..::Football III::..

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Gerrard quits Liverpool

Steven Gerrard has confirmed he will leave Liverpool when his contract expires in June.

The Reds captain, who made his debut in 1998, has been heavily linked with a move to Major League Soccer in the United States, specifically LA Galaxy.

Gerrard was offered a new contract to stay at Anfield in December, with Brendan Rodgers expressing his hope that the 34-year-old would commit his future to the club, but he will instead look to finish his career away from the Premier League."This has been the toughest decision of my life and one which both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time," Gerrard said.

"I am making the announcement now so that the manager and the team are not distracted by stories or speculation about my future.

"Liverpool football club has been such a huge part of all our lives for so long and saying goodbye is going to be difficult, but I feel it's something that's in the best interests of all involved, including my family and the club itself.

"I'm going to carry on playing and although I can't confirm at this stage where that will be, I can say it will be somewhere that means I won't be playing for a competing club and will not therefore be lining up against Liverpool - that is something I could never contemplate.

"My decision is completely based on my wish to experience something different in my career and life and I also want to make sure that I have no regrets when my playing career is eventually over."

Gerrard was full of praise for Rodgers despite the former Swansea boss restricting him to fewer appearances this season."I can't thank Brendan, the owners and everyone at the club enough for how they've handled this and I am leaving on great terms," he added. "Also, I would like to thank my team-mates and all the staff for their help and continued support.

"It is a very special place to be part of. It is my sincere hope and wish that one day I can return to serve Liverpool again, in whatever capacity best helps the club.

"One point that is important to make is that from now until the last kick of the last game of the season, I will be as fully committed to the team as I ever have been and giving everything I have to help Liverpool win games."My final message is for the people who make Liverpool football club the greatest in the world - the supporters.

"It has been a privilege to represent you, as a player and as captain. I have cherished every second of it and it is my sincere wish to finish this season and my Liverpool career on a high."Rodgers did not hold back in his praise for a player who made his Reds bow over 16 years ago.

"This is an era where 'legend' is vastly overused, but in his case it actually doesn't do him justice," Rodgers said. "As a leader and as a man, he is probably incomparable to anyone I have ever worked with."

Gerrard captained the club to Champions League glory in 2005, and he has also won two FA Cups, two League Cups, one UEFA Cup and two UEFA Super Cups. The one prize that has eluded him remains the Premier League.

But, despite his bulging trophy cabinet, Gerrard has had to cope with a withdrawn role this season, with Rodgers often opting to bench the veteran in favour of rotating his options. One such occasion came in the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, leading to reports that Gerrard was considering his future.

In total, he has made 26 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring seven goals.

 

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"This has been the toughest decision of my life and one which both me and my family have agonised over for a good deal of time," Gerrard said.

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Real Madrid considered buying Torres - Mijatovic

Real Madrid considered buying Fernando Torres before he joined Liverpool, according the club's ex-director of football Predrag Mijatovic.

The striker has rejoined boyhood club Atletico Madrid on an 18-month loan deal from AC Milan following a short and unsuccessful spell with the Italian club.

Torres' form has gone downhill since leaving Liverpool for Chelsea in January 2011 but Mijatovic has revealed Madrid considered signing the 30-year-old in his first spell at Atletico, although the rivalry between the two sides made it a complicated move.

"We considered signing him during my time at the club," Mijatovic, who worked at the Santiago Bernabeu from 2006-09, told Radio Marca.

"You have to look at your options when you're the director of football and Torres was always on our list. We talked about signing him, but it was always going to be a tough deal to make."It wasn't a question of money, rather the team he was playing at."

The 45-year-old, who also played for los Blancos for three years, says he was surprised to see Torres return to his former team this year. Mijatovic said: "It was a surprise. Plus, signing him midway through the season makes no sense to me either. Maybe it's a good move for him and Atletico but it came as a surprise to me."

 

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Lavezzi: I often think about giving up football

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi has admitted he occasionally thinks of quitting football and hates the attitude of people within the game.

Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter are thought to be interested in the Argentina international, who fuelled rumours of an impending departure from PSG when he and striker Edinson Cavani missed the club's mid-season training camp in Morocco.

It remains to be seen whether Lavezzi will be with the French side beyond January and the 29-year-old has now conceded he is growing increasingly disillusioned with the world of football."Sometimes I think about giving it all up. It's a thought running through my head today, not just in the past," Lavezzi told Marca Plus."Once I leave football, I will not continue with the world of sport. Right now I don't know what I might do.

"Certainly the best thing that ties me to football is the possibility of living well, discovering new cultures, and spending time with my family when it's possible – I enjoy it all the more."The worst aspect of it is the environment, everyone is powered by their own interests. It's not all what it looks like from outside."

Lavezzi remains quiet on talk of a move away and insists he wants further glory with PSG, with whom he has already won two Ligue 1 titles and a Coupe de la Ligue crown."I'm here and I aspire to reaching the highest point for me," he added. "The Parisian club has grown in terms of its football and institutional dimensions.

"Now they have an idea of football that is better defined than it was at the beginning, there is a football project. But it's all a matter of time and hard work.
"I'd like to win the Champions League or the next Copa America, and on a more personal level, I'd like to live happily with my family."

 

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Bent joins Derby on loan from Aston Villa

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent has joined Championship promotion hopefuls Derby County on loan until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Fulham, has made just one appearance for Villa this campaign and scored two goals in five games in a month-long stint with Brighton and Hove Albion which came to an end in December.

But he has now been offered the chance of regular football by Derby, third in the second tier, as they bid to ensure a return to the Premier League after losing the play-off final to QPR last term.

Bent will link up with his new team-mates on Monday and could make his debut against former club Ipswich Town.

"We are delighted to welcome Darren Bent to Derby County for the rest of the season," manager Steve McClaren told the club's official website.

"I've worked with him in the past and he brings significant Premier League and international experience with him.

"He adds to our already excellent attacking options. Darren has scored goals wherever he has been during his career and we believe he can contribute on the field for us.

"We're braced for an exciting second half of the season, which is always an important stage in any campaign, and we've got plenty of big matches coming up for everyone to look forward to – and Darren certainly brings big-game experience with him."

 

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Juventus want Shaqiri over Sneijder

Juventus have been offered the chance to sign Wesley Sneijder, but are biding their time as they prepare to make a move for top priority target Xherdan Shaqiri of Bayern Munich.

The Netherlands international has been offered to the Serie A champions by intermediaries as he looks for a way out of Galatasaray, having had several pay disputes with the club since his move in January 2013.

Sneijder has indicated he would be keen on a return to Italy, but Juve have as of yet neglected to act on the advances and have made no official contact with the Turkish side.

Switzerland star Shaqiri, 23, remains the main objective for Juventus, who are trying to establish whether or not a deal with Bayern is possible in January for a player who is also interesting Inter and Liverpool.

The former Basel winger has made just nine Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring one goal and setting up two, and is expected to leave the German club either in January or the summer as he looks for a team who can offer him a more important role in the squad.

Speaking earlier on Friday, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri acknowledged Sneijder was a player of interest, but suggested he could be too costly.

"I would like to have a €15 million villa, but if I can't afford it I have to look for an apartment that I like. Sneijder? In reality he is a villa, but with a particular situation," Allegri said in an interview with La Stampa.

"The club's objective is to raise the technical level of Juventus."

For the time being, though, Sneijder remains a back-up option they will only turn to if their efforts to land Shaqiri prove to be unsuccessful.

 

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Akpom hungry for Arsenal chance

Chuba Akpom has set his sights on becoming a first-team regular at Arsenal after making his second appearance in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Southampton.

The young striker replaced Mathieu Debuchy with six minutes to go on Thursday as Arsenal chased a way back into the game at St Mary's Stadium.

Akpom was unable to turn around the game in his brief cameo but, after impressing for the club's Under-21s this season with nine goals in as many games, he hopes to keep catching the eye of Arsene Wenger and receive more first-team opportunities.

"I'm really feeling part of the team," the 19-year-old told the club's official website.

"I'm starting to train with them a bit more and I'm getting more of a feel about how it is to be on the bench.

"I'm just dying to get on every game and every minute counts. I try my best to make the most of each opportunity that I get so, when I went out there I just gave 100 per cent.

"Every game I'm hoping to get an opportunity. I just want to play. I'm hungry for it now.

"I want to show the boss what I'm made of and I think that I'm ready. I think I can have a good impact on the team. Hopefully I get a chance."

 

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Podolski would be great for Inter, says Mancini

Roberto Mancini believes Lukas Podolski represents an ideal signing for Inter should Arsenal decide to sell the forward.

Arsene Wenger revealed on Thursday that the Serie A club had tabled a "more serious" bid for the Germany international after slamming their opening offer as "farcical".

Mancini confirmed at the end of last month that Podolski was one potential January target the club were monitoring and he has now underlined the qualities which he feels the forward could bring to San Siro.

"I know him quite well as a player, I followed him at Arsenal and at Bayern before," he said in a Q & A on Twitter.

"He's a strong player, natually left-sided. He would be a great reinforcement."

Inter return to action after the mid-season break against Serie A leaders Juventus next week and Mancini hopes a positive result could be the catalyst which sees his side begin a charge up the table.

"I spent four fantastic years at Inter. Coming back is a challenge - a difficult one, but exciting," he continued. "Juve-Inter is a classic. Juve are first and have won the last three league titles, but anything can happen.

"We'll do the impossible to get Inter back to where they deserve to be. I hope we can do it. The guys have always been outstanding in training and that gives me hope for the remainder of the championship."

 

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Podolski 'very happy' ahead of completing Inter loan deal

Lukas Podolski has spoken of his delight as he closes in on a six-month loan deal with Inter.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said the Serie A club had tabled a "more serious" bid for the Germany international on Thursday after slamming their opening offer as "farcical" and the two sides have now reached an agreement which will see the forward join the Serie A side for the rest of the season.

The attacker landed in Milan on Friday night to a warm welcome from a large crowd of Nerazzurri fans and will look to seal the move after undergoing a medical on Saturday.

Mancini has underlined the qualities which he feels Podolski could bring to San Siro and the 29-year-old is now keen to help his new side qualify for the Champions League.

"I am very happy to be joining Inter," Podolski told reporters.

"I expect so much from this adventure. I know the Italian league very well. We are aiming to qualify for the Champions League and to win in the Europa League.

"I have spoken with Mancini and I think he is a great coach."

Podolski has been repeatedly vocal with his desire to leave Arsenal since the summer after failing to start a Premier League game this season.

Podolski has scored 19 goals in 60 Premier League appearances during his time at the Emirates Stadium after netting 70 in 210 Bundesliga games across his spells at Bayern Munich and Koln.

 

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Southampton believe a top-four finish is possible, says Koeman

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman feels that his side are gaining the confidence required to secure a top-four finish.

The Saints sit fourth in the English top flight, two points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham, following their 2-0 win over Arsenal at St Mary's Stadium on New Year's Day.

That result, secured by goals from Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic, came on the back of a 1-1 home draw with title challengers Chelsea and hopes are high on the south coast that their winter results can fuel a serious push for Champions League qualification.

"It's difficult to be always on the top. We are back in our way how we like to play football," Koeman told reporters ahead of his side's FA Cup meeting with Ipswich Town.

"The confidence in the team is back after the draw against Chelsea. [Thursday] was another example that we can beat teams like Arsenal.

"Sometimes you watch the table, that's normal. Little by little, we believe in our qualities and a top finish in the league.

"We have to be in every game 100 per cent and keep the spirit in the team. If we can keep that, everything is possible."

Mane limped off in the 42nd minute of the victory against Arsenal with an apparent hamstring injury, leaving Southampton facing an anxious wait over the results of a scan which the Senegal attacking midfielder will undergo on Friday.

Koeman remarked: "We have to wait for the results of the scan and then we can say something more."

 

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Napoli don't need Balotelli and Lavezzi - De Laurentiis

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis says his side do not need to sign Ezequiel Lavezzi and Mario Balotelli in the January transfer window.

The Argentine forward did not travel with the rest of the Paris Saint-Germain squad for a training camp in Morocco, with the player's agent suggesting that a loan to San Paolo could be on the cards.

The Partenopei have also been linked with Liverpool's out-of-favour Balotelli, who is yet to score a Premier League goal since signing in August, but the Serie A club's president has refuted the rumours.

"What would be the use in buying them? We're fully covered in attack, and in a few months we'll have [Lorenzo] Insigne back too," De Laurentiis told Il Mattino.

"Let's not forget that Lavezzi makes €4.5 million a year and, above all else, that he was the one who wanted to leave Napoli in the first place.

"He made that decision in 2011, when we asked him to stay for another year. Then in 2012 he moved to Paris Saint-Germain.

"Sometimes the agents of the players amuse themselves by mentioning our names, but we have nothing to do with Lavezzi or Balotelli."

De Laurentiis is also hopeful that head coach Rafa Benitez will sign a new contract at the club as he aims to bring some continuity to the San Paolo.

"I hope he will stay with us because giving continuity to the club's technical project represents the best solution. We'll know everything in a few months from now," he added.

 

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Torres is not Atletico's saviour - Simeone


Diego Simeone is confident Fernando Torres will offer the Atletico Madrid strikeforce a new dimension but insists he should not be viewed as a "saviour" at the Vicente Calderon.

Torres will complete his switch back to his boyhood club on January 5 when the Italian transfer window reopens after a short and uninspiring spell at AC Milan. He could make his second Atletico debut in the Copa del Rey clash against Real Madrid two days later.

Simeone is delighted with the capture of the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker and believes it is a move which benefits both club and player - though he warns he will have to fight for his place.

The Argentine said on Friday: "I'm very happy because with his return, we have recovered a sense of what it means to belong to this club. But, more than that, we are continuing to improve as Fernando's characteristics can help the team.

"It's an important signing at a nice time for him because he is joining a side which is already fully-functioning and which has been playing together for some time.

"We hope that he can give us a hand with his excitement, talent and passion. Having said that, he will have to compete with [Antoine] Griezmann, [Mario] Mandzukic and Raul Jimenez to win his place in the side."

Torres' signing has divided opinion among the Rojiblancos support, with his career seemingly on a downward spiral ever since he swapped Anfield for Stamford Bridge in January 2011.

But Simeone insists he will be given time to win over his detractors.

"In football, just like in politics or religion, you will always have differences of opinion. People are within their rights to hold an opinion or debate," he added.

"Fernando hasn't come here as some kind of saviour and I am in no hurry for him to start delivering right from day one – he will need time to adapt. Like I say, his arrival will be beneficial for everyone.

"We wanted him to come to us last season. His arrival will be a huge benefit to all of us. Fernando will give us extra depth in attack which is something we've been lacking with Mandzukic."

 

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Van Gaal: Manchester United defenders are too short to deal with Stoke City

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal feels that his side were punished for a lack of height at the back in their 1-1 draw with Stoke City.

The Red Devils conceded within the first two minutes at the Britannia Stadium on New Year's Day when Peter Crouch headed a corner into the path of Ryan Shawcross, who side-footed home.

Van Gaal lamented the recurring problem of his side's inability to impose themselves physically at the back and told reporters: "Stoke City deserved more the victory. I cannot say we were the better team.

"We started very badly. When you concede from a set-play that you have prepared and they scored the same way we had told, that was a big disappointment.

"But it is difficult to defend when we are not so tall. Steven N'Zonzi is taller and Crouch is taller so it is not so easy. We have to play always those kind of games because the opponent is always taller than us. It is not the first goal we receive like that."

Asked if he would look to buy a more physical centre-back in January, however, Van Gaal replied: "No, we want to play another kind of football than Stoke City.

"We had a lot of time and space but we need to pass the ball quicker," the Dutchman continued in his assessment of a frustrating performance, "and our crosses were not so good."

 

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Bayern Munich to sign Germany rising star Kimmich

Bayern Munich have announced that rising Germany star Joshua Kimmich will join the club at the end of the season.

The defensive midfielder, who is currently on loan at 2. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, has agreed a five-year contract with the German champions after Bayern and parent club Stuttgart settled on an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old will join Pep Guardiola's side on July 1 this year.

Kimmich, who has represented Germany at every youth level up in his early career, was part of the Under-19 side which won the European Championship last year.

He has made 14 appearances in all competitions so far this season, registering two assists.

 

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Manchester United recall Powell from Leicester City loan

Manchester United have recalled Nick Powell from his loan spell with Premier League strugglers Leicester City.

The 20-year-old has made only three appearances for Nigel Pearson's bottom-of-the-table team since making a season-long switch to the King Power Stadium in the summer.

With only 40 minutes under his belt for the Foxes, United have opted to take Powell back to Old Trafford.

Leicester said in a statement on their official website: "Leicester City would like to thank Nick for his contribution during the last four months and wish him well in the future."

Powell joined United from Crewe Alexandra in June 2012 and was loaned out to Wigan last season.

The England Under-21s international has made only two Premier League appearances for United as a substitute in the 2012-13 campaign.

 

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Ancelotti: Real Madrid have no limits

Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid "do not have limits" as they aim to become the first team to retain the Champions League.

Madrid finally clinched their fabled 10th European crown when they beat city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in last season's final and have stormed into the last 16 in 2014-15 in imperious form.

Ancelotti believes the Liga leaders can still improve on their form this term and is targetting another "dream" finish to the season.

"To win the 11th Champions League title would be a dream because we would be the first team to win two consecutive Champions League trophies since the change of format," Ancelotti said in an interview with Tuttosport.

"The president, Florentino Perez, is wishing for it and we will do everything to please him.

"We do not have limits, we will try to improve ourselves and reach a higher level. We have had a very good season, being the best in the world and we have confidence to win all the titles in which we participate.

"It is a must for Real Madrid, for its history, its prestige. We have to work and fight to win again."

 

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Juventus are beatable - Hernanes

Hernanes says Juventus are "beatable" and is confident Inter can begin 2015 by shocking the Serie A champions on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri are top of Italian top flight, but were stunned by Napoli in the Italian Super Cup as they lost 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 in their final match before the winter break.

Inter are well off the pace in 11th spot in Serie A but Hernanes, who recently returned from an injury lay-off, is confident of starting the New Year with a victory over Massimiliano Allegri's men.

"We must start well, then we'll see what happens. I do not do predictions, but I feel it will go well for us," Hernanes said to La Gazzetta.

"We will have to be aggressive, but also ordered and polished. Inter are close to a turning point.

"You can talk about different statistics of the latest games, including possession, but we have to be more consistent in a single match - often carelessness costs us dearly.

"Yes [Juve are beatable], it showed against Genoa. But it remains very tough as they have since found additional confidence and security by reaching the next round of the Champions League.

"When I was at Sao Paulo we closed a gap of 11 points in the second round of fixtures and won the title. We must always believe. If we correct the details on which we are working, we will arrive at the top."

 

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Bravo: Sooner or later, Real Madrid will slip up

Barcelona must be ready to capitalise when Real Madrid inevitably allow their form to drop, according to Claudio Bravo.

Carlo Ancelotti's side are a point clear of Barca at the top of La Liga having played one game fewer, and ran out 3-1 winners in the first Clasico of the season in the autumn.

Despite their record-breaking run of wins in the last few months, Bravo is confident Madrid will eventually suffer a setback in their title push and has urged his Barca team-mates to make sure they are in a position to take full advantage.

"We're always thinking of ourselves and we cannot miss a step. Sooner or later our rivals will falter," he told a press conference.

Barca were dealt a blow in the past week when their transfer ban was upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and Bravo admits he finds the severity of the punishment a surprise.

"It's surprising that it's such a tough sanction," he said. "[But] I can't relate too much to it. It's exaggerated. There are teams who also have negative aspects with other things."

The future of full-back Dani Alves remains in doubt despite the transfer ban, with the 31-year-old admitting on Friday that Barca have yet to offer him an extension to his current contract, which expires in the summer.

"Dani is a player who gives a lot to the team in many ways. It's not me who should decide if he renews or not. His quality is unquestionable," Bravo said of his team-mate.

Barcelona resume their La Liga campaign against Bravo's former club Real Sociedad on Sunday, with the Blaugrana having struggled to gain results at La Anoeta in recent seasons.

Bravo - signed in the summer as a replacement for Victor Valdes - feels their past results will serve as a useful learning curve this weekend.

"It will be very difficult. We cannot give room for anything. If Barca haven't won at La Anoeta in previous years it's because they relaxed in the second half. That's an advantage for us to win," added the Chile international.

"It's not easy to succeed Valdes but they bought me to compete and not sit on the bench. I always want to improve and things have gone well.

"All three [goalkeepers] have a very positive atmosphere. Regardless of who plays, we support each other."

 

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‘We were haunted by ghosts again’ – Wenger bemoans Arsenal errors

The north Londoners were comprehensively outplayed at St Mary’s Stadium, though two errors from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny directly resulted in goals for Sadio Mane and Dusan Tadic.

The 2-0 defeat saw Arsenal drop out of the top four and Wenger was disappointed to see his side gift Southampton such easy goals, believing they were architects of their own downfall.

“I cannot fault the attitude of the team, but we were again haunted by the ghost of what we have seen since the start of the season,” Wenger told Arsenal Player.

“This is not the first time it has happened. We did not defend well enough in the final third, and we paid a heavy price. It is a self-inflicted defeat.”

According to Opta, Arsenal have committed seven errors leading to goals this season, the second most in the Premier League behind Everton (11).

Next up for the Gunners is an FA Cup third round clash with Hull City – a repeat of last year’s final, which the north Londoners won – and Wenger is ready to ring the changes.

“I will make a few changes, that is for sure,” said the Frenchman, who is expected to drop Szczesny following his gaffes against Southampton and start summer signing David Ospina instead.

 

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La Liga 2015.01.03 Fixtures

La Liga 2015.01.03 Fixtures

Atletico Madrid Vs Levante

Sevilla Vs Celta Vigo

Elche Vs Villareal

Deportivo Vs Athletic Bilbao

Malaga Vs Almeria​