..::Football III::..

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Diego Costa hit with three-match ban


Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been banned for three matches by the Football Association after failing with his appeal against a violent conduct charge for a stamp on Liverpool's Emre Can on Tuesday.

Spain international Costa was challenging for the ball by the touchline in the first half of the second-leg League Cup semi-final tie at Stamford Bridge when he forcefully stood on Can's shin.

The incident went unpunished during the match, which Chelsea won 1-0 to progress 2-1 on aggregate, as referee Michael Oliver did not see the challenge.

The FA subsequently charged Costa with violent conduct, a decision the player contested.

However, an FA Independent Regulatory Commission has now chosen to uphold the original ruling and handed out a three-match ban.

"Diego Costa will serve a three-match suspension with immediate effect after a charge of violent conduct against him was found proven by an Independent Regulatory Commission on Friday 30 January 2015," an FA statement read.

"The Chelsea forward had denied the charge in relation to an on-field incident involving Liverpool's Emre Can which occurred in the 12th minute of the League Cup semi-final second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 27 January 2015.

"The incident was not seen by the match officials but caught on video."

The news is a huge blow to Chelsea ahead of Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with Manchester City at Stamford Bridge.

Costa is also set to miss out on the trip to Aston Villa on February 7 and the home match with Everton four days later.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho defended Costa after the game and the ban is sure to irk the Portuguese, who stated the coming together with Can was "accidental".

Mourinho said: "Maybe you [the media] are already influenced by the campaign on the television with certain pundits saying that Costa has crimes - they must be nuts, the guy who says that.

"I have to say that he goes for the ball, he chases it, the opponent [Can] goes to the floor and he puts his foot there when he is looking at the ball... What you call stamps, and Sky calls crimes, I have to say accidental."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers took a different view of the incident, and called for the FA to take action.

"These things happen in the game but I think anyone watching it would not like to see what we've seen Diego Costa do," Rodgers told Sky Sports.

"Not just on Martin Skrtel but on Emre Can, a young player who was clearly stamped on. You don't want to see that. There's no need for it."

Costa has proven an instant hit at Stamford Bridge, scoring 17 Premier League goals since joining in a big-money move from Atletico Madrid in the close-season.

However, his on-field behaviour has come under the spotlight due to Costa picking up eight bookings in all competitions, including a caution in a 6-3 win at Everton in August where he squared up to goalkeeper Tim Howard.

 

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Illarra has rejected Athletic, reveals Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed Asier Illarramendi has turned down the chance to join Athletic Bilbao and will instead fight for his place at the Bernabeu.

Madrid were ready to cash in on the 24-year-old following the arrival of Lucas Silva earlier this month, with Athletic willing to break their transfer record of €12 million for the holding midfielder.

However, Illarramendi has made it clear he does not want to leave the capital just yet and Ancelotti will give him another chance to prove his worth in the Liga match against his former club Real Sociedad at the weekend.

"Illarra had an offer from Athletic Bilbao," Ancelotti said at a press conference.

"But the player has made it clear that he is feeling happy and satisfied at Madrid. He has evaluated his situation and has decided to stay put.

"Both the club and I are very happy with Illarra. He might not have played much, but he has always behaved very professional and proven to be a reliable option.

"He will feature from the start against Sociedad at the weekend."

Illarramendi joined Madrid from Sociedad in July 2013 for a transfer fee of €32.2 million, but he has so far been unable to become an undisputed starter under Ancelotti.

The midfielder has a contract with the Bernabeu outfit until June 2019.

 

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Simeone wants to coach Inter after Atletico, reveals son

Diego Simeone's son Giovanni has revealed the Atletico Madrid coach wants to take charge of Inter after completing his work in Spain.

Simeone has been linked with a number of high-profile positions as a result of his success in Spain, which saw him win La Liga with Atleti last season.

The 44-year-old enjoyed a successful spell at Inter between 1997 and 1999, where he won the Uefa Cup during his time at San Siro, and his son says he still has strong feelings for the club.

"My father could go back to Italy, to Inter. He holds the club in his heart and he loves them," Simeone junior told La Gazzetta dello Sport. When he's finished at Atletico, he could go back to Inter.

"Right now he's happy in Madrid but he has a special sentiment for all his former clubs."

Simeone has been in charge of Atleti since December 2011, winning the Europa League in 2011-12, Copa del Rey in 2012-13, as well as lifting the Spanish and European Supercup prior to last season's title success.

The Argentine has a contract with Atletico Madrid until June 2017.

 

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Wolfsburg plan Malanda tribute

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs hass revealed the Bundesliga club will hold a minute's applause before Friday's top-of-the-table clash with Bayern Munich to commemorate Junior Malanda's death.

Malanda died in a car accident earlier this month as he was travelling to the airport for Wolfsburg's training camp in South Africa during the Bundesliga's winter break.
To honour the midfielder, a minute's applause rather than silence will be held at the Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg's first match after the winter break, while a choreographed display of green hearts - or tifo - will be led by the club's fans.

"We made the decision that we won't have a minute of silence before the game. We want to connect on the way the people did in Belgium for Malanda's funeral," Allofs said at a media conference."The fans will be clapping for a minute instead of silence. Furthermore our fans will show a choreography."The supporters planned this together with support of the players. So this will be something new and different from other choreographies before."

Malanda played 17 Bundesliga matches for Wolfsburg after joining from Zulte-Waregem halfway through last season.Wolfsburg will enter Friday's match in second position and 11 points behind Bundesliga-leaders Bayern, and coach Dieter Hecking cannot wait for his team to test themselves against the best.

"Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in Europe at this moment [are] the absolutely best teams," Hecking said."It will be our target for the next years to get on the same level of those teams. On Friday we will see how far we are at the moment.

"I like it and I'm really looking forward to playing against the best teams."
In the first half of the 2014-15 campaign, Wolfsburg lost 2-1 in Munich.

 

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Official: Destro leaves Roma for AC Milan

AC Milan have announced that they have completed the signing of Mattia Destro from Roma on loan until the end of the season after the striker passed his medical, with a view to a permanent transfer for a fee believed to be in the region of €16 million.

The Rossoneri were desperate to add some fresh blood to their attack following their disappointing performances in the first half of the season and CEO Adriano Galliani already revealed earlier this week that they were closing in on Destro.

The 23-year-old has now completed his move to Filippo Inzaghi's side, resulting in a return to Milan for a player who started his career in the Inter youth academy and also wore the jerseys of Genoa and Siena before joining Roma in July 2012.

The striker had since scored 24 goals in 57 Serie A appearances for the Stadio Olimpico side, but he was mainly warming the bench this term and has therefore been allowed to move on.

Destro will have to battle it out with attackers such as Jeremy Menez and Giampaolo Pazzini for the No.9 position at Milan.

 

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Strootman sidelined for 'much longer' after surgery

Kevin Strootman's rotten luck with fitness has continued as the Roma midfielder will be sidelined for an unknown length of time following an operation which revealed his knee injury is worse than first feared.

The Netherlands international missed the majority of 2014 after sustaining serious ligament damage in March last year, ruling him out of the World Cup in Brazil.

Strootman made his comeback in November with a handful of cameo appearances but seemed to have stepped up his recovery in 2015, having featured in all four matches for Rudi Garcia's men since the turn of the year.

However, a knock he picked up against Fiorentina sent him back under the knife to remove scar tissue, which was believed to be causing him discomfort.

Giallorossi coach Garcia was adamant that the operation was merely a precaution, while the player himself was certain that the arthroscopic surgery would be trouble free. Unfortunately for the Dutch midfielder and Roma, Strootman has now been left sidelined for an indeterminate length of time.

"The scar tissue from my previous operation has been removed successfully today," the 24-year-old wrote on his social media outlets. "Unfortunately some cartilaginous damage, caused by the knock in the Fiorentina match, was found too.

"This means I have to take a longer rest period than anticipated earlier and I am extremely disappointed that it will take much longer before I can be back on the pitch again."

Strootman is believed to have told Roma bosses of his desire to join Manchester United last year, although he had more recently publicly declared his loyalty to the Scudetto-chasing club.

 

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Danwath LVG Strootman gana thiyana asawa nathi karagatthanam thamai hodanikan boruwata money spend karanne nathuwa

injured wena 1ka normal deyak but matanam hithenne naha kohomatath Strootman hari yai kiyala​

 

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Arsenal dealt Alexis Sanchez injury blow

Alexis Sanchez is set to be rested for Arsenal's game against Aston Villa on Sunday, Arsene Wenger has revealed, while Gabriel Paulista could make his debut for the club.

The Chilean has featured in all but one of Arsenal's matches this season, scoring 18 goals in 32 games, but is believed to be suffering from a slight hamstring strain.

Wenger does have the luxury of a fully-fit Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil to choose from after the duo returned to the starting XI against Brighton, though, while new signing Gabriel is also available after completing his move from Villarreal.

Speaking about the Brazilian, Wenger told reporters: "I saw great quality. His level of concentration, he's quick, has great commitment and he's young.

"We are in a job where competition exists. The best player of the moment plays."

There was also positive news on the fitness of Jack Wilshere, with Wenger revealing the midfielder could be back in action in just under two weeks.

He added: "Jack is doing very well. He is a week ahead of schedule and should return in 10 days."

However Wenger is set to be without Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the latter expected to also miss the north London derby with Tottenham on February 7 after suffering a groin injury in the win at Manchester City.

 

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Van Gaal: Manchester United not planning any signings

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed the Old Trafford outfit will not look to bring in more new signings in the January transfer window.

The Red Devils completed an 18-month deal for Victor Valdes earlier in the month and have been heavily linked with a number of players including Mats Hummels and Aymeric Laporte.

But the former Barcelona and Netherlands coach is now looking to sell players, while he also believes the window helps the richer clubs as they look to improve their squads mid-season.

"I don’t think it’s favourable for the league because it’s a little bit unfair," he told reporters.

"You start a league and then you change your team – the richer clubs can do that and it’s not fair for the others. But that’s the rule and you can take advantage of it.

"I read every day that I or United are interested in other players. We have only given a contract to Victor Valdes. We gave him a chance.

"We are only selling players, not buying them."

Anderson and Adnan Januzaj have both been linked with moves from United before the deadline on February 2 while Van Gaal revealed Darren Fletcher is in talks with West Ham.

 

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Van Gaal: Manchester United not planning any signings

"We are only selling players, not buying them."

Wow pattane...ganna epa playerslaanith 1ka apita inne World Best Defence 1ka nehSmalling,Evans,Jonesbackline 1kama elata peform karanawane

LVG mona karanna hithagenada mehema kiyannedanata meh season 1ke meh ganin hari berune De Gea nisa.thawa season 1ka ahem pitinma thiyanawaCarrick & Valencia defence 1kata enne hoda defence 1kak thiyena nisane nedaSpecially Smalling & Evans gana melo sure 1kak thiyanna bahaDefend karana widiya anthimaiahema thibilath kiyanawa playersla ganne naha kiyala

Anemanda LVG nam​

 

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Ronaldo is Madrid's main man - Bale

Gareth Bale has acknowledged that Cristiano Ronaldo is Real Madrid's "main man" and was aware he would remain the club's star player upon signing for the club.

The 25-year-old became the world's most expensive player upon signing for Madrid for €100 million in the summer of 2013, breaking the record €80m the club spent to acquire Ronaldo from Manchester United.

At the time there were rumours the three-time Ballon d'Or winner was unhappy at the money spent on bringing Bale to the club and dethroning him as the game's costliest footballer, but the Wales star says the pair have never been in competition.

"I never really had a chat with Ronaldo regarding any competitive needle. I knew coming here that Cristiano was the main man," the Welshman told Sport Magazine.

"Ronaldo is an amazing player. Just look at his goals-per-game here. I respect him, so we’ve got on very well since I’ve been here, on and off the field."

Bale then went on to praise head coach Carlo Ancelotti and revealed the Italian has a great relationship with all of his players, even if he is not afraid to have a go at his squad every now and then.

"Carlo is quite laidback. He gives us the confidence to go on to the pitch and express ourselves. But it’s the closeness and connection that he has with the players that’s really special – he makes footballers want to run themselves into the ground for him.

"We’ve had some games where we’ve been in the lead and we’ve almost given it away – and after the game, Carlo has given us a good rollocking.

"But every good manager needs that side to him – and he’s shown over the years what a great manager and what an amazing person he is."

 

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PSG 1-0 Rennes: Lavezzi strike enough for champions

Paris Saint-Germain secured three points on Friday as Ezequiel Lavezzi's first-half goal was enough to see off Rennes.

Rennes had beaten PSG 2-1 on each of their last two visits to the Parc des Princes but, although the hosts were not clinical, Laurent Blanc's men ultimately strolled to victory.

The away side held their own early on and afforded PSG few sights of goal, but the champions' superior quality shone through just before the half-hour mark, as Lavezzi capped off a delightful move which involved Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Adrien Rabiot and Javier Pastore.

Rennes – who had not won any of their previous six in all competitions – went close to hitting back through Paul-Georges Ntep a few moments later, with Salvatore Sirigu called into action.

Edinson Cavani missed two opportunities to double PSG's lead at the beginning of the second half, and was jeered by sections of PSG fans when substituted.

The hosts failed to add to their lead in the latter stages, but regardless edged back to within a point of Lyon – who face Monaco on Sunday – and go into their Coupe de La Ligue semi-final at Lille on the back of five successive victories across all competitions.

Blanc seemingly had one eye on Wednesday's clash, as Blaise Matuidi and Marco Verratti were rested from the start, while Thiago Motta's absence through suspension left PSG struggling for fluency in midfield.

The hosts' patience eventually paid off, though, and they broke the deadlock in stylish fashion in the 29th minute.

Ibrahimovic carried the ball forward and combined with Pastore, who, after nudging it on to Rabiot, collected a chipped return pass inside the area and squared to Lavezzi for an easy finish at the end of a free-flowing move.

Rennes went close to restoring parity five minutes later, but Sirigu made a crucial save to deny Ntep after the forward pounced on Pastore's dreadful back-pass attempt.

PSG began the second period with renewed urgency and Cavani went close to adding his name to the score sheet twice in quick succession.

The Uruguayan first failed to connect with Marquinhos' teasing right-wing delivery, before seeing a controlled effort brilliantly tipped around the post by Benoit Costil following Lavezzi's defence-splitting pass.

Cavani then appeared to exchange words with Blanc upon his substitution in the 69th minute, as whistles rolled down from the stands, before Sirigu kept PSG ahead shortly after with an easy save to deny Christian Bruls.

Rennes enjoyed some pressure towards the end, but it ultimately proved to be too late as PSG claimed a routine victory, putting the pressure back on fellow title challengers Lyon and Marseille.

 

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Wolfsburg 4-1 Bayern Munich: De Bruyne and Dost leave champions reeling

Two goals each for Bas Dost and Kevin de Bruyne saw Wolfsburg stun Bayern Munich with an emphatic 4-1 win on Friday.

The first game back after Germany's mid-season break gave Wolfsburg's players and fans the opportunity to honour the life of 20-year-old midfielder Junior Mandala, who died in a car crash earlier this month, before kick-off.

Dieter Hecking's team, who were 11 points behind leaders Bayern in second before Friday's match, proceeded to give a stirring performance from the first whistle - Dost handing them a fourth-minute lead.

Making only his fourth start of an injury-hit campaign, Dutch striker Dost doubled his tally in first-half stoppage time before the excellent De Bruyne took centre-stage.

The Belgium international displayed visible emotion in memory of his countryman Mandala when he made it 3-0 in the 53rd minute.

Although Juan Bernat hit back for Bayern two minutes later, De Bruyne would mesmerizingly turn Dante inside-out to rifle in an unstoppable fourth and seal Bayern's worst league defeat since a 5-1 thrashing on the same ground in April 2009.

Following a poignant pre-match tribute to Mandala - commemorated with a lengthy period of applause before a moment's silence - Wolfsburg stylishly took the lead from their first attack.

Luiz Gustavo intercepted Thomas Muller's pass to launch a clinical counterattack. Daniel Caligiuri's exquisite throughball from the right picked out De Bruyne, who selflessly touched the ball into Dost's path to stroke home.

Aside from the goal, Bayern largely bossed the early exchanges and Wolfsburg defender Robin Knoche made a timely block to deny Robert Lewandowski in the 14th minute.

The champions' usual poise deserted them as the half wore on and they might have been further behind when Xabi Alonso carelessly gave away possession to De Bruyne, but he was unable to pick out Dost on this occasion – the Dutchman scuffing another effort wide soon after.

However, he would not rue his misses for long.

Bayern half-cleared a stoppage-time set-piece and, although Dost's contact did not appear to be completely clean, the Dutchman lashed into the top corner via the upright.

Though Caligiuri could not convert Ivan Perisic's superb left wing cross soon after the interval, Wolfsburg once again would not pay for their profligacy as Bayern's defensive efforts completely unravelled.

Centre-halves Jerome Boateng and Dante's eagerness to press up the field was exposed as a simple pass from Maximilian Arnold sent De Bruyne racing clear to finish coolly.

Bayern reduced the deficit instantly - Bernat left with a tap in as Naldo failed to clear his initial prod goalwards.

Wolfsburg were unbowed and Dost headed back across goal for Arnold to lift over from close range after Perisic had further joy down the Bayern right in the 57th minute.

Home goalkeeper Diego Benaglio pushed a firmly struck free kick from Arjen Robben over but, with 17 minutes to play, De Bruyne had the sensational final word.

Arnold was the provider once more as the number of league goals Bayern have conceded this season was doubled in one unforgettable outing.

 

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Bayern hoda kamak kalane​

 

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Roma will sign a replacement for Destro - Garcia

Roma coach Rudi Garcia has stated his intention to sign a replacement for Mattia Destro before the end of the transfer window.

Italy international Destro departed for Serie A rivals Milan on Friday, the striker initially joining on loan with an option to make the move permanent.

Garcia insisted earlier this month that Destro would not be sold and the striker's departure has left a void, with Roma attempting to bolster their attack with a move for Luiz Adriano.

The Frenchman insists a replacement will be brought in and wants his team to focus on Saturday's clash with Empoli at Stadio Olimpico.

"We'll sign a striker to replace Mattia Destro," Garcia said.

"Clubs should only sign useful players that are going to add something to the group. There's a lot of talk about transfers at the moment, but the players know they need to focus on Empoli."

Roma, who are second, have slipped seven points adrift of leaders Juventus after a run of four draws in five league matches.

Garcia has warned of the dangers posed by an Empoli side that Roma have beaten in Serie A and the Coppa Italia this season.

"We're in the hunt for three titles and the numbers don't lie for my team," he added. "Let's not forget what we have achieved.

"Empoli are the most well-organised side in the league, we did a great job to unlock them in our last two matches.

"We need to be alert on dead-ball situations and attack at just the right moment to score."

 

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Official: Manchester United sign El Fitouri as Amos joins Bolton

Manchester United have completed the signing of defender Sadiq El Fitouri from Salford City while Ben Amos has joined Bolton Wanderers on loan.

El Fitouri - who spent some of his teenage years with Manchester City - only made his debut for the non-league outfit in early January but impressed during a trial at Old Trafford.

Former United stars Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary Neville and Phil Neville own Salford and are reported to have been instrumental in his move to the 20-time English champions.

"This is honestly a dream come true for me and I have to thank Salford City for the chance, as well as the faith they have shown in me," El Fitouri told United's official website.

"I am really looking forward to what happens next and to be given the opportunity to do so at Manchester United is unbelievable."

Amos, meanwhile, joins Bolton on loan to help cover for Adam Bogdan after he suffered an ankle ligament injury in training.

The 24-year-old has previously enjoyed loan spells at five other clubs including Hull City, but has fallen down the pecking order after Victor Valdes's signing.

He could make his debut against Wolves on Saturday, though he is not available for the Trotters' FA Cup replay with Liverpool on Wednesday.

 

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Tottenham outcast Lennon to join Hull

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has decided to join Hull City on loan with a view to a permanent transfer in the summer.

The 27-year-old has 18 months left to run on his current contract and has had a host of options to consider this month with Everton, Stoke, QPR and Crystal Palace all keen to sign him - as well as interest from abroad.

However, Goal understands that Lennon has confirmed to those around him that he is destined for the KC Stadium, where he will link up with former Spurs team-mates Michael Dawson, Jake Livermore and Tom Huddlestone.

The England international, who has spent almost 10 years at White Hart Lane since joining from Leeds in 2005, has started just three league games under Mauricio Pochettino this season.

The Argentine has informed Lennon that he has no long-term future in north London and Tottenham are looking to recoup around €8.5 million from any sale.

 

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Guardiola: We couldn't handle Wolfsburg counterattacks

Pep Guardiola admits Bayern Munich could not handle Wolfsburg's counterattacks as they suffered a 4-1 thrashing on Friday night.

Two goals each from Bas Dost and Kevin de Bruyne gave Wolfsburg a resounding win as the Bundesliga returned after the winter break on an emotional night at the Volkswagen Arena, which saw a pre-match tribute to Junior Malanda, the Vfl youngster who died in a car accident.

Bayern conceded as many goals on the night as they did in the entire first half of the Bundesliga campaign, while Wolfsburg enjoyed more attempts on the champions' goal than any other side has managed this term.

And Guardiola conceded his side could not cope with the ruthless speed of Dieter Hecking's attacking system.

"They got an early goal and we couldn't control their counter in the first half," he was quoted as saying by the official Bundesliga website.

"We had too many turnovers in possession and have not stopped their counterattack. We should not have left them so much space.

"Congratulations to Wolfsburg, they were better at the right moments and got the goals. We have to analyse what happened here and move on. After a six-week break, now we need match practice.

"You can see it is hard to win forever in the Bundesliga. People think it is self-evident that Bayern always win but the opponents are not easy. When Jupp Heynckes was in charge he did very well but it was often the same and we had to fight. It is always difficult."

Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Bayern were made to pay for a lack of control in their own build-up play.

"We lost the order in our attacks. We can't do that against a team so strong on the counter, with players like De Bruyne," he said. "Now we have to analyse things."

Manuel Neuer, meanwhile, is adamant his side have a lot of work to do as they continue their quest for a treble.

"It's not a good restart. It's not a disaster, but we know we have a lot of work ahead of us," said the goalkeeper.

"We lost the decisive battles. The opposition were running towards me alone - it was too easy."

 

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Crystal Palace confirm Souare capture

Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish has announced the club has completed the signing of defender Pape Souare from Lille.

Parish confirmed the news on Twitter, posting the message: "Delighted that @papesouare has just this minute signed for #cpfc . A warm welcome from all of us."

The post was accompanied with a picture of himself and the player, who has recently featured in the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal.

Souare has made 12 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille this season, nine of which have been as a starter.

He becomes Palace's fourth signing of the January window, following the arrivals of Yaya Sanogo, Shola Ameobi and Jordon Mutch.

 

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'It's a big lie' - Simeone slams offensive gesture claims

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has rubbished claims he made an offensive gesture towards the referee during his side's defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday.

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarter-final tie, Atletico were 3-2 behind at half-time at the Vicente Calderon.

The home side felt aggrieved that they had not been awarded a penalty with the score at 2-2 shortly before the break, and their mood was not improved when Barca broke upfield and took the lead for the first time in the match through Neymar.

Atletico had captain Gabi sent off at half-time as the two sets of players became involved in a brief melee when they left the field, and Simeone is alleged to have made a gesture in the direction of match official Jesus Gil Manzano.

"I didn't," Simeone said in a press conference. "That is a big lie."

Atletico must now turn their attention back to La Liga, with the champions visiting Eibar on Saturday.

"We're thinking of the Eibar match," he said. "We only care about playing a good match at a difficult field, against a team who've played well in the Primera Division.

"There's nothing else on my mind. Beyond their defensive rigour and tactics, which they have worked well, they are a team that have quality.

"On the wings, they have experience on the offensive side, they're a team that play well with the ball and know how to play in small spaces.

"They have people who work well and know the field. I don't think the match is only about intensity."