - believes that 2014 will rank as the best year of his career.

"It has been the most important year of my life both professionally and personally," he said. "I have become a father and we have also won four titles."

 

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Manchester City winning run is a 'miracle', says Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini has hailed Manchester City's recent form as a "miracle", though he believes that plenty of hard work has played a key role.

The Premier League champions have won eight consecutive matches in all competitions, qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League and moving level on points with Chelsea at the top of the table.

That form has been maintained despite injuries to the likes of David Silva, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero and Pellegrini feels that what his side have achieved in recent weeks has been earned.

He said: "I don't know what Chelsea will think. I know three weeks ago we were nine points behind and close to elimination out of the Champions League and we were a team that depends just on Sergio Aguero.

"So I think that maybe this is a miracle, but the miracle has a name and it's 'work'."

City impressed with their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday despite fielding a side without a recognised striker as James Milner was deployed as a lone front man.

Pellegrini's side saw off stubborn opposition and, though he admits it is a not a system which he will be looking to utilise in future, the Chilean insists goals must be shared by the whole team not just forwards.

"If you review what we did last season, a lot of goals were scored by midfielders and full-backs," he said.

"We have a style of play where we involve all of the players in attacking and, after that, we also try to have all of the players defending.

"It’s not easy to play without a striker but I assure you that we had a whole week to prepare where we practiced at creating the space, knowing Crystal Palace were a difficult team.

"I don't think it's a system we'll adopt in the future. This team works very hard during the week so we can change our style of play.

"Normally it is better for me to play with one striker or maybe two strikers in some moments so it's important to have the capacity to change the style of play in one week."

 

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Ronaldo unveils statue at CR7 museum

A 2.4-metre-tall statue of Cristiano Ronaldo has been unveiled by the Real Madrid star in his native Madeira.The bronze effigy, weighing in at around 800 kilograms, was sculpted to add to the extensive collection of memorabilia at the Portuguese forward’s personal museum.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner was part of the Real Madrid side which became world champions on Saturday by beating San Lorenzo 2-0 in the Club World Cup final in Marrakech. And within 24 hours he was back in his homeland to reveal the new addition in Funchal in front of a huge crowd in the Madeiran capital of Funchal.“This is a very special moment, to have a statue of me,” Ronaldo told the assembled masses, which included his tearful mother Dolores.

The CR7 museum already boasts golden boots, signed balls and various medals collected by the Portugal captain over the course of his career, while there are also many photographs from the player’s career.

Ronaldo also received the Cordao Autonomico during the trip to his native Madeira. The medal of honour is the highest distinction awarded by the local government.

 

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Fabregas: Barcelona are Messi and 10 others

Cesc Fabregas has claimed Barcelona have been little more than "Lionel Messi and 10 others" this season.

Messi's future at Barcelona has come under a lot of scrutiny after he suggested last month he could leave the club in the near future.

Barcelona have struggled to reach consistent form this season, with Real Madrid setting the pace in La Liga, while it took a top-class showing from Messi to help the Catalans beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-1 to top their Champions League group.

Fabregas played alongside the Argentine in the Barca youth system and again in the first team when he returned to Spain following his time at Arsenal and, while the Chelsea ace admits he would love to see Messi alongside him at Stamford Bridge, he suggests his importance to Barcelona has never been greater.

"This season Barca are Messi and 10 others," he told Radio Marca. "Messi has saved his team on many occasions."

When asked if he thinks Messi should join him in west London, Fabregasadded: "I wish! Why not? I'd love that to happen. I'd be all for it.

"As a Barca man, I believe that Messi deserves to retire there for all that he has given the club.

"He is a legend that has changed Barca's history. But, as his team-mate and friend, without doubt I'd love to have Leo by my side."

The World Cup winner was also asked if he felt Jose Mourinho would be a good fit to coach the Camp Nou club.

"I'd say that Barcelona have a style that he has already experienced and understands perfectly," he replied.

"Chelsea play a very similar game: we want to be the protagonists, have possession and look to score. We may have a different system, but the philosophy is similar.

"Mourinho adapts to the players he has. What makes him so great as a coach is that he adapts to any situation and his teams can play in many different ways. It's a very intelligent way of managing."

 

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'There is no Ronaldo-Platini controversy'


There is no animosity between Cristiano Ronaldo and Uefa president Michel Platini, according to the organisation's spokesman Pedro Pinto.

Real Madrid were angered in October when Platini went public with his views on this year's Ballon d'Or race, claiming that a World Cup-winning German deserved to take home 2014's prize more than holder Ronaldo or four-time winner Lionel Messi.

Ronaldo was then seen walking past Platini as he prepared to receive his winners' medal following Madrid's Club World Cup triumph, as dignitaries shook hands with the players and coaches.

However, Pinto has claimed the pair had already exchanged pleasantries when Ronaldo collected the Silver Ball award as the tournament's second-best player, and says Platini feels "sad" when he hears suggestions that he does not like the Portuguese.

"There was never any problem. Cristiano Ronaldo, before receiving the Silver Ball, had greeted Mr Platini," Pinto explained to Diario de Noticias.

"When he returned to the stage to receive his medal with the rest of the team, Michel Platini was talking with Carlo Ancelotti, so Ronaldo passed him without acknowledging him.

"From our side, I can guarantee there is no controversy. I spoke with the president and he said he is sometimes sad to think people don't believe he likes Ronaldo."

The Ballon d'Or winner will be announced on January 12 at a ceremony in Zurich, with Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the final, three-man hunt with Messi and Ronaldo for the Fifa accolade this year.

 

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Ferguson: Carrick is the Premier League's best midfielder

Alex Ferguson believes Michael Carrick is the best midfielder in the Premier League and is convinced Manchester United will keep getting better as their injured stars return.

Carrick saw his start to the season hampered by injuries, but he has returned to the first team and helped the Red Devils win six of their last seven games, with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa the only blot on their copybook.

The 33-year-old has also been named as vice-captain to Wayne Rooney, underlining his importance to Louis van Gaal, and Ferguson is convinced he is the most effective midfielder in England.

"I think Michael's the best central midfielder in English football," the legendary former United manager told BT Sport. "I think he's the best English player in the game."

Carrick has been joined on the treatment table by the likes of Marco Rojo, Daley Blind and Angel Di Maria this season, and Ferguson has warned the rest of the Premier League that United will be a force to be reckoned with when Van Gaal has a fully fit squad to choose from.

"I don't know how Louis van Gaal can expect to get the best results with the injuries he's had," Ferguson continued.

"When he gets the best players back, you watch United go - because he's a great coach, he will do well.

"I'm not interested with what is happening with the players he's brought in, as that will take time.

"When I brought in Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic in the January of the same year, they were all over the place. They took five months to get used to playing for Manchester United - the culture and the history of the club. These new players will be exactly same."

Ferguson believes United still have a raft of world-class players in their ranks, and singled out David de Gea for particular praise after his fine recent form.

"They have still got great players," added the Scot.

"The World Cup has maybe taken a little bit out of Robin van Persie, but you watch him in the second half of the season. He will be fine.

"Rooney is back flying and he will always get you a goal. Having a goalscorer in your team is always an advantage.

"The one that is most pleasing to me is David de Gea. When we bought him as a kid he was really skinny but he had ability. He has special talents and he is showing that now and I'm really pleased for the kid.

"When we get those players back, we will be fine."

 

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'We had it in our hands' - Allegri laments Juventus' Supercoppa lapse

Massimiliano Allegri was left frustrated by Juventus' failure to see out victory in the Supercoppa Italiana, claiming the trophy "was in our hands".

Carlos Tevez twice gave Juve the lead in Doha but Gonzalo Higuain equalised on each occasion, forcing a penalty shootout with his extra-time leveller that came just minutes after his compatriot's second goal in the 2-2 draw.

Tevez also missed from the spot after Gianluigi Buffon had saved Jorginho's opening penalty, while both Giorgio Chiellini and Roberto Pereyra fluffed their lines when they had the chance to seal victory in the shootout before Simone Padoin's crucial miss.

"It was a game between two teams who played expansively. Unfortunately, we had three match-points from the penalty spot, and we had the game in our hands until a few minutes from the end," Allegri told Rai Sport after the match.

"I'm sorry because we had the game in our hands and we lost the goal in such a naive way.

"After 1-1 we raised the tempo. Napoli have good technique and are a very good team. By the end we can blame fatigue but perhaps we need to be more ruthless in extra-time."

Despite the disappointing result, Allegri insists his side can be happy with their season to date as they enter the winter break.

"I'm sorry for the lads who played a good game," the head coach added. "We lost a trophy we had in our grasp but we're first in the league and have progressed in the Champions League, so it's okay."

Juve return to Serie A action against Inter on January 6.

 

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Supercoppa will not satisfy Napoli hunger - Higuain

Gonzalo Higuain believes Napoli can aim even higher in the second half of the season after claiming the Supercoppa Italiana with a penalty shootout win over Juventus.

Higuain scored twice to cancel out goals from compatriot Carlos Tevez as Monday's clash between the Scudetto holders and Coppa Italia winners in Doha finished 2-2 after extra-time.

Napoli ultimately triumphed 6-5 on penalties after Simone Padoin missed in sudden death, and Higuain is confident his side can set their sights on more silverware in 2015 if they can find some consistent form in Serie A.

"We played a great game, I'm proud of the team. We faced a great team like Juve but today we did everything to win and more," he told Rai Sport after the match. "I dedicate this to all our fans.

"We need to have more consistency in the league, but if we continue like this, we can have a great season. We're aiming very high."

Napoli, who are currently fourth in Serie A, resume their campaign against Cesena on January 6.

They trail league leaders Juventus by 12 points and are nine adrift of second-placed Roma with 16 games played. However, Rafa Benitez's men are level on points with Lazio, who currently occupy the final Champions League qualification spot.

 

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Khedira: I am keen to stay at Real Madrid

Sami Khedira stressed he would be happy to sign a new contract with Real Madrid despite months of speculation over his future.

The Germany international is approaching the final six months of his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu and has long been linked with a move away from the club due to competition for places from Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Isco, James Rodriguez and Asier Illarramendi.

Despite Arsenal and AC Milan rumoured to be interested in his signature, Khedira insists that he would be more than happy to extend his stay at Madrid should negotiations prove fruitful in the coming weeks.

"I'd be happy if we found a solution to the contract situation," the 27-year-old, whose time in Spain has been hampered repeatedly by fitness woes, told Stuttgarter Nachrichten.

Khedira is confident he has shaken off his latest injury problems and is ready to play a significant part in 2015, adding that he enjoys the jostle for places provided by compatriot Kroos.

"I'm in good shape again and so I'm very confident that I'm going to get my chances to play very soon", the former Stuttgart man said. "I'm a fan of fierce competition.

"Kroos is doing really well. He's only been here for half a year and he's already a key cog in our system."

 

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Real Madrid rediscovered aura, says Ramos

Sergio Ramos believes Real Madrid have rediscovered an aura around the club following their impressive successes in 2014.

The defender scored crucial goals in the finals of the Champions League and the Club World Cup, while he also lifted the Copa del Rey in a remarkable year which has seen Madrid set a new record for consecutive victories.

The Spain international says he will not soon forget his decisive, equalising header against Atletico Madrid in Lisbon and feels Carlo Ancelotti's side now instil fear and respect in their opponents wherever they go.

"2014 has been a fantastic year. Not only because of the trophies, but the way they were won. Ancelotti has got every player playing to a high level," he told the club's official website.

"The team has recovered the spot that it had lost. That respect that everyone had for Real Madrid is there at every ground.

"The Decima was a unique moment. It's a source of pride to have gone down in Madrid's history with a goal that came when there was very little time left. Bringing that source of joy to fans is one of the best moments in my life.

"If we continue in this vein, the team is a contender to have a great year."

Real Madrid are in the midst of a 22-game win streak in all competitions since back-to-back losses towards the start of the season.

 

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PSG ready to splash €100m to replace Ibrahimovic - Al-Khelaifi

Paris Saint-Germain can afford to spend €100 million to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he leaves, according to the club's president.

PSG were hit with a fine and a reduction on their Champions League squad allowance as a result of a breach of Financial Fair Play regulations following their heavy spending over the past two seasons.

However, Nasser Al-Khelaifi is confident the French champions have the means to invest heavily and is confident they will replace Ibrahimovic with another global star when the Swede's contract expires or he chooses to depart.

"I believe PSG will get another big striker in 2016 after Ibrahimovic. Financial Fair Play tends to freeze competition between clubs but that situation plays into our favour," he told France Football.

"I believe we can afford a €100 million splash of cash to get stronger, even if that meant focusing on one single purchase in the transfer window, or a drastic reduction in some high salaries so we can buy other players."

The Parisiens resume their season against Montpellier in the Coupe de France on January 5.

 

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A new Real Madrid cycle has begun - Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti believes 2014 saw the beginning of a new cycle of success for Real Madrid and says the players are desperate for more glory in the new year.

The Blancos finally clinched their 10th European crown by beating Atletico Madrid in the Champions League showpiece.

They also won the Copa del Rey and Club World Cup in a memorable 12 months that saw them set a new record for consecutive victories, which stands at 22 and counting.

"It has been a fantastic year. With a great amount of effort and hard work, we achieved something very important," Ancelotti told the club's official website.

"That brings us huge desire ahead of 2015. In 2014, a cycle began that could be important for the future of Real Madrid.

"I was happy after winning the Decima, because we did it with hard work from everyone and it was an extraordinary source of motivation for the Madridista world. We won the most important competition, which everyone had been dreaming of.

"I would give the team a very high mark out of 10 because we achieved the ultimate in the Decima. I would say to the Madridistas that they have to get behind us with all the love and support that this team deserves."

 

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Southampton agree Elia loan deal

Southampton have confirmed that they will sign Werder Bremen winger Eljero Elia on loan until the end of the season.

The Netherlands international, who has 27 caps for his country, will complete the move when the transfer window re-opens on January 3.

Southampton have the option of making the loan move permanent at the end of the season, while Elia will be available to make his debut against Manchester United on January 11.

Speaking prior to completion of the deal, Saints boss Ronald Koeman spoke of his admiration for the 27-year-old and is confident that Elia can get back to his best after a lacklustre few seasons in Germany.

"If finally the player signs for Southampton I think it's a good option, we need at least one player up front because we will lose Mane in January to the Africa Cup of Nations," he told reporters.

"We need one player up there. It's a good option, he's a Dutch international. He didn't have such a good time in Germany but I believe in the qualities of the player.

"He's a good wing player. We like playing one right winger, one left winger, we like fast players who can play one-on-one. He's one of our options. If the deal is done, it will be first a loan deal."

 

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Falcao depends on team-mates to perform - Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has challenged his squad to help bring the best out of on-loan striker Radamel Falcao.

The Colombian has struggled for fitness since moving from Monaco, though he has scored in his previous two Premier League starts - against Everton in October and Aston Villa at the weekend.

Falcao was prolific in spells at Porto and Atletico Madrid prior to his time in Ligue 1, which was blighted by a serious knee injury, and Van Gaal believes he can replicate his best form at Old Trafford with the help of his colleagues.

"Falcao is also dependable on his team-mates," Van Gaal told reporters. "He can be in great form, but the team has to be in great form. That allows Falcao to show his qualities.

"When the cross is not coming from Ashley Young, then he cannot show what he has done in the last match [at Villa]."

Key to United's recent revival - winning six of their last seven games - has been the performances of captain Wayne Rooney, dropped into a creative midfield role.

Rooney has six goals and three assists to his name this term, and Van Gaal is delighted with the England skipper's ability to provide from various roles.

The Dutchman added: "He is a player who can play in different positions and I'm happy with that because I like multifunctional players.

"I can use him as a midfielder but also as a striker and attacking midfielder. He has the ability to run from box to box."

 

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Van Gaal demands total Manchester United domination

Louis van Gaal has demanded Manchester United achieve total domination in every game they play.

Speaking ahead of their home clash with Newcastle United, the 63-year-old feels his side have to develop their style so that they can overcome teams only looking to defend.

United drew 1-1 with Aston Villa in their last outing to end a six-game winning streak and. although Van Gaal says his away record is adequate, he needs to ensure maximum points at Old Trafford.

"My record in away matches as a coach is not so bad," he told reporters. "Away, teams are more open and want to attack but here they want to defend.

"That is why we have to build up a certain playing style so we can dominate. I’m saying every week that we are dominating for 45 or 60 minutes. We have to dominate for 90 minutes."

United currently have seven first-team players out injured while Friday's visit on Newcastle is the first of four games over nine days and Van Gaal does not expect many to return during that period.

When asked who will be available, the former Netherlands boss replied: "Maybe [Chris] Smalling. [Marouane] Fellaini is still not available. Smalling is a question mark - I have to look tomorrow [Wednesday] but it's always like that.

"For a few players it [this period] is fun because they are recovering quickly, but you also have players who are not recovering so quickly, so I have to rotate.
"My problem is I have a lot of injured players. That is the problem with these matches in the coming weeks."

Radamel Falcao made his return to fitness to face Villa on Saturday, where he scored his second goal on his second start for the club, and Van Gaal expects the loanee to continue improving with the help of his team-mates.

"Falcao can be in great form, but the team has to be in great form," the Dutchman added.

 

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Javi Martinez: I didn't want to talk to Bayern Munich team-mates after injury

Javi Martinez has revealed that he was so down after suffering a serious knee injury at the start of the season that he avoided his Bayern Munich team-mates.

The Spain international suffered ligament damage in the DFL-Supercup clash with Borussia Dortmund on August 13 and was forced to undergo surgery in the United States a week later.

Martinez was forced to use crutches after the operation and the versatile midfielder has now admitted that he was left depressed by his lack of mobility.

"That was the most difficult time," he told Bayern's official website. "You can’t walk, and you basically can’t do anything.

"Friends, team-mates and the physios kept geeing me up and wishing me all the best. That helped me.

"But I was really down at times and avoided contact with the team. It wasn’t an easy period."

However, Martinez is now in the gym everyday working on his fitness and is looking forward to returning to action in the New Year.

"We’re right on track," the former Athletic Bilbao ace added. "I’m feeling better every day.

"I’m managing more and more exercise, and that’s good for me mentally.

"My leg has to become healthy, and my head has to stay healthy, too.

"I’m working hard every day, but I have to be patient, and that’s the toughest thing of all."

 

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Garcia: Roma fans were sceptical of me

Rudi Garcia says that he wants to stay at Roma for a long time, having long since banished the initial scepticism that surrounded his appointment as coach.

The Frenchman was named as the Giallorossi's new boss in the summer of 2013 but his arrival at the Stadio Olimpico was greeted with little fanfare.

Indeed, the general feeling in the Italian capital was arguably best summed by Roma vice-captain Daniele De Rossi, who subsequently revealed that he had to Google Garcia's name.

However, Garcia has overseen a remarkable transformation in Roma's fortunes in the past 18 months, with the Giallorossi finishing runners-up in Serie A last season and now locked in titanic battle with Juventus for the 2014-15 Scudetto.

"The fans were initially sceptical of me," the former Lille boss told Radio Roma. "They told me that it was a difficult place to coach but it's not true.

"The fans are fantastic and intelligent. They have understood that we're giving everything on the field for Roma.

"The fans know that we are building something here with heart and effort and, for me, the only thing that counts is the fans.

"I hope so much to be able to stay here for a long time.

"I'm one that works every day for the future of the club. Roma are my life right now, at least until they no longer want me.

"But we have the same ambition. We want to go forward together."

 

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Pallotta: Strootman not leaving Roma for Manchester United

Roma president James Pallotta has ruled out the possibility of Kevin Strootman joining Manchester United.

As revealed by Goal, the midfielder wants to move to Old Trafford in order to be reunited with Louis van Gaal, whom he previously served under during the Red Devils boss' time in charge of the Netherlands national team.

However, Pallotta says he has no intention of allowing the 24-year-old to leave the Stadio Olimpico, explaining that both the fit-again Dutchman and defender Leandro Castan, who is currently recovering from brain surgery, remain an integral part of Roma's plan to establish themselves as a major force in European football.

"Strootman will not go to Manchester United," the American told Roma Radio. "We would be first in the league were it not for the injuries to Castan and Strootman.

"I think we're a team of Scudetto and Champions League quality. Jose Holebas and Kostas Manolas are integrating well and we are firmly convinced that we will fight for the Champions League [next season]."

Strootman, who joined Roma from PSV in the summer of 2013, has only just recovered from knee ligament damage that ruled him out of this year's World Cup.

The €17 million signing's return to full fitness is a major boost for Giallorossi coach Rudi Garcia, with the capital club currently second in Serie A, three points behind Juventus, who are bidding for a fourth successive title.